Collection Search

to Henry Knox

Writes to remind him of a letter he wrote to Knox previously, asking Knox to help him financially (perhaps by finding him a job). Argues that he was left impoverished because he spent so much time in "pursuit for the honor of my Country." Adds that...

GLC02437.04213

to Henry Knox

Mentions that he has tried unsuccessfully to "raise a subscription for the unfortunate Baron," likely the Baron de Glasbeech. Writes that there is nothing more he can do, except to send good wishes, and that he is "much mortified by it." A pencil...

GLC02437.04214

to Samuel Barrett

Received his last letter (GLC02437.04200). Declares that Barrett's education and reputation entitle him to request a position in the new government, but that all nominations are made by the President. Encourages him to submit a letter of...

GLC02437.04219

to James Bowdoin

Writes to discuss a recent letter he received via a Dr. Bayley regarding political reforms in Europe.

GLC02437.04225

to Edward Carrington

Has received his last two letters, but did not write back because he hoped to see Carrington in person. Was also waiting for some government issues to be resolved so he could properly answer Carrington's queries. Has learned Carrington did not yet...

GLC02437.04243

to Henry Knox

Declares that he received Knox's last letter, and would like to ask him to forward to the President a copy of a letter from Governor [John] Hancock, which he transcribes on the bottom half of the page. Hancock's letter recommends Barrett for a job...

GLC02437.04249

to Henry Knox

Mentions that his friend Captain Josiah Roberts asked him whether Mr. [Samuel] Shaw has a captain for his ship yet for his next voyage. Allen promised to write and ask, as well as to recommend Roberts for the post, declaring that he himself took a...

GLC02437.04250

to Henry Knox

Writes to ask if Knox might help his brother, Lieutenant David Mason. Mason is in New York in a desperate situation, and Bryant has no money at present to help him. Asks if Knox might lend Mason fifteen dollars to book passage to Boston or...

GLC02437.04255

to Henry Knox

Discusses the establishment of a judicial branch for the United States, and his appointment as a justice in Philadelphia. Mentions that his accounts are in order. Has applied to the President for the position of "Marshall of the federal Court for...

GLC02437.04261

to Henry Knox

Writes from "Powhatan via Richmond," most likely in Virginia. Writes that he has, in fact, decided not to travel to New York City in pursuit of a government appointment. Adds, "I did expect that many would collect there in quest of appointments...

GLC02437.04267

to John Bryant

In a secretarial hand and unsigned, but author is likely Henry Knox. Letter is probably a reply to GLC02437.04255, from Bryant to Knox. Writes that he would be happy to advance Bryant's brother-in-law Mr. Mason the sum Bryant requested, but he...

GLC02437.04269

[Minutes for the Society of the Cincinnati meeting of 4 July 1789]

Docket suggests that this copy of the minutes was created by a Thomas Jainson on 25 January 1836. Minutes for an annual meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati held 4 July 1789 at the Bunch of Grapes Tavern in Boston, Massachusetts. Topics...

GLC02437.04270

to Samuel Barrett

Received his recent letters with their enclosures, and delivered the enclosures to the President. Writes that the President's recent illness has limited his ability to consider candidates for public office, but agrees that Barrett's documents will...

GLC02437.04283

to Sylvanus Bourne

Discusses Bourne's request to borrow money. Due to the debts owed on the Flucker estate, he cannot advance money to him from the estate, but he would be willing to loan him fifty dollars.

GLC02437.04288

to Samuel Breck

Writes that this letter will be handed to Breck by Mr. John Henry, who works for the American Theatre. Since Pennsylvania has repealed laws against dramatic performance, Mr. Henry wants to expand his theatre into that state. Contends that the...

GLC02437.04292

to Henry Knox

Writes to recommend a friend, Mr. Hall, for a clerk's position under Knox in the War Department. Describes Mr. Hall's past military service as well as his misfortunes in civilian life, and describes him as old but honorable and of great ability....

GLC02437.04296

to Henry Knox

Received his recent letter and is "happy to hear that your Child is out of danger." Writes that he must again bother Knox on the subject of judicial appointments. Mentions that he wrote to the President on the subject about three weeks ago about...

GLC02437.04299

to Pierce Butler

Received his favor via Captain Hall (see GLC02437.04296). Would like very much to be able to help Captain Hall, but he already employs many clerks and does not have any vacancies at present.

GLC02437.04303

to Henry Knox

Has not, until now, solicited Knox regarding employment because of his awareness that many of Knox's friends must have already asked. Writes that he believes Knox will soon be reappointed to his position and hopes he will be able to continue to...

GLC02437.04313

to Henry Knox

Left some of his books and other items in New York during his last visit. Asks if he could trouble Knox to forward them privately to Boston. Describes some of the items. Sends his respects to Mrs. Knox and their family. "Free" stamped on address...

GLC02437.04322

to Henry Knox

Writes that he has not composed a letter to Knox for awhile in order not to interrupt the business of his office, and also, in order not to be a burden. Discusses his poor financial prospects and wishes for a government appointment. Asks Knox about...

GLC02437.04346

to Henry Knox

Writes that their friend Mr. [Nathaniel] Barrett, the bearer of the letter, is applying to the President for the position in the Consulate of France. Relates that Mr. Barrett lived in France as a merchant and would be well-suited for the position....

GLC02437.04359

to Edward Carrington

Has received his last letter. Believes that highly respectable people have sought and been appointed to the position of Marshal, and congratulates him on his appointment to that office. Adds that the President supports his nomination. Mentions...

GLC02437.04366

to Sylvanus Bourne

Received his recent letter. Did not reply because he expected to see Bourne in New York. Discusses appointments to the position of Marshal, and provides advice about Bourne's political career. Briefly comments on the Waldo patent lands.

GLC02437.04368

to George Clymer

Discusses a map of the Susquehanna. Reports that someone has been hired to make a copy of the map.

GLC02437.04372

to Henry Knox

Asks for Knox's financial assistance. Explains that she was "left a widow with six young Children, whose whole support depended on the exertions she could make..." Mentions that she is a creditor to the Flucker estate and hopes Knox can hasten the...

GLC02437.04388

to Henry Knox

Opens by thanking Knox for his role in obtaining Carrington a presidential appointment [as marshal of Virginia]. He then discusses the French revolution, writing that "[t]he Revolution in France is as singular as it is important to the cause of...

GLC02437.04396

to Robert Aitken

Based on an agreement with David Ramsay, Knox was supposed to have sent Aitken a list of general and field officers to be published in the appendix of Ramsay's book, History of the American Revolution. He had another person working on the list for...

GLC02437.04411

to Henry Knox

Discusses a demand made by a Mr. Goldthwait regarding the Waldo patent. Wishes to know if there is any "certain prospect of [the estate] being selled [sold] within a short time? We are unwilling our demand should lye any longer in the situation in...

GLC02437.04413

to Henry Knox

Replies to Knox's letter of 27 September (GLC02437.04368). Plans to present his wishes to obtain a foreign appointment. Urges Knox to forward his proposals to the Flucker estate's creditors so Bourne can attend to the matter before the next session...

GLC02437.04419

to John Bacon

Discusses the Waldo patent. Refers to difficulties in having the patent authorized by the Legislature of Massachusetts. Mentions struggles with settlers who believe they have claims upon the land.

GLC02437.04437

to Sylvanus Bourne

Discusses the financial business of a mutual acquaintance.

GLC02437.04469

to Henry Knox

Wrote an affidavit as requested by Knox of his knowledge "respecting the circumstances which led Genl [Nathanael] Greene into his securityships for John Banks" (refer to GLC02437.04498). Discusses the transaction between Banks and Greene in detail...

GLC02437.04497

to Edward Carrington

Discusses the issue of General Nathanael Greene being responsible for John Bank's debts. States that Mrs. Greene and her friends are petitioning Congress for an indemnification. General Greene made a statement to Congress in 1785 explaining the...

GLC02437.04503

to Henry Knox

Encloses his affidavit (not present) upon the circumstances of private merchant John Bank's contract with Nathanael Greene to supply the southern army with provisions in 1783. It later came to light that Banks was involved in disreputable business...

GLC02437.04525

to George Washington [incomplete]

Comments on a recent trip Washington took to his western lands. Expresses relief that Washington did not travel as far west as he originally planned due to "the indians being in a bad temper." Referring to settlers on Washington's lands, writes...

GLC02437.03087

to George Washington

Requests a certificate from Washington for Winthrop Sargent, who Knox describes as "really clever and... an excellent artillery officer." Promises to procure limestone when the weather improves. Discusses Washington's refusal of a gift from the...

GLC02437.03118

to George Washington

Knox introduces Catharine Macaulay Graham and her husband, James Graham, to Washington. Writes, "a glorious enthusiasm for the cause of general liberty and human happiness, has impelled this lady and her husband, to cross the atlantic to visit that...

GLC02437.03122

to George Washington

Later copy. Duplicate of a portion of GLC02437.03220, a letter by Knox. Discusses the troops at Forts Pitt and McIntosh, as well as treaty negotiations with the Indians. Calculations in blue pencil on verso.

GLC02437.03219

to George Washington

Explains an issue with Major Pierre L'Enfant and the Society of Cincinnati. Major L'Enfant was sent to France to present Eagles to the French members of the society, at the society's expense. Was granted a sum of money for the purpose, but in his...

GLC02437.03273

to George Washington

Writes that he hopes to be able to visit General Washington at Mount Vernon soon. Is convinced of the General's affection for him and feels sure that his limited correspondence will not be misconstrued; is aware that responding to too many letters...

GLC02437.03319

to George Washington

Extract of a letter in the hand of Tobias Lear, secretary to George Washington. Explains that he proof-read entries from the "Encyclopedie Methodique" on the "Etats unis" and the "Cincinnati," and gave corrections to the author. Also gave the article...

GLC02437.03338

Monthly return of the corps of artillery

Lists numbers of officers present and fit for duty. Signed by Major Doughty.

GLC02437.03033

to James Byers

Morris, Superintendent of Finance, discusses Byers's relinquishment of a contract with Congress to cast brass and ordnance (refer to GLC02437.03044). Writes, "I am sorry that your services have not been better rewarded, and lamented at the time that...

GLC02437.03037

[Receipt of money paid to John Lillie]

Major Lillie signs on both pages, noting receipt of money from Henry Knox and Timothy Pickering.

GLC02437.03038

to Joseph Carleton

Informs Carleton, acting Secretary at War, of the details of Major Job Sumner's difficulty in obtaining pay for his military service. Also discusses a letter from Frederick Haldimand, Governor of the Province of Quebec, recently transmitted to...

GLC02437.03040

to Henry Knox

Byers, who had a contract with Congress to cast brass ordnance during the Revolutionary War, complains of difficulty receiving pay for his services. Asks Knox to intervene on his behalf, requesting a certificate from Knox attesting to his service....

GLC02437.03044

to Henry Knox

Carleton, Secretary at War, writes from the War Office, possibly located in Annapolis, Maryland with Congress. Reports on the settlement of Major Job Sumner's case. Relates that troops from Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania will be equipped...

GLC02437.03045

Monthly return of a corps of artillery commanded by Capt John Doughty

Lists officers present fit for duty, on command, sick present, and on duty. Title includes a note indicating that Doughty is a major by brevet.

GLC02437.03055

Monthly return of the corps of artillery in the service of the United States of America

Lists officers present fit for duty, sick present, absent with leave, on duty, and on command. Indicates that Doughty is a major by brevet. Location inferred.

GLC02437.03064

to Captain Callahan

Discusses Callahan's obtainment of artificers, or craftsmen. Makes arrangements for Daniel Vose to pay Callahan in Knox's absence for the artificers' passage.

GLC02437.03125

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...

GLC02437.03131

to Henry Knox

Relates that he was able to safely deliver a packet from Knox to Mrs. Greene (possibly Catharine Littlefield Greene, wife of Nathanael Greene). Sends his regards to Major Sargent, possibly Winthrop Sargent. Plans to travel to Martinico (Martinique)...

GLC02437.03145

to Joseph Carleton

Knox, recently appointed Secretary at War, makes arrangements with Carleton, acting Secretary at War, to transmit pay and commissions to Major Wyllis (possibly John P. Wyllis) and his men.

GLC02437.03149

to Henry Knox

Carleton, acting Secretary at War, writes to Knox, recently elected Secretary at War. Relates that John Dickinson, President of Pennsylvania, informed him that Pennsylvania's quota of troops cannot be raised until the meeting of the General Assembly...

GLC02437.03150

to Henry Knox

Captain Bryant, Deputy Commissary of Military Stores at the Springfield Armory, encloses a plan of the buildings belonging to the United States at the Springfield Armory. Discusses construction and repairs taking place there. See GLC02437.08362 for...

GLC02437.03152

to Henry Knox

Carleton, previous acting Secretary at War, discusses military matters with Knox, recently appointed Secretary at War (Carleton is handling business from the War Office in Knox's absence). Discusses the pay and rank of several officers, the...

GLC02437.03154

to Henry Knox

General Chastellux (signed Chastelleaux) requests that Knox admit a French doctor who served in the Revolutionary War to the Society of the Cincinnati. Writes, "... you remember very well dear general, that after the siege of york you left behind a...

GLC02437.03160

to Henry Knox

Avery, Secretary of the State of Massachusetts, informs Knox that Governor Thomas Cushing has requested that several cannon at West Point be returned to Massachusetts.

GLC02437.03162

[Return of military stores at Fort Pitt]

Marked as a copy. Includes the [copied?] signature of Joseph Ashton, Lieutenant of Artillery Commanding at Fort Pitt. Lists carriages, howitzers, carbines, rifles, horse shoes, and other stores.

GLC02437.03168

to Broome & Platt

Written and signed for Knox in the hand of Samuel Shaw, Knox's former aide-de-camp. Writes that Mr. James Webber, who is a close friend of his brother William Knox and had taken care of William while in London, has enclosed to him a note from Broome...

GLC02437.03181

to Henry Knox

The firm of Broome & Platt certifies that it is in debt to Messrs. Webber Addington & Birhnall of London for approximately 600 pounds. Document arranges terms of repayment, including paying the equivalent amount in dry goods within a two-week period...

GLC02437.03182

to Broome & Platt

Discusses the details of his financial arrangements with the firm of Broome & Platt. Explains that he appreciates the candor with which they explained their financial distress to Samuel Shaw, Knox's representative at their meeting. Does have...

GLC02437.03191

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...

GLC02437.03203

to Henry Knox

Written from "War Office." Discusses Mr. [possibly William] Duer's inability to find a man to provision Captain [likely John Francis] Hamtramck's company to the frontier. Suggests giving Hamtramck himself money to handle it, because Hamtramck...

GLC02437.03207

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...

GLC02437.03209

to Henry Knox

Thanks him for his recent correspondence and for the "western" contract Samuel Shaw sent him. Will be glad to know when a new contract is ready. Thanks him for attending to his accounts of rations that he furnished Captain [likely David] Zeigler...

GLC02437.03221

to Clement Biddle

Writes in response to Biddle's letter of 29 November (see GLC02437.03221). Comments that he feels Congress has done everything in its power to handle the Algerine [pirate] situation, so he does not think it necessary for them to obtain any frigates...

GLC02437.03223

to Henry Knox

John Brooks, a member of the Massachusetts General Court, writes to Knox on a wide variety of political subjects. Discusses the Society of the Cincinnati, land grants to common people, redress of grievances of the public, and the passage of a...

GLC02437.03227

[Account of pay for the American Regiment commanded by Colonel Harmar]

Ledger of pay for Colonel [Josiah] Harmar's regiment, from 20 May-31 December 1785. Also includes amounts paid to various officers in that regiment.

GLC02437.03229

to Henry Knox

Writes, "My present engagements prevented my going to the westward to direct the business of supplies therefore I could not interest myself in the late proposals for victualing the troops as I wanted the means to [carry?] it on. I shall be much...

GLC02437.03234

[Partial account of money owed to John Crane by the United States]

March 1786 date added later in pencil. Document written in two hands. Pages 1 and 2 feature a ledger of expenses Colonel John Crane paid on behalf of the United States from 1775 until approximately 1780. Page 3 features writing in two hands...

GLC02437.03255

[Certificate of financial transaction between Henry Knox, Nathaniel Barrett, and William Davis]

Receipt written by Knox and signed by him in text. Nathaniel Barrett signs at the close. "Received of Henry Knox, a certificate No. 93.945. dated the sixth of May 1786, signed by John Peirce, Commissioner, and issued to Wm Davis, for one hundred &...

GLC02437.03264

to Samuel Breck

Writes that an acquaintance of his, Mr. Badcock, will be delivering the present letter, and has business which "will require the confidence of the judgment of some gentlemen well acquainted with mercantile matters." Is assured that Breck will be...

GLC02437.03268

to Thomas Theodore Bliss

Secretarially written and signed. Addressee listed as "Captain Bliss," may be Captain Thomas Theodore Bliss. Writes to make arrangements to send Bliss's daughter Betsey back to him. Betsey has apparently been staying with Knox and his family...

GLC02437.03278

to Henry Knox

Writes that while he hopes that peace continues in America, it is hard to be in England and not see how "ill-disposed" the people there are to American independence. Believes that most British citizens think and hope America will come back under the...

GLC02437.03294

to Henry Knox [in French]

Written from "Quartier Dauphin." According to the docket, written from Saint Domingue to recommend the Baron de la Valletiere for membership in the Society of the Cincinnati.

GLC02437.03299

to James Bowdoin

Writes that he will receive by this post the act of Congress authorizing an additional 700 troops in the Ohio frontier, where the troops there are suffering attacks from local Indians. Reports that Congress has called for the states to pay into the...

GLC02437.03315

to James Bowdoin

Introduces Captain [possibly Jeremiah or Constant] Freeman as a worthy artillery soldier who served under Knox during the previous war. Recommends him for service in the Massachusetts line currently being raised.

GLC02437.03341

to the Board of Treasury

Marked "copy." Written from the "War Office," likely in New York City during this period. Writes that his past agitations on behalf of payment for troops should convince them of his interest in providing for the public good. Believes that "the...

GLC02437.03342

[Register of sums received]

Certifies that "the Honorable Major General Knox Secretary at War is debited in the Treasury books of the United States with the following Sums of Money" which totals $6,893.60. States in a note that "[t]he General stands indebted for the following...

GLC02437.10207

to Henry Knox

Reports to Knox about the state of a case concerning Captain James Lee "formerly of the Artillery [who] has made application to the...Court in Consequence of an Injury he received in the Service of his Country..." Mentions General Varnum and a...

GLC02437.10208

[Return]

Return of ordnance and military stores in the Northern department for the month of July 1784. Items listed by type and location. Also includes a list of ordnance delivered since the last return. Date previously inferred, written in pencil.

GLC02437.10719

[Return]

Return of ordnance and military stores at West Point, New York. Items listed by type, weight and length. Also includes a list of ordnance received since the last return.

GLC02437.10720

[Return]

Return of ordnance and military stores at West Point, New York. Items listed by type, weight and length. Also includes a list of ordnance delivered since the last return.

GLC02437.10721

[Return]

Return of ordnance and military stores at West Point, New York. Items listed by type, weight and length.

GLC02437.10722

to [John] Ashley

Thanks him for last month's letter. Asks him if he can provide any information from his quarter, and would be obliged by a letter from him when possible. Docket reads "To Mr Ashley Springfield -"

GLC02437.03348

to George Washington

Writes, "The insurgents who were assembled at Worcester in Massachusetts have disbanded- The people at Boston seem to be glad at this event and say it was the effect of fear- But the fact is that the insurgents effected their object, which was to...

GLC02437.03385

to George Washington

Knox updates Washington on various state conventions meeting to decide on ratification of the United States Constitution. Writes, "The new Constitution has hitherto been as well received as could have been expected considering the various existing...

GLC02437.03762

to George Washington

Reports on Massachusetts' adoption of the Constitution of the United States. Writes, "It may with great truth be asserted that no subject was ever more candidly debated- Many of the minority express their determination, of inculcating the principle...

GLC02437.03797

to Henry Knox

Bruce, apparently a merchant, writes to Knox to discuss a contract for supplying the troops in the Boston area. Has been working with General [Henry] Jackson and Colonel [Benjamin] Hichborn, providing them with necessary supplies. Includes terms...

GLC02437.03374

to William Shepard

Thanks him for the intelligence provided by his last two letters. Says that the last of the letters was received by "your confidential Friend Major Shepard," and he has talked with him extensively about the matters contained therein. Writes that...

GLC02437.03378

to James Bowdoin

Writes, "Major [Winthrop] Sargent will have the honor to deliver your Excellency this letter. Although his dispositions are military, yet he finds himself constrained on consideration of his former rank to decline the appointment to a company of...

GLC02437.03380

to Stephen Bruce

Written from the War Office, likely located in New York City in this period (also see GLC02437.03393 for a letter written on the same date from Knox in New York City). Explains that the Treasury Board has been, for some time, making plans for paying...

GLC02437.03392

Prices of clothing, and quantity allowed the troops of the United States

Lists rations of clothing for troops in three different years, and the prices charged by the contracted merchant supplying the clothing. The list for 1786 includes prices from Turnbull, Marmie & Co., the list for 1788 includes prices from Royal...

GLC02437.03400

[List of officers appointed under General Henry Jackson]

Date added later in pencil. List of officers appointed under General Henry Jackson. Officers are sorted by rank, and include Majors William Hull, William North, and E. [possibly Elnathan] Haskell, as well as William Eustis as Surgeon.

GLC02437.03404

to Henry Knox

Thanks him for his kind letter. Declares that before he received it, he "had been inform'd of the negociations taking place between the board of Treasury, and [Messrs Robert] Morris & [Jeremiah] Wadsworth for the whole supplies of the Troops, and...

GLC02437.03408

to James Bowdoin

Marked "copy" on docket. Describes in some detail the confrontations between his troops and the insurgents in Massachusetts, led by Daniel Shays. Reports that General [William] Shepard, who is also leading troops, is in a precarious position which it...

GLC02437.03422

to James Bowdoin

Written from Brookfield, likely in Massachusetts. Marked "copy." Relates how he led his troops to the aid of General Shepard. "Writes, Gen'l Sheppard expects hourly an attack by the whole force of the Insurgents:- Shays marched with the party...

GLC02437.03425

to James Bowdoin

Marked "copy." Written from "Head Quarters Springfield." Reports on Shay and his supporters' situation. Relates that he and a number of other regiments arrived in Springfield the day before. Writes, "On my arrival I found, that Shays had taken...

GLC02437.03427