December 1, 1784

Webber, James, fl. 1784-1797

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Webber, a London merchant and friend of William Knox, responds to a letter from Henry Knox (GLC02437.03068). Expresses happiness at William's recovery from an episode of mental illness. Reports that William will soon sail from London to Boston. Discusses economics, commenting on the low price of good in the United States. Notes that credit for American trade is "greatly lessen'd" in England. Writes, "in confidence, I would intimate that if Mr Wm Knox extends his Trade and line of connexions, you sir, would render him an essential service by being a guarantee to some of those with whom he…

GLC02437.03071

6 January 1785

Webber, James, fl. 1784-1797

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Webber, a London merchant and friend of William Knox, reports the details of William's recent episode of mental illness. William had announced his intentions to marry Miss Laurens, "a Daughter of Mr Henry Laurens." Although they were apparently courting, she knew nothing of the proposal. Webber regrettably describes a scene in which William arrived at the Laurens' residence with loaded guns, declaring "God, and Nature had join'd [William and Miss Laurens] together, and no power on Earth should prevent ye Union, and if not accomplish'd ye House and Street should be set on fire in a few days…

GLC02437.03082

February 5, 1785

Webber, James, fl. 1784-1797

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Signed as the merchant firm "Webber, Addington & Bucknell." Discusses several invoices and other business matters. Writes that they "Sincerely wish it may soon be in our power to send a more favorable accot. of Mr. William Knox," referring to Henry's brother, William.

GLC02437.03092

2 March 1785

Webber, James, fl. 1784-1797

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Webber reports on the condition of Henry's brother, William, who suffered from mental illness. Writes, "I now am griev'd that I cannot send you more agreeable tidings, still continues in the same way, and I fear but little probability of a quick recovery to a sound state of Mind- has some small intervals of reason, but it soon wears away- appetite tolerable, but much alter'd in his appearance." Promises to continue to care for William if Henry cannot come to England. Discusses financial matters that have been neglected by William. Mentions a letter from General Oglethorpe (possibly James…

GLC02437.03102

4 May 1785

Webber, James, fl. 1784-1797

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Webber reports on the condition of Henry's brother, William, who suffered from mental illness. Writes, "Tis with great pleasure I can inform you that Mr W Knox is abundantly more compos'd and steady now, than he was, generally is recollected, but at intervals light and wavering..."

GLC02437.03138

September 7, 1785-October 5, 1785

Webber, James, fl. 1783-1797

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Marked "duplicate." Includes two letters from James Webber, both written from London. In the first letter, in a clerical hand, but initialed by Webber, written on September 7, 1785, Webber outlines his dealings with Knox's brother, William, whom he had cared for when William became mentally unstable. He writes that due to a variety of circumstances, including poor sales of his goods, William became afflicted with "a lowness of spirits: and a desire to be alone." Webber took him into his home and helped him prepare to depart for America. Begs Knox to write to him about William's well-being…

GLC02437.03188

7 September 1785

Webber, James, fl. 1784-1797

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Duplicate of GLC02437.03188.

GLC02437.03189

7 February 1787

Webber, James, fl. 1784-1797

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses financial arrangements and is happy to hear that Knox has received part of the monies owed him. Writes, however, that "[a]s Mr. Soderstam and Goodeve has not yet paid, must request you to take every step, which you may judge most prudent and effectual towards recovering the Money, as the longer Goodeves is left, I am fearful ye worse it will be." Advises Knox to encourage Mr. [Samuel] Ogden to sell as many of their goods as possible. Comments on the serious tax burden faced by Americans, and how this influences international trade. Mentions that he is happy to hear William Knox…

GLC02437.03445

20 October 1788

Tracy, John, fl. 1789-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Plans to visit Marietta, Ohio in the next few months. Asks Knox for letters of introduction to General Arthur St. Clair, Governor of the Northwest Territory, and other notables in the area. Docket notes that this letter was answered and letters were sent to St. Clair, General [Josiah] Harmar, and Major [Isaac] Craig.

GLC02437.04006

25 October 1789

Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Describes the situation in western Georgia concerning negotiations with the Creeks. The Commission has not succeeded as of yet in negotiating a treaty with the Creeks. Mentions violence along the frontier between Native Americans and white settlers, including incidents in which Native Americans attacked forts and burned them. Reports that the Spanish have concluded a treaty with the Creek Nation, and that Creek leader Alexander McGillivray was involved. Describes the Creeks as "numerous & insolent, until they were made to experience our superiority in the Field..." Suggests a…

GLC02437.04397

7 February 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Anthony Wayne

Signed "HK." Discusses the Creek Indians in Georgia. Agrees with Wayne about the utility of rifles. Asks if maybe Wayne's informant was mistaken in saying that the Creeks received 6000 muskets from the Spaniards. Writes about whether or not Georgia has a constitutional right to sell any of the Western lands not legally purchased from the natives, and says the result will soon be known. Assumes that a company of troops formerly discussed will be ready to march soon. States, "The subject of the creek business is under the consideration of the legislature...The late sales of Georgia has operated…

GLC02437.04502

20 March 1790

Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Answers Knox's question regarding the number of muskets "received from the Spaniards by the Creeks," stating that the number is 6,000. Reports that "our Mr. McGilvery," a Georgia planter, has told him that "the Spaniards had not when first demanded, a sufficient number of that kind of smooth bore arms, that suited the Indians, that a vessel was dispatched to the Bahamias [Bahamas] in in [sic] order to procure as many as were deficient, & that the[y] had all actually arrived whilst he remained with his namesake the Indian McGilvery..." (Creek leader Alexander McGillivray). Discusses the…

GLC02437.04556

12 May 1790

Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for sending three more companies of men to him, as he believes this will help deter the Indians from hostilities. Provides the opinion of Creek leader "McGilvery" (referring to Alexander McGillivray), who believes that it is likely some Creeks will reinitiate hostilities because they feel the truce between the government and the Creeks has expired. McGillivray requested to the Governor that a government agent be sent to meet with the Creeks. Therefore, a group of commissioners will be sent in an attempt to sue for peace. Also remarks, "It's also said that Mr. McGilvery is to…

GLC02437.04604

25 December 1789

Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

General Wayne acknowledges a letter from Knox of 28 November and talks about information on a possible treaty between the Creeks and the Spanish government. Wayne gives his opinion of rifles "when a professional gentleman who had been in the British services, asked my Opinion of the efficiacy of rifles, to the fire of which the British attributed in great degree the loss of that Army - I gave my sentiments very candidly, that I thought them a very improper arm for an Army, that a few of them in the hands of expert marksmen might occasionally be servicable for small desultory parties, when…

GLC02437.04808

January 22, 1791

Waters, Josiah, fl. 1776-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Congratulates Knox on his promotion as Secretary of War. Asks Knox for an appointment in the new Militia and for compensation for past military service. Makes the case for using the Artillery Company of Massachusetts, "which was incorporated in 1638 and possessing a Charter from the Government." Praises General Lincoln as the leader of the company and as someone who can recommend Waters.

GLC02437.04834

1 April 1792

Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Has read and considered Knox's recent letter and is proud that he and the President think highly of his abilities. However, must decline Knox's offer of an appointment, apparently because he feels he would find "committing [his] military character" to events "which [he] can not direct" exceedingly difficult. Plans to obtain a civilian post instead. Thanks Knox and the President profusely.

GLC02437.05392

13 July 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Anthony Wayne

Writes about two horses being returned, "one for you and all camp and another for a servant." Asks him to look into the matter. States that the cavalry horses must be used for the purposes "for which they are designed."

GLC02437.05536

22 March 1793

Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Marked "Private Personal & Confidential." References Knox's letters of 5 and 9 March. Claims some of the officers are drunks who lack military skills. Expresses sarcastic anger over orders given by Knox about ensigns in the army. Wayne does not have enough ensigns to follow Knox's orders from the letter of 5 March and is frustrated that he cannot use the provisional ensigns as ordered in the 9 March letter. The provisional ensigns need to be confirmed by the Senate. Says he does not want to put the men or his own personal honor on the line with some of these officers. Suggests the…

GLC02437.05856

12 April 1793

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Anthony Wayne

Marked "Private." Reports that Mrs. [Wilkinson] had hoped to join him during his trip down the Ohio River and that she expected to be in Pittsburgh by 7 May. Her plans have changed since Wayne's latest letter said he is starting out on 22 April. As some of the troops heading west will more than likely be delayed, she will travel with them.

GLC02437.05869

6 October 1793

Waters, Josiah, fl. 1776-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Says that Knox cannot enter Boston unless his baggage is cleaned with gunpowder smoke. Says Knox's certificate is sufficient for him and his servants to enter the city. Expresses a desire to be as helpful to Knox as possible. Appears to be written from Boston.

GLC02437.05940

15 November 1793

Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Marked "Private." Makes reference to the "baneful leaven," the radical democratic principles of the French Revolution, influencing troops in his army. Mentions that Thomas Paine's "The rights of man, has been held up as a Criterion, even of Military Government. Attempts have frequently been made to evade & disobey Orders, under various & unworthy pretexts & idle quibles [sic], unknown at any period before that time, in the Legion." Reports that the most visible actor is Major Cushing "who is a very artful & seditious man." Also mentions a Captain Gunn. Goes into some of…

GLC02437.05975

11 June 1794

Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox the people of Kentucky have been opposing the general government. Mentions he enclosed an extract of a letter from a witness to an incident that took place in Kentucky. Notes the letter shows the present temper of the people. Reports the incident took place in Lexington, Kentucky and involved men overtaking the rostrum and addressing the people "in the most inflammatory & invective language." Comments two men gave elaborate speeches for two hours and ended the speech declaring they were pro Britain occupying the N.W. Banks of the Ohio. Also notes an earlier incident…

GLC02437.06117

7 July 1794

Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Copy of a letter describing the build up to the Battle of Fallen Timbers. States Major [William] McMahon was attacked at Fort Recovery by a large band of Indians early in the morning. Reports the attacks lasted all day and night, and throughout the next day before the Indians were finally forced to retreat. Eight to ten bodies were found dead. Comments the real goal of the "savages" was to take the fort by a "coup de main." Notes the camp was left short on supplies and it appears the soldiers killed and ate a number of the pack horses. Reports three small parties of Chickasaw and…

GLC02437.06137

16 July 1794

Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Clerical copy in the hand of War Dept. clerk Samuel Lewis. Discusses the Indians retreat from Fort Recovery and the routes they took. Believes the Wabash Indians and Patawatimes Indians, ranging from 250 to 300 each, broke off from the main body that was heading for Grand Glaize and took different trails. Informs Knox he has several parties collecting information on the British and the "Savages" at Grand Glaize and Roche de Bout, Ohio. Mentions he will be leaving in four to five days, heading towards Grand Glaize, Ohio. Provides details on the route and plan he will take once he arrives…

GLC02437.06147

26 October 1794

Waters, Josiah, fl. 1776-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a prior conversation they had. Also mentions their mutual friend, [Henry] Jackson. Requests Knox writes as soon as it is convenient. Lower left corner of the letter is missing, causing extensive text loss. Letter was repaired at a later date.

GLC02437.06229