10 April 1784

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Hannah Flucker

Writing to his mother-in-law, Knox discusses the lands in the Waldo patent and other business matters.

GLC02437.09103

20 May 1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to his uncle, Henry Knox, with a list of bills that were not paid from his last school term along with his upcoming expenses for the next school term. Letter is not signed but is likely written from either Francis or Thomas Flucker.

GLC02437.09862

16 August circa 1776-1806

Flucker, Sarah Lyons, fl. 1784-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Apologizes profusely to Knox for not writing often enough. Discusses her family and Knox's daughter, Lucy Knox. Also informs him about various other acquaintances. Dated only 16 August, no year. Year range inferred from the life spans of Henry Knox and his daughter Lucy.

GLC02437.09895

14 May 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Flucker

Knox, Commander of West Point, writes to Thomas Flucker, brother of Knox's wife Lucy. Notes that Thomas is still very dear to Lucy, despite the "turbulence of the times" (Lucy's family were Loyalists, and her parents had left America for England at the start of the Revolutionary War). Remarks, "The War being over we may hope for a revival of intercourse and mutual goodwill between friends who have been separated... Suffer me to press you to write often and to confide me in the light of a real brother." Encloses a letter (not included) to Flucker's mother, explaining the method by which…

GLC02437.10110

4 May 1793

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Flucker

Writes to thank her for her concern during his illness and to let her know he is now recovered. Expresses concern about unrest in Europe. Hopes that the U.S. will remain "undisturbed notwithstanding the concussions of Europe," but states that "when firebrands arrows and death are flying abroad ther is no absolute security. Certain it is however that the executives are perfectly disposed to peace..." Also loans her money. Watermarked. Letterpress copy.

GLC02437.10264

February 11, 1794

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Thomas Fitzsimons

Per the request of a House Committee, Knox submits, "an Estimate of the probable Expences which would be incurred in securing the SeaPorts, that have been enumerated, from insult or surprize." States that the batteries and redoubts, in order to keep expenses down, should be made of dirt as opposed to masonry. Mentions other positive aspects of using dirt. Suggests stone or wood for places where earth cannot be used. Continues with other suggestions for strengthening areas and lists estimated expenses for some 20 major coastal cities. Pages 1-2 comprise Knox's cover letter; pages 3-10…

GLC02437.10292

30 March 1791

Davis, William, fl. 1786-1791

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Solicit Knox's support for appointment as Inspector of Excise. Notes he has already sent his petition to President George Washington and hopes Knox can wield some influence over the president. Believes Knox can attest to his character and that he has "been a staunch friend to the liberty of my Country." Explains "had I not met with very heavy losses, since 1775, which has reduced me, I should have had no occasion for this my application." "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.04893

18 July 1794

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Jonathan Dayton

Discusses an appointment for Dayton's brother as a "Lieutenant in the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers." He writes that he hopes "his conduct will not diminsh the military reputation of the family," and that Dayton "omitted a small but essential ceremony," the name of his brother. Continues to discuss the status of the military. Mentions that General "Wayne['s] troops are good and I think he will move 1900 effectives perhaps 2000 - His supplies are abundant. Ten thousand barrels of flour being at Fort Washington and on the Communication - the only doubt is the ability to transport this…

GLC02437.10312

17 October 1781

Wigglesworth, Edward, 1732-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Indicates that he has enclosed copies of a vote of thanks from Harvard College to Granville Sharp for a donation to the library that was conveyed through Knox (see GLC02437.01220). Asks that when Knox arrives in France he send thanks to Sharp, who lives in London. Requests that the communication be sent in way that does not expose Sharp "to political resentment." Also mentions that Harvard has not acquired any British publications since 1774 and asks that Knox attempt to procure some while in Europe. Wigglesworth was president of Harvard College.

GLC02437.01236

21 October 1781

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jonathan Williams

Announces the surrender of the British and German forces under Lord Cornwallis at the Battle of Yorktown, which occurred two days earlier. Explains that the enemy was given the same terms of surrender that the American forces received at Charleston the year before. The enemy forces number greater than 7000 men. States that there were over forty ships in the harbor. Comments on the unmatched harmony between American and French troops and offers praise for the French. Williams was a diplomat who served as an inspector of arms shipments with his uncle Benjamin Franklin's mission to France.

GLC02437.01250

14 December 1781

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Happy to receive news of Lord Cornwallis's surrender: "The Effect this reverse of Fortune has on the british Government is similar to what we often see in a man mad with Rage - Vengeance, Death Destruction foams at his mouth although he has not strength enough left to manage his weapon." Discusses the perspectives of the British King and Lords of Commons and their attitudes toward the American victory. Talks about Major Franks's arrival in Nantes and his acquaintance with Knox. Wishes he could be "galloping by your Side in pursuit of an Enemy; I have not much confidence in myself, but I…

GLC02437.01304

1 January 1782

McDougall, Ranald Stephen, fl. 1782

Autograph document signed

Title: [to the issuing commissary at New Burg New Windsor or Fishkill Landing]

Relaying orders of General Alexander McDougall. Written by McDougall's son and aide-de-camp. Docketed by Samuel Shaw, Henry Knox's aide-de-camp. Orders that "Sarah Dean the wife of Moses Dean Sergeant in the Artillery Artificers" receive a ration for herself and half a ration for each of her six children until further orders. "No Rum is to be issued to her or the Children." On verso, an autograph note signed by Daniel Niven, Captain of Engineers, certifies that the document is "a true Copy of the Original."

GLC02437.01322

February 12, 1784

Williams, Joseph, 1753-1819

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Major Williams reports he has applied to Dr. Waldo of Springfield to attend sick men under Williams's care. Waldo requests that an order be created for the procurement of provisions in the hands of "Widow Pincher." Encloses a provision return (refer to GLC02437.02957).

GLC02437.02952

January 12, 1785

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Dearborn

Knox writes to Colonel Dearborn regarding lands on the Kennebec River in present-day Maine. Asks Dearborn to rescue the lands from an unspecified situation on behalf of "his Excellency the Governor," likely referring to John Hancock, Governor of Massachusetts.

GLC02437.03084

7 May 1786

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to inquire about an unsettled account against the late Mr. [Thomas] Flucker, Knox's father-in-law. Recently looked over his old account books and found that goods which were taken up by Flucker after Williams's departure (he apparently went abroad in 1770), but before the "Lexington Business put an End to all commercial Concerns in the Town." There is no record of the debt having been paid, and his business agents think it was not. Would like to know whether this account might be "admitted in the Settlement of the Estate?" Has enclosed the account information. Sends his…

GLC02437.03265

18 July 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to William Davis, Jr.

Secretarially written and signed. Docket identifies it as a copy. Writes that he received Davis's request for certificates from the Commissioner of Army Accounts specifying the amounts due to John Childs and Samuel Chase. Encloses the certificates in the specified amounts, and asks that he send back receipts from Childs and Chase promptly.

GLC02437.03281

10 April 1787

Williams, Henry Howell, fl. 1775-1787

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Requests Knox's help in getting Congress to compensate him for the loss of his property during the Revolution. Mentions that many articles were taken from Noddles Island either for use of the American army or to keep them out of the hands of the enemy. He has received no compensation and has been reduced to beggary. Noddle's Island is now a part of East Boston, Massachusetts.

GLC02437.03516

1 March 1789

Williams, H., fl. 1789

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to introduce the bearer of the letter, Mr. Samuel Hanson, who is seeking a position in government. Believes Mr. Hanson has "good natural abilities, improved by a liberal education," and that Knox would be pleased with his services.

GLC02437.04131

18 April 1789

Davis, William, fl. 1786-1791

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Has written to several members of Congress about his desire to receive an appointment in the new Government. Declares that Knox knows his family well and knows that he has always been a "staunch friend to my Country." Also mentions his misfortune after the war. Asks Knox to use his influence to help him obtain a position.

GLC02437.04183

22 April 1789

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he "presume[s] upon their early friendship" to introduce to Knox a Captain All, the bearer of this letter, who he has known for fourteen years. Knows him as a capable man well-suited to working on behalf of his country. Believes that in the new government, appointments should be based on merit and not on recommendations from influential men, and would be the last to break those principles. However, argues that Captain All deserves an appointment due to "real worth & undeserved misfortune." Presents his respects to Mrs. Knox.

GLC02437.04186

15 July 1789

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Printed letter

Title: [Letter from Jonathan Williams to Thomas McKean, forwarded to Henry Knox]

Printed letter from Jonathan Williams to Thomas McKean, "Chief Judge of the Supreme Judicial Court of Pennsylvania." Forwarded to Henry Knox and signed by hand, "The Honble. H Knox Esq. from his affectionate & respectfull Friend & obedt Servant The author." A printed note at the top emphasizes that the author "offer[s] it for public consideration." Provides his opinions regarding commerce and international trade, and how these pertain to a legal case upon which Judge McKean has recently ruled.

GLC02437.04285

17 August 1789

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to remind Knox of his friend Mr. Samuel Newman. Thinks Knox might know him by reputation from the army, and declares that he is so attached to military life that he awakens to the sounds of "Reveille" in his head. Asks for Knox's help seeking employment for Newman. Also sends his regards to Mr. [Samuel] Shaw and to thank Shaw for his continued friendship to Williams's brother Jack. Sends his respects to Mrs. Knox and their family.

GLC02437.04330

6 September 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jonathan Williams

Thanks him for his two recent letters relating to Judge [Thomas] McKean (see GLC02437.04285) and to Captain Newman (see GLC02437.04330). Writes that he will not compliment him on his public letter to the judge, but whenever he has heard merchants discuss the letter, they appear to agree with his position. Would be happy to help Captain Newman, "because you request it, and because I believe him to be an excellent soldier." However, he does not believe that more military forces will be raised in the near future, but if it should happen that more are raised, he will help the Captain.

GLC02437.04351

10 September 1789

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to thank Knox for his replies to his recent letters. Mentions that he and his wife are happy to announce they will be "permanent Citizens[s] of these States," and hopes to be close enough to Knox to renew their friendship. Thanks him for his attention to the recommendations he submitted to Knox for federal employment of several individuals, and knows Knox will select people based on merit. Sends his respects to Mrs. Knox.

GLC02437.04353

9 July 1790

Dawes, Thomas, 1731-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Highly recommends a Mr. Alexander Thomas, who is applying for a position in Knox's department. Notes that Thomas was committed once to the prison limits for not settling a town tax he had to collect, but this incidence was the result of "an ill timed lenity," not of any dishonesty on Thomas's part. Refer to GLC02437.04616 for a related letter, in which Alexander Thomas asks Knox for employment.

GLC02437.04648