5 October 1785

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Osgood

Writes to Osgood on financial matters. Declares that a Mr. Walker has written to him regarding a financial arrangement between himself and Osgood. Walker is apparently concerned that he and Osgood would withdraw money from an account that had already been emptied by Knox due to a new resolve of Congress. Knox assures Osgood that he has not yet withdrawn the money, so they may go ahead with the transaction without risk of "embarrassment."

GLC02437.03206

29 October 1786

North, William, 1755-1836

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes, "The people here smell a rat, that the Troops about to be raised are more for the insurgents than the Indians, however this makes no odds, every body seems to wish a strong government, & to believe the government can only be strengthened by an army. The requisition has been laid before the house & I suppose will pass without trouble, tho' I confess I know little about it- for a moment, I steped [sic] into the Gallery yesterday & heard a member say something about the Troops having only clothing & provisions, that the Western lands were an object worthy the attention…

GLC02437.03322

9 December 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William North

In response to Major North's letter (see GLC02437.03368), Knox writes that he agrees that [John Francis] Hamtramck's ideas show him to be a good officer. Adds, "I am persuaded his solicitude for a proper discipline, will be highly approved by all military men." Mentions that he has written to the Board of Treasury on the subject of pay, and hopes that the letter may have the desired effect.

GLC02437.03369

21 December 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to William North

Writes in full, "I have been attempting my dear Sir, to accomplish your pay since I received yours of the 18th. The board of treasury are disposed to exert themselves in this instance but I am persuaded that their powers are short of their inclination. Be so good as to call upon me tomorrow [illegible] I will then, inform you, [of] the mode in which they are willing to negotiate the pay."

GLC02437.03384

18 April 1787

North, William, 1755-1836

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relates his desire to remain Inspector General instead of Major Winthrop Sargent, who was being considered. Commenting on Congress's resolve to disband the troops, he states, "The resolve of Congress has murdered more honest fellows..."

GLC02437.03528

10 June 1787

North, William, 1755-1836

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks that Major [George] Turner send a copy of the proceedings of the Society of the Cincinnati's last general meeting (May 1787) to the Massachusetts branch before the 4th of July. Mentions a resolution, presumably discussed at the meeting. Notes that [Pierre] L'Enfant hopes Knox will inform him that he supported the resolution. Reports that he will not be in Boston for the 4th of July. Stamped "N-York" on the address leaf. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.03576

23 June 1787

Oswald, Eleazer, 1755-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks to see a copy of a letter Samuel Shaw sent Knox regarding his dispute with a Captain John Green in Canton (now Guangzhou, China) since "[o]ther Americans, as well as Major Shaw, I find have been involved in disagreeable controversies with Capt. Green ... " Other people's accounts "render Capt Green quite odious and contemptible - but his Employers have prevailed on him to suppress them, at least for the present." States that he would like the letter to help his friend, Captain Thomas Truxtun, to "satisfy his Owners, that he was not the Aggressor in Canton."

GLC02437.03587

11 July 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eleazer Oswald

Discusses whether to distribute a narrative written by Knox's friend and former aide, Samuel Shaw. Encloses the narrative (not present but possibly referring to GLC02437.03310), but believes it would be better to circulate it only among friends. However, does not expect anything in it would damage Shaw's reputation. Requests that Oswald makes sure the narrative is not published. Signed twice by Knox.

GLC02437.03601

12 September 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Ogden

Thanks Ogden for information related to a tract of land for sale near Ogden's residence (near Trenton, New Jersey). Expresses his opinion that the land is over priced, but nonetheless, he is still willing to purchase it. Sends his regrets regarding Mrs. Ogden's recent illness. Refer to GLC02437.03657 for Ogden's letter to Knox.

GLC02437.03661

22 October 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Samuel Ogden

Later copy. States that the business is "in a pretty loose situation," but hopes things will improve in a few days. Says Mr. Moore will be able to provide Ogden with further details about the situation when they meet up.

GLC02437.03679

29 October 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Samuel Ogden

Informs Ogden about a business plan he is working on with Gouverneur Morris and a firm and Britain (see GLC02437.03686 for further information). Writes, "I have now written to Mr Morris informing him of the [propositions] of the company in England and of the necessity of comg to some immediate decision on the subject. I have so good an opinion of the prospect that I would pledge myself for my proportion of the funds although I may be [compelled] to make some considerable sacrifices of property to obtain it."

GLC02437.03687

23 November 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Osgood

Writes "Man in some situations is indeed a helpless animal, and needs the support of his fellows or he is overwhelmed with misery, and dies - This formal sentence has just been excited by the entrance of two men one a constable - the other his prisoner." The prisoner in question is [Joshua] Winslow of Boston, nephew of John Winslow (see GLC02437.03713). Recounts the unfortunate story of how Winslow ended up a prisoner due to outstanding debts and appeals to Osgood to assist him.

GLC02437.03712

13 December 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Samuel Ogden

Later copy of the original. Informs Ogden of the birth of his son, writes that "Mrs. Knox desires her affectionate respects to Mrs. Ogden with an earnest request for her appearance here ..." States that "[t]he new constitution is the domestic want, and a pretty general war the European apprehension. Loving peace as I do I pray sincerely for the new constitution, believing that it will be the only means to keep the ship steady in the rising storm. Perhaps the broils of Europe and an opinion that we may be hurt amid the clashing of arms may have the affect to induce the people of this country…

GLC02437.03725

13 February 1788

North, William, 1755-1836

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Notes that he received correspondence from Knox. Writes, "...before I opened it repaired to a club which is established here for hearing news, smoking tobacco, & drinking grogg. As there were antifederalists in this body, I thought the paragraphs in you letter respecting Sam Adams might be read with good effect..." Relates that he had hoped Massachusetts would ratify the Constitution by a greater majority. Reports that Anti-Federalists in New York are preparing for the New York ratification convention. Complains that Governor George Clinton "fills up every post with vagabonds... the…

GLC02437.03796

5 March 1788

Otis, Samuel A., 1740-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Otis discusses a receipt related to a clothing account.

GLC02437.03814

6 March 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Samuel A. Otis

Replies to GLC02437.03814, from Otis, regarding a clothing account. Has transmitted Otis's note to Mr. Walker based on Otis's request.

GLC02437.03817

18 June 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Ogden

Encloses letters for Ogden from [Samuel] Shaw. Instructs Ogden "to take bonds immediately of Mr. [Eli] Hayden, and that not a moments time is to be lost in the execution of the business- You must be here on the spot yourself or you must empower some person to act for you." Suggests that if necessary, Nicholas Hoffman should be sent in Ogden's place. Pages three and four include a list of enclosed letters, documents and bonds (not included).

GLC02437.03902

5 November 1788

Olney, Jeremiah, 1749-1812

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Briefly mentions military business related to arms and powder, then discusses the progress of ratification of the Constitution in Rhode Island. Writes that Rhode Island "again Refused to appoint a Convention for Considering the New Constitution in the Legal mode- the Question was put on Saturday last in the House of Deputies for a Convention, when after much debate it was Negativ'd by a Majority of three to one- after which (Mr. Hazzard an Implacable & potent Enemy to the New System & the Leading Character in all the Vile Politicks Carrying on in this Devoted State) brought forward a…

GLC02437.04027

23 December 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Ogden

Assumes that Ogden has returned from Philadelphia, where he and his wife Euphemia wished "his brother" Gouverneur a safe trip to Europe. Reports that his three youngest children have "passed through the measles," and that two of his other children (Henry Jackson and Lucy) have a fever. Asks if Ogden, who operates the Delaware Works, has sent Samuel Shaw's iron to Boston. Asks how he should reply to a letter from James Webber, a London merchant, who wishes to collect a debt owed to him by Ogden. In a post script, comments on the sale of Colonel [Alexander] Hamilton's St. Lawrence lands at…

GLC02437.04060

19 February 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Ogden

Discusses receipt of a bill of exchange from Thomas and Joseph Compson. Reports that he has sent it to James Webber in London. He and Mrs. Knox were unhappy to hear that Mrs. Ogden is unwell and hope that she recovers. Discusses several other matters related to their children and families, including Knox's own recovery from illness.

GLC02437.04121

4 March 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Ogden

Discusses monies owed by Thomas Compson to [James] Webber, specifically the second payment owed to him. Sends love from himself and Mrs. Knox to Mrs. Ogden. Docketed by Henry Knox. Letter is significantly faded.

GLC02437.04135

11 April 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Palfrey

Reports that when he visited the Board of Treasury today, Mr. [possibly Samuel] Osgood told him about monies owed to her through her late husband, Colonel Palfrey. A sum of 3200 dollars in Bills of Exchange was withdrawn in 1780. Knox outlines where the bills went, declaring that some of them were endorsed by Benjamin Franklin in Paris, and some came into the possession of a Mr. McCarty, who may have been a partner of Colonel Palfrey. Discusses the courses of action she might take to claim her compensation. (See GLC02437.04175 for related information.) Knox's signature is on the fourth…

GLC02437.04174

20 May 1789

Palfrey, William, 1765-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to thank Knox for a recent letter sent to his mother, Mrs. Palfrey, regarding money the government owes to his late father William Palfrey's estate. Thanks him for taking an interest in the case and agreeing to help them. Also takes the opportunity to ask that if Knox knows of any job openings in the government, that he help Palfrey secure a position. Refer to GLC02437.04174 - GLC02437.04176 and GLC02437.04222 for related correspondence.

GLC02437.04211

27 May 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Palfrey

Received his recent letter (GLC02437.04211). Is not aware of any vacancies in the public offices at present. Believes that there are so many applicants to government positions at present, that unless Palfrey receives a promise from an official who has the power to hire him, he should not rely on a government position and should continue looking for work elsewhere. He will nonetheless advise Palfrey of any positions that unexpectedly arise that might suit his talents.

GLC02437.04222

29 May 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Ogden

Writes to send his good wishes to Mrs. Ogden, who has taken ill again. Encourages them to come for treatment to the Newark/New York City region and stay at the Knox home in New York. Discusses a recent business letter he received from Mr. [possibly Samuel] Parkman regarding the purchase of iron.

GLC02437.04224