February 13, 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Robert R. Livingston

Later copy. A note at the top of page one states, "Recd from Mr. Bancroft Feb 1857." Knox reports, "The new constitution was adopted in Massachusetts on the 6th instant by a majority of 19. The whole present 355- 187 for it- 168 against it. The minority behave with magnanimity on the occasion declaring they will support it with their lives and fortunes- The Boston people have lost their senses with joy."

GLC02437.03794

circa 1585-1763

Manuscript

Title: Incomplete journal describing political climate in New York before the American Revolution

GLC03107.05413

1788-1789

Broadside

Title: Federal nominations

Rufus King for Governor, plus nominations for Lt. Governor, Senator, Congress, and Assembly.

GLC03107.05307

circa 1585-1763

Document

Title: Concern about the influx of Episcopal bishops

The document warns of the threat to religious liberty presented by the influx of Episcopalian bishops in America.

GLC03107.05311

circa 1585-1763

Document

Title: "The Warning"

Satirical poem criticizing attacks on truth and liberty.

GLC03107.05312

27 April 1796

Liancourt, François Alexandre Frédéric, duc de la Rochefoucauld, 1747-1827

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses his move from Philadelphia to Savannah, Georgia, and his reception in there. Provides his impressions of that place and the people there, as well as their beliefs about the nature of government. Mentions some business matters relating to Mr. [William] Bingham.

GLC02437.06725

7 July 1797

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to the Duke de Liancourt

Writes to correct the Duke's misconception of Knox's attitude toward the French and France as a country.

GLC02437.07000

1802

Book

Title: A View of the Political Conduct of Aaron Burr, Esq. Vice-President of the United States

Printed by Denniston and Cheetham.

GLC03107.05332

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

January 10,1788

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy. Discussing the voting in each state as to whether or not to adopt the new Constitution. Copy made 3 March 1854.

GLC02437.09338

February 5, 1788

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, discussing the vote on whether to adopt the Constitution in Massachusetts and Virginia. Copy made 8 February 1854.

GLC02437.09339

30 March 1788

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of original letter. Discussing support for the Constitution in various states, notably New Hampshire. Copy made 4 March 1854.

GLC02437.09340

17 June 1788

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter written by Washington to Knox, discussing the Anti-Federalists and debate in each state over ratifying the Constitution. Copy made 3 March 1854.

GLC02437.09341

24 September 1792

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, thanking Knox for information he previously sent within his private letters. Mentions Mr. Hammond, Mr. Penn, and Andrew Hamilton. Asks how Pennsylvania State officers, including Mr. Morris (possibly Robert Morris), received Hamilton, noting that Morris is one of the obnoxious characters in Pennsylvania. Relates that his nephew is scarcely able to walk. Intends to leave Mount Vernon for Philadelphia on 8 or 9 October 1792. In a post script, notes that Hammond and Mr. Smith have arrived at Mount Vernon. Copy made 8 February 1854.

GLC02437.09347

September 20, 1795

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, discussing a letter recently received from Knox "with great pleasure." Comments on Knox's home in Maine (Knox retired to his estate, Montpelier, in 1795, located near the St. George River in Thomaston, Maine). Mentions the "Treaty with Great Britain," possibly referring to the Jay Treaty, signed by Washington in August 1795. Refers to public opinion of the Treaty. Discusses the details of providing for George Washington Lafayette (son the Marquis de Lafayette and the President's godson). Relates that he has arranged for Lafayette to be cared for…

GLC02437.09349

2 March 1797

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, thanking Knox for a letter recently received. Offer condolences to Knox for his recent losses (several of Knox's children died 1796-1797, including his seven year old son named after George Washington). Washington complains of those who lack confidence in and have criticized his leadership, stating that they will be satisfied with nothing "short of a change in our political system." Writes that he looks forward to the prospect of retirement, but is not "without my regrets at parting with (perhaps never more to meet) the few intimates whom I…

GLC02437.09350

16 July 1798

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of the final portion of a letter from Washington to Knox. This section discusses private matters related to the Secretary of War. Also worries about "The loss of our independence or the Subjugation of our Goverment both of which are evidently struck at, by an intoxicated - ambitious - and domineering foe." Copy made 3 March 1854.

GLC02437.09351

30 March 1788

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relates that he received a letter from Knox, and that Mr. Madison informed him Knox had recovered from a "severe indisposition." Discusses ratification of the Constitution at state conventions, commenting that New Hampshire's behavior has baffled other states due to a long adjournment. Notes that if Virginia rejects the Constitution, all those states following it will do the same, and the Constitution will not be adopted. Relates that northern Virginia supports the Constitution, while in general, southern Virginia is opposed. Comments that the Kentucke district (Kentucky County, which…

GLC02437.09417

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

21 July 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Thanks the recipient for sending "some nuts, and two vennison hams-" via Lieutenant Armstrong. Reports, "The new Constitution has been adopted by ten states, and it is most probable that New York will also adopt it in such a manner as to be received into the Union- She has been more averse to the system than any other state Rhode-Island excepted." Relates that North Carolina's convention meets on the same day he writes. Says it is expected the new government "will promote the happiness & prosperity of this country in a very [eminent] manner."

GLC02437.03943

8 March 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Edward Carrington

Unsigned, but authorship inferred from handwriting. Discusses Carrington's last letter, in which he reported the winners of the Virginia elections and described his prediction that the electorate would "change their sentiments" to support federalism (see GLC02437.04119). Comments on the New York legislature, specifically the Senate and individual members. Also lists the number of Senators and Representatives from each state present in New York. Lastly, discusses Carrington's query about an appointment with the new government (see GLC02437.04119). Docketed by Knox.

GLC02437.04139

12 March 1790

Van der Kemp, Francis Adrian, 1752-1829

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses Knox's plan for the militia. Writes, "The sight of a part of your plan for reforming our militia - and my fear of that hideous monster - a standing army, though covered with alluring clothes by artful politicians, wil [sic] atone for the liberty of taking few moments of your leisure by a man of General Knox's disposition." Argues for the establishment of a formal military academy where cadets learn various subjects, including geometry, algebra, geography, engineering, etc. States, "The academy seat must be at the place of the seat of government." Discusses funding for sending young…

GLC02437.04543

11 May 1806

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Ulmer

Only just received Ulmer's last letter from 12 April, and laments the delay. Discusses local politics, as well as business and land deals.

GLC02437.08025

January 20, 1788

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [Henry Knox]

Gorham signs with his initials. Discusses the ongoing Massachusetts Convention to ratify the Constitution. Applauds the resolutions of the "Boston Trades men" and asks Knox to see that they are published in New York, as they will convert or silence the delegates there. Analyzes the prospects for ratification, enclosing a list of names [not present] of supporters, opposers, and undecided delegates. Says whoever wins will do so by only a small majority. Warns that the "temper which creates the difficulty here ought to alarm all the other States who wish for good Government." Describes a heated…

GLC02437.09886

9 March 1789

Warren, Mercy Otis, 1728-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a recent letter from Knox and mentions political events surrounding the "Great Court" which are "too delicate for a lady to touch upon." Reflects upon the new government, which has "long been the wish of every good man & woman in America though they may have varied in opinion relative to some particular points." Rather than discussing the government, she wishes to enquire as to the health of Mrs. Knox and family, and ask Knox to forward the enclosed letter to her friend Mrs. Montgomery. Suggests the Knoxes come for a visit, and discusses her desire to travel to New York.…

GLC02437.04140