2 April 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Gordon

Writes that he is unaware of a present being sent from the King of France to General George Washington; declares that Colonel Laurens received money and goods but he thought they had been purchased. Provides information about a wartime incident featuring General Washington and the Comte de Grasse (much of this section is crossed out). May have been verifying information for the Reverend Doctor Gordon's history of the war (see GLC02437.03248). See GLC02437.03258 for a legible copy of the section describing this incident.

GLC02437.03257

1 April 1787

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Believes that George Washington's attendance at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia "will add weight to their proceedings - the spirit of electioneering has exceeding any before known ... " Discusses the election for the Massachusetts governor and believes that John Hancock will win the seat. Noted as written in Charlestown, which is now a part of Boston, Massachusetts. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.03510

15 July 1790

Glover, John, 1732-1797

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Requests assistance in obtaining the position of collection officer at the port of Marblehead. Asks Knox to recommend him to President George Washington for the appointment. For a recommendation of Glover given by Benjamin Hichborn, refer to GLC02437.04652.

GLC02437.04653

January 28, 1783

Glenney, W., fl. 1783

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses how his brother wants Knox's permission to join his regiment and take his brother out of confinement. Originally enclosed with GLC02437.01872.

GLC02437.01870

26 August 1783

Gibbs, Caleb, fl. 1748-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the warm weather. Explains how he is trying to accommodate the invalids and prepare transportation for them. Considers the costs involved. Mentions travelling through New Jersey to get to Dobb's Ferry.

GLC02437.02420

1 September 1783

Gibbs, Caleb, fl. 1748-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Major Gibbs to Major General Knox. Says he wrote Knox a letter on 27 August from Brunswick and since then his regiment has been reduced by sickness. Reports he left 60 men in Brunswick and more have become sick since marching from there. Says that Lt. Bullard, quartermaster of the 2nd regiment who was sent ahead, will be able to give Knox a full report. Says if there is not enough water transportation to take the entire regiment to West Point from Kings Ferry, he will only send along his invalids and baggage. Hopes to reach West Point by Wednesday if the weather is favorable.…

GLC02437.02457

January 29, 1785

Giles, James, fl. 1776-1785

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks Knox for assistance in obtaining the depreciation of pay for his service during the Revolutionary War. Expresses his hope to settle his accounts with the New York Legislature. Writes that although he fares well as a lawyer in New York, he does not expect "to be amongst the foremost in the Profession" because his studies were neglected during the time he served in the military.

GLC02437.03089

21 March 1785

Gordon, William, 1728-1807

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Contains a note at the top of the page from Reverend Gordon, a Revolutionary War historian. The bottom half of the page contains a detailed discussion of the process of making charcoal from walnut wood to be used in the manufacture of gun powder. Written in the neighborhood of Jamaica Plain, formerly part of Roxbury, Massachusetts

GLC02437.03115

21 April 1785

Gibbs, Caleb, fl. 1748-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Gibbs transmits a newspaper to Knox in New York. Discusses "the turbulent news of the day," referring to Bostonians' recent decision not to buy goods from resident British "factors," or agents (newspaper not included). Notes that Knox's wife, Lucy, beat him at a game of chess the previous evening.

GLC02437.03130

11 March 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Gordon

Writes to Reverend Doctor William Gordon, a prominent Massachusetts minister and historian. Discusses a brigade of General Nathanael Greene's division, commanded by Brigadier General Weedon, that engaged with the British "at the close of the action at Brandywine." Explains that while Colonel Walter Stevens' s regiment fought gallantly, so did many others. Adds that he has tried to obtain information for Gordon's history but has been of limited success; refers him to General Greene, whose "information must be perfect on this subject." Also relates that many printers in Boston are upset to…

GLC02437.03247

26 November 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Elbridge Gerry

Later copy of GLC02437.03353. Across the top is a note stating that this letter was copied by Townsend Ward of Philadelphia and the copy was received 16 December 1857. Writes that he and Mr. [Samuel] Osgood are investigating any openings in the public offices in New York, but have found none. Writes, "My brother whose resignation I hinted to you was possible, has decided to stay where he is. Indeed in the present state of commerce he can have no other prospects. Mr. Osgood and myself, will keep this object constantly in view, and in case of any vacancies or appointments, we shall use our…

GLC02437.03352

29 November 1786

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from "Charles Town," possibly Charlestown, Massachusetts, where Gorham was born. Asks Knox to deliver a letter he has enclosed to his daughter. Relates information on preparations Massachusetts has made to confront the insurgents associated with Shays' Rebellion. Describes how they thought the insurgents would stand and fight, but upon realizing that their reinforcements would not be joining them, they ran. Explains that "it is happy for them they did not come," because the government had prepared its own troops to fight. There is now a good chance that a government force will…

GLC02437.03355

13 December 1786

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he had planned to write him a long letter but the Governor sent him on a consultation. Writes, "There is no militia in Hampshire or Worcester that have artilery [sic] - & they are expecting soon to be called & advise not to take any from the arsenal untill the moment it is wanted & then to take what may be necessary- in the mean time to write to Congress on the subject - various reasons might be given why the Government party should not touch the public the stores- & at any rate not untill the moment the business is to be put at issue - however I hope there will…

GLC02437.03377

December 31, 1786

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received his last letter and "shall endeavour to impress the sentiments therein contained. I shall be at Boston tomorrow & will se the Governor if possible. it will not be easy to have any considerable conversation with as he now has his councill in Town, in order I presume to prepare their arrangements for the protection of the Court at Worcester on the 23d of January- I have reason to think it will be spiritedly done- but as the success of the business in some of its parts may depend much upon secrecy I have avoided inquiry, as to particulars." Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.03397

18 February 1787

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the debate in Massachusetts as to whether to send delegates to the upcoming Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. Writes that "sensible & bold Men shall be chosen for the convention if I can have any influence in the business." The Committee has not yet formally agreed to send a delegation, but Gorham is convinced they will probably send one. Reports that Mr. [Samuel] Adams is having difficulties because he "wishes to limit the Commission in such manner as I think will exceedingly injure the business," but Gorham feels "rather encouraged to hope the affair will be…

GLC02437.03460

11 March 1787

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses an issue concerning the salary of the governor. States that "One step they [the General Court] took[,] I am afraid[,] will be injurious in the approach[ing] election - which is that the two Towns passed a Bill to reduce the Governor salary to eight hundred pounds." Believes that the state did not honor the agreement made with the governor concerning his income. Writes that "such is the diversity of opinion among the People that I shall not be surprised if there is no Governor or Lieut Gov. chosen by them." Notes that the state has chosen its delegates for the meeting in Philadelphia…

GLC02437.03488

25 October 1787

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the Massachusetts legislature setting a date to meet and decide whether or not to ratify the Constitution. Mentions changing the date from "the 12 of December to the second Wednesday of January - the numbers present 161 - voted for the question 129 - Killam of Newbury port was very troublesome but he was so nice & so much upon the hair splitting plan that no body knows exactly what he would be at - write me what you hear respecting the business from the Southward -" Stamped "Boston." Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.03681

30 October 1787

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the ratification of the Constitution and states that "[t]hings look pretty well. Though there is an opposition preparing - but I do not think it will be sufficient to answer the intention of some." Lists opponents and supporters of Constitution in Massachusetts, "Gov. Hancock [Mr.] Bowdoin & Parson Stillman will be of the convention from Boston - the choice of the latter will undoubtedly be attended with good consiquences in attaching the Baptists." Encloses a letter to Benjamin Franklin (not present) in which he asks for a copy of a speech Franklin made to the constitutional…

GLC02437.03689

4 December 1787

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Feels encouraged by good news regarding Pennsylvania and Connecticut's reception of the Constitution. Wishes he could say the same about Massachusetts, but "Mr. Gerry's Letter has done infinite mischief." Writes "I have rec'd a considerable share of Personal abuse in the News Papers but it shall not discourage me from exerting my small share of influence in so good a cause." Has published Benjamin Franklin's remarks just before signing the Constitution. Noted sideways at bottom of second page, "Poor Spear hanged himself last night." Written in Charles Town, which is now a part of Boston,…

GLC02437.03720

16 December 1787

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he is "very anxious to hear from Delaware Pensylvania [sic] & Jersey," in reference to whether those states ratified the constitution. Describes the situation in Massachusetts, "The prospects rather brightens here. There is one hundred good Men chosen in this neighborhood & the other parts of the Sea Coast - a great number of Towns choose tomorrow among which are such a number of good ones that I think we may count on 50 members of the right sort. That added to the former with the few good ones that will come from the three Western Counties - I think will secure the Point…

GLC02437.03727

6 January 1788

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the Massachusetts convention scheduled to meet in February to decide on ratification of the Constitution of the United States. Relates that the Boston Delegates to the state convention dined with [James] Bowdoin the previous Thursday. Discusses the aftermath of [Samuel] Adams's opposition to ratification. Reports that Nantucket "from their foolish religious whims will not send to the establishment of a Government which has a right to raise armies... so five votes are lost- when they will be needed enough- for from several untoward circumstances the elections have gone wrong in…

GLC02437.03754

January 16, 1788

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Of Massachusetts' possible ratification of the Constitution, writes: "...we are hard at work- & the prospect not very good- numbers are at present against us- & the opposition leaders say they are sure of the Victory." Comments on various delegates. Instructs Knox to keep this letter confidential, noting "I believe some Letters have been written from NYork which have done damage." Date from docket. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.03764

February 3, 1788

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Encloses a paper discussing details of the Massachusetts convention for ratification of the United States Constitution (paper not included). Predicts the numbers will be 185 for and 160 against ratification, although the Anti-Federalists claim they have a majority of ten. Writes, "I confess that I shall be more mortified if they are right in their conjecture than I have ever been in my life. I cannot think but we shall carry the question- I shall give you the earliest notice." Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.03782

17 February 1788

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Notes that Mr. [Rufus] King will inform Knox of "everything," that is, events that recently transpired at the Massachusetts State ratifying convention. Writes, "The [sic] was a necessity in the Convention of mentioning Rhode Island as having prohibited the attendance of their members in Congress- an advertizm has appeared in order to give a false colour to that business- and a use is intended to be made of it at the meeting of the Legislature- I have therefore written in the inclosed Letter to Mr K requesting him to get me copies of every thing relative to that affair & to forward it…

GLC02437.03802

19 March 1788

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses Massachusetts politics, primarily the election for governor and lieutenant governor. Replies to a recent letter from Knox. Writes, "I can hardly think myself of consiquence [sic] enough to receive the notice or emolument under the general Government that will be equal to Lieut Governor of this State- however I have discouraged every attempt that would otherways have been made to bring me into view." Mentions that some of their mutual friends want Benjamin Lincoln to be elected lieutenant governor, "provided the business is brought to a point between him & Gen W-" (likely…

GLC02437.03826