1 September 1790

Maunsell, John, fl. 1724-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox he wrote his last letter to Knox on 4 August 1790. Says he has been holed up at home due to a sprained leg. Describes the military buildup of both the British and the Spanish navies. Is not sure what will happen when these ships meet, but speculates they will, "like ladies, courtesy to each other, turn tail to tail, and go home again." Relates that some people think this standoff is meant "to have some influence on the French Revolution, or the disturbed politicks of Europe." Comments on and laments the decision to move the government to Philadelphia for ten years. Asks Knox…

GLC02437.04710

6 November 1790

McKnight, Charles, 1750-1791

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he still owes Dr. McKnight a "small Bill... of two Guineas and 3/4" from the summer of 1784 when General Knox was living on Wall Street. Mrs. Knox had fallen ill, when she felt better she and Knox had left. Dr. McKnight was not there to settle the bill. On the second page of the letter, there is a receipt indicating that Dr. McKnight "received of General Knox five pounds, two shillings."

GLC02437.04772

14 September 1783

McDougall, Alexander, 1732-1786

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by General McDougall to General Knox. Says he will visit with Knox to finalize spending accounts of the officers. Says he has "written to Mr. Gaine in the most perfect secrecy, to print thirteen thousand Copies, of the Commander in Chief's circular letter, to the States, but no opportunity has yet offered, by which I could expect to receive an answer." Indicates that the circular letter's tendency toward mercy will appeal to the printer and other Loyalists. Reports the copies will be in pamphlet form because "I know that a Newspaper is read, torn or appropriated to such use, as, that…

GLC02437.02512

1 January 1784

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Alexander McDougall

Knox informs General McDougall of the death of Doctor [Hagan], who worked at the West Point hospital. Hagan was entitled to join the Society of the Cincinnati, and left behind a wife and young son, who are unable to afford "subsistence or protection." Reports that the boy is at Albany, New York. Writes "I shall make no apology for this communication being convinced that you will think it a case in point in which the society ought to interest itself." Knox was alerted of the situation by Doctor David Townsend, a friend of the family of the deceased.

GLC02437.02897

26 June 1785

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Manning

Knox transmits books donated from Granville Sharp in London to Rhode Island College (present-day Brown University). Informs Manning, President of Rhode Island College, that these books were previously in William Knox's care but William was "prevented by sickness from coming out to America" (William suffered from mental illness). Notes that the books were damaged in transit. Reminds Manning to send a line to Sharp acknowledging receipt of the books.

GLC02437.03158

February 10, 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert R. Livingston

Original of GLC02437.03790. Knox relates details of the Massachusetts ratifying convention: "On Wednesday the 30th ultimo, Mr. Hancock was well enough to take his seat in the convention. On Thursday he brought forward the proposition for adopting the Constitution, and for recommending certain alterations agreeably to the paper herein enclosed [not included]. The propositions were seconded by Mr. Samuel Adams, and committed to a large committee being Federalists." Notes that the friends of Hancock and [James] Bowdoin have united on the issue. Reports, "Handsome things are said of the open…

GLC02437.03793

8 May 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Knox reports that he has received from Lincoln his letter of 27 April 1791 and sent the enclosures on to a Mr. Lear via his servant Caesar. Knox says he will be happy to offer Dr. [William] Eustis "something worthy of his acceptance."

GLC02437.04942

14 April 1782

Moore, Thomas M., fl. 1782

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Major Moore to Brigadier General Knox. Introduces a Mrs. Hamilton of Philadelphia to him. Says that Mrs. Hamilton has a sister who was recently married to Lieutenant Colonel Johnston of the 17th British Regiment in New York. Says the sisters are close, but that Mrs. Johnston will be leaving for Europe soon because of ill health and asks Knox to help Mrs. Hamilton get a pass to travel into New York, which was still controlled by British forces. Mentions seeing Lucy Knox a few days previously. Postscript says Moore's father sends his regards and that Mrs. Hamilton has an acquaintance…

GLC02437.01389

27 June 1783

Maxwell, Hugh, 1733-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs General Knox that due to ill health, he was unable to march with the regiment and has temporarily returned to camp. Assures Knox that he will follow the regiment if he is better in a few days. Written from "camp." Docketed in Knox's hand.

GLC02437.02195

7 September 1785

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Doctor Monro

Writes a note thanking Doctor Monro of London for treating his brother William Knox's insanity. Is happy to hear of William's recovery and is very glad Doctor Monro's excellent reputation in America proved to be accurate in his successful treatment of William's malady.

GLC02437.03187

December 11, 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Lambert Moore

Knox requests that Moore send their son Henry home due to an outbreak of measles at Hempstead. Notes that two of his children "are emerging from the distemper, and two others must inevitably take it..."

GLC02437.04049

12 November 1781

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Written by Brigadier General Knox to General Lincoln. Says he was concerned for him, but hopes he is safe at Head of Elk, Maryland. Tells him to "pray take care of the trophies and carry them triumphantly into rome." Reports from Mount Vernon that Martha Washington's son, "Mr. Custis," has died. Says there is a pallor of sadness in the Washington home and that "You who know the tender feelings of a father in their extreme can form some idea of the affliction which must at this moment overcome Mrs Washington & the General." Says they are expected back at Mount Vernon in a…

GLC02437.01288

27 April 1791

Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received Knox's letter of 19 April 1791. Comments on "young Mr. [William] Balch" and calls him, "a wild citizen, yet I think he has many qualifications which will recommend him as an officer - He very well knows that he cannot sport with his character and hold his rank in the army." Talks extensively about the job of army surgeon and why Dr. William Eustis did not accept the appointment. Eustis could not be guaranteed a rank equal to his experience and "Besides the pay of the surgeon of a regiment, though handsome for a young Gentleman whose wish is to introduce himself into life is no…

GLC02437.04933

30 November 1802

Lincoln, Abner, 1763-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Introduces Knox to Isaiah Cushing. Notes Cushing is a young gentleman who wishes to settle in Thomaston as a physician. States, "Mr. Cushing is a young gentleman of talents & information & he merits the esteem & confidence of the informed, the wise & good." Requests Knox to make Cushing a kind offer.

GLC02437.07772

18 November 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Sympathizes with Knox on the painful treatment or cure for an unnamed disorder. Wishes he could come stay with Knox when he has the operation. Writes that he believes "Mr. Gerry's Letter has done great injury to the proposed New Constitution, more than he will ever be able to do good by a whole life of repentance - every thing went on firm & well until that damn'd Letter he has his influence with a certain party, of which your friend on Milton Hill is a principal." Is still hopeful since "all the liberal & most sensible men are highly in favor of it - they stand as firm &…

GLC02437.03705

27 April 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Refers to a recent "affray" in New York [the so-called Doctors Riot], expressing relief that Knox was not injured. Discusses a financial matter related to "Pierce's final settlement," arguing that he can make use of ten thousand dollars "without the least risque" (refer to GLC02437.03842 and GLC02437.03866). Notes that their mutual friend, Colonel James Swan, arrived in France. Marked "private" on the address leaf.

GLC02437.03862

24 October 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson describes his concern that two letters he sent to Secretary of War Henry Knox did not reach him yet. Jackson tells Knox that a Captain Barnard is in Boston and will bring "the article" Knox left when he returns. Jackson also informs Knox of the courtship and pending marriage between John Codman and Katy Amory. Notes that judgment against a man named Richard has been postponed fourteen days, during which time Richard must prove that he paid a debt. Jackson closes by saying that Governor James Bowdoin is very sick and not expected to "continue long." "Free" stamped on address leaf…

GLC02437.04755

31 October 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson acknowledges receipt of Knox's letter of 24 October 1790 and was pleased to learn that Knox had arrived safely in New York. Jackson and others in Boston had received word of a coach accident that severely injured Mrs. Knox and some of their children. "To the astonishment of every body, Governor Bowdoin is yet living," Jackson reports, "for a week past every moment was supposed to be his last." Bowdoin "is a good and valuable man, and his death will be much lamented by his family and the public at large." Jackson comments on the performance of Knox's horse, "Boston," saying that Knox…

GLC02437.04763

7 November 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Acknowledges receipt of Knox's last letter. Tells Knox that he has spoken with the ailing Governor [James] Bowdoin "respecting the Fish, and we have concluded to put on board the first Vessell bound to Philadelphia." Bowdoin died at 4 o'clock that morning. "He had his reason to the last moment." Bowdoin's property left to "Mrs. Temple" will be "put into the hands of the Trustees, and the income only at her command during the life her husband but if she outlives him, it comes into their hands and at her own disposal." Notes he had a visit from Mr. [Sylvanus?] Bourne, but Jackson had no…

GLC02437.04773

14 November 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Acknowledges receipt of Knox's "favor of the [November 7] (inclosing [Samuel] Shaw and [Thomas] Randall's Bill, and Mr. [Sylvanus] Bourne's Note)." Complains of a chronic "disagreeable feeling in my head." To treat this, his doctor "bled me in my right Arm." "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.04777

21 November 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Refers to his last letter (GLC02437.04777) he sent to Knox. Believes "by bleeding and a few Salts" the "destruction in my head is in some measure removed." Informs Knox that he is sending via the Fish Knox's "[wall] Paper" which is now "finished and a most beautiful thing." Mentions he is ready to deal with Sylvanus Bourne regarding their debt issue. The word is that Governor Bowdoin's estate is worth £60,000. Describes in detail how Bowdoin's estate is to be divided. Bowdoin left £400 "to the College."

GLC02437.04779

28 November 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Advised Knox and family to get out of Philadelphia in the summer or be exposed to "the unhealthy climate of that City in the hot Season..." Describes a severe snowstorm that has hit Boston. Mentions that Governor John Hancock is not well and "is not long for this world." Says the Governor's face and legs are frequently swollen. Notes Mr. [Sylvanus] Bourne has delivered all of his papers to Colonel [Benjamin] Hichborn. Says he is interested in hearing how Knox's horse "Boston" is working out for him.

GLC02437.04782

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

29 June 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Jackson Knox

References receiving his son's letter by Mr. LeRoy. Sent two pairs of shoes yesterday. Sent three shirts by Mrs. Stagg today. Six more will be sent when they are made. Writes, "It is the judgement of your Mama and me, that you are too young to alter the style of your dress - That long clothes would be ridiculous for you - That you have a sufficiency of clothes for the present." Tells him he will have what he needs, and instructs him not to be extravagant. Informs him that Dr. [Samuel Stanhope] Smith will furnish him with spending money as he sees fit. Says "As you see many persons of my…

GLC02437.05038

8 July 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Expresses his happiness on hearing about his son Henry's current situation. Sends Lucy news of various acquaintances, which he lists by number. States that he is sorry to hear of Mrs. [Abigail] Adams's "indisposition," noting that the Adams family has ordered their furniture to be shipped to Boston. Vice President John Adams plans to return to New York without his family. Reports that George and Martha Washington will be going to Mount Vernon the following Wednesday, and will not return until 15 October. Mentions the Ogdens, Mrs. Smith, the Izards, the Stewarts, and Count Andreani.…

GLC02437.05528