13 March 1794

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Requests Knox to deliver the enclosed (a letter?) to the French Minister, Mr. Fauchet. Asks Knox to speak highly of him when he speaks with Mr. Fauchet or Mr. [LaForet], believes it will give him additional strength to his situation. Reports he and Knox received a discount from the bank on some notes for 60 days. Comments on the high praise the Preceptor gave Henry (most likely Knox's son, Henry Jackson Knox) and of Henry's part in the next exhibition. Describes the new satin and silk clothes he sent Henry as extravagant, but says Henry is a good boy and deserves happiness. Writes that…

GLC02437.06061

20 May 1794

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions he has been dining, drinking freely, and enjoying the evening. Informs Knox he enclosed a letter from Captain Thomas Vose and Captain Gamaliel Bradford Jr. Describes Bradford's character and his past military experience. Recommends Bradford for an appointment and pledges himself on Bradford's behalf. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.06100

26 October 1794

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a business transaction involving [Thomas?] Goldthwait, [Thomas?] Edwards, Mr. [John] Bacon, and [Joseph] Peirce. Also mentions the amount of [bank?] notes paid out to various parties. Writes there is a gentleman here from the [Waldo] patent [lands] and he says "the people are now perfectly contented & happy in consequence of your late visit and the operation of Bibles - Rum - Spelling books - Brandy." Comments they obtained the looking glasses they were looking for from New York, New York. Notes he has enclosed a letter from a Mr. Harris.

GLC02437.06230

22 March 1795

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Long narrative about how Knox's son, Henry Jackson Knox, has been misbehaving in Boston and spending money excessively, particularly on clothes. Reports during one Henry's weekends with him that Henry "evaded and deceived me (Jackson) in every instance... his act and address, - the improper company he kept both male & female, seldom coming home until 11 or 12 O Clock - pockets full of money, and showing me in every instance, gave me great distress & uneasiness..." Reports after this incident he had a very pointed conversation with Henry and told he needed to return to Hingham the…

GLC02437.06375

February 13, 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Acknowledges Knox's letter of 30 January 1791. Comments that [James Swan] "is too sanguine in this business and his profits are only on paper." Notes [Sylvanus] Bourne is eager to settle his business affairs with them. Talks about the celebration of President George Washington's Birthday where they consumed "82 Bottles of Madeira Wine." Says the purpose of [Samuel] Ogden's visit to Boston is to "make a purchase of the remaining 2/3d of our Western Lands - Gorham and Philips having purchased the other 1/3d." Tells Knox that "a number of Petitions have made their appearance from the settlers…

GLC02437.04854

11 October 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the education of the son of a mutual friend [possibly named Sumner or Summer], whose legitimacy is suspect. Writes, "I am afraid whether I have any thing in writing that acknowledges him as his Son & that he ment [sic] to consider him as such with respect to his property." Forwards a letter from Dr. [William] Eustis concerning his desire to "have the charge of the Invalids" in Massachusetts (not present). Speaks highly of Eustis's integrity, and suggests Knox may want to appeal to Colonel [Alexander] Hamilton on Eustis's behalf, as Hamilton will be making the appointment.…

GLC02437.04386

1726

Leonard, fl. 1726

Book

Title: Book of species of goods by the Sussanna Capt. Leonard

The book accounts for the distribution of such goods as cheese, cider, molasses, rum, and butter.

GLC03107.04945

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

February 21, 1783

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Sends General Henry Knox a bass, caught near the port where Jackson is at present. Describes the fish as a Mr. Bass, a possible spy for the enemy and warns him to be on guard at West Point for a sudden attack. States that Knox should "examine him [Mr. Bass] well & if he will not give you a good account of himself, you had better cut him up joint by joint, ... pour hot melted Butter & Pa[r]sley over him & if he should then remain refractory, the best to be done with him will be to drownd [sic] him in good old [mead ?]."

GLC02437.01939

22 April 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he has received the two letters he sent, regarding the disbandment of the troops. States that "it is a cruel business - but I know it will give you pain, shall say nothing at this time on that subject." Discusses upcoming dinner plans. Also mentions a fire in Boston's Malt House.

GLC02437.03532

27 March 1791

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Tobias Lear

Writes about household affairs at Mount Vernon. Discusses the staff and forbids the steward from having wine. Asks him to keep the garden in order. Asks Lear to, "Furnish Mrs. Washington with what money she may want and from time to time ask her if she does want, as she is not fond of applying."

GLC06431

22 September 1783

Barker, Ananias, fl. 1783

Autograph document signed

Title: [Testimony]

Testimony concerning a lieutenant Wheaton. States that Wheaton "directed me to sell the same [rum] by retail at a cheaper rate than any person in of about the place, (which I did) ... "

GLC02437.02556

circa September 1783

Pratt, William, fl. 1779-1783

Manuscript document

Title: [Testimony and observations of Lieutenant Pratt]

Lieutenant William Pratt's testimony for the trial of Lieutenant Wheaton. Accuses Wheaton of shirking his duty and of arresting him without due cause. According to Pratt, despite being the commanding officer, Wheaton had tried to pass command to Pratt, and had Pratt arrested when he refused. Other charges include "Issuing an order totally unmilitary & ordering Lieut [Greenman?] in arrest for disobedience of it; compelling a soldier who was under his command last winter to give him two pair of boots & one pair of shoes, without compensation; pedling [sic] out goods to the soldiers…

GLC02437.02597

16 September 1783

Sherburne, Benjamin, fl. 1777-1783

Autograph document signed

Title: [Testimony related to Lieutenant Joseph Wheaton]

Testimony of Lieutenant Sherburne of the Rhode Island troops in the trial of Lieutenant Joseph Wheaton. Wheaton, while in command of the garrison at Saratoga, sold sundry items and rum to the soldiers for profit. John Thompson, Justice of the Peace, took his deposition. Note on verso states this is a sealed deposition to be opened in court.

GLC02437.10521

12 March 1804

Dennie, James, fl. 1804

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Account]

Lists transactions between Henry Knox and Thomas Dennie, listed by date. Signed by James Dennie. Most transactions are regarding wine and other alcohol.

GLC02437.08824

24 August 1805

Gleason, John, fl. 1796-1811

Autograph note signed

Title: to David Packard

Appears to be an order concerning $30 and possibly some rum for Henry Knox. Spencer Drake noted on 28 August 1805 the order was shipped in full.

GLC02437.09871

16 July 1799

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Francis W. Flucker

Knox tells his nephew Francis, "It is untrue that I refused to pay Dansforth for any authorized articles. I refused to pay for Ginn and brandy." Knox warns Francis "if you shall adhere to drinking such liquid fire, you will ruin your health, and debase your mind." Knox advises Francis to be an honorable person.

GLC02437.07287

1 January 1782

McDougall, Ranald Stephen, fl. 1782

Autograph document signed

Title: [to the issuing commissary at New Burg New Windsor or Fishkill Landing]

Relaying orders of General Alexander McDougall. Written by McDougall's son and aide-de-camp. Docketed by Samuel Shaw, Henry Knox's aide-de-camp. Orders that "Sarah Dean the wife of Moses Dean Sergeant in the Artillery Artificers" receive a ration for herself and half a ration for each of her six children until further orders. "No Rum is to be issued to her or the Children." On verso, an autograph note signed by Daniel Niven, Captain of Engineers, certifies that the document is "a true Copy of the Original."

GLC02437.01322

circa 1815-1860

Note

Title: to Philip Livingston re: desire to sell dried goods

The author of the note writes that his wife has rum and molasses, and could sell more dried goods if she had some.

GLC03107.04559

February 21, 1784

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Joseph Williams

Discusses provisions, medicine, and wood on hand at Springfield, where Williams is stationed. Refers to an enclosed order to Mrs. Pynchon (refer to GLC02437.02962) in which Knox requests that she turn over medicine and stores in her possession to the Continental troops. Knox's signature has been removed.

GLC02437.02963

13 June 1796

Willing & Francis, fl. 1775-1797

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by the firm of Willing & Francis. Reports that a shipment of wine has arrived for Knox, and the firm will store it carefully and await his instructions for disposition of it.

GLC02437.06773

January 28, 1797

Willing & Francis, fl. 1775-1797

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses sending wine from Madeira.

GLC02437.06907

19 May 1779-12 June 1779

Davis & Benson, Company, fl. 1779

Manuscript document

Title: [William Knox's account with Davis & Benson]

Knox purchased sugar, 165 gallons of molasses, and 16 gallons of rum. The total came to £1413.10.3. There was a previous balance of £86.9.9, for a total balance of £1500.

GLC02437.08488

7 January 1836

Halleck, H.W. (Henry Wager), 1815-1872

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Miller

Describes his early impressions of West Point. Describes it as "one of most delightful places on earth" in the summer, attracting crowds and steeped in Revolutionary War history that gives the place "a shade of venerable grandeur." In contrast, it is cold, lonely, and monotonous in the winter. He is critical of the institution, writing "The education we acquired is the highest order but the habits usually contracted are decidedly bad... I think it very doubtful about my remaining here to complete the course." Indicates that he recently finished his first year exam. Disapproves those "men…

GLC05560

26 August 1862

Davis, Jefferson, 1808-1889

Autograph endorsement signed

Title: on George W. Randolph

Davis's endorsement, written on blank leaf of Secretary of War Randolph's letter, discusses doing justice to General John B. Magruder and the recommendation that he be given a command in the Trans-Mississippi Department. Randolph's letter (the first two pages), dated 26 August 1862, defends Magruder against charges of drunkenness and incompetence during the Peninsula Campaign: "He must be acquitted on 'incompetence' altho on more than one occasion he may have erred." On Confederate States of America, War Department stationery.

GLC05740