February 11, 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Washington

Wishes Washington a happy birthday, "permit me my dear dear friend to felicitate you on the return of your birth day." "I do not wish you long life as the greatest blessing, believing strongly the immortality of the mind, and that the next grade of existence will present you with joys highly superior to any attendant on the best possible situation in this."

GLC02437.04508

15 March 1790

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Daniel Parker

Discusses in detail his financial business related to the Empress of China, the ship he took on his first trip to China. The owners refused to pay him and [Thomas] Randall. Says not only did the owners refuse to pay them upwards of $3000 but that they also instituted an account against them for $2300. The account was appropriated by Parker from the owners' funds committed to Shaw and Randall. Another $884 was also charged which he and Randall paid to Captain Green. The owners are now suing Shaw and Randall for the remaining balance that was not charged to their account. Discusses the…

GLC02437.04571

27 October 1791

Bowes, Rebecca, fl. 1791-1792

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Letter reads in full, "Presuming on your generous friendship which is influenced by the dictates of humanity & friendship, I have address'd these Lines to you, not doubting your Candour will excuse the freedom I have taken - Being disappointed in receiving some assistance from a near Connection, to whom, I thought I could apply with some degree of confidence, has compell'd me, tho' with great reluctance to make this application to your Goodness for some kind for myself & family against the approaching winter, which will greatly relieve me from much anxiety, & add to your many…

GLC02437.05212

5 April 1792

Andrews, Joseph Gardner, fl. 1768-1792

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Marked "copy." Asks for Knox's help based on his intimate connection with Andrews's father (not named). His father does not want to abuse his friendship with Knox so is reluctant to ask. Andrews would like an appointment as Surgeon's mate and hopes Knox will forgive his effrontery in asking. Explains that the field of medicine is very crowded at present. Includes an excerpt from a letter from Samuel Danforth dated December 1789 which recommends him and certifies his studies in medical school.

GLC02437.05399

6 April 1799

Beaumez, M. de (Bon-Albert Briois), 1759-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Beaumez writes to Knox about how valuable letters from his friends in America are. He mentions the letters from Mrs. Knox and their daughter Lucy, as well as Thomas Flucker, Beaumez's stepson. Beaumez say, "though I am but an adoptive citizen of the U.S., I feel all proper sense of Duty and attachment towards the country that has afforded me so much hospitality and protection." Beaumez is disgusted with French treatment of America. He talks of his commercial interests and gains both in America and in India. Beaumez explains that "no foreigner, and even no English Subject has a right to fix…

GLC02437.07254

14 March 1796

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to William Bingham

Unsigned, but handwriting suggests the author is Henry Knox. Marked "copy." Discusses his anxiety over a financial transaction with Mr. [possibly Alexander] Baring. Asks that he speak with Mr. [Samuel] Hodgdon on the subject (see GLC02437.06662). Apologizes for all the trouble he is giving Bingham, but says that sometimes, "the fate of individuals and their families depend upon the interference and support of a single friend."

GLC02437.06663

29 August 1796

Bradford, Samuel, 1759-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he is very flattered to have been appointed by the President as Marshall of the district (presumably of Boston). Very much appreciates Knox's friendship and support, which helped him attain the position. Promises to conduct himself well.

GLC02437.06804

8 July 1801

Bingham, William, 1752-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions his mind has been "extremely agitated" over his experiences. Notes his friends have recommended a change of situation and he has decided to visit Europe. Goes on to discuss land values and dealings.

GLC02437.07558

January 13, 1806

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Samuel Breck

Marked as a copy. Writes a kind letter to his old friend Breck about keeping in touch as time passes. Also writes to reintroduce Breck to a Mr. Thomas Payson. He and Lucy Knox send their love to Breck and his family.

GLC02437.07998

12 September 1806

Breck, Samuel, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from "Spring-hill, near Phila.," likely Springhill, Pennsylvania. Writes to acknowledge Knox's last letter, as well as to introduce him to the bearer, his good friend Mr. Richard Davis. Assures Knox that even though they have not seen each other in a long time, time has not lessened his affection for Knox. Would love to see Knox in person, but does not feel it likely in the near future, due to the considerable distance between them. Discusses news of the European war and the health of their respective families.

GLC02437.08044

8 January 1783

Chastellux, François Jean, marquis de, 1734-1788

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Bids a warm adieu to Knox, as Count Rochambeau is ready to sail.

GLC02437.01813

2 July 1784

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Francois Marie, comte de Aboville

Reflects on his friendship with Aboville and relations between France and America: "... I wish those connections may be strongly cemented and that the two nations may remain in a perpetual alliance strengthened by all possible good offices." Discusses how public opinion has forced alterations in the Society of the Cincinnati. Introduces and recommends Mr. Tracy, the bearer of this letter. Knox addresses Aboville as "General."

GLC02437.03024

25 April 1785

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [Clement] Biddle

Replies to a letter from Biddle. Writes, "the news of your misfortunes deeply afflicted me..." Does not know precisely what business he will oversee as Secretary at War, but promises that if an opportunity arises, he will appoint Biddle to work in the War Office under his direction.

GLC02437.03131

27 September 1785

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Francois Jean, marquis de Chastellux

Writes to Chastellux on a variety of topics. Explains the concept of the Society of the Cincinnati, assuring him that the Society is "harmless in its intention, and having only for its real object, the perpetuation of friendship, and recollection of past urgencies." Describes a past meeting, in Philadelphia, and declares that the Society will not meet again until 1797. Also discusses their political intelligence regarding England, and the prospects for trade and commerce with Europe after the war.

GLC02437.03203

1 November 1785

Carleton, Joseph, 1754-1812

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Apparently written from the War Office, which was possibly located in New York City at the time. Writes, "I called at the office this morning to take leave and to make you my grateful thanks for the many friendly and polite attentions which you have been pleased to show me since you came into office- my not seeing you has caused me an uneasy sensation which I am well aware would have been felt at parting- I beg you to be assured of my best regards." Sends his regards to Mrs. Lucy Knox.

GLC02437.03209

1 October 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Clement Biddle

Knox writes a warm letter to Colonel Biddle. "I should have done violence to my feelings and Sentiments, my dear Biddle, were I to pass further from you eastward without dropping one line of recognition- The War is over, our acquaintance began in times of distress and was ripened by common danger into sincere friendship. We shall now assume new situations which may separate us widely and perhaps forever. But no distance, and no circumstances but loss of memory will obliterate... the idea of your goodness and sensibility... If at any period it may appear that I can be of service to you or…

GLC02437.10154

19 May 1865

Buckner, Simon Bolivar, 1823-1914

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Caute Reynolds

General Buckner, commanding the District of Arkansas and West Louisiana, Trans-Mississippi Department, writes to Reynolds, Confederate Governor of Missouri. Advises Reynolds to move off of the main road. Docketed by Reynolds. Says"...Every thing here is uncertain. The Missourians are still true, but I doubt if they will move. I am tied here as yet, by duties from which I have no right to shrink." Relates that General Smith (possibly Edmund Kirby Smith) has been sent to Houston, and he must wait to hear from Smith before he departs. Autograph letter signed, on verso, Reynolds reply, from…

GLC02456.03

January 5, 1785

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Washington complains of applications, letters of compliment, and enquiries which occupy his time and deprive him of exercise. He plans to hire someone to deal with the drudgery of this troublesome correspondence. Assures Knox that his letters are valued, as Washington enjoys corresponding with those he loves. Discusses the extended navigation of United States rivers, hoping that the legislatures will agree. Proposes to employ adventurers to first navigate the rivers, and later to impose tolls as river traffic increases, noting that the enterprise will not begin at the expense of the public.…

GLC02437.09406

2 March 1797

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for a letter recently received. Offers condolences to Knox for his recent losses (three of Knox's children died 1796-1797, including his seven year old son named after George Washington). Washington complains of those who lack confidence in and have criticized his leadership, stating that they will be satisfied with nothing "short of a change in our political system." Writes that he looks forward to the prospect of retirement, but is not "without my regrets at parting with (perhaps never more to meet) the few intimates whom I love, among these, be assured you are one." Has…

GLC02437.09431

12-18 August 1804

Breck, Anna, fl. 1803-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Thatcher

Writes to her friend Lucy Flucker Knox Thatcher (daughter of Henry and Lucy Knox). Updates Knox on her life and comments how long they have been friends. Says her current residence is pleasant. Notes she has good neighbors, nice walks, and nice rides. Asks for confirmation regarding a rumor she heard about Knox's Aunt [Sarah Lyons Flucker] Beaumez getting married in England. Letter was written between 12 and 18 August 1804. Written from Spring Hill, state is not listed.

GLC02437.09869

9 April 1789

Ogden, Samuel, 1746-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes, "I have the happiness to tell you that Mrs. Ogden is safely in Bed with a sweet little Girl." Adds that Mrs. Ogden would like Mrs. Knox to select a name for the child. Also mentions that he will receive information tomorrow about their mutual business interests. Written at Delaware Works, located in what is now Morrisville, Pennsylvania, near Trenton, New Jersey.

GLC02437.04172

2 July 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Joseph Peirce

Written by Secretary of War Knox to Peirce, his agent in Boston. References Peirce's letter of 23 June that enclosed the draft of the deeds. Reports that he had the one from Peirce copied and executed, and the one for Oliver Smith drawn upon parchment. Presumes these deeds are legally drawn, but before they are finally delivered he wants Peirce to write him his opinion of Judge [John] Sullivan and Mr. [Benjamin] Hichborn. Asks this for his security, as this is a momentous affair for him and his children. Declares that he feels obliged to give "...deeds to the settlers and the persons to…

GLC02437.05047

3 October 1788

Sayre, Stephen, 1736-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Describes his recent liberation from a "long & illegal confinement" and the defense of his liberty against a "malignant Villain." Warns Knox against the "growing Influence of the Law & Lawyers." Discusses his [unspecified] proposition regarding the navy. Hopes Knox will present his idea to Congress, and asks George Washington's opinion on the subject (Sayre is apparently trying to secure a contract with Congress for the navy). Defends his character and declares his resolve. Mentions [Francisco de] Miranda and refers to his "former friend" [William] Duer, who Sayre regrets is no…

GLC02437.03989

6 January 1789

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from Canton, present-day Guangzhou, China. Writes, "I love you too much to trouble you with a long tale of my disappointments. Randall has not yet arrived, nor do I know any thing of him since the 5 March at Madeira. Advantages which I had reserved for him I am under the necessity of transfering to the Washington, on board of which ship I take passage, and hope to see you in New York soon after you get this letter. My credit here is good. God bless you and your amiable family. If heaven means to perfect me 'through much suffering' (I think that is the phrase in the good book) I…

GLC02437.04075

16 May 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Isaac Sears

Written on paper of two sizes: the smaller measures 25.7 x 20.4 cm, and the larger measures 32 x 23 cm. Asks Sears to discharge a specified amount of money to Colonel Clement Biddle and to Colonel Samuel Griffith. Thanks him "heartily, for your kindness to myself and Mrs. Knox, and for that substantial friendship and assistance, without which the service in which I have been engaged, would have been peculiarly different. I anxiously wish for some opportunity to convince you or yours how deeply impressed I am with a sense of your kindness." Briefly discusses his recent business at…

GLC02437.01407