14 June 1783

Lillie, John, 1755-1801

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Captain Lillie, an aide-de-camp to General Knox, to Major General Knox. Hopes he will not give Knox displeasure while informing him that he is going to Virginia with General Benjamin Lincoln. Says Lincoln promised to inform him and make it acceptable. Says he met a man in Philadelphia from England named "Dickason" who asked to be remembered to Knox. Says Dickason saw William Knox in Amsterdam on 20 March. Says he has not been able to get the cotton denim Knox requested. Has forwarded the articles Mrs. Knox wanted along with the bill of 40 dollars. Says the watch is in perfect order…

GLC02437.02162

17 August 1789

L'Enfant, Pierre Charles, 1754-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to send him a copy of the diploma for French officers joining the Society of the Cincinnati, and discusses several matters regarding the French members of the Society.

GLC02437.04329

12 August 1791

Lillie, John, 1755-1801

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Knox's former aide-de-camp Lillie. Written on the ship "Eliza" bound for Savannah, Georgia. Says he previously wrote Knox a letter before he left Gibraltar in which he gave a sketch of the character of the Emperor of Morocco. The day after he left Gibraltar he saw two letters in the possession of James Simpson, the consul for the Empress of Prussia, from two European consuls residing in Tangiers. The letters reported that the Emperor's brother has amassed a body of nearly 100,000 troops near Fez with the intention of attacking the northern ports of Morocco to dethrone the…

GLC02437.05116

1929

Webster, J. Clarence, 1863-1950

Book

Title: Samuel Vetch

An address by Dr. J. Clarence Webster of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada on the occasion of the dedication of a monument to Samuel Vetch first British Governor of Nova Scotia. Printed in 1929.

GLC03107.05333

11 September 1782

Villefranche, Jean-Louis-Ambroise de Genton, chevalier de, 1747-1784

Letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes, "A Capt. [possibly Jonathan] Lawrence of the Corps of Sappers is so unwell in sick quarters as to make it necessary for his servant (who is now in Camp) to be with him - beg therefore that your permission may be granted to send him off immediately."

GLC02437.01599

16 September 1782

Villefranche, Jean-Louis-Ambroise de Genton, chevalier de, 1747-1784

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes, "the quarter master general has told me a few days since, that he could not furnish me with any Masons; untill the 20th of the present instant ; it also seems to me that he is not able to supply with lime and other essential articles, to carry on the work with celerity: these reasons induces me to imagine it improper to begin the masonry this fall, for in a little while the front will hinder us from doing any business of this kind - I think it would be much more advantageous to turn all the means we have to the repairing and building accommodations for the troops in the Garrison, for…

GLC02437.01616

February 14, 1794

Vaughan, Samuel, fl. 1769-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Letter of introduction for Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, formerly the Bishop of Autun. Reports "He is driven from Europe by the Circumstances of the Times & I have no doubt will find in America the Asylum he seeks, & the respect due to his Talents & Merit."

GLC02437.06046

June 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Anthony Wayne

Thanks him for his recent letter. Accepts his congratulations for the newly-formed federal government and "our truly illustrious Cincinnatus [George Washington] to be head thereof." Extensively discusses diplomatic relationships between countries in Europe, especially an alliance between Great Britain, the Netherlands and Prussia, which was created to offset France and Russia's alliance. Comments that the British mercantile class "is for war with some power, not on a general scale of Justice or policy, but for the benefit of trade." Says America requires peace, as she "is not consolidated…

GLC02437.04265

28 November 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Anthony Wayne

Thanks Wayne for his letter of 25 October (GLC02437.04397). Discusses the treaty negotiations underway in Georgia with the Creek nation, referring to Creek leader Alexander McGillivray: "Mr McGillivrays influence over the creeks has been exerted to ill effect in persuading that nation against an immediate treaty with the United States upon the terms the commissioners offered He has sacrificed the interests of the nation to his own avarice." Relates that one commissioner, [Henry Osborne], claims he saw and read a treaty between the Spanish and the Creeks in which Charles IV guaranteed the…

GLC02437.04421

December 1, 1784

Webber, James, fl. 1784-1797

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Webber, a London merchant and friend of William Knox, responds to a letter from Henry Knox (GLC02437.03068). Expresses happiness at William's recovery from an episode of mental illness. Reports that William will soon sail from London to Boston. Discusses economics, commenting on the low price of good in the United States. Notes that credit for American trade is "greatly lessen'd" in England. Writes, "in confidence, I would intimate that if Mr Wm Knox extends his Trade and line of connexions, you sir, would render him an essential service by being a guarantee to some of those with whom he…

GLC02437.03071

2 March 1785

Webber, James, fl. 1784-1797

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Webber reports on the condition of Henry's brother, William, who suffered from mental illness. Writes, "I now am griev'd that I cannot send you more agreeable tidings, still continues in the same way, and I fear but little probability of a quick recovery to a sound state of Mind- has some small intervals of reason, but it soon wears away- appetite tolerable, but much alter'd in his appearance." Promises to continue to care for William if Henry cannot come to England. Discusses financial matters that have been neglected by William. Mentions a letter from General Oglethorpe (possibly James…

GLC02437.03102

25 October 1789

Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Describes the situation in western Georgia concerning negotiations with the Creeks. The Commission has not succeeded as of yet in negotiating a treaty with the Creeks. Mentions violence along the frontier between Native Americans and white settlers, including incidents in which Native Americans attacked forts and burned them. Reports that the Spanish have concluded a treaty with the Creek Nation, and that Creek leader Alexander McGillivray was involved. Describes the Creeks as "numerous & insolent, until they were made to experience our superiority in the Field..." Suggests a…

GLC02437.04397

20 March 1790

Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Answers Knox's question regarding the number of muskets "received from the Spaniards by the Creeks," stating that the number is 6,000. Reports that "our Mr. McGilvery," a Georgia planter, has told him that "the Spaniards had not when first demanded, a sufficient number of that kind of smooth bore arms, that suited the Indians, that a vessel was dispatched to the Bahamias [Bahamas] in in [sic] order to procure as many as were deficient, & that the[y] had all actually arrived whilst he remained with his namesake the Indian McGilvery..." (Creek leader Alexander McGillivray). Discusses the…

GLC02437.04556

25 December 1789

Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

General Wayne acknowledges a letter from Knox of 28 November and talks about information on a possible treaty between the Creeks and the Spanish government. Wayne gives his opinion of rifles "when a professional gentleman who had been in the British services, asked my Opinion of the efficiacy of rifles, to the fire of which the British attributed in great degree the loss of that Army - I gave my sentiments very candidly, that I thought them a very improper arm for an Army, that a few of them in the hands of expert marksmen might occasionally be servicable for small desultory parties, when…

GLC02437.04808

11 June 1794

Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox the people of Kentucky have been opposing the general government. Mentions he enclosed an extract of a letter from a witness to an incident that took place in Kentucky. Notes the letter shows the present temper of the people. Reports the incident took place in Lexington, Kentucky and involved men overtaking the rostrum and addressing the people "in the most inflammatory & invective language." Comments two men gave elaborate speeches for two hours and ended the speech declaring they were pro Britain occupying the N.W. Banks of the Ohio. Also notes an earlier incident…

GLC02437.06117

7 July 1794

Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Copy of a letter describing the build up to the Battle of Fallen Timbers. States Major [William] McMahon was attacked at Fort Recovery by a large band of Indians early in the morning. Reports the attacks lasted all day and night, and throughout the next day before the Indians were finally forced to retreat. Eight to ten bodies were found dead. Comments the real goal of the "savages" was to take the fort by a "coup de main." Notes the camp was left short on supplies and it appears the soldiers killed and ate a number of the pack horses. Reports three small parties of Chickasaw and…

GLC02437.06137

16 July 1794

Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Clerical copy in the hand of War Dept. clerk Samuel Lewis. Discusses the Indians retreat from Fort Recovery and the routes they took. Believes the Wabash Indians and Patawatimes Indians, ranging from 250 to 300 each, broke off from the main body that was heading for Grand Glaize and took different trails. Informs Knox he has several parties collecting information on the British and the "Savages" at Grand Glaize and Roche de Bout, Ohio. Mentions he will be leaving in four to five days, heading towards Grand Glaize, Ohio. Provides details on the route and plan he will take once he arrives…

GLC02437.06147

December 1, 1783

Upham, Joshua, 1741-1808

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses his regret on having to leave New York as he is leaving behind many friends, both Loyalists and Patriots, including Knox. Asks for and expects Knox's protection and attention for and to his friends and their families who remained in the city. States that "I am distressed that so many Gentn ... have been under the Necessity of leaving New York etc. and separating from their Families - their sorrows are very much in the extreme ... " Noted as written "On Board the Ceres off Staten Island."

GLC02437.02814

2 November 1785

Van Berckel, Franco Petrus, fl. 1790

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes, "In answer to Your Letter of this day I have the honour of informing You, that the person, who has applied to You, having served me for the time of about two Years, has been always remarkable for his good behaviour and sobriety, and can be equalled but by few in honesty and attention to his Master- I cannot therefore but recommend him to You, & have no doubt but he will give You entire Satisfaction." The name of the person to whom he is referring is not mentioned.

GLC02437.03211

4 June 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to [Pieter Johan] Van Berckel

Written to "P.J." Van Berckel, likely Pieter Johan Van Berckel. Replies to Van Berckel's letter from 9 May, in which he recommended Joseph Mandrillon for membership in the Society of the Cincinnati. Regrets that the Society's rules "did not permit to associate so worthy a character." Refer to GLC02437.03566 for Knox's letter to Mandrillon.

GLC02437.03568

circa 29 September 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Discusses the Constitution of the United States. Declares, "But a candid examination of [the Constitution], will most probably produce a conviction that it is one of the best models of a republican government ever presented to the sons of men." Comments on different groups' opposition to the Constitution, noting that the southern states will oppose it because they think it will support the commercial interest of the north. Remarks that the Constitution will affect "the projects of the paper money..." Notes that America is seen with contempt abroad. Of the current government writes, "The…

GLC02437.03778

11 March 1789-17 July 1789

Vance, John C., fl. 1789

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Document contains two parts. In the first part, dated 11 March 1789 and written from Hilsborough, John C. Vance declares that he is en route to the Cumberland River and after that to the Ohio territories. Asks if Knox can acquire for him a Spanish passport to use at the "Tolls of the Ohio." In the second part, dated 17 July 1789 and written from New York, Knox replies that it is "absolutely improper" for him to request the passport. Includes Knox's signature.

GLC02437.04141

25 July 1790

Van Berckel, Franco Petrus, fl. 1790

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Thanks the recipient for visiting with [Alexander] McGillivray. Hopes that the recipient and McGillivray can come to dinner since he missed their visit. Possibly written to Henry Knox.

GLC02437.04660

3 October 1790

Swan, James, 1754-1830

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he received Knox's letter from a year ago and would have replied sooner if he had anything interesting to say. He asks Knox to look at a letter he sent to Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson regarding a contract for "supplies to the french navy and the Kinds Rationers in the Colonies-to receive in payment for such orders from the Treasury...in part of the debt of the United States to france." Swan describes that the bankers in Amsterdam are holding out from repaying any "Company or persons who may hold the bonds, other than the Government here." Swan is concerned that a trading…

GLC02437.04743

15 June 1791

Franklin, William Temple, 1760-1823

Manuscript letter

Title: to Tench Coxe

Most of the information on this record comes from a letter written by Julian P. Boyd, the editor of The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, in 1969. Boyd's letter is in the file with the original document. The document is not signed, but Boyd identifies its creator as William Temple Franklin, Benjamin Franklin's grandson. Boyd claims it was sent to Tench Coxe who was serving as Assistant Secretary of the Treasury. The letter is a summary of the report of the Lords of Trade to the Privy Council. This report was written mainly by Lord Hawkesbury on 28 January 1791. Having this document was a…

GLC02437.04997