4 October 1781

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses news of the siege of Yorktown, mentioning the activities of the Marquis de La Fayette and naval engagements between French Admiral Compte de Grasse and British Admiral Thomas Graves. Reports that Congress has received indications of the capture of Lord Cornwallis, but faulty intelligence from the past has made them skeptical. Discusses his upcoming business trip to Europe and seeks his brother's approval. Explains his sale of stock to finance the trip and plans to travel by French frigate. Explains his plans in case ships with cargo he owns arrive in Boston after his departure…

GLC02437.01207

29 October 1781

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

He is leaving for Europe tomorrow on a French frigate commanded by Count De Grasse. Remarks that in his haste the contents of this letter are only things of greatest importance. Discusses leaving his store with Joshua Loring, arranging for a Mr. Pierce to serve as Henry's attorney and leaving important papers with him. William does not know how long his trip will last, but his plans will be affected by the prospects for peace. Mentions business plans to transport hemp and iron. Comments on his funds for the trip, how he raised them, and expected costs. He will be happy to be able to…

GLC02437.01270

23 May 1782

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by William Knox to his brother Major General Knox. Mentions his travels to Flanders, Nantes (where he did some business for his Boston friends), and has stopped in Rochefort on his way to Bourdeaux. Wants to ship many things to America, but says he will hold back until after the peace is decided. Mentions changes in British govenrment and how they will assist in the peace process. Says the merchants are in favor of British troops withdrawing from America. Lord Shelbourne told them not to ship more goods to America in case of an evacuation. Says the British tried to get John Adams and…

GLC02437.01429

May 25, 1782

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Outlines arrangements he has made to ensure packages he is sending to Henry Knox will arrive to him safely. Relates that he has "packed the Epaulets in a little box by themselves" and entrusted them to the care of General Lafayette. Made the ship's captain aware of the gifts, and alerted Clement Biddle of their arrival should they land in Philadelphia. He also instructed a Mr. Du Quesne to give them to the local Quarter Master General should they arrive anywhere outside of Philadelphia, so they could be forwarded on to Knox. Adds, "Nothing further has transpired relative to Mr. Granville that…

GLC02437.01430

June 12, 1782

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Letter written by William to his brother Major General Knox. References a letter he wrote "a few days ago" and sent from Roquefort (he spells it "Rockford"). Also sent sweetmeats, caps, hats, a pair of epaulets, and two pieces of linen. Says he will not send property to America until a definite peace is in place. Says the diplomatic situation is the same as when he wrote last, except for Admiral de Grasse's defeat at the hands of a British fleet in the Caribbean in April 1782. Does not know how this will play out it negotiations. After losing 7 or 8 ships of the line, Louis XVI has ordered "…

GLC02437.01448

April 8, 1783

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Letter written by William Knox to his brother Major General Knox. Makes several witty references to the length of time between their communications. Mentions the peace and says "most people here particular those in commerce are happy at it, those who are and who ought to be most discontented are the American Refugees who from either side have apparently but little to expect." Says he has only been in London for a few days after arriving from Holland. Says he saw Lucy Knox's family -- Mrs. Fluker, Mrs. Urquhart, as well as Captain Fluker and his lady. Says they are all well, but wearing…

GLC02437.02073

28 June 1787

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Confirms Knox's travel plans, mentioning a stop with Mr. [Samuel] Ogden, and declaring he imagines Knox will return by Saturday evening. Discusses mail Knox has received, particularly a letter from James White, the Superintendent of Indian Affairs for the Southern Department. This letter contains various enclosures regarding the Creek Indians, including White's correspondence with Creek chief Alexander McGillivray. Writes that "as these papers and his [White's] letter are of consequence we are copying them for the inspection of Congress in case of their being in session." Mentions the…

GLC02437.03594

16 September 1787

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses acquaintances he has been seeing while in Boston, including his visit with Mrs. Butler. Mentions the Governor (John Hancock) continues to be ill but that he hopes to see him tomorrow. Comments his old friend Mr. [Smith] continues to live more comfortably than any other in this town and that he [Knox] has taken pleasure in renewing his friendship with Smith's "genteel" and "moderate" friends. Informs Knox that the vessel he had previously written about (see GLC02437.03659) did not sail when expected due to weather. Notes the vessel left yesterday and without the company of "Capt…

GLC02437.03664

18 September 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Notes that Colonel [Edward] Carrington will escort Lucy Knox from Trenton, New Jersey, where she is visiting friends, to New York. Mentions The Alliance, a ship owned by Robert Morris. Was informed by [Alexander] Hamilton at dinner the previous evening that an unspecified business matter related to Henry Knox has not yet been addressed in Congress. Comments on a board appointed by Congress to settle accounts connected with the United States. The board consists of William Irvine, Abraham Baldwin, and Nicholas Gilman. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.03988

12 November 1793

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Flucker Knox

References two of Lucy's letters. Expresses how much he misses her. Says he will meet her on the road "before you turn off from frankford road." Says the city appears to be safe and "It is filling with inhabitants." Reports that "A Vessell however has arrived and more are expected of the unfortune [sic] people of St. Domingo, expelled there by the English, or Aristocrats, who is apprehended are infected with some contagious disorder." Notes measures will be taken to prevent any danger. Mentions that President Washington went to Reading to see a canal that is being built. Washington was…

GLC02437.05971

27 July 1800

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Knox writes his wife that he wishes to be reunited with her before she receives his letter. He writes that he has arrived from Providence and that their "son sailed from Newport in Capt. Libbey at one oClock, and as the wind was fair until this morning he just have gotten as far as the vineyard." Talks about how he will be doing business for a few more days in Boston.

GLC02437.07434

18 June 1794

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rufus King

Discusses hiring an agent for the building of the frigate in New York and the fact that he is looking for "a character of approved accuracy, and integrity, acquainted with the modes of obtaining labor and materials which will be required in the most occonomical [sic] manner and who would not be above attending himself to the details." Asks King to also recommend people for the position but "without giving them expectation. Mentions that certain supplies should be obtained by special contacts. Watermarked "J Watt & C Patent Copying/Sold by J Woodmason/London." Letterpress copy.

GLC02437.10302

15 October 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Written from camp 24 miles from Philadelphia. Sends this letter by Captain Randall, who had "the misfortune to be again made a prisoner after being slightly wounded in 7 or 8 places." Asks why she has not mentioned a gold watch he sent, worrying that the watch has been lost or stolen. Addresses Lucy's concerns regarding their future provision, assuring her to trust God. Reports that Continental defense along the Delaware River has hampered British shipping to and from Philadelphia: "If the enemy cannot get their shipping up Philadelphia is one of the most ineligible places in the world…

GLC02437.10455

7 August 1791

Jones, John Coffin, 1750-1829

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions that Captain Josiah Roberts has recently returned from Canton in China after a mission to procure information on free trade and the best markets. After returning with this intelligence "several Gentlemen of this town, have form'd an association, of which he is a member; and they are building a ship, to be equip'd & furnish'd in the most complete manner, and to be commanded by himself." Notes Roberts wants to sail to the northwest coast of America to procure furs for trade in Japan and the northern ports of China, "where the Flag of the United States, hath not yet had access…

GLC02437.05110

15 August 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to John Coffin Jones

References receiving a letter from Jones (GLC02437.05110), but does not note the date. Tells him it will be necessary to obtain a sea letter or passport signed by President George Washington. To get them the owner or owners must make an oath that the vessel and the cargo are the property of citizens of the United States. Also, the captain, officers, and most of the crew must be United States citizens. Upon completion of this he can help them get the proper paperwork.

GLC02437.05122

20 May 1790

Joy, George, fl. 1785-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he has tried calling on him several times, but was unable to find him at home. Writes that he wanted to recommend to Knox a friend, Captain John Foster Williams, who is applying for a position in command of a revenue cutter. Declares that Mr. [likely Alexander] Hamilton mentioned to him that Knox might be consulted in filling this position. Lists the characteristics that make Captain Williams a good fit for the position.

GLC02437.04612

21 May 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to George Joy

Replies to an earlier letter from Joy in which Joy recommended his friend, Captain John Foster Williams, for a position (see GLC02437.04612). Declares that if called upon to offer suggestions for this position, he will be happy to submit Captain Williams.

GLC02437.04613

6 June 1792

Kellock, William, fl. 1792

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [Samuel Shaw]

No addressee is named, but apparently Kellock is replying to a letter from Shaw written 6 April 1792 (refer to GLC02437.05403). Touches on several topics, including recent difficult weather for transatlantic journeys. Comments that the recent financial scares in New York and Philadelphia have negatively impacted merchants who trade to those places, such as those in London. Discusses the endeavors of their business associates in Ostend (such as George Bell), particularly upcoming ventures in India and China. A note at the bottom of page two, written and signed by Samuel Shaw, indicates…

GLC02437.05490

30 October 1798

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Edward Kelleran

Three letters written by Knox to various people. First to Captain Edward Kelleran discussing the cargo of a ship and payment of the crew. Second to John Gleason regarding the delivery of letters to Kelleran. Last to Waterman Thomas about the sale of goods. All noted as copies.

GLC02437.07182

29 March 1801

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Thomas Jefferson

Recommends Henry Jackson for the appointment to the office of Naval Agent (possibly the Secretary of Navy). Lists Jackson's qualifications, including his supervision of the construction of the USS Constitution, and describes Jackson as being competent in "all respects to execute the duties of the station cannot be questioned with propriety." Marked as private.

GLC02437.07516

13 October 1802

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Mr. Kerby

Letter is not signed but appears to be in Knox's handwriting. Discusses their mutual friend Mrs. [Sarah Lyons] Beaumez (Knox's sister-in-law) and the loss of her husband. Mentions Beaumez's sons (Thomas and Francis Flucker) and how he hopes they will be led down the path of honor. Also speaks of a cargo full of lumber which might be of service to the Navy. Docket notes letter as a draft.

GLC02437.07761

22 November 1793

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Jefferson

Informs Jefferson that "General Stewart declines accepting the appointment of Inspector for the port of Philadelphia and would have done the same with the naval office had it been offered to him. He says that he made the application at the influnce [sic] of his father-in Law, who is now convinced that the acceptance of the office would injure his commercial pursuits." Goes on to say that he enclosed "a letter from the Governor of Maryland" concerning "the capture of the brigs Cunningham and Pilgrim." Watermarked "J Watt & C Patent Copying/Sold By J Woodmason/London." Letterpress copy.

GLC02437.10285

20 September 1839

Eldredge, N. T., fl. 1839

Newspaper

Title: New York times and commercial intelligencer. [Vol. 3, no. 472 (September 20, 1839)]

Contains an article discussing the Amistad case. States "Very considerable doubts are entertained, I find, whether the grand jury will bring in a bill for any crime against the Africans; in which case the whole discussion will be on the various civil claims set up- namely, by the Spaniards to the Africans as slaves, and by the officers and crew of the Washington to salvage on the schooner and cargo..." Contains an advertisement for the Presidential campaign of Henry Clay. Includes notices of sale and scheduled shipping departures and arrivals.

GLC08812

23 July 1790

Newspaper

Newspaper

Title: Pennsylvania packet and daily advertiser. [No. 3581 (July 23, 1790)]

Reports act in congress to establish a capital on the Potomac River (Washington, D.C.). Conclusion of bill before the senate to provide for the national debt. Extract from a letter from Captain Colnet, aboard the Supply, one of the ships on Nootka Bay seized by the Spanish on 11 July 1789. News from New York concerning a funding bill in the legislature. News from the House of Representatives in Philadelphia. Congratulations to President George Washington on his recent election, issued by President of the Convention of South Carolina Charles Pinckney, and Washington's response. Proposal…

GLC08821

March 18, 1812

Madison, James, 1751-1836

Printed document signed

Title: [Mediterranean ship passport for the schooner Fairy]

Signed as president and countersigned by Secretary of State Monroe. Partially printed document permits the passage of the merchant schooner Fairy of New York, commanded by Philip J. Quereau. Notes that the schooner weighed 116 tons, was mounted with two guns, and operated with a crew of fifteen men. Numbered 68. Issued shortly before the War of 1812 when the nation was still under the Embargo Act.

GLC00002