4 June 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Encloses a warrant on Nathaniel Appleton, receiver of the Continental Taxes for the State of Massachusetts, for security for a loan from the Massachusetts Bank. The loan was used to be used to pay two companies of federal artillery ordered to protect the arsenal at Springfield, Massachusetts. For related correspondence, please refer to GLC02437.03573, GLC02437.03577, and GLC02437.03580.

GLC02437.03567

25 September 1786

Humphreys, David, 1752-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Colonel David Humphreys, who has been elected to the Connecticut Legislature, writes to Knox about his opinions about the state militia. Wants to obtain a copy of the report he wrote for Congress on the subject. Would like his opinions in order to prevent anything contradictory to them from being passed. Writes, "In the present tumultuous times, you will readily conceive, my dear General, how much the public safety & even our very existance [sic] as a nation, may depend upon placing our Militia in proper hands & putting it upon an eligible footing." Also describes the nature of…

GLC02437.03302

28 September 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that it gives everyone pleasure to hear Mrs. Knox is "well a Bed - I please myself the Child will do well altho appearances may at present be against it." Discusses the brief arrival in town of a Major [possibly Richard] Platt and mentions his financial problems. Will visit Isaac Winslow to consult him on the business Knox mentions. Discusses local business and political issues, such as the opening of the General Court and the speech by the Governor to both houses. Heard reports that 7,00 men were armed in Springfield to oppose sitting of the Supreme Court and that even more men are in…

GLC02437.03303

10 November 1786

Humphreys, David, 1752-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that since his last letter, has had an idea that he thought best directed to Knox privately. Suggests that "Congress, in all their Corps, to promote by Brevet the Lt Colonels Commandant to be Brigadiers, and the first Majors to be Lieutenant Colonels." Can see no negatives to this plan, as it would not cost them anything, and allow them all to retain command of their regiments. It would, perhaps, grant these officers recognition and therefore motivate them. Also, if they were called on to enter the militia, their rank would give them command over the militia colonels and "it might…

GLC02437.03334

12 November 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes primarily about his efforts to recruit a regiment in the Boston area. Sad to hear that the rank of Colonel Hull could not be altered, because now he is convinced Hull will not serve, and the military will lose a valuable officer. Will see him tomorrow and try to convince him. Visited the Castle a few days ago and found that he can, very cheaply, find barracks with room enough to quarter 200 men and if necessary can find 150 more. Will try to fill it up as recruits come in. Emphasizes the difficulty of recruiting more officers, as he has no money. Has offered companies to twenty…

GLC02437.03335

19 November 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that Colonel [possibly William] Hull accepted an appointment in the Massachusetts line, but wants to rank next to Jackson, with the title of Major. Major [William] North believes he will outrank Hull, but Jackson emphasizes that Hull should outrank North, with Major [likely Elnathan] Haskell third. As Major North is traveling to New York, Jackson expects he will try to talk to Knox about it, and wishes Knox to be prepared. Lists the men he nominated to be Captains, but mentions that the Governor and Council changed some of the names without telling him. Discusses some problems…

GLC02437.03339

29 November 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to David Humphreys

Written from the "War Office"; location inferred. Discusses the "derangement of the public finance" and the difficulty of being able to financially support the military establishment. Mentions that if Humphreys is with Colonel [Jeremiah] Wadsworth, Wadsworth can explain everything. Also discusses the recruitment of soldiers.

GLC02437.03356

17 December 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that because the weather has been so cold and stormy, has had to procure blankets for the recruits. Now, however, every new recruit he enlists will expect a blanket. Asks for Knox's advice on this subject. Has discussed the supply of rations with Mr. [Stephen] Bruce, who will write to Knox and to the Board of Treasury on the subject. Discusses his attempts to locate a bundle of goods belonging Mrs. Knox. Sends his love to Mrs. Knox and the children.

GLC02437.03383

December 31, 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Provides an account of the recent actions of Shays and his followers: the previous Tuesday, they prevented the Court at Springfield from sitting. The Court will meet in Worcester on 23 January. He and General [Benjamin] Lincoln are recruiting troops and preparing the militia. Also extensively discusses the clothing, supplies, and provisions needed for the troops.

GLC02437.03398

7 January 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Happy to hear that Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan arrived safely. Their friends in Boston were concerned about their trip due to the weather. Asks Knox to present his compliments to the Swans, and to tell them that their family in Boston is doing well. Reports that the government is making preparations to support the sitting of the Court at Worcester on 23 January. General [Benjamin] Lincoln will be commanding 4000 militia men, including six artillery companies, beginning on 20 January. If the insurgents do not appear, the plan is to use the militia to find the insurgents and bring them to…

GLC02437.03407

January 10 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Hopes to hear from Knox by the Saturday mail. Writes that the expedition against Shays and his supporters "has a pleasing appearance." Funds have been raised for the expedition, a proportion of which will be used by the troops being raised. Asks him to deliver an enclosed letter (not present). Sends his respects to Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan, as well as to Lucy Knox and the Knox children.

GLC02437.03412

January 14, 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Was upset to receive no letter from Knox by the last post. Expected an answer to his last letter in which he asked about clothing and uniforms for his recruits. Writes that if he was furnished with the uniform and had Knox's permission, he feels he would have been able to procure enough money to clothe all the men he has enlisted, which amounts to more than 100. Discusses the money already procured against the insurgents, but is convinced the insurgents will never appear to fight against the new government forces. Has enclosed a letter from Miss Snelling for Knox to deliver (not present…

GLC02437.03416

January 21, 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that the insurgents are "most cursedly frightened, & wish themselves to the devil." Some of the insurgents went to see the Governor to ask that the troops not be deployed to stop the upcoming siege on the General Court; they promised the insurgents would not stop the court from sitting. They were too late, however, and the troops set off to march as planned. Provides some detail about where they were quartered and where they traveled. Explains that the troops are to track down the leaders of the insurgents if they do not stand and fight. Declares that it "is more like the year…

GLC02437.03420

January 28, 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks him for his last letter, and asks him to deliver an enclosed letter (not present) to Mrs. Swan and send the Swans his compliments. Discusses the fight against the insurgents: General [John] Brooks marched yesterday to support General [Benjamin] Lincoln against Mr. [Daniel] Shays and his supporters. Mentions that Rufus Putnam will be coming to help Lincoln as well. Will meet with the Governor that evening and if he is finished in time to send off a letter, he will provide Knox with any news. Provides him information on the status of the force fighting the insurgents. Adds some…

GLC02437.03429

February 3, 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks him for his recent letters, and sends his compliments to Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan. Asks him to tell Mr. Swan that his services are wanted in Boston. Provides information on the Legislature and the General Court; declares that everyone is in a state of anxiety as to whether particular counties will be declared in a State of Rebellion. Discusses the status of the Army's military stores and recruitment, as well as the status of the insurgents and General [Benjamin] Lincoln's troops. Fears that the loss of their son "will be too much" for Mr. and Mrs. [John] Hancock.

GLC02437.03441

February 11, 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received his last letter and delivered the enclosures appropriately. Sends regards to Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan, and reports that their family is well. Writes that the Rebellion is nearly at an end. Has enclosed newspapers to provide an "authentick & particular" account of the fate of Mr. [Daniel] Shays and his "banditti" as well as of the success of their friend General [Benjamin] Lincoln. Reports that the Legislature has voted to raise troops to protect the state and capture any rebels they find, and the Legislature is offering a bounty to encourage men to enlist. Is concerned that…

GLC02437.03450

21 March 1787

Doughty, John, 1754-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox he is extremely busy at the moment and will not be able to return to New York City as expected. Discusses concerns about the men not being paid and feels that if the corps are disbanded for lack of pay, they may never be able to raise another. States that if the federal troops are disbanded he should be allowed the choice of whether to stay or retire and "without one, I cannot see how any government worth living under can be kep up in this country." Comments on the poor quality of the powder at Fort Pitt. Asks Knox about the state of affairs in Massachusetts, "I feel so anxious…

GLC02437.03497

27 March 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to John Doughty

Informs Doughty that he will help with procuring subsistence for the troops. Does not believe recruiting service will begin in New York as its quota numbers are deficient. The contracts of Morris and Wadsworth are ending as Congress is not happy with the proposals. Agrees with Doughty, who is in favor of a "national force," as he expects "every evil that can be produced from Anarchy." Also notes that "Congress have had but for a very little time nine States. Therefore nothing has been concluded on respecting higher pay for the Artillery than the Infantry." Mentions supplying artillery…

GLC02437.03502

14 October 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph Williams

Had wanted to see Williams in order to talk about "the business" (likely referring to Shays' Rebellion). Writes he is relying on Williams to protect the military stores "in every event, for which you shall be amply compensated." Asks him to continue with the methods he mentioned when they spoke.

GLC02437.03312

16 October 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph Williams

Wrote last to Major Williams while at Springfield regarding the protection of military stores. Has heard that in the absence of General Sheppard [probably William Shepard], a Colonel Chapin will be in command. Asks Williams to talk to Colonel Chapin about rounding up the Connecticut Militia. Has made arrangements with the Governor of this state [perhaps Samuel Huntington, Governor of Connecticut], and with General [possibly Roger] Newberry, who will be traveling to Springfield.

GLC02437.03313

25 November 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph Williams

Discusses a recent letter from Williams. Writes that the recent acts of government will help contain the insurgents (referring to Shays' Rebellion, which happened in Springfield, Massachusetts in late September 1786).

GLC02437.03347

February 22, 1787

Willcox, Joseph, fl. 1775-1787

Autograph document signed

Title: [Receipt for weapons and ammunition]

Receipt for muskets, flint, cartridges, etc. for David Humphreys' regiment.

GLC02437.03464

24 May 1787

Willcox, Joseph, fl. 1775-1787

Autograph document signed

Title: [Receipt of payment]

Receipt for $3,000. "Drawn by the Board of Treasury on Will Imlay Esqr receiver of Continental Taxes for the State of Connecticut in account of pay due to the Troops of the Quota of Connecticutt." The troops were raised to quell Shays's Rebellion.

GLC02437.03552

25 November 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Dwight

Writes that he would have responded immediately to Dwight's last letter but was concerned that writing by the post might be injurious to Dwight. Discusses whether letters sent to him would arrive safely. Mentions the importance of news about the affairs in western Massachusetts (referring to Shays' Rebellion), and discusses whether the insurgents will take the oaths presented by the government.

GLC02437.03350

15 April 1790

Edwards, Richard, fl. 1790

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks Knox for help in obtaining an appointment in the army. Says during the year of 1787 he had the honor of serving under Colonel [Henry] Jackson and heard that troops were once again being raised.

GLC02437.04584