16 May 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Jackson

Confirms that he was out of town the previous week and that this is why he was unable to respond to a previous letter. Reports that he will forward Jackson's circular letter during the coming week. Declares that Jackson has "involved me in an embarrasing [sic] predicament by asking my opinion of the intended memorial of the Massachusetts Line." Discusses his beliefs on the memorial, which pertains to solider pay.

GLC02437.04609

19 February 1783

McDougall, Alexander, 1732-1786

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by General McDougall to Major General Knox. Says that Colonel Brooks has no doubt reached him before this letter, but hopes to give an update to events in Congress since. Says "Nothing has since been done by Congress on the Subject of our memorial [on army pay and officer's pensions]." Reports that Georgia, Maryland, and Delaware are not represented at the moment. Says "The Kings Speech is the only intelligence, which has reached this of any moment, relative to a Peace." Thinks Congress is leaning in support of the army, but he cannot be certain. Says members of Congress focus on two…

GLC02437.01933

15 March 1783

McDougall, Alexander, 1732-1786

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by General McDougall to Major General Knox. McDougall was a member of a committee sent by the officers to lobby for half-pay pensions to Congress. Mentions that only Georgia is not represented at this point and there were divisions on the pension issue among the other states. Says 7 were for it, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire against it, with Connecticut divided. Goes on to discuss parliamentary maneuvers made by members of Congress on the issue. Says Colonel Dyer of Connecticut, who was to vote for the issue after it was brought up for discussion again shocked everyone…

GLC02437.02005

25 July 1783

McDougall, Alexander, 1732-1786

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by General McDougall to General Knox. Writes from Highlands, New York. Says that the latest news from Massachusetts is that they will not support a "speedy relief to the Army from Continental Funds." Says the state senate supports Congress's resolution, but has put the issue aside until next session. Says he has fears that the funds will not be provided. Believes the most important thing now is to let the country know of the justice of their claims. Reports that other states might also hesitate in giving funds to officers. Wants him to consider starting "a train of correspondence…

GLC02437.02326

19 October 1783

McDougall, Alexander, 1732-1786

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks Knox to order and send him supplies including nails, paint, and screws. Wonders if one of Knox's artificers can help him hang a new bell he has acquired to summon his servants. Also mentions that "This fellow [most likely referring to Colonel Hopkins] I am well informed has had a Bastard with a negro wench; and when I was lately in Dutcess County, a Muleto woman was shewn to me, by Mr Benson, that is reputed as his Daughter..." Jokes about having an officer write a song about the situation. - McDougall also mentions Hopkins in the context of "the Great Question of Commutation" (soldiers…

GLC02437.02688

3 March 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Alexander McDougall

Discusses with McDougall the possible result of his mission, informing him that everyone is anxious for it and continues to deplore the lack of a strong Congress.

GLC02437.01975

12 March 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Alexander McDougall

Written by Major General Knox to General McDougall. Says he wrote a letter to McDougall on 3 March. Says the officers were quiet at that point, but that their impatience and unhappiness is coming to a crescendo now. Makes a reference to the first Newburgh Address, which had been making the rounds among the officers. Reports that it asked for a meeting of general and field officers. Says that "The Commander in chief has requested the meeting to be postponed untill next Saturday." Says he does not know the influence of the letters on the officers as the ice in the Hudson has kept him from…

GLC02437.01999

16 March 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Alexander McDougall

Written by Major General Knox to General McDougall, who was part of a committee sent to Congress by the army to lobby for half-pay pensions. Says he previously wrote "of the ferment which was raised in the minds of the officers by some anonymous pieces circulated through camp." Says that the meeting called for in the circular was held yesterday and that he will get a report on it from General Gates. Asks him to continue his mission in Philadelphia. Thinks the sentiments of the army "will do them honor."

GLC02437.02008

2 December 1784

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James McHenry

Recommends James Walker, who was previously employed by the Congressional Board of War. Notes that Walker will be presenting his case before Congress in an attempt to receive compensation for his service in the Revolutionary War. Asks that McHenry, a Continental Congressman, support his case.

GLC02437.03072

14 September 1787

McNeill, Mary, fl. 1787-1791

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks for Knox's help in settling the Continental account of her late husband, Hector McNeill. Writes, "Pardon the liberty of addressing you on this occasion- as my distress'd cituation will not admit my Employing a person for the special purpose of proceeding to New York- This being my only alternative, Flatter my self from your general benevolent Character, & the Friendship which has long existed between our Familyes- that your best exertions will not be wanting to relieve the distresses of the widow & Fatherless-" See GLC02437.03670 for Knox's response. See GLC02437.03675, .03708…

GLC02437.03662

2 October 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary McNeill

Writes in response to a letter from Mrs. McNeill (see GLC02437.06662) and assures her that the matter should be looked into and that he will assist her in settling her business. Says he delivered the papers to the commissioner in the marine department and hopes a statement of the accounts will be made in a few days. Assures her the business will be dealt with as soon as possible. See GLC02437.03675, .03708, .03772, .03781, and .03784.

GLC02437.03670

18 October 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Mary McNeill

Forwards Mrs. McNeill a statement from the Commissioner of the Marine Department relating to her late husband's account. Says that while he has faith in Col. Walker, who is the Commissioner, suggests McNeill have either himself or another person look at the accounts on her behalf. Describes in detail the account balances and the amount Mr. McNeill had been credited. See GLC02437.03662, .03670, .03708, .03772, .03781, and .03784.

GLC02437.03675

20 November 1787

McNeill, Mary, fl. 1787-1791

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for his help in settling her husband's public accounts. Text in the hand of Henry Knox. See GLC02437.03662, .03670, .03675, .03772, .03781, and .03784.

GLC02437.03708

January 13, 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary McNeill

Presents McNeill with a certificate of a sum owed to her late husband. Enclosed the certificate in a letter to Henry Jackson, who will transmit the certificate to McNeill. Writes, "I most sincerely wish that its present value was equal the sum expressed..."

GLC02437.03761

January 16, 1791

McNeill, Mary, fl. 1787-1791

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [Henry Knox]

Thanks Knox for being an "Angoll of the Lord" in helping her settle her late husband's business affairs. She will now be able to collect her third from her husband's estate. Writes, "I am ashamed of my speling and writing and my lame arme."

GLC02437.04830

14 April 1796

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James McHenry

Discusses McHenry's recent appointment to Secretary of War. Comments that McHenry accepted the postition from a patriotic sense of duty. Also appears to also discuss an injured officer from the war and the pay the officer should receive. Letter is likely a draft.

GLC02437.09831

3 March 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Written by Major General Knox to Secretary of War Lincoln. Congratulates Lincoln on the "glorious termination of our struggles." References Lincoln's letter of 22 February. Agrees with Lincoln on "the efficacy of the funds you mention, but I cannot determine upon the propriety of the Army pressing the particular funds upon Congress." Expects to see him in a few days as Washington will probably want to see Lincoln before the Army is disbanded. Says the magazines and arsenals cannot be erected without a special order from him.

GLC02437.01972

12 March 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Written by Major General Knox to Secretary of War Lincoln. Knox says he wrote Lincoln on 3 March. Says the officers were unhappy after hearing about the failure of General McDougall's mission. Says "That impatience is almost heightened into dispair; papers have been distributed by unknown persons, calling the body of the officers together in the new building yesterday, accompanied by an address, calculated to cause the officers to redress their own grievances." Reports that Washington wants the meeting postponed until next Saturday. Hopes Congress will make a decision soon. (GLC02437.02001…

GLC02437.02000

16 March 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy of GLC02437.02009. References his letter from "a few days past." Says that letter mentioned a meeting of officers called for by a paper circulating around camp. Says "The meeting was had yesterday, and the General will forward the proceedings to Congress - which will, I am certain make you perfectly happy." Says the meeting went well and that it "will set the military character of America in a high point of view." Says that if the people have any gratitude in them they will now support the army. Wants to have the proceedings published immediately to affect public opinion on the…

GLC02437.02007

22 August 1782

Loring, Joshua, 1744-1789

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to inform Knox that a "Bill of Exchange for 500 Dollars" from General Benjamin Lincoln came and he paid it. There is now a balance due to Knox of 200 dollars which he can get from Loring whenever he likes.

GLC02437.01533

26 August 1782

Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Secretary of War Lincoln to Major General Knox. Marked "Private." References Knox's private letter of last Saturday evening sent by Frothingham. Asked him to reread his public letter of 31 July because "fearing from the warmth of expression that you supposed me more responsible than I really was & that I had omitted a part of my duty -- I am now satisfied -- do not wonder at my noticing every thing which looks like a hint that there has been an omission." Believes the officers should not address the assembly of Massachusetts on half pay at this time, as Congress has not…

GLC02437.01540

9 September 1782

Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Marked "private." Writes that Congress has recently repeated its "solution respecting the additional allowance to the commanding officer at west point." Does not think there is any chance Congress will help them. Suggests Knox talk to his "good friend General [Ezekiel] Cornell" and either apply to Congress directly or through Lincoln. Promises he will "speak to your friends on the subject - though I am convinced that this is not the proper moment to make the application."

GLC02437.01592

3 December 1782

Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Secretary of War Lincoln to Major General Knox. References Knox's letter of 25 November. Says he has suffered anxiety over his long silence and lack of acknowledgement of his letters. Says he told Congress in strong terms of the distress the army suffered for want of pay. Says he told Congress that the information came from the best sources and was not simply grumbling. Says he told Congress that many troops still need pay dating back to 1 January and that some states have helped, but others have not. Reported to the legislature that this caused "uneasiness" among the troops. Also…

GLC02437.01729

20 December 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Letter is unsigned; may be a page missing. Text loss on much of the document. Discusses a variety of subjects, including the pleasure Knox takes in his friendship with Lincoln: from the "first moment I have had the happiness of being acquainted you I conceived a high degree of friendship, which has uniformly increased, as I became more intimate." Values Lincoln's friendship "in all events of grief or joy," more than any other man. Also discusses the subject of half-pay for soldiers. GLC02437.01754 is a later copy of the entire letter.

GLC02437.01751

February 21, 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: Queries to Lincoln, and answers

Signed at the conclusion by Benjamin Lincoln. Pages divided into two columns. The left column contains sixteen issues about which Knox would like further direction and information from General Benjamin Lincoln. Some of these include questions and concerns about artillery, ordnance, artillery men, and their pay. The right column has Lincoln's reply concerning the respective issues. The entire document is written in the hand of Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide de camp.

GLC02437.01942