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to Henry Knox

Mentions the return of General Benjamin Lincoln. Hopes the transition to a peacetime military establishment will commence without further delay. Does not think Congress intends to abolish the Office of Secretary at War (which Lincoln held from 1781...

GLC02437.09402

to Henry Knox

Marked "Duplicate" at the top by George Washington. Mentions the return of General Benjamin Lincoln. Hopes the transition to a peacetime military establishment will commence without further delay. Does not think Congress intends to abolish the...

GLC02437.09403

to Henry Knox

General Washington writes to Knox, who had been Chief of the Continental Artillery during the Revolutionary War. Recently visited his "aged Mother," Mary Ball Washington. Thanks Knox for so diligently reporting the state of the garrison and stores...

GLC02437.09404

to Henry Knox

Washington encloses letters "under flying Seals" to the Count de Rochambeau and the Marquis de Chastellux "introductory of Mr. Swan." Also includes certificates for Lieutenants Seaver and Henley (no documents included). Discusses suspending a...

GLC02437.09405

to Henry Knox

Washington complains of applications, letters of compliment, and enquiries which occupy his time and deprive him of exercise. He plans to hire someone to deal with the drudgery of this troublesome correspondence. Assures Knox that his letters are...

GLC02437.09406

to Henry Knox

Congratulates Knox on his appointment (on March 8, 1785) to the post of Secretary at War. Encloses a certificate of service for Major Sergeant (not included). Hopes to receive limestone for use in construction. Discusses the Virginia Assembly's...

GLC02437.09407

to Henry Knox

Discusses trade between Indians and the British stationed on the American side of the territorial line (in the Northwest Territory). Reports criticism of the Society of the Cincinnati, including a pamphlet, Considerations sur l'ordre de Cincinnatus...

GLC02437.09408

to Henry Knox

Lamenting Shays' Rebellion, writes "I feel, my dear Genl. Knox, infinitely more than I can express to you, for the disorders which have arisen in these States. Good God! who besides a tory could have foreseen, or a Briton predicted them!" Alludes to...

GLC02437.09409

to Henry Knox

Refers to the constitutional rights of Massachusetts. Also discusses insurgents in that state (Shays' Rebellion was losing momentum). Relates in confidence that he does not want to go to the Constitutional Convention (to be held in Philadelphia)...

GLC02437.09410

to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for several letters, which put his mind at ease regarding General Benjamin Lincoln's military operations (Lincoln led the Massachusetts state militia in Shays' Rebellion) and the dignity of Government. Congratulates Knox on the recent...

GLC02437.09411

to Henry Knox

Relates reasons for not wanting to attend the Constitutional Convention, including the possibility that all states might not attend (rendering representation partial). Notes that if all Delegates attend with the power to address and cure the defects...

GLC02437.09412

to Henry Knox

Transmits a copy of an excerpt from a letter (see GLC 02437.03338) sent by Mr. Jefferson (Thomas Jefferson). Notes that the excerpt pertains to a translation of the article "Cincinnati," from the Encyclopedie Methodique, and reflects the way the...

GLC02437.09413

to Henry Knox

Discusses the Constitutional Convention, and cannot predict the result. Hopes Congress, the states' legislatures, and the community at large will adopt the government agreed upon in the Convention. Is convinced that such government is the best that...

GLC02437.09414

to Henry Knox

Discusses which states are ratifying the Constitution, and predicts its success. Notes "The determination of New York, of all others, seems most problematical; and yet, I can hardly entertain an idea that she will be disposed to stand alone..."...

GLC02437.09415

to Henry Knox

Expresses regret that "the important question" Massachusetts is deliberating "stands on such precarious ground" (referring to ratification of the Constitution; Massachusetts ratified 6 February 1788). Predicts that Virginia will choose to ratify...

GLC02437.09416

to Henry Knox

Received Knox's previous letter on the eve of departure for Fredericksburg, to visit his mother. Doubts acceptance of the United States Constitution by the Virginia Convention for ratification. Accuses Anti-Federalists of creating jealousies and...

GLC02437.09418

to Henry Knox

One of Washington's most famous letters, written shortly before going to New York for his inauguration. Washington writes about his apprehensions on assuming the presidency: "my movements to the chair of Government will be accompanied with feelings...

GLC02437.09419

to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for recently sending cloth and buttons. Notes that his coat requires six more buttons for trim, and asks Knox to procure and hold these until Washington arrives in New York. Mentions an article of impost, and laments "the stupor, or...

GLC02437.09420

to Henry Knox

Discusses an expedition against the Wabash Indians. Expresses disappointment in General [Josiah] Harmer. Expected little from Harmer, after hearing he was a drunkard. Instructs Knox to present other important matters before Congress, as they occur...

GLC02437.09421

to Henry Knox

Transmits a letter from the President of the Society of the Cincinnati of South Carolina (possibly William Moultrie). Relates that the enclosed letter pertains to a resolution of the Society. At the bottom of the page, indicates that Knox is...

GLC02437.09422

to Henry Knox

Discusses his orders regarding collecting wood to be used as fuel for the nearby hospital. Washington states he directed the Fourth Connecticut regiment to gather the wood because he found the corps idle and the rest of the army was employed in...

GLC02437.10429

to Henry Knox

Transmits a letter from Colonel Nicholas, who Washington describes as an "influential character in Kentucky." Sends Knox the letter without asking Nicholas's permission. Notes that the transmitted letter pertains to the lack of confidence the...

GLC02437.09423

to Henry Knox

Instructs Knox not to disclose information regarding the nomination of General Officers and a bill that has not yet passed. Docketed in Knox's hand.

GLC02437.09424

to Henry Knox

Asks Knox for money to fund a building for Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine.

GLC02437.06933

to William Bingham

Discusses finances and states that the senate and house have agreed on a price for land in the Penobscot area.

GLC02437.06935