22 April 1789

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he "presume[s] upon their early friendship" to introduce to Knox a Captain All, the bearer of this letter, who he has known for fourteen years. Knows him as a capable man well-suited to working on behalf of his country. Believes that in the new government, appointments should be based on merit and not on recommendations from influential men, and would be the last to break those principles. However, argues that Captain All deserves an appointment due to "real worth & undeserved misfortune." Presents his respects to Mrs. Knox.

GLC02437.04186

17 August 1789

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to remind Knox of his friend Mr. Samuel Newman. Thinks Knox might know him by reputation from the army, and declares that he is so attached to military life that he awakens to the sounds of "Reveille" in his head. Asks for Knox's help seeking employment for Newman. Also sends his regards to Mr. [Samuel] Shaw and to thank Shaw for his continued friendship to Williams's brother Jack. Sends his respects to Mrs. Knox and their family.

GLC02437.04330

10 September 1789

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to thank Knox for his replies to his recent letters. Mentions that he and his wife are happy to announce they will be "permanent Citizens[s] of these States," and hopes to be close enough to Knox to renew their friendship. Thanks him for his attention to the recommendations he submitted to Knox for federal employment of several individuals, and knows Knox will select people based on merit. Sends his respects to Mrs. Knox.

GLC02437.04353

5 April 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to William Duer

Later copy of GLC02437.05402.

GLC02437.05401

circa 1804-1854

Thatcher, Lucy Flucker Knox, 1776-1854

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Charles Davies

Letter is possibly a copy. Relays an anecdote she heard about her father, titled "Anecdote of [George] Washington." "Washington always kept this useful & scientific officer near his own person; he not only honored him with confidence, but with brotherly affection. After the defeat of Gales' army at Camden, General [Nathaniel] Green was offered the arduous command of the Southern department. The Lucker General, with his usual modesty replied, '[Henry] Knox is the man for that difficult undertaking; all obstacles vanish before him; his resources are infinite.' 'True replied Washington…

GLC02437.09898

20 November 1783

Elliot, Andrew, 1728-1797

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes he is leaving for England "where it is most probable I shall spend the remainder of my days." Thanks Knox for his friendship and kindness and asks Knox to look out for his daughter, Mrs. Jauncy and his friend, Mr. William Seton, as they are staying in New York.

GLC02437.02790

23 November 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Andrew Elliot

Signed in text. Sends his best wishes to Elliot. States that he hopes that at a future date, "he may unshackled by opposite interests, fully enjoy those sentiments which were inspired by the liberal and politic conduct of Mr. Elliot" and continue with their friendship despite a difference in opinion.

GLC02437.02796

10 March 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: to John Jacob Faesch

In the hand of William Knox. Replies to a letter from Faesch in which Faesch informed Knox of the death of his wife (GLC02437.03808). Offers Faesch his deepest sympathy and condolences, writing: "We suffer excessive misery at the loss of our dearest connections, but time sooth's and pours his balm into our wounds- We find we must, and that it is truly wise to submit patiently to events we can neither command or avert." Noted as a copy in the docket.

GLC02437.03818

1 June 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Jackson

Discusses their correspondence and friendship, affirming that he feels "the same sublime disinterested friendship for you that has existed in both our bosoms for so long." Also discusses the possible appointment of the French general Charles Tronson du Coudray as commander of artillery, and asserts "no other person shall Supersede me the instant the Congress Confirms his appointment I shall leave the Service." Notes that other officers were making the same threats.

GLC05543

8 May 1779

McHenry, James, 1753-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to S. Smith

Written by McHenry as a secretary to General George Washington to Colonel Smith. References Smith's previous letter. It appears that Smith is trying to decide if he should leave the army to deal with business affairs. McHenry says he is sure Smith wouldn't leave the army except reluctantly. McHenry then claims he is desirous to stay in the army because he doesn't hold riches to as high a regard as others do. Says "For my own part I shall be prouder in poverty should the war terminate in the happiness of the people, than in any wealth, which I might accumulate from the civil exercise of any…

GLC05715

circa 1889

Photograph signed

Title: [Seated portrait of Thomas Edison]

Seated portrait of Edison in one of his characteristic poses. His left arm rests on the arm of the chair, while his right is propped on a nearby table, with his hand pressed against his temple. Ink inscription on mount reads, "To my friend Simpkin, Thomas A Edison." William Simpkin was the chief engineer of the Standard Construction Corp., Ltd., and a frequent correspondent of Edison's.

GLC07616.04

circa 1815-1860

Denning, Elmira, fl. 1815-1860

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Crawfurd Livingston re: best wishes for an upcoming voyage

E. Denning offers Crawfurd best wishes for an upcoming voyage down South.

GLC03107.04480

25 August 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Writes that a friend of William's [name illegible but might be Mr. Samuel Hodgdon] will be travelling to France and will see William, so Knox felt he had to take the opportunity to write. Thanks William for his last several letters. Comments that he thinks William's motives are just for remaining in Europe till peace is achieved. Mentions the recent defeat of Comte de Grasse, and also relates that General George Washington has appointed him Commandant of West Point. Reports that he and his family resided in Philadelphia until they moved to the North River. Writes, "All my little family have…

GLC02437.01539

June 16, 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Marquis de Lafayette

Knox references "several" letters he received from Lafayette. Says his brother William is indebted to Lafayette for all the kindness shown to him. William asked that it be acknowledged. Goes on to say "America is infinitely indebted to you for your assistance, in the moment of her deepest distress, and from thence up to the present auspicious period - She recognizes the favors she has received with an unbounded attachment to you." Says he will personally remember "the pleasures of your friendship with the ardor of a lover." Says Lafayette's godson Harry will be taught the same. Believes the…

GLC02437.02166

May 11, 1785

Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Lafayette hopes this letter finds Knox in New York arranging for his duties as Secretary of War. Rejoices in Knox's selection as "the patriot and the soldier are nobly united in your person." Says Knox can write to him as a friend or as secretary of war. Lafayette goes on to say he might be a "useful tool in some expeditions," but that he should keep quiet about it. Says he had a chance to write John Jay a few words on "the affair of Longchamps, a journey I intend taking to be back in October, and a whale oil proposal, in consequence of what you told me at Boston, which is all what I could…

GLC02437.03144

September 17, 1785

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Marquis de Lafayette

References Lafayette's letters of May and June 1785. Says "I had the unhappiness previous to the receipt of your benevolent letter of June to be fully informed of my Brothers insanity." Goes on to say he recovered his health and reason. Says he has proof of this through William's letters and reports from other friends. Reports that William is now in London and will soon sail for Boston. In reference to Lafayette's assistance, tells him to moderate his kindness or he will be oppressed by his goodness. He would like to send his son, Harry, to France to study under Lafayette, but says the boy is…

GLC02437.03196

November 7, 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Marquis de Lafayette

Knox sends his sincere wishes for Lafayette's happiness. Mentions mutual friends, including the Marchioness de Bréhan, who was wary of returning to France due to the "state of affairs" there (the French Revolution). Reports that "We are all peace - Our beloved chief is on a journey to the Eastern States - He is received every where with all possible demonstrations of affection - long may he live to be the cheif of the U.S." Encloses a letter from Catharine Greene for her son, who was studying with Lafayette in France (not included here).

GLC02437.04407

August 7, 1805

Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Dated 20 Thermidor in the French Republican calendar. Says this letter of introduction will be delivered by David Parish. Says that Knox probably knows the family name. Lafayette goes on to recommend him highly and says "I have found in them, during and after our Captivity, the Most zealous and Generous friends." He hopes Knox will make Parish's tour of America as agreeable as possible.

GLC02437.07961

January 23, 1782

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Letter written by William Knox to his brother Brigadier General Henry Knox. Good travel description of France before the Revolution. Tells of his journey from L'Orient to Nantes. Arrived in Nantes on December 1 and stayed until December 8. Goes on to describe his time in Anjou (he spells it Angou) province. He mentions the fine riding school and slate quarries. Says he visited Tours and describes their silk industry. After Tours, he traveled to Orleans with stops in Amboise and Blois. States that French is spoken with great precision in Blois. He left Orleans on December 22 and arrived in…

GLC02437.01338

20 October 1784

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Knox's brother writes, "I can only inform you I am happy to have recover'd from my late situation on point of health and spirits the want of which I have very unpleasantly experienced for many months," referring to his mental illness. Relates that his ill health did not permit an earlier return to America. Notes that his commercial friends in London have been indulgent, as his credit has expired. Discusses financial matters. Instructs Knox to send his mail care of Lewis Teissier, "one of the most capital merchants in London in the Spanish & French lines..."

GLC02437.03059

16 September 1787

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses acquaintances he has been seeing while in Boston, including his visit with Mrs. Butler. Mentions the Governor (John Hancock) continues to be ill but that he hopes to see him tomorrow. Comments his old friend Mr. [Smith] continues to live more comfortably than any other in this town and that he [Knox] has taken pleasure in renewing his friendship with Smith's "genteel" and "moderate" friends. Informs Knox that the vessel he had previously written about (see GLC02437.03659) did not sail when expected due to weather. Notes the vessel left yesterday and without the company of "Capt…

GLC02437.03664

1 June 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Henry's brother, William, discusses a delicate situation in which Knox's friend, Henry Jackson, invested nearly 10,000 dollars worth of Knox's notes without his permission. Knox sent William to Boston in an attempt to reclaim the notes. William relates the state of the notes, which Jackson distributed among several persons. Writes, "I need not at present enter unto a detail of the manner in which I then conveyed my sentiments to that gentleman [Jackson], it is sufficient to say that I think your expectations were fulfilled respecting the strong terms in which I represented your chagrin…

GLC02437.03884

29 June 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Jackson Knox

References receiving his son's letter by Mr. LeRoy. Sent two pairs of shoes yesterday. Sent three shirts by Mrs. Stagg today. Six more will be sent when they are made. Writes, "It is the judgement of your Mama and me, that you are too young to alter the style of your dress - That long clothes would be ridiculous for you - That you have a sufficiency of clothes for the present." Tells him he will have what he needs, and instructs him not to be extravagant. Informs him that Dr. [Samuel Stanhope] Smith will furnish him with spending money as he sees fit. Says "As you see many persons of my…

GLC02437.05038

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

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