15 December 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to James Bowdoin

Writes, "Major [Winthrop] Sargent will have the honor to deliver your Excellency this letter. Although his dispositions are military, yet he finds himself constrained on consideration of his former rank to decline the appointment to a company of Artillery with which your Excellency lately favored him. But as it is possible that the commotions which now exist in Massachusetts may demand the services of every friend of good governt he will with great zeal render every service in his power to check the progress of rebellion." Recommends him as an excellent officer.

GLC02437.03380

1786

Manuscript document

Title: [List of officers appointed under General Henry Jackson]

Date added later in pencil. List of officers appointed under General Henry Jackson. Officers are sorted by rank, and include Majors William Hull, William North, and E. [possibly Elnathan] Haskell, as well as William Eustis as Surgeon.

GLC02437.03404

7 January 1787

Bruce, Stephen, ?-1801

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks him for his kind letter. Declares that before he received it, he "had been inform'd of the negociations taking place between the board of Treasury, and [Messrs Robert] Morris & [Jeremiah] Wadsworth for the whole supplies of the Troops, and had accordingly wrote those Gentlemen on the Subject, by our mutual friend Colo. [James] Swan: who was immediately bound to New York." Writes that the proposition of Morris and Wadsworth "does at once preclude any kind of contract of mine with the Board - but as was hinted by you, I am still of opinion that I might be very servicable [sic] to…

GLC02437.03408

January 24- January 25, 1787

Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810

Manuscript letter

Title: to James Bowdoin

Marked "copy" on docket. Describes in some detail the confrontations between his troops and the insurgents in Massachusetts, led by Daniel Shays. Reports that General [William] Shepard, who is also leading troops, is in a precarious position which it seems likely Shays's troops will attack. Describes how Generals [John] Brooks and [John] Paterson [Lincoln spells it "Patterson"] should position their troops to help stave off the attack. Asks Governor Bowdoin to forward this letter to General Brooks "the moment It comes to hand - no Time I think should be lost."

GLC02437.03422

January 27, 1787

Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810

Manuscript letter

Title: to James Bowdoin

Written from Brookfield, likely in Massachusetts. Marked "copy." Relates how he led his troops to the aid of General Shepard. "Writes, Gen'l Sheppard expects hourly an attack by the whole force of the Insurgents:- Shays marched with the party under his immediate command, about as is said: one thousand yesterday afternoon at 4 o'clock to the front of the Magazine; General Sheppard sent an officer to him to warn him of his danger if he passed over a certain line, which was described; Shays laughed at the information & continued his march until he approached within a few yards of the line…

GLC02437.03425

January 28, 1787

Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810

Manuscript letter

Title: to James Bowdoin

Marked "copy." Written from "Head Quarters Springfield." Reports on Shay and his supporters' situation. Relates that he and a number of other regiments arrived in Springfield the day before. Writes, "On my arrival I found, that Shays had taken post at a little village, six miles north of this, with the whole force under his [inserted: immediate] command, and that Day had taken post at West Springfield, & that he had fixed a guard at the ferry-house on the west side of the river. By this disposition, all communication, with the north & west in the usual paths were cut off." For a…

GLC02437.03427

14 July 1787

Breck, Samuel, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Briefly discusses events concerning mutual friends. Emphasizes his support for the idea of a stronger federal government. States, "I fully agree with you in the necessity of a National Government & hope that a system, in some measure resembling ours, will be adopted, which operating upon the large scale must, in a relative view, reduce the powers of each state to that of our Counties, such a government in my humble opinion would extend its authority over all these petty states & increase in the proportion as they are ... " Adds that a strong central government will help quash…

GLC02437.03604

26 December 1786

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Lamenting Shays' Rebellion, writes "I feel, my dear Genl. Knox, infinitely more than I can express to you, for the disorders which have arisen in these States. Good God! who besides a tory could have foreseen, or a Briton predicted them!" Alludes to "combustibles in every State, which a spark might set fire to." Notes that Virginia is (at the moment) calm, but worries over disputes regarding navigation of the Mississippi. Discusses an amendment to the existing Constitution regarding paper emissions and military certificates. Expresses sadness regarding the recent death of General…

GLC02437.09409

February 3, 1787

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Refers to the constitutional rights of Massachusetts. Also discusses insurgents in that state (Shays' Rebellion was losing momentum). Relates in confidence that he does not want to go to the Constitutional Convention (to be held in Philadelphia) but that convention organizers have included him and implored him not to make a final decision regarding whether or not he will attend. Admits that "powers are wanting" in government, but takes a pessimistic view, wondering how such powers shall be derived. Comments that Knox's opinion, to build a central national government, is energetic and…

GLC02437.09410

February 25, 1787

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for several letters, which put his mind at ease regarding General Benjamin Lincoln's military operations (Lincoln led the Massachusetts state militia in Shays' Rebellion) and the dignity of Government. Congratulates Knox on the recent suppression of Shays' Rebellion. Comments that Shays is "either a weak man - the dupe of some characters who are yet behind the curtain - or has been deceived by his followers." Reports the adjournment of the Assembly of Maryland regarding issuance of a paper emission. Wishes to see the country happy and at peace while "gliding down the stream of…

GLC02437.09411

30 December 1786

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Delivered to the governor a note that Knox wrote in his favor. Would like very much to be in the army, but if there is no possibility of that, will "in good Earnest set about making my arrangements for evacuating altogether this Country in Favor of the Western World, while there are so many disposed to accompany me." Also mentions joining the Engineers to the Artillery Department. Believes he has "some claims to an honorable Appointment." Relates that the Court in Springfield was prevented from doing business this week by 300 insurgents who took possession of the Court House and presented…

GLC02437.03394

January 30, 1787

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks him for his letters. Never doubted Knox's good wishes toward him, or his desire to promote Sargent's military achievements. Is acutely aware of Knox's responsibilities and does not want to put him in an embarrassing position because of his desire to attain an appointment. Though he wanted the Captaincy of Artillery, he even moreso wanted Knox's high esteem, both during military service and in civilian life. Writes, "Consider [...] how severely I must have been wounded by [William] North & [Elnathan] Haskell- who were both my Junior Officers during [an] the war & who have…

GLC02437.03432

2 March 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Body of the letter and signature in the hand of Robert Pemberton, Knox's aide. Discusses surveys that Sargent requested and where they should be deposited. Notes he has not seen Captain Hutchins yet to discuss the survey of the 5th range. States that Board of Treasury is of the opinion the surveys should be delivered to Hutchins since he was the principal in the business and that Knox agrees with them. Mentions [Major William] North's resignation from the Office of Inspectors, noting that it has not taken affect yet due to the recent raising of troops. Mentions the irregular Congressional…

GLC02437.03478

April 1787

Tupper, Benjamin, 1738-1792

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the outcome of a trial in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, referring to the trial of the insurgents who took part in Shays' Rebellion: "The Supreme Court have proceeded on business with a degree of dignity which does honour to humane nature, Six are already convicted of High Treason, and a number of others of high crimes &c and there is not a dog that dare to move his Tongue." Expresses his views on the proper governmental system for the states. "...I cannot give up the idea that Monarchy in our present situation is become absolutely necessary to save the States from sinking…

GLC02437.03537

27 October 1786

Swan, James, 1754-1830

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he is "agreeably saluted with the news of War being declared against the Indians." Is quite overjoyed at the situation: "I told you in State Street, what my hopes were- little did I think the happy circumstance so near." Would like Knox's advice on "buying or selling in to the Continental funds." Has been very pleased with Knox's advice before and would be happy to have it again. Would like to know "whether to engage actively" in the "present commotions." Seems to be inclined to do it - "My heart is warm for supporting Government" - but is unsure whether he can convince his "…

GLC02437.03321

4 November 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Swan

Very flattered by Swan's confidence in his judgment, and only wishes his judgments were up to that standard. He has not been contemplating the funds, so he cannot judge "which species of them ought to have the preference." Provides some thoughts as to the merits of each type of fund. Discusses attempts to raise money for Congress, for the government to use until the states provide money to the treasury. Relates that they need to make sure individuals who loan money to Congress feel secure that they will be repaid in a timely fashion. Discusses the functionality of their government.…

GLC02437.03326

17 December 1786

Shepard, William, 1737-1817

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Has enclosed a copy of a letter (refer to GLC02437.03378) he received from Governor [James] Bowdoin. "I would beg you to keep it to yourself, as I do the original. This does not mention it, but Major Shepard informs me that his Excellency wished me to write to you for permission to take one thousand or fifteen hundred Stands of arms from the Arsenal at Springfield, as well as ammunition adequate to the purpose, if they should be wanted in the decision of the question whether we are to have the satisfaction of living under a Constitution and fixed, permanent and known laws, or under the…

GLC02437.03382

24 December 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Shepard

Discusses his inability to provide arms and stores to be used against the insurgents in Massachusetts (those associated with Shays' Rebellion). States that he cannot do so without the special permission of Congress. Writes that he has not received any word on the subject from Governor [James] Bowdoin, but if he does, he will immediately submit it to Congress.

GLC02437.03390

January 21, 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to William Shepard

Marked "copy" on docketing. Shepard's name spelled "Sheppard." Thanks him for his recent letters. Writes that there has not yet been a Congress able to proceed to business. Hopes that they will be organized this week, and can discuss the request of the Governor before Congress. Relates that as he said before, "it is entirely out of my power, to appropriate any of the public arms or stores without an order of Congress." This also applies to the sale or loan of arms or stores. He agrees in principle with Shepard and wishes he could accommodate him. However, if the insurgents "should…

GLC02437.03421

10 May 1787

Sullivan, John, 1740-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that the bearer of the letter, William Morris, was appointed Captain to command the forces "destined for the western frontiers." Morris is very disappointed by this appointment. Sullivan asks Knox if there is anything that can be done for Morris and that he will "hazard my own reputation upon his fidelity courage and good conduct..."

GLC02437.03547

May 24, 1779-January 13, 1788

Parsons, Samuel H., 1737-1789

Manuscript document

Title: to Henry Knox [incomplete]

Later copy of the correspondence between Generals Samuel Holden Parsons and Henry Knox between 24 May 1779 and 13 January 1788 (see GLC02437.03305 for a related document). The first letter, to Parsons from Knox, was written from Springfield, Massachusetts on 3 October 1786 and discusses the recent Shays' Rebellion. The second, written to Parsons from Knox, from New York on 19 November 1786, also deals with the Rebellion, as well as with court proceedings of the insurgents. The third, written from New York on 13 January 1788, to Parsons from Knox, discusses the adoption by Massachusetts of…

GLC02437.03306

6 November 1786

Parsons, Samuel H., 1737-1789

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from Middletown, likely in Connecticut, as the postal stamp near the address reads "New Haven." Encloses a copy of Shays' circular letter (not present). Has heard from a friend that several towns have met to discuss the letter, and some have voted to send their arms and military stores to the insurgents. The town of Westfield opposed the vote, but only by two or three men. Has also heard that the insurgents are practicing military maneuvers, and that they are being paid daily. Was told that there has been some agitation in Vermont as well. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no…

GLC02437.03328

29 October 1786

North, William, 1755-1836

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes, "The people here smell a rat, that the Troops about to be raised are more for the insurgents than the Indians, however this makes no odds, every body seems to wish a strong government, & to believe the government can only be strengthened by an army. The requisition has been laid before the house & I suppose will pass without trouble, tho' I confess I know little about it- for a moment, I steped [sic] into the Gallery yesterday & heard a member say something about the Troops having only clothing & provisions, that the Western lands were an object worthy the attention…

GLC02437.03322

12 November 1787

Peirce, John, 1750-1798

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Gives information about events in Virginia related to ratifying the Constitution. Encloses an act [not present] "now adopted by the legislature," about calling a convention. States that, "the policy of the state is against the constitution and the union itself. a great majority of the members of the Legislature are opposed to it - but the body of the people at large continues in favor of it." Believes the representatives will cave when they return home and are influenced by the people. Mentions the recommendation of Congress respecting British debt and states, "Patrick Henry is against…

GLC02437.03703

1 November 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Robert Morris

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 - see GLC02437.003314 and .03318). Writes, "He appears to think [well] of the efficacy of the proposed plans, and will I am persuaded engage in it on proper principles." Could not convince Wadsworth to return with him to New York, since Wadsworth is a member of the Legislature and needed to remain in town. Will come to New York within the next…

GLC02437.03323