1 September 1789

Hancock, John, 1737-1793

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Letter has two portions, both dated 1 September 1789. The first, written by Henry Jackson, describes the bearer, John Sewall, who is the son of Jonathan Sewall, the former Attorney General of New York, and nephew of John Hancock. Declares that he is of good character and an able attorney on his way from Halifax to Quebec, where he plans to establish a law practice. Will be stopping in New York, and Jackson asks Knox to assist Sewall while he is there. The second page, written by John Hancock, is a letter of introduction for Sewall, asking that Knox welcome him into his acquaintance.

GLC02437.04348

6 September 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions the illness of Lucy Knox, related to the recent passing of one of the Knox children. Discusses the recent bill describing the salaries of the various executive departments. Mentions General [Benjamin] Lincoln's recent appointment and his leading troops to negotiate with the Creek Indians in Georgia. Comments on his own prospects for receiving an appointment in the Revenue office or as Marshall. Also mentions the arrival of a French ship in the Boston area, as well as a bill from Captain [Thomas] Vose, Knox's agent in the Waldo patent.

GLC02437.04350

30 August 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson acknowledges that he received a letter from Knox on 22 August 1790. Laments that it was not within his "power" to take care of a debt that Knox asked him to settle in Worcester. Says he heard from a vessel from the West Indies that on 15 July war had been declared on England, but Jackson does not believe it, though he wishes "in god it may be true." Reports that Benjamin Austin, Jr. and Thomas Dawes, Jr. are "candidates for Federal Representatives for this district in the Room of Mr. Ames." Expects opposition, but believes "we shall be able to counteract them." Says that John…

GLC02437.04706

7 September 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

General Jackson did not receive Knox's letter of 30 August 1790 because he had been out of town. Jackson had met with two men named Jonathan Dow and Ebenezer Eastman interested in purchasing a "Township" from Knox. The land is between "Northern Stream and Lower debscot." These men assure Jackson they can bring in forty families to settle it immediately. Jackson needs to know what Knox wants to do about the situation. Jackson calls Knox's attention to an extract of a letter (in the newspaper) by Spanish Ambassador Don Diego de Gardoqui "which points an end to the prospects of War." Jackson…

GLC02437.04723

24 October 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson describes his concern that two letters he sent to Secretary of War Henry Knox did not reach him yet. Jackson tells Knox that a Captain Barnard is in Boston and will bring "the article" Knox left when he returns. Jackson also informs Knox of the courtship and pending marriage between John Codman and Katy Amory. Notes that judgment against a man named Richard has been postponed fourteen days, during which time Richard must prove that he paid a debt. Jackson closes by saying that Governor James Bowdoin is very sick and not expected to "continue long." "Free" stamped on address leaf…

GLC02437.04755

31 October 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson acknowledges receipt of Knox's letter of 24 October 1790 and was pleased to learn that Knox had arrived safely in New York. Jackson and others in Boston had received word of a coach accident that severely injured Mrs. Knox and some of their children. "To the astonishment of every body, Governor Bowdoin is yet living," Jackson reports, "for a week past every moment was supposed to be his last." Bowdoin "is a good and valuable man, and his death will be much lamented by his family and the public at large." Jackson comments on the performance of Knox's horse, "Boston," saying that Knox…

GLC02437.04763

7 November 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Acknowledges receipt of Knox's last letter. Tells Knox that he has spoken with the ailing Governor [James] Bowdoin "respecting the Fish, and we have concluded to put on board the first Vessell bound to Philadelphia." Bowdoin died at 4 o'clock that morning. "He had his reason to the last moment." Bowdoin's property left to "Mrs. Temple" will be "put into the hands of the Trustees, and the income only at her command during the life her husband but if she outlives him, it comes into their hands and at her own disposal." Notes he had a visit from Mr. [Sylvanus?] Bourne, but Jackson had no…

GLC02437.04773

14 November 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Acknowledges receipt of Knox's "favor of the [November 7] (inclosing [Samuel] Shaw and [Thomas] Randall's Bill, and Mr. [Sylvanus] Bourne's Note)." Complains of a chronic "disagreeable feeling in my head." To treat this, his doctor "bled me in my right Arm." "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.04777

21 November 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Refers to his last letter (GLC02437.04777) he sent to Knox. Believes "by bleeding and a few Salts" the "destruction in my head is in some measure removed." Informs Knox that he is sending via the Fish Knox's "[wall] Paper" which is now "finished and a most beautiful thing." Mentions he is ready to deal with Sylvanus Bourne regarding their debt issue. The word is that Governor Bowdoin's estate is worth £60,000. Describes in detail how Bowdoin's estate is to be divided. Bowdoin left £400 "to the College."

GLC02437.04779

28 November 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Advised Knox and family to get out of Philadelphia in the summer or be exposed to "the unhealthy climate of that City in the hot Season..." Describes a severe snowstorm that has hit Boston. Mentions that Governor John Hancock is not well and "is not long for this world." Says the Governor's face and legs are frequently swollen. Notes Mr. [Sylvanus] Bourne has delivered all of his papers to Colonel [Benjamin] Hichborn. Says he is interested in hearing how Knox's horse "Boston" is working out for him.

GLC02437.04782

5 December 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Notes he received Knox's letter of 21 November. Says he feels bad that Knox is not that happy in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania but reminds him that he "must not expect all that elegance and convenience that you left in New York." Notes he is sending Knox's [wall]paper to him including a bill that will sail out on a ship the following day. Comments that the weather continues to be severely cold and a man was found frozen to death. Looks to Knox to give one of his friends a government appointment. Says the friends and family of "Lt. Foule" are looking to pick up his effects and his pay.

GLC02437.04790

12 December 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Complains about the increased distance between them but says if they "continue to write on Sundays, we shall hear from each other the middle of every week." Worries Knox's new and unfurnished house might cause illnesses in his family during this time of year. Discusses Knox's wallpaper and the severe weather in Boston. Mentions that [Sylvanus] Bourne "is choosen Fed-Rep for the County of Plymouth." Says he has found a relief in his head by "bleeding and regular diet." Also expects that "exercise and temperance" will help him fully recuperate. Writes, "by every Vessell from Europe the…

GLC02437.04795

14 December 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Notes this letter will be delivered by Major Samuel Gatchell. Tells Knox that Gatchell is interested in an appointment to one of the cutters ordered by Congress. Attests to Gatchell's "reputation and honor."

GLC02437.04796

19 December 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson describe the severe weather and snow that continues to afflict the Boston area. Notes with sadness the news he heard that General Harmar has lost 700 men [fighting Indians] and that "from every quarter an European War appears pretty certain-which I wish might bring out a South American expedition." The canal idea is "much talked of." Jackson advises that Knox write Judge John Lowell on the matter. Jackson is optimistic that enough money can be raised for the project.

GLC02437.04801

5 January 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

General Jackson is happy to have received Secretary of War Knox's letter of 28 December 1790. Mentions a card party he is attending "with a small circle of female friends." "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.04818

9 January 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses his joy on finally hearing from Knox: "a Lover never received a Letter from his Mistress with half the pleasure that I received yours of the 28th [of December]." Talks about Knox's wallpaper and the trial of Knox's "Coachman." Jackson's news includes "a confirmation that the dispute between England and Spain is made up.-this comes by a ship which arrived here yesterday from Halifax." Jackson is disappointed that there won't be a war. Jackson did not accept an appointment to the militia because he is waiting for the one that Governor Bowdoin granted him before he died. Jackson is…

GLC02437.04820

January 16, 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes Knox's business with Mr. [Sylvanus] Bourne has been settled. Says they celebrated "the 11th of February as the Presidents birthday but we have been told, that is not the proper day, as we intend to Feast this year on the same occasion, I wish you to inform me...which is the most proper the 11th or the 22nd." Mentions that the "General [Josiah] Harmar affair has caused much conversation, with many severe reflections, but his military friends have in some measure supported him - I believe it has been an unhappy affair. I hope he will be able to vindicate himself."

GLC02437.04831

January 23,1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes, "General Harmar's letter of the 23d of November as publish'd in the papers, has relieved the minds of many, and the people are now less severe in the observations on his conduct." Says Captain John Hobby has written him seeking an appointment in the new militia. Believes Hobby is "one of the best of Officers, and is a Man of activity & integrity, and will do honor to any appointment." Also mentions John Tracy's desire for an appointment. From what he knows, Tracy is an honorable man with a good family. Acknowledges that the clamors for appointments must be challenging for Knox…

GLC02437.04835

January 30, 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that Governor John Hancock "deliver'd a lengthy speech to both houses, it was a very good one, and well received, the question has frequently been asked, who wrote it." Mentions when Samuel Sewall took his seat in the Massachusetts legislature he was rejected from all quarters of the House "because he was a district Judge of the United States." A debate took place and Sewall's supporters included William Eustis and James Bowdoin, but they were in the minority. Writes, "many good Federalists are sorry that Judge Sewall made a question of this business." Talks about the favorable…

GLC02437.04841

25 August 1781

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses unhappiness with his post because of the limited action and requests a transfer should an opening occur. He has also mentioned this desire to Colonel David Cobb, formerly Jackson's second in command. Mentions tentative plans to visit Lucy, Knox's wife. Knox's response written in Philadelphia Pennsylvania appears on the verso. General George Washington ordered General Benjamin Lincoln to lead the American Army south to invest Yorktown, and Jackson is ordered to join him. Verso is a Henry Knox autograph letter signed dated 30 August 1781 to Colonel John Lamb.

GLC02437.01157

18 April 1785

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the proper time to sell goods recently arrived from London that were consigned to Henry Knox. Relates that Granville Sharp sent a box of books intended for Knox, Harvard College, Rhode Island College, and George Washington. The books were damaged in transit, and are presently with Lucy, Knox's wife. Reports that in a recent meeting (held at Faneuil Hall in Boston) merchants resolved "to have no dealings whatever with any British mercht. agents... that we will not receive them to Board-Speak or have any connections with them, [that] we will not Let them a House shop-store, or…

GLC02437.03128

7 March 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he received Knox's last letter: "I rejoice with you & your family in the prospect of your being so soon well & a perfect cure effected." After reading his letter, showed it to Ben [Hichborn], who declared he has written to Knox about their business. Writes, "On Wednesday morning the Bells in this Town were set a Ringing in Honor of the Day - the Birth Day of the New Government, and a [general] joy ran through the whole of the inhabitants of this City - I believe there is not a more Federal Spot in Union. - We are momently expecting an Express from New York, announcing…

GLC02437.04138

12 July 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he is sorry to "hear of the situation of your poor little fellow Washington, but as I did not hear from you last evening, I please myself he is better, which I pray god may be the case..." Sends news of their mutual friend Shaw, who is home and "will be disappointed if he does not meet with the kindest reception from his sweetheart" and so states that Knox "must prepare the way." Goes on to describe Shaw's ship ("the most perfect ship ever built in America") and nomination of officers. Notes that "the Impost Law is passed & approved by the President..." Mentions the trouble…

GLC02437.10222

28 February 1782

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox [incomplete]

Discusses various topics of the day, including his own illness, the execution of a soldier for desertion and the trial of another for forgery, the capture of Lord Cornwallis and his army, and his movements with the military over the last several months. Mentions that Generals William Heath and Alexander McDougall have had a misunderstanding, and a court is being convened to try McDougall, with William Alexander Lord Stirling as President and Jackson himself as a member of the court; lists the other members of the court on page eight. Also asks when the soldiers will be paid. Written from…

GLC02437.01360

17 June 1782

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes, "Colo. [John] Greaton the commanding officer of the 3 Massachusetts Brigade has marched with his Regiment to relieve the Ports at Dobbs Ferry, Stony, and Verplanks point, since which I have received information that the Brigade is without a conductor, or any person to receive & deliver arms, ammunition &c. Mr. Austin the late Conductor ought not to have left the Brigade, untill he was regularly relieved by another, as thus are many articles to receive & deliver & no person so proper to transact the business as himself, as he must be accountable for every thing on Land…

GLC02437.01455