24 May 1791

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Knox's agent Peirce to Secretary of War Knox. References Knox's letter of 16 May, which mentioned the insolvency of the estate. Is confident it is insolvent because the probate judge reported it so to the judges of the Supreme Court and because of advertisements in the newspapers. Says that Samuel Winslow reported to him that David Partridge, an occupant (possibly a squatter) of the Cooper Claim, was served a writ. On Winslow's advice he sent fifteen dollars to a Mr. Parsons to handle this issue, which will be tried in Portland in July. Peirce wrote to Winslow to find evidence of…

GLC02437.04957

5 June 1791

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Knox's agent Peirce to Secretary of War Knox. References Knox's letter of 30 May. Says the Sheriff of Lincoln County came to see him about taxes due on Knox's lands in Maine. Peirce was able to prove that there "was a Resolve of Court to stay the Sale of Absentees Estates for Taxes till the further order of Court." Received word from Samuel Winslow that it would be best to retain Judge Sullivan. He accordingly gave Sullivan 15 dollars and asked him to be particularity mindful of the problems at the Cooper Patent. Mentions a court case involving a Miss Bradbury, Mr. Parson, Mr.…

GLC02437.04975

14 June 1791

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Marked "private" on address leaf. References receiving Knox's letter through Henry Jackson. Has received information that Mr. Thomas's letters were being forwarded in a memorial this day. Cannot guess what his real intentions are, but thinks it might be to stop a land sale related to the Waldo patent. Makes reference to various intrigues in the Massachusetts House and Senate over the Waldo lands. Postscript mentions receiving Knox's letter of 8 June. Says he will consult Hichborn and Davis about getting a petition drawn up before the legislative session ends this week. Believes it is bad…

GLC02437.04995

19 June 1791

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Marked "private." Peirce says he wrote Knox last on 16 June. On 17 June the estate sale took place. After a short conversation he had with Mr. Thomas the sale went forwarded and succeeded. Says that "Mr Fluckers residue (as by the advertisement), of the Patent was knock'd off to Dr. Oliver Smith (from whom is the enclosed Letter) for Three thousand dollars." Reports that the rights to the Welch house "was knockd off to Genl Jackson for 100 dollars." Will have the deeds drawn and executed as soon as possible. Wants to know how much of a commission to pay the auctioneers. Mentions that an…

GLC02437.05007

17 July 1791

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Has not received a letter from Knox since 2 July. Received a letter from Samuel Winslow dated 12 July. Winslow's letter noted, "I have the satisfaction to acquaint you that our Cause has succeeded: the Adverse party intend reviewing at the Sup. Court next year - Mr. Bradbury opin'd & Sullivan closed the plea - The Action upon Coxes petition was continued for want of time - Mr Parsons is secd against us - Judge Sullivan thinks there is no danger - It will be adviseable to secure Parsons & Sullivan to defend the Action at Review next year." Reports that the cause first mentioned is…

GLC02437.05069

11 November 1791

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that his last letter was shipped on board a schooner, upon which he also shipped a variety of merchandise. Regrets that he hasn't had a line from Knox in some time. Includes information related to the business and real estate world, such as the news that Mr. [James] Bowdoin "declined receiving the dividend due to his Fathers Estate" (may be speaking about Governor Bowdoin's son, as the Governor died in 1790). Provides information on Knox's Waldo patent lands in Maine, and the legal struggles relating thereto.

GLC02437.05256

26 September 1801

Peabody, Stephen, fl. 1801

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a complicated land deal likely located in Maine. Requests Knox provides him with a deed for a disputed lot of land. A note signed by Ana Peabody signing over her interest in the land to Stephen Peabody is included on page two of the letter. Written from "Buckston" which is likely in Maine.

GLC02437.07627

February 22, 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Edward H. Robbins

Thanks him for his last letter. Reports that he has only received a statement from Robbins about the "present situation of the reference." Robbins's plan appears "highly judicious." Believes it would be an injustice to accommodate an obsolete claim any further. Asks him to decide on the matter in conjunction with Mr. [Benjamin] Hichborn and the Winslows. Discusses the effects of antifederalists in the Legislature. Mentions the election of General [George] Washington for President and [John] Adams for Vice President.

GLC02437.04125

January 11, 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Edward H. Robbins

Docket declares that the letter is addressed to both Edward Robbins and Benjamin Hichborn, but the address listed on the bottom of the letter only mentions Robbins. Contains similar content to GLC02437.04088, a letter to Hichborn. Has learned that Mr. Jones has left Boston without deciding on the reference between Mr. Waldo and Mr. Wetmore. Would be apprehensive if the proceedings with the Commission continue under this circumstance. Relates that he has heard from Mr. [possibly Isaac] Winslow on the views of Robbins and Colonel [Benjamin] Hichborn. Discusses how to proceed with their…

GLC02437.04088

February 1, 1789

Robbins, Edward Hutchinson, 1758-1837

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses Mr. [William] Wetmore's application to the Court regarding the Waldo patent lands. Mentions the positive influence of Mr. [Benjamin] Hichborn on the Court. Provides a plan to handle the problem of the references, especially regarding how to proceed if the committee attempts to call together the referees.

GLC02437.04104

1 November 1792

Leval, Rosalie Josephe Bacler de, ?-1811

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the status of Frenchman's Bay settlement in Maine, stating that the settlers have demanded titles to the lands. Complains that Henry Jackson has refused to grant the titles until a survey of the land is conducted. Signed Bacler de Leval and co-signed by Jean-Baptiste de la Roche. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.05683

February 4, 1795

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Edward H. Robbins

Asks for an examination by an impartial tribunal in order to correct a "blunder of the surveyors," referring to issues involved with the Waldo patent. Letterpress copy.

GLC02437.06342

5 December 1801

Ritz, Augustus, fl. 1801

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox he translated an "old german Document" into English for him. Notes he observed that Brigadier General [Samuel] Waldo had the "utmost Admiration" for the Germans. Written from "Waldoborough" [Waldoboro], Maine.

GLC02437.07690

15 May 1802

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Joseph Roberts

Letter is not signed but appears to be in Knox's handwriting. Knox writes a threatening letter to Roberts regarding Knox's lands. Informs Roberts it has been brought to Knox's attention that Roberts has taken possession of land different than Roberts' original location. Warns Roberts this behavior will not be tolerated and he will be held liable by the law. Notes he has tried accommodating all the settlers during the purchases but he "will not suffer disorderly practices." Describes the location of Roberts' bond and warns if Roberts persists in unlawful conduct he will suffer the…

GLC02437.07732

2 April 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Edward H. Robbins

Unsigned, but handwriting indicates the author is Henry Knox. Provides extensive commentary on the legal battles between the ten proprietors and the heirs of Brigadier General Samuel Waldo over the Waldo patent lands.

GLC02437.09149

February 21, 1796

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Isaac Parker

Discusses the insurgent Samuel Ely, who is rumored to be planning to burn down Knox's buildings in Thomaston, Maine. Mentions actions he is taking to stop Ely, in particular by petitioning the government for help.

GLC02437.06634

1 March 1796

Parker, Isaac, 1768-1830

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Updates Knox on Samuel Ely, an insurgent trying to rally a group of citizens against Knox, because he believes Knox has no right to particular lands in Maine. Explains what Ely is telling his posse to inspire them to oppose Knox. Discusses the importance of government intervention in apprehending Ely, and believes it is important for the government to show it will not tolerate his sort of behavior. Possibly written by Isaac Parker, a Federalist Massachusetts Congressman, who served from 1797-1799.

GLC02437.06645

10 March 1796

Parker, Isaac, 1768-1830

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that on Knox's request, he wrote to Mr. [possibly James] Nesmith about Samuel Ely and his band of insurgents (who believed that Knox was not the rightful, legal owner of his land tracts in Maine). Encloses Nesmith's reply (not present). Briefly touches on the town of Canaan's response to the insurgency. Possibly written by Isaac Parker, a Federalist Massachusetts Congressman, who served from 1797-1799.

GLC02437.06659

28 December 1793

Lewis, William, fl. 1784-1800

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Says that if the only contract between the heirs of General Waldo and the ten proprietors is the bond, "I conceive that a Forfeiture of the Penalty would be the only Consequence of the former refusing to convey to the Letter." Believes the forfeiture can only be incurred 6 months after the patent is obtained for the lands mentioned in the resolution of 4 July 1785.

GLC02437.06007

18 April 1787

Putnam, Rufus, 1738-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the Waldo patent land in respect to it interfering "with the lands belonging to the Plymouth Company and requesting to know if the Committe [sic] would make up the defisency [sic] without the proprietors applying to the general Court ... " Informs that General Henry Jackson told him Knox wanted to find someone to reside at St. Georges, Maine and take care of his business there but Putnam cannot recommend anyone.

GLC02437.03530

22 July 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rufus Putnam

Discusses surveys of the Muscongus Patent prepared by Mr. [possibly Enoch] Titcomb and Captain Stone. Asks whether the surveys have been submitted yet to the Massachusetts General Court's Committee on Eastern lands. Would like to find out about what recourse to the Court they have if any problems arise. Wonders especially how the Court might intervene in any conflicts between Knox and settlers claiming ownership or rights to his land.

GLC02437.03611

27 May 1794

Ogden, Samuel, 1746-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Notifies Knox the British intend to "wage War" with the United States over the western boundary lines. Reports the British believe their territory to be all of the west lakes and the Untied States territory to be limited to the Ohio River. Warns Knox if the United States were to agree to this arrangement the British would then take possession of Presque Isle. Gives an account of the troops they have in Canada. Also mentions the possibility of using militia men from Upper Canada if a war were to take place. Sends his regards to Knox's family.

GLC02437.06108

4 October 1784

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Mitchell

Relates he has been appointed as a commissioner to "examine whether the people under the Government of Nova Scotia have encroached upon the territories of this state." Requests sworn testimony regarding Mitchell's [in some sources, Mitchel] previous survey of the St. Croix River. Contains a biographical note near docket, explaining Knox's role as commissioner. Written in Dorchester, a neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts.

GLC02437.03053

6 October 1784

Mitchell, John, fl. 1755-1790

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mitchell [in some sources, Mitchel] responds to a letter from Knox requesting information regarding his previous survey of the St. Croix River. Offers to accompany Knox, who will serve as a commissioner to examine whether people of Nova Scotia had encroached on United States territory.

GLC02437.03054

30 December 1803

Miller, Frank, fl. 1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to Knox regarding a claim for settlement on Knox's lands. Declares that he was an original settler of the Waldo patent under Samuel Waldo in 1752 or 1753, and would like to continue living on these lands.

GLC02437.07841