Collection Search

to Marinus Willett

Marked "Private." Says that George Washington has showed him Willett's letter of 31 July. Knows that Willett was interested in a government position, but understands that he turned down an offer for the sheriff's office for the city and county of...

GLC02437.05104

to Henry Knox

Forwards a keg of "Ohio Water Fish" to Knox that has been "soaked well for twenty Hours, they will not be unpalatable - " Also informs Knox that he replied to his earlier letter. Noted as written at Fort Washington, which was in Cincinnati, Ohio.

GLC02437.05684

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...

GLC02437.09898

to Jonathan Williams

Announces the surrender of the British and German forces under Lord Cornwallis at the Battle of Yorktown, which occurred two days earlier. Explains that the enemy was given the same terms of surrender that the American forces received at Charleston...

GLC02437.01250

Return of Military Stores in the Magazine at Williamsburg.

Contemporary copy of GLC02437.01267. Lists quanties of ordnance. Compiled shortly after the siege of Yorktown. Jones was a Deputy Field Commissary of Military Stores under the command of Colonel Edward Carrington.

GLC02437.01266

to Henry Knox

Happy to receive news of Lord Cornwallis's surrender: "The Effect this reverse of Fortune has on the british Government is similar to what we often see in a man mad with Rage - Vengeance, Death Destruction foams at his mouth although he has not...

GLC02437.01304

[Copy of a letter from Captain Jones adjutant to the Commissioner of War]

Writes, "Copy of a letter from Captain Jones adjutant to the Commissioner of War - We have eleven Boats at Westham at present unmanned. There are twelve Canoes under the direction of Nathaniel Anderson properly equiped. I have a sum of Specie...

GLC02437.01324

to Abraham Williams

Writes to inform Williams that he will remain as an agent for the late 6th Massachusetts Regiment. To Captain A. Williams, Fort Major.

GLC02437.02659

to Henry Knox

When Williams recently arrived at Springfield, he found the arsenal unoccupied by troops. Reports on the present situation at Springfield. Discusses the plan for the issue of rations. Complains that the allowance of firewood "is very insufficient...

GLC02437.02935

to Henry Knox

Major Williams reports he has applied to Dr. Waldo of Springfield to attend sick men under Williams's care. Waldo requests that an order be created for the procurement of provisions in the hands of "Widow Pincher." Encloses a provision return...

GLC02437.02952

to Henry Knox

Writes to inquire about an unsettled account against the late Mr. [Thomas] Flucker, Knox's father-in-law. Recently looked over his old account books and found that goods which were taken up by Flucker after Williams's departure (he apparently went...

GLC02437.03265

to Otho Holland Williams

Writes, "I would be much obliged to you to forward me the papers, proceedings, and records of the general Society of the Cincinnati." Has had frequent applications from Europe for membership. Reminds him that the information should be kept secure....

GLC02437.03269

to William Davis, Jr.

Secretarially written and signed. Docket identifies it as a copy. Writes that he received Davis's request for certificates from the Commissioner of Army Accounts specifying the amounts due to John Childs and Samuel Chase. Encloses the certificates...

GLC02437.03281

to J. Willard

Parsons, perhaps a descendant of General Samuel Holden Parsons (1737-1789), writes to Mr. Willard: "Herewith I send a copy of the correspondence between General Knox and General Parsons which you desired. I have compared the copy carefully with the...

GLC02437.03305

[Receipt for weapons and ammunition]

Receipt for muskets, flint, cartridges, etc. for David Humphreys' regiment.

GLC02437.03464

to Henry Knox

Requests Knox's help in getting Congress to compensate him for the loss of his property during the Revolution. Mentions that many articles were taken from Noddles Island either for use of the American army or to keep them out of the hands of the...

GLC02437.03516

to Jeremiah Wadsworth

Writes to Colonel Wadsworth to inform him of the lack of provisions at Springfield. Emphasize the need for the soldiers to be paid as they are now dependent on their credit. Believes this problem should take precedence over recruiting efforts.

GLC02437.03520

[Receipt of payment]

Receipt for $3,000. "Drawn by the Board of Treasury on Will Imlay Esqr receiver of Continental Taxes for the State of Connecticut in account of pay due to the Troops of the Quota of Connecticutt." The troops were raised to quell Shays's Rebellion.

GLC02437.03552

to Henry Knox

Writes to introduce the bearer of the letter, Mr. Samuel Hanson, who is seeking a position in government. Believes Mr. Hanson has "good natural abilities, improved by a liberal education," and that Knox would be pleased with his services.

GLC02437.04131

to Henry Knox

Has written to several members of Congress about his desire to receive an appointment in the new Government. Declares that Knox knows his family well and knows that he has always been a "staunch friend to my Country." Also mentions his misfortune...

GLC02437.04183

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...

GLC02437.04186

[Letter from Jonathan Williams to Thomas McKean, forwarded to Henry Knox]

Printed letter from Jonathan Williams to Thomas McKean, "Chief Judge of the Supreme Judicial Court of Pennsylvania." Forwarded to Henry Knox and signed by hand, "The Honble. H Knox Esq. from his affectionate & respectfull Friend & obedt Servant The...

GLC02437.04285

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...

GLC02437.04330

to Jonathan Williams

Thanks him for his two recent letters relating to Judge [Thomas] McKean (see GLC02437.04285) and to Captain Newman (see GLC02437.04330). Writes that he will not compliment him on his public letter to the judge, but whenever he has heard merchants...

GLC02437.04351

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...

GLC02437.04353

to Henry Knox

Explains that he did not see Knox's letter of 21 July 1790 until now because Williams had been in Sweet Springs, Virginia on account of his health. He mentions an unexpected excerpt "from Col. Harmar's letter" that Knox sent. Williams says that...

GLC02437.04737

to Jonathan Williams

References Williams's letter of 27 May (GLC02437.04961). Has forwarded Mr. Bradford's letter. Says that he cannot say much about his application other than he "esteems him highly, and it would afford me real satisfaction to serve him." Writes,...

GLC02437.05028

to Marinus Willet

Writes to officially appoint Willet Brigadier General of the army. Lists the other members of the General Staff, including A[nthony] Wayne, D. Morgan, John Brooks, and James Wilkinson. Wishes him the best of luck. Very similar to GLC02437.05409.

GLC02437.05410

to Marinus Willett

Writes that he regrets Willett's decision not to accept an appointment as Brigadier General. Mentions that the President has read Willett's letter regarding his negative views on the Indian War. Seems to comment on many of the points Willett made...

GLC02437.05420

to Otho Holland Williams

Marked "private." Discusses Brigadier General Morgan's appointment in the Army as second in command. Says it is rumored that he will decline the appointment. Believes if this occurs the President would support Williams being nominated as his...

GLC02437.05445

to Henry Knox

Thanks him for his letter, and is flattered to learn that Knox believes the President thinks highly of him. However, does not think he can accept a command in the army at this time. Cites his ill health and his desire to remain with his family....

GLC02437.05451

to Henry Knox

Marked "private." Received several of his letters. Writes that he did respond to a particular letter written earlier from Knox. Is very sincere in his apology for refusing his military appointment. Adds that he is furthermore not tempted to...

GLC02437.05462

to Henry Knox

Wrote this letter to "commit to paper my views for an Establishment in the Province of Maine." Wants to settle in America and set up a mercantile settlment. Wants to supply the inhabitants of Maine and believes such a settlement will draw more...

GLC02437.06026

to Henry Knox

Writes on behalf of James Davidson stating that "Mr. Davidson's absence at Baltimore makes it impossible to comply with the contents of your Letter 'till his return which will be in about Ten days as we have not at present the quantity of clear...

GLC02437.06534

to Henry Knox

Written by the firm of Willing & Francis. Reports that a shipment of wine has arrived for Knox, and the firm will store it carefully and await his instructions for disposition of it.

GLC02437.06773

to Henry Knox

Discusses sending wine from Madeira.

GLC02437.06907

to Mr. White

Letterpress copy. Discusses his concerns about the navy, and mentions a "few ships of War, and the french [sic] have a few, would in a few days convey an army of ten thousand blacks and people of color in Vessels seized from our own citizens."...

GLC02437.07154

to Henry Knox

Davis discusses Knox's lands and possible buyers, particularly about the Duck-pond lands. Much depends on whether the "timber and wood has not been intirely plundered." Davis offers Knox his help if Knox wants to sell his land, but Davis insists he...

GLC02437.07307

to Henry Knox

Davis tells Knox that he has just returned from Boston. He goes over the progress he has made in selling Knox's land and encloses $200 to Knox. Davis tells Knox he could do more to facilitate sales if he were not so busy in court.

GLC02437.07317

to Daniel Davis

Knox has received Davis's letter of October 15 with $200. Knox tells Davis to sell the Duck pond lands for cash if possible. Knox says it will take him some time to divide the lands.

GLC02437.07319

to Henry Knox

Davis tells Knox about the progress he is making in his negotiations over Knox's land. In a postscript, Davis tells Knox he received his letter of October 20 (GLC02437.07319). Davis says, "I have been offered what the Duck pond lands were sold at...

GLC02437.07320

to Daniel Davis

Knox has received Davis's letter of November 6, "but has not had time to have prepared and executed power of attorney for the sale of Mrs. Knox's lands." He says he business with Mr. Bridge requires "good faith." Discusses the Duck pond lands. Knox...

GLC02437.07326

to Henry Knox

Davis says he forgot to mention in another letter to Knox that he inquired about lumber purchases. Davis tells Knox that "the danger of being froze for the winter in your river will prevent any sale of lumber for vessells now in this port for this...

GLC02437.07327

to Henry Knox

Davis discusses bank notes and Mrs. Knox's lands. Davis has been in discussions with Samuel Winslow and James Deering, which Davis relates to Knox. He cannot be fully sure that all the information is accurate. "Mr. Merrill," Davis says "wishes you to...

GLC02437.07331

to Daniel Davis

Knox received Davis's letter of November 27. Knox gives Davis orders as to how to pay Henry Jackson and what money to send to him (Knox). Knox thinks differently than Davis about Mrs. Knox's lands. Knox believes they are valuable. Discusses with...

GLC02437.07333

to Henry Knox

Davis tells Knox that he paid the sheriff of Lincoln $1500 as Knox requested. Davis says he was deceived by a man named "Truky" with whom he made a contract. Davis says, "I thought I had sold the 65 acres well, considering the title was disputed...

GLC02437.07339

to Daniel Davis

Knox received "yesterday by the post your favor the 18th instant with the sheriff's endorsement on the back of the order of the 1500 Dollars which you paid him." Knox also tells Davis, "I think you are more competent to decide the case of Tuckey than...

GLC02437.07341

to Jonathan Williams

Knox explains to Williams the situation surround Henry Jackson Knox and his refusal to accept midshipman status after being refused promotion to lieutenant. Knox's son "appears to have no proper value for money, and is therefore very extravagant."...

GLC02437.07406

to Daniel Davis

Knox asks Davis to represent "in behalf of Mrs. Knox, the right of one of the heirs of the said Brigadier Waldo...the right of Mrs. Hannah Flucker deceased." Knox and his wife will give power of attorney to Davis to do this.

GLC02437.07411

to Davenport and Tucker

Knox received Davenport and Tucker's letter of May 29. Knox will send their order of plank. Knox will send more oak , "amounting probably to two deckloads of a large schooner or upwards" as soon as a vessel is available.

GLC02437.07424

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox he can now hold both the Solicitor General's and District Attorney's position due to a bill that recently passed in Congress. Discusses the concerns he has of people's view of him accepting both positions. Asks for Knox's assistance in...

GLC02437.07526

[Journal of Whiting & Brackett]

An abstract of a journal. Appears the journal was kept by [Thurston?] Whiting and [Benjamin?] Brackett who are either associates or land agents of [George] Ulmer and/or Henry Knox. The journal was likely kept to be used as evidence (probably in...

GLC02437.07591

to Thurston Whiting and Benjamin Brackett

Informs the gentlemen their services are no longer needed and they can return to their families. Mentions they did not encounter any settlers during their last survey until they left the woods. Also mentions they received reinforcements who have...

GLC02437.07602

to the Solicitor General

States George Ulmer will present the state of affairs regarding the insurrections by the insurgents in Kennebec County and that northern part of Lincoln County, Maine which borders Knox's patent (likely the Waldo patent). Mentions the affairs have...

GLC02437.07628

to Henry Knox

Says he showed Knox's letter (GLC02437.07628) to Judge Paine regarding the insurrections of the insurgents in Maine. Notes the judge included Knox's letter as part of his "charge" to the Grand Jury. Encloses (not included) a list of names of men...

GLC02437.07632

to Henry Knox

Appears to discuss the lime business. Says he is waiting to hear from Albany regarding funding from the government.

GLC02437.07716

to Henry Knox

Notes the land owned by the "late Mrs. [Hannah?] Flucker." Lists the amount of land and who either currently owns or resides on the land.

GLC02437.07775

[Copy of receipt]

Apparently written in Knox's hand. Receipt for a purchase of land from Knox by a Mr. David [Tricky]. Also discusses financial transactions with Isaac Parker. Signed by Daniel Davis, attorney for Knox (however, the signature is written in Knox's...

GLC02437.07874

to Henry Knox

Recommends Mr. Charles Coffin of Buxton for the position of Justice of the Peace for York County.

GLC02437.07904

to Henry Knox

Writes that his client, a General Derby, insists on him bringing suit against Knox, General [Benjamin] Lincoln and General [Henry] Jackson for monies owed to Derby. Assures Knox that he means no ill will but has to follow the wishes of his client.

GLC02437.07922

to Daniel Davis [incomplete]

Unsigned, but handwriting suggests the author is Henry Knox. Possibly incomplete. Discusses recent land sales he has made to a variety of individuals, such as a General Derby. Mentions his wife, Lucy Knox, as well as co-landowners General [Henry]...

GLC02437.07954

to Henry Knox

Discusses a land sale between Knox, General [Henry] Jackson and General [Benjamin] Lincoln on the one part, and a General Derby on the other. Declares that Jackson's and Lincoln's deeds have been executed, but Davis has found a discrepancy in the...

GLC02437.07962

to Henry Knox

Discusses financial judgments against a Reverend Chealy, as well as libelous statements made against him by a Jeremiah Mayhew. Writes to emphasize his knowledge of Chealy's good character.

GLC02437.07969

[William Knox's account with Davis & Benson]

Knox purchased sugar, 165 gallons of molasses, and 16 gallons of rum. The total came to £1413.10.3. There was a previous balance of £86.9.9, for a total balance of £1500.

GLC02437.08488

[Account of William Knox with Taylor] [in French]

William Knox purchased various items. The total comes to 60.3, although it is unclear what currency is being used. It is signed by G. Williams stating the payment was made. Docket says "Nants," which could mean these items were bought in Nantes...

GLC02437.08492

Receipt to Henry Knox

Receipt of payment for goods such as coffee, tea, salt, etc. to Edward Davis.

GLC02437.08564

[Receipt]

Receipt for items Henry Knox bought from John White, including peaches and apricots.

GLC02437.08726

[Note]

Notes regarding land transactions between Samuels Willard and Waldo.

GLC02437.08859

[Recommendation for a leave of absence for David Davenport]

Captain David Bushnell recommends Davenport for a leave of absence until 15 April. Directs his recommendation to Major General Henry Knox. Written at Constitution Island.

GLC02437.09704

[Receipt]

Appears to be a statement on Thomas Flucker's account through 16 November 1797 to 14 April 1798. Noted a payment was received from Henry Knox for Thomas and Francis Waldo Flucker.

GLC02437.09837

[Account]

Appears to be a statement on Francis Flucker's account with Samuel Whiting from 2 November 1797 to 18 April 1798. Whiting signed he received payment at the bottom of the document.

GLC02437.09843

to Henry Knox

Signed by Thomas Willing and [C. W. Harr]. Writes to Knox concerning the estate of the late William Bingham. Discusses legal issues and financial obligations involving Bingham's settlement. Asks Knox for advise and his influence.

GLC02437.09873

to Henry Knox

Discusses a payment and sales. Year of creation unknown. Most likely written in Portland, Maine.

GLC02437.09914

to Henry Knox

Discusses business relating to land on Lake Ontario and mentions that he is expecting to have some of his boats seized by the British. Expresses his opinion that a post on Lake Ontario would be beneficial. Date previously inferred, written in...

GLC02437.09949

to Walter Patterson re: military service

J.W. writes that his military service might bring him to Albany, and he discusses his concerns about maintaining his family in his absence. Docketed on address leaf.

GLC03107.04513

to Walter Patterson re: plan to visit his brother

Docketed on address leaf.

GLC03107.04514

Promissary note.

Authorizing purchase of articles to repair roof of Garrison at Bexar (the Alamo) [in Spanish]

GLC07959

To: Augustus E. Silliman.

Regarding threats to the government, including slavery: "The dangers to the duration of our Government are all within control of the people. We have nothing to fear from without upcoming elections, which magnify differences."

GLC07960

to Isaac Winslow

Draft in Samuel Shaw's hand. Writes, "I am sorry to acquaint you, that the endeavors of your friends to obtain permission for your return to Boston have proved ineffectual. Some late acts of Congress and of the Legislature of Massachusetts, render...

GLC02437.01681

to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for his kindness and attention. Asks to be made useful in London, England perhaps in relation to Knox's "farming scheme" which Darby states "may enable me to have the pleasure of convincing you of my Sincerity."

GLC02437.02555

to Joseph Williams

Discusses provisions, medicine, and wood on hand at Springfield, where Williams is stationed. Refers to an enclosed order to Mrs. Pynchon (refer to GLC02437.02962) in which Knox requests that she turn over medicine and stores in her possession to...

GLC02437.02963

to Joseph Williams

Had wanted to see Williams in order to talk about "the business" (likely referring to Shays' Rebellion). Writes he is relying on Williams to protect the military stores "in every event, for which you shall be amply compensated." Asks him to...

GLC02437.03312

to Joseph Williams

Wrote last to Major Williams while at Springfield regarding the protection of military stores. Has heard that in the absence of General Sheppard [probably William Shepard], a Colonel Chapin will be in command. Asks Williams to talk to Colonel...

GLC02437.03313

to Joseph Williams

Discusses a recent letter from Williams. Writes that the recent acts of government will help contain the insurgents (referring to Shays' Rebellion, which happened in Springfield, Massachusetts in late September 1786).

GLC02437.03347

to Henry Knox

Written by Williams to Secretary of War Knox. References Knox's letter of 18 May, which returned Colonel Bradford's letter. Sends his answer to Knox (not present) and asks him to pass it along to Bradford. Is not surprised recruitment is slow in...

GLC02437.04961

to Henry Knox

Williams says the information on "military movements" he is enclosing (not included) was given to him by General Wood who received it from a Mr. [Crous]. The Virginia Attorney General has letters that back up Crous's information. Says that Crous...

GLC02437.05018

to Henry Knox

References Knox's letter of 24 June, which found him "in these back woods near the top of the Alleghany mountains." Tells Knox "I have long thought, with you, that your talents and disposition were not of a kind to be a very able manager in...

GLC02437.05111

to Henry Knox

Writes to send an extract of a letter from Kentucky, which is on the other side of this letter (not included - the reverse of this letter is blank). Adds, "I leave this letter to its fate, & from the frequent passing of people from these fountains of...

GLC02437.05156

to Henry Knox

Reports on the situation at Yorktown. Says a wagon load of clothing arrived for troops stationed there. The wagon driver and his assistant died of yellow fever and the townspeople decided to burn the clothing. Mentions meeting a party of troops...

GLC02437.05926

to Henry Knox

Reports that he just came from Knox's house in Philadelphia and that everything is well. Says the servants are prudent for locking the gate to prevent anyone "from coming unawares." Says "I think you may be perfectly easy as to danger, the malady...

GLC02437.05939

[Instructions concerning purchase of land from the Winslows]

Gives detailed instructions to John Steele Tyler and Ebenezer Vesey to deal with squatters on his Waldo Patent lands. Provides information on legal settlers.

GLC02437.05952

to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for their prior conversation and offers his assistance. Informs Knox he disagrees with the amount Knox wants to pay him for his services. Believes his past experience as a public servant and his current situation justifies a higher...

GLC02437.06072

to Henry Knox to the hand of Henry Jackson

Offer his congratulations on an appointment to the army and discusses other business. Noted as written at Mount Pleasant, state unknown.

GLC02437.07159

to Henry Knox

Expresses his wish to better serve his country as he feels his current position in the military does not allow him to do so. Asks for Knox's advice before he attempts to try for a higher position.

GLC02437.07171

to Henry Knox

Discusses Knox's declination of an army commission, and his own views on service. Knox had declined a commission in the army raised during the quasi-war when he learned that Alexander Hamilton would outrank him. Noted as written at Mount Pleasant.

GLC02437.07189

to Henry Knox

Williams tells Knox that many people are disappointed that Knox has chosen not to join the army. Williams worries that Knox's absence will hurt his own career: "As it is I fear my military career will be bounded by a Lieutenacy in a volunteer Corps...

GLC02437.07228

to Henry Knox

Williams writes Knox about his son Henry Jackson Knox and hopes that his son intends to return to his ship. Williams comments on the changes in the administration "which I think forebodes a settlement of some sort or other with France." Williams...

GLC02437.07418

to Henry Knox

Williams discusses Knox's business affairs and debts. Williams explains to Knox that he would decline a military commission from President Adams, meaning no disrespect. Williams says, "In serious truth I had rather have a civil than a military...

GLC02437.07457

[Receipt]

Note of receipt of Henry Knox for $71.06. Also includes a note of receipt signed on the verso by an Eleazer Homer.

GLC02437.08752

[Notes]

Results of a survey.

GLC02437.08772