2 April 1796

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Nesmith

Addressed to James Nesmith and several other parties, who are the town leaders of Ducktrap, Maine. Writes to express his relief that the Samuel Ely conspiracy was much more minor than initially expected. Extensive notes and calculations on third page.

GLC02437.06688

6 April 1796

Pickering, Timothy, 1745-1829

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from the "Department of State." Pickering informs Knox of his appointment by President George Washington to a commission to determine the Eastern boundary of the United States on the St. Croix River in Maine [as stipulated by Jay's Treaty of November 1794]. Writes that the commission's work will be delayed indefinitely due to complications with the British in those territories, but as soon as those issues are corrected, Knox can begin. Explains the pay rate for Knox's position and estimates how long the job will take. Hopes he will accept the appointment.

GLC02437.06694

14 April 1796

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Timothy Pickering

Writes that he received Pickering's letter in which he learned he was appointed head of a committee to negotiate the boundary between Maine and Canada. Declares that while he is grateful for the faith the President places in him, he must decline the appointment.

GLC02437.06706

18 October 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Timothy Pickering

Informs Colonel Pickering there will be a sergeant and twelve men to cut wood for the department to send to Newbury and that "time grows more and more precious daily." Mentions that he has received complaints about soldiers cutting wood without permission and so he has "issued an order, that no wood be cut except at such places as shall be directed..." Noted as a copy in the bottom left hand corner. Watermarked with a crown.

GLC02437.10170

February 25, 1792

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he has not received a reply from Knox. Reports that a Mr. Holt provided new information about the Flucker estate and the Waldo patent lands in Maine, specifically who owns the deeds to certain tracts of land. Provides advice from Colonel [Benjamin] Hichborn on how they should proceed with the General Court.

GLC02437.05325

30 March 1792

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to discuss business about the Waldo patent lands in Maine. Relays a report from Captain [George] Ulmer about arrangements Knox had made with the residents of the patent. Discusses Isaac Winslow's decision to begin selling his portion of the patent; Winslow may visit Knox in Philadelphia for help and advice in this endeavor. Encloses a deed (not present) for lands in Maine. Touches on other business matters, particularly pertaining to the Secretary of State of New Hampshire.

GLC02437.05387

20 July 1793

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References Knox's letter of 29 June. Waited to respond until after the sitting of the Committee of the Sale of Eastern Lands. Met with John White of Charlestown, Massachusetts who is indebted to the Flucker Estate through a bond and a mortgage. White said he was still waiting for the British government to compensate him for the burning of his property in Charlestown in 1775. Goes into details about the debt and its interest. Discusses Isaac Winslow and the Taylor purchase. Mentions he spoke to Mr. Jarvis of the Committee, who said Knox should now be in possession of all the land between…

GLC02437.05905

December 11, 1793

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Marked "Private" on address leaf. Reports that the ten proprietors met on 5 December. Even though he was not authorized to stand in Knox's place, he did so at the urging of Henry Jackson. Told them, because of a recent "advertis[emen]t on business," that Knox would be in Boston in May. The proprietors were upset saying that Knox has delayed since 1784. Notes they appear to want "to put the bond in suit." Says the Court of Common Pleas will sit in January. Mentions that Isaac Winslow has just gotten over an illness and will write about the issue. Asks about details of delivering a copy…

GLC02437.05992

26 December 1793

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Marked "Private" on address leaf. References Knox's letter of 18 December. Has had luck finding the heirs and assigns in the Muscongus Lands. Has written to many of them, but has not heard back. Goes into some detail on the situation. Describes a meeting he had on 5 December with the 10 proprietors. They expressed respect for Knox, but moved forward with the suit. Says they have made Harrison G. Otis their attorney. Has written to employ Mr. Parson and Mr. Dane as attorneys for Knox. Postscript says Judge Sullivan can get the case continued to April if goes to the Court of Common Pleas…

GLC02437.06006

29 December 1793

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Is making progress in preparing for the suit with the proprietors, but is having trouble tracking down all the heirs. Believes some of them have already sold out. Says Senator William Bradford of Rhode Island owns one share. Says "if you know him he has been a good friend of yours at the meeting of the propt. heretofore by using his influence to postpone - there are other heirs of his family scatter'd in & about R.I. - would it not be a good oppy for you to speak to him on the Subject[?]" Goes into great detail on the problems with the patent and with taxes. Received Knox's letter of…

GLC02437.06009

January 30, 1794

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Marked "Private." Says the action of the ten proprietors is continued to the April Court of Common Pleas session. They have not noticed the error in the writ he mentioned earlier. The issue of Gorham's bond will be referred to the judges of the Superior Court. This involves interest earned during the war. Believes his petition on the taxes will be taken up today.

GLC02437.06036

10 February 1794

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Marked "Private" at address leaf. References Knox's letter of 22 January. Reports that Knox's petition about the taxes has not been taken up yet because the committee chairman, Nathan Dane, has been taken up with Senate business. Says that Mrs. Goldthwait is dead, which "will prevent Genl. Jacksons accomplishing your wishes for a little time." Believes it will not be a problem because his petition is "just & reasonable." Updates Knox on the suit with the ten proprietors. Is on the lookout for the farmers and gardeners Knox requested. Wants to know when they should arrive. Tells Knox…

GLC02437.06043

20 February 1794

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Marked "Private" on address leaf. Updates Knox on the joint committee that is deciding on the taxes on the Waldo Patent. The session was postponed until the next meeting of the legislature where current owners of the land will need to give just cause on why the heirs must pay all the taxes. Goes into detail about what they should do to prepare for the next session with the legislature. Mentions he found a farmer for Knox.

GLC02437.06049

6 April 1794

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox he will send the grapevines with the gardener along with some seeds and tools. Mentions how the prospect of war is keeping Knox from traveling. Refers to a promise Knox supposedly made to another gentleman. Discusses properties (possibly near Knox's land holdings in Maine) Knox is trying to purchase, the price of land, and various property boundaries. Believes Knox should consider purchasing land from the government if his plan fails.

GLC02437.06074

10 June 1794

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a petition filed against Knox involving some property. Mentions a conversation he had with Waterman Thomas of Waldoboro, Maine who supports the petition. Reports Thomas says, "The people who have paid the full amount of their engagement to your agent can get no Deeds & they have no security - for if you should die…" Comments he will call on Judge Sullivan (possibly James or John Sullivan) for assistance.

GLC02437.06116

13 June 1794

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses committee members who will hear the land petition cases in Waldoboro, Maine. Reports he told the committee that Knox was unaware of the people's suits (possibly deeds) being lost and Knox is a friend and benefactor of the people on the patent (possibly part of the Waldo patent). Also notes the settlers have issues with some of Knox's agents.

GLC02437.06118

22 June 1794

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses completing a map of the eastern country for the government. Notes the map takes in a corner of the patent. Mentions possibly having to extend boundary lines (possibly on the Waldo patent) to make up for deficiencies. Informs Knox the committee for the taxes decided to deduct money from heirs. Reports the act may be repealed as being unconstitutional and Knox most likely will not have to pay. Reports Judge Sullivan (possibly James or John Sullivan) will be accompanying him to the committee to hear the patent petition (possibly part of the Waldo patent lands). Provides and update…

GLC02437.06125

29 June 1794

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the Waldo patent lands and the petitions that went before the committee. Notes he spoke with Judge Sullivan (possbily James or John Sullivan) who recommends he put in a petition on Knox's behalf to counteract the people's petition. Mentions if the court decides to hear all the settlers' cases it could take up to 12 months. Also notes Judge Sullivan said one of the petitions strikes at the whole patent. Informs Knox the committee extended the petition case to the next session. A copy, written by Joseph Peirce, of the House of Representatives decision to send the committee to…

GLC02437.06128

February 23, 1795

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the rulings of the committee regarding land transactions.

GLC02437.06360

19 March 1795

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Updates Knox on the progress of the Committee and discusses various land deeds. Notes the petitions can no longer be called upon from year to year.

GLC02437.06373

29 July 1797

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Forwards a letter and informs Knox that a settler has decided not to occupy land on Knox's property.

GLC02437.07010

23 April 1800

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Peirce asks Knox if he has "the Goods of Mr. Fluckers." The Committee is planned to meet the next month. He advises Knox to attend the meeting.

GLC02437.07395

22 August 1800

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Peirce talks of the issue of Knox's surveyors and Mr. Bowdoin's plans to "prevent Surveyors running any Lines." Peirce tells Knox Francis Flucker is in town and has requested $75 in funds.

GLC02437.07452

circa 1821

Manuscript

Title: [Negotiations regarding the fifth article of the Treaty of Ghent and British claims]

The fifth article of the Treaty of Ghent dealt with establishing the boundary between the United States and Canada around the northwest angle of Nova Scotia and the northwestern head of the Connecticut River. Book includes copies of letters from the British agent appointed to locate the northwest angle of Nova Scotia, Ward Chipman. Verified as a true copy by S. Hales.

GLC05634.01

1818

Manuscript document

Title: [Discussion and resolution pertaining the fifth and seventh articles of the Treaty of Ghent]

Discusses executing the fifth article of the Treaty of Ghent, which pertained to establishing a United States-Canada border and the expenses associated with it. Concludes that the analysis is preliminary but recommends a resolution requesting that the president "arrange with the British government some mode of designating the boundary line, under the 5 & 7 articles of the treaty of Ghent, which shall require less time and expense, than the one which the Commissioners have heretofore pursued."

GLC05634.06