25 January 1784

Parker, Daniel, 1782-1846

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Introduces Colonel De Mirand[a], possibly Francisco de Miranda, "A Spanish Gentleman from Mexico, whom I take the Liberty to Introduce to your notice."

GLC02437.02936

21 March 1784

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Daniel Parker

Knox negotiates with Parker, of Daniel Parker & Co., a firm that supplied Continental troops with provisions. Hopes Parker will continue to furnish supplies to troops, although Congress has not informed Parker or Knox of a contract renewal. Refers to Mr. Morris, who has been in charge of paying Parker (possibly Robert Morris, Superintendent of Finance).

GLC02437.02980

8 March 1785

Partridge, George, 1740-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Partridge, a Continental Congressman, discusses Knox's appointment as Secretary at War: "This Congress made choice of you to be their Secretary in the War Department, but it is rather doubtful with some of your friends whither [sic] you will accept, on account of the difficiency [sic] of salary, which now stands at only 2450 dollars." Encourages Knox to accept the appointment despite the low salary.

GLC02437.03104

29 March 1785

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Holden Parsons

Offers an extensive apology for not writing sooner. Discussions public objection to the Society of the Cincinnati. Writes, "A democracy what is greatly commercial is a solecism in politics... Our feoderal [sic] Government must be settled upon more rational principles, or some events which we do not at present foresee, will compel us to adopt systems which we may at times have contemplated with horror- I believe a republican Government, formed upon national principles and those principles propagated and perpetuated by habits, may exist a great length of time..." Discusses his views of…

GLC02437.03120

15 April 1785

Parsons, Samuel H., 1737-1789

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Requests that Knox, newly appointed Secretary at War, recommend him to Congress to command troops sent to garrison the western frontier. Writes, "I consider that Post an important One to secure the Amity of the Savages, and to prevent those undue practices which will probably destroy the Peace of the Frontiers."

GLC02437.03127

20 September 1785

Ogden, Samuel, 1746-1810

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Contract with Henry Knox and Samuel Shaw for sale of goods]

Apparently written in the hand of Samuel Shaw. Contract outlines the terms of an agreement between "Samuel Ogden, of the city of New York, Merchant," and General Henry Knox. Ogden agrees to sell the merchandise, worth "two thousand, two hundred and ninety three pounds, fourteen shillings and six pence, lawful money of the State of Connecticut, at the rate of six shillings for a Spanish milled dollar." Promises to sell the merchandise as if it were his own, at the same rate, and to the best of his power, and to provide all proceeds to Knox. Accepts a "commission of five percent on the net…

GLC02437.03199

25 September 1785

Ogden, Samuel, 1746-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Explains that he has received the goods Knox has arranged for him to sell (see GLC02437.03199). Has had them valued by Mr. Francis Atkinson and Mr. George Service, who are well-respected in the dry goods field in New York. They have told him that the goods were acquired at a higher rate than they were worth, and that they will not sell at as high a price in New York or Connecticut. Is happy to sell them at the price they were given, though it might take some time to sell them at that rate, but also has a suggestion for a better plan: to sell them at a lower rate and change the percent…

GLC02437.03200

24 May 1779-13 January 1788

Parsons, Samuel H., 1737-1789

Manuscript document

Title: to Henry Knox [incomplete]

Later copy of the correspondence between Generals Samuel Holden Parsons and Henry Knox between 24 May 1779 and 13 January 1788 (see GLC02437.03305 for a related document). The first letter, to Parsons from Knox, was written from Springfield, Massachusetts on 3 October 1786 and discusses the recent Shays' Rebellion. The second, written to Parsons from Knox, from New York on 19 November 1786, also deals with the Rebellion, as well as with court proceedings of the insurgents. The third, written from New York on 13 January 1788, to Parsons from Knox, discusses the adoption by Massachusetts of…

GLC02437.03306

6 November 1786

Parsons, Samuel H., 1737-1789

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from Middletown, likely in Connecticut, as the postal stamp near the address reads "New Haven." Encloses a copy of Shays' circular letter (not present). Has heard from a friend that several towns have met to discuss the letter, and some have voted to send their arms and military stores to the insurgents. The town of Westfield opposed the vote, but only by two or three men. Has also heard that the insurgents are practicing military maneuvers, and that they are being paid daily. Was told that there has been some agitation in Vermont as well. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no…

GLC02437.03328

19 April 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William North

Discusses Congress's decision to reduce the troops and states, "I feel most sensibly for the situation of the officers." In relation to North's resignation as Inspector General, states that he did not forward it on and that if North desires, he can probably resume the duties of that post (see GLC02437.03528 and .03495). Comments that Colonel Hull wrote to him about the issue with North's relative rank but believes it is something the state must decide.

GLC02437.03531

4 June 1787

Ogden, Samuel, 1746-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Recently returned from traveling, where he was apparently acting as an agent for Mr. Webber (possibly James Webber, the British merchant). Attempted to collect money from Webber to pay Knox. Expresses embarrassment that Webber didn't pay Knox sooner, and promises to pay Knox the sum Webber owes. Written at Delaware Works, located in what is now Morrisville, Pennsylvania, near Trenton, New Jersey.

GLC02437.03569

30 July 1787

Parsons, Samuel H., 1737-1789

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks Knox whether or not there is a post established near the Pittsburgh area since he will be travelling there soon. Mentions that their "State Society" (likely referring to the Society of Cincinnati) have made provisions to pay their portion of the sum owed to Major [Pierre] L' Enfant. Noted as written in Middletown.

GLC02437.03627

3 September 1787

Parsons, Samuel H., 1737-1789

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for his letter of 30 August. Appreciates that Knox will give him information "of the course of Lake Erie &c." Encloses a letter for Knox to forward to General [Richard] Butler, noting that sending letters to the "West Country" through the War Office is the most secure mode of transmission. Noted as received and forwarded by William Richards 6 September 1787. Includes Richards' signature.

GLC02437.03654

24 December 1787

Parsons, Samuel H., 1737-1789

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that "By a Resolution of Congress the Ohio Company are intitled to sink their military Rights in the Purchase to the Amount of the Seventh of the Purchase Monies" and asks for documents to facilitate that end. Notes that he has contracted with the Connecticut commissioners "to run the lines of their Reserve to the Indian Boundary." Asks if the military there can assist him, if "a Post will be establish'd next Season near the Mouth of the Cuyahoga, or whither Capt. Hutchins will be directed to take the Course of Lake Erie next Spring." Recommends Mr. [Manasseh?] Cutler to replace Mr.…

GLC02437.03737

29 December 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Samuel H. Parsons [incomplete]

Discusses the possibility of granting lands to soldiers and officers by resolves of Congress. Explains how the lands may be granted and that some might be located in the Ohio territory, commenting, "it is not for me to determine what assistance you shall receive from the troops of the United States on the lines you are to run..." Also states his happiness that the new Constitution will likely be accepted, and considers the likelihood of ratification in several states.

GLC02437.03746

9 January 1788

Parsons, Samuel H., 1737-1789

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Parsons reports Connecticut's adoption of the United States Constitution: "Huzza for good Times the Vote is this Moment taken. Yeas 128 Nays 40 on the Question of adopting the new Constitution." Written at seven o'clock Thursday evening. Location inferred.

GLC02437.03755

23 Ferbuary 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Samuel H. Parsons, James M. Varnum, and John C. Symmes

Knox writes to Parsons, Varnum, and Symmes, the first judges of the Northwest Territory. Introduces Thomas H. Cushing, who served in the army during the Revolutionary war and plans to settle in the Northwest Territory. Recommends Cushing for the position of clerk of the court for the Northwest Territory. Docketed as a "Copy of a Circular letter."

GLC02437.03806

18 June 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Samuel Parkman

Encloses two letters from [Samuel] Shaw (not present) which just arrived from Canton, China. Indicates one of the letters is for Parkman, and the other for Mr. Peck. Discusses a business transaction: "...Mr Eli Hayden the supercargo of the above vessell has contracted with Major Shaw to build a ship according to Mr Pecks directions & that he has remitted a certain proportion of the funds for this purpose on respondenture on the above Vessell consigned to the said Eli Hayden." Shaw enclosed Hayden's bonds for Samuel Ogden, assuming he lived in New York. Expects Ogden, (now located at…

GLC02437.03903

22 June 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Samuel Parkman

Discusses business related to the arrival of a brig from China. Mentions Samuel Shaw, Eli Hayden, and Samuel Ogden.

GLC02437.03908

29 June 1788

Parkman, Samuel, 1752-1824

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Signature is clipped. Creator indicated in docket. Discusses the arrival of the brig Columbia from Canton (present-day Guangzhou, China). On board the ship, there is property from [Samuel] Shaw "to be Improved in Building a Ship..." The ship is to be built under the direction of Mr. Peck. Awaits letters from Samuel Ogden before he shall proceed with business regarding the ship's supercargo, Eli Hayden. Encloses Shaw's draft on Ogden, writing "I am under the Necessity of giving this Trouble, as so large a Bill will not readily sell."

GLC02437.03917

6 July 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Parkman

Discusses a financial matter involving Samuel Shaw, Samuel Ogden, Nicholas Hoffman, and Eli Hayden. Notes, "It is supposed our friend has agreed for a pretty high price for the ship."

GLC02437.03928

24 July 1788

Parkman, Samuel, 1752-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses disappointment with Mr. Peck's ideas regarding the planned construction of a ship. Writes, "If his demand should be so Extravagant as we cannot comply with, shall the ship stand still, or shall another person be appointed to Construct & superinted [sic] the Building. I expect there is other Ship Builders besides Mr. Peck." Samuel Shaw gave Parkman the authority to hire Peck; Parkman asks Knox's advice, since he cannot hire another builder besides Peck without Shaw's approval. "Free" handwritten on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.03945

4 April 1789

Nourse, Joseph, 1754-1841

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from the Treasury Office. Transmits with the letter (not included) "the account which you was so obliging to leave with me." Reports that he has settled the charge against Knox from when he was Major General and closed the account.

GLC02437.04166

11 April 1789

Parsons, Samuel H., 1737-1789

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Encloses a letter (not included) from General [Horatio] Gates and Mr. Balmain which requests Knox to send warrants for their "Donation Lands." Has asked Colonel [perhaps Richard] Platt to obtain the warrants from Knox, as well as a warrant for Parsons, which he is asking for with this letter. Discusses traveling to the Illinois Territory and asks Knox to give orders to General [Josiah] Harmar (he spells it "Harmer") on the subject.

GLC02437.04177

25 August 1789

Parker, Elias, 1760-1798

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes, apologetically, to ask for Knox's patronage. Declares that while his current career as a merchant is more lucrative, it "is not so respectable & by no means so desirable as the one I was bred to under yr. command - indeed Sir, I feel myself totally unqualified for it." Has heard a report that troops will be raised under a Congressional recommendation, and hopes Knox will support his appointment.

GLC02437.04335