3 May 1788

Cutler, Manasseh, 1742-1823

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks whether Invalid Regiments and heirs of those killed in battle or who died from sickness are entitled to army lands according to an Ordinance of Congress. Writes, "The Spirit of emigration to the western country is dayly increasing in the N. England States- we shall certainly have more than one thousand families at the Muskingum in the course of the present year, unless the natives should be so uncivil as to interrupt those already on the ground... Will all the Tribes who have relinquished their claim to ye lands we have purchased be summoned to attend ye treaty at Muskingum?" Assures…

GLC02437.03864

24-25 August 1786

United States. Congress of the Confederation.

Manuscript document

Title: [Congressional resolutions]

Copy, in the hand of War Department secretary Robert Pemberton, of three Congressional resolutions. The first resolution, dated 24 August, is based on the report of a committee to whom were referred two letters on the Moravian Indians, one of which was written by Lieutenant Colonel [Josiah] Harmar to Secretary at War [Henry] Knox. Resolution states that Knox give orders to Harmar to inform the Moravian Indians that Congress is happy to hear of their arrival at Cayahoga, and that they will protect the Indians at their settlements on the Muskingum. Specifies an amount of Indian corn Harmar is…

GLC02437.03296

24 June 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Knox signs with his initials. References receiving several letters from William since 7 April. Has no excuses for why he has not written more often. Says this letter will not be long because there is a ship in port that is just about to leave for Liverpool and this note needs to be on it. Says they are all well and situated comfortably near the city at Bush Hill, Vice President John Adams's house. Adams was away at Braintree, Massachusetts, so the house was available. Reports he is going into a good house in Philadelphia in the autumn. Is surprised that William is living "in a strange…

GLC02437.05027

20 July 1790

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Gives a report of his trip to Alexandria, Virginia, and the surrounding area. Mentions that he had dinner with the Washingtons at Mount Vernon. Says he would have stayed with a Mrs. House in Philadelphia, but the Attorney General, Edmund Randolph, arrived with a large family, so William had to lodge elsewhere. Discusses business he tended to while in Virginia and Maryland, and reports on the success of crops, including tobacco, corn, and wheat, in the area. States that Mr. [Alexander] McGillivray left Philadelphia that morning, and will soon see Knox in New York.

GLC02437.04658

3 August 1791

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References his letters of 27 June and 19 July that he sent to Henry. Has not received any letters from Henry since the one marked 6 April. States he has not met with any success in selling Henry's lands, not even a single serious offer. Says his feelers in Paris have not met with any more success, noting "The Scioto business has left unfavorable impressions at Paris relative to purchases of land in America." Wants to go to Ireland next week, but needs to secure a loan to settle his debts there first. Claims his prospects are bleak. Reports "I cannot tell what will be my fate," unless…

GLC02437.05099

14 July 1790

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses meeting Colonel [Marinus] Willet and Alexander McGillivray (Willet was accompanying McGillivray, on his way to negotiate a treaty with the United States). Notes that Willet "appears to have overcome great obstacles in the object of his mission..." Says that McGillivray introduced him to two chiefs who were traveling with the men. Willet informed him that McGillivray sometimes drinks in excess, but nonetheless, Willet thinks highly of McGillivray's abilities. Plans to visit Mount Vernon. Writes, "The people at George Town & this City appeared to be very much delighted with the…

GLC02437.04651

February 13, 1791

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Urges Knox to write him as soon as he can, or make Lucy Knox "overcome her natural timidity" and write him. He has heard of the General (Charles) Scott expedition in the Miami Country and of the casualties Scott suffered. Discusses in great detail the Turk-Russian war along with other foreign affairs. The Russians are not far from Constantinople; the Empress (Catherine the Great) seeks to drive the Turks completely out of Europe and listens to no offers of negotiations. Prince Potemkin said that the Empress would consider stopping the war on several conditions; ceding Moldavia and Wallachia…

GLC02437.04853

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

10 August 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the organization of troops in Pennsylvania. Mentions General [William] Irvine and troop movement and reorganization. Refers to an attack on a party carrying goods to negotiate a treaty on the Muskingum River, noting that Arthur St. Clair, Governor of the Northwest Territory, intends "to send a high toned Message to the Indians" and to postpone the treaty. Mentions a business transaction involving Samuel Shaw, Samuel Parkman, and Samuel Ogden. Reports that letters sent from Colonel Joseph Martin related to the Indians will be forwarded on to Congress. Encloses a letter from […

GLC02437.03958

21 August 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports on business in New York during Henry's absence. Forwards letters that arrived in the morning by packet. Two are to Lucy Knox from her sister. Another letter, apparently a duplicate of previous correspondence, is addressed to Knox from Samuel Shaw. In this letter, Shaw "seems offended with R[obert] Morris..." Also received correspondence from his friend James Webber asserting that William owes Webber money. Sent Arthur St. Clair, General Josiah Harmar, and others recent resolves of Congress. Encloses letters from Delaware Works (possibly from Samuel Ogden) for Knox. Reports…

GLC02437.03970

22 August 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William, managing the office of Secretary of War in Henry's absence, discusses the people in Boston and their opinion of him and Henry. Mentions the flourishing state of trade in [Boston]. Plans to take a restful two day vacation to the country. Received reports from Arthur St. Clair, Governor of the Northwest Territory, and General Josiah Harmar. They arrested six Chippewas suspected of murder. Refers to Mr. Martin's appointment by Congress as an agent to the Chickasaw and Cherokee Indians.

GLC02437.03973

4 September 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William, attending to business in Henry's absence, reports on white settlers' infringement on Cherokee lands in the western territories. Congress recently directed Knox to prepare troops to protect the Cherokees (the troops are to march from Ohio to Chota, a Cherokee town in present-day Tennessee). The troops are to disperse Congress's proclamation among white settlers "in the vicinity of the hunting grounds secured to the Cherokees by the treaty concluded between them and the United States Nov. 28th 1785..." William has sent copies of the proclamations to the Northwest Territory via Mr.…

GLC02437.03982

14 September 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William attests to his endeavors to keep affairs in order at the War Office while Henry is away on business. Reports that a Mr. [Joseph] Martin has been appointed by a board of officers "to command an Expedition against Chickamaga [sic] with 1000 men..." Martin noted that "the middle settlements and the Indians of the valley are disposed to Treat..." (refer to GLC02437.03982). Notes that Martin received a friendly message from "the Hangingman who succeeds the old Com Tassell." Announces that Congress voted New York to be the permanent seat of the United States Government. Relates other…

GLC02437.03985

16 September 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports on personal matters and War Office business. Relates that Colonel [Edward] Carrington will accompany Lucy Knox from Trenton to New York. Discusses reports from Governor Arthur St. Clair and General Josiah Harmar on Indians in the Northwest Territory. Says "many Indians have arrived at Fort Pitt...as yet it is uncertain whether they [sic] will be a great meeting of Indians or not, as many seem inclined to attend the Treaty at Detroit." Both Harmar and St. Clair fear "the worst consequences might be apprehended to the posts in case hostilities should take place, as it would be in the…

GLC02437.03987

7 October 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relates that the Ogden family arrived 6 October to visit Lucy Knox. Discusses letters from Arthur St. Clair (Governor of the Northwest Territory), General Josiah Harmar, and Majors [John Francis] Hamtramck and [possibly John] Wyllis. Notes that St. Clair's letter to Congress looks hostile, and that Hamtramck reported an Indian attack on a provision escort in the Territory.

GLC02437.03990

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

24 July 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Apologizes for not being able to visit her due to his job obligations but states that he will as soon as he can. Mentions that "something has occured relatively to the southern Indians which would seem to open new sources of difficulty." Discusses the children and future plans. Ends by stating, "The President [George Washington] is buried in solitude at Mount Vernon - I write no more to him than is indispensible in order to prevent trouble."

GLC02437.05557

17 June 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Lucy Knox [incomplete]

Writes to his wife saying that he did indeed write to her before, but that he later found out his letter was not delivered: "As I staid at Randalls I entrusted it to his black man, and it is now pretty evident he deceived me and did not carry it to the office." Also comments on recent attacks upon him in a newspaper: "I have read the attack in Adams's paper - The writer must be a fellow of diabolical sensation to be sure - It shall not give me pain. I shall put all those sons of darkness and envy under my feet one of these days but, the time has not arrived. The report of the Committee of…

GLC02437.05509

10 November 1793

Knox, Henry Jackson, 1780-1832

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Tells his father that he shall return to Boston tomorrow. Says Henry Cornplanter "wishes to go with me if you are willing. I think I heard you say, when he was at Newark that he might go to be under General Lincolns care." Hopes he can soon receive the gun he was promised. Says he will write the family about once a week.

GLC02437.05968

28 September 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rufus King

Knox signs with his initials. References a note King wrote earlier respecting a nephew of Judge [Abraham] Yates "entering into the military Line." Tells King an ensigncy has become vacant in the regular regiment and that he has told President Washington of the appointment. Fears that "you and his other friends may think that he ought to be in a higher grade," but it is not possible. Asks King to find out if the nephew is still interested. Heard from Ralph Izard that he (Izard) gave King a pamphlet on the [Yazoo] Company. Asks King and Doctor William Samuel Johnson to send him documents on the…

GLC02437.05174

6 July 1794

King, Rufus, 1755-1827

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a rumor he heard regarding a confrontation between the Indians and part of Anthony Wayne's Army. Says it is has been reported "that the Indians were victorious and had brought Forty Scalps into Detroit - that the savages had collected about Wayne's encampment to the number of 1200…" Believes Wayne's army is strong enough to meet the "savages" but he is concerned over supplies. Docket is in the hand of John Stagg, Jr. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.06136

26 August 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Thanks Lucy for her recent letter, and assures her that although his letters are shorter than hers, it is not from lack of love. Acknowledges receipt of ducks, chickens, and cheese. Writes, "The want of that refinement which you seem to speak of is or will be the Salvation of America, for refinement of Manners introduces corruption and venality. I grant you that most people are in a degree corrupt..." Compares corruption in "young" and "old" states. Refers to the "wickedry" of the British, noting "I had rather revert to the barbarism of the original nations of this Land, than have any…

GLC02437.10006

12 August 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Thomas Jefferson

Secretary of War Knox writes Secretary of State Jefferson apparently in answer to Jefferson's question about the upcoming ceremony to ratify the peace treaty with the Creeks (see GLC02437.04689). Provides information regarding who may attend the ceremony, and asks Jefferson to call on him to discuss the details.

GLC02437.04686

13 April 1791

Newspaper

Newspaper

Title: Gazette of the United States. [Vol. 2, no. 100 (April 13 1791)]

Page four contains "A Proclamation" from President Washington that selects, in accordance with the powers afforded him by Congress, the location on the Potomac River to become the capital of the United States. The boundaries of the proposed federal district are described. Two unrelated congressional acts appear on the page, one supplementing an act providing for the reduction of the public debt and another providing compensation for government clerks. Other articles in the paper contain "Discourse on Davila. No. 29," the conclusion of Massachusetts representative Elbridge Gerry's speech on…

GLC08795

23 April 1814

Russell, Benjamin, 1761-1845

Newspaper

Title: Columbian centinel. [No. 3135 (April 23, 1890)]

Claims that the Creek Nation had received a crippling defeat from General Andrew Jackson in Georgia. Describes battles between the French and Russia in France (as part of the Napoleonic Wars). Includes on page two an account of the Creeks' defeat by Jackson which took place on 17 April 1814.

GLC08777