January 14, 1789

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that the death of a prominent judge will leave an opening for General [Rufus] Putnam and Mr. [possibly Manasseh] Cutler as candidates for office in the region. Comments that both men are high in his estimation and their merits entitle them to the consideration of Congress, but believes that due to past measures, it may be hard to elect either one. Believes that General Putnam may have the best chance for success due to his military connections. If he gets promoted, Cutler would be well suited to take the Judgeship that Putnam currently occupies. Writes to advise Knox, as he knows…

GLC02437.04092

16 March 1789

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Introduces the bearer, Mr. Tracey, who is in charge of a party that is founding a settlement fourteen miles from Marietta, Ohio. Discusses the emerging society in Ohio. Remarks on the geography of his region, including the location of the Muskingum River. Asks about the operation of the new government and voices concerns about whether he will be under the jurisdiction of the new government. Discusses his desire for his friends to write him, due to his sense of isolation, and comments on his friendship with Knox and others back in the East.

GLC02437.04145

29 September 1789

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Apparently sends condolences to the Knox family (likely regarding the recent death of one of Knox's children). Writes that he would be happy to receive a line from Knox and answer any questions Knox might have about Sargent's area of the country. Is anxious for the Governor to arrive, because he needs to determine which lands the Governor would like to settle on, so that Sargent can set up his own home and agricultural fields. Discusses the military staff present in Ohio and the prospects of Congress sending more people. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.04369

9 November 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Replies to Sargent's request to send more troops to the Western Territory, specifically Marietta, Ohio (refer to GLC02437.04369). Knox does not personally object to the request, but writes that "the arrangement directed is with the entire concurrence of the President of the United States and embraces a variety of views- It seems to be a pretty prevalent opinion among the members of the Eastern States that the expences for the Western territories should be rather lessened than encreased." Noted as an extract.

GLC02437.04410

7 December 1789

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Replies to Knox's letter from 9 November (GLC02437.04410). Notes that Knox is correct in his observation that "Agriculture might afford me Satisfaction and profit..." Adds that presently, he is living beyond his means. Writes that the governor has not yet arrived, likely referring to Arthur St. Clair, governor of the Northwest Territory. Reports that due to the death of General [Samuel] Parsons, John Symmes is the only judge left in the Northwest Territory. Hopes the vacancy caused by Parsons' death will be filled as soon as possible, and the territory can establish "good & wholesome Laws…

GLC02437.04428

24 March 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Informs Sargent that Major General St. Clair has left Philadelphia for Fort Pitt. McClure will inform Sargent "fully of the arrangements for the campaign and probably request that you would assist him." Notes the operations suggested will likely lead to peace but if not "they must be made so."

GLC02437.04890

19 May 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Later copy. Written by Knox as Secretary at War to Major Sargent. References receiving Sargent's letters of 20 April and 1 and 2 May. Says the difficulties in connection with calling out the militia "by an order to a subordinate officer of a state" will continue until Congress fixes it. Hopes the large bodies of regular troops will provide security in the Ohio Territory, making any calls on the militia unnecessary. Says Colonel Ebenezer Sproat seems to deserve compensation for his services and that the matter will be handled soon.

GLC02437.04952

2 December 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Later copy. Written from the War Department. Explains that Mr. Caleb Swan will be taking thirty five thousand dollars in post bank notes for the pay of the army, and that Sargent's name has been added to the notes for greater security. When Swan wants to exchange the notes for cash, he will need Sargent's to do so; asks that Sargent oblige.

GLC02437.05250

6 January 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Later copy. Refers to a recent letter from Sargent which discussed battle losses to Indians in the Northwest Territories. Comments on the protection of settlements on the frontier, and mentions that plans will be laid before Congress on that subject right away.

GLC02437.05288

13 March 1792

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox [incomplete]

Writes that General [James] Wilkinson has asked for his help with the militiamen, specifically acquiring more troops. Discusses Wilkinson's attempts to establish lines of communication. Comments on the dispute between Wilkinson and Zeigler (see GLC02437.05346 for further information). Also touches on the altercation between Ford and Hodgdon (see GLC02437.05351), as well as the field officers there in the militia.

GLC02437.05353

4 April 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Later copy. Was happy to receive Sargent's letters, but wants to assure Sargent that his position as Adjutant General was not abolished because he did a poor job. Assures him that the position was abolished because all its goals were met. Discusses a potential new job for Sargent, as well as recruiting for new expeditions. Also declares that "Capt [Constant] Freeman will tell you of the uproar the failure of the late expedition has excited."

GLC02437.05397

17 May 1792

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox [incomplete]

Thanks him for his recent letter, as well as his kindness and friendship. Discusses how he would like to meet or surpass expectations in his job, especially by enforcing discipline among his troops. Tries to explain why he might have a bad reputation among the troops. Refers to a letter from Knox in which Knox asks why he is thought to act with "haughtiness and severity" (see GLC02437.05423). Discusses whether or not to decline his post, but seems resolved to keep his job.

GLC02437.05466

23 July 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Later copy. Gives orders to Sargent concerning the protection of the North West territory. Mentions directing General Anthony Wayne to provide an escort for the governor of Georgia. Noted as written at the War Department.

GLC02437.05553

8 August 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Later copy. Briefly mentions a number of topics, including the French Revolution and the government situation with the Eastern Territory.

GLC02437.05573

29 October 1792

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes a letter of introduction for the bearer, Captain Mayette writing: "for if he is not for us he will be decidedly against us - and his Influence is very considerable amongst the Indians... The British and Spaniards I have no Doubt would purchase him at a considerable price and but for the flattering distinctions we have paid him he probably would have struck up a Bargain." Discusses another Native American who he thinks would be a beneficial ally, although he is a "monstrous beggarly rascal even for an Indian." Refers to a treaty with the Native Americans, noting, "from the knowledge…

GLC02437.05678

1 November 1792

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Requests that Knox recommend a Mr. Sebastian (possibly Benjamin Sebastian) to fill any judicial vacancies that may arise in the Northwest Territory. Expects Judge [George] Turner to leave his seat.

GLC02437.05682

10 November 1792

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses land business as well as shipping and invoices. Writes that in his area, "mole hills may be magnified to mountains and the smallest mistakes that have relation to the war Department may judging from precedent be made use of to incriminate." Discusses some mistakes that were made in the shipment of military supplies. Writes, "Of Indian affairs I will say nothing - Genl Wilkinson will detail to you the militia rout of the 6th an 'Affair of Honour' but dishonourable in the main I believe to those people in every point of view the personal Bravery of their Commandant excepted."…

GLC02437.05695

29 June 1801

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Sargent bitterly describes his meeting with President [Thomas] Jefferson, who removed him from office as territorial governor. Notes an appropriation between $500 and $600 has made to him for his services. Appears to further discuss his situation and is possibly seeking help from Knox.

GLC02437.07555

4 September 1791

St. Clair, Arthur, 1734-1818

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Collection of eight letters. Letters dated 4 September, 14 September, 16 September, 23 September, 10 October, 17 October, 21 October, 1 November. Discusses the transportation of goods, supplies and horses. Mentions problems with raising troops and handling misdemeanors. Later ones discuss conflict with the Indians and the difficulty of battle. Writes "I have been on the point of losing the Virginia Battallion - it is a considerable time ago that I knew of some discontents in that Corps, but was led to believe it was among the officers ... " First letter noted as an extract, with the…

GLC02437.10237

15 May 1789

Tracy, John, fl. 1789

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks Knox to forward an enclosed letter to General [Josiah] Harmar (he spells it "Harmer"), which contains a letter to Major [Winthrop] Sargent (letter is not included). Also discusses his shares in the Ohio Company and his ability to settle his estate for his children. Sends respects to Knox and his wife, as well as to Governor [Arthur] St. Clair, if he happens to be with Knox in New York. Docket is marked private, and contains the struck name of "Nathaniel," with "John" written over the strikeout.

GLC02437.04204

2 December 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Caleb Swan

Outlines instructions about an audit for the Treasury Department. States that "the Levie and Militia serving on the Frontier under Major general St. Clair should have their accounts regularly adjusted and the balance paid to the officers and soldiers respectively, previously to their discharge at Fort Washington ... " Goes on to write that this is an important business and that he trusts Caleb Swan to carry it out, especially since the amount needed to carry these instructions out is a "considerable sum of money which are delivered to [Caleb Swan's] care and safe keeping ... " Noted as No…

GLC02437.10242

October 5, 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document

Title: [Memorandum on the visit of John Pope to Henry Knox]

This document describes the visit of "Mr. John Pope or Colonel Pope" who was from near Richmond, Virginia. Reports that Pope claimed to have gone down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers last spring in the employ of Patrick Henry and David Ross of the Virginia Yazoo Company. Pope claims to have met the governor of New Orleans (Miro Estevan) traveling up the Mississippi to the Walnut Bluffs to build a military base. He then went to Pensacola, and up the Alabama River, meeting Alexander McGillivray of the Creek Nation. He arrived at McGillivray's on 27 May, staying at his house 7 days, and staying…

GLC02437.05187

24 October 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document

Title: Minutes for the President's speech

The minutes discuss issues at the War Department involving national security and the Indians (this information was requested by Alexander Hamilton at GLC02437.05199). Describes treaties and measures to establish peace on the western frontiers. Reports that "Accordingly offensive operations were directed, to be conducted however as consistently as possible with humanity." Hopes they can continue to talk with the Indians. Docket is marked "Private."

GLC02437.05210

23 November 1792

Fitzsimons, Thomas, 1741-1811

Autograph document

Title: [Notes]

Copy of three different notes. The first, by Colonel Darke, discusses the condition of arms and gunpowder. The second, by Major [Gunther?] discusses the condition of equipment, arms and horses. The third, by Mr. Bines, mentions clothing and shoes for the troops. Docketed by Knox as "Notes handed me by Mr. [Thomas] Fitzsimons, 23 November 1792." Signer of the Constitution.

GLC02437.05713

2 March 1792

Manuscript letter

Title: [Advice regarding promotion in first and second regiments]

Provides "facts and circumstances relative to the promotion shortly to take place in the first and second regiments, in order to enable you to make such determination as may best promote the public interest." Discusses the qualifications of Major Hamtramck, most likely John Francis Hamtramck, for the possible position of lieutenant colonel. States that he is "an excellent disciplinarian" but there are certain circumstances that might cause him to be passed for promotion. The first is his command against the Virmilion Towns where the milia displayed disorderly behaviour, and the second is his…

GLC02437.10245