10 June 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to John Adams

Written by Secretary of War Knox to Vice President Adams. Thanks Adams for his hospitality at Bush Hill. Mentions criticism of Adams's travels in the Connecticut and New York newspapers. Comments on the "political heresy [of the] American edition of [the] payne pamphlet mentioned in the preface." This is a reference to Thomas Jefferson's endorsement of Thomas Paine's "The Rights of Man," in which he conflated the spirit of the American Revolution of 1776 with that of the French Revolution of 1789. Knox says "he has assured me that the note he wrote to the printer never was intended for…

GLC02437.04986

19 June 1791

Adams, John, 1735-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Vice President Adams to Secretary of War Knox. References Knox's letter of 10 June. Is happy Knox is pleased with his situation at Bush Hill. Hopes to hear soon "of the Birth of a peaceable son of Mars." Says he did not know about the paragraphs in the New York newspapers. Just heard of the "Lyes" from New Haven yesterday. Does not think the criticism originated with Roger Sherman or Ezra Stiles. Says "The Preface to [Thomas] Paines Nonsense has occasioned much Speculation. It is thought rather early for Electioneering. My head I thank God is not easily diverted from its…

GLC02437.05014

31 July 1790

Belknap, Jeremy, 1744-1798

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes in full, "Having received several Letters from Major Sargent under your frank, I presume it will not be disagreeable to you that I should ask the favour of you when you send dispatches into the Western Territory to give my letters inclosd with this, a place in your packet." Letters not included.

GLC02437.04663

7 August 1791

Breck, Samuel, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Says he was determined to pursue "the Object relative to the Direction of the Bank which you was so obliging as to advice when I saw you in Philadelphia," but that he has since "abandoned the project & Sold out." Was concerned that if he had a large holding in the bank he would have "to attend its operation," and if he had a small stake he would not accrue "Honor or Proffit." Despite his pull out he claims "I rejoice however at the rising Credit of our Country and expect very soon to see it on a footing, superior to any other whatever." Says that Alexander Hamilton will be gratified…

GLC02437.05109

9 November 1791

Darke, William, 1736-1801

Autograph document signed

Title: to George Washington

Written from Fort Washington, near present-day Cincinnati, Ohio. Battle report providing extensive details of the defeat of General [Arthur] St. Clair at the hands of the Miami Indians on the Northwest Frontier. Docketed by George Washington.

GLC02437.05233

22 December 1791

Butler, Maria, fl. 1791

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Washington

Written by Mrs. Maria Butler, the widow of General Richard Butler, who had been killed that year by Indians in battle in the Ohio Territories. Refers to the death of her husband and the dangerous living conditions surrounding her in the Pittsburgh area. Requests more troops to protect her and her family and the other white settlers in the region, and to hold onto the land that was so dearly fought for by her husband.

GLC02437.05269

January 22, 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Washington

Writes that he has not "list[ed] the characters mentioned yesterday to any mortal." Declares that Arthur St. Clair has arrived, and that he has not seen him yet but will this morning.

GLC02437.05296

13 March 1792

Wilkinson, James, 1757-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Clement Biddle

Written from Fort Washington, present-day Cincinnati, Ohio. Received his last letter, which suggests that General [Arthur] St. Clair might not continue in command of the army much longer. This fills him with anxiety. Discusses possible ramifications of the appointment of a new commander. Comments on the difficult situation he has found himself in, between Major [David] Zeigler and Colonel [Samuel] Hodgdon. Explains in some detail the interpersonal conflict among his officers. Comments on the downfall of General [Josiah] Harmar due to his "unfortunate propensity to drink."

GLC02437.05354

4 November 1791

Manuscript document

Title: Pay due the non commissioned officers and privates...in the year 1791 who were actually discharged at Fort Washington

Date from title. Lists officers and the pay due to them as of 4 November. Noted as a copy in the upper left corner. Noted as A and N 11 at the top of the first page. Extensive water damage at the top of the document. Watermarked. Letterpress copy.

GLC02437.10239

January 19, 1792

Barton, Benjamin, fl. 1792

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Ogden

Lists his location as "Niagara," in Western New York, as he refers to Indians from Geneseo, also in Western New York. Discusses his receipt of reports regarding General [Arthur] St. Clair's defeat at the hands of Indians. Comments on his experiences against various Indian tribes in the North and Northwest.

GLC02437.05294

5 April 1792

Andrews, Joseph Gardner, fl. 1768-1792

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Marked "copy." Asks for Knox's help based on his intimate connection with Andrews's father (not named). His father does not want to abuse his friendship with Knox so is reluctant to ask. Andrews would like an appointment as Surgeon's mate and hopes Knox will forgive his effrontery in asking. Explains that the field of medicine is very crowded at present. Includes an excerpt from a letter from Samuel Danforth dated December 1789 which recommends him and certifies his studies in medical school.

GLC02437.05399

12 April 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to John Brooks

Writes to officially appoint Brooks Brigadier General of the army. Lists the other members of the General Staff, including A[nthony] Wayne, D. Morgan, M. Willit, and James Wilkinson. Wishes him the best of luck.

GLC02437.05409

27 June 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to [Joseph] Brant and Clement Biddle

Contains two sections. The first section is directed to Captain [Joseph] Brant and informs him that he will have fifty guineas to defray his travel expenses to and from Philadelphia. In the second section, Knox asks Clement Biddle to deliver the guineas to Joseph Brant.

GLC02437.05518

24 July 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Edward Carrington

Informs Carrington that he has received his letters concerning appointments for young officers and that though they generally arrived too late, he will keep them in mind for future consideration. States that there were many more applications than positions. Speaking about the last session of Congress, he writes, "The indian war, and the failure of the last expedition combined with a partial aversion to the government excited much ill humor during the last session. It was thought proper by a party, to levell some shafts at me....Parties will arise in free governments - and party prejudice is…

GLC02437.05558

28 October 1792

Allison, David, fl. 1785-1800

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that Mr. Reed brought news from "the falls of the Ohio." On his way to Allison's location, Reed met with Mr. Irwin, who reported that "five or six hundred Indians in the beginning of this month had appeared on the Frontiers of Cumberland and attacked a Station, the event of which I have not learned, that a party of the Militia about seven hundred pursued the Indians, overtook them, and a small skirmish ensued in which it is said about a Dozen Indians were killed the others dispersed in such manner they could not be pursued. I did not learn that any of the Militia were killed…

GLC02437.05671

circa 1791

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Manuscript document

Title: [Army expense/supply report and a copied letter written by Hodgdon]

Copy of a report written by Sargent as Adjutant General. Discusses Samuel Hodgdon's role as Quartermaster for the army raised for General Arthur St. Clair's 1791 Western expedition. Contains a letter from Hodgdon to Henry Knox, Secretary of War. Final page contains a morning report for the army commanded by St. Clair 89 miles from Fort Washington, Pennsylvania. Letterpress copy.

GLC02437.10356

17 April 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: [Suggestions to George Washington regarding maintenance and expansion of the United States military]

Knox offers his opinions regarding military matters and national security following the anticipated peace between the United States and Great Britain. Suggests maintaining a strong militia, noting "Every method should be devised to make the profession of arms honorable..." Recommends annual exhibitions of war to be attended by "first men of the community," stating that, "To an enlightened people arguments are unnecessary to enforce a truth so obvious. This is the moment to form habits which shall give a lustre to the American character." Advocates universal distribution of arms in America…

GLC02437.10107

December 11, 1785

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses trade between Indians and the British stationed on the American side of the territorial line (in the Northwest Territory). Reports criticism of the Society of the Cincinnati, including a pamphlet, Considerations sur l'ordre de Cincinnatus, by Honoré Gabriel Riqueti, comte de Mirabeau. Refers to limestone previously discussed with Knox in relation to Washington's construction projects. Sends his best wishes to Knox, his wife Lucy, and their family.

GLC02437.09408

26 December 1786

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Lamenting Shays' Rebellion, writes "I feel, my dear Genl. Knox, infinitely more than I can express to you, for the disorders which have arisen in these States. Good God! who besides a tory could have foreseen, or a Briton predicted them!" Alludes to "combustibles in every State, which a spark might set fire to." Notes that Virginia is (at the moment) calm, but worries over disputes regarding navigation of the Mississippi. Discusses an amendment to the existing Constitution regarding paper emissions and military certificates. Expresses sadness regarding the recent death of General…

GLC02437.09409

19 November 1790

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses an expedition against the Wabash Indians. Expresses disappointment in General [Josiah] Harmer. Expected little from Harmer, after hearing he was a drunkard. Instructs Knox to present other important matters before Congress, as they occur to him, preceding Washington's arrival. Notes that recent heavy rains may hinder his progress to Philadelphia. Marked private at the top of page one.

GLC02437.09421

5 April 1794

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses General Israel Chapin's negotiations with the Six Nations (possibly referring to the Canandaigua Treaty of 1794). Notes that the Treaty should take place apart from British agents and spies.

GLC02437.09428

23 September 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses gratitude for Knox's praise of Washington in the context of Congress's resolution "That an equestrian statue of General Washington, be erected at the place where the residence of Congress shall be established," passed on 7 August 1783 (and later completed by sculptor Thomas Crawford in the nineteenth century). Informs Knox that he has continued to lobby in support of the Officers' Petition for a large land grant in the Ohio Valley in lieu of back pay, but that the petition is being held up by continued negotiations between Congress and the state of Virginia (in whose territory the…

GLC02437.09401

24 August 1791

Scott, Charles, 1733-1813

Autograph letter signed

Title: to the Lieutenant of Mason

Written by Scott as a delegate to the Virginia House of Delegates and Brigadier General in Kentucky militia (he was breveted a major general at the end of the Revolution). Writes to the Lieutenant of militia at Mason, Kentucky saying that Major General Arthur St. Clair, Governor of the Northwest Territory and commander of the U.S. Army, requests his attendance at Lexington on 2 September 1791 in order to work out a system of calling out the militia for the present campaign. St. Clair's expedition that fall was routed by the Miami Indians under Little Turtle on 4 November 1791. Asks him to…

GLC02498.12

7 March 1857

Daniel, Peter Vivian, 1784-1860

Autograph manuscript

Title: The opinion of Justice Peter V. Daniel of the United States Supreme Court in the famous Dred Scott case.

Daniel's original manuscript of his opinion on the Dred Scott case, bound into a book. Daniels, a passionate slavery advocate, argues that slavery had more protection under the Constitution than any other form of property. He supports the majority opinion of Justice Taney, but goes farther, asserting the unconstitutionality of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787. Contains pencil notes, and numerous insertions and deletions in Daniel's hand, including slips of paper. With a later title page in another hand. This copy was used by the printers for the official printing of Daniel's opinion.

GLC02546.01

11 May 1796

Yundt, Leonard, 1756-1825

Newspaper

Title: Federal gazette & Baltimore daily advertiser. [Vol. IV, no. 785 (May 11, 1790)]

Printed and sold by Leonard Yundt and Matthew Brown at 3 Calvert Street, Baltimore, Maryland. Includes 2 page supplement. Front page consists entirely of advertisements. They are mostly ads for various goods and services, real estate sales, and announcements of sailing vessels. Second page relates news from U.S. House of Representatives "On the motion for making provision for carrying into effect the treaty with Great-Britain." Page 3 and part of page 4 (the supplement sheet) are a continuation of news from Congress. This supplement sheet has a tear at the top corner. Rest of page 4 is ads,…

GLC08720.04