This summer, enroll in graduate-level courses in American history. Apply now!
Learn about GLI's Annual Gala on Monday, May 12 and purchase tickets.
Or
to Samuel A. Otis
6 March 1788
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Replies to GLC02437.03814, from Otis, regarding a clothing account. Has transmitted Otis's note to Mr. Walker based on Otis's request.
GLC02437.03817
to Henry Knox
5 November 1788
Olney, Jeremiah, 1749-1812
Briefly mentions military business related to arms and powder, then discusses the progress of ratification of the Constitution in Rhode Island. Writes that Rhode Island "again Refused to appoint a Convention for Considering the New Constitution in...
GLC02437.04027
4 April 1789
Nourse, Joseph, 1754-1841
Written from the Treasury Office. Transmits with the letter (not included) "the account which you was so obliging to leave with me." Reports that he has settled the charge against Knox from when he was Major General and closed the account.
GLC02437.04166
20 May 1789
Palfrey, William, 1765-1820
Writes to thank Knox for a recent letter sent to his mother, Mrs. Palfrey, regarding money the government owes to his late father William Palfrey's estate. Thanks him for taking an interest in the case and agreeing to help them. Also takes the...
GLC02437.04211
to William Palfrey
27 May 1789
Received his recent letter (GLC02437.04211). Is not aware of any vacancies in the public offices at present. Believes that there are so many applicants to government positions at present, that unless Palfrey receives a promise from an official who...
GLC02437.04222
25 August 1789
Parker, Elias, 1760-1798
Writes, apologetically, to ask for Knox's patronage. Declares that while his current career as a merchant is more lucrative, it "is not so respectable & by no means so desirable as the one I was bred to under yr. command - indeed Sir, I feel myself...
GLC02437.04335
24 September 1789
Discusses the likelihood that Rhode Island will be joining the union, as well as his desire for an appointment with the federal government. Declares that the bearer of the letter, a Mr. Henry, will be passing time in New York, and Colonel Olney...
GLC02437.04364
January 17, 1790
Informs Knox that "the Legislature this Morning passed an act agreeably to the Recomendation [sic] of Congress ordering a State Convention, to Convene at South Kingstown on the first Monday of March next, to dicide [sic] upon the New Constitution - I...
GLC02437.04471
January 22, 1790
Otto, L. William, fl. 1790
Writes concerning Knox's children. "At the same time two of your tender offsprings have been ushered into the world, in order to convince it that with you Days and nights are equally well employed. That the one may contribute to the lasting...
GLC02437.04478
March 12, 1790
Signed in text by Nourse, register of the Treasury. Encloses an official statement related to allowances for travelling expences. Notes that travel expenses were not granted to commissioners appointed to settle state accounts, district commissioners...
GLC02437.04542
31 May 1790
Informs Knox that the Rhode Island state convention in Newport has ratified the United States Constitution and that he encloses a copy (not present). Congratulates Knox on "this happy & important event ... again compleats [sic] the Band of Union &...
GLC02437.04620
to Samuel Ogden
19 July 1791
References Ogden's letter of 15 July. Is happy he is going to visit and claims "The weather is charming for the purpose." Says the bargain in Massachusetts has been completed for 2 million by Royal Flint and Henry Jackson at 10 cents. Will go to...
GLC02437.05074
March 16, 1792
Osmont, fl. 1792
Signs in text in third person. Notes he has received letters for Knox from Mr. De La Roche, which he would have liked to present to Knox in person but did not want to disturb him. Would appreciate if Knox would respond immediately. Also sends word...
GLC02437.05359
March 23, 1792
Osmont, Louis, fl. 1792
Writing in the third person, Osmont respectfully asks about the best time to visit Knox to get his signature on a deed given to Knox by Mr. [Benjamin] Walker. Visited Knox twice before, but Knox was always engaged. Impresses upon Knox the...
GLC02437.05372
March 28, 1792
Signs in text in third person. Reminds Knox that Mrs. de Leval will soon be departing on a British ship, and he needs to meet with him before she leaves to discuss business matters, particularly regarding a land deed.
GLC02437.05383
January 13, 1793
Otto, Louis-Guillaume, comte de Mosloy, 1754-1817
Upon his departure from America, he had every reason to think he would be returning shortly, "but a total change in the diplomatic system has fixed me here for some time." In his new position he has a chance to get news from America and to hear from...
GLC02437.05782
March 14, 1794
Discusses delivering a deed for 10,000 acres on a township (possibly part of the Waldo patent lands). Mentions making business arrangements with several parties including Mr. [William] Duer and Colonel [Benjamin] Walker.
GLC02437.06062
to Isaac Parker
February 21, 1796
Discusses the insurgent Samuel Ely, who is rumored to be planning to burn down Knox's buildings in Thomaston, Maine. Mentions actions he is taking to stop Ely, in particular by petitioning the government for help.
GLC02437.06634
March 1, 1796
Parker, Isaac, 1768-1830
Updates Knox on Samuel Ely, an insurgent trying to rally a group of citizens against Knox, because he believes Knox has no right to particular lands in Maine. Explains what Ely is telling his posse to inspire them to oppose Knox. Discusses the...
GLC02437.06645
March 10, 1796
Writes that on Knox's request, he wrote to Mr. [possibly James] Nesmith about Samuel Ely and his band of insurgents (who believed that Knox was not the rightful, legal owner of his land tracts in Maine). Encloses Nesmith's reply (not present)....
GLC02437.06659
to Ebenezer Nutting
27 June 1800
Knox tells Nutting that Nutting has "on board the Schooner Dove 302 casks of Lime...and thirty eight tones of oak lumber." Knox says Nutting has to go to Boston to see Knox's agents Jonathan Jackson and Joseph Peirce regarding this business....
GLC02437.07431
19 August 1802
Odin, John, fl. 1802
Writes to Knox regarding [Joseph?] Pierce refusing to pay Knox's account. Says he expects Knox to arrange payment since his bill is long due.
GLC02437.07746
October 25, 1802
Requests several orders of logs from Knox. Describes the type of wood and size of logs he needs. Also requests Knox deducts the advancement he provided Knox's son, Henry Jackson Knox, from the bill.
GLC02437.07762
10 September 1803
Writes that the bearer, a Mr. Trickey, is the son of the elder Mr. Trickey who prosecuted a court case against Knox and won. The younger Mr. Trickey is visiting Knox to handle financial business associated with the settlement against Knox. Possibly...
GLC02437.07820
February 21, 1804
Had been meaning to write but his health had prevented it before now. Writes to Knox on the subject of the judiciary, because Knox has a sustained interest in it and also has a lot of influence with the legislature. Would like to put the judiciary...
GLC02437.07847
17 June 1804
Takes the opportunity to write via Mr. David Ogden [likely Ogden's son] to send his best wishes to the Ogden family and asks after their well-being.
GLC02437.07862
March 11, 1783
Crane, John, 1744-1805
Consists of two letters written in the hand of Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide de camp. In the first, which composes the top half of the page, Colonel Crane and Lieutenant Colonel Stevens inform Major General Knox that upon inspection, a quantity of salted...
GLC02437.09684
to Parker & Duer
27 May 1783
Knox, Commander at West Point, writes to business partners William Duer and Daniel Parker: "A very considerable part of the Garrison, upwards of two hundred, are at this time sick with the measles and there are more to have them,- In this situation...
GLC02437.09744
to Robert Treat Paine
22 August 1783
Knox, Commander at West Point, writes to Paine, Attorney General of Massachusetts. Informs Paine that he instructed General [Robert] Howe, in Philadelphia, to send two men to Boston (Paine requested their presence in Boston to serve as [witnesses]...
GLC02437.10129
to Daniel Parker
8 September 1783
Major General Henry Knox discusses a business arrangement, with Parker (of Daniel Parker & Company). Informs Parker that [Samuel] Shaw "will make an application to you in my behalf... there are several circumstances of your character which have...
GLC02437.10134
to Joseph Paine
29 June 1793
Sends his regrets that his duties will most likely prevent him from visiting in the summer like he had planned. Discusses further business concerning the land in the Waldo patent. Writes about deeds, bonds and land in New Hampshire "for where I...
GLC02437.10269
to Samuel Ogden [incomplete]
circa 1784-1806
Discusses the deed to a tract of land and sends Lucy's regards to Samuel Ogden and his family. Letterpress copy.
GLC02437.10321
23 September 1790
Mountflorence, James, fl. 1790
Concerns the conflicts along the Georgia frontier between Native Americans and white settlers. Some members living within the Natchez under the Spanish conquest said Colonel Washington wrote them "a letter directed to him on the Western side of the...
GLC02437.04735
10 June 1791
Macpherson, John, ?-1775
Macpherson writes seeking Knox's assistance. Claims he is very poor and does not have "Two Shillings on the Earth." Boasts of what he has done for the nation, claiming "I have enriched it more than any other ever did of my Station." Poverty got...
GLC02437.04985
to Henry Knox [in French]
20 May 1794
Moustier, Éléonor François Élie, marquis de, 1751-1817
Discusses the French Revolution and mentions St. Domingue [Haiti]. Mentions obtaining a title [or introduction?] for an acquaintance. Refers to George Washington. Also speaks of affairs in Europe. States, "La France sera une monarchie" (predicts...
GLC02437.06101
to Gershom Mott
26 July 1781
Written for Knox by Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide. Encloses an order from Timothy Pickering, Quartermaster General (order not included). Discusses a wagon which is to be sent to Kings Ferry, New York. Is glad to hear Mott has regained his health....
GLC02437.01089
13 September 1782
Morris, Gouverneur, 1752-1816
Written by Morris as Assistant Superintendent of Finance to Major General Knox. A sarcastic letter expressing annoyance about Congress and their activities after receiving information on the conduct at Elizabethtown -- probably a reference to the...
GLC02437.01608
February 7, 1783
Written by Morris as the Assistant Superintendent of Finance to Major General Knox. Wants to give him an update on affairs. Says "It has given me much Pain to see the army looking wildly for a Redress of Grievances" -- a reference to the half-pay...
GLC02437.01897
February 28, 1783
Written by Morris as Assistant Secretary of Finance to Major General Knox. References Knox's letter sent by General Lincoln. Is sending copies of Robert Morris's letter of resignation (not included here). Says this news should not be unexpected. Says...
GLC02437.01963
1 July 1783
Malcom, William, fl. 1776-1783
Written by Colonel Malcom to Major General Knox. Says a Mr. Peacock will be presenting this letter and that he was formerly a subaltern in his regiment, who acquitted himself with courage. He is a refugee from New York, although he was one of the...
GLC02437.02217
21 July 1783
Written by Morris as Assistant Superintendent of Finance to Major General Knox. This is a letter of introduction for a Mr. Darby. Says he is a gentleman of good family and genteel accomplishments. Reports that his reputation is well recommended...
GLC02437.02312
to Robert Morris
December 18, 1783
Discusses a potential problem in providing rations for the men remaining in service after the end of the year. Writes that "no calculation was made for the Canadian refugees who are in the vicinity of West Point - They draw upwards of one hundred...
GLC02437.02843
3 January 1784
Knox writes to Morris, Superintendent of Finance. Reports that no contract has been made to continue the supply of provisions to West Point. Discusses steps he has taken to obtain supplies to last for a short period. Hopes Morris will "find it...
GLC02437.02902
March 24, 1784
Knox writes to Morris, Superintendent of Finance. Discusses the contract between Congress and Daniel Parker & Co., a firm that provided troops with supplies. Expresses hope that Morris (and Congress) will extend the contract after May.
GLC02437.02983
March 31, 1785
Moriarty, John, fl. 1785-1787
Written in Bristol, Broad Bay (present-day Maine). Hopes to be able to purchase one or two hundred acres of land from Knox. Asks what price Knox would charge for the land, and discusses his method of payment. Writes, "I expect some familys here...
GLC02437.03123
15 May 1785
Transmits Morris a letter from Samuel Shaw, who served as Knox's aide during the Revolutionary War. Shaw hopes to gain employment from Morris in an unspecified position.
GLC02437.03146
31 July 1785
Discusses the possible purchase of some of Knox's land in present-day Maine, referring to Knox's ownership of two farms and a limeworks. Notes that he could arrange to bring people from Ireland to settle the land. Proposes his method of payment.
GLC02437.03169
1 November 1786
Writes that two days prior he sailed to New Haven to see Mr. Gouverneur Morris, and returned last night. Also met with Colonel [Jeremiah] Wadsworth, to discuss business (a plan Wadsworth was working on with Robert Morris to loan money to Congress -...
GLC02437.03323
26 November 1786
Writes that the Board of Treasury will write by the next post to comment on the "proposed contracts." Declares that he sincerely hopes "that nothing may occur to prevent the completion of this business, in a manner advantageous to the public and...
GLC02437.03349
November 30, 1786
Writes that the Board of Treasury will write to Morris by this post regarding the proposed contracts. Intimates that not enough members of Congress are seated yet, but believes that by the time Morris and Wadsworth, as well as the Board of Treasury...
GLC02437.03357
December 8, 1786
North, William, 1755-1836
Received a letter from [John Francis] Hamtramck and has enclosed the majority of the information in it (not present). Hamtramck wrote to North in confidence, but North believes he cannot be faulted for showing the information to Knox, and that his...
GLC02437.03368
December 12, 1786
Moore, William, 1752-1819
Gratefully acknowledges Knox's support for his cause; this support induces him to include an extract of a letter from Captain [possibly Constant] Freeman which he just received. Had been hoping for an appointment from the state of Massachusetts but...
GLC02437.03373
December 1786
Writes that he has received the documents finalizing the loan Morris and Colonel [Jeremiah] Wadsworth were preparing to give to the Board of Treasury. He is thrilled the plan worked, and believes the public good will be well served. Has received a...
GLC02437.03403
9 January 1787
Writes that he has not replied yet to Knox because he expected to see Colonel [Jeremiah] Wadsworth in Philadelphia, but has not yet, and does not know when he will arrive. Declares that the newspapers will have informed Knox that Pennsylvania has...
GLC02437.03411
to Gouverneur Morris
January 16, 1787
Body of the letter and signature in the hand of Robert Pemberton, Knox's aide. Marked "copy" on the docket Details General [Benjamin] Lincoln's deployment with 4,000 men to deal with Shays and his supporters. Writes that Lincoln will begin at...
GLC02437.03417
January 25, 1787
Later copy. Writes to update Morris on the status of the fight against the Massachusetts insurgents. First, mentions that Colonel [Jeremiah] Wadsworth is unavoidably detained for a few days. Then, outlines the actions of Generals [William] Shepard...
GLC02437.03424
to unknown
February 27, 1787
Describes his current difficulties in business and the amount of money he lost during the last War. Asks for a position within the army that is being raised and sent to the Ohio region.
GLC02437.03472
March 18, 1787
Discusses his resignation from his office and thanks Knox for his kindness, friendship and support.
GLC02437.03495
March 31, 1787
Discusses the upcoming election between John Hancock and James Bowdoin and states that "You will see by the news papers, that the Electioneering Mania has taken full possession of all ranks of people, & it is said that [Faneuil] Hall will be shook to...
GLC02437.03506
to William Moultrie
21 July 1787
Writes to Moultrie, the president of the Society of the Cincinnati's South Carolina chapter, about society business. Reports that the Society as a whole has decided to repay Major L'Enfant for money he laid out on their behalf, but without their...
GLC02437.03609
29 October 1787
Reports that a Mr. Hoffman and a Mr. Hornblower have been in contact with a British company interested in pursuing a project with Morris. Requests that Morris make a decision as to whether he wants to participate, and what his share would be; and...
GLC02437.03686
1 November 1787
Must decline Knox's offer to participate in a business deal. Explains that the need for him to decide on the matter immediately makes him reluctant to agree. Also argues, "[t]o hold a small Share is not worth our while, to hold a large one, say 1/2...
GLC02437.03692
to Alexander Macomb
March 24, 1788
Thanks Macomb for information related to the exports of Canada for 1787. Apologizes for his late reply, noting that Lucy, his wife, had inadvertently placed the information Macomb sent in a pile of her own papers.
GLC02437.03829
December 7, 1788
Wishes Morris, who will soon embark for Europe, "a prosperous passage and a full participation of every felicity of this life."
GLC02437.04045
December 10, 1788
Morris, who will soon embark for Europe, thanks Knox for his well wishes (GLC02437.04045). Notes, "Whatever Orders you have in Europe if (as Mr. Burgoyne says) within my Scale of Talent command me."
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
GLC02437.04046
to Thomas Lambert Moore
December 11, 1788
Knox requests that Moore send their son Henry home due to an outbreak of measles at Hempstead. Notes that two of his children "are emerging from the distemper, and two others must inevitably take it..."
GLC02437.04049
January 28, 1791
Macomb, Alexander, 1748-1831
Delivers this letter to Knox via Van Slyck whom he recommends to Knox. Comments that his social activities have declined since the Knoxes left for Philadelphia. Asks Knox to send him the "obligatory paper relative to the St. Lawrence lands."
GLC02437.04839
5 May 1791
Knox writes Macomb about the St. Lawrence lands. Samuel Ogden convinced Knox to buy them. Knox believes that in a year or two it will "be sold for a much higher price then either you or I have hitherto contemplate."
GLC02437.04938
10 July 1791
Says that a Mr. [Reynal] called on him with Macomb's letter of 6 July. Was not there to receive him and missed [Reynal] when he went to town today. Hopes to see him tomorrow. Delivered to Lucy Knox the news of Macomb's pending marriage. He joins...
GLC02437.05061
December 21, 1791
Morse, Jedediah, 1761-1826
Is making preparations for the second edition of his American Geography textbook. Would like to make this edition as accurate as possible, so would like to obtain from Knox any new geographical information. Also asks him to review several passages...
GLC02437.05268
February 14, 1792
Received his recent letter. Mentions that Mr. Stedman, the bearer of this letter, has recently arrived from Detroit. Stedman can provide Knox with an account of the happenings there. Relates news that a Cayuga Indian carried off books and papers...
GLC02437.05320
February 16, 1792
Writes to confirm he has asked Mr. Stedman the questions Knox mentioned, adding that he wrote on the subject because Mr. Stedman would be delayed in his return to Philadelphia. Explains that Mr. Stedman has information about a conflict between...
GLC02437.05323
March 19, 1792
Asks that he and Mrs. Knox welcome into their acquaintance Captain Hale and Captain [Nizry] of Quebec, who are part of His Royal Highness Prince Edward's suite.
GLC02437.05365
6 April 1792
Morris, William Walton, ?-1832
Writes that he had long since resolved to devote his life to private business, and until now has been quite successful; however, due to the bankruptcy that has recently befallen New York City, he has suddenly found himself penniless. Takes solace in...
GLC02437.05405
28 August 1792
Mentions a previous request he made to Knox for materials to supplement his book on the geography of the United States. Reminds Knox that at the time of the request, Knox responded that he had materials that might be useful, but was extremely busy...
GLC02437.05590
December 14, 1792
Thanks Morris for forwarding a letter. Notes he was informed by Major Butler of Smellies upcoming departure to "Head Quarters" and the purpose of Smellies visit. Marked "private" on the docket.
GLC02437.05736
1 January 1793
Morris, William, fl. 1777-1793
Informs Knox he received his letter and will be sending a reply immediately.
GLC02437.05771
5 January 1793
Forwards Knox a report that he had requested via Mr. Théophile Cazenove.
GLC02437.05774
March 7, 1796
Malcom, James, fl. 1794-1806
Written from "Cushing," possibly in Maine. Writes to inform Knox of the results of a survey Knox hired him to perform. Discusses the survey of an unnamed river, and talks about possible dams and canals to be built. In a post-script, asks if Knox...
GLC02437.06657
March 23, 1796
Provides Knox with an update on the survey of the river which Knox hired him to undertake. Explains how much he has completed so far, and provides estimates about the size of different ponds and the materials lining the bottom, such as gravel and...
GLC02437.06672
March 5, 1797
Discusses the price of land.
GLC02437.06923
March 15, 1797
Informs Knox that he sent copies of a document to the proper people and sends his condolences to Knox and his family, possibly due to the loss of a child.
GLC02437.06932
21 May 1797
Discusses finances.
GLC02437.06972
to McPherson
6 November 1798
Mentions the Society of the Cincinnati of South Carolina and a connection with France. Writing is faded and difficult to read.
GLC02437.07186
to Thomas Motley
18 July 1799
Knox had written Daniel Davis about advertising in Portland newspapers and in the town of Falmouth. He has not heard from Davis yet, so he turns to Motley to find out if Davis is in the act of doing the requested advertising or, if not, could Motley...
GLC02437.07288
21 September 1801
Moulton, Jotham, 1771-?
Discusses a land deal between himself, John Miller, and Henry Knox. Appears Miller gave Moulton a mortgage deed for a lot of land which resides on Knox's patent as security for a debt he owed Moulton. Moulton now requests Knox gives him a deed for...
GLC02437.07619
to James Malcom
31 August 1802
Letter appears to be a copy. Appears to discuss land negotiations in Hampden, Maine. Mentions various land claims by the settlers and his desire to have Malcolm handle some business for him.
GLC02437.07749
2 June 1804
Motley, Thomas, fl. 1799-1804
Received his recent letter. Discusses issues of land ownership in Maine, as well as laws regarding the Flucker estate and inheritance.
GLC02437.07857
March 8, 1805
Morrill, Joseph, fl. 1805
Writes that he has been informed a petition was submitted to the state government to grant him a Justice's commission. This was done without his knowledge. He adds that several people have subsequently spoken against his reputation in response to...
GLC02437.07921
February 27, 1806
Morton, N. Jr., fl. 1806
Writes in response to a letter from Knox. Reports that a Mr. John Borland created a petition to authorize fishing privileges for the town of Nobleborough and its environs, because of the significant presence of salmon, shad, and other fish....
GLC02437.08010
to Lucy Knox
15 August 1806
Morton, Charlotte, 1787-1819
Discusses Mrs. Knox's return to her home and family, though adds that she will be missed in Boston. Considers the nature of her friendships and is grateful for the true friendships she has had, including Mrs. Knox's. Reports on the travels of...
GLC02437.08036
circa 1785-1791
Thanks Knox for his kind considerations of all of his inventions and discusses pensions and his own service to the country. Claims he has been cheated by three powerful men, who then prevented him from publishing a pamphlet exposing them. Encloses...
GLC02437.08250
February 21, 1783
Knox, Commander at West Point, writes to Morris, Superintendent of Finance. Remarks, "The Army generally have always reprobated being thirteen Armies. Their ardent desires have been to be one continental body looking up to one sovereign..." Calls...
GLC02437.10098
6 July 1791
Writes a letter of recommendation for a young gentleman, a W. Meyrick British officer of the 24th Regiment. Takes "the Liberty to request [Knox's] Civility towards him, and presume upon [Knox's] goodness to pardon [his] boldness, which however [he...
GLC02437.10232
3 September 1791
Maunsell, John, fl. 1724-1795
References Knox's letter of 25 August. Received the letter when he had a fever, which has left him in a weak state. Says he feels better and hopes to go to Pennsylvania in October. Notes Earl Wycombe, who came with Maunsell from England, will stop...
GLC02437.05142
October 4, 1791
Says the August mail just arrived and it had a dispatch from "our friend Brett, " which he has enclosed (not included). Asks Knox to send it back after he has read it. Wants to know the date of President George Washington's return to Philadelphia...
GLC02437.05183
October 1, 1782
Mason, John, fl. 1776-1790
Written by Mason, who, per docketing, appears to be the reverend for the garrison at West Point, to Major General Knox. Asks for an extension of his leave until next month as his wife is still very ill and his family's interests "are so embarrassed...
GLC02437.01635
October 13, 1782
McKnight, Charles, 1750-1791
Would like to discuss with Knox the status of the sick soldiers in the garrison, but apparently has been prevented from doing his job fully due to the illness and indisposition of his own family in New Jersey. Declares he has received a letter from...
GLC02437.01662
to Charles McKnight
October 15, 1782
Writes that in response to his request, he has not heard that any sick members of the garrison are suffering "for want of a Gentleman of the hospital." Writes that he does not feel it would be proper to grant him permission to travel to New Jersey...
GLC02437.01667
March 25, 1783
Offers congratulations on the end of the war and requests a leave of absence to attend to personal matters. Includes a reply written and signed by Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide-de-camp, stating that Knox is unable to grant Mason's request.
GLC02437.02032
Showing results 78,901 - 79,000