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to William Stephens Smith

Thanks Smith for introducing him to worthy gentlemen. "I am no party man and I know you too well to support for a moment that you would introduce any characters not proper for you & I to be sociable with." Expresses a favorable opinion of Doctor...

GLC02437.10183

to Henry Knox

Written by Smith, who seems to be a merchant in Boston, to Major General Knox. References Knox's letter of 10 July (which was an answer to Smith's letter at GLC02437.01468). Thanks him for the trouble he took in looking for his "Servant Boy" Prince...

GLC02437.01505

to Elisha Sheldon

Written in the hand of Samuel Shaw and signed with initials by Shaw on behalf of Henry Knox. Writes that a Mr. [possibly Peter] Corne, disobeying recent regulations, was detained en route from New York to Stamford and was sent to West Point. After...

GLC02437.01574

to Samuel Shaw and Thomas Randall

Unsigned. Writes that he received Shaw's letters and enclosures, and was delighted and satisfied to hear of his health and the prospect of advancing his interests. Has no hope that Shaw will receive the letter, but addresses it to him on the "bare...

GLC02437.04073

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...

GLC02437.04075

to Henry Knox

Asks Knox to deliver a forwarded letter to George Washington in respects to him renewing his present position, Consul to China. Also asks about extending his duties further eastward. Writes that he is feeling much better "though still a little...

GLC02437.04460

to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for sending his application to President Washington and also informs him that the Rhode Island state convention adjourned without discussing the question of whether or not to adopt the Constitution. Writes that "[t]his Extraordinary Step...

GLC02437.04533

to William Smallwood

Informs General Smallwood that Frederick [Egen?], the bearer of this note, has broken his arm and has been discharged by General George Washington. Requests that Smallwood help Egen obtain the certificates he needs regarding pay. Expresses...

GLC02437.10051

to Henry Knox

Thanks him for his last letter, and adds the congratulations of himself and Mrs. Smith, as well as of Mr. and Mrs. Sears, on the birth of Knox's son. Comments that they are "very happy to hear Mrs. Knox & the young Stranger were so well." Discusses...

GLC02437.01329

to Henry Knox

Smith, who appears to be a Boston merchant, writes to Major General Knox about a missing servant. Says about 3 weeks ago, while he was on a tour of Connecticut, "a Molatto Servant Boy of mine named Prince, 18 Years of Age went off, & by the best...

GLC02437.01468

to Henry Knox

Contains two letters: at the top of the page is a letter from Joshua Loring, dated 11 July 1782 and transcribed by Oliver Smith, and at the bottom is a letter from Smith himself. The letter from Loring declares that Loring deposited Knox's goods at...

GLC02437.01475

to Henry Knox

Written in Bedford, in possibly one of two New York locations. Writes, "Your favor of the 4th instant has this moment come to hand, agreeable to your directions have sent a regt with Lt. [possibly Peter] Corne & the men that were with him to Col...

GLC02437.01586

to Henry Knox

Written from "Head Quarters." Writes, "I take the liberty to address these few lines to you, to deliver the compliments and best wishes of Papa and Mamma to yourself and Mrs. Knox agreable to their desire. I also enclose a letter to you from my...

GLC02437.01761

to Samuel Shaw

Authorizes Shaw to apply to Daniel Parker for a loan on his behalf.

GLC02437.02485

to Henry Knox

Discusses a case where a soldier of the 6th Massachusetts Regiment was mustered as a deserter for exceeding the "limitation of a furlow ... " Smith explains that this soldier only exceeded the amount of time given due to sickness, which prevented...

GLC02437.02600

to Henry Knox

Discusses a mutiny that occurred in Philadelphia in which he has been accused of participating. Asks Knox to help clear his name. Simonds [or Symonds] is probably referring the the Philadelphia Mutiny of June 1783, an anti-government protest by...

GLC02437.02609

to Jonas Simonds

Congratulates Symonds (or Simonds) on his acquittal and mentions being ignorant of a peace establishment. Jonas was accused of participating in the Philadelphia Mutiny of June 1783, an anti-government protest by nearly 400 soldiers of the...

GLC02437.02677

to Henry Knox

Requests Knox to obtain money owed by Colonel [Timothy] Pickering, and send the money to him. Encloses a monetary note to that effect (not included).

GLC02437.03165

to Henry Knox

Refers to a previous letter he sent (GLC02437.03165). Asks Knox to obtain money owed him by Colonel [Timothy] Pickering.

GLC02437.03170

to Henry Knox

Shaw, Knox's former aide-de-camp, writes a friendly letter to discuss a variety of matters. First, he forwards "Mr. Gardiner's oration on the anniversary of independence. If you can travel through so much various matter as it is composed of, it will...

GLC02437.03174

to William Shepard

Signature has been clipped. Informs Shepard that his endeavors to get payment for a note have been unsuccessful, as "Colonel Pickering informs that he has not any funds for the notes of the time and that it is uncertain when he shall have them." He...

GLC02437.03175

to Henry Knox

Relates that per Knox's instructions, he has gone to New Haven and met with Mr. [Samuel] Broome and Mr. [Jeremiah] Platt to discuss their outstanding financial business. Explains that Broom and Platt assured him they will not be able to repay the...

GLC02437.03190

to Henry Knox

Writes to explain the status of their dealings with the firm of Broome & Platt, with whom they are trying to settle a debt. Relates that Broome and Platt acknowledge the amount of money they still owe Webber & Co. of London (on whose behalf Knox is...

GLC02437.03195

to Henry Knox

Has enclosed a copy of a letter (refer to GLC02437.03378) he received from Governor [James] Bowdoin. "I would beg you to keep it to yourself, as I do the original. This does not mention it, but Major Shepard informs me that his Excellency wished me...

GLC02437.03382

to William Shepard

Discusses his inability to provide arms and stores to be used against the insurgents in Massachusetts (those associated with Shays' Rebellion). States that he cannot do so without the special permission of Congress. Writes that he has not received...

GLC02437.03390

to William Shepard

Marked "copy" on docketing. Shepard's name spelled "Sheppard." Thanks him for his recent letters. Writes that there has not yet been a Congress able to proceed to business. Hopes that they will be organized this week, and can discuss the request...

GLC02437.03421

to Henry Knox

Writes that he is leaving the ship, Columbia, which is making the trip back to the United States and mentions that "[m]y affairs require my being at Canton this evening, which prevents me from going down the river to meet the new comers - " Noted as...

GLC02437.03743

to Henry Knox

Would like to solicit an appointment in the new government, and therefore in preparation would like to serve in a public office in Knox's department. Asks whether Knox might hire him for a short time.

GLC02437.04147

to Samuel Shaw

Congratulates Shaw on his arrival in Providence and hopes that his "projects may be blessed with success." Presumes he went directly to Boston when he arrived. Discusses business concerns, including sale of Shaw's goods, and comments on his...

GLC02437.04284

to Henry Knox

Shaw relates that three men have asked him to recommend them for the same office (Collector of Customs for Rhode Island). Shaw also knows of a fourth man applying for the position who did not ask for a recommendation. Of the four men, (Colonel Henry...

GLC02437.04429

to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for everything has done for him and writes, "While I feel the full force of the most lively gratitude for your friendship towards me, it pains me to know that the too tender concern you take in everything which regards your poor Shaw...

GLC02437.04445

to Henry Knox

Relates information concerning an incident with Daniel Parker. Notes that Mr. Holker has forward an account of the affair which Shaw hopes will clear the incident up. Writes to Knox describing his illness noting he has been sick in bed for five days...

GLC02437.04453

to Henry Knox

Recommends a mutual acquaintance, Daniel Lyman, a former aide-de-camp to General [William] Heath, to Knox and asks for his help in assisting Lyman in his career. Notes Lyman wishes an appointment in the revenue department when Rhode Island accedes to...

GLC02437.04455

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that the state legislature will be holding a convention "to determine on, the adopting, or rejecting, the General Government of the United States..." Writes that "[t]his decision gives us the Strongest reason to conclude that the...

GLC02437.04474

to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for a previous letter. States that his current business prevents him from writing a long letter and "occupies me to much at to render me almost a stranger to what is passing either in the gay or political world."

GLC02437.04481

to Henry Knox

Mentions the visit of Mr. Hoffman related to some "unfortunate business," which Shaw will try to make as agreeable as possible. Thanks Knox for his militia plan and hopes the country receives and appreciates it.

GLC02437.04501

to Henry Knox

Asks for Knox's advice in dealing with his situation with a Mr. Holker and Mr. Parker, most likely Daniel Parker, the captain of the ship Shaw took to Guangzhou, China. Writes "I desire to be governed entirely by you ... " and that "Mr. Parker and...

GLC02437.04512

to Samuel Shaw

Knox's reply to Shaw's letter dated 12 February 1790, GLC02437.04512. Discusses a problem with debt and securities involving Mr. Holker and Daniel Parker, captain of the ship Shaw took to Guangzhou, China. Involves a sum of money the owners of the...

GLC02437.04515

to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for helping him in renewing his post as consul at Canton, China and prepares to set sail again. Writes that "[m]y prospects in the Eastern hemisphere are not flattering, to be sure - but the empire of Chance is a wide one - and who knows...

GLC02437.04517

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he has written to Daniel Parker and encloses the letter so Knox can read it (not present). Concerns financial matters related to obtaining insurance on the ship Massachusetts and involves Samuel Parkman, Daniel Parker, and Messrs...

GLC02437.04521

to Henry Knox

Discusses his business with [Samuel] Parkman and Messrs [Nicholas] Hoffman and [Son], noting it will soon be settled. Informs Knox he will be sailing in the near future, thanks to Parkman. Writes that "[l]anguage is insufficient to express how much...

GLC02437.04532

to Henry Knox

Gives Knox some last minute instructions concerning his affairs before he sails, and expresses his love towards Knox and his family, including Knox's brother, William, whom Shaw calls Billy. Page one is from 15 March; page two is from 21 March.

GLC02437.04549

to Samuel Shaw [incomplete ?]

May be missing its beginning page(s). Discusses a proposal apparently geared to help Shaw and [Thomas] Randall avoid debt if "the Jay" (likely a ship) does not arrive according to plan. Mentions that he will likely not be able to write again before...

GLC02437.04569

to Henry Knox

Sends Knox a copy of the "Ratification of the Constitution of the United States, by the Convention of this State on the 29th Inst. by a Majority of Two Votes." Copy not included. He goes on to say "this Important Business being now happily...

GLC02437.04621

to Henry Knox

Discusses appointments made by the President to various positions. Asks Knox "reason of my being totally neglected; perhaps it might have been from Misrepresentation made to the President." Informs Knox that Rhode Island's senators will be arriving...

GLC02437.04629

to Henry Sherburne

Informs Colonel Sherburne, "I am unable to inform you of the motives which [induced] the President of the United States to nominate the persons he did to the service for officers in the customs at Newport." Assures Sherburne that although he was...

GLC02437.04639

to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for his "favor of the 16th [of January]" and for his "communications respecting Messieurs Pintards proposals." Informs Knox, due to the advanced season it would be impossible for him to "deviate from the direct and speediest route to...

GLC02437.04832

to Samuel Shaw & Thomas Randall

Thanks Randall for the extension (see GLC02437.04882) he received. Writes, "I have nothing of Mr. D's by which I could secure you..." Notes he owed considerable sum of money from land.

GLC02437.04885

to Oliver Smith

Says that Henry Jackson told him by a letter of 19 June that Smith purchased the estate for £900. Thought it would have sold for "a much more considerable sum." Says the whole sum shall be divided among the other creditors after taxes. Has written...

GLC02437.05032

to [Samuel] Shaw and [Thomas] Randall

Signed in text in third person as "the General." This document is a statement by Knox that the U.S. House of Representatives validates his position as "Secretary for the Department of War."

GLC02437.05200