11 May 1789

Bourne, Sylvanus, 1761-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Visited Knox's house several times, but Knox was not home, thus Bourne decided to write this letter. Asks, on behalf of his mother, whether Knox could repay 250 dollars of the late Mr. [Thomas] Flucker's debt, right away, as there is a great need for it at present. Also mentions that he received a letter recently from a Mr. Bayard in Maryland asking for his share of the debt, which Bayard supposed Bourne had. Refer to GLC02437.04202 for Knox's reply.

GLC02437.04201

11 May 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Sylvanus Bourne

Response to GLC02437.04201. Writes that he is sorry he wasn't available when Bourne tried to visit in person. Adds that he would be happy to send him the money owed Bourne from Mr. [Thomas] Flucker's estate, but he has not yet received any money through the estate for the purpose.

GLC02437.04202

20 May 1789

Carrington, Edward, 1749-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Wrote Knox recently and thought he might be able to visit "the metropolis," but now believes he must "decline the trip." Would prefer not to leave while his arrangements are still so tentative, and asks that Knox provide him with useful information as he sees fit. (Carrington may be referring to his prospects of receiving an appointment with the new government; see GLC02437.04167.)

GLC02437.04209

20 May 1789

Bauman, Sebastian, 1739-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to remind him of a letter he wrote to Knox previously, asking Knox to help him financially (perhaps by finding him a job). Argues that he was left impoverished because he spent so much time in "pursuit for the honor of my Country." Adds that he does not have family or friends in a position to help him, so he hopes that Knox will speak with the President and Vice President on his behalf. Docketed 21 May 1789.

GLC02437.04213

21 May 1789

Burke, Aedanus, 1743-1802

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions that he has tried unsuccessfully to "raise a subscription for the unfortunate Baron," likely the Baron de Glasbeech. Writes that there is nothing more he can do, except to send good wishes, and that he is "much mortified by it." A pencil note near the signature, likely written at a later date, states, "Who wrote against the Cincinnati," a reference to Burke's attacks on the Society.

GLC02437.04214

24 May 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Barrett

Received his last letter (GLC02437.04200). Declares that Barrett's education and reputation entitle him to request a position in the new government, but that all nominations are made by the President. Encourages him to submit a letter of application, and discusses what its contents should include.

GLC02437.04219

30 May 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to James Bowdoin

Writes to discuss a recent letter he received via a Dr. Bayley regarding political reforms in Europe.

GLC02437.04225

16 June 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Edward Carrington

Has received his last two letters, but did not write back because he hoped to see Carrington in person. Was also waiting for some government issues to be resolved so he could properly answer Carrington's queries. Has learned Carrington did not yet write the President about obtaining a position in the government, and encourages him strongly to do so, providing advice on what information to include. Mentions that he has recommended him to the President. Adds that he thinks Carrington was smart to not come to New York and try to solicit a job in person.

GLC02437.04243

20 June 1789

Barrett, Samuel, 1739-1798

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Declares that he received Knox's last letter, and would like to ask him to forward to the President a copy of a letter from Governor [John] Hancock, which he transcribes on the bottom half of the page. Hancock's letter recommends Barrett for a job with the federal government.

GLC02437.04249

20 June 1789

Allen, Jeremiah, fl. 1774-1791

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions that his friend Captain Josiah Roberts asked him whether Mr. [Samuel] Shaw has a captain for his ship yet for his next voyage. Allen promised to write and ask, as well as to recommend Roberts for the post, declaring that he himself took a voyage with Roberts and never knew a "more compleat sailor."

GLC02437.04250

25 June 1789

Bryant, John, 1742-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to ask if Knox might help his brother, Lieutenant David Mason. Mason is in New York in a desperate situation, and Bryant has no money at present to help him. Asks if Knox might lend Mason fifteen dollars to book passage to Boston or Springfield on Bryant's account, and Bryant will pay him back out of the first income he receives.

GLC02437.04255

29 June 1789

Biddle, Clement, 1740-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the establishment of a judicial branch for the United States, and his appointment as a justice in Philadelphia. Mentions that his accounts are in order. Has applied to the President for the position of "Marshall of the federal Court for the District of Pennsylvania," but has not yet appealed to any Senators except for those from Pennsylvania. Asks for Knox's help and recommendation. He and his wife also send their respects to Mrs. Knox.

GLC02437.04261

1 July 1789

Carrington, Edward, 1749-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes from "Powhatan via Richmond," most likely in Virginia. Writes that he has, in fact, decided not to travel to New York City in pursuit of a government appointment. Adds, "I did expect that many would collect there in quest of appointments, and that it would draw on them remarks which would tend rather to injure than promote their wishes - I now learn that this is in fact the case - I would not be ranked amongst them for the world." Believes that the President will not make appointments based on "absence or presence" but instead based on "character." Sends his respects to Mrs. Knox…

GLC02437.04267

3 July 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to John Bryant

In a secretarial hand and unsigned, but author is likely Henry Knox. Letter is probably a reply to GLC02437.04255, from Bryant to Knox. Writes that he would be happy to advance Bryant's brother-in-law Mr. Mason the sum Bryant requested, but he thinks it will not be necessary, as "such provision has been recently made for him as will relieve his present necessities."

GLC02437.04269

4 July 1789

Manuscript document

Title: [Minutes for the Society of the Cincinnati meeting of 4 July 1789]

Docket suggests that this copy of the minutes was created by a Thomas Jainson on 25 January 1836. Minutes for an annual meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati held 4 July 1789 at the Bunch of Grapes Tavern in Boston, Massachusetts. Topics discussed include financial relief for a Society member, David Mason, Jr. (see GLC02437.04255 and .04269), and reports from the Standing Committee. Also includes motions that passed at the meeting.

GLC02437.04270

14 July 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Barrett

Received his recent letters with their enclosures, and delivered the enclosures to the President. Writes that the President's recent illness has limited his ability to consider candidates for public office, but agrees that Barrett's documents will receive the fullest consideration.

GLC02437.04283

15 July 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Sylvanus Bourne

Discusses Bourne's request to borrow money. Due to the debts owed on the Flucker estate, he cannot advance money to him from the estate, but he would be willing to loan him fifty dollars.

GLC02437.04288

16 July 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Samuel Breck

Writes that this letter will be handed to Breck by Mr. John Henry, who works for the American Theatre. Since Pennsylvania has repealed laws against dramatic performance, Mr. Henry wants to expand his theatre into that state. Contends that the theatre under the direction of Mr. Henry and a Miss Hallan is conducted with the greatest propriety.

GLC02437.04292

20 July 1789

Butler, Pierce, 1744-1822

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to recommend a friend, Mr. Hall, for a clerk's position under Knox in the War Department. Describes Mr. Hall's past military service as well as his misfortunes in civilian life, and describes him as old but honorable and of great ability. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.04296

22 July 1789

Biddle, Clement, 1740-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received his recent letter and is "happy to hear that your Child is out of danger." Writes that he must again bother Knox on the subject of judicial appointments. Mentions that he wrote to the President on the subject about three weeks ago about his interest in being appointed "Marshall of the federal Court for the district of Pennsylvania" but has heard nothing back from him. Is a bit concerned because the President has always employed him in his private affairs. Asks Knox to mention him to the President if he gets the opportunity, and to mention that Biddle's accounts have been settled…

GLC02437.04299

23 July 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Pierce Butler

Received his favor via Captain Hall (see GLC02437.04296). Would like very much to be able to help Captain Hall, but he already employs many clerks and does not have any vacancies at present.

GLC02437.04303

3 August 1789

Bruce, Stephen, ?-1801

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Has not, until now, solicited Knox regarding employment because of his awareness that many of Knox's friends must have already asked. Writes that he believes Knox will soon be reappointed to his position and hopes he will be able to continue to provide services and supplies to Knox as he needs them.

GLC02437.04313

13 April 1788

Bourne, Sylvanus, 1761-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [Henry Knox]

Expresses concern about the ratification of the Constitution and what it might mean for his future career. Describes his "native Ambition of serving [his] Country in Some...capacity..." Asks for help in obtaining a government position and mentions prior experience in commerce and goes on to state that "the establishment of which on proper principles view as one of the great leading Steps to our future national greatness..." States that he has applied for a consulship in Spain. Watermarked "C Taylor" and with a hunting horn in a crest with "GR" underneath.

GLC02437.10212

13 June 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Washington

Explains an issue with Major Pierre L'Enfant and the Society of Cincinnati. Major L'Enfant was sent to France to present Eagles to the French members of the society, at the society's expense. Was granted a sum of money for the purpose, but in his zeal to serve the society, he had more than 100 extra Eagles cast by the artist there, Mr. Francastle (goldsmith Nicolas-Jean Francastel). When he returned to America, he found that the society could not reimburse the extra expense, and the Eagles were not selling. The debt could ruin the Major, and Knox is concerned for him, as well as for the…

GLC02437.03273

23 October 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to George Washington

Writes that he hopes to be able to visit General Washington at Mount Vernon soon. Is convinced of the General's affection for him and feels sure that his limited correspondence will not be misconstrued; is aware that responding to too many letters can be difficult, and he has been traveling to and from Massachusetts on both public and private business, which has prevented him from writing. Argues that the political system currently in place is inadequate: "The powers of Congress are utterly inadequate to preserve the balance between the respective States, and oblige them to do those things…

GLC02437.03319