31 March 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that he has had a conversation with Dr. [William] Eustis, and that Eustis would find a particular (unnamed) circumstance highly pleasing if it came to pass. Informs Knox about the progress of Samuel Shaw, who is sailing again to China. Also discusses a 17- or 18- year-old debt owed to the Flucker estate. Reports that he should be able to secure its repayment if he can find the note explaining the debt, but asks if Knox has any knowledge of this issue or wishes about how to handle it. Adds that his father is still alive but "cannot continue many days."

GLC02437.04567

20 June 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a trip he made to visit his mother, and asks about Mrs. Lucy Knox's health. Relates that there will be great opposition to Mr. Dalton's election, referring to Tristram Dalton's reelection to the United States Senate. Reports news from a captain recently arrived from London: "we have accounts of a Spanish War with England, he informs there was a very hot press in England & [every] British Seaman was put on board their Men of War." "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.04631

22 August 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson acknowledges Secretary of War Knox's letter of 15 August 1790. Mentions that he and "the Colonel" are making their way to Portland. Describes the journey, his sea sickness, and the help they received during the trip. Says a Mr. Gregory "has a high idea of the value of the Patent, and considers it a source of immence wealth." Mentions paying a visit to Captain [Thomas] Vose whose farm had "some of the best butter and Cheese" they have eaten this year. Reports that Vose will be disappointed if Knox does not pay him a visit. Suggests Knox come on 15 September 1790 when the…

GLC02437.04699

31 March 1793

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Signed twice by Jackson. References Knox's letter of 20 March. Has heard nothing from William Tudor since the last letter he forwarded to Knox. Relates that his note to Tudor was due 17 March. Reports that [Thomas?] Adams the printer informed him that the article in a North Carolina newspaper Knox was asking about "was inclosed to him by a Gentleman from Pensylvania." Adams would not give the gentleman's name, nor confirm it came from Philadelphia. Jackson believes he can find out the name if Knox wishes to know. Refers Knox to William Bingham's letter about their land concern. Wants to…

GLC02437.05861

15 April 1793

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Forgot to mention in his letter of yesterday that he made an inquiry into apple and pear trees as well as currant bushes. Says they are hard to find here. Has been told it is too late in the season. If they were transported to Maine, not one in a thousand would survive. Besides that, there is no nursery that can supply more than a quarter of the number he requested. Says that Oliver Smith suggests he write to William Prince, gardener in Flushing, Long Island "who can supply you with a greater variety and of the best kind, than any other person on the Continent, he makes a business of it…

GLC02437.05873

26 October 1793

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Apologizes for opening the enclosed letter (not included). References receiving two letters from Knox. Tells Knox his desire for an oval room instead of a square one can be effected. Mentions a vessel that shipwrecked going from Kennebeck to Boston and reports their friend John Gardner [probably John Gardiner] died in it. Encloses a copy of one of the 300 notifications he had printed up (not included). This appears to be a reference to the squatters on Knox's land. States he is especially concerned about timber that might be cut down this winter. Comments "its only necessary to…

GLC02437.05954

28 April 1794

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox the contractors and Masons; set the house in its current spot instead of moving it as Knox had requested. Discusses the letter he sent to Mr. [Thomas] Vose regarding supplies. Notes he informed Vose to purchase supplies from suppliers who are indebted to Knox. Also mentions banks are calling in their loans but Knox may be able to renew a portion of the loan. Informs Knox a Captain Scott arrived from London with some papers. Discusses full freighted ships sailing to the United Stated and the war in France (French Revolution). Mentions he never received the letters or papers…

GLC02437.06087

16 December 1794

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Requests Knox gives Colonel Clayborn his permission in writing to change the dimensions of timber used for building a frigate. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.06274

7 July 1795

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he is talking with a surveyor about getting a survey for land. Writes about a six year old mare he sent to a friend and mentions a treaty, most likely the Jay Treaty (signed in Nov. 1794). Also mentions British and Bermudian privateers who have been attacking American ships.

GLC02437.06459

15 November 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that Ben, possibly Benjamin Hichborn, and Sam Gardner, will consider Knox's unspecified proposal. Reports that Captain Thomas Vose, who was overseeing affairs on Knox's Maine lands, was in town the previous week. Vose fears that a ship sailing from the St. George River was lost at sea. Adds that Knox's coachman, William, was on board. Notes that the people who live on Knox's land are late in their payments because of Brown's petition, and they will not make any payments as long as the petition's status is uncertain in the [General] Court. Encloses a letter from William Frost (not…

GLC02437.04415

13 September 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to ask Knox to recommend Mr. [Moses Michael] Hays for the position of Collector of Newport, Rhode Island, when Rhode Island's statehood becomes official (see GLC02437.04355 for Hays's request for the position). Relates that Hays lived there for many years before the war. Describes Hays as a gentleman of the "first Honour & Integrity" and comments on his business successes and loyalty to his family and the federal government.

GLC02437.04356

20 September 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received Knox's most recent letter, and is glad to hear his daughter Julia has recovered completely from her illness. Relates that all the members of the Society of the Cincinnati in Boston were invited to dine aboard a ship, the Leopard, whose captain is also a Society member; also describes another feast aboard a boat, to which the Governor was invited. Describes a dinner the Cincinnati are throwing the following week. Mentions that "little Isaac" (likely Isaac Winslow, Jr.) recently returned from "the Eastward" (likely the Waldo patent lands) and is very happy with the job Captain…

GLC02437.04362

8 November 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Describes his trip back to Boston as a "most disagreeable and damnable passage of five days ..." Still suffers from the voyage, noting: "at this moment the Sea is rolling in my head, and the Room and Chairs... if ever I am caught again in the sound I pray I may be committed to a mad house as a lunatic." States that he had wanted to discuss "a misunderstanding which took place on the day of the arrival of the President," but will have to put it off since he is not feeling well. Relates that his parents are in ill health and are declining fast. Asks Knox to give his regards to Lucy Knox and…

GLC02437.04408

22 December 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a mutual, unnamed friend, stating "we are much deranged at our friend's delay, as we are in expectation every moment of some one taking the alarm , & persuing [sic] him - " States that the friend must have departed on a vessel to somewhere in Europe.

GLC02437.03733

12 December 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Complains about the increased distance between them but says if they "continue to write on Sundays, we shall hear from each other the middle of every week." Worries Knox's new and unfurnished house might cause illnesses in his family during this time of year. Discusses Knox's wallpaper and the severe weather in Boston. Mentions that [Sylvanus] Bourne "is choosen Fed-Rep for the County of Plymouth." Says he has found a relief in his head by "bleeding and regular diet." Also expects that "exercise and temperance" will help him fully recuperate. Writes, "by every Vessell from Europe the…

GLC02437.04795

14 December 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Notes this letter will be delivered by Major Samuel Gatchell. Tells Knox that Gatchell is interested in an appointment to one of the cutters ordered by Congress. Attests to Gatchell's "reputation and honor."

GLC02437.04796

9 January 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses his joy on finally hearing from Knox: "a Lover never received a Letter from his Mistress with half the pleasure that I received yours of the 28th [of December]." Talks about Knox's wallpaper and the trial of Knox's "Coachman." Jackson's news includes "a confirmation that the dispute between England and Spain is made up.-this comes by a ship which arrived here yesterday from Halifax." Jackson is disappointed that there won't be a war. Jackson did not accept an appointment to the militia because he is waiting for the one that Governor Bowdoin granted him before he died. Jackson is…

GLC02437.04820

12 July 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he is sorry to "hear of the situation of your poor little fellow Washington, but as I did not hear from you last evening, I please myself he is better, which I pray god may be the case..." Sends news of their mutual friend Shaw, who is home and "will be disappointed if he does not meet with the kindest reception from his sweetheart" and so states that Knox "must prepare the way." Goes on to describe Shaw's ship ("the most perfect ship ever built in America") and nomination of officers. Notes that "the Impost Law is passed & approved by the President..." Mentions the trouble…

GLC02437.10222

16 October 1785

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes largely on financial subjects. Mentions a Mr. Appleton, and his attempts to get 20 associates to join. Also refers to a Mr. Sherbourn and a meeting with proprietors, and asks Knox about signing a bond they will be sending. Mentions that he has not heard anything about Lyde (likely the Captain of the boat Henry's brother William is travelling on to America) but that it is "momentarily expected." Adds that "Young Joshua Blanchard last week closed his doors, many others will soon follow," possibly referring to the financial difficulties many shopkeepers in Boston were having after the…

GLC02437.03208

8 April 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expects the clothing for his men the next day and writes that "I pass'd yesterday at the Castle, [most likely Castle Island] & Inspected my Recruits, they are a fine body of Men, & want nothing but their Clothing to make them perfectly happy - " Hopes Knox will be able to influence Congress not to disband any of the troops, "Congress certainly will not disband any of the Troops without consulting the Secretary at War - I therefore flatter myself you will make such arrangements as to continue me in service..." States that [Nathaniel] Gorham is violently opposed to any troops being…

GLC02437.03514

27 May 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Encloses a bill of exchange (not present). Notes that their mutual friend, Samuel Breck, requests Knox to put the bill on board a ship bound for France. The bill will pay for Breck's son's educational expences in France.

GLC02437.03555

9 October 1781

Hunter, James, fl. 1781

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Duplicate of GLC02437.01217. In response to Knox's letter ordering Hunter to send iron and ordnance to James River (GLC02437.01193), Hunter explains how he has complied and what problems he has encountered. Also mentions naval engagements involving Dutch ships. The Continental Army was then executing the siege of Yorktown.

GLC02437.01216

27 June 1794

Humphreys, David, 1752-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Introduces a Captain Heysell to Knox. Informs Knox that Haysell is a commander of a Danish ship and is interested in purchasing American ships for the Danish merchant service. Comments, "I shall be happy to learn that he shall have been instrumental in promoting the commercial intercourse between the two Countries."

GLC02437.06126

9 December 1797

Ingraham, Joseph, 1762-1800

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks Knox to sponsor him as he is applying for a position as first lieutenant on board the frigate, the USS Constitution.

GLC02437.07062

26 June 1779

Lee, Richard Henry, 1732-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Whipple

Colonel Lee, a Continental Congressman, discusses politics with Whipple, who was in Congress in Philadelphia. Of Virginia, states "We have neither wicked ... or foolish Politicians here, whose misconduct makes us fear for the safety of our country. I have frequently admired the philosophic ease with which you have contemptuously viewed proceedings in Congress that Town shocked me exceedingly." Mentions Samuel Adams's departure from Congress. Requests that Whipple, chairman of the Marine Committee, order several frigates into the Chesapeake Bay stating "The Confederacy & the Boston can…

GLC06411