1 May 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References Henry's letter of 27 April. Also delivered the enclosed letter to [Royal] Flint in prison. Agrees with Henry that his best recourse is to move to Maine. Hopes to be able to do so in a few days. Says his mind has been "depressed" lately due to a debt he cannot discharge. If it is paid he can move without any troubles. In reference to what seems like mental illness says "Bailey prescribed a fixed time to my remedies in order to be certain of embracing even the worst circumstances, which time has nearly elapsed, without my experiencing any of those evils which presented themselves to…

GLC02437.05884

April 8, 1783

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Letter written by William Knox to his brother Major General Knox. Makes several witty references to the length of time between their communications. Mentions the peace and says "most people here particular those in commerce are happy at it, those who are and who ought to be most discontented are the American Refugees who from either side have apparently but little to expect." Says he has only been in London for a few days after arriving from Holland. Says he saw Lucy Knox's family -- Mrs. Fluker, Mrs. Urquhart, as well as Captain Fluker and his lady. Says they are all well, but wearing…

GLC02437.02073

20 October 1784

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Knox's brother writes, "I can only inform you I am happy to have recover'd from my late situation on point of health and spirits the want of which I have very unpleasantly experienced for many months," referring to his mental illness. Relates that his ill health did not permit an earlier return to America. Notes that his commercial friends in London have been indulgent, as his credit has expired. Discusses financial matters. Instructs Knox to send his mail care of Lewis Teissier, "one of the most capital merchants in London in the Spanish & French lines..."

GLC02437.03059

21 August 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports on business in New York during Henry's absence. Forwards letters that arrived in the morning by packet. Two are to Lucy Knox from her sister. Another letter, apparently a duplicate of previous correspondence, is addressed to Knox from Samuel Shaw. In this letter, Shaw "seems offended with R[obert] Morris..." Also received correspondence from his friend James Webber asserting that William owes Webber money. Sent Arthur St. Clair, General Josiah Harmar, and others recent resolves of Congress. Encloses letters from Delaware Works (possibly from Samuel Ogden) for Knox. Reports…

GLC02437.03970

18 September 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Notes that Colonel [Edward] Carrington will escort Lucy Knox from Trenton, New Jersey, where she is visiting friends, to New York. Mentions The Alliance, a ship owned by Robert Morris. Was informed by [Alexander] Hamilton at dinner the previous evening that an unspecified business matter related to Henry Knox has not yet been addressed in Congress. Comments on a board appointed by Congress to settle accounts connected with the United States. The board consists of William Irvine, Abraham Baldwin, and Nicholas Gilman. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.03988

10 September 1791

Knox, John, fl. 1771-1791

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References his letter to Henry Knox of 22 May. That letter was "acquainting you of my Family and my very unhappy Situation in not only being obliged to live so long absent from a Dear and Affectionate wife and Family, but also not having wherewith to support myself." Asserts that they are descended from the same family and asks for assistance, stating, "from all Accounts, you are a Gentleman possessed of such Tenderness, and Humanity, that altho no Connection might subsist betwixt your Family and mine, yet you would take Compassion on my Distress." Has heard no answer and assumes the…

GLC02437.05151

29 June 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Jackson Knox

References receiving his son's letter by Mr. LeRoy. Sent two pairs of shoes yesterday. Sent three shirts by Mrs. Stagg today. Six more will be sent when they are made. Writes, "It is the judgement of your Mama and me, that you are too young to alter the style of your dress - That long clothes would be ridiculous for you - That you have a sufficiency of clothes for the present." Tells him he will have what he needs, and instructs him not to be extravagant. Informs him that Dr. [Samuel Stanhope] Smith will furnish him with spending money as he sees fit. Says "As you see many persons of my…

GLC02437.05038

6 April 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Secretary of War Knox writes to his wife Lucy "respecting our affairs in England." Knox is likely referring to some disappointing business between Thomas Longman and Hannah Harwood. Knox reassures Lucy that she should not worry as he does "not feel much distress from it."

GLC02437.04902

7 June 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Writes that he is still in Philadelphia but hopes to leave soon. Adds that his public business is suffering. Describes an agreement he settled on with William Duer in which he forgives Duer's debts on their land purchases in Maine, in exchange for Duer providing him with certain securities (see GLC02437.05492 for the agreement). Apologizes for the shortness of his letter but promises to write again soon.

GLC02437.05493

17 June 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Lucy Knox [incomplete]

Writes to his wife saying that he did indeed write to her before, but that he later found out his letter was not delivered: "As I staid at Randalls I entrusted it to his black man, and it is now pretty evident he deceived me and did not carry it to the office." Also comments on recent attacks upon him in a newspaper: "I have read the attack in Adams's paper - The writer must be a fellow of diabolical sensation to be sure - It shall not give me pain. I shall put all those sons of darkness and envy under my feet one of these days but, the time has not arrived. The report of the Committee of…

GLC02437.05509

15 July 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Writes that he was recently sick with the fever but has "surmounted the cursed disorder." Discusses his misgivings about whether William Duer will be able to pay the sums stipulated in their agreement. Expresses his dissatisfaction with his present duties and dismay at the situation in France. "Were I to leave this and any part of the public business be neglected I should receive no mercy at the public bar - What a humiliating picture of human nature do the affairs of france exhibit all mad stark mad - ... The spirit of turbulence, envy and malice which are excited in other climes have also…

GLC02437.05539

23 July 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Informs Lucy that he will not be able to be with her on a consistent basis for a while due to his current work. Discusses the situation with William Duer and writes that "he is too negligent - He is now busy in writing a political paper signed "Gracchus" in favor of [John] Jays election." Also sends news of friends.

GLC02437.05554

29 July 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Explains to Lucy that business is delaying his visit to her and the family: "Alone for you myself and the children - I am upon my probation - a single lapse of public duty at this moments, sinks me, never again to rise." Provides an update on financial dealings with William Duer. Describes land deals with Mr. [Samuel] Breck, Samuel Waldo and Samuel Winslow, among others.

GLC02437.05565

5 September 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Declares that he is anxious about Lucy's health, and is checking "every post ... more and more so until I shall informed of your having been safely delivered." Provides news on acquaintances, and mentions that he has yet to receive confirmation that [William] Duer will agree to sell. This is unfortunate as it will require him to make another trip to New York. Also discusses the weather, and sends his love to the family.

GLC02437.05599

circa 13 November 1801

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Writes to his "beloved" wife, Lucy Knox. Discusses the progress of their front and back settlers likely located in Maine. Mentions his joy over the amount of settlers they have and his pleasure with the development of Waldoborough. Also expresses his satisfaction with the price of land. Cautions Lucy about keeping their expectations to themselves and watching their expenses and debt. Complains about the letter Lucy wrote, writing it was unsatisfactory and she did not mention anything about their son, Henry Jackson Knox. The letter is dated the 13th of 1801. November was added at a…

GLC02437.07704

8 May 1802

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Knox discusses family matters while at his estate, Montpelier. Expected Lucy to travel to Montpelier, but she decided not to come because of their daughter Lucy's "indisposition." Describes preparing a "pair of partridges- a fine salmon- and an abundant dish of sweet breads" for her anticipated arrival. Declares, "Our mutual affection is the most valued object of my existence- My children the next." Discusses the upcoming legislative assembly, a recent town meeting, financial matters, etc. Relates that he gave their son Henry "60 thousand feet of boards... as a foundation whereon to…

GLC02437.10344

14 October 1788

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Complains that Henry has stayed away later than he had originally planned. Discusses her busy social schedule and numerous invitations, noting "Since the arrival of Mrs. Ogden I have passed my time as agreably as possible seperated [sic] from you." Understands that his business in Boston, settling with creditors, may extend until the end of the month (it is possible Henry was settling the matter of Henry Jackson's unauthorized sale of 10,000 dollars of Knox's notes). Remarks that her sister sent her a Queensware china set.

GLC02437.03998

23 August 1799

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Benjamin Joy

Knox received Joy's letter of 6 August 1799. Knox's financial woes are preventing him from making payments presently. He, himself, is owed money. Knox mentions that his sawmills are not at work right now. He has discussed these matters with Henry Jackson as well.

GLC02437.07301

5 December 1799

Joy, Benjamin, 1758-1830

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Joy writes Knox about the court summons that he received, along with Henry Jackson and Knox regarding past payments that they have not paid. Joy says, "I had rather pay it out of my pocket than let my name appear in the court." Joy would like some assistance and advice from Knox. Mentions Knox consulting with Benjamin Lincoln.

GLC02437.07335

18 August 1806

McKellar, John, fl. 1759

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from "St. Georges," likely in or near present-day Thomaston, Maine. Writes to ask for an appointment to be keeper of the new lighthouse to be built on Franklin Island. Explains that he and his son are in financial trouble, and if he obtains the appointment, he can afford to pay his debt. Asks Knox to use his influence to help him obtain the appointment.

GLC02437.08037

13 April 1791

Newspaper

Newspaper

Title: Gazette of the United States. [Vol. 2, no. 100 (April 13 1791)]

Page four contains "A Proclamation" from President Washington that selects, in accordance with the powers afforded him by Congress, the location on the Potomac River to become the capital of the United States. The boundaries of the proposed federal district are described. Two unrelated congressional acts appear on the page, one supplementing an act providing for the reduction of the public debt and another providing compensation for government clerks. Other articles in the paper contain "Discourse on Davila. No. 29," the conclusion of Massachusetts representative Elbridge Gerry's speech on…

GLC08795

23 July 1790

Newspaper

Newspaper

Title: Pennsylvania packet and daily advertiser. [No. 3581 (July 23, 1790)]

Reports act in congress to establish a capital on the Potomac River (Washington, D.C.). Conclusion of bill before the senate to provide for the national debt. Extract from a letter from Captain Colnet, aboard the Supply, one of the ships on Nootka Bay seized by the Spanish on 11 July 1789. News from New York concerning a funding bill in the legislature. News from the House of Representatives in Philadelphia. Congratulations to President George Washington on his recent election, issued by President of the Convention of South Carolina Charles Pinckney, and Washington's response. Proposal…

GLC08821

17 April 1793

Russell, Benjamin, 1761-1845

Newspaper

Title: Columbian centinel. [Vol. XIX no. 974 (April 17, 1793)]

Reprints three congressional acts passed at the second session held 5 November 1792. The acts concern the collection of duties on goods and merchandise, the payment of a loan made of the Bank of the United States, and extending the time for receiving on loan a part of the domestic debt. Other news includes local news, news from Great Britain and other European countries, ship arrivals, postings, and advertisements.

GLC08774

8 August 1788

Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826

Autograph manuscript signed

Title: [Legal document granting power of attorney for John Paradise to Nathaniel Burwell]

Signed by John Paradise but written in Jefferson's hand, while Jefferson served as American ambassador in Paris. Paradise signs over his financial affairs, including the payment of his creditors to Burwell. Signed as a witness by Jefferson, William Short, and Philip Mazzei. Top of document is scalloped. With red seal of John Paradise.

GLC01974

11 November 1788

Osgood, Samuel, 1748-1813

Letter signed

Title: to William Ellery

Circular letter (marked "Copy") signed by Osgood and Walter Livingston to Ellery as Loan Officer for the state of Rhode Island. Sends directions for "issuing one years Interest on the domestic debt," which had been delayed in hopes that the accounts could be adjusted properly (which did not occur). Sent from the Board of Treasury

GLC02058