2 May 1791

Manuscript document

Title: [Regimental request for the Society of Cincinnati] [in French]

Request of the French regiment of de Cuzenne for crosses of the Society of Cincinnati.

GLC02437.04937

13 May 1791

Breck, Samuel, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

On behalf of himself and his wife, Breck thanks the Knoxes for offering their Philadelphia house to use as the Breck home, but they cannot accept the invitation. The Codmans, with whom the Brecks are traveling, insist that the party stay together. In a postscript, Breck says he expects to "meet Miss Breck and Miss Knox at Colonel Ogdens."

GLC02437.04947

14 May 1791

Benny and Rogers, fl. 1791

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

The firm Benny & Rogers write Secretary of War Knox to tell him that they received his "favor, covering Mr. Duers acceptance for 488 50/100 Dollars" as payment for two sets of maps. Free frank signed by Benny and Rogers and "Free" stamped on address leaf.

GLC02437.04948

25 May 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Benny & Rogers

Responds to the firm Benny & Rogers' earlier letter (see GLC02437.04948). Discusses financial business regarding a bill Knox covered on behalf of [William] Duer for $488.50.

GLC02437.04958

14 June 1791

Brooks, John, 1752-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Marked "private." Written by Brooks who had a medical practice in Medford and was a federal marshal to Secretary of War Knox. Says he was offered a chance to reenter the service by Henry Jackson. After some reflection he says he has to decline. Expresses gratitude for the offer and Knox's friendship. Says he has "arrived at a period of life which will not admit of hazarding my future fortune on contingencies - such contingencies at least as present themselves to me in contemplating the appointment in question, I could answer it neither to my family, nor my own mind to relinquish my…

GLC02437.04996

5 July 1791

Breck, Samuel, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Says the enclosed letter (not included) is from Miss Breck to Knox's daughter. Will write more in a day or two as the post is leaving immediately. Gratefully acknowledges Lucy Knox's kindness to his daughter.

GLC02437.05051

10 July 1791

Cobb, David, 1748-1830

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Cobb, a member of the Massachusetts legislature, writes that Knox may have seen "that small son of mine, whom you have kindly honor'd with a Commission." Says he has "an affection" for the "Lad" and that "the Females of my Family will never forgive you or me, if he is unfortunate." Mentions he has frequently discussed the prospects of a canal from the Connecticut River to Boston. Explains that the general consensus seems to be that the canal should be cut from Miller's River instead of the Chickibee. Says that Miller's River is above some of the waterfalls "that at present prevent the…

GLC02437.05057

August 6, 1791

Chamillard de Varville, Paul de, fl. 1779-1791

Autograph letter signed

Title: Request for admission into Society of the Cincinnati

Writes that French Lieutenant Colonel Chamillard has the honor to represent to the members of the Society of the Cincinnati that he was the commander of 200 volunteers on board the frigate Bonhomme Richard. In the battle with the HMS Serapis "his conduct was such that the most flattering elogiun [sic] were given to him, in consequence the favours of his court were bestow'd on him." Says that of the 25 volunteers on the poop deck under his command, 22 were disabled. He has heard that Captains Stark and [Maurty] of the Irish Brigade were admitted into the Society of the Cincinnati by a decision…

GLC02437.05105

7 August 1791

Breck, Samuel, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Says he was determined to pursue "the Object relative to the Direction of the Bank which you was so obliging as to advice when I saw you in Philadelphia," but that he has since "abandoned the project & Sold out." Was concerned that if he had a large holding in the bank he would have "to attend its operation," and if he had a small stake he would not accrue "Honor or Proffit." Despite his pull out he claims "I rejoice however at the rising Credit of our Country and expect very soon to see it on a footing, superior to any other whatever." Says that Alexander Hamilton will be gratified…

GLC02437.05109

12 August 1791

Bird, Henry Merttins, 1755-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References receiving "polite attentions" from Knox the last time he was in New York. Offers his services "in the disposal in London of your American funds, of which I understand you are a considerable holder." When he arrived in London he learned that "some steps I had taken previous to leaving America had procur'd to Bird Savage & Bird of London, the house of which I am a partner, the consignment of between 2-300,000 dollars of your 6 prCent." Says that the public in London is unfamiliar with these funds and their sale has been slow. Notes he has been having advertisements produced…

GLC02437.05117

2 September 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Breck

Reports that Madame de la Val and Mr. de la Roche are "respectable emigrants from France [and] are desirous of visiting the province of Maine." They are traveling through Boston for this purpose. Asks Breck to offer civilities to them.

GLC02437.05139

7 September 1791

Bird, Henry Merttins, 1755-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Includes copies of two letters. The originals were written in London. First letter written on 7 September and second letter on 5 October. The first letter says "I have not been deceived in my expectations that the American Stock would rise our house having within this week sold large quantities of it at 107 1/2 percent & there is no reason to doubt that it will shortly get up to 110." Encourages Knox to send stocks to England for sale. Says Bird Savage & Bird has sold $175,000 worth of 6 percent stock in the last 5 weeks. The second letter says his mercantile house has continued…

GLC02437.05146

9 September 1791

Butler, Pierce, 1744-1822

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks Knox's pardon "for the intrusion of a letter on business yesterday morning - I had not heard 'till late in the afternoon of your House being a House of Mourning, or I shou[l]d never have broke in on you at such a season." This is in reference to the death of Knox's son Marcus (see GLC02437.05152 and .05162). Sends his sympathies. Tells Knox that "true indeed is the observation of the Poet that We are all Pensioners on the bounty of an hour. Such are the terms on which He who Wills all things gave us life; and we must submit." Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.05148

25 September 1791

Breck, Samuel, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Sends condolences on the death of Knox's son, Marcus. Says "Pray do not be surprised if, after what I have written to you respecting Bank Stock, I should become a Citizen of Philadelphia and that only in a private Character." Laments living in Boston because of the recent high assessment of his taxes (for the coming year, he owes $1,100). Says the twenty richest people in Boston are being forced to pay for the entire expenses of the city. Claims "for eight years past my only employ has been to spend money & establish manufactures, & as I can effect the first as conveniently any where…

GLC02437.05167

26 September 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: [Henry Knox declines subscribing to the building of a theatre]

Signed in text. Knox, writing in the third person, proclaims great respect for Thomas Wignell and Alexander Reinagle "yet he begs leave to decline subscribing to the erection of a new theatre" (likely the Chestnut Street Theater in Philadelphia).

GLC02437.05168

27 September 1791

Bruce, Phineas, 1762-1809

Manuscript document

Title: to Henry Jackson

This is a copy of Bruce's letter in Jackson's hand (includes Jackson's signature). Discusses the purchase Knox is about to make of the "million of Acres between the Rivers Penobscot & Schoodie." Says the tract has fewer swamps and better soil than their adjoining purchase made earlier. Describes the country as "beautiful & romantick, interspersed with small hills, Valleys & fine fresh meadows." The timber consists of rock maple, beech, black and yellow birch, oak, elm, and some cedar and pines. Reports that the lakes are numerous, but only two or three of any magnitude have been…

GLC02437.05170

2 October 1791

Beckwith, George, 1753-1823

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that he did himself the honor to visit Knox this morning in order to invite him to dinner at the City Tavern the following Tuesday at 4 o'clock. Notes that Knox will have the opportunity to "meet your neighbour & friend Mr. Laurence." States that he is "Anxious to promote the benign purposes of peace! good humour! and intercourse! I am happy at all times in the being employed in whatever may have a tendency to promote such objects, which cannot conclude better than by a little eating and drinking."

GLC02437.05181

5 October 1791

Brett, Piercy, fl. 1788-1792

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [John Maunsell]

This appears to have been sent to British General John Maunsell, who mentioned to Knox that he would pass along letters from Brett (see GLC02437.05188). References receiving a letter "with the enclosed from your brother the Clergyman." Writes, "I have no news to send you this time; the times do not afford any. The troubles of Europe are nearly at an end, and every thing begins to assume a face of tranquillity. Louis the 16th has accepted of the new constitution, and all the people of France, [&] Paris in particular, rejoicing thereat, and nothing now heard in any quarter of that city but…

GLC02437.05186

9 October 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Samuel Breck

References receiving Breck's letter from his son. Thanks him for his sympathy upon the death of his son Marcus. Says "Language is utterly inadequate to convey any idea of the agony of our souls upon the occasion." References Breck's previous letter where he ranted about the high taxes the assessors implemented in Boston. Would be happy to have Breck as a neighbor in Philadelphia if he should move. Reports that "House rent is here exceedingly high." Goes on to explain the rental real estate market in Philadelphia. Praises the house of Mr. Simmons, a coachmaker, at the corner of Chestnut and…

GLC02437.05189

14 October 1791

Carrington, Edward, 1749-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References Knox's letter of 5 October, which enclosed John Pope's note for eight dollars. Knox sent Carrington a copy of a memorandum on a meeting he had with Pope on 5 October (see GLC02437.05187). Describes Pope as "unhappy in his habits of wandering, and is considered in a degree crazed. he was once a young man somewhat pioneering - his talents were more than common." Adds that even now, several scraps of poetry written by Pope are "not intirely contemptible." Relates that Pope left Virginia for Kentucky about 12 months previously. After that, Carrington heard he traveled to New Orleans.…

GLC02437.05195

16 October 1791

Breck, Samuel, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References Knox's letter of 9 October (GLC02437.05189). Thanks him for looking into the housing market in Philadelphia, and agrees with him that "the extravagant high rents will produce a sufficient number of Houses to accomodate all who wish them, on moderate terms." As he has no business to attend to, will visit Philadelphia in the spring. Plans to either hire, purchase, or build a home. Notes that he is willing to consider Mr. Simmons's house if they can agree on a price. Explains other options in Philadelphia and goes on to lament the high taxes in Boston. Relates that it is too late for…

GLC02437.05197

9 November 1791

Darke, William, 1736-1801

Autograph document signed

Title: to George Washington

Written from Fort Washington, near present-day Cincinnati, Ohio. Battle report providing extensive details of the defeat of General [Arthur] St. Clair at the hands of the Miami Indians on the Northwest Frontier. Docketed by George Washington.

GLC02437.05233

22 December 1791

Butler, Maria, fl. 1791

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Washington

Written by Mrs. Maria Butler, the widow of General Richard Butler, who had been killed that year by Indians in battle in the Ohio Territories. Refers to the death of her husband and the dangerous living conditions surrounding her in the Pittsburgh area. Requests more troops to protect her and her family and the other white settlers in the region, and to hold onto the land that was so dearly fought for by her husband.

GLC02437.05269

January 22, 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Washington

Writes that he has not "list[ed] the characters mentioned yesterday to any mortal." Declares that Arthur St. Clair has arrived, and that he has not seen him yet but will this morning.

GLC02437.05296

13 March 1792

Wilkinson, James, 1757-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Clement Biddle

Written from Fort Washington, present-day Cincinnati, Ohio. Received his last letter, which suggests that General [Arthur] St. Clair might not continue in command of the army much longer. This fills him with anxiety. Discusses possible ramifications of the appointment of a new commander. Comments on the difficult situation he has found himself in, between Major [David] Zeigler and Colonel [Samuel] Hodgdon. Explains in some detail the interpersonal conflict among his officers. Comments on the downfall of General [Josiah] Harmar due to his "unfortunate propensity to drink."

GLC02437.05354