January 15, 1791

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Copy. Describes the various transportation obstacles that prevented his letters from arriving earlier. Says the St. Lawrence lands are being advertised in two prominent Irish newspapers. Discusses the meeting he had with "the Earl of Westmoreland, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland" (John Fane, 10th Earl of Westmorland). Says they discussed trade between Ireland and America, and that he will write more about his encounter with the Earl and on the English administration of Ireland at a later time. Asks Knox to thank Mrs. John Jay for introducing him to the "Viscountess Stronghold," whose husband…

GLC02437.04828

February 13, 1791

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Urges Knox to write him as soon as he can, or make Lucy Knox "overcome her natural timidity" and write him. He has heard of the General (Charles) Scott expedition in the Miami Country and of the casualties Scott suffered. Discusses in great detail the Turk-Russian war along with other foreign affairs. The Russians are not far from Constantinople; the Empress (Catherine the Great) seeks to drive the Turks completely out of Europe and listens to no offers of negotiations. Prince Potemkin said that the Empress would consider stopping the war on several conditions; ceding Moldavia and Wallachia…

GLC02437.04853

7 April 1791

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William had previously sent a packet to Knox that included "Paynes [Thomas Paine] pamphlet in answer to Burke on the french revolution." William tells his brother, "therefore the present is only to enclose you the papers since then, by which you will see from the debates in the English House of Lords and Commons and the preparations making, that Great Britain is about incurring a few more millions of debt, and (if the Empress should prove inflexible which in all probability she will) plunging the greater part of Europe into a War by sea and land - However distressing to humanity such an event…

GLC02437.04907

26 April 1791

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Wonders why he has not heard from Knox in so long and expresses hurt and confusion over it. "...only consider you are my only relation, and although I am in a country partly civilized, yet it is a Country of Strangers." States he has written "eleven" letters without replies. He is now enclosing some other letters with this one including one "to Mr. Jefferson on the subject of men lately impressed in Ireland from American vessels."

GLC02437.04928

11 May 1791

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William Knox informs Secretary of War Knox of what ships William's letters to Henry were traveling on. William is trying to arrange monies to live on until next winter; reports on his health, walking, rising early and drinking quite a lot of wine: "I never in any five winters of my life drank so much wine as the last; it has agreed perfectly with me although the custom of drinking to excess in good companies is fresh in the memory of most persons here, and is pretty well over, yet there is a difficulty in being the first man from table. I am commonly the second or third - and to be sure I…

GLC02437.04946

September 30, 1791

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Knox mentions a letter he wrote to Henry on September 7, from Cork, Ireland. Says affairs in France have taken a turn since the King accepted the constitution. He was also given a 12,000 pound yearly allowance and was allowed to retain most of his palaces. After accepting, most of the anger about his flight from Paris was forgotten. Says "vive le Roi after an interregnum of some months, is vociferated in the same notes as formerly at Paris." Says the Emperor of Germany and the King of Prussia have met to discuss the affairs of France and to give relief to King Louis. The King's recommendation…

GLC02437.05176

February 6, 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References Henry's letter of 2 February. Mentions that Shaw and Randall sailed on 1 February. Does not know how they made the mistake of drawing the interest on his shares. If Henry wants, he will write to Mr. Smith or another of their agents to have the situation rectified. Mr. Green goes in the packet on Thursday in an attempt to recover property "which has been long litigated on the other side of the water." Green believes Mr. Pinckney will assist him in London. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.05807

February 22, 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References Henry's letter of 19 February. Notes he delivered the letter that Henry enclosed for William Duer. States the January packet from Europe arrived yesterday and he saw a letter from Mr. Brett to General Maunsell. The letter stated "every preparation was making for War by England, although hopes were entertained it would not take place." Goes on to say the letter reported that William Pitt "stood on high ground by being strongly supported by Parliament and the people in general." Says Mr. Fox's supporters left him because of his stance on France. Believes Thomas Paine is going to…

GLC02437.05830

17 November 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References two letters from Henry. Reports that Henry's son, Henry Jackson Knox, arrived safely last evening. He is travelling to Hingham tomorrow or the next day. Says he will write Berkeley Sidney Knox, a man in Jamaica claiming to be a distant relative of Knox and seeking a job (see GLC02437.05938). Notes he "cannot undertake to say any thing more than has already been said upon this subject." Is happy to hear that a group of physicians announced the official abatement of the yellow fever in Philadelphia. Believes the disorder may still be latent and recommends that Henry keep his…

GLC02437.05977

18 October 1781

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Has not heard from his brother in almost six weeks. News of the operation against Yorktown from General George Washington included the destruction of three of Lord Cornwallis redoubts and a formal demand for surrender, along with Cornwallis' rejection of it. Speculates that defeating Cornwallis will not be easy for the Allied Army, but "Fall he must." Rumors of unsuccessful British activity against General Nathanael Greene near Charleston. Offers high praise for Greene as a potential successor for Washington. Mentions the deaths of 300 soldiers and officers among Colonel William…

GLC02437.01239

27 November 1781

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by William Knox to his brother Brigadier General Henry Knox, who was at Washington's headquarters. Writes from France after a pleasant and short 21 day voyage from Boston. Is astonished by their speed of travel. Says he did not suffer from seasickness and that his little complaints were relieved by the voyage. Tells a convoluted story about meeting a British captain in a brigantine east of Newfoundland who was "castaway" from his merchant ship. Reports on the birth of the Dauphin and the excitement caused by the recent victories in America, but says the former is the greater event in…

GLC02437.01296

25 June 1783

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by William to his brother Major General Henry Knox. Mentions he wrote a letter from Bristol, England about two weeks previous. Says he consigned 108 pounds worth of jewelry to Sears and Smith, to be delivered to his order. Says another shipment of glass from Bristol worth 200 pounds was sent as well as another shipment of hosiery from Nottingham worth 450 pounds. Also sent along about 60 pounds worth of things for Henry's family. Says he heard that Henry has expressed much interest in farming. Says that many of the "poorer Classes" have or will immigrate to America and that when he…

GLC02437.02181

26 June 1781

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William writes to his brother, Brigadier General Henry Knox, stationed at New Windsor, New York. William, who oversaw much of Henry's personal and financial business, confirms receipt of three months of Henry's pay. Discusses currency and exchange in detail. Forwards Henry his account with the state (not included), noting that the state has "considered you as entitled to 25pcent more than an officer of equal rank in the Infantry." Discusses books he bought in Europe, possibly to sell in Knox's bookstore. Reports that the Brutus, a privateer, captured a British prize on course from…

GLC02437.00983

22 August 1781

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References Henry's letter of 8 August 1781. Updates Henry on news he has heard. Says the French fleet was to have left Newport the day before to connect up with the Compte De Grasse, who is supposed to be nearing the continent with more French ships. Says a ship was captured going from Charleston for England with letters from Colonel Balfour, which gives information relating to British plans for operations in the South. Balfour supposedly said "General Greene has exhibited such talents, as to take advantage of any opening given him by the King's Army." Balfour also supposedly said South…

GLC02437.01153

30 August 1781

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Disappointed that his brother did not write him an "authentic account of Lord Cornwallis' situation in Virginia." Believes Cornwallis will surrender soon. Is planning a business trip to Europe and discusses fundraising. His last remittance to merchants in Amsterdam was forwarded through Captain Edward Davis, but the $450 sterling was lost when Davis was captured and carried to Halifax. Discusses the state of exchange, the slim chances for profit, and various aspects of his business. Comments on the arrival of John Laurens in Boston, who had returned from France with supplies and money.

GLC02437.01159

6 September 1781

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions Lucy Knox's trip up the Hudson River and hearing that General Knox passed New Windsor, New York with Governor George Clinton on his way to meet Lucy. Comments on a naval battle off the coast of Boston between the French frigate Magicianne and the more heavily armed British ship Assurance. Inquires if a Mr. Diricks was ever a Colonel in the Continental Army. Discusses the arrival of a French frigate called the Diligent, along with news that the Spanish and French have attempted "the Reduction of Gibralter" and that they have brought a new type of ship that floats higher in the…

GLC02437.01167

28 September 1781

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses plans for traveling to Europe, ships to take, and his effort to raise money. Also discusses what is happening at the port in Boston, mentioning specific ships, captains, armaments, and visitors. Mentions merchant activities, following up on his previous letter (GLC02437.01186) and announces that the sale of cargo on the Amsterdam has made Henry a profit. Comments on the large amount of public money owed to Henry. Discusses European business accounts. Speculates on the consequences of peace with Britain. Relates story of British Admiral Clyde Parker's battle with the Dutch off…

GLC02437.01196

4 October 1781

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses news of the siege of Yorktown, mentioning the activities of the Marquis de La Fayette and naval engagements between French Admiral Compte de Grasse and British Admiral Thomas Graves. Reports that Congress has received indications of the capture of Lord Cornwallis, but faulty intelligence from the past has made them skeptical. Discusses his upcoming business trip to Europe and seeks his brother's approval. Explains his sale of stock to finance the trip and plans to travel by French frigate. Explains his plans in case ships with cargo he owns arrive in Boston after his departure…

GLC02437.01207

29 October 1781

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

He is leaving for Europe tomorrow on a French frigate commanded by Count De Grasse. Remarks that in his haste the contents of this letter are only things of greatest importance. Discusses leaving his store with Joshua Loring, arranging for a Mr. Pierce to serve as Henry's attorney and leaving important papers with him. William does not know how long his trip will last, but his plans will be affected by the prospects for peace. Mentions business plans to transport hemp and iron. Comments on his funds for the trip, how he raised them, and expected costs. He will be happy to be able to…

GLC02437.01270

April 12, 1782

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Letter written by William, Major General Knox's brother, to Henry Knox. Includes a postscript written and signed by Lafayette. References the taking of Mahon, an island off the Spanish coast in the Mediterranean, by the Spanish. Says Gibraltar is "closely beseiged and 'tis thought by many will fall." Mentions changes in the "English Ministry" -- Marquis of Rockingham is made First Minister and Lord Shelburne and Charles Fox are Secretaries of State. Says the Cavendishes, Duke of Richmond, Grafton, Lord Cambden, Burke, and Barre are all employed as well. Says "a sufficient time has not yet…

GLC02437.01386

5 May 1782

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by William Knox to his brother Major General Knox. Mentions this is the fifth letter he has sent to Henry since arriving in France. Says he has received two from Henry. Says he is in Nantes on business, purchasing goods for his friends. Says "allmost all american orders are made out for this Country with English Ideas and the articles differ so widely that there is the greatest hazard of sending things which will not be acceptable." Says he has been settling his business accounts, which were confused. Says his reputation would have soured if he had not gone to Europe to settle his…

GLC02437.01409

May 7, 1782

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Letter written by William to his brother Major General Henry Knox. Says he will not ship anything with the capital he has accumulated until the peace is complete. Says his business accounts were messy, but are now settled. Says he wrote to Lucy that he had no news of the Fluckers. Says the recent changes in the British Ministry probably been "influenced by the honest representations of Lord Cornwallis relative to the impracticability of reducing America, which rendered that Gentleman not so welcome an informant to the late Ministry as his Brother Passenger General Arnold, who from encouraging…

GLC02437.01412

23 May 1782

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by William Knox to his brother Major General Knox. Mentions his travels to Flanders, Nantes (where he did some business for his Boston friends), and has stopped in Rochefort on his way to Bourdeaux. Wants to ship many things to America, but says he will hold back until after the peace is decided. Mentions changes in British govenrment and how they will assist in the peace process. Says the merchants are in favor of British troops withdrawing from America. Lord Shelbourne told them not to ship more goods to America in case of an evacuation. Says the British tried to get John Adams and…

GLC02437.01429

June 12, 1782

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Letter written by William to his brother Major General Knox. References a letter he wrote "a few days ago" and sent from Roquefort (he spells it "Rockford"). Also sent sweetmeats, caps, hats, a pair of epaulets, and two pieces of linen. Says he will not send property to America until a definite peace is in place. Says the diplomatic situation is the same as when he wrote last, except for Admiral de Grasse's defeat at the hands of a British fleet in the Caribbean in April 1782. Does not know how this will play out it negotiations. After losing 7 or 8 ships of the line, Louis XVI has ordered "…

GLC02437.01448

5 November 1782

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by William to his brother Major General Henry Knox. Fears that Henry is worried about him as he has not written since he was in Rochefort (William spells it Rochfort), France. While there he sent some linen, epaulets, sweetmeats, and some other things for Lucy. Has been in ill health lately, which has caused some problems with his business plans. The plan involved a Mr. Soderstroom from Gothensburgh, Sweden, who was going to work with a Mr. Sears, a Mr. Smith, and himself. It fell through when William was not able to go to Sweden as Soderstroom wanted. Has not given up all hope though…

GLC02437.01701