12 August 1775

Lee, Charles, 1731-1782

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Morris

Written by Lee as commander of the left wing of the army besieging Boston to Morris as a member of Pennsylvania Council of Safety, with special assignments to procure arms and ammunition. Written on Winter Hill, which is part of modern day Somerville, Massachusetts. Says Morris should not feel the need to apologize for offering recommendations since he has put a "load of jobbs" on Morris. Says the army is in need of medical personnel and that the talents of the draftsman Mr. Lakes are much appreciated. Can use more people like him. Reports they are in the same situation as the last time he…

GLC06645.01

24 April 1832

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

Autograph letter signed

Title: to M. Clerc-Lasalle [in French]

Lafayette's letter in French during the reign of Louis Philippe. Partial translation available. Provides advice to a friend of Clerc-Lasalle's on moving to America. Tells him about land policies in America and that his friend should learn English. Expresses anger at Louis Philippe's administration in France. Louis Philippe came to power with Lafayette's approval in 1830, but by 1832 he was claiming the King had broken earlier promises. Despite his waning influence and Louis Philippe's commitment to reform, he continued to fight the King until his death in 1834. Says all benefits of the 1830…

GLC06644

20 July 1782

Lee, Charles, 1731-1782

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Morris

Discusses his financial hardships and fear of France's growing power. Hopes Morris can sell his estate for him, since his debts are mounting due to high taxes and low profits. Also hopes Morris can help him secure funds he is owed by a Mr. Rutledge of South Carolina. The Rutledge family was a very prominent one in South Carolina. Is upset by Congress' claim that "they will have no peace however salutary until their good allies assent." Worries that this policy will lead to our aiding the French so greatly that they will come to dominate the globe, and become America's new oppressor.

GLC06645.02

6 April 1797

Pickering, Timothy, 1745-1829

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rufus King

References many letters he has received from King and others. Pickering writes as Secretary of State to King as American Minister to Britain. Expresses anger at the French Directory over exclusion of American representatives in XYZ affair. Says French seizures of American ships has taken on a systematic quality. Says there is "one consolation, that they have weaned us from our undue attachment to France." Claims sentiments in America are turning against the French Revolution after recent events. Mentions the scandal with Ira Allen of Vermont, Ethan Allen's younger brother. Ira Allen…

GLC06652

20 May 1829

Marshall, John, 1755-1835

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Mercer Garnett

Written by Marshall as Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court to Garnett, the well-known Virginia politician and agricultural enthusiast and pamphleteer. Recipient inferred from Marshall's reference to "your" pamphlet "Reply to the Enquiries of a Freeholder," which was written by Garnett. Marshall states his private belief that the right to vote must be tied to land ownership. Says not all rights that Americans speak of are natural rights. Remarks that some "rights exist in a state of nature, but are surrendered, as it seems to me, when he enters into a state of society, in exchange for…

GLC06682

12 September 1788

Morris, Richard, 1730-1810

Document signed

Title: [Successful petition of James Duane for speedy sale of Morris estate]

Twice countersigned by Mayor James Duane and once by Gerard Bancker, Treasurer of the State of New York. Chief Justice Richard Morris' certificate for debt due to Duane from the forfeited estate of Roger Morris.

GLC06555

February 12, 1803

Gates, Horatio, 1727-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Livingston

Revolutionary War general Horatio Gates, replying to a letter from Livingston, American minister to France, discusses the Haitian Revolution, the Louisiana Purchase, Napoleon, and other French notables. Writes, "I greedily devour every line that comes from your Pen, & View with anxiety the predictions you make upon the present appearance of the political conduct of The Great Man" (referring to Napoleon). Discusses Napoleon's intentions to conquer the seas and all nations, noting "This no friend to Civil Liberty can wish to see accomplished." Relates that James Monroe,…

GLC06611

12 March 1789

Rutledge, Edward, 1749-1800

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Written by Rutledge, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, as a member of the South Carolina legislature to an unknown recipient. References previous and more detailed letters he wrote to the recipient within the last two days. Says in case the letters have not arrived that Mr. Parker, the husband of a sister of Mrs. Rutledge, has offered him "a Proposition to give £85 a Head, for one half of the Gang - that is 24 or 25 - payable in good Bonds." Says the first installment is due in June. Says he thinks the price is a bargain if "the Negroes will come with him," hinting that they would…

GLC06687

16 December 1784

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mason Wheaton

Knox had been in correspondence with Wheaton, who was handling matters related to the division of the Waldo Patent among Samuel Waldo's heirs. Encourages Colonel Wheaton to "come up to this place as soon as possible, that we may finally agree upon the manner of carrying on the business..."

GLC02437.03077

January 10,1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mason Wheaton

Writes that the bearer, Captain Thomas Vose, has arranged with Knox to occupy and apparently rent farmland belonging to Knox. Asks Wheaton to deliver him to the territory at a time he and Vose can agree upon.

GLC02437.04082

25 April 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to unknown

Addressed to "My dear friend." Writes that he looked at all the newspapers "relative to the claim of James Bowdoin on behalf of his late father Wm. Bowdoin but...found nothing among Mr. Flucker's accounts or papers." Encloses a "paper in possession of Mr. James Bowdoin, and what I took from the paper delivered me by him what was in Mr. Flucker's handwriting" [not present]. Hopes the "legal impropriety" will "influence the commissioners to repeal it entirely." Continues to discuss business.

GLC02437.04925

2 June 1791

Duer, William, 1747-1799

Autograph document signed

Title: [Land purchase instructions for Henry Jackson and other agents]

Document is apparently written in Duer's hand and signed by both Knox and Duer. Docket is in Knox's hand. Document provides instructions to their agents for the purchase of a tract of land in Maine. Docket suggests General Henry Jackson was one of the agents. Knox and Duer tell their agents to alter the contract if circumstances warrant, but to avoid any major changes, especially in terms of price. They permit them to incur whatever expenses are necessary to quickly complete the transaction, and add that they will be reimbursed. They give advice on how to handle the committee of the…

GLC02437.04970

2 June 1791

Duer, William, 1747-1799

Autograph document signed

Title: [Principles of agreement between Henry Knox and William Duer and the state of Massachusetts]

Agreement of Knox and Duer to purchase lands in the District of Maine from the state of Massachusetts. Written in Duer's hand. The major stipulations include: an equal stake in the investment for both parties, a desire to pay only 12 cents per acre in no less than five annual installments, that only Knox and Duer are directors of this purchase with William Constable being given the option to join them during a six-month period after the purchase, and that Henry Jackson and Royal Flint are to serve as agents for the purchase. Goes on to provide stipulations that "subordinate parties" will…

GLC02437.04971

8 June 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Duer

Written by Secretary of War Knox to Duer. Marked "Secret." After receiving William Constable's answer, says that Samuel Ogden will write to the commissioners of Massachusetts "relinquishing any claim on the eastern lands." Knox says he told Ogden "if he relinquished and we purchased that he should have a handsome quantity without any advance." Says the eastern lands are exempt from taxes by law for 10 years. 20 families are to be settled on each township in 5 years. Says Henry Jackson will arrive tomorrow evening at the latest. Asks him to send the declaration that Duer, Constable, and…

GLC02437.04980

14 June 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to William Duer

Writes, "Mr. Samuel Ogden transmitted by the post yesterday to the Massachusetts [committee] a full [renumeration] of my claim on the eastern lands..." Says this will make things easier for Henry Jackson. Discusses the details of two drafts for $5,000. Has given them to Captain Randall and hopes Duer will accept them. Tells Duer that his son William has been injured in a fall.

GLC02437.04993

19 June 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Duer

Knox reports that Samuel Ogden decided to take the obligation for $3,000 in preference to the 50,000 acres of land. Asks Duer to draw up a joint note for both of them to sign. Adds that if Duer thinks it proper, Mr. Constable should also sign the note. Relates that by the last post, he received the deed from Henry Jackson, and he will have it copied and sent to Colonel Walker on Monday. Wants to know if he has any plans or prospects "relative to a sale."

GLC02437.05009

20 June 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Duer

Says Duer must have received Henry Jackson's letter of 12 June. Writes, "I flatter myself you have sent Mr. Flint or some other person in his stead. I am desirous we should secure the whole quantity of 4 Millions as I am concerned it is now or never." Says different names for land companies must be used to complete the sale. Hopes for a price of 7 or 8 cents per acre.

GLC02437.05015

26 June 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Duer

Knox signs with his initials. Is glad Royal Flint is in Boston. Says Flint has written to Duer on the progress of their negotiations, "which appears to be good." Knox says he wrote to Jackson about the boundaries of the purchase. Says "if they can execute the advice I have given they will do well." Wonders if he will see Duer soon, and calls Duer "a terrible correspondent." Thanks him for accepting bills. Is concerned about provisions on the frontier and says about 2,500 troops are marching to Ohio. Perhaps in reference to his land dealings, writes, "Charleston South Carolina subscribed…

GLC02437.05031

10 July 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Duer

Knows that Duer is a bad correspondent so "I have not suffered myself to be hurt by your silence." Congratulates him on their shared accomplishments in Massachusetts, a reference to their purchase of two million acres of land in the District of Maine. Reports that Royal Flint will be in New York on 15 July and that Duer can examine the relevant documents and maps then. Proposes that he will be in New York by 16 July. Tells him to use his "sensible mind" to handle any changes that need to be made to the business. Has written Duer repeatedly about preparing provisions for the frontier.…

GLC02437.05060

25 July 1791

Duer, William, 1747-1799

Autograph document signed

Title: [Agreement to purchase one million acres of land in Maine]

Legal document written in William Duer's hand. Signed by Duer, Henry Knox, Royal Flint. Knox also signed for Henry Jackson. The document states the four parties to the agreement "agree with each other upon honor to be equally concerned in the purchase of one million of acres of land in the Province of Maine - no parties to be admitted to this concern without the consent of the subscribers." The location of the land is to be determined by the parties. They also agree to make proposals in joint concern for the land belonging to the Indians on each side of the Penobscot River.

GLC02437.05084

4 August 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Duer and Benjamin Walker

Pages 1-2 contains a letter to William Duer. Pages 2-3 contains a letter to Benjamin Walker. Knox signed the Duer letter and initialed the Walker letter. Hopes Duer received the maps and that he will be in Boston with Royal Flint by 14 August. Says the committee will be together to collect the $5,000 and "it will be an excellent opportunity on the payment of that sum to commence the negociation for the additional million, and the conditional agreement to be extend[ed]." States much of their future depends upon the punctual payment of the $5,000. The letter to Walker says he has enclosed…

GLC02437.05101

5 August 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Duer

Initialed by Knox. Encloses Mr. Bruce's report on the eastern lands (not included). Congratulates him on their purchase of the Mount Desert lands. Says "This is decidedly a good thing." Mentions that Duer will see from Bruce's report "that it would be rather imprudent to us to take the second million between the Schoodie and Penobscot - I would rather we should negotiate by Jackson and Flint for a million north of the Waldo Patent." Wants to explore buying additional townships for sale on the Penobscot or on the sea coast. Says they should move immediately and wants to know Duer's…

GLC02437.05103

27 August 1791

Duer, William, 1747-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that this letter will be delivered by Madame de la Val and Mr. de la Roche who will communicate provisional articles "I have Enterd into with them for commencing a French Establishment on the Lands we have purchased." Says the present state of France ought not to be neglected "and while the Climate of the Tract we have purchased may not be so Congenial to the French, as the Scots." Believes the Scots will become large purchasers of land in their tract and "All that is necessary is to give a Reputation to the Affair in the first Instance." Believes the purchase in question will…

GLC02437.05134

3 September 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Legal document involving land agreement with William Duer and Henry Knox]

This document is in the hand of William Duer, but the last sentence on page 3 is written by Knox, who also signed it. States that Duer and Knox accede to the forming of a French colony on their land in Maine, probably in reference to Madame de la Val and Mr. de la Roche's inquiries. Proclaims a need for the boundaries of the colony to be precise. The two parties still need to describe the number of rations that need to be purchased and their price, the number and size of the houses to be built, and the price of the land. Reports that "The Subscriber is of Opinion that a Vessell from New York…

GLC02437.05141

5 September 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Duer

Says he wrote to Duer earlier about the provisional articles for the French colony on the land they have purchased in Maine. Believes that Madame de la Val and Mr. de la Roche were supposed to have seen the property yesterday, but believes they were kept by the recent bad weather. Had written to Henry Jackson earlier and asked him to assist them in any way. Says if they are expecting to establish their colony this winter they need to move without delay. Asked Jackson to procure another million acres, even if it costs 15 cents per acre. Does not think any time should be wasted getting the…

GLC02437.05145