5 November 1782

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by William to his brother Major General Henry Knox. Fears that Henry is worried about him as he has not written since he was in Rochefort (William spells it Rochfort), France. While there he sent some linen, epaulets, sweetmeats, and some other things for Lucy. Has been in ill health lately, which has caused some problems with his business plans. The plan involved a Mr. Soderstroom from Gothensburgh, Sweden, who was going to work with a Mr. Sears, a Mr. Smith, and himself. It fell through when William was not able to go to Sweden as Soderstroom wanted. Has not given up all hope though…

GLC02437.01701

20 October 1784

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Knox's brother writes, "I can only inform you I am happy to have recover'd from my late situation on point of health and spirits the want of which I have very unpleasantly experienced for many months," referring to his mental illness. Relates that his ill health did not permit an earlier return to America. Notes that his commercial friends in London have been indulgent, as his credit has expired. Discusses financial matters. Instructs Knox to send his mail care of Lewis Teissier, "one of the most capital merchants in London in the Spanish & French lines..."

GLC02437.03059

3 November 1784

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William Knox writes to his brother. Relates his plans to sail for the United States, noting that his desire to be with family outweighs the unappealing prospect of making the voyage during winter. Expresses his disappointment at receiving only one letter from Henry this year, but understands that Henry was unaware of his condition (William suffered from mental illness). Discusses financial matters and business prospects.

GLC02437.03067

14 June 1787

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relates that Henry Jackson had shipped some goods on behalf of Knox, but was unable to procure a bill of lading. Notes, "...upon the whole I think the step we have taken not an improper step in having those articles brought to this city, as they were not in the most hopeful train of being disposed by our friend who I believe is rather more of a soldier and a man of pleasure than a merchant..." As a consequence, William had to pay the same duties on the goods as if they were imported directly from Europe. Mentions a box of medicine sent to Colonel Harmar, addressed to the care of Samuel…

GLC02437.03579

18 June 1787

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to Knox about family and friends, including the illness of a daughter of Henry's. Discusses rent owed by Henry on his lodgings (see GLC02437.03583). Briefly mentions the "convention," the Constitutional Convention then taking place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Forwards some letters from Boston, Massachusetts.

GLC02437.03585

25 June 1787

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox on the health of his children, particularly his daughter Caroline, who is teething.

GLC02437.03589

26 June 1787

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox of his children's health, particularly Caroline, who "is so much better as to give us no concern respecting her health." Forwards a letter for Mrs. [Euphemia] Ogden, and ends with a line in French, while signing his name "Guillaume," the French version of William. Stamped "-York" on the address leaf, most likely "N-York." "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.03592

11 September 1787

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses his trip to Boston, where he met with Mrs. Hancock but Governor Hancock was ill and so he did not see him. Mentions visiting other acquaintances in Boston, including Mrs. Waldo and Mrs. Butler. Writes: "Last night or rather this morning a Corvette or Royal Vessell [sic] arrived in the Harbour of Boston in forty days from Brest with orders for the fleet and the Viscount de Beaumont to repair immediately to France, in consequence of which orders have been given to the Fleet to sail tomorrow morning. - This has a serious appearance and produces various conjectures - the probability is…

GLC02437.03659

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

21 October 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports War Office business. Discusses Lieutenant Pratt's recruits and his orders to march to Fort Pitt. Refers to matters in the Northwest Territory, clothing inspection and packing, and a [Congressional] committee's inspection of the War Department. Of the inspection and resulting report, writes, "I do not think it looks unfavorably to you- but which with defference [sic] to their great wisdom might I think as well have been left undone, as it acquaints the world with secrets, which should have been less extensively known." Reports that Robert Morris is in town, and the "Old Congress"…

GLC02437.04010

28 October 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William, managing War Office business in Henry's absence, reports on gathering clothing for an impending march to Fort Pitt: Captain Price arrived in the morning; Mr. Stagg has begun inspecting and packing 400 uniforms; Samuel Hodgdon organized wagons for transporting the clothing, etc. Refers to Lieutenant John Pratt (who will lead troops to Fort Pitt). Comments on his illness: "...I had a face like a pudding- and more pain than I know what to do with... my face is swelling while I am writing-"

GLC02437.04017

30 October 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William, managing the War Office in Henry's absence, discusses military business. Comments on transporting clothing in preparation for a march to Fort Pitt. Transmits news from Generals Josiah Harmar and Arthur St. Clair. Reports on St. Clair's news: "No treaty yet things look doubtful." Also remarks that [John] Sevier "is outlaw'd in N. Carolina." Notes that Mr. Martin (possibly General Joseph Martin), defeated the Chickamaugas in a recent battle. In closing, complains of a cold, writing "I am closely confined physicking fomenting and politicing."

GLC02437.04020

5 November 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses military preparations for John Pratt's march to Fort Pitt. Notes that Pratt passed through New York on his way to New Brunswick, where he will depart with troops to Fort Pitt. John Stagg, assisting William in the War Office, gave Pratt a fife and drum. William promised Pratt another month's pay. Mentions Samuel Ogden's procurement of wagons for transporting supplies to Fort Pitt. Notes that [Pratt?] is accompanied by Solomon Jennings, a deserter who was tried and punished at West Point. Mentions General Josiah Harmar and Ensign Luce. Comments on his recent illness, which was…

GLC02437.04026

9 November 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports news of the War Office (William was managing affairs there in Henry's absence). Discusses Lieutenant John Pratt's planned march to Fort Pitt. Refers to [Samuel] Hodgdon's organization of wagons for transporting clothing. Admits that he granted Pratt another month's pay when Pratt pressured him; Pratt also obtained a month's pay to "four old soldiers" under his command. Notes that he has been housebound due to a recent illness (a cold accompanied by a swollen face), but he is able to work at home. Philip Audebert, War Office clerk, "attends constantly" at the War Office. Lists…

GLC02437.04028

12 November 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William, managing affairs at the War Office in Henry's absence, reports on military matters. Mentions Lieutenant [John] Pratt , [John] Stagg, Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth and others involved with the logistics of organizing Pratt's march to Fort Pitt. Discusses clothing, wagons, and horses readied for the march. Comments on Ensign Luce, who was to join Lieutenant Pratt on his march to Fort Pitt: "The only trouble was with Luce, who was arrested for debt by a variety of people at Brunswick where he has a pretty bad name... indeed he is a bad bargain to the U States." Discusses the daughter…

GLC02437.04031

4 August 1790

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses dinner engagements with various friends. Mentions that a Mr. LaTombe expects a large number of French trade ships to arrive from the West Indies soon, so they may avoid traveling during the rainy season. Reports that General [Henry] Jackson has gone to Portsmouth along with Mr. [Benjamin] Hichborn (see GLC02437.04666 for related information). Adds that Jackson's mother seems very ill. Declares that the elder Isaac Winslow wants Knox to complete certain deeds that he sent. Discusses potential changes in Congressional representation in upcoming elections, and mentions possible…

GLC02437.04668

28 September 1790

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William Knox describes to his brother, Henry Knox, that the winds were not in his favor as they set sail from Sandy Hook, New Jersey. He has now reached Newfoundland. Remarks that he has not suffered any seasickness, unlike his other companions, Mrs. Green, who is still seasick, and Miss Hunter, who has recovered.

GLC02437.04739

16 June 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: to Marquis de Lafayette

Later copy of letter written by Knox to Lafayette at GLC02437.03276. Thanks Lafayette for the kind treatment given to his brother William. Discusses the affair of Major Pierre Charles L'Enfant, who had been sent to France in 1783 to purchase jeweled eagle badges for the members of the Society of the Cincinnati. L'Enfant returned to America in 1784 and brought back many badges purchased on credit. The price proved too high for some officers, which left L'Enfant in a bind. Goes on to say that the Society approved of L'Enfant's conduct and owed 630 dollars to him for his services in France…

GLC02437.03275

June 12, 1785

Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Previously thought Knox's brother William had returned to America, but he recently received news that he had been confined in a house in London since January because he was "disordered in His Head." Reports William is better and "in a few weeks will be able to go out, which he very much desires." Says he wanted to go to London upon hearing the news, but thought better of it as his travels would no doubt be noticed by many and might cause unseemly news about William to get in the newspapers. He sent a trusted family member instead, who has made sure William received proper care. He hopes that…

GLC02437.03155

September 17, 1785

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Marquis de Lafayette

References Lafayette's letters of May and June 1785. Says "I had the unhappiness previous to the receipt of your benevolent letter of June to be fully informed of my Brothers insanity." Goes on to say he recovered his health and reason. Says he has proof of this through William's letters and reports from other friends. Reports that William is now in London and will soon sail for Boston. In reference to Lafayette's assistance, tells him to moderate his kindness or he will be oppressed by his goodness. He would like to send his son, Harry, to France to study under Lafayette, but says the boy is…

GLC02437.03196

January 28, 1782

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the Excise Act and the response of New England Towns and ports. Mentions problems with currency and payments, and argues, "Our Legislative & Executive Bodies seem to be by far too large for so young a State - they swallow up an immense Sum of money, which might be better approximated to pay the army." Comments on local merchant vessels and mentions he has received word about the vessel Knox's brother William is on. Congratulates Knox and his wife on the birth of their son, and adds that since his own last letter Mrs. Peirce has had a baby boy as well, and that both are…

GLC02437.01342

17 September 1793

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Encloses a copy of a newspaper advertisement for Knox's land, which is up for sale to pay taxes (see GLC02437.05923 for an explanation). Asks for instructions. Hopes the yellow fever epidemic is abating.

GLC02437.05925

December 11, 1793

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Marked "Private" on address leaf. Reports that the ten proprietors met on 5 December. Even though he was not authorized to stand in Knox's place, he did so at the urging of Henry Jackson. Told them, because of a recent "advertis[emen]t on business," that Knox would be in Boston in May. The proprietors were upset saying that Knox has delayed since 1784. Notes they appear to want "to put the bond in suit." Says the Court of Common Pleas will sit in January. Mentions that Isaac Winslow has just gotten over an illness and will write about the issue. Asks about details of delivering a copy…

GLC02437.05992

9 December 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William North

In response to Major North's letter (see GLC02437.03368), Knox writes that he agrees that [John Francis] Hamtramck's ideas show him to be a good officer. Adds, "I am persuaded his solicitude for a proper discipline, will be highly approved by all military men." Mentions that he has written to the Board of Treasury on the subject of pay, and hopes that the letter may have the desired effect.

GLC02437.03369

12 September 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Ogden

Thanks Ogden for information related to a tract of land for sale near Ogden's residence (near Trenton, New Jersey). Expresses his opinion that the land is over priced, but nonetheless, he is still willing to purchase it. Sends his regrets regarding Mrs. Ogden's recent illness. Refer to GLC02437.03657 for Ogden's letter to Knox.

GLC02437.03661