24 May 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he arrived in Boston yesterday after a pleasant journey, and found all of his friends well. Found that his parents were both quite ill and confined to their bedchamber, and fears particularly for his father, who seems to be declining fast. Mentions that when he passed through Watertown, Captain [Thomas] Vose approached him to discuss concerns about Vose's trip eastward to the Waldo patent lands. Reports that Vose was distressed because Knox took so long to respond to Vose's letter that Vose has been unable to proceed eastward to begin his work as Knox's agent. Vose is also…

GLC02437.04217

26 July 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Is disappointed not to have received a letter from Knox recently, and hopes that Knox's son isn't ill again, which would prevent him from writing. Writes, "By the last New York paper I observe that the Revenue System is nearly compleated [sic] and ready for the Nominations & Appointments - I am really extremely anxious in this head, and if I am disappointed it will be very severely felt by me, more so than any circumstance of my life." Adds that he is pleased Mr. [Rufus] King has been elected to represent New York in the Senate. Provides an update on Captain [Thomas] Vose and Major […

GLC02437.04305

23 August 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Has received the news that Knox's son has died. Sends his condolences to Knox and his wife and discusses the difficulty of losing a child. Has enclosed a letter for the President from Mr. Thomas Edwards, the former Judge Advocate, who is very poor at present and would like an appointment in the judicial branch as a clerk. Would like to pursue for himself the office of Marshal, and explains why he is well-suited for its duties. Also discusses his suitability for several other positions, but leaves it to Knox, who is in the seat of government, to represent his interests there.

GLC02437.04333

6 September 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions the illness of Lucy Knox, related to the recent passing of one of the Knox children. Discusses the recent bill describing the salaries of the various executive departments. Mentions General [Benjamin] Lincoln's recent appointment and his leading troops to negotiate with the Creek Indians in Georgia. Comments on his own prospects for receiving an appointment in the Revenue office or as Marshall. Also mentions the arrival of a French ship in the Boston area, as well as a bill from Captain [Thomas] Vose, Knox's agent in the Waldo patent.

GLC02437.04350

16 August 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Jackson [incomplete]

Knox writes that he and Lucy have lost their youngest daughter. Lucy's health is hurt by her grief but she is now better. Says he has been informed that Jackson has ignored Knox's warning and has not attended to his accounting with the "rigidness" that is required; therefore, he cannot say whether Jackson will receive any relief from Massachusetts. But he believes something will be granted by the Board of Treasury. Instructs Jackson to sell all of Knox's Massachusetts securities and invest in land speculation in New York. Does not believe there will be any significant rise in the value…

GLC02437.03635

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

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

9 November 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Jackson

Discusses a complicated financial arrangement related to a Flucker Estate debt. Relates that his daughter Lucy is unwell.

GLC02437.05694

22 March 1795

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Long narrative about how Knox's son, Henry Jackson Knox, has been misbehaving in Boston and spending money excessively, particularly on clothes. Reports during one Henry's weekends with him that Henry "evaded and deceived me (Jackson) in every instance... his act and address, - the improper company he kept both male & female, seldom coming home until 11 or 12 O Clock - pockets full of money, and showing me in every instance, gave me great distress & uneasiness..." Reports after this incident he had a very pointed conversation with Henry and told he needed to return to Hingham the…

GLC02437.06375

27 July 1796

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he is very upset at the sudden death of his brother, Joseph, which happened the previous Friday. Is traveling to Brookline to see his brother's widow and daughter. Touches on financial arrangements with Knox and with Mr. [James] Swan.

GLC02437.06792

20 December 1799

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson tells Knox that Knox's "statement and the hundred dollar bill enclosed came safe to hand." Jackson will be at Portland with Col. Hichborn January 1, 1800. Jackson demands that Knox be punctual in meeting them and says that nothing but death could prevent them from going to Portland. In a post script Jackson notes that he has just received a letter from Knox's son, Henry Jackson Knox. Jackson tells Knox, "The Secretary of Navy order'd him onboard the Constitution."

GLC02437.07340

13 April 1800

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson tells Knox that "Mr. Pickman of Salem" has called on Jackson to pay the interest due to him. Jackson suggests that Knox pay up. Jackson has not heard from Knox's son and cannot be sure what ship he boarded, if any. He knows Henry Jackson Knox was not in Philadelphia as of the 1st of April. He tells Knox to write his son, Henry Jackson Knox, until Knox knows of his son's situation and ship. Jackson expects Knox's daughter's wedding will not occur until "we have an arrival from Malaga" of food and wine.

GLC02437.07392

03 May 1800

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson comments on Knox's daughter Caroline and her poor health. He hopes that bathing and exercise, as well as the coming summer will help her condition. Jackson "followed the remains of Mrs. David Greene" who died the previous Thursday. Her family is greatly distressed. Jackson believes Knox will do what he can for Mrs. Swan's business affairs. Docket notes that the letter included "Mr. Archbald's note."

GLC02437.07399

19 October 1800

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson discusses land business with Knox. He also informs Knox that Knox's nephew Francis Flucker "is again in Goal where he has been for several days on two writs for debt." Jackson admonishes Knox for his handling of his nephews: "You cannot be ignorant of the reflections that are made in consequence of those boys being so much at loose in society."

GLC02437.07475

12 February 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes a friendly letter on a variety of topics. First, mentions that [Samuel] Shaw has set sail for the East and wishes him God's blessing. Hopes that he return safely to his friends and is richly rewarded; hopes that a Mr. S. does not disturb Shaw with his "overbearing temper." Goes on to discuss some business concerns, including a visit to Mr. [possibly Joshua] Loring. Wishes Knox and his family will, as promised, come to visit in the spring. Says that the Winslows are excited for the visit. Explains that he is "so tired of this world," and if Knox and his family were to move to the…

GLC02437.03242

1786/09/14

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Manuscript document

Title: to Henry Knox

Secretarially written and signed by Robert Pemberton, Knox's post-war aide. Document includes two parts. Jackson attests that he received seven certificates (listed) worth a total of $13,752 from Henry Knox for safekeeping. On verso is a note from Henry Knox to Jackson asking Jackson to forward the certificates to his brother, William Knox.

GLC02437.03300

28 September 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that it gives everyone pleasure to hear Mrs. Knox is "well a Bed - I please myself the Child will do well altho appearances may at present be against it." Discusses the brief arrival in town of a Major [possibly Richard] Platt and mentions his financial problems. Will visit Isaac Winslow to consult him on the business Knox mentions. Discusses local business and political issues, such as the opening of the General Court and the speech by the Governor to both houses. Heard reports that 7,00 men were armed in Springfield to oppose sitting of the Supreme Court and that even more men are in…

GLC02437.03303

27 November 1781

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by William Knox to his brother Brigadier General Henry Knox, who was at Washington's headquarters. Writes from France after a pleasant and short 21 day voyage from Boston. Is astonished by their speed of travel. Says he did not suffer from seasickness and that his little complaints were relieved by the voyage. Tells a convoluted story about meeting a British captain in a brigantine east of Newfoundland who was "castaway" from his merchant ship. Reports on the birth of the Dauphin and the excitement caused by the recent victories in America, but says the former is the greater event in…

GLC02437.01296

25 June 1783

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by William to his brother Major General Henry Knox. Mentions he wrote a letter from Bristol, England about two weeks previous. Says he consigned 108 pounds worth of jewelry to Sears and Smith, to be delivered to his order. Says another shipment of glass from Bristol worth 200 pounds was sent as well as another shipment of hosiery from Nottingham worth 450 pounds. Also sent along about 60 pounds worth of things for Henry's family. Says he heard that Henry has expressed much interest in farming. Says that many of the "poorer Classes" have or will immigrate to America and that when he…

GLC02437.02181

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

4 October 1781

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses news of the siege of Yorktown, mentioning the activities of the Marquis de La Fayette and naval engagements between French Admiral Compte de Grasse and British Admiral Thomas Graves. Reports that Congress has received indications of the capture of Lord Cornwallis, but faulty intelligence from the past has made them skeptical. Discusses his upcoming business trip to Europe and seeks his brother's approval. Explains his sale of stock to finance the trip and plans to travel by French frigate. Explains his plans in case ships with cargo he owns arrive in Boston after his departure…

GLC02437.01207

29 October 1781

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

He is leaving for Europe tomorrow on a French frigate commanded by Count De Grasse. Remarks that in his haste the contents of this letter are only things of greatest importance. Discusses leaving his store with Joshua Loring, arranging for a Mr. Pierce to serve as Henry's attorney and leaving important papers with him. William does not know how long his trip will last, but his plans will be affected by the prospects for peace. Mentions business plans to transport hemp and iron. Comments on his funds for the trip, how he raised them, and expected costs. He will be happy to be able to…

GLC02437.01270

23 January 1782

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

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 1 December and stayed until 8 December. Goes on to describe his time in Anjou (he spells it Angou) province. 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. Left Orleans on 22 December and arrived in Paris the…

GLC02437.01338