8 December 1789

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Shaw relates that three men have asked him to recommend them for the same office (Collector of Customs for Rhode Island). Shaw also knows of a fourth man applying for the position who did not ask for a recommendation. Of the four men, (Colonel Henry Sherburne, Major Lyman, Colonel Peck and Colonel Olney), Shaw gives Colonel Peck the highest recommendation.

GLC02437.04429

January 17, 1790

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for his "favor of the 16th [of January]" and for his "communications respecting Messieurs Pintards proposals." Informs Knox, due to the advanced season it would be impossible for him to "deviate from the direct and speediest route to China" and therefore he could not avail himself of their proposal. Discusses business affairs with associates. Encloses a letter (not included) from Samuel Newman, whom Shaw wishes to have a military appointment. The letter is dated 1790, but based on the content and letters exchanged regarding the same issues it is likely it was 1791.

GLC02437.04832

January 29, 1796

Sedgwick, Theodore, 1746-1813

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes a letter of introduction for a Mr. Williams.

GLC02437.06604

17 December 1787

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Forwards letters regarding the Ohio Company accounts. Writes that he has heard General Armstrong resigned from his position as a judge of the Federal Territories. Asks that if this is true, Knox put in a good word for "my friend Mr [Manasseh] Cutler to your Friends in Congress," to appoint Cutler a judge.

GLC02437.03729

January 14, 1789

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that the death of a prominent judge will leave an opening for General [Rufus] Putnam and Mr. [possibly Manasseh] Cutler as candidates for office in the region. Comments that both men are high in his estimation and their merits entitle them to the consideration of Congress, but believes that due to past measures, it may be hard to elect either one. Believes that General Putnam may have the best chance for success due to his military connections. If he gets promoted, Cutler would be well suited to take the Judgeship that Putnam currently occupies. Writes to advise Knox, as he knows…

GLC02437.04092

16 March 1789

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Introduces the bearer, Mr. Tracey, who is in charge of a party that is founding a settlement fourteen miles from Marietta, Ohio. Discusses the emerging society in Ohio. Remarks on the geography of his region, including the location of the Muskingum River. Asks about the operation of the new government and voices concerns about whether he will be under the jurisdiction of the new government. Discusses his desire for his friends to write him, due to his sense of isolation, and comments on his friendship with Knox and others back in the East.

GLC02437.04145

4 April 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Later copy. Was happy to receive Sargent's letters, but wants to assure Sargent that his position as Adjutant General was not abolished because he did a poor job. Assures him that the position was abolished because all its goals were met. Discusses a potential new job for Sargent, as well as recruiting for new expeditions. Also declares that "Capt [Constant] Freeman will tell you of the uproar the failure of the late expedition has excited."

GLC02437.05397

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

1 November 1792

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Requests that Knox recommend a Mr. Sebastian (possibly Benjamin Sebastian) to fill any judicial vacancies that may arise in the Northwest Territory. Expects Judge [George] Turner to leave his seat.

GLC02437.05682

23 July 1794

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the preparation for an expedition (possibly the build-up to the Battle of Fallen Timbers that took place on 20 August 1794). Notes there have been volunteers pouring in ever since his arrival. Reports General [Charles] Scott has moved to the head of the line with a small group of men. Mentions Scott describes the men as a bunch of "fighting fellows" and the "best party that ever came out of Kentuckey [sic]." Appears to express his doubts regarding Scott's men. Also notes some of General Scott's horses are unable to handle the expedition and that Scott plans on persuading the men…

GLC02437.06150

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

20 August 1783

Smith, William Stephens, 1755-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Colonel Smith to Major General Knox. Writes to introduce Knox to a Dr. Bailey who was "a very clever fellow." Bailey was on his way to Poughkeepsie and wanted to pay his respects to Knox.

GLC02437.02402

27 August 1783

Smith, William Stephens, 1755-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Letter of introduction for a friend wishing to see West Point, New York.

GLC02437.02426

28 October 1783

Smith, William Stephens, 1755-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the importance of letters of introduction as they also serve as character references and have the ability to increase or ruin a person's reputation. Is pleased with the attention Knox paid to Dr. Bayley after receiving Stephens letter of introduction. Goes on to defend Dr. Bayley's character against criticism by "a few designing men."

GLC02437.02719

20 November 1789

Story, John, fl. 1789

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses his health, stating that it is "such as makes it necessary for me to go to the Southward this winter and as I am out of Employment, have concluded to go with Capt Burnham, who is to sail on Sunday for Georgia." From Georgia, plans to continue on to Charlestown (likely Charleston, South Carolina). Volunteers to carry out tasks for Knox while he is there. Asks Knox to keep him in mind if any positions open up that might suit him, and asks for a letter of introduction.

GLC02437.04417

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

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

February 12, 1794

Smith, William Stephens, 1755-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Letter of introduction for Joshua John Moore, a gentleman from England. Says "he will explain to you his pursuits & if any door is open in the eastern world relative to your Lands (he being a Surveyor) where he can serve you or your friends, I doubt not you will permit him to serve himself."

GLC02437.06045

13 December 1794

Smith, William, fl. 1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Introduces Knox to Alexander Stevenson. States he is a "young man" looking for an appointment in the Artillery. Notes he has never met the young man but believes he is from a "hardy breed." Describes Stevenson's age, physical condition, and notes his family fought in the late [Revolutionary] War.

GLC02437.06273

February 3, 1795

Smith, William Stephens, 1755-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes a letter of introduction for two men, a Mr. Guillenard and a Mr. Blackstone, who have been having a hard time entering society in Philadelphia, even though "their talents and character entitle them to." Asks Knox to "use your influence to relieve Mr Guillenard from any unfavourable situation, that the tongue of slander or the Eye of Envy may have maliciously place him in."

GLC02437.06340

15 April 1801

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Smith

Congratulates Smith on his appointment as Secretary of Navy. Recommends his friend Henry Jackson be appointed to the office of Naval Agent. Describes Jackson's background and notes his contribution to the war (Revolutionary War).

GLC02437.07520

31 October 1804

Stebbins, Josiah, 1766-1823

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from "New Milford," which was renamed Alna, Maine. Writes to inform Knox, as a member of the Board of Council, that he has recommended to Governor [Caleb] Strong that a Justice of the Peace be appointed to his region, and that he has recommended Mr. Jeremiah Pearson for the job. Also warns that another (unnamed) man in the town has curried favor with politicians to get a recommendation for the job; this man is not qualified for the position, and, indeed, is corrupt and shameful.

GLC02437.07891

9 November 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Stephens Smith

Thanks Smith for introducing him to worthy gentlemen. "I am no party man and I know you too well to support for a moment that you would introduce any characters not proper for you & I to be sociable with." Expresses a favorable opinion of Doctor Bayley, (possibly Richard Bayley), noting that Doctor Silas Holmes also supports Bayley. Writes, "The prejudices in the country, however are so strong against him that he will stand in need, of all the support he can derive from Doctor Holmes and the similar evidence." Also thanks Smith for introducing Doctor "Michalies" [Michaelis]. Writes, "I…

GLC02437.10183

January 10,1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Ulmer and Moses Copeland

Writes that the bearer, Thomas Vose, will be residing on some of his lands in Maine and collecting payments for the lands according to an agreement he and Vose had established. Asks that they provide Vose with advice and help. Hopes that his collection of payments will promote the general interests of the country.

GLC02437.04086

8 May 1790

Ulmer, George, 1756-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for his recommendation, even though he did not receive an appointment. Discusses petitions against Knox's Maine lands (likely part of the Waldo patent). Informs him that his (Knox's) "affairs here have not a very pleasing prospect, the Emissaries are at present verry busy in stirring up the people ..." Appears the petitions that they thought would fail last session is now renewed and "almost every one is [flushd] with the Idea of Getting their land for nothing." Says that there are a few people who are selling their possessions (land) and Ulmer would like to know how to proceed…

GLC02437.04598