13 May 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Mr. Doughty

Writes to inform the addressee that a report is circulating "on the frontiers" that the addressee's son ,Major [John] Doughty, may have been fired upon by a party of Indians while traveling on the Tennessee River. Is not sure of the details of the situation; fears the reports have been exaggerated. Believes it is likely that the boat was indeed fired upon, that Major Doughty "thought it prudent to retire," and that the boat did not ultimately fall into enemy hands. Resolves to provide further information when he receives it. (See GLC02437.04628 for what may be a follow-up letter.)

GLC02437.04606

25 July 1790

Van Berckel, Franco Petrus, fl. 1790

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Thanks the recipient for visiting with [Alexander] McGillivray. Hopes that the recipient and McGillivray can come to dinner since he missed their visit. Possibly written to Henry Knox.

GLC02437.04660

9 March 1789

Warren, Mercy Otis, 1728-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a recent letter from Knox and mentions political events surrounding the "Great Court" which are "too delicate for a lady to touch upon." Reflects upon the new government, which has "long been the wish of every good man & woman in America though they may have varied in opinion relative to some particular points." Rather than discussing the government, she wishes to enquire as to the health of Mrs. Knox and family, and ask Knox to forward the enclosed letter to her friend Mrs. Montgomery. Suggests the Knoxes come for a visit, and discusses her desire to travel to New York.…

GLC02437.04140

29 March 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Mercy Otis Warren

Unsigned, but handwriting suggests the author is Henry Knox. Received her last letter, with its enclosure to Mrs. Montgomery. Will deliver the enclosure to Mrs. Montgomery's family while she is out of town. Was upset that he did not have time to visit her and her husband General [James] Warren while in Boston on business. Hopes to be able to visit them in Plymouth the next time he is in the area. Wishes she and General Warren would visit New York; suggests that if the length of the land route would deter them, they might have a "convenient, safe and pleasant" passage by water. Then…

GLC02437.04157

2 September 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Benjamin Walker

Claims it is not from inattention that he has delayed responding to Walker's letter of 20 August. Reports that he was struck with a "unremitting fever & have just been able to be abroad." Agrees with him about selling lands and claims he is "expecting some plan from Mr. Duer for that object." Says that Duer will send him the provisional agreement to sell the lands to Madame de la Val and Mr. de la Roche. Mentions it is very important to get them to travel from New York to Boston in order to see the lands "and make the establishment before the Winter sets in."

GLC02437.05140

1 October 1791

Walker, Benjamin, 1753-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References receiving the deed. Reports that Madame de la Val was detained in New York for several days longer than expected because of "contrary winds," and her baggage did not arrive from Philadelphia. She left on 24 September accompanied by Mr. de la Roche and 15 other people. She brought the 15 settlers despite the late season, so they can immediately begin settling if they (and de la Val) find the land suitable. Madame de la Val has no doubt that she will approve of the land. William Duer sent Henry Jackson directions to furnish them with what they needed, and Jackson drew on Walker for…

GLC02437.05179

15 November 1791

Walker, Benjamin, 1753-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Provides some information on the recent voyage of Madame de Leval and Monsieur de la Roche. Plans to visit Philadelphia soon to provide Knox with more information.

GLC02437.05239

10 March 1782

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph document signed

Title: Gen. Knox in account with S. Shaw

Lists Henry Knox's accounts with Shaw, beginning 8 June 1781 and ending 12 December, 1781. Contains several memoranda and instructions for what Knox owes to Shaw and what the United States government owes Knox. Expenses range from: groceries and house wares to a payment to Frederick "for dressing the Generals hat," to "Jacob's wife (Peggy) for washing," to "Cato Freeman on account of his wages" (probably an African-American servant), travel and board expenses "From Camp to Philadelphia" [August], from "Philadelphia to Williamsburg in Virginia" [September], and from "York to Mount Vernon" […

GLC02437.01368

29 November 1776-5 December 1776

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph document

Title: Expence of travelling from Fishkill to Trentown

Written in Shaw's hand. Travelling expenses for Knox, his adjutant Monsieur Colreuse, and his man John. The total cost came to £7.7.11. Note at bottom says that Shaw borrowed 30 dollars from Knox, part of which was used to pay Knox's account at the Widow Sills Tavern in Trenton. Page 2 says the amount is to be charged to the Quartermaster General.

GLC02437.08392

20 March 1780- 20 March 1782

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph document signed

Title: Henry Knox's account with Samuel Shaw

Account of monies received and expended for General Henry Knox by Samuel Shaw. Includes payments for sundry items such as cloth, food, coffee, etc., household expenses, and services rendered. On page 3, "Paid Cato Bradish at 4 payments per recd on account of his wages as a servant to Mrs Knox." Many other mentions of giving Cato money to pay for goods or for his wages. In January 1781, lists travel expenses paid such as ferryage, horses, "passage in a sloop," etc. Notes a payment of $500 made to Mr. Ellison for money borrowed to pay Cato Beals when he was discharged from the army. Payments…

GLC02437.08535

29 May 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [Jeremiah] Wadsworth

Knox left Philadelphia for New York because his daughter Lucy was ill, but by the time he arrived, she was feeling better. Hopes to obtain warrants from the Board of Treasury to pay the arrearages of pay and clothing to the Connecticut troops. Relates that the Constitutional Convention began in Philadelphia on 25 May with seven states. George Washington will preside over the Convention, and [William] Jackson will serve as secretary. Ten states are now present at the Convention, but Maryland, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island are all absent.

GLC02437.03557

20 April 1788

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a financial matter involving warrants and a sheriff, of whom Wadsworth writes, "I find the sherif will fight hard and tho no body justifies him-" Notes that the sheriff received ill treatment in the office of Mr. Milligan. Plans to travel to the Greene residence, referring to the home of Catharine Littlefield Greene, widow of the late General Nathanael Greene. Notes that if Mrs. Greene consents, he will send George Washington Greene on the next packet for France. Requests that Knox ask St. John (possibly Crevecoeur) if he knows of any officers who might attend to George on the…

GLC02437.03851

May 1788

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Wadsworth discusses the recruitment of troops. He writes, "I have farther investigated the Bermuda business I am persuaded there will be a Garrison [there] of one or two thousand men..." referring to British soldiers. Refers to the possible adoption of the Constitution by Virginia and North Carolina. Writes, "This State as well as Massachusetts will be represented & [Governed] principally by federal Men- and I begin to hope our new Machine will be put in motion in all this Year." Mentions the opposition of Rhode Island and New York to the Constitution. Notes that George Washington Greene…

GLC02437.03881

August 19, 1787

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a business plan proposed to him by Major [Winthrop] Sargent for an upcoming voyage and the risks that accompany the proposal. (See GLC02437.03638 for Winthrop's views on the voyage). Mentions one of his officer's requests for payment. Describes the financial ruin and plight of Nathanael Greene's (Catharine Greene) widow and children. Asks Knox to forward the Marquis's [Lafayette's] letter to her. Worries about Greene's sons and their education. Complains about the numerous payment applications and loans requests he has received along with requests from people who wish him to…

GLC02437.03637

11 May 1788

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses Connecticut politics, mentioning James Wadsworth. Promises to send pumpkin seeds from his garden. Mentions that Mr [Joel] Barlow [see GLC02437.03874] will be travelling on a packet for France, and will be able to take care of George.

GLC02437.03869

December 26, 1777-January 22, 1778

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph document signed

Title: [Journal]

Diary covers a variety of subjects, listed by date, including a report of General William Smallwood's capture of a British brig in Wilmington Delaware, local observations (including Moravian customs), the amount of snowfall, merchant shops, dining with Clinton, etc. Includes travels through Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York. Prior to setting out on this journey, William had been staying with his brother Henry Knox at the Valley Forge encampment. Year inferred from content.

GLC02437.08279

February 15, 1773

Longman, Thomas, 1731-1797

Manuscript document

Title: [Invoice of goods]

List of books on various topics to be shipped to Boston for Henry Knox. Items include sermons, lectures, memoirs, travel diaries and others.

GLC02437.08310

1773

Manuscript document

Title: Memoranda of expenses from N York to Boston

Lists all of the expenses incurred travelling from New York City to Boston. Items include shoes, rye, ferry fare, shoeing for horses, the amount spent at each stop (Fairfield, Seabrook, New London, etc) and others. Date previously inferred, written in pencil.

GLC02437.08323

15 April 1786

Winslow, Samuel, fl. 1781-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he and the rest of the family are upset by the "melancholy information" Knox related in a previous letter (this may refer to the death of Hannah Flucker, or "our Aunt Flucker," as he refers to her, in 1785). Discusses his upcoming business travels and difficulties related to the lime business. Mentions legal and financial issues relating to the Waldo patent lands, and explains that a Mr. Stone has been hired to conduct a survey of a portion of the lands.

GLC02437.09150

10 April 1772

Longman, Thomas, 1731-1797

Manuscript document

Title: [List]

List of goods ordered and bought by Henry Knox to be shipped to Boston. Consists of books on a variety of topics, including cookbooks, novels, sermons and travel.

GLC02437.10373

6 November 1784

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Webber

Thanks Webber, a London merchant, for his kind treatment of his brother William, who suffered from mental illness. About William, writes "I was flattered with the hope, that 'ere this he would have emerged from his unhappy despondency, and have assumed some portion of that cheerfulness, with which untill now he has already been blessed." Encloses a letter for William, which he requests Webber to sign, seal, and deliver. Also asks Webber to attempt to persuade William to return to Boston. Written in Dorchester, a neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts.

GLC02437.03068

5 May 1785

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Webber

Expresses his gratitude for the care Webber has taken to assist his brother William, who suffered from mental illness. Mentions a box of books, sent from London by Sharp, that were damaged in transit. Writes, "I am not well acquainted with the state of my brothers affairs..." Extensively discusses the details of business transactions left unattended by William. Relates that he will not be able to travel to London to care for William, due to the demands of his family and his recent acceptance of the post of Secretary at War. Asks that Webber send William to Boston and financially support…

GLC02437.03139

6 June 1785

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Webber

Knox writes to Webber, a London merchant and close friend of his brother, William Knox. Urges Webber to arrange for William's passage to America, possibly on Captain Coffin's ship or the next vessel that will accept him. Discusses business transactions left unattended by William, mentioning the firm Smith & Loring, the possible sale of the Birmingham, and the sale of carpeting.

GLC02437.03151

3 August 1785

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Webber

Writes to Webber, a caretaker and friend of Knox's brother William in England, regarding William's illness. Comments that he is very happy to hear William is doing well and that his prospects for recovery are positive. Discusses the likelihood that William will return to the United States, and hopes that he will, as his family will be able to provide "a thousand tendernesses to soothe his mind & restore its tranquility." If William recovers, Knox suggests he stay in New York, with Knox and his wife and children; if he returns while still ill, requests that William return to Boston, as…

GLC02437.03171

20 April 1789

Weedon, George, 1734-1793

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Introduces Mr. John Mortimer, the bearer of the letter. Explains that Mortimer is a member of a respectable family that lives near Weedon, and he is taking a tour as far as Boston before returning to go into business, particularly exports and imports for the Eastern states. Asks if Knox might introduce him to his acquaintances.

GLC02437.04184