December 6, 1780

Lee, Arthur, 1740-1792

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elbridge Gerry

Docketed in Gerry's hand. Tells Gerry that Congress has finally decided to satisfy his accounts "declaring that no charge against me have been proved." Comments that he thinks "a serious inquiry into the conduct of the Commissioners, must soon commence" and defends the quality of the military supplies he secured from Gardoqui & Co. in France. Briefly relates news of advantages against Lord Cornwallis and General Leslie's evacuation of Virginia. Lee had been recalled from France, suspected of abusing his diplomatic post.

GLC01450.456

April 4, 1778

Gardoqui e Hijos (Firm)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Arthur Lee

Discusses accounts for military supplies, mostly uniforms and blankets for "the American friends that we have worked for in the present troublesome times." Also notes hearing news that Benjamin Franklin "had been presented to His Majesty as an Embassador [to France] of the Unitted Collonys in America." With a brief, tallied clothing account on the bottom of page two. Signed "J.G. & Co." The commercial house of Gardoqui e Hijos (Joseph Gardoqui and Sons) of Bilbao, Spain, represented the American colonies in the Spanish court during the American Revolution. Lee had served in Spain as…

GLC01450.523

December 6, 1797

Lamarquisie, Bernard M., fl. 1797

Letter signed

Title: to the Society of Cincinnati

Letters to the Society of Cincinnati asking for aid. Lamarquisie (also "de la Marquisie"), a Frenchman who had served as a captain of engineers in the Continental Army, asks the Massachusetts Society of Cincinnati for financial aid. The former officer, "persecuted in France during the Revolution," writes that he needs money to travel from Boston to Philadelphia, in order to pursue his memorial before Congress. The first letter, a summary of his military service during the Revolutionary War, includes mention of his journey to Canada with American commissioners Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Chase…

GLC01450.624

February 25, 1832

Tornel y Mendívil, José María, 1789-1853

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Dr. Joshua Cohen

Letter written as Mexican Secretary of State.

GLC01450.723

1794

Manuscript letter

Title: to the Governor of Pennsylvania

Replies on behalf of President Washington regarding relations with the Indians in Pennsylvania. Addressee and date previously inferred. Date written in pencil and addressee in red. If the date is correct, the governor of Pennsylvania at the time would have been Thomas Mifflin.

GLC02437.08183

3 January 1790

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks Knox to deliver a forwarded letter to George Washington in respects to him renewing his present position, Consul to China. Also asks about extending his duties further eastward. Writes that he is feeling much better "though still a little tender," from his late illness (see GLC02437.04453 for more details on Shaw's illness).

GLC02437.04460

3 May 1784

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Philip Schuyler

Knox asks Schuyler to help him arrange transportation for the Minister of France to St. Johns (possibly present-day Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec). Asks if there are boats on Lake George or Lake Champlain that could adequately transport the minister to St. Johns. Inquires as to the number of men he should send from West Point to facilitate the minister's transportation.

GLC02437.02996

February 21, 1790

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for helping him in renewing his post as consul at Canton, China and prepares to set sail again. Writes that "[m]y prospects in the Eastern hemisphere are not flattering, to be sure - but the empire of Chance is a wide one - and who knows what may turn up."

GLC02437.04517

10 May 1790

Sayre, Stephen, 1736-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses surprise at Knox's lack of a reply to a mutual friend (unnamed, but Sayre may be referring to William Duer, whom he discusses throughout the letter). Reports business difficulties with Duer, declaring, "Mr. Duer will not deny his having made a most solemn agreement, as a man of honor, to act with me, for our equal benefit." Duer has not, apparently, done justice to this agreement. Hopes for Knox's help in encouraging Duer to contribute to the project, by securing the appropriate business contracts to let Sayre continue his work in England. Also advises Knox to have the…

GLC02437.04602

8 May 1785

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to J. Hector St. John de Crèvecoeur

Knox writes to Crevecoeur, French consul at New York. Expresses his regret at Crevecoeur's loss of important papers. Apparently responding to Crevecoeur's request for information related to the Revolutionary War, writes, "...I was not at the frontiers during the War having always been with the Army under the immediate orders of His Ex Gen Washington[.]"

GLC02437.03141

24 April 1793

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: to Arthur St. Clair

Later copy made from the original in November 1856. Reports that President George Washington directed him to inform St. Clair that proposed treaty negotiations between the U.S. and the hostile Indians north of the Ohio River is to take place at Lower Sandusky around 1 June. To guarantee the success of the negotiations it is necessary to make sure "all hostile incursions of the white inhabitants into, or near to the Indian Country north of the Ohio, should be absolutely prohibited, until after the Treaty be closed." The commander of the troops has been ordered to make a proclamation to that…

GLC02437.05876

April 27, 1785

St. John de Crevecoeur, J. Hector, 1735-1813

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Crevecoeur, French consul in New York, delivers a letter from "the good Marquis," possibly the Marquis de Lafayette (letter not included).

GLC02437.03133

2 September 1787

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Sargent sends the proceedings of a meeting of Ohio Company agents that took place 29 August (refer to GLC02437.03648). Notes that keeping part of their purchase "out of sight" had enhanced the value of the first [1000] shares. Offers Knox his opinions on the appointment of Western Officers for the company. Hopes that he [Sargent] will be appointed secretary. Asks Knox to let him know if there will be a treaty with the Native Americans in the Western Country.

GLC02437.03651

February 3, 1788

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses his regret that Knox has rheumatism. Expects that Massachusetts will adopt the Constitution. Discusses several delegates who advocated its adoption. Mentions [John] Hancock's publication in the [Massachusetts] Centinel 2 February 1788, which according to Sargent stated "that we should ratify &c. & propose certain Amendments..." Asks if General [Arthur] St. Clair will hold a treaty with an unspecified tribe of Native Americans and discusses business of the Ohio Company. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.03783

15 August 1788

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses matters related to the Ohio Company settlement at Marietta, including the possibility of defense against Native American attacks. Intended to send Knox a plan of Marietta, but was unable to draw one due to his injured or afflicted hand. Relates the details of cultivating the land and discusses land prices. Plans to go down the [Ohio] River to meet with nine Indian tribes.

GLC02437.03962

20 October 1788

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Sargent, Secretary of the Northwest Territory, discusses progress of the settlers and negotiations with Native Americans in the Territory including Joseph Brant. Writes, "We can not as yet, tis true, boast of very much Cultivation or Improvement, for our Numbers are not large, but the few present have not been idle- they have [built] themselves comfortable Log Houses..." Comments on the delay of an unspecified treaty with Native Americans. Writes "...As the Governour corresponds with you, you will undoubtedly be informed of the particular Disposition of the different Tribes- Should they…

GLC02437.04007

8 January 1789

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks him for his recent letter and the information contained therein. Reports that the Governor, aware of Knox's interest in Indian affairs, will soon write him a note on the negotiations for a treaty with the Indians. Provides some information on that subject. Sends the regards of several friends who are with him in Marietta, and sends his compliments to Mrs. Lucy Knox, as well as to Knox's brother, William.

GLC02437.04079

7 December 1789

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Replies to Knox's letter from 9 November (GLC02437.04410). Notes that Knox is correct in his observation that "Agriculture might afford me Satisfaction and profit..." Adds that presently, he is living beyond his means. Writes that the governor has not yet arrived, likely referring to Arthur St. Clair, governor of the Northwest Territory. Reports that due to the death of General [Samuel] Parsons, John Symmes is the only judge left in the Northwest Territory. Hopes the vacancy caused by Parsons' death will be filled as soon as possible, and the territory can establish "good & wholesome Laws…

GLC02437.04428

8 August 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Later copy. Briefly mentions a number of topics, including the French Revolution and the government situation with the Eastern Territory.

GLC02437.05573

29 October 1792

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes a letter of introduction for the bearer, Captain Mayette writing: "for if he is not for us he will be decidedly against us - and his Influence is very considerable amongst the Indians... The British and Spaniards I have no Doubt would purchase him at a considerable price and but for the flattering distinctions we have paid him he probably would have struck up a Bargain." Discusses another Native American who he thinks would be a beneficial ally, although he is a "monstrous beggarly rascal even for an Indian." Refers to a treaty with the Native Americans, noting, "from the knowledge…

GLC02437.05678

February 25, 1783

Von Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, 1730-1794

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Major General von Steuben to Major General Knox. Reports that "In all proba[b]ility the Peace is signed." Says "At present all our lost Battles are turned to Victories. Great Britain acknowledges our Independence, may other nations acknowledge that we are worthy to be free." Says America's first impressions are important as they will decide "whether we shall be respected as an Empire or be despised as a Banditti." Says the situation of the army and the news of peace are all that are talked about. Wants to know what will happen if Congress disperses the army without pay. Presents a…

GLC02437.01952

27 March 1792

Smith, William Stephens, 1755-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he has yet to set sail due to poor weather. Comments that he has never been an ambitious man, but that the President [Washington] and his Minister of State (referring to Thomas Jefferson) have convinced him to take on a position with the government. Does not specify the position, but explains why he believes the President thought he had the honesty and strength of character to take on the job. Asks Knox to protect his brother and possibly provide him with a job.

GLC02437.05382

28 April 1782

Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron von, 1730-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox [in French]

Mostly written in French, introducing Brigadier General Le Comte De Bennofsky , of the French Army. Short paragraph in English reads: "Lt. Philips is taken. A Treaty of diffensiv & offensiv alliance signed between France & Holland. Huza my friend all goes well."

GLC02437.01397

12 December 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to [Adam Stephen?]

Addressed to General Stephens. Possibly to General Adam Stephen, whose name is often misspelled Stephens. Discusses Indian policy, stating "[t]he affairs of the Cherokee Indians are peculiarly perplexed, and require a stronger arm to put them into a proper train than is proposed the present government ..." Mentions a previous treaty with Congress made in 1785. States that he is happy Stephens approves of the new government, and writes "it seems the only mean[s] to avoid the horror and miseries of the weakness of our present situation - New Hampshire, Massachusetts & Connecticut - New…

GLC02437.03724

21 October 1791

Smith, William Stephens, 1755-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Found Knox's letter of 3 October waiting for him upon his return from Boston. Gave William Duer a message for Knox. Since that message was written things have changed with the arrival of a minister from Great Britain [George Hammond]. Tells Knox, "I have by this post offered myself as a Candidate for the appointment at the Court of London, & upon what I conceive to be strong grounds." If he gets appointed, he believes the post "will have a very extensive influence & operation." Asks for Knox's "good offices on the subject."

GLC02437.05204