14 September 1783

McDougall, Alexander, 1732-1786

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by General McDougall to General Knox. Says he will visit with Knox to finalize spending accounts of the officers. Says he has "written to Mr. Gaine in the most perfect secrecy, to print thirteen thousand Copies, of the Commander in Chief's circular letter, to the States, but no opportunity has yet offered, by which I could expect to receive an answer." Indicates that the circular letter's tendency toward mercy will appeal to the printer and other Loyalists. Reports the copies will be in pamphlet form because "I know that a Newspaper is read, torn or appropriated to such use, as, that…

GLC02437.02512

24 September 1783

McDougall, Alexander, 1732-1786

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks Knox over for a visit to discuss the army. Mentions that if the fireworks will be going off at West Point, he can take part of the company off Knox's hands. Discusses preparations to host a large group of visitors including the Minister of France, the President of Congress and some other southern members of Congress. Needs boards to fix the stables which were ruined by the army so these men can keep their horses. Mentions another building, "The Dwelling in the outside, looks more like a Bawdy House then the Quarters of an American General," and asks for a painter. Noted as written at…

GLC02437.02563

28 September 1783

McDougall, Alexander, 1732-1786

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that "the people above, who trade to nyork, complain of being stopt at your post," and asks if some of the Connecticut troops are headed out tomorrow.

GLC02437.02576

30 September 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Discusses the lack of funds for supplies and the large expenses incurred due to lack of stores. Plans to apply for more aid to see if "I cannot obtain the same compensation as those who have gone before me. Certainly I have expended as much as any of them and I only ask the same allowance."

GLC02437.02592

19 October 1783

McDougall, Alexander, 1732-1786

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks Knox to order and send him supplies including nails, paint, and screws. Wonders if one of Knox's artificers can help him hang a new bell he has acquired to summon his servants. Also mentions that "This fellow [most likely referring to Colonel Hopkins] I am well informed has had a Bastard with a negro wench; and when I was lately in Dutcess County, a Muleto woman was shewn to me, by Mr Benson, that is reputed as his Daughter..." Jokes about having an officer write a song about the situation. - McDougall also mentions Hopkins in the context of "the Great Question of Commutation" (soldiers…

GLC02437.02688

29 October 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Discusses a dispute regarding two officers of the artillery, Majors Perkins and Bauman, concerning the differences in rank within the artillery as compared to that of the general army.

GLC02437.02723

10 November 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Discusses an addition to his monthly allowance. Mentions how his pay compares unfavorably to that of other generals, such as [Alexander] McDougall and [William] Heath. Asks Lincoln to discuss the issue with Mr. Morris, likely Robert Morris, the Pennsylvania financier.

GLC02437.02764

16 November 1783

McDougall, Alexander, 1732-1786

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions that his guard has left with Brigadier Jackson's regiment, and "requests that General Knox will order a Corporal and eight Men to his [McDougall's] quarters, six of them to be acquainted with rowing."

GLC02437.02783

16 August 1784

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Expresses disappointment that General Lincoln will not be ready to sail as soon as Knox anticipated. Adds that commissioners are waiting for them at Halifax, Nova Scotia. About the urgent voyage, writes "We ought to determine upon the nature and quantity of things to be presented to the [Penobscot] Indians- and make application for them. We shall appear ridiculous enough in their eyes to ask them for their land and not give them any thing to prepare their minds to acquiesce in so modest a request." Written in Dorchester, a neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts.

GLC02437.03042

August 1784

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Writes, "You must probably have been informed of being chosen with Mr Partridge and myself to examine the encroachments of the british on the eastern line of this State, and to endeavor to form some compromise with the Penobscot Indians respecting the lands which they now occupy- Will you accept the commission?" Possibly written at Massachusetts.

GLC02437.03047

21 January 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Writes that he is fully impressed with how busy Lincoln is (Lincoln was preparing to lead a regiment to face off against the Shays insurgents), but hopes that he would not mind giving him news of the battles in Massachusetts when possible. Writes, "I do not request to know any thing which if divulged by miscarriage of letters would be in the least injurious - Any communications which shall be made shall be retained with me unless you should please to order otherwise. I trust to your friendship to excuse my request, wishing you every success." Body of letter and signature penned for Knox by…

GLC02437.03419

9 February 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Written from the "War Office," likely in New York City. Writes that the bearer, Major [William] North, "will inform you of an intended disposition of some of the federal troops for the protection of the stores of the United States at Springfield." Writes that the work of these troops must be restricted to "securing the property of the United States." Asks him for his opinion on "what force (if any) will be an adequate protection to the Arsenal and Magazine."

GLC02437.03446

24 February 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy of GLC02437.03466. Writes a recommendation to Lincoln for Mr. Payson, a "reputable inhabitant of Massachusetts" who is looking for "employment to give him bread." Notes he has no openings at present and is referring him to Lincoln.

GLC02437.03465

4 March 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Discusses a meeting in Philadelphia, and writes "You will have found that Congress have recommended a convention to meet in Philadelphia in May. I hope and pray that you may be at it, either on the part of the State or the Cincinnati."

GLC02437.03483

27 December 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Charles Lining

Writes that he received, via Dr. Thomas Tudor Tucker, Lining's letter as well as the $192 sum Lining sent. Provided Dr. Tucker with a receipt declaring that this money would pay South Carolina's portion of the money owed to Major L'Enfant for the Eagle insignias he purchased. Noted as a copy on the docket.

GLC02437.03744

13 June 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Reports that he forwarded a letter from Lincoln to John Jacob Faesch. Discusses the Constitution, noting that no state has thus far rejected it except for Rhode Island. Writes, "Thank Heaven America has a proposition for a government which in case of a storm would shield the principle of liberty... from the rude attacks of anarchy and tyranny." Relates that eight states have adopted the Constitution, and there is reason to believe Virginia will also choose in favor of ratification. Comments on Anti-Federalists in New York and the likelihood that New York will adopt the Constitution.…

GLC02437.03892

25 January 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

10 April 1789

Lithgow, William Jr., 1750-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from Hallowell, County of Lincoln, in Maine. Writes that Knox was kind enough last winter to take an order for a pair of epaulets for him and send them on to Boston. Asks politely whether Knox could forward them to him without inconveniencing himself, and promises to send him their cost as soon as possible. Reports that as he does not live near Knox's possessions in Lincoln County (likely referring to the Waldo patent lands), he has not heard anything about the desires of the present occupants regarding the lands. He hopes they will come to their senses, but "if War should be…

GLC02437.04173

5 June 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Unsigned. Writes that he feels for Lincoln's situation, but is "persuaded that your expectations from the new state of things will be disappointed." (See GLC02437.04226, in which Lincoln asks Knox for help finding a job with the new government.)

GLC02437.04232

26 July 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Received General Lincoln's recent letter. Writes that "Mr. Lowells character has been placed before the President" but he does not know whether a "personal application" would be worthwhile; believes it would depend on Mr. Lowell's opinion. Adds that the House of Representatives will look at the federal bill tomorrow, which means that the President will not be ready to sign it until 10 August at least, so Mr. Lowell has time to decide. Also discusses a new bill for the collection of revenue.

GLC02437.04306

4 August 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Letter reads, "Although I do not conceive the office of Collector to the Port of Boston adequate to the merits of my friend, yet as it is the best thing that can be offered at present, I sincerely congratulate you on the appointment."

GLC02437.04316

31 January 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Signed, "HK." Discusses his interest in training the militia and asks Lincoln for his opinion on the subject. Writes "[t]ell me Sincerely your own opinion, my dear Friend, is the project of the Militia herewith enclosed an utopian plan? If I am not acting under a delusion, as sure as we exist as a republic we must have a strong institution of the sort, or we shall have a standing army which I should exceedingly dislike - For I am [sincerely] impressed with the opinion that under the influences of a standg army the Gloss of Our republic would pass away like snow before a summer Sun."…

GLC02437.04489

19 April 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Secretary of War Knox reports that he "was happy to have had the opportunity of complying with your wishes relative to young Mr. [William] Balch." Knox mentions some vacant land that "seems mortgaged."

GLC02437.04918

8 May 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Knox reports that he has received from Lincoln his letter of 27 April 1791 and sent the enclosures on to a Mr. Lear via his servant Caesar. Knox says he will be happy to offer Dr. [William] Eustis "something worthy of his acceptance."

GLC02437.04942

12 January 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Asks Lincoln whether he might be able to employ the son of Knox's friend, Mr. [Joseph] Peirce. Declares that if he is able to, Knox "should consider it the same mark of your friendship as given to my own son."

GLC02437.05289