June 12, 1785

Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Previously thought Knox's brother William had returned to America, but he recently received news that he had been confined in a house in London since January because he was "disordered in His Head." Reports William is better and "in a few weeks will be able to go out, which he very much desires." Says he wanted to go to London upon hearing the news, but thought better of it as his travels would no doubt be noticed by many and might cause unseemly news about William to get in the newspapers. He sent a trusted family member instead, who has made sure William received proper care. He hopes that…

GLC02437.03155

September 17, 1785

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Marquis de Lafayette

References Lafayette's letters of May and June 1785. Says "I had the unhappiness previous to the receipt of your benevolent letter of June to be fully informed of my Brothers insanity." Goes on to say he recovered his health and reason. Says he has proof of this through William's letters and reports from other friends. Reports that William is now in London and will soon sail for Boston. In reference to Lafayette's assistance, tells him to moderate his kindness or he will be oppressed by his goodness. He would like to send his son, Harry, to France to study under Lafayette, but says the boy is…

GLC02437.03196

August 1, 1786

Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Lafayette says a letter of recommendation was requested by Madame Gregorie, who has claims to present to the General Court in Massachusetts. Thought the best way to help her was to introduce her to Knox "who can better than Any Body Advise Her How to act, and give Her Accounts of the frontier where she says she has some property." The docket says Gregorie was the claimant of Mount Desert Island in the District of Maine.

GLC02437.03289

May 5, 1787

Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Letter provides a detailed update on French politics during the build-up to the French Revolution. Says he is busy in the Assembly of the Notables and has had little time to write. Says his recent letter to Alexander Hamilton will inform Knox of circumstances in the Assembly up until Easter. Wants Knox to inform Hamilton that he does not need to keep a motion he sent to him secret as the newspapers have published it in France. Says Michel Bouvard de Fourqueux, who succeeded Charles Alexandre de Calonne, could not last long (de Calonne had been ousted as minister of finance after suggesting…

GLC02437.03542

October 15, 1787

Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Lafayette says this letter will be delivered by the new French minister to America, Count de Moustier. Thinks he is "well calculated on Every Account to please the people of America." Also wants to bring to Lucy Knox's attention the Countess de Bréhan, the count's sister-in-law, who is joining him. Says he has written an official letter to John Jay and a private one to Alexander Hamilton on the subject. Encloses new regulations for a board of war (not included). Thanks him for his last friendly letter. Postscript introduces the son of Mr. Dupont, who has impressed several of the ministers of…

GLC02437.03674

December 14, 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Marquis de Lafayette

Knox says he has not heard from Lafayette in some time. Mentions that he wrote on the constitutional convention by the last packet. Reports on states that have called ratifying conventions to approve or reject the constitution. Has doubts specifically about Virginia and New York. Says Rhode Island has "too many schemes of convenience" to approve it. But says "it is highly probable that it will be adopted in the course of the year 1788 by nine states and more." Says he is anxious about rumors of war between France and England. Reports that those in the know claim the event is "inevitable."…

GLC02437.03726

April 26, 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Marquis de Lafayette

Contemporary secretarial copy of a letter sent to Lafayette. Knox references Lafayette's letters from November 1787 and February 1788. Says that "The Convention by you Mr. Jefferson and Common Sense [Thomas Paine], judge wisely respecting the New Constitution requiring some amendments & of the time they should be effected." Of the Constitutional Convention says "The unanimity of the former convention may be regarded as a rare evidence of the empire of reason." Believes there will not have to be another convention. Says it is likely that nine states will accept the constitution over the…

GLC02437.03860

May 30, 1788

Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Lafayette references receiving Knox's letter. Says he cannot respond fully as he has to attend a meeting on internal affairs. He wishes to introduce Jacques Pierre Brissot (who Lafayette refers to by the name he assumed, de Warville) and a man named de Ferriere. Reports that "M. de Warville Has Been a writer on the side of liberty, and Wishes to write on the American Revolution." Tells him to refer to the letters he sent to Hamilton and Jay for the most recent intelligence. Says "We are in a Critical Situation." Encloses a list (of French applicants to the Society of the Cincinnati; not…

GLC02437.03880

December 10, 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Marquis de Lafayette

Letter of introduction for John Coffin Jones Esq. and his lady. Reports that Jones is a merchant of Boston of "highest estimation." Would be obliged for any protection and kindness he can show Jones. Place writ inferred from GLC02437.04047.

GLC02437.04048

January 10, 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Marquis de Lafayette

Letter of introduction to Lafayette for Major [possibly Elnathan] Haskell. Says he might remember Haskell from the camp of General Robert Howe. Says "He was a brave officer and is a worthy citizen." Reports that Haskell is going to Europe on some sort of business, which he has no doubt is honorable.

GLC02437.04085

October 15, 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Marquis de Lafayette

Knox writes that he is thankful to be able to send this letter by Count de Moustier, who was returning from his time as French minister to America. He will enclose the diplomas for the French officers in the Society of the Cincinnati. Says "The importance of the revolution in France is astonishing - one looks round in amazement and asks is it not a delusion, can it be true? This is a new Lesson to the Gods of the earth that there [distinction] is but a phantom of the imagination that an [illegible] people will know and ought to repress the abuses and oppressions of their rulers." Asks for…

GLC02437.04391

November 7, 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Marquis de Lafayette

Knox sends his sincere wishes for Lafayette's happiness. Mentions mutual friends, including the Marchioness de Bréhan, who was wary of returning to France due to the "state of affairs" there (the French Revolution). Reports that "We are all peace - Our beloved chief is on a journey to the Eastern States - He is received every where with all possible demonstrations of affection - long may he live to be the cheif of the U.S." Encloses a letter from Catharine Greene for her son, who was studying with Lafayette in France (not included here).

GLC02437.04407

19 April 1791

Lamb, John, 1735-1800

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Colonel Lamb has sent Knox two barrels of apples, "best Newtown Pippins" and a bundle of English newspapers for Knox's culinary and reading pleasure.

GLC02437.04919

15 September 1791

Lamb, James, fl. 1746-1822

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Creator listed as "James & Thomas Lamb & Concerned." States that they have just completed a 150 ton copper bottomed ship called the "Margaret." It was built by Edmond Hartt of Boston, and will travel around Cape Horn to the northwest coast of America. Says that James Magee is the principle owner and will travel in the ship himself. Knows that Knox is well acquainted with Magee's credentials and honor. Encloses a copy of a letter from Vice President Adams to Don Joseph De Viar in Philadelphia asking for letters of introduction and protection from the Spanish Minister for the voyage (…

GLC02437.05159

16 November 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses routine War Office affairs and preparations for John Pratt's march to Fort Pitt. Comments on Ebenezer Hazard's assurances that a contract would be renewed to guarantee regular postal service. Forwarded some letters from Henry to Winthrop Sargent, Secretary of the Northwest Territory. Discusses the coordination of supplies, namely cartouch boxes, for the trip. Mentions Pratt, John Stagg, and [Samuel] Hodgdon. Covers other military matters, referring to Captains Savage and [Henry] Burbeck. Remarks on a visit of the Count de Moustier, French minister to the United States, and his…

GLC02437.04030

June 27, 1791

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William Knox references Henry's letter from April 6. Says he has sent 13 letters to him, the last from Dublin on June 13 or 20. Says his last letter informed Henry of his "motives for coming here namely to negociate some funds by which I might be kept from sinking in Dublin." He is sorry that Thomas Randall "cannot find it convenient to wait agreable to my proposition to him, from a perfect knowledge that the amount will bear hard upon you..." Offers to refund him when he is successful. Says Gouverneur Morris is here but has not made a great sale of land. Reports that William Temple Franklin…

GLC02437.05035

18 July 1791

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References the letter he sent Henry on 27 June. Updates Henry on his endeavors in London. Says he is still trying to sell Henry's lands even though Gouverneur Morris has been empowered by Mr. [Alexander] McComb to sell the lands. Will proceed as if Morris was not given this power until he hears otherwise from Henry. Has advertised in the Times and the Morning Herald. Will wait another fortnight to see if things develop. Declares that he is concerned about mounting debts and believes the United States government should support its consuls better. Notes Nathaniel Barrett, consul at Rouen…

GLC02437.05071

3 August 1791

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References his letters of 27 June and 19 July that he sent to Henry. Has not received any letters from Henry since the one marked 6 April. States he has not met with any success in selling Henry's lands, not even a single serious offer. Says his feelers in Paris have not met with any more success, noting "The Scioto business has left unfavorable impressions at Paris relative to purchases of land in America." Wants to go to Ireland next week, but needs to secure a loan to settle his debts there first. Claims his prospects are bleak. Reports "I cannot tell what will be my fate," unless…

GLC02437.05099

5 July 1790

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports on a recent visit he made to [Samuel] Ogden. Attempted to persuade Ogden to pay a debt he owed [James] Webber, a London merchant, but Ogden has to wait for money that is owed to him before he can pay the debt. Relates that he delivered several letters to different individuals, and discusses the prospect of exporting flax seed to Ireland. Informs Knox that two ships from India have arrived in Philadelphia since he has been there, and they both have full cargoes. Says that [Thomas] Mifflin has taken him to dine with the Society of the Cincinnati. Writes, "Bells ringing and Grays gardens…

GLC02437.04645

4 August 1790

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses dinner engagements with various friends. Mentions that a Mr. LaTombe expects a large number of French trade ships to arrive from the West Indies soon, so they may avoid traveling during the rainy season. Reports that General [Henry] Jackson has gone to Portsmouth along with Mr. [Benjamin] Hichborn (see GLC02437.04666 for related information). Adds that Jackson's mother seems very ill. Declares that the elder Isaac Winslow wants Knox to complete certain deeds that he sent. Discusses potential changes in Congressional representation in upcoming elections, and mentions possible…

GLC02437.04668

September 1790

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William Knox describes to Knox the weather around the sea and the lighthouse before an expected storm. Asks Henry to remember "the subjects of an appointment to Cork or Limerick."

GLC02437.04741

25 October 1790

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William relates the details of what was nearly a shipwreck on his voyage from America to England. William will report to Knox on the political situation in Europe as soon as possible. Will see Mr. [James] Webber before W. Knox leaves London. Reports: "This much I can tell you that the British fleet is in the Channel - that 2000 guards are to march this day for Plymouth for embarkation - that Peace is restored between the Swedes & Russians - & that the Duke of Cumberland brother to the King of Eng. is dead in consequence of which every body that can buy a black coat or get credit for…

GLC02437.04756

29 October 1790

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William Knox writes Secretary of War Knox that though in London ten days, he has been unable to do much regarding the sale of Knox's lands. William hopes to provide more news next week including "the result of the business between Mrs. Harwood and Mr. Longman." William notes that a Mr. Teissier will be his correspondent in London. He tells Henry to tell Captain [Thomas] Randall that William will write Randall with the next "Packet" across the Atlantic. William tells Henry that Lord Howe's fleet is at Portsmouth, and General Garth's troops were recently reviewed by the King in Hyde Park. The…

GLC02437.04759

3 November 1790

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William tells Secretary of War Henry Knox that since his last letter to Henry of October 29 (GLC02437.04759) he has discussed with Hannah Harwood the money she owed Mr. Longman and has "delivered her the care of Watch furniture and seeds from Mrs. Knox." William explains the reason that Harwood is holding back payment to Mr. Longman. She hopes "that the other creditors would agree to her paying him the full sum of 1300 pounds." The agent for the creditors, Mr. Frazer, believes she has a case, and the prospect of a lawsuit would prevent the creditors from pursuing one. Nevertheless, "she is…

GLC02437.04768

4 November 1790

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William Knox writes Secretary of War Henry Knox to correct his previous letter (GLC02437.04768). After speaking with Mr. Longman, William has learned that "the idea of paying the whole thirteen hundred pounds originated with Mr. Frazer" is not correct. Mr. Longman and Hannah Harwood were the only parties involved. When they informed Mr. Frazer, the creditors' agent, Frazer warned them that a "suit in Chancery would probably be the result of refusal to pay the Creditors their proportion, and the insisting on your whole sum." Mrs. Harwood is still waiting for Henry Knox's decision to "acceed…

GLC02437.04769