19 August 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Written by Major General Knox to Secretary of War Lincoln. References 2 private letters from 7 and 10 August. Says he cannot furnish him estimates. Says he read over his last public letter (which was on the issue of soldiers pensions at half pay) to Lincoln of 31 July and cannot find anything improper in it. On the peace negotiations, he says "Unequivocally then, we have drank such liberal draughts at the fountain of peace that we can see no other object." Goes on to say that "The independence of America being fully acknowledged, say we[,] France will be easily satisfied by the adjustment…

GLC02437.01532

27 April 1791

Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received Knox's letter of 19 April 1791. Comments on "young Mr. [William] Balch" and calls him, "a wild citizen, yet I think he has many qualifications which will recommend him as an officer - He very well knows that he cannot sport with his character and hold his rank in the army." Talks extensively about the job of army surgeon and why Dr. William Eustis did not accept the appointment. Eustis could not be guaranteed a rank equal to his experience and "Besides the pay of the surgeon of a regiment, though handsome for a young Gentleman whose wish is to introduce himself into life is no…

GLC02437.04933

January 25, 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to David McClure

Received his recent letter (GLC02437.04059). Remarks about remembering the joyful times they had playing together as children: "Our juvenile sports and the joyful sensations they excited are fresh in my mind; and what to me renders the remembrance peculiarly precious is that I always flattered myself that our hearts and minds were similarly constructed." Comments that their situations as adults have been very different, since McClure has been exploring the moral and material world as a clergyman. Discusses his own religious beliefs. Mentions his plans to see McClure during a trip to…

GLC02437.04098

22 October 1792

McClure, David, 1748-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Responds to a previous letter from Knox (GLC02437.10255) and thanks him for ordering copies of his "Sermons on the Moral law." States that Knox has suggested the only plan for teaching the Native Americans "civilization": "an incorporation of white men & women with them by intermarriages." Says that if twenty or thirty virtuous young men could be found to take part in Knox's plan, he is convinced "they would tame & civilize the Indians and render them valuable Members of Society." Discusses two main obstacles that will hinder the plan: the hostile disposition of the Indians and the…

GLC02437.05664

1 October 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to David McClure

This letter was copied in an unknown hand. Writes to the Reverend David McClure and thanks him for the "remembrances of the pure friendship of our early years." Goes on to discuss his views on the Indian Wars and his ideas for intermarriage between whites and Native Americans. Recounts that the government attempted to prevent settlers in Kentucky from "any incursions into the indian country." Also reports that messengers were sent to invite the Native Americans on the Kentucky frontier to a meeting. Writes, "[t]hese pacific overtures were followed by a pretty general irruption of the…

GLC02437.10255

November 5, 1786

Dejean, Phillipe, fl. 1736-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Letter written by Captain Dejean, agent for the French Navy. He writes that he has enclosed a letter from the Marquis de Lafayette. Hopes that the letter from the Marquis, as well as Knox's prior knowledge, will testify to his good character. Relates that he has had a dispute with a Mr. De Letombe, the French consul in Boston, who is now accusing him "of having judged the Americans brought prisoners at Detroit, during the war, with the greatest cruelty," as well as of answering "Comte d'Estaing's Manifesto to the Canadiens" impertinently. Writes that should "that be the case; I am a bad man,…

GLC02437.03327

19 October 1800

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson discusses land business with Knox. He also informs Knox that Knox's nephew Francis Flucker "is again in Goal where he has been for several days on two writs for debt." Jackson admonishes Knox for his handling of his nephews: "You cannot be ignorant of the reflections that are made in consequence of those boys being so much at loose in society."

GLC02437.07475

19 February 1783

McDougall, Alexander, 1732-1786

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by General McDougall to Major General Knox. Says that Colonel Brooks has no doubt reached him before this letter, but hopes to give an update to events in Congress since. Says "Nothing has since been done by Congress on the Subject of our memorial [on army pay and officer's pensions]." Reports that Georgia, Maryland, and Delaware are not represented at the moment. Says "The Kings Speech is the only intelligence, which has reached this of any moment, relative to a Peace." Thinks Congress is leaning in support of the army, but he cannot be certain. Says members of Congress focus on two…

GLC02437.01933

25 July 1783

McDougall, Alexander, 1732-1786

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by General McDougall to General Knox. Writes from Highlands, New York. Says that the latest news from Massachusetts is that they will not support a "speedy relief to the Army from Continental Funds." Says the state senate supports Congress's resolution, but has put the issue aside until next session. Says he has fears that the funds will not be provided. Believes the most important thing now is to let the country know of the justice of their claims. Reports that other states might also hesitate in giving funds to officers. Wants him to consider starting "a train of correspondence…

GLC02437.02326

February 3, 1793

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Levi Lincoln

Knox signs with his initials. Knox writes to Lincoln, teacher of his son, Henry Jackson Knox. Is pleased to hear that Levi approves of his son's progress. Has received double pleasure because he knows of Lincoln's character. Tells Lincoln that his future happiness depends on his son's moral impressions. Wants him to be "a man of truth justice candor and humanity, fixed for life to a small farm to the most exalted station." Wants him to accept the enclosed $50 as a token of his respect and gratitude.

GLC02437.05802

27 August 1793

Lincoln, Abner, 1763-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Lincoln appears to be an official at the academy where Henry Jackson Knox attends. Suspects that his letters of 20 June and 27 July did not reach Knox. Proceeds to give Knox an update on his son. Says the boy improved after being placed under the watchful eye of "some one person" and receiving a scolding from Knox. Lincoln was upset that the boy would admit his guilt but would never sincerely correct his future actions. Tells Knox that his son "had beaten our little girl, insulted a man in the street, broken open a closet & taken out some sugar." Goes into detail about the lessons…

GLC02437.05915

8 November 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Vose

An extensive summary of details concerning the Waldo Patent. Includes financial information, instructions on selling the land to settlers, and instructions on the administration of the land.

GLC02437.04774

8 December 1798

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Knox acknowledges that he "received your note respecting Francis Flucker and the explanations of his conduct by McEllery." Knox believes that Francis must change his behavior sincerely, but as for now he had "no moral sense: wrong and right are the same to him." He has run away from school, and until he gets his act together, Knox insists that Knox is not "responsible either for his conduct or expences." Letterpress copy.

GLC02437.07203

1 April 1795

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to unknown

Letter is not signed but appears to be in Knox's handwriting. Discusses his disappointment with his son [likely Henry Jackson Knox]. Notes his friend [Henry] Jackson, informed Knox that his son "fell into the vilest of company male, and female, and [practiced] gambling and drinking excessively." Notes, "it is highly probable that his connection with bad women may have diseased him.

GLC02437.09829

28 November 1788

Walley, Thomas, 1725-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Intended to visit Knox when he was in Boston, but Knox left before he had the chance. Solicits Knox's assistance on behalf of his son-in-law, John Langdon. Walley has been giving Langdon money to support his wife (Walley's daughter) and nine children, but "as he is entirely Idle & not earning one Copper, I could sincerely wish he might get into some kind of business, whereby he might be earning something towards the Support of his Family." Docketed "answered."

GLC02437.04037

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

February 16, 1863

Wood, Matthew, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sarah Wood

Written at Camp Dennison to his wife. Says the arms have arrived, and they have been drilling with sabers. Observes the wickedness and sin, and hopes that in piety they could defeat "seceshdom." Discusses how his "little family" makes him want to survive. Comments "our leading officers who are a conducting this war for speculation and worldly honor." Lastly, exhorts that though he may be tempted by sin at camp that she stay pure, mentioning he has already done "something here that I would not have done at home but the Lord was always with me to chastise me." Stationery features an image of…

GLC02176.04

28 March 1863

Wood, Matthew, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sarah Wood

Written at Camp Dennison to his wife. Reports he is finally paid $62.50. Expects to move soon, though "grape vine dispaches," or camp rumors, are unreliable as to where. Mentions some soldiers' receiving packages from home. Laments vice in camp, commenting "I have heard profanity in its worst form I have seen allmost every form of vice and its affects." Finally, reacts to news of an incident in Noble County, Ohio (the Hoskinville Rebellion) in which the "rattle snakes," or "butternuts," as Wood calls them, i.e. Southern sympathizers demonstrate opposition to war. Written at Camp Dennison .

GLC02176.05

9 January 1864

Wood, Matthew, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sarah Wood

Written from near Knoxville, Tennessee to his wife. Justifies war as a chastening from God for the nation's previous sins. Mentions Lincoln's Proclamation of Amnesty. Describes the comforts of God as a companion. Written on military stationery.

GLC02176.11

25 April 1864

Wood, Matthew, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sarah Wood

Written from Camp Smith to his wife. Describes spells of depression after sinning. Continues speaking of trust in God. Mentions receiving some old letters. Says the Colonel is determined to keep them there on duty, even if they have to ride mules. Tells of Company G which was captured by guerillas after sleeping without sufficient guard in a barn. Finally, describes failing at quitting tobacco: "remember I said I was a going to to quit using tobacco and send you the price it was costing me but you see I tried it a while but no go I believe I would have went Crazy or got sick or done both so I…

GLC02176.16

6 October 1864

Bridgman, Edward P., fl. 1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to parents of George Clapp

George was moved the day before yesterday to Sheridan Hospital, which is about ½ a mile away. He is still doing well, and his entire bunk was moved with him. "The surgeon says… there is no cause for worriment on his behalf; he has been a lucky boy." He has fared far better than most men with similar wounds. George's neighbor at the hospital was from the 2nd Rhode Island. He had a very serious wound; a bullet had punctured his left lung. He asked Bridgman to write to his mother he was sorry for all his sins. He did so, and included a lock of the wounded man's hair in the letter. Gets very…

GLC09355.100

February 17, 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Ward writes that he's heard from a member of his company, Dave Poston, who was wounded in Perryville. Also writes that he has gotten fatter and has never enjoyed better health. He reports that federal troops are constantly getting secesh families out of Shelbyville and escorting them inside confederate lines. Writes that the men have learned to not get their hopes up for peace any time soon and states that "now we have concluded to place the limit of our trials to the end of Lincoln's administration." However, he writes "our boys are willing to suffer this and more, sooner than give up…

GLC02232.14

10 May 1894

McFarland, James, fl. 1894

Autograph letter signed

Title: to the High Council of Weber Stake

Charges against H. D. Jefferson of unchristian like behavior. He brought an unjust and malicious complaint before the Utah territory court.

GLC05756.123

circa 1861-1864

McFadden, Charles F., fl. 1862-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sisters

He tells them they should respect their brother who is fighting for their country and be good girls and mind their parents. There is talk of them leaving their present quarters and going to Kentucky or Tennessee.

GLC02169.10

April 10, 1861

Figures, Henry Stokes, 1844-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Ma

One letter addressed to Hattie E. Figures from Henry S. Figures dated April 10, 1861. Provides updates of his health and wellbeing. Asks for his siblings to write. Mentions that the capital may be relocated to Huntsville. Figures writes that 5 of the 7 states have voted to move the Confederate capital to Huntsville, Alabama, and discusses briefly the appointments to the Confederate Congress. Also, at age 17 he expects as a clerk that he has earned $1000.

GLC00653.01.01