5 April 1794

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, discussing General Israel Chapin's negotiations with the Six Nations (possibly referring to the Canandaigua Treaty of 1794). Notes that the Treaty should take place apart from British agents and spies. Copy made 8 February 1854. Original of this letter is GLC02437.09428.

GLC02437.09348

20 October 1788

Tracy, John, fl. 1789-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Plans to visit Marietta, Ohio in the next few months. Asks Knox for letters of introduction to General Arthur St. Clair, Governor of the Northwest Territory, and other notables in the area. Docket notes that this letter was answered and letters were sent to St. Clair, General [Josiah] Harmar, and Major [Isaac] Craig.

GLC02437.04006

25 October 1789

Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Describes the situation in western Georgia concerning negotiations with the Creeks. The Commission has not succeeded as of yet in negotiating a treaty with the Creeks. Mentions violence along the frontier between Native Americans and white settlers, including incidents in which Native Americans attacked forts and burned them. Reports that the Spanish have concluded a treaty with the Creek Nation, and that Creek leader Alexander McGillivray was involved. Describes the Creeks as "numerous & insolent, until they were made to experience our superiority in the Field..." Suggests a…

GLC02437.04397

20 March 1790

Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Answers Knox's question regarding the number of muskets "received from the Spaniards by the Creeks," stating that the number is 6,000. Reports that "our Mr. McGilvery," a Georgia planter, has told him that "the Spaniards had not when first demanded, a sufficient number of that kind of smooth bore arms, that suited the Indians, that a vessel was dispatched to the Bahamias [Bahamas] in in [sic] order to procure as many as were deficient, & that the[y] had all actually arrived whilst he remained with his namesake the Indian McGilvery..." (Creek leader Alexander McGillivray). Discusses the…

GLC02437.04556

12 May 1790

Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for sending three more companies of men to him, as he believes this will help deter the Indians from hostilities. Provides the opinion of Creek leader "McGilvery" (referring to Alexander McGillivray), who believes that it is likely some Creeks will reinitiate hostilities because they feel the truce between the government and the Creeks has expired. McGillivray requested to the Governor that a government agent be sent to meet with the Creeks. Therefore, a group of commissioners will be sent in an attempt to sue for peace. Also remarks, "It's also said that Mr. McGilvery is to…

GLC02437.04604

25 December 1789

Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

General Wayne acknowledges a letter from Knox of 28 November and talks about information on a possible treaty between the Creeks and the Spanish government. Wayne gives his opinion of rifles "when a professional gentleman who had been in the British services, asked my Opinion of the efficiacy of rifles, to the fire of which the British attributed in great degree the loss of that Army - I gave my sentiments very candidly, that I thought them a very improper arm for an Army, that a few of them in the hands of expert marksmen might occasionally be servicable for small desultory parties, when…

GLC02437.04808

7 July 1794

Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Copy of a letter describing the build up to the Battle of Fallen Timbers. States Major [William] McMahon was attacked at Fort Recovery by a large band of Indians early in the morning. Reports the attacks lasted all day and night, and throughout the next day before the Indians were finally forced to retreat. Eight to ten bodies were found dead. Comments the real goal of the "savages" was to take the fort by a "coup de main." Notes the camp was left short on supplies and it appears the soldiers killed and ate a number of the pack horses. Reports three small parties of Chickasaw and…

GLC02437.06137

16 July 1794

Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Clerical copy in the hand of War Dept. clerk Samuel Lewis. Discusses the Indians retreat from Fort Recovery and the routes they took. Believes the Wabash Indians and Patawatimes Indians, ranging from 250 to 300 each, broke off from the main body that was heading for Grand Glaize and took different trails. Informs Knox he has several parties collecting information on the British and the "Savages" at Grand Glaize and Roche de Bout, Ohio. Mentions he will be leaving in four to five days, heading towards Grand Glaize, Ohio. Provides details on the route and plan he will take once he arrives…

GLC02437.06147

5 December 1794

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Anthony Wayne

Congratulates Wayne on his success and wishes to end a dispute between Wayne and another general (possibly James Wilkinson; see GLC02437.10308). Mentions that he thinks there will be a pay raise for noncommissioned officers and privates. Writes that "I believe this will be the last letter you will receive from me while I am Secretary of War. I have never attended to my private affairs, and I have a growing family. I must be more attentive, or an unpleasant old age will be stealing up on me." Watermarked "J Watt & C Patent Copying/Sold by J Woodmason/London." Letterpress copy.

GLC02437.10315

13 October 1788

Vanderburgh, Henry, 1760-1812

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from "Post Vincennes," present-day Vincennes, Indiana. Vanderburgh predicts an increase in the number of troops raised. Solicits reappointment "either in the line or staff of the army as would enable me to serve with honor." Docket notes, "Wants employ."

GLC02437.03996

13 May 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Mr. Doughty

Writes to inform the addressee that a report is circulating "on the frontiers" that the addressee's son ,Major [John] Doughty, may have been fired upon by a party of Indians while traveling on the Tennessee River. Is not sure of the details of the situation; fears the reports have been exaggerated. Believes it is likely that the boat was indeed fired upon, that Major Doughty "thought it prudent to retire," and that the boat did not ultimately fall into enemy hands. Resolves to provide further information when he receives it. (See GLC02437.04628 for what may be a follow-up letter.)

GLC02437.04606

16 June 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Mr. Doughty

Writes in reply to an earlier inquiry regarding the recipient's son (Major John Doughty). Wishes he could relieve the recipient's stress. Encloses a letter he originally sent via Mr. David Ogden, but believes at the time it was "not delivered lest it should excite in your breast fears which might be groundless." In the month since the letter was originally written, he feels more hopeful for the fate of the son: "My last letters from Genl Harmar were dated the 5th of April - and the boat was said to have been fired upon the 2d of March - If the fact was true of your sons being killed as has…

GLC02437.04628

25 July 1790

Van Berckel, Franco Petrus, fl. 1790

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Thanks the recipient for visiting with [Alexander] McGillivray. Hopes that the recipient and McGillivray can come to dinner since he missed their visit. Possibly written to Henry Knox.

GLC02437.04660

circa 1770-1806

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document

Title: [Transport by ship]

Discusses travelling and the transport of goods by ship.

GLC02437.08207

5 November 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to [Samuel Cooper Johonnot]

Writes in reply to a letter sent requesting assistance in obtaining a commission in the United States Army. States that "at present all vacancies are filled by the States..." and says it is unlikely more troops will be raised unless an Indian war breaks out. Adds that "the troops in service will of course in a year or two be modified agreably to the powers of the new government..." Watermarked "C Taylor." Recipient inferred from content of this document and GLC02437.04014.

GLC02437.10214

27 September 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Mercy Otis Warren

References receiving two letters from Warren "covering letters for your son." Writes that he will receive and forward her letters with pleasure. Assumes her son started out for Fort Washington in the Ohio Territory about 15 September, noting that troops are being sent to the area "in order to establish posts on the Miami River which empties into Lake Erie." Asserts, "The force is so respectable that it is not expected they will not meet with hostile Indians - the distance from you about 1400 miles." Tells her he should have answered her letter earlier, but he was sick with a fever and has…

GLC02437.05171

23 May 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Walker

Discusses more business with William Duer, along with various other financial transactions. Mentions purchasing a tract of land and the Penobscots in Maine. Watermarked "G R" inside a crest.

GLC02437.10250

circa 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document

Title: Statement - troops

Dated 18 September and 11 or 12 October, but no year provided. On 18 September there were 2,120 effective troops. Received an additional 242 troops on 11 or 12 October. Notes 600 killed and wounded, leaving 1,762 troops. After receiving additional troops he notes a total of 2,320 soldiers at the bottom of the document. In Knox's hand. Title taken from docket.

GLC02437.08427

31 August 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document signed

Title: [Receipt]

Signed in text by Knox "Genl Knox." Also signed by William Hull. Notes that Knox gave $540.74 to William Hill "on account of supplies furnished the indian commissioners." Half the page contains a list of names and sums of money that may be unrelated.

GLC02437.04344

1 September 1789

Bauman, Sebastian, 1739-1803

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Receipt]

Receipt for 350 dollars given by Henry Knox to Sebastian Bauman for supplies furnished to the commissioners for negotiations with the Southern Indians. A possibly unrelated list appears at the top of the page in a different hand (perhaps that of Henry Knox).

GLC02437.04347

1 April 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document

Title: [Minutes, whereby to give information and opinions to a Committee of the Senate] [incomplete]

Starts with the third point, which is to "prevent intrigues, and depredations of the cunning and lawless [whites] and to carry into effect the decisions of Congress from [time] to [time] relative to the frontiers. Discusses "unauthorized expeditions in to the Indian Country," and the "late sale of Georgia..." Continues to list goals such as preventing the "usurpations" of the public lands, surveying land to sell for the purpose of relieving public debt, and the use of troops to keep order. Point five discusses methods of promoting friendly relations with the Chickasaw & Choctaw Indians…

GLC02437.04572

22 October 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jeremiah Wadsworth

Mentions the probability of war with the Indians and advises on the need to make preparations. Encourages the promotion of Major [possibly John] Wyllys, an "excellent officer," to the frontier forces. Discusses the "Philadelphia arrangement," perhaps referring to a loan Wadsworth was working on with Robert Morris in which Congress would borrow money from them against future income from the treasury.

GLC02437.03318

5 August 1790

Street, Samuel, fl. 1790

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jeremiah Wadsworth

Considers the implications of a recent diplomatic success Colonel [Alexander] McGillivray had negotiating on behalf of the Creek Nation. McGillivray recovered for the Creeks land that the governor of Georgia had given to Georgia citizens. He declared that under the law, the President had to help protect Indians' rights and allow them a redress of grievances. Street hopes that a similar dispensation will be given to the Five Nations. Declares that in the same law, "the President is vested with power to make such order respecting the Indian Tribes which are surrounded in their settlements…

GLC02437.04670

17 May 1793

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to James Wilkinson

Later copy. Thanks him for the various letters and the news they conveyed. Says "I am persuaded that your good sense as well as inclination will lead you to unite cordially with General Wayne, and to promote a Spirit of harmony throughout the several corps." Mentions that Brigadier General Thomas Posey is delivering this letter. He is "a gentleman from whom I flatter myself, the service will derive solid benefit." Believes Posey will arrive in time to accompany Mrs. Wilkinson down the Ohio River. Reports he has told both Mrs. Wilkinson and Colonel Biddle "the pleasure your conduct gave…

GLC02437.05893

3 January 1822

Hobart, Nathaniel, 1758-1838

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Hobart

Informs his nephew that he witnessed the ordination of Reverend Samuel Spring "and saw him inducted into the pastoral office over the church & congregation of the old parish." In regard to family news, he notes that that he was in Hanover for Christmas, "there appears to be a famine," and Mr. Whitman has moved into a new house. Asks about the progress of the bankruptcy law and if there will be a congressional investigation into "the controversy between General [Andrew] Jackson and the Spanish..."

GLC06313.04.128