2 May 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Hancock

Was very happy to receive his last letter, written 25 April 1789, delivered by Captain Beals and Mr. Woodward. Notes that he will "cheerfully render them every attention and service in my power." Expresses his "sincere pleasure" that Hancock's health is improving. Discusses festivities related to the Presidential inauguration: "The organization of the Constitution was completed on Wednesday by the inauguration of the President. The business was concluded with the highest solemnity and propriety. The particulars are contained in the enclosed news papers. The president has enquired after your…

GLC02437.04192

4 July 1789

Gray, Lewis, fl. 1789

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Gray writes from the Custom House in Hull, England. Asks Knox to forward on an enclosed letter (not present) to Henry Jackson who he believes is still in Boston. In a postscripts, states that he has also forwarded some local newspapers to Knox.

GLC02437.04271

2 June 1791

Hull, William, 1753-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Hull to Secretary of War Knox. Mentions that the Centinel newspaper falsely reported he was appointed to the command of the Second Regiment, but that he declined it. Writes that "[i]t was not my intention that the conversation we had on the subject should have been made so public." Explains that he had sought the advice of friends, and that it became common knowledge he was being considered for the position. Called on the printer to "know by what authority it [the information] was inserted His answer was that several persons had mentioned it to him. It will be contradicted in…

GLC02437.04968

21 April 1785

Gibbs, Caleb, fl. 1748-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Gibbs transmits a newspaper to Knox in New York. Discusses "the turbulent news of the day," referring to Bostonians' recent decision not to buy goods from resident British "factors," or agents (newspaper not included). Notes that Knox's wife, Lucy, beat him at a game of chess the previous evening.

GLC02437.03130

30 October 1787

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the ratification of the Constitution and states that "[t]hings look pretty well. Though there is an opposition preparing - but I do not think it will be sufficient to answer the intention of some." Lists opponents and supporters of Constitution in Massachusetts, "Gov. Hancock [Mr.] Bowdoin & Parson Stillman will be of the convention from Boston - the choice of the latter will undoubtedly be attended with good consiquences in attaching the Baptists." Encloses a letter to Benjamin Franklin (not present) in which he asks for a copy of a speech Franklin made to the constitutional…

GLC02437.03689

4 December 1787

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Feels encouraged by good news regarding Pennsylvania and Connecticut's reception of the Constitution. Wishes he could say the same about Massachusetts, but "Mr. Gerry's Letter has done infinite mischief." Writes "I have rec'd a considerable share of Personal abuse in the News Papers but it shall not discourage me from exerting my small share of influence in so good a cause." Has published Benjamin Franklin's remarks just before signing the Constitution. Noted sideways at bottom of second page, "Poor Spear hanged himself last night." Written in Charles Town, which is now a part of Boston,…

GLC02437.03720

19 March 1788

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses Massachusetts politics, primarily the election for governor and lieutenant governor. Replies to a recent letter from Knox. Writes, "I can hardly think myself of consiquence [sic] enough to receive the notice or emolument under the general Government that will be equal to Lieut Governor of this State- however I have discouraged every attempt that would otherways have been made to bring me into view." Mentions that some of their mutual friends want Benjamin Lincoln to be elected lieutenant governor, "provided the business is brought to a point between him & Gen W-" (likely…

GLC02437.03826

30 November 1788

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

"The close of the business relative to the Senators you must ere this have seen in the News papers considering the jumble it wound up very well every thing perfectly quiet and peaceable at present." Transmits a letter for Mr. Morris. Sends his regards to Lucy Knox. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.04039

22 March 1789

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that he arrived home safely. Discusses the "business of electioneering" in publications, especially the apparent desire to slander General [Benjamin] Lincoln's name. Believes Mr. [Samuel] Adams has an equal chance of winning. Mentions business with the Flucker estate, including a bond that Mr. [Thomas] Flucker had against Gorham's brother, and another bond young Mr. [Isaac] Winslow had against Gorham's brother. Discusses financial negotiations and asks if Knox can intervene with Winslow on his brother's behalf. Sends his respects to Mrs. Knox. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.04148

1854-1856 ca.

Nicolay, John G., 1832-1901

Photograph

Title: Daguerreotype of Nicolay with staff of Pittsfield, Ill. "Free Press" [framed]

Cased image showing four men in a printing office, including owner and editor Nicolay. The image is in a contemporary wooden frame. Nicolay stands second from left. According to Sothebys, the pencil inscription on the back of the frame ("Free Press") was supposed to have been written by his daughter Helen Nicolay. Conservator notes that the stamp on the clad plate is that of Louis L. Bis manufacturing in New York from 1845-47 (see report).

GLC05133.02

17 March 1909

Mosby, John S., 1833-1916

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Chinn

Written on Department of Justice stationery. Orders Chinn to go to the Gazette Office the following day and obtain fifteen copies for which Mosby previously paid. Declares, "I have no objection to anybody knowing that I am the author but I made the piece anonymous because I disliked the publicity of being in a controversy with such a creature as Binns, & (2) I thought it wd be more effective if I wrote in the third person... Two hundred years from now Binns will be riding around Fairfax begging somebody to kill him... Hereafter Binns should be known as the Wandering Jew. The brand of…

GLC07347

8 July 1872

Sarony, Napoleon, 1821-1896

Photograph signed

Title: [Cabinet Card photograph of Thomas Nast]

Three-quarter length oval portrait of Harper's Weekly cartoonist Thomas Nast. Signed and dated on the mount. Remnant tax stamp on verso.

GLC07364

12 November 1883

Douglass, Frederick, 1818-1895

Autograph letter signed

Title: to S. S. Conant

Douglass writes to Conant, Editor of Harper's Weekly. Because of other engagements, he may have trouble writing an article for Harper's immediately. Intends to send the article within the course of a fortnight.

GLC07483.01

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

13 August 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Insists on meeting Knox at some point, if he really is unable to go to New York City. Suggests Kingston, New Jersey as a meeting place noting that "to see you at Princetown, Trenton or Brunswick they are very publick places & would cause some speculation that two such great men should have a conference, and its [sic] possible we may be newspaper'd & an alarm go forth that the Government was in danger - " Wants to discuss with Knox the situation regarding their land deals and with William Duer. Briefly summarizes discussions he has had with Duer on the subject of their financial…

GLC02437.05579

31 March 1793

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Signed twice by Jackson. References Knox's letter of 20 March. Has heard nothing from William Tudor since the last letter he forwarded to Knox. Relates that his note to Tudor was due 17 March. Reports that [Thomas?] Adams the printer informed him that the article in a North Carolina newspaper Knox was asking about "was inclosed to him by a Gentleman from Pensylvania." Adams would not give the gentleman's name, nor confirm it came from Philadelphia. Jackson believes he can find out the name if Knox wishes to know. Refers Knox to William Bingham's letter about their land concern. Wants to…

GLC02437.05861

26 September 1793

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References Knox's letter of 22 September from Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Mentions his previous letters that are supposed to meet him on the road to Boston. Notes military guards were stationed outside the city to prevent people from Philadelphia spreading yellow fever. Encloses a newspaper (not included) to give Knox a sense of the fear the selectmen have. Also encloses letters from Captains Vose and Hill (not included). Gives an update on the house Knox wants built (Montpelier). Had hoped to see Knox by today, but understands the circumstances. Updates Knox on the taxes due on his…

GLC02437.05931

December 1, 1793

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References Knox's letter of 20 November. Hopes his return this early into Philadelphia will be safe. Notes he will ship four loads of potatoes along with beef and butter and that he has arranged to have newspapers forwarded to him. Believes William Knox should be around Henry to "remove the present gloom and distress of his mind, which is too evident in his conduct." Updates Knox on financial arrangements. Also asks questions about financial issues. Wants the latest news on General Anthony Wayne as "we are all anxious."

GLC02437.05985

13 December 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a proposal that they had put together and writes in detail about showing it to [James] Bowdoin, John Pitts, and [Sylvanus] Bourne. Declares, "I think we have but little hopes of success - " Comments on other business transactions. Gives news of the adoption of the Constitution by North Carolina: "By a vessell in five days from North Carolina we have the pleasing intelligence that that State has adopted the Federal Government by a majority of 118... yesterday all the Bells in town were put in motion on this joyous event." Encloses a newspaper from 12 December (not included). Relates…

GLC02437.04438

7 March 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Refers to the poor financial situation of Mr. Tracy, presumably Nathaniel Tracy. Relates that Major Gibbs pursued Tracy into another state to collect a debt. Discusses a petition before the Massachusetts general court related to Knox's Maine lands. Mentions those who were present for the committee meeting, commenting that "Brown is an artfull suttle designing fellow and held on like a bull dog- he made a thousand false representations & told a number of damn'd lies in order to gain his point-" Adds that Brown misconstrued dealings between the petitioners and Knox's agent, "to call for the…

GLC02437.04535

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

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

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

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