4 July 1790

Brett, Piercy, fl. 1788-1792

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses politics in regards to the possible war with Spain. Writes, "Our political situation at present is so enveloped in clouds of doubt and uncertainty, that the keenest and clearest eyes can see nothing through them ... we have as formidable a fleet ready to sail as ever was fitted out in this country, in so short a space of time, well-manned and in high spirits, eager to engage the enemy, yet it is by no means certain that they will face us, or that a war will take place." Notes that the high-level diplomatic negotiations are kept secret. Possible terms of agreement between England and…

GLC02437.04643

6 July 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Bingham

Writes a letter of introduction for Count [Paolo] Andreani, of Milan, Italy. States that Andreani is highly recommended by the Marquis de la Luzerne.

GLC02437.04646

7 July 1790

Brett, Piercy, fl. 1788-1792

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relates that General [John] Maunsell arrived after a sixteen day passage from Halifax, and he will give Knox an account of his voyage after he has rested. Writes, "Ever since the beginning of May last we have been in daily expectation of a war with Spain; in consequence of which we have made vigorous exertions to be prepared for that event..." Reports that a fleet commanded by Admiral Barrington sailed several days prior, and there is still much uncertainty whether war will be declared or not. Notes that it is to the advantage of the British "that France is not in a capacity of assisting the…

GLC02437.04647

10 July 1790

Cavenough, William, fl. 1784-1790

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks for Knox's assistance, complaining that "the world has severely frowned upon me, and has left me, nearly as wretched, as the Human mind can conceive." Asks to have an interview with Knox so that he can explain his situation more fully. States that mutual acquaintances will give him recommendations.

GLC02437.04649

19 July 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to William Burnet

Relates that Catharine Greene, widow of Nathanael Greene, has a petition before Congress requesting an indemnification against debts incurred by Greene during the Revolutionary War. During the war, Nathanael Greene had made a contract with merchant John Banks to supply clothing and provisions for the Southern Army, and Knox seeks to prove Greene was not a business partner with Banks. Says that some have alleged Burnett had evidence of Greene's partnership with Banks, through the papers of his son Ichabod Burnet, who had been Greene's aide during the war. Asks whether he had such evidence, and…

GLC02437.04657

31 July 1790

Belknap, Jeremy, 1744-1798

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes in full, "Having received several Letters from Major Sargent under your frank, I presume it will not be disagreeable to you that I should ask the favour of you when you send dispatches into the Western Territory to give my letters inclosd with this, a place in your packet." Letters not included.

GLC02437.04663

6 August 1790

Blair, Samuel, 1741-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Reverend Blair to Secretary of War Knox. Blair says his infirmities dating back to his days in the army hinder his ability to work in the "stated customary offices" of his ministry. Requests that Knox help him get a "Chaplaincy in the Congress, on their removal to Philad[elphia]. Mentions that the timing of this letter might be inconvenient as the government prepares to move from New York. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.04671

11 August 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Blair

Secretary of War Knox confirms receipt of a letter Blair sent him on 6 August. Knox informs him he will "promote your views" but believes that now is not the best time to "agitate the point." Instead, will save the issue for the "next session when we shall all be on the spot together."

GLC02437.04685

14 August 1790

McGillvray, Alexander, 1750-1793

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Oath of allegiance]

Creek chief McGillivray swears an oath of allegiance to the United States government and swears to obey the President of the United States as well as "orders of the officers appointed over me." He further agrees to obey "the true intent and meaning of the secret articles of the treaty of peace" signed between the Creeks and the American government. Sworn before and signed by Supreme Court Justice John Blair, Secretary of War Henry Knox, and chief clerk of the War Office John Stagg.

GLC02437.04691

27 August 1790

Bauman, Sebastian, 1739-1803

Autograph document signed

Title: [List of food provisions]

An account sent by Bauman to Knox listing food supplies delivered and the outstanding balance owed to Bauman. Bauman acknowledges at the bottom that he received payment in full. Docketed by Knox.

GLC02437.04701

6 September 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Breck

Secretary of War Knox's letter of introduction on behalf of Messrs. Cazenove and [Linctlair], both from Amsterdam. Mr. Cazenove is of "respectable character" and Mr. [Linctlair] is "attached to the Navy of the United Netherlands."

GLC02437.04722

16 September 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to P. Brett

Secretary of War Knox thanks Brett for his letter from 7 July (GLC02437.04647) and looks forward hearing from him more in the future. Also mentions General [John] Maunsell (Maunsell had seen Brett in London, and Brett had updated Knox on Maunsell's voyage from Halifax, in previous correspondence).

GLC02437.04724

12 September 1790

Breck, Samuel, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Breck is pleased with people Secretary of War Knox introduced to him (perhaps the two men Knox introduced to Breck in GLC02437.04722). Informs Knox that they "express themselves much satisfied with our part of America." For Breck this is important "as it tends to cultivate a good understanding between the Citizens of each State and to cement that Union so necessary to the Happiness of our Country." Breck talks about the government paying for the manufacturing of cutters, and wishes the Secretary of the Treasury to know about the new sail cloth manufacturer in Boston. The purpose is the "…

GLC02437.04727

7 October 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Bowdoin

Knox acknowledges receipt of a letter James Bowdoin sent regarding Bowdoin's late father. Knox comments that "other demands of a similar nature be a considerable [amount]...have not been attended."

GLC02437.04745

26 October 1790

Bourne, Sylvanus, 1761-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Bourne tells Secretary of War Knox that he has settled "with General Jackson the plan of the arrangements of our business according to your wishes." Knox should give Jackson 92 pounds 11 shillings 10 pence by November 10 or 12.

GLC02437.04757

3 November 1790

Brett, Piercy, fl. 1788-1792

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Brett acknowledges receiving Secretary of War Henry Knox's letter from William Knox in London. General [John] Maunsell passes along to Knox that he has no political news to report, therefore he sees no need in sending a letter. No one truly knows what is happening with the military buildup between England and Spain, as the negotiations, if there are any, are secret. Should war ensue, Lord Howe "with a noble fleet riding at single anchor at spithead will sail directly..." Says Parliament meets 25 November, and at that time "the Minister must satisfactorily account for putting the nation to so…

GLC02437.04767

5 December 1790

Breck, Samuel, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks the Knoxes for their hospitality toward his daughter. Reports that things in Boston are quiet and wishes the same for Virginia "but unfortunately Resolutions [regarding federal assumption of state debts] breath another Spirit. it is to be hoped their disorder will not become epidemical." The Congress is meeting the next day. Says Congress "cannot fail since no question of permanent residence will disturbe them."

GLC02437.04791

8 December 1789

Belknap, Jeremy, 1744-1798

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Sends an enclosure for Knox to give Belknap's friend "Major Sargent." Asks Knox for advice about the daughter of a friend who wants to keep her "securities" and credit in good standing.

GLC02437.04793

16 December 1790

Briggs, Isaac, 1763-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Hawkins

Briggs opens his letter to Senator and Indian agent Hawkins with an allegory of a drunken servant beaten by master; other servants and lower types told the beaten man to commit suicide to escape his situation, others counseled patience, some wanted to take his goods, others to take his position. He was dosed with wormword and in delirium talks on. Briggs quotes his ravings at length. Briggs then shifts to Creek Treaty reception in Georgia: "But excuse the allegorical flight, and I will descend to a more plain, matter-of-fact stile. If, my dear sir, I were detailing the politics or describing…

GLC02437.04798

19 December 1790

Cobb, David, 1748-1830

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Cobb tells Secretary of War Knox that he has brought up the idea of a canal between the Charles River and the Connecticut River to several people since Knox left Boston, and the idea is growing. There needs to be a more concrete plan in order to attract investors. The "gentlemen" with whom Cobb has discussed this "are much divided in their opinions where the Canal ought to meet [the] Connecticut River." Cobb goes on to detail various plans for the canal. Cobb is convinced that this canal would be good for "the Commonwealth." Cobb says "we are still in the clouds respecting a War," and that…

GLC02437.04800

20 December 1790

Breck, Samuel, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Jackson

Writes that he is concerned he has not received any letter from Miss Breck in awhile. Asks that if Jackson has any he send them on. Invites Jackson over Tuesday evening.

GLC02437.04802

5 January 1791

Bruce, Stephen, ?-1801

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Bruce asks Secretary of War Knox for "some appointment under the general Government." He suggests a role in the new militia. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.04819

January 11, 1791

Bourne, Sylvanus, 1761-1817

Autograph document signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Details of the disbursement of the estate of Thomas Flucker. Knox received "the sum of ninety two pounds eleven shilling, 28 pence." "258. dollars 3/7" noted on the verso.

GLC02437.04822

January 15, 1791

Breck, Samuel, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Sends an enclosed petition on behalf of "Mr. Hall, a distiller in this Town." States he cannot attest to it as he is not familiar with the subject. Thanks Knox and his wife for their attention to his daughter.

GLC02437.04827

February 2, 1791

Bayley, Richard, 1745-1801

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox and his wife for their kindness and friendship, particularly toward his daughter, "my sweet Beth" (Elizabeth Bayley Seton). Writes, "I have often whisper'd to myself that I would rather be a door keeper in your House; even at Philadelphia, than a New York Doctor."

GLC02437.04847