January 16, 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Gouverneur Morris

Body of the letter and signature in the hand of Robert Pemberton, Knox's aide. Marked "copy" on the docket Details General [Benjamin] Lincoln's deployment with 4,000 men to deal with Shays and his supporters. Writes that Lincoln will begin at Worcester, trying to protect the Court, and then make several more stops around the state. If the insurgents do not "choose to oppose him in his parties," he will proceed to search for them individually. Is pleased to hear that both he and Robert Morris have been chosen to attend the Philadelphia convention: "I ardently wish for many reasons that the…

GLC02437.03417

January 25, 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Gouverneur Morris

Later copy. Writes to update Morris on the status of the fight against the Massachusetts insurgents. First, mentions that Colonel [Jeremiah] Wadsworth is unavoidably detained for a few days. Then, outlines the actions of Generals [William] Shepard and [Benjamin] Lincoln in Massachusetts, mentioning that Lincoln is planning to take his troops to Hampshire next.

GLC02437.03424

January 28, 1787

Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes a brief report on the status of Shays and his troops. Refers Knox to several letters he has enclosed, in order to get a fuller picture of the story. However, as he has very little time, writes that he must wait till the next opportunity to say more.

GLC02437.03426

February 5, 1787

Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes in full, "As I have not had time to write to you fully on the subject of our movements & the state of matters in this part of the country I have caused copies to be made out of such papers as will give you the best information on these points. I wish you would let Mr. [likely Rufus] King & our other delegates see them." "Free" handwritten on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.03444

February 22, 1787

Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Requests Knox to read and send a document (not included) to the governor concerning the mood of the people. Writes that "His people, as I am informed, are getting mad, [Ours] have been so for some time since the rage is abating."

GLC02437.03463

1-3 March 1787

Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the convention (referring to the upcoming Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia) and his views of the people's ideas of changes Congress would bring about. "I have not the most distant idea that the people would adopt any recommendations of Congress in which the inlargement of their powers are included; they would immediately become jealous of them that the few were attempting to influence the many: sentiments like these would be thrown out .. " In relation to Shays' Rebellion, describes skirmishes with the rebels in Stockbridge and Barrington, Massachusetts. He has heard that…

GLC02437.03476

February 14, 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Marked "copy." Body of the letter and signature in the hand of Robert Pemberton, Knox's aide. Discusses Lincoln's success at stopping Shays' Rebellion and dispersing the insurgents. Mentions how the rapid defeat of the insurgents will affect orders previously given to Colonel [David] Humphreys and Colonel [Henry] Jackson to move their regiments to Springfield, Massachusetts. Says he has been keeping General Washington and Congress abreast of Lincoln's actions. Comments on the upcoming Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia and expresses his firm support of it. Believes the objections…

GLC02437.03453

January 21, 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Writes that he is fully impressed with how busy Lincoln is (Lincoln was preparing to lead a regiment to face off against the Shays insurgents), but hopes that he would not mind giving him news of the battles in Massachusetts when possible. Writes, "I do not request to know any thing which if divulged by miscarriage of letters would be in the least injurious - Any communications which shall be made shall be retained with me unless you should please to order otherwise. I trust to your friendship to excuse my request, wishing you every success." Body of letter and signature penned for Knox by…

GLC02437.03419

3 October 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to John Jay

Describes the recent Shays' Rebellion, explaining that Mr. [John] Stagg, the bearer, will provide more details. Writes, "Government has lost ground. Faction desperate faction gains strength hourly - they speak of a military government and embodying troops against the constitution - The numbers what appeared in arms opposed to Law were great - had all the parties which were on the march joined previous to the dispersion of the Malcontents they would have mustered 2000 strong - Government mustered about 900 but These were men of respectable character and great property, compared with their…

GLC02437.03308

January 7, 1787

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Letter contains Wadsworth's reaction to Knox's analysis of Shays' Rebellion and includes Wadsworth's own ideas on the matter. Believes that despite the actions of the insurgents, they and their supporters would not vote for anyone "who have not the will or ability to lead, or favor, measures for the establishment of a good government." Discusses recruitment efforts, as well as the poor state of his own finances. Comments on the status of trade with France, the West Indies, and Canada, as well as opportunities of coining copper. Mentions correspondence with Thomas Jefferson, the Marquis de…

GLC02437.03409

January 29, 1787

Jarvis, James, fl. 1787-1793

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the confrontation between Shays' insurgents and the government forces at Springfield. Mentions that three of Shays' supporters were killed. Reports the status of the commands of Generals [William] Shepard and [Benjamin] Lincoln. Attaches a copy of a letter from Luke Day, one of Shays' lead supporters, with terms of surrender.

GLC02437.03431

16 August 1801

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Jackson and Benjamin Lincoln

Discusses land deals and legal agreements. Says he does not believe Mr. [Thomas?] Winthrop can be absolved from the agreement. Quotes part of the clause on the agreement that states the lands will be conveyed to Winthrop once they are located and appraised. Further discusses in great detail Mr. Winthrop's legal obligations concerning the land. Also discusses the current surveys being conducted and stresses that they must continue regardless of troubles that may arise.

GLC02437.07582

30 August 1801

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln and Henry Jackson

Letter is not signed but appears to be Knox's handwriting. Discusses the ongoing conflict among the settlers and Knox's surveyors. Informs the gentlemen he sent his surveyors out armed enough to defend themselves against any attacks from the settlers. Also says he has sent three gentlemen to assemble the people at different settlements on the Plymouth Company land that borders Knox's land. The gentlemen have three goals: the first is to have Knox's land surveyed peaceably, if impractical then the second goal is to give the surveyors notice, the third is to obtain evidence against the…

GLC02437.07598

3 December 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: to Henry Jackson

Writes that Jackson must be anxious and surprised that he has not yet heard from Knox "on the subject of clothing & rations. The fact is that I have been unable to give you any satisfaction on these points." Writes, "Congress came to the determination of raising troops from the necessity of the case, and had the funds necessary to carry their resolutions into effect been at their command, every arrangement depending on the war department would ere now have been at least in a train of execution. But the funds indispensible [sic] for an energetic establishment have been to be provided…

GLC02437.03362

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

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

15 July 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Written by Major General Knox to Secretary of War Lincoln. Writes respecting the arsenal and magazines to let Lincoln know that his orders are "impracticable" to execute. Reminds Lincoln that he is the President of the Massachusetts branch of the Society for the Cincinnati and that he is Lincoln's deputy. Wants to know if Lincoln will be giving him his orders. Encloses some additions respecting the Society's medal (not included). References Congress fleeing Philadelphia to Trenton in the face of an angry mob of veterans. Says they all approve of Congress's decision. Informs Lincoln that Lucy…

GLC02437.02291

12 August 1791

Lillie, John, 1755-1801

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Knox's former aide-de-camp Lillie. Written on the ship "Eliza" bound for Savannah, Georgia. Says he previously wrote Knox a letter before he left Gibraltar in which he gave a sketch of the character of the Emperor of Morocco. The day after he left Gibraltar he saw two letters in the possession of James Simpson, the consul for the Empress of Prussia, from two European consuls residing in Tangiers. The letters reported that the Emperor's brother has amassed a body of nearly 100,000 troops near Fez with the intention of attacking the northern ports of Morocco to dethrone the…

GLC02437.05116

9 November 1786

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he cannot remain any longer in New York. "Mr. Morris.s [sic] departure without finishing any thing has made it impossible for me to complete the business I came on. You may conclude the business with Mr. Rob Morris and consider me bound to perform as fully as if present my selfe" (referring to the sum of money Wadsworth and Morris are planning to loan to Congress; see GLC02437.03323). Adds that he does not know anything about Mr. Morris's opinions on the concerns of a Mr. Russel, but hopes that Knox will also attend to that issue.

GLC02437.03330

February 13, 1796

Vose, Thomas, 1753-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to update Knox on the status of his landholdings in Maine. Provides reports of a possible insurrection, including the possibility of burning Knox's house down. Details the various rumors he has heard. Is a bit worried for the welfare of his wife and children.

GLC02437.06627

5 March 1796

Vose, Thomas, 1753-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from Warren, possibly in Maine. Writes that he visited a mutual friend, Captain G., that morning for information, but did not receive learn anything useful. Discusses government intervention to convince the people in Knox's territories in Maine that Knox is rightful and legal owner of the territories. Comments on ways to capture and punish Mr. [Samuel] Ely, leader of the insurgents against Knox. Mentions some business concerns.

GLC02437.06651

21 March 1796

Vose, Thomas, 1753-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports about an unsuccessful attempt made to apprehend the insurgent [Samuel] Ely. Describes when the warrants against him were sent out, and relates how one of Ely's associates might have told Ely there were warrants out against him. Discusses other matters of local importance, such as the amount of corn available to feed animals on Knox's estate and Mr. [Ebenezer] Dunton's plans for building Knox's barn.

GLC02437.06669

26 December 1786

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter written by Washington to Knox, discussing the "disorders which have arisen in these States." Discusses the variosu hardships and difficulties facing the young nation, and requests Knox's thoughts on the subject. Worries about possible upheavels or changes in numerous state governments. Believes the British are stirring up insurrection. Copy made 6 March 1854.

GLC02437.09332