5 July 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Trumbull

Written by Major General Knox to celebrated American artist Colonel John Trumbull. References Trumbull's letter of 20 June, which was delivered by his brother. Is glad he approves of the Society of the Cincinnati, and says he will be proposed for admission into the Connecticut branch at the next meeting. Says they might have been too hasty in the adoption of a medal. Describes it as "the Eagle with the emblems of cincinnati upon his breast. There is a beauty in the design as the bald eagle is peculiar to America and is, [on] the crest of the arms of the United States." Goes to say that…

GLC02437.02240

29 April 1801

Tousard, Louis de, 1749-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Introduces Knox to Lt. James Wilson. Requests Knox signs his "Diploma of the Association of the Cincinnati."

GLC02437.07525

February 21, 1784

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Baron von Steuben

Refers to a recent letter from Steuben transmitting papers from General [Jethro] Sumner of North Carolina. Discusses matters pertaining to the Society of the Cincinnati, referring to an upcoming meeting in May at Philadelphia. Writes that many opponents of the society claim it "was formed in Europe to overturn our happy constitutions." Refers to objections raised by Aedanus Burke of South Carolina, who argues that the society is a hereditary nobility. Reports that Legislature of Massachusetts has chosen a committee to investigate associations that promote hereditary nobility.

GLC02437.02961

29 March 1785

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Holden Parsons

Offers an extensive apology for not writing sooner. Discussions public objection to the Society of the Cincinnati. Writes, "A democracy what is greatly commercial is a solecism in politics... Our feoderal [sic] Government must be settled upon more rational principles, or some events which we do not at present foresee, will compel us to adopt systems which we may at times have contemplated with horror- I believe a republican Government, formed upon national principles and those principles propagated and perpetuated by habits, may exist a great length of time..." Discusses his views of…

GLC02437.03120

November 10, 1790

Rochefontaine, Stephen, 1755-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Rochefontaine writes that "M. Poisé secretary to General de Lafayette during the latter part of the American war has received a commission of captain as a reward" for his service. His work was equal to that of an officer and should therefore be allowed into the Society of the Cincinnati. "Madam de la Lafayette has been the intermediary" but she has not had a response yet from George Washington. Inquires after Lt. Col. Peter Regnier who led a New York infantry. His family has not heard from him since 1783 when he was supposed to have been in the West Indies but set to return to New York.

GLC02437.04776

25 July 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Count de Rochambeau

Asks Rochambeau to send him a list of all the French members of the Society of the Cincinnati from the land service. Explains that the list is necessary for maintenance of Society records, and also for filling out diplomas for the members.

GLC02437.03620

26 April 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to the Count de Rochambeau

Informs Rochambeau he forwarded [Society of the Cincinnati] diplomas to Louis-Marie-Athanase de Loménie, comte de Brienne, French Secretary of War. Reports that the application of a French officer will be addressed at the next Society of the Cincinnati meeting.

GLC02437.03859

1 August 1795

Rogers, Robert, 1731-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Forwards Knox several names of the "Officers elected (for the current year) for this State Society of Cincinnati" and also a list of members who have yet to submit their deposit.

GLC02437.06481

10 June 1787

North, William, 1755-1836

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks that Major [George] Turner send a copy of the proceedings of the Society of the Cincinnati's last general meeting (May 1787) to the Massachusetts branch before the 4th of July. Mentions a resolution, presumably discussed at the meeting. Notes that [Pierre] L'Enfant hopes Knox will inform him that he supported the resolution. Reports that he will not be in Boston for the 4th of July. Stamped "N-York" on the address leaf. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.03576

30 July 1787

Parsons, Samuel H., 1737-1789

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks Knox whether or not there is a post established near the Pittsburgh area since he will be travelling there soon. Mentions that their "State Society" (likely referring to the Society of Cincinnati) have made provisions to pay their portion of the sum owed to Major [Pierre] L' Enfant. Noted as written in Middletown.

GLC02437.03627

circa 27 April 1787

Lear, Tobias, 1762-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that George Washington will not be able to attend the Society of the Cincinnati general meeting "in consequence of an account which he received by express that his Mother & only Sister lay dangerously ill, & that he was obliged to make all possible dispatch if he wishes to find them alive." States that Washington, however, "desired me to translate the Article Cincinnati & send it on to you together with the paragraph of Mr. [Thomas] Jefferson's letter."

GLC02437.03536

10 April 1784

Putnam, Rufus, 1738-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relates that he will be unable to accompany Knox to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (possibly for the May meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati). Transmits a letter (not included) for Knox to pass on to George Washington, if Washington should attend the meeting.

GLC02437.02991

23 October 1783

Putnam, Rufus, 1738-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses his observations concerning the public view of commutation. States that there is still general prejudice against officers especially by "lower class of people" but that the prejudice is abating. Mentions a "Lake Erie Scheme," the prospect of settling the western lands and a meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati.

GLC02437.02703

12 December 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Jean Baptiste Vigoureuse Du Plessis

Was sorry to hear about Du Plessis' illness. Worries about the situation in Europe, notes that the "patriotic party appear to be humbled to the dust." Hears about an "impending War between France & England our wishes are decisively in favor of France." Writes that he has written to Count D'Estaing and Count de Rochambeau for a list of the officers of the royal Army and Navy of France that are members of the Society of the Cincinnati in order to execute their diplomas. Noted as a copy with the docket written in French.

GLC02437.03722

16 June 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Viscount de Noailles

Written by Knox to the Viscount de Noailles. References two of Noailles's letters -- one from Boston and the other from France -- that needed to be answered. Says he did not know where to send the answer as Noailles was rumored to be anywhere from Gibraltar to Jamaica. Says no matter where he gets this letter, he hopes Noailles will "remember that you have a friend in america who wishes you the most perfect happiness." Goes on to say "The glorious peace, by which the American Liberty is so amply established, will ever be remembered to have been the Work of France - Our gratitude and…

GLC02437.02163

24 September 1789

Olney, Jeremiah, 1749-1812

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the likelihood that Rhode Island will be joining the union, as well as his desire for an appointment with the federal government. Declares that the bearer of the letter, a Mr. Henry, will be passing time in New York, and Colonel Olney recommends him and his wife to Knox's acquaintance. Adds that Mr. Henry is a "genuine Federalist." Comments on a recent attack in the press on the Society of the Cincinnati. Reports that the General Assembly of Rhode Island has voted to call a State Convention.

GLC02437.04364

circa 1792-1796

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Pinckney

Encloses (not present) a bill of exchange and asks Pinckney, the American minister to London, to negotiate it and pay the proceeds to Lafayette or his wife for expenses incurred on behalf of the Society of the Cincinnati. Signed with initials.

GLC02437.08182

21 July 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to William Moultrie

Writes to Moultrie, the president of the Society of the Cincinnati's South Carolina chapter, about society business. Reports that the Society as a whole has decided to repay Major L'Enfant for money he laid out on their behalf, but without their permission, to buy more Eagle insignias; they wanted to preserve the "immaculate" reputation of the Society. The Society also felt that "the general credit of our country does not stand well in Europe," so they wanted to ensure that the credit of their foreign members remained in good stead. Provides details of their reimbursment of L'Enfant,…

GLC02437.03609

6 November 1798

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to McPherson

Mentions the Society of the Cincinnati of South Carolina and a connection with France. Writing is faded and difficult to read.

GLC02437.07186

19 April 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Pierre Charles L'Enfant

Writes that he has received L'Enfant's note from this morning. Does not believe the members of the Society of Cincinnati in France have received their diplomas yet. Does not have the names of the members because all the information was left in the possession of General [Otho] Williams, Assistant Secretary. If L'Enfant has the names, and sends them to Knox, he will immediately have General [George] Washington sign them and have the name blanks filled in.

GLC02437.03261

22 July 1783

Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Secretary of War Lincoln to Major General Knox. Marked "private." References Knox's private letter that was recently sent by the post. Congratulates him on the birth of his son. Believes Congress will not leave Princeton soon. Before he left for Virginia, Lincoln says he put Knox's business before Congress. Says no compensation has yet been voted on. Hopes to know more in a few days. Asks to be updated on the business of the Society of the Cincinnati. Reports he will attend meetings at other state gatherings if necessary. Place written is spelled "Prince Town."

GLC02437.02315

4 March 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Discusses a meeting in Philadelphia, and writes "You will have found that Congress have recommended a convention to meet in Philadelphia in May. I hope and pray that you may be at it, either on the part of the State or the Cincinnati."

GLC02437.03483

12 August 1791

Jackson, William, 1759-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Signed in text in the third person by President George Washington's secretary William Jackson. Says he is writing by the President's command to transmit a letter (see GLC02437.04963) addressed to the President from Behague, Governor of the French Windward Islands. Behague was soliciting a diploma for himself from the Society of the Cincinnati. The letter also asks for a diploma for Fressinaux. Reports that the President wants "General Knox to make such answer to M. Behague's letter [if] he may think proper, and the circumstances the case will authorise."

GLC02437.05115

28 June 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph note signed

Title: to [William] Jackson

Note stating that Knox is returning signed diplomas for the Rhode Island Society (presumably the Rhode Island branch of the Society of the Cincinnati) to Jackson. Signed in text by Knox, who writes in the third person.

GLC02437.03595

9 May 1785

Barbé-Marbois, François, marquis de, 1745-1837

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Barbé-Marbois, a French diplomat, writes that he is "anxious of laying before [Knox] some matters concerning french officers..."

GLC02437.03142