circa 1783-1788

Pemberton, Robert, ?-1788

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks Knox for monetary help as he is currently in dire straits due to weather losses and having a suit filed against him.

GLC02437.08184

29 November 1794

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph Peirce

Discusses account information regarding [the late] Mr. [Thomas?] Flucker's estate. Requests Pierce has General [Henry] Jackson pay the creditors first then draw upon Knox for any differences.

GLC02437.09840

18 December 1793

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Discusses information about a bond and that he has "since heard that they have ordered the bond to be put into suit." Feels anxious about this and wants to be informed as soon as possible about it. Goes on to discuss arguments concerning the bond. Watermarked "J Watt & C Patent Copying/Sold By J Woodmason/London." Letterpress copy.

GLC02437.10290

3 October 1788

Sayre, Stephen, 1736-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Describes his recent liberation from a "long & illegal confinement" and the defense of his liberty against a "malignant Villain." Warns Knox against the "growing Influence of the Law & Lawyers." Discusses his [unspecified] proposition regarding the navy. Hopes Knox will present his idea to Congress, and asks George Washington's opinion on the subject (Sayre is apparently trying to secure a contract with Congress for the navy). Defends his character and declares his resolve. Mentions [Francisco de] Miranda and refers to his "former friend" [William] Duer, who Sayre regrets is no…

GLC02437.03989

3 July 1783

Sears & Smith, fl. 1775-1785

Letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Letter written by a representative of Sears & Smith to Major General Knox. References Knox's letter to Isaac Sears of 24 June. Says the jewelry that Henry's brother William Knox sent has not been sold. When they opened up the box they discovered the articles were pieces they would have a hard time selling in their store. Ended up giving them to Joseph Peirce to dispose of, as they thought he could sell them more readily. He has had no success though. If he wants them auctioned off, they will arrange for it. Says the items are "old, odd, unsaleable." William wrote that he took the jewelry…

GLC02437.02229

9 September 1785

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relates that per Knox's instructions, he has gone to New Haven and met with Mr. [Samuel] Broome and Mr. [Jeremiah] Platt to discuss their outstanding financial business. Explains that Broom and Platt assured him they will not be able to repay the money they owe in the next year. Provides a lengthy and detailed explanation of the firm's financial dealings, including the ways the war interfered with their business. Adds some information about the money they owe to the firm of [James] Webber & Co. Relates possible solutions to the problem.

GLC02437.03190

16 September 1785

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to explain the status of their dealings with the firm of Broome & Platt, with whom they are trying to settle a debt. Relates that Broome and Platt acknowledge the amount of money they still owe Webber & Co. of London (on whose behalf Knox is settling this debt), but will be unable to agree to the conditions requested by Knox. Describes a story the firm told him about their debt to Ludlow Gold of New York, which they also cannot pay, as evidence of the serious financial trouble their firm is in. Shaw also mentions that upon receiving the goods owed to him and Knox, he noticed…

GLC02437.03195

20 December 1789

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for everything has done for him and writes, "While I feel the full force of the most lively gratitude for your friendship towards me, it pains me to know that the too tender concern you take in everything which regards your poor Shaw cannot but interrupt that happiness you deserve ever to enjoy, and which with my whole soul I wish you. On this account, it aggravates my present unhappiness to inform you, that nothing could be done in the way we wished - and that I must get my ship ready and proceed, with my present means alone, as fast as possible to Batavia and China." Adds that…

GLC02437.04445

February 14, 1790

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks for Knox's advice in dealing with his situation with a Mr. Holker and Mr. Parker, most likely Daniel Parker, the captain of the ship Shaw took to Guangzhou, China. Writes "I desire to be governed entirely by you ... " and that "Mr. Parker and his agent, which has occasioned such trouble an inconvenience to my friends, that I can no longer for observing any measurs [sic] with him, but what the most rigid justice demands; and I shall be perfectly satisfied with any mode you shall be please to adopt for prosecuting the business."

GLC02437.04512

7 March 1790

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses his business with [Samuel] Parkman and Messrs [Nicholas] Hoffman and [Son], noting it will soon be settled. Informs Knox he will be sailing in the near future, thanks to Parkman. Writes that "[l]anguage is insufficient to express how much I love you both - Tell Billy that he occupies a brothers place in my heart."

GLC02437.04532

10 May 1790

Sayre, Stephen, 1736-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses surprise at Knox's lack of a reply to a mutual friend (unnamed, but Sayre may be referring to William Duer, whom he discusses throughout the letter). Reports business difficulties with Duer, declaring, "Mr. Duer will not deny his having made a most solemn agreement, as a man of honor, to act with me, for our equal benefit." Duer has not, apparently, done justice to this agreement. Hopes for Knox's help in encouraging Duer to contribute to the project, by securing the appropriate business contracts to let Sayre continue his work in England. Also advises Knox to have the…

GLC02437.04602

9 November 1791

Smith, William Stephens, 1755-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Stamped as "free" above address. Explains that he met Captain [Thomas] Randall at the Post Office, where they made arrangements for sending monies owed by Knox to Smith (see GLC02437.05231). Also discusses the purchase of lands in Maine (related to the Waldo patent), and mentions a misunderstanding between himself and [William] Duer.

GLC02437.05232

3 December 1791

Smith, William Stephens, 1755-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Has tried to acquire the items Knox asked for, but has been unable to as yet. Relates how he is about to depart for Europe, unhappily, to settle family accounts and protect his family from misfortune. Describes arrangements he is making to prepare for his departure, including making sure that the President is not displeased with him for leaving. Also refers to Mrs. Smith [his wife], Mrs. [Abigail] Adams (who was his mother-in-law), and Mr. [Rufus] King. Sends his respects to Knox's wife.

GLC02437.05251

19 December 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Stephens Smith

Asks to borrow $5000 for ninety days, per Smith's offer in a previous letter. Will provide a note endorsed by either Mr. [William] Duer or Captain [Thomas] Randall in which he promises to follow specific terms of repayment. Begs his prompt attention to the matter, and hopes to be able to secure the amount by the following Saturday.

GLC02437.05264

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

28 March 1796

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Stephens Smith

Writes to discuss their business arrangements. Feels upset to hear about Smith's recent financial "embarrassments," and hopes the rumors are untrue. Mentions a business letter he wrote to Mr. Hammond, a colleague of Smith's, and assumes Hammond told Smith about the letter's content.

GLC02437.06676

21 July 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Major Turner

Discusses Turner's observations regarding a memorial written by Major Pierre Charles L'Enfant, apparently about settling a financial claim he has with the Society of the Cincinnati members. May be referring to L'Enfant's purchase of extra Society badges: the previous year, L'Enfant purchased extra badges and paid for them with credit, but the badges are proving too expensive and are not selling. L'Enfant is now facing financial distress because he cannot repay his creditors. See GLC02437.03273, GLC02437.03275, GLC02437.03276, and GLC02437.03882.

GLC02437.03608

12 October 1796

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Ulmer

Written from Montpelier, Knox's estate in Thomaston, Maine. Provides some instructions for Ulmer and Mr. [likely John] Gleason regarding the building of a dockyard. Provides some practical concerns and his opinion on the situation with Samuel Ely (see GLC02437.06829 for a related letter). Also refers to a letter he composed to Ulmer (GLC02437.06832) about a confusing financial arrangement with a Mr. Knight [or Knights].

GLC02437.06837

14 August 1800

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Ulmer

Knox thinks the owners of the lands dating back to the "signing in 1788" should have "warruntee deeds of the same." Knox says he wants to Ulmer to let the settlers know that if they are willing to pay for the land with interest, they will get the deeds. Those who need more time will have a reasonable extension.

GLC02437.07446

13 December 1801

Ulmer, George, 1756-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Requests Knox handles a particular settler's debt kindly. Notes the gentleman is ready to pay off his notes and is afraid Knox will treat him unkindly for paying so late. Says the gentleman requested Ulmer speak to Knox on his behalf. Ulmer says the settler has always been friendly and was a great assistance when they were surveying.

GLC02437.07693

February 14, 1805

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to William Tudor

Unsigned, but handwriting suggests the author is Henry Knox. Writes that Tudor's son (likely Frederic) has been urging Knox to repay the note he owes the Tudors. Explains the difficult financial circumstances under which he is suffering, leading him to be unable to pay it within six months, as Frederic asked. Believes he will be able to repay it in the next year. Asks for Tudor's indulgence, based on their friendship, to allow him to renew the note for eighteen months. See GLC02437.07909 and GLC02437.07910 for related information.

GLC02437.07911

30 June 1805

Ulmer, George, 1756-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to ask for Knox's advice. Upon returning home from Boston, he discovered that the U.S. Bank had won a judgment against him for his estate. Is unable to pay the mortgage on his estate but does not want to leave his home or the Waldo patent. Suggests a possible solution involving Knox's help. Also reports on the mortgage of Henry Jackson and several others.

GLC02437.07949

10 November 1805

Ulmer, George, 1756-1825

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a financial judgment rendered against Ulmer. Comments on financial arrangements between himself, Knox, and Mr. Ebenezer Parsons, to whom Ulmer owes money.

GLC02437.07981

4 June 1789

Tracy, John, fl. 1789-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks for Knox's help in keeping his friend, General [Jonathan] Titcomb, in office. Writes that General Titcomb led a militia force in the previous war and never received any compensation, and also lost his fortune after the war. His only method of supporting himself is through a position in the naval office at Newburyport. Is unsure whether the government in New York will be in charge of hiring for this position, but hopes that Knox will recommend that Titcomb stay in office. Suggests that he ask Mr. [possibly Tristram] Dalton, Mr. [possibly Rufus] King and Mr. [possibly Elbridge] Gerry…

GLC02437.04231

21 December 1789

Tracy, John, fl. 1789-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses his troubles concerning his family estate. Says that financial difficulties will prevent him from settling in the Western Country. Discusses his financial ruin, stating, "in a word, I must look to my Country, a Country that I neither spared property, Labour or attention to support, when in my power but on the contrary, the confidence I placed was my ruin - I do not reflect on myself or my Country - I was happy in sinking or swimming with them..." Asks Knox to assist him in obtaining a position in the Customs Office.

GLC02437.04446