13 July 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [William] Hull

Knox vouches for Isaac Wilkins, who delivers this letter to Colonel [William] Hull. Wilkins hopes to move from Long Island to Westchester, New York. Notes that during the course of the war, Wilkins conduct has been "fine," and his character "unexceptionable." Adds that Chief Justice [Richard] Morris had advised Wilkins on the move. Hopes to "free him from any apprehensions of the Laws of this State respecting persons attached to the british Government." Appears to be asking Hull to protect Wilkins from the "bandittes" or banditti. See GLC02437.02225, .02461, and .10120 for related…

GLC02437.10119

29 November 1786

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from "Charles Town," possibly Charlestown, Massachusetts, where Gorham was born. Asks Knox to deliver a letter he has enclosed to his daughter. Relates information on preparations Massachusetts has made to confront the insurgents associated with Shays' Rebellion. Describes how they thought the insurgents would stand and fight, but upon realizing that their reinforcements would not be joining them, they ran. Explains that "it is happy for them they did not come," because the government had prepared its own troops to fight. There is now a good chance that a government force will…

GLC02437.03355

13 December 1786

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he had planned to write him a long letter but the Governor sent him on a consultation. Writes, "There is no militia in Hampshire or Worcester that have artilery [sic] - & they are expecting soon to be called & advise not to take any from the arsenal untill the moment it is wanted & then to take what may be necessary- in the mean time to write to Congress on the subject - various reasons might be given why the Government party should not touch the public the stores- & at any rate not untill the moment the business is to be put at issue - however I hope there will…

GLC02437.03377

December 31, 1786

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received his last letter and "shall endeavour to impress the sentiments therein contained. I shall be at Boston tomorrow & will se the Governor if possible. it will not be easy to have any considerable conversation with as he now has his councill in Town, in order I presume to prepare their arrangements for the protection of the Court at Worcester on the 23d of January- I have reason to think it will be spiritedly done- but as the success of the business in some of its parts may depend much upon secrecy I have avoided inquiry, as to particulars." Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.03397

13 July 1783

Gibbs, Caleb, fl. 1748-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Major Gibbs writes from Germantown, outside of Philadelphia, to General Henry Knox, Commander of West Point Describes in detail the march of his detachment from West Point to quell mutineers in Pennsylvania. On the way, they passed through Princeton, New Jersey, where Congress was stationed at that time. Describes saluting Congress, and comments on Elias Boudinot, President of Congress: "the Officers formed in the Center of their Respective Regts & were introduced to the President who asked a number to take Breakfast with him." Discusses the reaction of local residents to soldiers: "…

GLC02437.10121

14 June 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he finally obtained $500 to pay two companies of artillery marching to Springfield, Massachusetts. The soldiers were ordered to protect the Springfield armory, and Jackson expects them to arrive at Springfield on 21 June 1787. Reports that he used his own money to pay for the troops' clothing, noting, "...if I had not taken this measure, the men at this moment would have been naked." Stamped "Boston" on the address leaf. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature. For related correspondence, please refer to GLC02437.03567, GLC02437.03573, and GLC02437.03577.

GLC02437.03580

18 November 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Sympathizes with Knox on the painful treatment or cure for an unnamed disorder. Wishes he could come stay with Knox when he has the operation. Writes that he believes "Mr. Gerry's Letter has done great injury to the proposed New Constitution, more than he will ever be able to do good by a whole life of repentance - every thing went on firm & well until that damn'd Letter he has his influence with a certain party, of which your friend on Milton Hill is a principal." Is still hopeful since "all the liberal & most sensible men are highly in favor of it - they stand as firm &…

GLC02437.03705

10 March 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that he has been absent from Boston, attending a meeting of the Ohio Company in Providence, Rhode Island. Is pleased to find Knox has several shares of Ohio Company land. Predicts that New Hampshire will ratify the Constitution and Rhode Island will not. Hopes that John Hancock and Benjamin Lincoln will win the next election for governor and lieutenant governor of Massachusetts respectively. Notes that the Anti-Federalists and the "Insurgent influence" will support [James] Warren and [Elbridge] Gerry for the positions. Further discusses politics.

GLC02437.03819

20 April 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Recently heard news that their mutual friend, James Swan, arrived in France. His wife, Hepzibah Clark Swan, is still in America and hopes James will send for her. Jackson doubts he will be able to, noting "...I am sure his Finances are not sufficient to support it, that is, if he has left with me a true statement of his affairs." Refers to the Massachusetts election for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Reports that their mutual friend, "the General," has 3/5 of the vote (referring to Benjamin Lincoln and the election for Lieutenant Governor). Of Massachusetts legislature, writes "Our…

GLC02437.03852

27 April 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Refers to a recent "affray" in New York [the so-called Doctors Riot], expressing relief that Knox was not injured. Discusses a financial matter related to "Pierce's final settlement," arguing that he can make use of ten thousand dollars "without the least risque" (refer to GLC02437.03842 and GLC02437.03866). Notes that their mutual friend, Colonel James Swan, arrived in France. Marked "private" on the address leaf.

GLC02437.03862

February 25, 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the arrangement of troops and an established military uniform he received from Major [William] North. Asks Knox to decide which of the two majors will be assigned to him so he can appoint a field officer at the Castle. Goes into further detail about his new recruits and funding for the uniforms. Notes General [Benjamin] Lincoln remains in Pittsfield, Massachusetts (one of the areas where Shays' Rebellion took place). Writes, "...the heart of the Rebellion is broken up, and have dispersed to all quarters - but if the government Troops were withdrawn, from that quarter, the same…

GLC02437.03469

4 June 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Encloses a warrant on Nathaniel Appleton, receiver of the Continental Taxes for the State of Massachusetts, for security for a loan from the Massachusetts Bank. The loan was used to be used to pay two companies of federal artillery ordered to protect the arsenal at Springfield, Massachusetts. For related correspondence, please refer to GLC02437.03573, GLC02437.03577, and GLC02437.03580.

GLC02437.03567

23 June 1783

Humphreys, David, 1752-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Requests that Knox and "all the General Officers belonging to the Garrison" attend a meeting with General George Washington the next day and asks Knox to "notify those Gentlemen accordingly." Noted as written at Head Quarters and docketed by Knox.

GLC02437.02177

25 June 1783

Humphreys, David, 1752-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Colonel Humphreys as Washington's aide-de-camp to Major General Knox. Says General Washington desires him to have as much of the hard bread, which was delivered into Eldermen's store, issued to the detachment as they can carry. Asks that the bread be served out occasionally so it does not go to waste. "Public" written on address leaf with no signature. Docketed in Knox's hand.

GLC02437.02182

25 September 1786

Humphreys, David, 1752-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Colonel David Humphreys, who has been elected to the Connecticut Legislature, writes to Knox about his opinions about the state militia. Wants to obtain a copy of the report he wrote for Congress on the subject. Would like his opinions in order to prevent anything contradictory to them from being passed. Writes, "In the present tumultuous times, you will readily conceive, my dear General, how much the public safety & even our very existance [sic] as a nation, may depend upon placing our Militia in proper hands & putting it upon an eligible footing." Also describes the nature of…

GLC02437.03302

28 September 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that it gives everyone pleasure to hear Mrs. Knox is "well a Bed - I please myself the Child will do well altho appearances may at present be against it." Discusses the brief arrival in town of a Major [possibly Richard] Platt and mentions his financial problems. Will visit Isaac Winslow to consult him on the business Knox mentions. Discusses local business and political issues, such as the opening of the General Court and the speech by the Governor to both houses. Heard reports that 7,00 men were armed in Springfield to oppose sitting of the Supreme Court and that even more men are in…

GLC02437.03303

10 November 1786

Humphreys, David, 1752-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that since his last letter, has had an idea that he thought best directed to Knox privately. Suggests that "Congress, in all their Corps, to promote by Brevet the Lt Colonels Commandant to be Brigadiers, and the first Majors to be Lieutenant Colonels." Can see no negatives to this plan, as it would not cost them anything, and allow them all to retain command of their regiments. It would, perhaps, grant these officers recognition and therefore motivate them. Also, if they were called on to enter the militia, their rank would give them command over the militia colonels and "it might…

GLC02437.03334

12 November 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes primarily about his efforts to recruit a regiment in the Boston area. Sad to hear that the rank of Colonel Hull could not be altered, because now he is convinced Hull will not serve, and the military will lose a valuable officer. Will see him tomorrow and try to convince him. Visited the Castle a few days ago and found that he can, very cheaply, find barracks with room enough to quarter 200 men and if necessary can find 150 more. Will try to fill it up as recruits come in. Emphasizes the difficulty of recruiting more officers, as he has no money. Has offered companies to twenty…

GLC02437.03335

19 November 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that Colonel [possibly William] Hull accepted an appointment in the Massachusetts line, but wants to rank next to Jackson, with the title of Major. Major [William] North believes he will outrank Hull, but Jackson emphasizes that Hull should outrank North, with Major [likely Elnathan] Haskell third. As Major North is traveling to New York, Jackson expects he will try to talk to Knox about it, and wishes Knox to be prepared. Lists the men he nominated to be Captains, but mentions that the Governor and Council changed some of the names without telling him. Discusses some problems…

GLC02437.03339

29 November 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to David Humphreys

Written from the "War Office"; location inferred. Discusses the "derangement of the public finance" and the difficulty of being able to financially support the military establishment. Mentions that if Humphreys is with Colonel [Jeremiah] Wadsworth, Wadsworth can explain everything. Also discusses the recruitment of soldiers.

GLC02437.03356

17 December 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that because the weather has been so cold and stormy, has had to procure blankets for the recruits. Now, however, every new recruit he enlists will expect a blanket. Asks for Knox's advice on this subject. Has discussed the supply of rations with Mr. [Stephen] Bruce, who will write to Knox and to the Board of Treasury on the subject. Discusses his attempts to locate a bundle of goods belonging Mrs. Knox. Sends his love to Mrs. Knox and the children.

GLC02437.03383

December 31, 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Provides an account of the recent actions of Shays and his followers: the previous Tuesday, they prevented the Court at Springfield from sitting. The Court will meet in Worcester on 23 January. He and General [Benjamin] Lincoln are recruiting troops and preparing the militia. Also extensively discusses the clothing, supplies, and provisions needed for the troops.

GLC02437.03398

7 January 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Happy to hear that Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan arrived safely. Their friends in Boston were concerned about their trip due to the weather. Asks Knox to present his compliments to the Swans, and to tell them that their family in Boston is doing well. Reports that the government is making preparations to support the sitting of the Court at Worcester on 23 January. General [Benjamin] Lincoln will be commanding 4000 militia men, including six artillery companies, beginning on 20 January. If the insurgents do not appear, the plan is to use the militia to find the insurgents and bring them to…

GLC02437.03407

January 10 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Hopes to hear from Knox by the Saturday mail. Writes that the expedition against Shays and his supporters "has a pleasing appearance." Funds have been raised for the expedition, a proportion of which will be used by the troops being raised. Asks him to deliver an enclosed letter (not present). Sends his respects to Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan, as well as to Lucy Knox and the Knox children.

GLC02437.03412

January 14, 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Was upset to receive no letter from Knox by the last post. Expected an answer to his last letter in which he asked about clothing and uniforms for his recruits. Writes that if he was furnished with the uniform and had Knox's permission, he feels he would have been able to procure enough money to clothe all the men he has enlisted, which amounts to more than 100. Discusses the money already procured against the insurgents, but is convinced the insurgents will never appear to fight against the new government forces. Has enclosed a letter from Miss Snelling…

GLC02437.03416