20 April 1788

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a financial matter involving warrants and a sheriff, of whom Wadsworth writes, "I find the sherif will fight hard and tho no body justifies him-" Notes that the sheriff received ill treatment in the office of Mr. Milligan. Plans to travel to the Greene residence, referring to the home of Catherine Littlefield Greene, widow of the late General Nathanael Greene. Notes that if Mrs. Greene consents, he will send George Washington Greene on the next packet for France. Requests that Knox ask St. John (possibly Crevecoeur) if he knows of any officers who might attend to George on the…

GLC02437.03851

18 November 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Thomas Vose

Request to supervise "the arrangement of the Cannon & Stores from the outposts agreeably to the directions which you have received from this day.. - You will request of the Fort Major the number of men which shall be necessary for your purposes, taking care that a proportion of them be Artillery men." Retained "copy" prepared for Knox's files, copied out in the hand of aide-de-camp John Lillie, and signed for Knox by him. Also bears Lillie's docket on verso.

GLC02437.02788

26 February 1785

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Wadsworth writes, "It is now in contemplation to appoint you Secretary at Warr- the Salary may possibly be 2500 dollars per annum- which is certainly too small, but small as it is, it is probable it will be 500 dollars less- and not worth Your acceptance." Suggests that if Knox accepts the position, he hire Samuel Blachley Webb to oversee affairs in New York while he remains in Boston.

GLC02437.03101

30 April 1785

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Hopes that [Samuel Blachley] Webb will be appointed, referring to his previous suggestion that Knox appoint Webb to work for him in the War Office. Mentions the recent resignation of General Schuyler (possibly Philip Schuyler) from an unspecified post. Notes that he and a John Brown were nominated for the position, but Brown received the post. Criticizes Brown extensively.

GLC02437.03135

26 March 1786

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to Knox as Secretary of the War Office to discuss the accusations against Major [John Plasgrave] Wyllys, Colonel Wadsworth's former assistant. Reports that Wyllys's friends received the news from Wyllys's brother-in-law, and are in great distress. Writes, "I hope the circumstances will prove more favorable than they did at first." Is surprised that Wyllys behaved this way, as it is out of character. Knows that Knox, when he begins an inquiry, will do so out of the noblest principles.

GLC02437.03253

9 November 1786

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he cannot remain any longer in New York. "Mr. Morris.s [sic] departure without finishing any thing has made it impossible for me to complete the business I came on. You may conclude the business with Mr. Rob Morris and consider me bound to perform as fully as if present my selfe" (referring to the sum of money Wadsworth and Morris are planning to loan to Congress; see GLC02437.03323). Adds that he does not know anything about Mr. Morris's opinions on the concerns of a Mr. Russel, but hopes that Knox will also attend to that issue.

GLC02437.03330

3 December 1786

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he received Knox's letter along with the letter from the Board of Treasury. Has written them back, and also written to Mr. [Robert] Morris to tell him he will come to New York to complete the paperwork if Mr. Morris approves of the terms. Is not fully reconciled to the business because it is a lot of money, but will agree to work with Mr. Morris if he approves (referring to a loan and contracts he and Morris are negotiating with Congress).

GLC02437.03363

11 December 1786

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the lack of supplies faced by a group of soldiers he encountered, and mentions that he had to supply them himself because "not one shilling will be furnished by the state." However, he is running out of money. Declares that the Board of Treasury must reimburse him from the loan he and Mr. [Robert] Morris negotiated with Congress. Otherwise, Wadsworth must immediately stop furnishing the men. In addition, the heavy snow is making it difficult for him to continue procuring the supplies. In a post-script, discusses the forces working with Daniel Shays, and comments on the ability of…

GLC02437.03372

10 February 1787

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Has had two conferences with Mr. [Robert] Morris, and writes that Morris is discouraged with the status of public affairs. Had understood that the "monied men" of Massachusetts would be providing funding as well, but they have not. New York has approved regulations limiting the amount that state will contribute, and Pennsylvania has contributed some money but must allocate much of it to its "own pension list." Maryland is having difficulties, as well. Declares that he and Mr. Morris both feel that "every thing wears a gloomy & unpromising aspect." Also comments on guarding the stores…

GLC02437.03448

25 March 1787

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

States that a Mr. Welles, a subaltern officer, asked about clothing and pay and he is waiting on a warrant to give him an answer. Shoes and shirts are needed and are being made, but again, he needs a warrant to get them delivered. Has heard through General Benjamin Tupper that Colonel Phelps is in favor of the insurgents, referring to the armed uprising of Shays' rebellion. Wants Tupper to sign a statement of facts. Believes a few months time will show the necessity of having the stores guarded. Though the rebels were dispersed in January 1787 and many arrested, Wadsworth worries of another…

GLC02437.03500

28 March 1787

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses his unhappiness over not yet receiving the warrants he needs to pay the balance for rations at Springfield, Massachusetts. These warrants were likely related to raising troops to quell Shays' Rebellion. Wadsworth writes, "the troops may perhaps disband for want of food." Mentions more instances of insurgency in the state, including an incident in which Sergeant Hill and eleven recruits were beaten by some men that "spoke favorably of Shays." They were sent to prison but all escaped except Sergeant Hill and two recruits. "Free" handwritten on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.03504

31 March 1787

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph document signed

Title: Receipts for warrants to the amount of 3000 dollars

Two (duplicate) notes of receipt of three warrants for $1000 each on William Imlay from Major General Henry Knox for Continental taxes for the state of Connecticut. Warrants numbered 115, 116, and 117. These warrants were related to raising troops that were used to quell Shays' Rebellion. Title from docket.

GLC02437.03505

1 April 1787

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received Knox's letters enclosing warrants for $3000 (possibly GLC02437.03475) and encloses receipts (see GLC02437.03505). Mentions that the troops need clothing and that Colonel [David] Humphreys ordered some to be made. But if the troops are to be reduced, he will stop the clothing order. Fears that if the soldiers are discharged without pay, they may join the Shays' rebellion insurgents. Discusses other warrants and how the money would be allocated. Mentions that he wants to send Knox some salmon but that he has not been able to catch enough due to the weather. "Free" handwritten on…

GLC02437.03509

4 April 1787

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox of damaged gunpowder sold from the magazine at West Point for $60 per ton. Because the price was so low, he thought Knox might not be aware of the sale. Will make inquiries if there was wrong doing involved. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature. Marked private on address leaf.

GLC02437.03512

11 April 1787

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

States "I do not wish to have anything to do with the Clothing of the Troops, but if you send me another warrant of one or two thousand dollars I can probably get the money & it will be when in my hands ready for your order - " Also informs Knox that he will look into the issue of the powder, referring to a sale of damaged gunpowder from West Point (see GLC02437.03512 and .03513).

GLC02437.03517

15 April 1787

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the allocation of money from the Treasury warrants. Believes the troops "at all hazards" need to be paid. Wants the next warrant to be used to pay the officers or "they...will consider themselves as greatly injured & will give weight to the opposers of a Federal Government ... " Expresses anxiety about the possibility of rebellion if the men are not paid, "this state I am persuaded never was so ripe for rebellion as at present the friends to Chaise [Shays] & his party are increasing & growing bolder every day - they have in general carreid their Elections throughout the…

GLC02437.03522

3 June 1787

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a financial matter related to Mrs. [Catharine] Greene. Comments extensively on the Constitutional Convention: "I am persuaded the Convention will do nothing very decisive but they may give us a lead our General Assembly will finish this week without doing much harm no Paper Money no tender act will be made if you can persuade the Convention to be bold you may hope for a change of measures in the States if they are turned or divided- all our hopes of a good Government are over - Mr. [Roger] Sherman I am told is disposed only to patch the old System- if he is stuborn [sic] he will…

GLC02437.03565

10 July 1787

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Encloses an order for $400 from Messrs Sam Ward & Brother. Also describes plans for repaying a balance of Knox's. "Free" handwritten on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.03600

19 July 1787

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Returns letters that he borrowed, including one from "the Marquis" (possibly Lafayette), and sends greetings from mutual friends. Also asks Knox to "forward the inclosed with yours to the Marquis's care."

GLC02437.03606

19 August 1787

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a business plan proposed to him by Major [Winthrop] Sargent for an upcoming voyage and the risks that accompany the proposal. (See GLC02437.03638 for Winthrop's views on the voyage) Mentions one of his officer's requests for payment. Describes the financial ruin and plight of Nathanael Greene's (Catherine Greene) widow and children. Asks Knox to forward the Marquis's [Lafayette's] letter to her. Worries about Greene's sons and their education. Complains about the numerous payment applications and loans requests he has received along with requests from people who wish him to…

GLC02437.03637

23 September 1787

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that they have not been able to obtain a cow yet that will produce enough milk for the whole winter but hopes to soon. Says when they do purchase a cow she will need to be driven in a herd of cattle as opposed to being sent by water. Notes that a strong political party is forming against the convention (the Constitutional Convention, which had finalized drafting the Constitution four days earlier) and Wadsworth fears the new government may not be formed. Notes "if the Massachusetts rebellion had continued we might hope their is many of our Leading Men who dread the lessening…

GLC02437.03667

11 November 1787

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that there is no money in the treasury of the Connecticut branch of the Society of the Cincinnati. Adds that he will ensure the money they owe to Major L'Enfant (for Society egale medals) will be paid to him as soon as possible.

GLC02437.03699

12 December 1787

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a cow and calf he sent Knox and gives advice on how to feed them. Mentions falling off his horse. Comments on the anti-federalists, "Our antifederals are busy but will be distanced - tho aided by your deeds in NY & Pensa from whence they daily receive pamphlets & newspapers full of wrath slandor & wit..." Stamped "N. Haven."

GLC02437.03723

23 December 1787

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Is happy to hear that Pennsylvania adopted the Constitution. Mentions the debates over the Constitution in Connecticut. Hopes to set out soon for New York "as soon as that business is over" and possibly attend Congress. Mentions that "Old Pluckemin" [a dog] has died. In a postscript, writes, "If Publius comes out in a pamphlet I would want to have a number" (likely a reference to the Federalist Papers). States that everything written about the constitution in New York is "forwarded under cover to our Wrong Heads - & every under hand manner taken to prevent our adopting it..." Recipient…

GLC02437.03736

9 January 1788

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Wadsworth declares, "This moment from Convention- Where the proposed Constitution was passed 127 Yeas- 40 Nos- it ought to be remarked that all the [first?] Characters in the Convention were for the Constitution and Gen James Wadsworth the only man of any real consequence who was against it Our Governor Deputy Governor late Governor Griswold & all the Judges of the Superior Court were present except one- & for it - All of ye Council for - (one against it Gen Wadsworth)." Letter dated 1787, but docket (and content) reveal that it was created in 1788. With unsigned free frank.

GLC02437.03756