December 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Robert Morris

Writes that he has received the documents finalizing the loan Morris and Colonel [Jeremiah] Wadsworth were preparing to give to the Board of Treasury. He is thrilled the plan worked, and believes the public good will be well served. Has received a copy of a letter from the Board asking that Colonel Wadsworth come to New York to finish signing the paperwork as well. Discusses the insurgents associated with Daniel Shays, and explains the claims and issues they are raising. Also mentions several of their acts of rebellion, including several attempts to keep the General Court from sitting in…

GLC02437.03403

January 16, 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Gouverneur Morris

Body of the letter and signature in the hand of Robert Pemberton, Knox's aide. Marked "copy" on the docket Details General [Benjamin] Lincoln's deployment with 4,000 men to deal with Shays and his supporters. Writes that Lincoln will begin at Worcester, trying to protect the Court, and then make several more stops around the state. If the insurgents do not "choose to oppose him in his parties," he will proceed to search for them individually. Is pleased to hear that both he and Robert Morris have been chosen to attend the Philadelphia convention: "I ardently wish for many reasons that the…

GLC02437.03417

January 25, 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Gouverneur Morris

Later copy. Writes to update Morris on the status of the fight against the Massachusetts insurgents. First, mentions that Colonel [Jeremiah] Wadsworth is unavoidably detained for a few days. Then, outlines the actions of Generals [William] Shepard and [Benjamin] Lincoln in Massachusetts, mentioning that Lincoln is planning to take his troops to Hampshire next.

GLC02437.03424

January 28, 1787

Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes a brief report on the status of Shays and his troops. Refers Knox to several letters he has enclosed, in order to get a fuller picture of the story. However, as he has very little time, writes that he must wait till the next opportunity to say more.

GLC02437.03426

February 5, 1787

Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes in full, "As I have not had time to write to you fully on the subject of our movements & the state of matters in this part of the country I have caused copies to be made out of such papers as will give you the best information on these points. I wish you would let Mr. [likely Rufus] King & our other delegates see them." "Free" handwritten on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.03444

February 22, 1787

Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Requests Knox to read and send a document (not included) to the governor concerning the mood of the people. Writes that "His people, as I am informed, are getting mad, [Ours] have been so for some time since the rage is abating."

GLC02437.03463

1-3 March 1787

Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the convention (referring to the upcoming Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia) and his views of the people's ideas of changes Congress would bring about. "I have not the most distant idea that the people would adopt any recommendations of Congress in which the inlargement of their powers are included; they would immediately become jealous of them that the few were attempting to influence the many: sentiments like these would be thrown out .. " In relation to Shays' Rebellion, describes skirmishes with the rebels in Stockbridge and Barrington, Massachusetts. He has heard that…

GLC02437.03476

February 14, 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Marked "copy." Body of the letter and signature in the hand of Robert Pemberton, Knox's aide. Discusses Lincoln's success at stopping Shays' Rebellion and dispersing the insurgents. Mentions how the rapid defeat of the insurgents will affect orders previously given to Colonel [David] Humphreys and Colonel [Henry] Jackson to move their regiments to Springfield, Massachusetts. Says he has been keeping General Washington and Congress abreast of Lincoln's actions. Comments on the upcoming Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia and expresses his firm support of it. Believes the objections…

GLC02437.03453

January 21, 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Writes that he is fully impressed with how busy Lincoln is (Lincoln was preparing to lead a regiment to face off against the Shays insurgents), but hopes that he would not mind giving him news of the battles in Massachusetts when possible. Writes, "I do not request to know any thing which if divulged by miscarriage of letters would be in the least injurious - Any communications which shall be made shall be retained with me unless you should please to order otherwise. I trust to your friendship to excuse my request, wishing you every success." Body of letter and signature penned for Knox by…

GLC02437.03419

3 October 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to John Jay

Describes the recent Shays' Rebellion, explaining that Mr. [John] Stagg, the bearer, will provide more details. Writes, "Government has lost ground. Faction desperate faction gains strength hourly - they speak of a military government and embodying troops against the constitution - The numbers what appeared in arms opposed to Law were great - had all the parties which were on the march joined previous to the dispersion of the Malcontents they would have mustered 2000 strong - Government mustered about 900 but These were men of respectable character and great property, compared with their…

GLC02437.03308

January 7, 1787

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Letter contains Wadsworth's reaction to Knox's analysis of Shays' Rebellion and includes Wadsworth's own ideas on the matter. Believes that despite the actions of the insurgents, they and their supporters would not vote for anyone "who have not the will or ability to lead, or favor, measures for the establishment of a good government." Discusses recruitment efforts, as well as the poor state of his own finances. Comments on the status of trade with France, the West Indies, and Canada, as well as opportunities of coining copper. Mentions correspondence with Thomas Jefferson, the Marquis de…

GLC02437.03409

January 29, 1787

Jarvis, James, fl. 1787-1793

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the confrontation between Shays' insurgents and the government forces at Springfield. Mentions that three of Shays' supporters were killed. Reports the status of the commands of Generals [William] Shepard and [Benjamin] Lincoln. Attaches a copy of a letter from Luke Day, one of Shays' lead supporters, with terms of surrender.

GLC02437.03431

3 December 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: to Henry Jackson

Writes that Jackson must be anxious and surprised that he has not yet heard from Knox "on the subject of clothing & rations. The fact is that I have been unable to give you any satisfaction on these points." Writes, "Congress came to the determination of raising troops from the necessity of the case, and had the funds necessary to carry their resolutions into effect been at their command, every arrangement depending on the war department would ere now have been at least in a train of execution. But the funds indispensible [sic] for an energetic establishment have been to be provided…

GLC02437.03362

9 November 1786

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he cannot remain any longer in New York. "Mr. Morris.s [sic] departure without finishing any thing has made it impossible for me to complete the business I came on. You may conclude the business with Mr. Rob Morris and consider me bound to perform as fully as if present my selfe" (referring to the sum of money Wadsworth and Morris are planning to loan to Congress; see GLC02437.03323). Adds that he does not know anything about Mr. Morris's opinions on the concerns of a Mr. Russel, but hopes that Knox will also attend to that issue.

GLC02437.03330

26 December 1786

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter written by Washington to Knox, discussing the "disorders which have arisen in these States." Discusses the variosu hardships and difficulties facing the young nation, and requests Knox's thoughts on the subject. Worries about possible upheavels or changes in numerous state governments. Believes the British are stirring up insurrection. Copy made 6 March 1854.

GLC02437.09332

February 3, 1787

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter by Washington to Knox, discussing the potential Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, which he does not plan to attend. Believes the current national government is terribly flawed, but that maintaining it may be the best plan. Also mentions public dissent against the state government in Massachusetts. Copy of letter made 3 March 1855.

GLC02437.09333

February 25, 1787

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter by Washington to Knox, discussing Shay's rebellion. Greatful that the rebellion has been supressed. News of the rebellion, and fear of further upheaval, helped spur Washington to agree to attend the Constitutional Convention. Copy made 2 February 1854.

GLC02437.09334

22 November 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document signed

Title: [Memorandum related to Robert Morris and Jeremiah Wadsworth]

Describes a series of meeting in October - November 1786 involving Knox, Robert Morris, Jeremiah Wadsworth, Gouverneur Morris, and Samuel Osgood to develop Knox's proposal to loan money to Congress to clothe, feed, pay and house the troops. Congress had recently passed a resolve that each state should donate money into Congress' treasury, and that Congress could take out private loans against this incoming treasury money. Docket, in Knox's hand, reads: "Minutes respecting an attempt to obtain Mr R Morris & Mr J Wadsworth to enter into contracts for supporting the troops directed to be…

GLC02437.03314

February 25, 1787

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [Henry Knox]

Has arrived in Philadelphia, but has not yet seen Mr. Morris. Describes a meeting he had with General George Washington in Alexandria. Notes that Washington received Knox's letter and that Washington was "highly delighted with the prospect of Peace and good order."

GLC02437.03470

29 May 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [Jeremiah] Wadsworth

Knox left Philadelphia for New York because his daughter Lucy was ill, but by the time he arrived, she was feeling better. Hopes to obtain warrants from the Board of Treasury to pay the arrearages of pay and clothing to the Connecticut troops. Relates that the Constitutional Convention began in Philadelphia on 25 May with seven states. George Washington will preside over the Convention, and [William] Jackson will serve as secretary. Ten states are now present at the Convention, but Maryland, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island are all absent.

GLC02437.03557

3 October 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jeremiah Wadsworth

Writes, apparently of the recent Shays' Rebellion, "The insurrection here has certainly been of an alarming nature. It must have extensive consequences." Discusses the potential goal of the rebels and possible ways to protect the town of Springfield.

GLC02437.03304

22 October 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jeremiah Wadsworth

Mentions the probability of war with the Indians and advises on the need to make preparations. Encourages the promotion of Major [possibly John] Wyllys, an "excellent officer," to the frontier forces. Discusses the "Philadelphia arrangement," perhaps referring to a loan Wadsworth was working on with Robert Morris in which Congress would borrow money from them against future income from the treasury.

GLC02437.03318

29 November 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jeremiah Wadsworth

Writes to Colonel Wadsworth regarding a loan Wadsworth and Robert Morris are arranging with Congress. Declares that Mr. [possibly Rufus] King will have explained everything, hopefully to Wadsworth's satisfaction. Wadsworth will receive a letter from the Board of Treasury and the terms of the proposed contracts. Knox has already showed the information to Mr. Morris, and he will be getting a letter as well. If Morris agrees to the terms, "it will be absolutely necessary for you to repair to Philadelphia, in order to make your private arrangements with each other." Hopes he is able to make…

GLC02437.03354

3 December 1786

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he received Knox's letter along with the letter from the Board of Treasury. Has written them back, and also written to Mr. [Robert] Morris to tell him he will come to New York to complete the paperwork if Mr. Morris approves of the terms. Is not fully reconciled to the business because it is a lot of money, but will agree to work with Mr. Morris if he approves (referring to a loan and contracts he and Morris are negotiating with Congress).

GLC02437.03363

December 11, 1786

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the lack of supplies faced by a group of soldiers he encountered, and mentions that he had to supply them himself because "not one shilling will be furnished by the state." However, he is running out of money. Declares that the Board of Treasury must reimburse him from the loan he and Mr. [Robert] Morris negotiated with Congress. Otherwise, Wadsworth must immediately stop furnishing the men. In addition, the heavy snow is making it difficult for him to continue procuring the supplies. In a post-script, discusses the forces working with Daniel Shays, and comments on the ability of…

GLC02437.03372