2 April 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Hichborn

Writes that though he has written only once since he left Boston, his affection has not diminished for Hichborn. Is happy to hear all his Boston friends, including Hichborn, are well; this is frequently reported to Knox by his "valuable chronicle" Henry Jackson. Relates that his wife Lucy is in poor spirits as her mother [Hannah Waldo Flucker] died the previous December, and she now only has one sister left [Mrs. Hannah Urquhart]. Due to this circumstance he is interested in renewing his attentions to the "eastern estates," likely the Waldo Patent properties belonging to Lucy's family.…

GLC02437.03259

12 November 1786

Higginson, Stephen, 1743-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: [to Henry Knox]

Discusses the upcoming possible war with the Indians, and especially the financial prospects of Congress. Believes that Congress will be able to raise more money. Mentions that the Treasurer (possibly Robert Morris) has offered his loan, and that others in a position to do so will feel compelled to provide funding as well. Recipient inferred from content. See GLC02437.03317 and .03343 for related information.

GLC02437.03336

25 November 1786

Higginson, Stephen, 1743-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that since his last letter, the loan for raising men to oppose the Indians has been offered, and it has been debated for several days. The reference to "Indians" is code for the troops being raised to suppress Shays's Rebellion. Explains different positions on the subject. Mentions that Shays' Rebellion has factored into the discussion. Seems to think they will, in a few days, have the money necessary for enlisting the men. Encloses a newspaper article about the doings of the General Court (not present). Also discusses how well the government seems to be functioning. Recipient…

GLC02437.03343

26 December 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Hichborn

Writes that he received a letter regarding Mr. [Stephen] Bruce's contracting to provide rations for the troops currently being raised. Would be happy to consider him for the contract, but his powers are constrained as the Board of Treasury has "agreed on the principles of an extensive contract for all the demands of the establishment." The Board is apparently planning to select one contractor to provide payment, clothing, and rations, and other supplies. Seems to suggest it might be possible for Mr. Bruce to contract with the one overarching contractor. Under these circumstances, the…

GLC02437.03393

20 January 1787

Higginson, Stephen, 1743-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses raising troops to fight against the insurgents, in particular to fight under Colonel [possibly Michael] Jackson. Mentions the drive to raise funds for recruiting troops and also procuring supplies, such as for the regiments of General [Henry] Jackson and General [Benjamin] Lincoln. Reports on preparations for the fight against the Shays insurgents, and describes the preparations in the nearby states, such as New York.

GLC02437.03418

20 February 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Hannah Flucker Urquhart Harwood

Knox congratulates Harwood on her nuptials. Comments on his own marriage: "I have read yr letter to Lucy with great pleasure- her memory seems to have led her into [scrape]- She forgot that she married one Henry Knox of Cornhill, Boston- She was a sad tory then and is but a bad republican now..."

GLC02437.03804

21 August 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Elnathan Haskell

Missed Haskell when he recently called on Knox. Considers [Platt's?] bills accepted, and will send his friend Joseph Peirce to present the bills to Haskell for his signature. Knox's signature has been clipped.

GLC02437.03968

18 November 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Hichborn

Knox encloses a sum requested by Colonel Benjamin Hichborn and comments on how repayment should be made.

GLC02437.04032

11 January 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Benjamin Hichborn

Discusses a variety of business matters, largely focusing on the Waldo patent lands in Maine. Mentions their ability to get references, as well as legal judgments pertaining to their case. Refers to a letter from Mr. [likely Isaac] Winslow, outlining Hichborn's opinion on these matters. Also comments on the views of a Mr. Robbins (possibly Edward Hutchinson Robbins). Writes that Mrs. Knox sends her regards to Hichborn and his wife.

GLC02437.04087

8 April 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Hannah Flucker Urquhart Harwood

Addressed to his "dear Sister." Mentions that he perused the letters she sent to Lucy Knox earlier in the year. Discusses his actions regarding "her father" Thomas Flucker's estate, especially regarding how favorable the government is to his claims. Comments on the debts "against" the estate, and presents some business plans for the Waldo patent lands. Mentions an agent in England, Thomas Longman.

GLC02437.04169

23 April 1789

Hazen, Charlotte, fl. 1789

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

The wife of General Moses Hazen, Charlotte (she signs it "Charlot"), writes, "Mr Hazen I am informed has requested to see you about some business, I suppose from circumstances it is to consult you on the propriety of either going to Lake Champlain, or remaining in the neighbourhood of this City, If you have any compassion on me, pray advise him to the latter for the present, and in so doing, you will much oblige your Very Humble Servt. Charlot Hazen."

GLC02437.04187

16 July 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Hannah Harwood [incomplete]

Top portion of page 1 is torn off. Appears to discuss financial arrangements regarding their shared business interest in the Waldo patent lands and the Flucker estate.

GLC02437.04291

12 September 1789

Hays, Moses M., 1739-1805

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he has heard that Rhode Island will soon "embrace the Federal Union," and the government will therefore need to appoint a Collector at Newport. Apparently offers himself as a candidate, as he relates that he plans to give his son control of his businesses when his son returns from Europe in the fall.

GLC02437.04355

20 September 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Moses Michael Hayes

Would be happy to help Mr. Hays if he had the power to do so. However, it appears that Mr. Hays's not being a current resident of Rhode Island is a formidable barrier in securing him the appointment. Regardless of this problem, if he would like to submit a letter to the President about the position, Knox will present it to him.

GLC02437.04361

8 December 1789

Hazen, Moses, 1733-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Hopes for a final settlement of his affairs, presumably his military accounts. Notes that when he entered the service, he was promised an indemnification of his losses in Canada, and a commission was appointed to hear related evidence. Congress has since failed to confirm the commission's findings, and Hazen does not know who is responsible for the long delay in settling his affairs.

GLC02437.04430

10 December 1789

Hichborn, Joseph D., fl. 1789

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses recent financial difficulties, and asks to borrow money from Knox "to appear a little decent as were I lodg'd they have taken all my Cloths I should have wait'd on you myself But my dress was such that I was asham'd..." Previously asked Knox's brother, William, for help in obtaining prize money he is owed for serving as an officer on the Alliance under Captain John Paul Jones. Requests Knox to advance him the sum.

GLC02437.04434

2 June 1790

Harwood, Hannah, F.U., fl. 1774-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Apologizes for not writing sooner, but declares she was ashamed to tell him that no progress had been made on their Waldo patent land dealings. However, is pleased to report that she "obliged the Creditors of my Father to consent to your receiving your demand without a chancery suit." Discusses business interests relating to the Waldo patent and debt repayment, including financial affairs with Thomas Longman in London, England. Also discusses family news, congratulating the Knox family on the birth of a new son.

GLC02437.04622

6 November 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Hannah Harwood

Secretary of War Knox writes to his sister-in-law Hannah acknowledging her letter to him the previous June. Knox believes Hannah has done all she can to "consistently" tell Mr. Longman '"the state of things." Knox discusses his land dealings and values, and the prospects of obtaining and selling different lands. States that his brother will deliver this letter and will update her on family news. Reports that they will soon move to Philadelphia (the United States government moved from New York to Philadelphia in December 1790).

GLC02437.04721

3 November 1790

Harwood, Hannah, F.U., fl. 1774-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mrs. Harwood tells Secretary of War Knox that she received his letter through William Knox ten days before. She discusses a dispute over whether Knox must provide a receipt to his creditors in London. Mrs. Harwood is acting as a liaison for Knox. There is concern over Knox's demands from the "Massachusetts state." Mrs. Harwood says, "I must desire you will send a receipt in full of all demands upon me, to Longman to be delivered by him." Mrs. Harwood will not pay her bond to Knox until she has received a receipt from him. She tells Knox she sees his brother William seldom because he has many…

GLC02437.04766

10 November 1790

Hichborn, Benjamin, 1746-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that "with some difficulty" he "obtained the necessary Certificate, and the order of the Supreme Court at Cambridge for the Sale of the whole of Mrs. Flucker's real Estate." Before the sale Knox has to take an oath "and I think give hands for the faithful discharge of your duty." After a "small journey" Hichborn will see "whether that oath cannot be taken at Philadelphia."

GLC02437.04775

23 March 1791

Hichborn, Benjamin, 1746-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that he has received a request from Mr. Peirce to give him his advice "respecting the Sale of the Patent Lands." States he thinks that land will sell "in the time limited by [Knox's] wishes." Provides his opinion on whom should be appointed to the 2nd regiment.

GLC02437.04889

4 April 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Hichborn

Encloses an appointment (not included) for Hichborn's son. Tells Hichborn, "Mr. Peirce will have commanded the plan for selling the estate - pray see that all is right."

GLC02437.04900

23 April 1791

Hichborn, Benjamin, 1746-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks Know to give his son, who received an appointment, preferential treatment. Believes Harry [Henry Jackson] should be appointed district Marshall. Thinks Jackson will be a good appointment as Knox "possesses an unbounded influence" on him. Hichborn mentions that he has seen Joseph Peirce often. This letter is marked private. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.04923

28 September 1791

Hichborn, Benjamin, 1746-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that he has "at last settled the principles on which the account is to be closed very much to my satisfaction tho not exactly upon my first plan." Says their "friend" was not of service as expected and he had to come forward and negotiate for himself. Hopes to see Knox the following week. Reports that Madame de la Val and her party set off in a packet last Saturday. Writes, "they had a shocking time, but are well over it by this time." Concludes with "yours in more friend ship than I believe you have for me. -" Stamped "FREE" on verso.

GLC02437.05172

4 October 1791

Hays, Moses M., 1739-1805

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Hays writes on behalf of John Coffin Jones. Responds to the letter Knox sent to Jones related to obtaining sea letters for Captain Josiah Roberts. States that since the ship is ready to sail soon, the owners would like the letters forwarded "with all speed." Henry Jackson said he was going to contact Knox for help getting a letter from the Spanish ambassador, and Hays notes that the owners will be grateful for Knox's assistance.

GLC02437.05184