2 May 1791

Hills, John, fl. 1771-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports to Knox his findings as he surveys the land and rivers for a canal. Says he has ridden along the river Chikabi for several miles. Comments that "hiring men in this part is very troublesome for I have been obliged to discharge two that I had, respecting that I wanted to Trepan them into Military life."

GLC02437.04936

10 May 1791

Hills, John, fl. 1771-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Captain Hills reports that he has left Springfield [Massachusetts] and is proceeding with his land survey. Lists the area he intends to cover, and offers preliminary results of the surveys.

GLC02437.04945

6 June 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to John Hills

Written by Secretary of War Knox to Captain Hills. References Hills's letter from Brookfield. Says that as Hills is still surveying the project must be promising. This is in reference to surveying a route for a canal from the Connecticut River to Boston (see GLC02437.04909). Says "I am not discouraged as to the height of 295 feet, nor even 100 more added thereto, provided there should be a sufficiency of water upon the high ground." Tells him to make his work as accurate as possible to bring himself honor and so that it will not have to be repeated. Tells him to send for money if he…

GLC02437.04977

23 June 1791

Hills, John, fl. 1771-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Hills as a surveyor examining ground for a canal from the Connecticut River to Boston. Hopes Knox does not think he was neglecting him, but he has been 10-15 miles off the Post Road and has been unable to send a message. Says he found the "Head of Chihabi" and that it is a noble water that runs two ways and empties into the Swinaporet River. Continued his route into Holden, Massachusetts and followed it by way of the "Half way river" that runs through Worcester, Massachusetts. Continued down the "Half way river" by way of Stone House Mountain as far as the Boston Road. Says he…

GLC02437.05022

30 June 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to John Hills

Written by Knox as Secretary of War to Captain [John] Hills, who was surveying a route for a canal from the Connecticut River to Boston. References Hills's letter of 23 June (GLC02437.05022), which gave him satisfaction. Writes, "In a work similar to the one on which you are employed, so remote from the contemplations of people generally, and of such magnitude, a person whose mind expands to the idea of its practicability and execution, runs no small danger of incurring strong and perpetual ridicule." States that Hills's last letter makes him believe something substantial is possible. Hopes…

GLC02437.05039

6 July 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Hills

Written by Knox as Secretary of War to Captain Hills who was surveying a potential route for a canal from the Connecticut River to Boston. References Hills's letter of 29 June. Tells him if he needs money to go to Joseph Peirce near "the Town house Boston." Says he will get 100 dollars when he shows Peirce this letter. Says he wrote to Hills on 2 July. Bottom of letter says that Hills was surveying near the Charles River and that this letter was put in the care of General Hull at Newton, Massachusetts.

GLC02437.05054

3 August 1791

Hills, John, fl. 1771-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Signed twice by Hills. Captain Hills references the letter he sent to Knox on 9 July. Provides an update on the proposed canal between the Connecticut River and Boston. Gives detailed list of the places he has scouted. Postscript says he has been away from his wife so long that he hopes Knox can send her $50.

GLC02437.05097

7 August 1791

Hills, John, fl. 1771-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References his last letter to Knox of 3 August (GLC02437.05097). Received a letter from Knox, which was delivered by General Hull, with a $100 order. Tells of his latest surveying efforts to find a route from the Connecticut River to Boston.

GLC02437.05108

15 July 1792

Hills, John, fl. 1771-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses dissatisfaction with his situation and states that he has not heard from General Jackson or Cobb on what his next action should be. Informs that if he does not hear anything tomorrow, he will return to Boston on the Tuesday stagecoach, "and wait for your further instructions for my proceeding Eastward."

GLC02437.05540

5 August 1792

Hills, John, fl. 1771-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he had, under the direction of General [David] Cobb, "begun to Survey the road from Worcester to the head of Long pond," along with the surrounding areas. Continues with a description of the lay of the land, including the brooks and ponds nearby.

GLC02437.05567

16 September 1792

Hills, John, fl. 1771-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox on his progress of surveying land for a canal. Discusses people he has met and writes saying that he will endeavor to reach Connecticut as fast as possible and that he will send letters from either Boston or Dartmouth College.

GLC02437.05614

6 April 1803

Gleason, John, fl. 1796-1811

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions that Knox's son [likely Henry Jackson Knox] has received his letters. Discusses the details of Knox's logging business. Also comments that an "old Mr. Wilson" is, with his men, putting in a new lock. Reports other matters pertaining to Knox's business, including shipping lime and the anticipated arrival of a gardener. Adds that Miss Caroline F. Knox, Knox's daughter, sends her love and is in good health.

GLC02437.07795

20 December 1791

Hull, William, 1753-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Extended letter concerning the earlier mentioned canal to be built from the Connecticut River to Boston. Describes interactions with Captain [John] Hills, the surveyor, including all of his offers to help Hills. Discusses a recent loss their troops suffered. Hopes the loss will show the importance of establishing a national defense and a proper military establishment. Both he and his wife send their regards to Knox and Mrs. Knox. In a postscript Hull asks Knox to remember his part of the country if there should be an augmentation of troops.

GLC02437.05267

4 March 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Updates Knox on the status of the canal project, and informs him that the Bill of Incorporation for it has passed in the House of Representatives and soon should pass in the Senate. Declares that the project has popular support. Also mentions debate in the Committee over a "Joint Report," and adds that Benjamin Hichborn represented their interests well. Intends the next day to purchase four townships in the Waldo patent lands, as they had discussed. Lastly, declares that he was offered the position of Major General, and would like to know whether Knox thinks he should accept. Sends his…

GLC02437.05332

18 March 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses possible amendments to the General Court's bill approving their canal project. Mentions his attempts to outbid Mr. [William] Tudor on a million acres of land (in Maine, in or near the Waldo patent lands). Also comments on the financial woes of [William] Duer, and how they are causing panic among the public. Relates that Dr. [William] Eustis has visited him that morning, who should be able to write Knox soon to accept his new appointment.

GLC02437.05361

1 April 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Declares that he was disappointed not to receive a letter from Knox regarding the canal project. Mentions that many businessmen are asking him when they will allow shares to be purchased in the canal business. Reports that their business associate Colonel [William] Duer's financial situation does not look promising, and that he has landed in debtor's prison (he spells jail as "goal," an antiquated form). Would like Knox to send him a deed. Encloses a recommendation from William Hunt (not present) for an unnamed young man to receive a military appointment.

GLC02437.05390

28 October 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses his approval that Knox has finally bought out William Duer's portion of the Maine land and asks for a copy of the agreement. Encloses a copy of a letter he received from Duer, stating that he will wait for further instructions from Knox before he does anything about Duer's letter. Says that Captain [John] Hills, a surveyor working for Knox, will travel to Philadelphia the following day. Discusses Knox's canal project, noting that Hills could not finish his survey due to the bad weather. Adds that the survey will soon be finished, and some final calculations need to be made.

GLC02437.05673

13 March 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Acknowledges receipt of Knox's letter of 27 February 1791. Comments he is anxious in finding out about what appointments will be made and when. Notes he has heard many reports respecting raising troops but nothing concrete has taken place yet. "We have had many reports with respect to raising of Troops &cc but nothing authenticate. a few days more, will bring this secret business to public view." Tells Knox that the "Committee on Petitions from the Patent have reported, and after some alteration by your friends in the house it was accepted, but you have nothing to fear from it, they…

GLC02437.04878

24 April 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson received Secretary of War Knox's letter of 10 April 1791. Comments on various military appointments and the recruits from Massachusetts. He says, "the Officers in this Town have inlisted five or six but they are not such men as you want for the service." Mentions that "gentlemen" in the area are pleased that Knox has sent people to survey the area for the canal. Writes that "Mr. Jonathan Jackson will try to hold both his appointments, that of Marshal, and in the Excise." Jackson does not approve. Gives his opinion to Knox about other candidates.

GLC02437.04924

19 December 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson describe the severe weather and snow that continues to afflict the Boston area. Notes with sadness the news he heard that General Harmar has lost 700 men [fighting Indians] and that "from every quarter an European War appears pretty certain-which I wish might bring out a South American expedition." The canal idea is "much talked of." Jackson advises that Knox write Judge John Lowell on the matter. Jackson is optimistic that enough money can be raised for the project.

GLC02437.04801

January 30, 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that Governor John Hancock "deliver'd a lengthy speech to both houses, it was a very good one, and well received, the question has frequently been asked, who wrote it." Mentions when Samuel Sewall took his seat in the Massachusetts legislature he was rejected from all quarters of the House "because he was a district Judge of the United States." A debate took place and Sewall's supporters included William Eustis and James Bowdoin, but they were in the minority. Writes, "many good Federalists are sorry that Judge Sewall made a question of this business." Talks about the favorable…

GLC02437.04841

1796

Fulton, Robert, 1765-1815

Book

Title: A Treatise on the Improvement of Canal Navigation

First edition. Quarto. With 17 engraved plates (some folding). Printed by I. and J. Taylor. Fulton's first important work. Fulton used this book to gain public recognition and indisputable credentials as an engineer. His plans and improvements for the Peak Forest canal in Manchester convinced the canal company to pay the cost of printing 200 copies of Fulton's book. Bound in original marble boards.

GLC06995

22 April 1796

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Ebenezer Dunton, Thomas Vose, and James Waller Head, and [Life] Wilson

Marked "copy." Includes several letters. The first, to Mr. [Life] Wilson, provides instructions for him to build a saw mill in the St. Georges region of Maine using lumber from Mr. James Waller Head. The second note, to Mr. Head, asks him to provide lumber to Mr. Wilson. The third, to Mr. Dunton, asks Dunton to provide Wilson with supplies. The last, apparently to Mr. Vose, provides a variety of instructions about a canal-building project.

GLC02437.06717

26 May 1818

Crawford, William Harris, 1772-1834

Autograph letter signed

Title: [Letter to a newspaper on how government can help fund internal improvements]

Writes about a resolution passed at the last session of Congress stating that "all companies or incorporations associated for opening roads & making canals which they may respectively concure, require & deserve the aid of the government ... " These companies may provide the Treasury with information about their ventures in order to receive patronage from the government. Goes on to detail the exact information necessary to submit a claim. Written as Secretary of the Treasury.

GLC05530

8 June 1788

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Oliver Pollock

States that upon receiving Pollock's previous letter, he was engaged in a business meeting with the director of the Potomac Company at Shenandoah Falls, Virginia. Declines Pollock's request for recommendation to Esteban Rodriguez Miro y Sabater, the Governor of Louisiana. Declares that such a recommendation would be improper, stating "I have never had the Lever of a personal acquaintance ... with the Governor- I do not feel myself authorized to take a greater latitude of freedom in this respect than any other unknown private citizen."

GLC05454