25 November 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

States that General Putnam is engaged in the business of the Ohio Company. Informs Knox that "Mr. King is chosen as one of the Delegates to the Convention for the town of Newbury and the other three gentlemen for that town are high Federal Men, Indeed all the Towns that have as yet chosen, have confined their choice wholly to Federal Men & those of the best abilities - thus far it looks well, indeed, more than well, I pray god it may finally be adopted in this State - if it were not, I dread the consequences that must & will follow - there is, and will be an opposition against it…

GLC02437.03715

16 December 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that if he had known that Mr. [Rufus] King was going to be in New York, he would have forwarded the maps. Informs Knox that General Putnam will write to him soon about some business. Discusses news of the constitution ratification process in Massachusetts. "The proposed Federal government has a better appearance every hour in this state, & at present it is much in favor of its being addopted with us, 4/5 of the members already chosen are highly Federal." Lists the candidates for delegates from Roxbury. Mentions that much of his time lately has been taken up with matters…

GLC02437.03728

January 16, 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses business affairs, mentioning Benjamin Hichborn. Comments on the Massachusetts state convention meeting to decide on ratification of the United States Constitution: "We have upwards of 325 Members in Convention- no one can yet determine what will be the result, all good men wish & pray for its adoption - I flatter myself it will finally be obtained. at present they move slowly & with great caution - all the able sensible men are full in favor of it - by g-d it must pass -"

GLC02437.03763

January 20, 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the debt of Mr. Swan, possibly Colonel James Swan. Gives details of the Massachusetts ratifying convention, noting that "the printers are allow'd seats in the house for the purpose of taking down and publishing the debates from day to day..." Declares, "It is astonishing to see the weight of respectability, integrity, [property], & ability on the side of the proposed constitution, and on the other side the ----- ------ characters that oppose it..." Includes a list of the number of Federalists and Anti-federalists at the convention by county. Notes that [Elbridge] Gerry is…

GLC02437.03767

January 23, 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports news of the Massachusetts ratifying convention. Writes, "The Convention are still seting they have now under debate one of the most important articles, that is, the powers of Congress... the Federal party are gaining ground every day, so much so, that the Anti's are much alarmed & talk of proposing an adjournment in order to influence the Country at large against the Constitution..." Notes that Mr. Gerry (possibly Elbridge Gerry) sat in at the convention, and his notes have been published. Because of his description of Judge [Francis] Dana, Dana will not return unless "the…

GLC02437.03769

February 3, 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the Massachusetts convention for ratification of the United States Constitution: "The Convention are still seting and is supposed the final vote will not be taken untill Wednesday or Thursday next-" Mentions John Hancock's support of the Constitution and his article published in the previous day's Massachusetts Centinel. Calls the Anti-Federalists "so damnable stupid and ignorant...the whole race of the Antis are a set of poor devils..." Notes that the Anti-Federalists are concerned about their pay. Predicts that Massachusetts will adopt the Constitution. Encloses a receipt…

GLC02437.03784

February 13, 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses Massachusetts' ratification of the Constitution of the United States. Reports that [Rufus] King, who was part of the convention, will soon arrive in New York and will be able to inform Knox of "every particular that took place" during the final days of deliberation. Calls King "an able & charming fellow..." Mentions parades held in Boston to celebrate adoption of the Constitution. Notes, "Several Gentlemen from the remote parts of the States inform that the people are universally pleased with the adoption of the Constitution." Reports that New Hampshire meets on the same…

GLC02437.03795

February 24, 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson writes, "we are perfectly quiet in this State with respect to the adoption of the New Constitution-Fed's & Anti's almost to a Man united and determined to give it every support..." Reports that New Hampshire has adjourned their ratification convention until June. Encloses a letter from a man who hopes to buy land from Knox (letter not included).

GLC02437.03807

2 March 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Notes that he writes on this half sheet because it is Sunday and he cannot purchase more paper. Writes, "the Legislature of this State met in Wednesday last, [re] his Excellencies speech to them, it is highly approved off [sic], all is quiet & every body satisfied with respect to the adoption of the Federal constitution." Comments on the death of Thomas Cushing, who had been the Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts. Reports that [Nathaniel] Gorham, [Benjamin] Lincoln, [James] Warren, and [Elbridge] Gerry have been suggested by various sources to fill Cushing's place. Notes that the…

GLC02437.03812

10 March 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that he has been absent from Boston, attending a meeting of the Ohio Company in Providence, Rhode Island. Is pleased to find Knox has several shares of Ohio Company land. Predicts that New Hampshire will ratify the Constitution and Rhode Island will not. Hopes that John Hancock and Benjamin Lincoln will win the next election for governor and lieutenant governor of Massachusetts respectively. Notes that the Anti-Federalists and the "Insurgent influence" will support [James] Warren and [Elbridge] Gerry for the positions. Further discusses politics.

GLC02437.03819

15 March 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson writes, "The General Court are yet seting, & in many instance they discover their old insurgent temper and principles, & cannot help shewing their teeth on almost every occasion that respects government- but I hope in god their day is short- for the moment the Federal Constitution begins to operate, their influence must & will disappear like a vapour-" Notes that present state politics are focused on who will win the election for governor and lieutenant governor. Expresses confidence that John Hancock will be reelected as governor. Notes that Anti-Federalists will…

GLC02437.03822

23 March 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Refers to a package of newspapers including a map from Mr. Fales, possibly transmitted to Knox. Discusses Massachusetts politics, particularly the election of lieutenant governor. Expects Benjamin Lincoln to obtain the post over James Warren, although the Federalist vote may be split between Lincoln and Samuel Adams. Predicts that Hancock will maintain his post as Governor of Massachusetts. Will soon speak to Mr. Jarvis. Relates that Mrs. Swan is well. Marked "private" on the address leaf.

GLC02437.03828

30 March 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports on the Massachusetts election for governor and lieutenant governor. Encloses newspapers (not included) for Knox, on the election, noting that the papers attack "poor Cincin" (based on usage in GLC02437.03833, may refer to Benjamin Lincoln). Relates that Benjamin Lincoln and Samuel Adams are splitting the Federal party for lieutenant governor, while the Anti-Federalists support James Warren. John Hancock is expected to be reelected as Governor. Expects that John Langdon will be chosen as New Hampshire's governor, which will disappoint [John] Sullivan. Recently applied to the…

GLC02437.03831

6 April 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for the information regarding Maryland's possible adoption of the Constitution. Writes, "I flatter myself that nine States will ratify it by June next- so as to set the wheels agoing by next winter." Has been assured by John Langdon and others that New Hampshire will also ratify the Constitution. Relates that Langdon will be chosen "President," or Governor, of New Hampshire over John Sullivan. Discusses the Massachusetts elections, noting that John Hancock will retain his post as Governor. Reports that the Federalists are split between Benjamin Lincoln and Samuel Adams for…

GLC02437.03833

13 April 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the possibility that New York will not ratify the Federal Constitution. Writes, "I hope the Lord will turn the hearts of the Antis in New York that they may see the necessity of adopting the proposed constitution Some of our Feds are doubtfull whether nine States will Ratify it, and then all that has been done will be lost. If this should be the case I think we had [better] never attempted an alteration, as the Antis & Insurgents will feel a consequence & an influence arising from it that will throw the government into the greatest disorder." Encloses newspapers (not…

GLC02437.03837

20 April 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Recently heard news that their mutual friend, James Swan, arrived in France. His wife, Hepzibah Clark Swan, is still in America and hopes James will send for her. Jackson doubts he will be able to, noting "...I am sure his Finances are not sufficient to support it, that is, if he has left with me a true statement of his affairs." Refers to the Massachusetts election for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Reports that their mutual friend, "the General," has 3/5 of the vote (referring to Benjamin Lincoln and the election for Lieutenant Governor). Of Massachusetts legislature, writes "Our…

GLC02437.03852

30 August 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson acknowledges that he received a letter from Knox on 22 August 1790. Laments that it was not within his "power" to take care of a debt that Knox asked him to settle in Worcester. Says he heard from a vessel from the West Indies that on 15 July war had been declared on England, but Jackson does not believe it, though he wishes "in god it may be true." Reports that Benjamin Austin, Jr. and Thomas Dawes, Jr. are "candidates for Federal Representatives for this district in the Room of Mr. Ames." Expects opposition, but believes "we shall be able to counteract them." Says that John…

GLC02437.04706

7 September 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

General Jackson did not receive Knox's letter of 30 August 1790 because he had been out of town. Jackson had met with two men named Jonathan Dow and Ebenezer Eastman interested in purchasing a "Township" from Knox. The land is between "Northern Stream and Lower debscot." These men assure Jackson they can bring in forty families to settle it immediately. Jackson needs to know what Knox wants to do about the situation. Jackson calls Knox's attention to an extract of a letter (in the newspaper) by Spanish Ambassador Don Diego de Gardoqui "which points an end to the prospects of War." Jackson…

GLC02437.04723

12 December 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Complains about the increased distance between them but says if they "continue to write on Sundays, we shall hear from each other the middle of every week." Worries Knox's new and unfurnished house might cause illnesses in his family during this time of year. Discusses Knox's wallpaper and the severe weather in Boston. Mentions that [Sylvanus] Bourne "is choosen Fed-Rep for the County of Plymouth." Says he has found a relief in his head by "bleeding and regular diet." Also expects that "exercise and temperance" will help him fully recuperate. Writes, "by every Vessell from Europe the…

GLC02437.04795

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

22 June 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that the final note is in Nourse or Hillegas's office (Jackson sold $10,000 worth of Knox's notes without his permission and attempted to retrieve them at Knox's request). Expresses hope that New Hampshire will adopt the Constitution (New Hampshire in fact ratified the Constitution 21 June 1788). Reports that the General Court of Massachusetts (the Massachusetts legislature) will remain adjourned until September 1788 at which time, he hopes, they will be able to give "orders to the people to choose the members for the General Government." Obtained a resolve from the General…

GLC02437.03909

4 January 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks him for recent letters. Apologizes that he will be writing a hasty, brief letter as he will soon be leaving to spend the day with "our friend Ben" (probably Hichborn). Reports that only "four Federal Representatives are Elected in this State- Plymouth district Mr. [George] Partridge - Bristol Mr. [George] Leonard, Lincoln & York- Mr. [George] Thatcher- Suffolk Mr. [Fisher] Ames." Declares that these four are good men, and the other four that will be elected will undoubtedly be good also. Hopes their "friend [John] Brooks" will be elected from his district. Sends his love to…

GLC02437.04074

7 January 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that agreeable to the manner outlined by the General Court, the House and Senate (presumably of Massachusetts) elected several men to serve as electors from Massachusetts for President of the United States. Provides a list of the men and the counties they represent. Declares that the electors are "highly pleasing to Federalists."

GLC02437.04078

29 March 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks him for his recent letter. Comments on Knox's accusation that Jackson did not write him when he was supposed to, but provides an excuse. Writes, "What a misfortune, that the new government is not yet formed - the Feds are uneasy, & the Antis are rising tip toe in consequence of the delay - however, we keep up our spirits and hope for the best." Discusses the election of the Vice President, and the desire of the people of Boston to support the Federal Government. Reports that he and Benjamin Hichborn are delayed in departing for their visit to New York because Hichborn must…

GLC02437.04158

31 May 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received his last letter. Is sorry to hear that Knox injured himself at the game of fives. Hopes his recovery will not be long, but advises him to take care of himself: "it will be a good lesson to you, when you exercise, to do it with less violence." Discusses a visit by Captain [Thomas] Vose, in which he helped Vose to prepare to depart for the Waldo patent lands, so that Vose could work as an agent for Knox. Delivered a letter to Vose from Knox, and watched Vose and his family pack their belongings and depart on a ship. Vose seemed to feel happy about the arrangements they made.…

GLC02437.04227