28 October 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Stephens Smith

Mentions the "subject" of Smith's last letter and praises its virtues. Promises always to advance Smith's interests "in any degree."

GLC02437.05213

13 November 1793

Smith, William Stephens, 1755-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Says "Citizen Genet is disposed to leave me in the lurch, relative to the accoutrements provided for his nation, indeed if he was to take them, I know not how he is to pay for them he has offered me Bills on France, but they will not answer." Asks Knox for assistance and to take the items at a fair value for public service. They are cartridge boxes with belts and sword belts with bayonet scabbards. Says they are fit for service and ready for transport.

GLC02437.05972

15 September 1794

Stagg, John, Jr., 1758-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox the commissioners have returned but a decision has not been reached. Notes that the "deluded people, it appears, are bent on destruction." Mentions more citizens are stepping forth and enrolling in the militia. Also notes the governor's address in Pennsylvania had some affect; the cavalry, artillery, and infantry have all offered their services. Reports on the progress of the other states' militias (likely referring to the Whiskey Rebellion). Mentions he has not heard word from General Anthony Wayne. Notes Colonel Timothy Pickering has gone to the Treaty (Treaty of Canandaigua…

GLC02437.06208

12 October 1782

Tilghman, Tench, 1744-1786

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from "Head Quarters" by Colonel Tilghman to Major General Knox. Says Knox's "letters" came to hand last evening. Says Washington has gone down to the river and that he cannot answer him until tomorrow. Reports that "Vessels have arrived in short passages from Holland to Boston - letters down to the 20th of Augt. say that the French, Dutch and English Fleets had returned safe and sound into port." Says the British have not determined whether to relieve Gibraltar or not. Claims "it was in danger and must fall without Speedy relief." Reports that British affairs in the East Indies are…

GLC02437.01659

25 June 1792

Tousard, Louis de, 1749-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Tousard signs in text. Sends Knox a picture of the late Colonel Duplessis (not present) which had been commissioned by the Spanish ambassador to France, le Comte de Fernand Nuñez. Writes, "I hope that the picture of an unfortunate and brave gentleman will be favourably accepted by General Knox, as he professed for him the highest esteem and gratefulness."

GLC02437.05516

February 17, 1788

Swan, James, 1754-1830

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Swan relates the details of his passage to France. He had planned to avoid conversing with people from Boston, but ran into people he knew aboard ship. Received introductions from French nobility during his passage. Asks for news related to the United States Constitution. Discusses his debt, stating his interest in obtaining a consular position to an unspecified location in Europe. Notes that the merchants' wives are the most extravagant in their spending, while the higher order are "very prudent & oeconomical, tho' showy." Discusses letters of introduction, mentioning two previous…

GLC02437.03801

25 November 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Silas Talbot

Discusses the circumstances of Talbot's sons who are now in France. States they have been well received by the intendant of Normandy and that Count Montmorin, acting as Minister of Marine since the resignation of the Marquis de Castries, has placed them in the volunteers of the 3rd class in the royal navy. Also discusses their various expenses for room and board. Mentions a statement given by Monsieur La Forest and relays that he wants an answer concerning the reimbursement of funds. States, "It was also hinted by Mr. La Forest that it would be beneficial were you to obtain letters from Mr. […

GLC02437.03714

January 19, 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Sullivan

Knox transmits a letter from the Marquis de Lafayette delivered to Knox by the Count de [Moustier], a French Minister. He informs Sullivan, Governor of New Hampshire, that Lafayette wrote the letter "on the supposition of your being in this City and President of Congress." Discusses ratification of the Constitution: "The fact however is that the present system called the confederation has run down... something must be done speedily, or we shall soon be involved in all the horrors of anarchy, and separate state interests..." Notes that if Massachusetts and New Hampshire reject the Constitution…

GLC02437.03765

14 December 1788

Sumner, Job, 1754-1789

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Encloses the proposed Constitution of Georgia (not included). Notes that three members from each county are appointed to meet at Augusta in January: "I shall only say, that from the disposition of the People, and in particular that of their members of the Convention, from this County, I think the Constitution will be totally rejected- should this be the Case, we shall then have to make a better one..." Discusses the Articles and the power of the Governor. Comments on relations with American Indians in Georgia: "When we get a permanent Peace with the Indians, and a good Government, I think…

GLC02437.04053

January 23, 1791

Swan, James, 1754-1830

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that "the Count Montmorin, Minister for foreign affairs here, has written Mr. Otto, chargé des affaires auprès le Congrès, to use his influence with the President that the proposals of Schweizer Jeanneret & Co. should be accepted." Discusses plans for America to borrow money from Frenchmen. Notes that plans can now go forward if the terms are as favorable as borrowing from Holland. Continues discussing financial matters related to the Committe of Finance and Schweizer Jeanneret & Co.

GLC02437.04836

27 May 1791

Swan, James, 1754-1830

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Swan says he wrote Knox letters on 27 December 1790 and 23 and 27 January 1791. Mentions new ministers from France arriving in America. Their primary goal is to address the U.S. debt to France. Discusses how they could find 40 million dollars to pay the debt. Claims "The circumstances of the finances of france, render this matter nearer at heart, than when first proposed. The deficiency in the Revenue with the expence, was not then known: it is now severely felt." Says if there ever was a moment the U.S. could help France, this is it. Claims borrowing from Amsterdam is not cheap at the…

GLC02437.04960

December 21, 1793

Swan, James, 1754-1830

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Says he wouldn't normally bother Knox, but needs to update him on the situation because of the "cruel war" in Europe. Sends the latest news on 13 sailors captured by the "Algereen pirates." Swan expresses anger that the pirates are allowed to harass American shipping with tacit English approval. Goes on to say that "England by that treaty [of peace with Portugal] will prevent france geting [sic] supplies from america, she punishes us for adhering to the Treaty [from 1778], and for reorganizing their Republic." Believes three things can punish England and get the pirates to back off American…

GLC02437.06002

26 July 1782

Smith, Paschal Nelson, ?-1805

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Smith, who seems to be a merchant in Boston, to Major General Knox. References Knox's letter of 10 July (which was an answer to Smith's letter at GLC02437.01468). Thanks him for the trouble he took in looking for his "Servant Boy" Prince. From late information, Smith believes he is not with the army, but "is lurking about at Salem, or some where in this neighbourhood, you will therefore please to take no further trouble about him, only if you hear anything of his being in the Army from the measures you have taken you will please to advise me of it, & I will take the necessary…

GLC02437.01505

22 October 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lord Stirling [William Alexander]

Thanks Lord Stirling for the wagons and buildings he sent for use "in the public service." Does not expect to require any more supplies from Albany, and says that the materials which have already arrived are in excellent order. Believes that "muskets and other military stores" might remain in Albany over the winter, but if Lord Stirling thinks otherwise, he will arrange to have them sent to West Point via Captain [Thomas] Seward. Describes a new negotiation between England and America which has begun under the "auspices of Lord Shelbourne" with an agent from England named Mr. Fitzherbert…

GLC02437.01677

19 November 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Lord Stirling [William Alexander]

Mentions that he has received stores which were sent by Captain Leonard's company, including a brass mortar. Also discusses the prospects for the peace treaty currently in negotiations, as well as the way it is being considered in the newspapers.

GLC02437.01712

7 June 1793

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document signed

Title: [Memorandum of conversation with Edmond-Charles Genêt]

Initialled by Knox. Reports on a conversation with French Minister Genet. Mentions news about Guadalupe and Martinique. Says Admiral Gardener made an appearance there and was told that the defenders were in need of muskets, cannon, and ammunition. Notes that if the U.S. would provide the items, the amount would be deducted from the debt with France. Adds that Genet said "the US could not but be sensible that france had the right to demand our guarantee of those islands," because of the connections those islands have with American commerce. Told Genet that their own arsenals were deficient and…

GLC02437.05897

29 August 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to George Washington

This appears to be a preliminary draft of Knox's 29 August 1790 letter to George Washington (in the GW Papers at the Library of Congress) responding to Washington's secret communication of 27 August. In that communication, sent to the members of his Cabinet, Washington asked for opinions as to the proper response to take if the British asked for permission to travel across U.S. territory, from Detroit to the Mississippi, in order to attack Spanish posts. See GLC02437.08216, GLC02437.08217, and 2437.09449 for related drafts.

GLC02437.04709

22 June 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document

Title: [Copy of a document related to the Cayuga Nation]

Appears to be a partial copy or a set of notes from a 22 June 1790 treaty signed at Fort Stanwix by five commissioners and eleven Cayuga chiefs and warriors. Discusses the Cayugas' lands. Apparently, the Cayugas are seeking permission from the state to [lease] their lands. An additional note states that "certain white people have settled upon the lands ... " Refers to [Mr. Street] in relation to the land. Lists the names of the five commissioners (including Joseph Brandt), along with a note stating that the original of this document was signed by eleven chiefs and warriors 22 June 1790 at…

GLC02437.04635

24 October 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document

Title: Minutes for the President's speech

The minutes discuss issues at the War Department involving national security and the Indians (this information was requested by Alexander Hamilton at GLC02437.05199). Describes treaties and measures to establish peace on the western frontiers. Reports that "Accordingly offensive operations were directed, to be conducted however as consistently as possible with humanity." Hopes they can continue to talk with the Indians. Docket is marked "Private."

GLC02437.05210

6 September 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document signed

Title: [Minutes of a conversation]

Minutes of a conversation between Knox and two "Commissionaires of his Catholic Majesty" from Spain, José Ignacio de Viar and José de Jáudenes y Nebot. Discusses relations between Spain and the United States as well as those with the Indians. Mentions a gentleman named Bowles being jailed in Cadiz and what the likelihood of him being sentenced to death is. Also mentions a new Spanish character (who is a Frenchman by birth), and the Spanish's take on the recent Creek treaty signed at New York. Discusses a letter that [Thomas Jefferson] had written to the gentlemen. Notes some of the…

GLC02437.05601

16 November 1791

Nourse, Joseph, 1754-1841

Manuscript document signed

Title: Auditors report on the acct. of Henry Knox Esq. commencing Jany. 1, 1790 & ending june 30th 1791.

Title from docket. Three parts. First part lists of amounts in the account of the United States with Henry Knox ranging from 1 January 1790 to 30 June 1791. Includes balance amounts, numbers "appropriated for the Indian Treaties by the act of Congress ... " Total amount due to the government amounts to $51,464.36. With a copy of William Simmons's signature. Second part is a list of items "from which are to be deducted ... " and the total balance comes to $3672.97. With a copy of Oliver Wolcott Jr.'s signature. Third part is a signed note from Joseph Nourse, stating "I do certify…

GLC02437.10241

2 December 1814

Wilson, John, 1777-1848

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Hobart

Shares Hobart's sentiment of missing home and friends. Explains that his folks have moved to another house and that trade has been opened for "people living on each side of Penobscot Bay." Mentions that "a Bill for Banks, a Bill for Classifying the Militia, and a Bill for raising additional revenue" are the objects which have had a lot of attention in the present negotiations at the Congress of Vienna.

GLC06313.04.039

6 September 1862

Seward, Frederick William, 1830-1915

Letter signed

Title: to Cephas Brainerd

Encloses President Abraham Lincoln's appointment of Brainerd as Arbitrator for the United States for the suppression of the African slave trade (not present). Asks Brainerd to acknowledge receipt and supply his place of birth. Also encloses an official oath Brainerd needs to return if accepting the commission (not present). Signed as Assistant Secretary.

GLC04471.06

22 July 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Indicates that he found an indentured servant, Thomas Eliot, for Lucy (see Lucy's request for one in GLC02437.00383) and has purchased three years of his labor. Mentions that Captain Sebastian Bauman's family "have gone into the Jersies" and asks why she inquired about them. Comments on Lucy's loyalist family. Tells the story of a formal visit of adjutant general of General William Howe's army in which he attempted to deliver a letter addressed to George Washington Esqr. The envoy failed for the same reason as an earlier attempt to deliver a letter to negotiate a truce: because it refused…

GLC02437.00385

21 July 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Thanks her for writing and remarks that "Religion and virtue dictated every line" of her last letter. Discusses death from a religious perspective. Informs Lucy that this letter will be delivered by Elbridge Gerry, a member of the Continental Congress from Massachusetts, and asks her to be as civil towards him as her circumstances will allow. Notes that Gerry will tell her about General Charles Lee's recent victory over the British at Fort Moultrie in Charleston (28 June 1776), South Carolina, and Knox provides some details about the battle. Briefly mentions the unsuccessful attempt of an…

GLC02437.00387