27 June 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Replies to Knox's letter from 20 June. Encloses some unspecified papers (not included). Notes that the [Massachusetts General] Court met Friday and have adjourned until January 1791. Reports that Thomas's party has been quiet, and the people are angry. In a post script, adds that Governor John Hancock refused signing an act giving the light houses to Congress. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.04638

1 August 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses his arrival in Portland en route to Burnt Coat Island. He is traveling with his "friend Ben" [possibly Benjamin Hichborn], and expects that they will return to Boston in ten to twelve days. Mentions his hope that a General [John] Glover will receive "the appointment of Collector for the port of Marblehead." Also touches on international issues: "I wish from my soul for a Spanish War, I think it would put a new face on the affairs of this Country." Also provides information on Knox's extended family, and reports that Knox's cousin Samuel Winslow wants Knox to inspect parts of the…

GLC02437.04666

22 August 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson acknowledges Secretary of War Knox's letter of 15 August 1790. Mentions that he and "the Colonel" are making their way to Portland. Describes the journey, his sea sickness, and the help they received during the trip. Says a Mr. Gregory "has a high idea of the value of the Patent, and considers it a source of immence wealth." Mentions paying a visit to Captain [Thomas] Vose whose farm had "some of the best butter and Cheese" they have eaten this year. Reports that Vose will be disappointed if Knox does not pay him a visit. Suggests Knox come on 15 September 1790 when the…

GLC02437.04699

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

21 March 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the financial woes of their friend and business associate Colonel [William] Duer. Feels at a loss as to how to proceed in their land negotiations. Expected some advice to arrive from Mr. [Royal] Flint by this post, but he has not yet received it, and is really unsure how to proceed.

GLC02437.05369

25 March 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Provides information on his transactions with their business associates, including Colonel [Benjamin] Walker and Mr. [Samuel] Shaw. Discusses their land acquisition projects (in Maine), as well as the communications he has received from Mr. [Royal] Flint on the subject. Explains the financial bids he is placing on land they are purchasing. Asks for details regarding Mrs. Knox's trip with the children to the Boston area. Would like to know how many children will be coming, and asks Knox to send a trunk with bed and table linens for them; everything else Jackson will be able to provide for…

GLC02437.05376

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

8 April 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Encloses a copy of a letter from Mr. [Royal] Flint (not present) regarding their business propositions (relating to land purchases in Maine, which they have been working on). Writes that he had been very nervous about it but now feels he can proceed, with their support. Received a bill of monies owed him, which will help him pay his debts. Comments on their land project, and mentions paperwork being sent to the Committee for the Sale of Eastern Lands to work out the terms of the purchase. Would like Knox's input and advice on the most recent acquisition. Discusses the upcoming visit of…

GLC02437.05406

25 April 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he and General [David] Cobb arrived in New York yesterday. Received Knox's letter via Colonel [Sebastian] Bauman, and would like to assure Knox that he believes Mr. [Royal] Flint will stick to their plan and make deals that are in their interest. He and Flint have signed the papers to purchase specific lands in Maine. Also reports to Knox that he has prepared his house in Dorchester for the visit of Mrs. Knox and the children.

GLC02437.05429

20 May 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that when he arrived in Boston, Madame de Leval was waiting to see him to discuss the removal of settlers from a particular township in Maine, according to their agreement. She requires them to be removed so that she can begin making her settlement in the town. Discusses the steps he has taken to accomplish this goal, and his subsequent disputes with Madame de Leval. Suggests that the French, like Madame de Leval, might want to move there due to the political unrest in France. Comments on other business dealings.

GLC02437.05471

22 May 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that the Committee [the Committee for the Sale of Eastern Lands] has called on him to make a payment for a purchase. Writes that Mrs. Knox, Mrs. [Sarah Lyons] Flucker and the children are well, and encourages Knox to send his son Harry [Henry Jackson Knox] to school. Lastly, mentions that Mrs. Flucker's son Francis recently arrived from Bristol, much to the party's pleasure. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.05475

27 May 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he is sorry to hear Knox was ill again. Discusses his dealings with Madame de Leval, mentioning that she was supposed to have left but has not yet, and that he "wish[es] her gone." Comments on the townships she is going to settle on their lands in Maine. Is happy to hear that Knox will be going to New York. Reports that Knox's family is doing well and have settled in. Encourages Knox to tell Mrs. Knox to send their son, Henry, to school. Provides some information on several of their friends, asking him to forward an enclosed letter to General [Rufus] Putnam, and mentioning…

GLC02437.05479

3 June 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks Knox about his upcoming visit to New York. Discusses his poor financial situation, particularly that he is having difficulty paying off debts. Updates Knox on their joint business ventures. Mentions their project to have Madame de Leval organize a French settlement in some of their lands in Maine. Writes, "Madame Laval sail'd on Friday for Frenchmans Bay. She appeared very much displeased with the general management of the business, and at one time was on the point of returning to New York... she kept constantly in view her fears with respect to our obtaining a Title of the lands…

GLC02437.05487

5 June 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Refers to an earlier letter he sent to Knox in which he discussed payment on one of their contracts. Urges Knox's "immediate compliance," because a lady (likely Madame de Leval) spoke with some "evilminded" persons who may try to overturn their negotiations based on the idea that they cannot pay. Resolves that he will not yield one inch of ground in their deliberations.

GLC02437.05489

10 June 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the urgency of making land payments and the fact that the committee doubts that they will be able uphold their part of the contract. States that he tried to explain the reason for the delay in making the payment, but the committee dismissed his excuses. Reports that he sent a copy of part of this letter to Royal Flint. Discusses a matter pertaining to Knox and "WD," likely William Duer, in the papers, and asks Knox for some related facts. Reports that Knox's sons embarked for Hingham the previous day with General Benjamin Lincoln.

GLC02437.05501

17 June 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses Knox's decision to relinquish to William Duer all claims to land in the "Eastern purchase." Writes, "I am at a loss to determine the reasons that governed you in this business, as they are so far different from those we had in contemplation at the time we parted." States that although 15,000 New York currency is a large sum, it is far less than the sum that was paid for the first purchase. Hopes to gain one fifth of the profit for helping Knox with the dealings. Also asks about land that he expected to receive. Inquires about the balance owed by the Society of the Cincinnati…

GLC02437.05508

24 June 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes, "I wish you to send me a copy of your conditional transfer to Colo [William] Duer, as from what you have written I am at a loss to determine exactly the principles of it... [the] embarrassment that has attended this business from the first movement of it, to the present hour, has rested on my shoulders and been conducted with an exertion on my part, which nothing but its prospects of emoluments for you and myself would have induced me to persevere." Further discusses finances and property deals, mentioning Royal Flint, Nathan Jones, and Madame de Leval. In closing, writes, "this…

GLC02437.05515

1 July 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

States that he has not received one farthing, and the money he had on hand "is more than all anticipated in the first payment to De Gregoire, expences of that survey & supplies to madame Laval..." Has written them for a further advance. Cautions Knox against his association with William Duer: "It is true my good friend I urged you to disengage yourself from Colo Duer but not to give it away for a song. I am satisfied that their is not a man of reputation to be found that woud [sic] step in my shoes in every point of view for ten times the sum that is in contemplation." "Free" stamped…

GLC02437.05525

8 July 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Referring to recent land dealings involving Knox, Jackson, and William Duer, Jackson writes: "My good friend you mistake me exceedingly if you think I doubted the motives of your conduct on any other principles than those the most honourable to you - the feelings of the heart - which I suppose had too great an influence in this business..." Encloses a letter from Royal Flint (GLC02437.05526). Says that he will remain in Boston until 8 August, and will then proceed to New York if no payments are made relative to Knox's Maine lands by that time. Thanks Knox for arranging the purchase of his…

GLC02437.05529

15 July 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses Knox's agreement with William Duer. Encloses a copy of a letter he received from Duer (not present) and states "I think it is pretty well understood that your conditional agreement will not be complyed [sic] with in his part - " Strongly encourages Knox to buy Duer out. Mentions some trouble in finding the money to pay the committee for their land contract. Mentions that Mr. De Gregoire has tried to evade his contract with Jackson and refused to give a Warranty Deed. Ends by stating, "Press Duer for the 5,000 dollars, Flint or some other person as I must pay that note before I can…

GLC02437.05538

22 July 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses worries over their situation with making payments on their contract and Knox's business with William Duer. Continues to discuss their financial situation and developments in their land speculations.

GLC02437.05551

29 July 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses their shaky situation with land speculation. Mentions the committee's desire to "hold me strictly to every point and condition of the agreement." Reports having trouble collecting money owed to him, and believes some of their financial associates will take advantage of their weak position. Mentions that Mr. de Grégoire "has disappeared ever since I tendered him the money," so he plans to use the law to make Grégoire uphold his end of a previous agreement. Continues to discuss a variety of business affairs concerning their land.

GLC02437.05563

5 August 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he has not been able to obtain the deed of land from Mr. Barthélémy de Grégoire, who has run off with the money they already paid. Provides updated information on that land deal, and his attempts to satisfy their creditors. Discusses other business arrangements, including his insistence on their eliminating [William] Duer from their ventures: "I am clear with you that Duer must take his name & management out of the business, or he will Damn the most favorable prospects, for I assure you the bare mention of him will distroy every confidence & make us the objects of…

GLC02437.05568

12 August 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he has arrived in New York City and is disappointed that he will not be able to meet up with him. Mentions that Madame de Leval is in town. Suggests they meet soon at "Prince Town" (Princeton, New Jersey). Reports on the health of Knox's family. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.05577