June 27, 1791

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William Knox references Henry's letter from April 6. Says he has sent 13 letters to him, the last from Dublin on June 13 or 20. Says his last letter informed Henry of his "motives for coming here namely to negociate some funds by which I might be kept from sinking in Dublin." He is sorry that Thomas Randall "cannot find it convenient to wait agreable to my proposition to him, from a perfect knowledge that the amount will bear hard upon you..." Offers to refund him when he is successful. Says Gouverneur Morris is here but has not made a great sale of land. Reports that William Temple Franklin…

GLC02437.05035

3 August 1791

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References his letters of 27 June and 19 July that he sent to Henry. Has not received any letters from Henry since the one marked 6 April. States he has not met with any success in selling Henry's lands, not even a single serious offer. Says his feelers in Paris have not met with any more success, noting "The Scioto business has left unfavorable impressions at Paris relative to purchases of land in America." Wants to go to Ireland next week, but needs to secure a loan to settle his debts there first. Claims his prospects are bleak. Reports "I cannot tell what will be my fate," unless…

GLC02437.05099

28 September 1790

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William Knox describes to his brother, Henry Knox, that the winds were not in his favor as they set sail from Sandy Hook, New Jersey. He has now reached Newfoundland. Remarks that he has not suffered any seasickness, unlike his other companions, Mrs. Green, who is still seasick, and Miss Hunter, who has recovered.

GLC02437.04739

3 November 1790

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William tells Secretary of War Henry Knox that since his last letter to Henry of October 29 (GLC02437.04759) he has discussed with Hannah Harwood the money she owed Mr. Longman and has "delivered her the care of Watch furniture and seeds from Mrs. Knox." William explains the reason that Harwood is holding back payment to Mr. Longman. She hopes "that the other creditors would agree to her paying him the full sum of 1300 pounds." The agent for the creditors, Mr. Frazer, believes she has a case, and the prospect of a lawsuit would prevent the creditors from pursuing one. Nevertheless, "she is…

GLC02437.04768

4 November 1790

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William Knox writes Secretary of War Henry Knox to correct his previous letter (GLC02437.04768). After speaking with Mr. Longman, William has learned that "the idea of paying the whole thirteen hundred pounds originated with Mr. Frazer" is not correct. Mr. Longman and Hannah Harwood were the only parties involved. When they informed Mr. Frazer, the creditors' agent, Frazer warned them that a "suit in Chancery would probably be the result of refusal to pay the Creditors their proportion, and the insisting on your whole sum." Mrs. Harwood is still waiting for Henry Knox's decision to "acceed…

GLC02437.04769

January 15, 1791

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Copy. Describes the various transportation obstacles that prevented his letters from arriving earlier. Says the St. Lawrence lands are being advertised in two prominent Irish newspapers. Discusses the meeting he had with "the Earl of Westmoreland, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland" (John Fane, 10th Earl of Westmorland). Says they discussed trade between Ireland and America, and that he will write more about his encounter with the Earl and on the English administration of Ireland at a later time. Asks Knox to thank Mrs. John Jay for introducing him to the "Viscountess Stronghold," whose husband…

GLC02437.04828

February 13, 1791

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Urges Knox to write him as soon as he can, or make Lucy Knox "overcome her natural timidity" and write him. He has heard of the General (Charles) Scott expedition in the Miami Country and of the casualties Scott suffered. Discusses in great detail the Turk-Russian war along with other foreign affairs. The Russians are not far from Constantinople; the Empress (Catherine the Great) seeks to drive the Turks completely out of Europe and listens to no offers of negotiations. Prince Potemkin said that the Empress would consider stopping the war on several conditions; ceding Moldavia and Wallachia…

GLC02437.04853

January 25, 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Arrived Wednesday evening and spent part of yesterday enquiring for a house. Makes reference to various homes, including a Mr. Morton's on Broadway, and Brockholst Livingston's. Reports "at this moment I cannot hear of a good one to be hired." Says that Samuel Shaw believes he will sail on Sunday, but William does not think he will. Says he dined with Shaw and Thomas Randall yesterday. Writes, "The idea here is universal that you are about resigning, how it got here I do not know." Written from the home of Mrs. McEwen. Place written inferred from content. "Free" handwritten on address…

GLC02437.05794

January 28, 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Enquired of Berry & Rogers for horse or travelling canteens. They only had one pair of a small size for 7 guineas. Heard Mr. Edgar will quit his house on Wall Street. Also heard that Mrs. Fleming is moving from her home. Is meeting with Fleming's agent and Mr. Edgar today to discuss possible rent. Reports there is a house belonging to a Mr. Rynlander on the North River near Partition Street, although he thinks Henry will not like it. Is satisfied that Henry did not have a connection with Green, as his reputation has been damaged recently over an incident involving "erasure on a note…

GLC02437.05798

January 29, 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Initialed by William Knox. Reports that Mr. Edgar will not leave his house on Wall Street. Says Macombs large house is not yet sold. Says that Mrs. Fleming wants to rent her house out for 1,200 pounds for three years. Edgar informed him that [Philip] Livingston offered her 1,000 pounds, but that it was refused. Will wait as "the extraordinary advance in rent will probably induce some to part with theirs who did not intend it." Provides the full story on Mr. Green, which he quickly referenced in GLC02437.05798. Green altered a document on a shipment of goods sent on a ship he owned.…

GLC02437.05799

February 12, 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Dined with Cary Ludlow, the father-in-law of Mr. Morton, where he learned that Mrs. Morton was opposed to going into their new house on Broadway. Ludlow said his son-in-law will probably be induced to let it for 350 pounds. Says if Morton can be persuaded to part with it for 300 pounds, it will be a good price in the current market. Relates that he spoke to Mrs. Fleming again about her house, but she is still determined to let it for 400 a year for 3 years. Reports that Isaac Clason, a merchant, is about to buy up Macomb's debt at 5/6 to the pound. Does not see William Duer taking any…

GLC02437.05815

17 November 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References two letters from Henry. Reports that Henry's son, Henry Jackson Knox, arrived safely last evening. He is travelling to Hingham tomorrow or the next day. Says he will write Berkeley Sidney Knox, a man in Jamaica claiming to be a distant relative of Knox and seeking a job (see GLC02437.05938). Notes he "cannot undertake to say any thing more than has already been said upon this subject." Is happy to hear that a group of physicians announced the official abatement of the yellow fever in Philadelphia. Believes the disorder may still be latent and recommends that Henry keep his…

GLC02437.05977

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

14 June 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox (daughter)

Writes to his daughter telling her how much he loves her, but that "I am not alittle [sic] jealous that it is not so reciprocal as perhaps it ought to be. I do not mean as to degree that is that yours should equal mine - But I only desire a due proportion, an hundreth [sic] part or so of what I possess -" Asks for her to confide in him as if he were a female friend and "write the long letters - reciting all the little incidents which fall under your notice ..." Some text loss on the upper left side of the first page and second paragraph on the second page.

GLC02437.05504

21 May 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Writes that he has been in ill health again since he wrote her last, and explains how he has treated his ague. Wishes he had received a letter from her. Asks about the welfare of their children. Sends his love to Mrs. [Sarah Lyons] Flucker, his sister-in-law. Relates messages for each of his children: Lucy, Henry, Julia, and Washington. Asks to be remembered to various friends in the Boston area.

GLC02437.05474

8 July 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Expresses his happiness on hearing about his son Henry's current situation. Sends Lucy news of various acquaintances, which he lists by number. States that he is sorry to hear of Mrs. [Abigail] Adams's "indisposition," noting that the Adams family has ordered their furniture to be shipped to Boston. Vice President John Adams plans to return to New York without his family. Reports that George and Martha Washington will be going to Mount Vernon the following Wednesday, and will not return until 15 October. Mentions the Ogdens, Mrs. Smith, the Izards, the Stewarts, and Count Andreani.…

GLC02437.05528

12 July 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Mentions being "attacked with the cursed fever" last week, but is now better. Wishes he could be with her and the family. Informs that Mrs. Smith is doing better after being very ill with a "disorder in her bowels." Writes that "Our President [George Washington], Mrs. Washington and family departed yesterday..." Writes of events in England and France exclaiming, "What unpleasant work on the frontiers of France! - England will go into confusion - do you not think Tom Paine has excited great commotion in mens minds to be honored with a royal Proclamation against his writings."

GLC02437.05535

24 July 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Apologizes for not being able to visit her due to his job obligations but states that he will as soon as he can. Mentions that "something has occured relatively to the southern Indians which would seem to open new sources of difficulty." Discusses the children and future plans. Ends by stating, "The President [George Washington] is buried in solitude at Mount Vernon - I write no more to him than is indispensible in order to prevent trouble."

GLC02437.05557

6 September 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Discusses his health and family matters. Talks about gaining weight, stating "I have increased since your departure, owing perhaps to two causes ... more food and less exercise." Mentions that the President (George Washington) has invited him to Mount Vernon. Discusses financial matters and worries about his wife's health.

GLC02437.05602

9 September 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Agrees to the idea to allow his son (Henry Jackson Knox) to remain at Hingham for school. Believes not only will Henry's education improve but so will his morals. States he will leave the decision of Henry's schooling in Lucy's hands. Mentions their neighbor Mrs. Smith, who has been ill, finally passed away. Her husband is greatly affected by her death. Updates her on news of their friends and notes the "Presidents Nephew George Washington" has "given over with his old disorder a consumption."

GLC02437.05604

2 November 1793

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Flucker Knox

Signed and initialed by Knox. Tells Lucy their baby girl and the rest of the family is in good health just outside Philadelphia. Reports "The disorder seems to have vanished by Magic and the great Storm of rain which took place the day before yesterday and lasted 24 hours will complete the death of this infernal monster." Says he will not be going into town until December though. Expects to see Lucy by 15 November. Notes President Washington and Thomas Jefferson arrived in Germantown yesterday in perfect health. Mentions "Hamilton is again sick, but not with the prevailing fever but he…

GLC02437.05958

5 November 1793

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Flucker Knox

References Lucy's letter of 1 November. Says he will not go into the city until she returns, but believes everything is now fine. Reports he has sent her three letters before this one. Mentions that Alexander Hamilton is entirely recovered from his illness and was in Germantown yesterday. Says "He sent for Stevens, and Belville from Trenton because he was apprehensive that if he took any of the city Physcicians [sic] he should be systematically sacrificed either by the Tonics, or evacuents - But his disorder arose from cold, and did not in the least partake of the prevailing disorder."…

GLC02437.05960

12 November 1793

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Flucker Knox

References two of Lucy's letters. Expresses how much he misses her. Says he will meet her on the road "before you turn off from frankford road." Says the city appears to be safe and "It is filling with inhabitants." Reports that "A Vessell however has arrived and more are expected of the unfortune [sic] people of St. Domingo, expelled there by the English, or Aristocrats, who is apprehended are infected with some contagious disorder." Notes measures will be taken to prevent any danger. Mentions that President Washington went to Reading to see a canal that is being built. Washington was…

GLC02437.05971

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

27 July 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Mentions he will be detained until tomorrow or the next day. Does not expect to get home until Saturday, but will do his best to get there by Friday. Says their boys are in high spirits and that Harry is gratified by his new long coat, "which is of an excellent blue cloth breeches of the same and tow half wais[t]coats." Marcus says he is impatient to be home. States he longs to see her and the little ones. Lucy is at Bush Hill outside of Philadelphia. Free frank signed by Henry Knox.

GLC02437.05086