2 August 1791

Ogden, Samuel, 1746-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Wants Knox to forward an enclosed letter to William Knox (not included). Has been considering the proposals Knox made to him and he is at a loss of how to decide. Is also at a loss "for the very extraordinary refusal of the concerned." Believes Knox acted in friendship, but he "can best detest the Men, who so unjustly have availed themselves of an advantage, that as far as I can judge would disgrace an Izrailite." Will not say anything further until he sees Knox, which will be next Saturday.

GLC02437.05096

July 29, 1862

Hughes, Alfred, fl. 1862-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Hughes

His health; his wife's employment; false friends; shirts, honey, and newspapers from home.

GLC02166.024

22 March 1862

Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliza Cook

Has received Eliza's letter and even though it was over a month old, "your hand had traced it and your thoughts were on it so I kissed it and read it over and over." Cook reports that he received letters from his father and his aunt, but nothing from his sisters. Apologizes for having nothing exciting to write since he does so frequently. He wonders why Mrs. Lamar has not written him back and attributes it to the fact that he may have written a letter that was "out of taste." Asks Eliza to tell Mrs. Lamar that if his writing was offensive it is only because he is ignorant of such matters…

GLC02570.23

29 April 1864

Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliza Cook

Glad that he received Eliza's picture and letter. Cook is relived that she is well again and shares his fear of her death. He was most afraid she would die without ever knowing how much he loved her. Wishes their children to grow up and follow in their mother's goodness. Note takes the tone of an apology/guilt ridden letter. He writes, "Oh that I were with you every day and hour, that I might in some measure atone for the past and convince you that I am wholly truly and forever thine and thine only." Cook is upset by the death of his good friend Robert Calder and says "The death of…

GLC02570.56

8 January 1865

Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliza Cook

Decides to write a lighthearted and witty letter since he cannot sleep. Describes the routine morning activities and talks about the bad food. Writes a bit later in the day and includes "…I only need the love of one being and that one you can guess. The others I can give up." A postscript reads, "You are authorized to act in all things as you desire except marry again." Discusses letters he has received from family and friends, but never from his wounded brother Girard and sister-in-law Jennie. Mentions that some friends have stopped writing altogether and writes, "It looks like I was…

GLC02570.65

January 12, 1865

Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliza Cook

Tells Eliza that he wrote her four days ago and "sent the letter off by a very uncertain carrier but hope you will get it. I now regret not having retained it until the present as I have a most excellent opportunity to transmit letters." A friend from home has come to visit and Cook is glad to be able to give himself "up again to the aspirations of partial friends and becoming immersed in ambitious dreams of fame and power, that I sometimes tremble at the thought of a return of peace and opportunity for temptation." Relays a dream he has about their reuniting. Hopes to secure 1000 acres "…

GLC02570.66

18 March 1787

North, William, 1755-1836

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses his resignation from his office and thanks Knox for his kindness, friendship and support.

GLC02437.03495

10 July 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Alexander Macomb

Says that a Mr. [Reynal] called on him with Macomb's letter of 6 July. Was not there to receive him and missed [Reynal] when he went to town today. Hopes to see him tomorrow. Delivered to Lucy Knox the news of Macomb's pending marriage. He joins her in wishing him the best. Reports that Lucy gave birth to their tenth child on 8 July. Says the mother and daughter are both "in a good way." Is "well satisfied you have authorized Mr. Gouverneur Morris to sell the ... Lawrence Lands." Hopes Morris will get a good price for him. Describes Morris as "an able negociator." Thanks Macomb for…

GLC02437.05061

15 August 1806

Morton, Charlotte, 1787-1819

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Discusses Mrs. Knox's return to her home and family, though adds that she will be missed in Boston. Considers the nature of her friendships and is grateful for the true friendships she has had, including Mrs. Knox's. Reports on the travels of members of their social circle.

GLC02437.08036

6 June 1788

Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Transmits a letter pertaining to a Major Baylies to be forwarded to John Jacob Faesch. Writes, "I have no private news- I need not add that I love you." Presents his regards to Lucy and the Knox children.

GLC02437.03888

31 May 1789

Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he wrote to the President to discuss the possibility of working for the new government. Explains a dramatic property loss he experienced while fighting in the war. Declares that he did not approach Knox on the subject because he felt that Knox was too close a friend and he could ask Knox to use his influence to give Lincoln preference for employment. Adds that he feels sure that Knox will always support him and aid him if he can. Marked "private" on the address leaf.

GLC02437.04226

27 April 1791

Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received Knox's letter of 19 April 1791. Comments on "young Mr. [William] Balch" and calls him, "a wild citizen, yet I think he has many qualifications which will recommend him as an officer - He very well knows that he cannot sport with his character and hold his rank in the army." Talks extensively about the job of army surgeon and why Dr. William Eustis did not accept the appointment. Eustis could not be guaranteed a rank equal to his experience and "Besides the pay of the surgeon of a regiment, though handsome for a young Gentleman whose wish is to introduce himself into life is no…

GLC02437.04933

1 May 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joshua Loring

Refers to articles Knox's brother, William, entrusted to Loring to sell, with the proceeds to be sent to Knox. Asks whether he was able to sell them yet or whether he thought he likely would be able to. Comments that he needs to raise a sum of money. Hopes Loring will remember their "old friendship" and accomodate him. See GLC02437.01406 and GLC02437.01380 for related information.

GLC02437.01404

22 December 1788

McClure, David, 1748-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reverend McClure, a childhood friend of Knox, writes a letter of reacquaintance and reminiscence: "I sometimes call to mind those scenes of innocent amusement & play, in which we were mutually engaged when we were boys..." Praises Knox's service to his country. Introduces Mr. Story, "a preacher" who is the bearer of this letter. Updates Knox on personal news and invites him to visit his "rural mansion." Docket notes, "answered." Faded areas and sections of text loss areas are written over in ink. See GLC02437.04098 for Knox's reply.

GLC02437.04059

January 25, 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to David McClure

Received his recent letter (GLC02437.04059). Remarks about remembering the joyful times they had playing together as children: "Our juvenile sports and the joyful sensations they excited are fresh in my mind; and what to me renders the remembrance peculiarly precious is that I always flattered myself that our hearts and minds were similarly constructed." Comments that their situations as adults have been very different, since McClure has been exploring the moral and material world as a clergyman. Discusses his own religious beliefs. Mentions his plans to see McClure during a trip to…

GLC02437.04098

18 June 1801

McClure, David, 1748-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Speaks of their "ancient friendship" and of Knox's accomplishments with the Indians while Secretary of War. Writes, "Altho' we are not yet old men yet we are verging into that class, and the greater part of those who set out with us on the journey of life have finished their earthly career." Notes he is happy Knox improves his time and abilities for the public good. Mentions the "one thing which was set on foot while you was Secretary of War, under your direction, relative to the civilization of the Indians, is attended with success. The Indian Tribes at the Southward, especially, appear…

GLC02437.07735

1 October 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to David McClure

This letter was copied in an unknown hand. Writes to the Reverend David McClure and thanks him for the "remembrances of the pure friendship of our early years." Goes on to discuss his views on the Indian Wars and his ideas for intermarriage between whites and Native Americans. Recounts that the government attempted to prevent settlers in Kentucky from "any incursions into the indian country." Also reports that messengers were sent to invite the Native Americans on the Kentucky frontier to a meeting. Writes, "[t]hese pacific overtures were followed by a pretty general irruption of the…

GLC02437.10255

29 October 1794

Jarvis, Samuel G., fl. 1777-1794

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses his joy and appreciation over the friendship he shares with Knox and his lady [Lucy Knox]. Provides a detailed account of his last moments with his wife before she died. Notes she was four months pregnant and doing well. Discusses a romantic evening he had with her. Describes laying together at night for an hour talking and singing to her younger child. Says they awoke the next morning and laid in bed playing with their children past sunrise. Notes she walked over to his side of the bed and complained of a great pain in her side. The doctor was fetched but she passed away a few…

GLC02437.06232

8 November 1794

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel G. Jarvis

Writes a lengthy letter of condolence on the death of Jarvis's wife. Comments that religion and philosophy may help ease the pain along with the passage of time. Notes how happy she must have been to endure such pain. Also mentions her helpless newborn baby and for Jarvis to see that someone is looking after her. Refers to the "Creator" in explaining the nature of life and death. See GLC02437.06232 for Jarvis's letter to Knox informing him of the death of his wife.

GLC02437.06239

8 April 1800

Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Very personal letter from Vice President Thomas Jefferson. Notes that he passed along Knox's "friendly expressions" to General Gunn, possibly Senator James Gunn. Refers to a transaction, likely concerning the debate in the U.S. Senate regarding Knox's son's promotion, stating "of the transaction to which they are related I can say little, having, you know, neither ears to hear, eyes to see, or tongue to speak, but as the Senate direct me." Assures Knox the debate in the Senate was polite and respectful. Discusses Jefferson's and Knox's difference of political opinions. States that if every…

GLC02437.07390

7 May 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Jackson

Knox writes a scathing castigation in response to Jackson's letter of 27 April, in which Jackson informed Knox he could appropriate 10,000 of Knox's dollars [in certificates] "without the least risque" (refer to GLC02437.03862). Knox writes, "I should indeed have been very unhappy at being informed that you barely entertained the idea of appropriating 10000 dollars of my public certificates which I deposited in your hands for safe keeping, but I am overwhelmed with astonishment by the information that you should actively appropriate out of them 5000 dollars without waiting to hear from me…

GLC02437.03866

18 May 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Jackson

Refers to a letter in which he castigated Jackson for suggesting he might appropriate a sum of Knox's dollars [in certificates] to invest (refer to GLC02437.03866). Writes, "In my letter to you I state how ruinous such a measure would be to me owing to my previous arrangements and that I expected you would have all my continental certificates ready to be delivered to me or my order by the 1st of next month." Predicts South Carolina and Virginia will adopt the Constitution, but worries New York will not.

GLC02437.03875

25 May 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Jackson

Signed "H.K." Expresses extreme disappointment that Jackson has not responded to his previous letters. Jackson had suggested he should appropriate 10,000 of Knox's dollars [in certificates] to invest. Knox was alarmed by the suggestion, relating that he needs the certificates to settle important financial obligations. Writes, "...I must conjure you by every principle held sacred among men, that you instantly on receiving this letter inform me that the said certificates will be ready to be delivered to my order." Declares that the future comfort of his family depends on the certificates,…

GLC02437.03876

27 May 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Jackson

Knox discusses a recent situation in which Jackson suggested he appropriate 10,000 of Knox's dollars [in certificates] for investment. Writes, "As all my eastern arrangements, and others also depend on the Single circumstance of my certificates being deposited in this City agreably to my stipulations and as this business cannot be delayed without ruin to myself and family I have sent my Brother for the sole purpose of receiving them from you and returning immediately..."

GLC02437.03877

8 June 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Jackson

Discusses a delicate situation in which Henry Jackson invested 10,000 dollars worth of Knox's notes without his permission. Writes, "Having previously built on my notes in my arrangements, as I before informed you it would be unnecessary and unavailing to add any thing further..." Restates that the notes were the means by which he intended to provide for the future security of his family. Heavily edited by Knox.

GLC02437.03889