25 November 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph Williams

Discusses a recent letter from Williams. Writes that the recent acts of government will help contain the insurgents (referring to Shays' Rebellion, which happened in Springfield, Massachusetts in late September 1786).

GLC02437.03347

February 22, 1787

Willcox, Joseph, fl. 1775-1787

Autograph document signed

Title: [Receipt for weapons and ammunition]

Receipt for muskets, flint, cartridges, etc. for David Humphreys' regiment.

GLC02437.03464

11 April 1787

Willcox, Joseph, fl. 1775-1787

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jeremiah Wadsworth

Writes to Colonel Wadsworth to inform him of the lack of provisions at Springfield. Emphasize the need for the soldiers to be paid as they are now dependent on their credit. Believes this problem should take precedence over recruiting efforts.

GLC02437.03520

24 May 1787

Willcox, Joseph, fl. 1775-1787

Autograph document signed

Title: [Receipt of payment]

Receipt for $3,000. "Drawn by the Board of Treasury on Will Imlay Esqr receiver of Continental Taxes for the State of Connecticut in account of pay due to the Troops of the Quota of Connecticutt." The troops were raised to quell Shays's Rebellion.

GLC02437.03552

26 September 1790

Williams, Otho Holland, 1749-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Explains that he did not see Knox's letter of 21 July 1790 until now because Williams had been in Sweet Springs, Virginia on account of his health. He mentions an unexpected excerpt "from Col. Harmar's letter" that Knox sent. Williams says that "the returns that have been made, and the estimates that have been approved; together with the other testimonies in favor of the contractors, and upon which the secretary of the Treasury has been pleased to order further advances of money on account of the contract, will concur to restore their credit at the War Office: and to regain your confidence…

GLC02437.04737

27 May 1791

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Williams to Secretary of War Knox. References Knox's letter of 18 May, which returned Colonel Bradford's letter. Sends his answer to Knox (not present) and asks him to pass it along to Bradford. Is not surprised recruitment is slow in the East because "they feel less irritated against the Indians, and are less disposed for that sort of desultory war." Says people in Virginia will not join the expedition westward because they believe the Indians will not enter into a decisive battle. Eloquently states why people seek glory in war and recoil from unopposed depredation. Mentions…

GLC02437.04961

22 June 1791

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Williams says the information on "military movements" he is enclosing (not included) was given to him by General Wood who received it from a Mr. [Crous]. The Virginia Attorney General has letters that back up Crous's information. Says that Crous came to Richmond on business with the governor and appears to be an intelligent man.

GLC02437.05018

7 August 1791

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References Knox's letter of 24 June, which found him "in these back woods near the top of the Alleghany mountains." Tells Knox "I have long thought, with you, that your talents and disposition were not of a kind to be a very able manager in operations of interest & avarice; I cannot therefore form any great expectations of your success." Does not mean to disrespect him, but he has a cynical outlook because of his own situation as an "unsuccessfull merchant." Would like an appointment in the government, but he doesn't trust himself anymore. Asks why the public should trust him if he…

GLC02437.05111

14 September 1791

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to send an extract of a letter from Kentucky, which is on the other side of this letter (not included - the reverse of this letter is blank). Adds, "I leave this letter to its fate, & from the frequent passing of people from these fountains of salubrity I hope it will soon arrive at some place where there is a post office." Is on his way home and hopes to see Knox in early October. Postscript claims the letter is genuine as he read it himself. The extract referred to is likely GLC02437.05135.

GLC02437.05156

12 April 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Marinus Willet

Writes to officially appoint Willet Brigadier General of the army. Lists the other members of the General Staff, including A[nthony] Wayne, D. Morgan, John Brooks, and James Wilkinson. Wishes him the best of luck. Very similar to GLC02437.05409.

GLC02437.05410

18 April 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Marinus Willett

Writes that he regrets Willett's decision not to accept an appointment as Brigadier General. Mentions that the President has read Willett's letter regarding his negative views on the Indian War. Seems to comment on many of the points Willett made in his letter (not present). Largely illegible, but contains key information on Knox's beliefs about the Indian War.

GLC02437.05420

3 May 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Otho Holland Williams

Marked "private." Discusses Brigadier General Morgan's appointment in the Army as second in command. Says it is rumored that he will decline the appointment. Believes if this occurs the President would support Williams being nominated as his successor. Asks whether he would accept the office.

GLC02437.05445

6 May 1792

Williams, Otho Holland, 1749-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks him for his letter, and is flattered to learn that Knox believes the President thinks highly of him. However, does not think he can accept a command in the army at this time. Cites his ill health and his desire to remain with his family. Asks that he not have to officially decline the offer, under the present circumstances, and hopes to be able to serve his country again under different circumstances. Marked "private."

GLC02437.05451

13 May 1792

Williams, Otho Holland, 1749-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Marked "private." Received several of his letters. Writes that he did respond to a particular letter written earlier from Knox. Is very sincere in his apology for refusing his military appointment. Adds that he is furthermore not tempted to change his mind by the offer of a second-in-command position.

GLC02437.05462

18 September 1793

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports on the situation at Yorktown. Says a wagon load of clothing arrived for troops stationed there. The wagon driver and his assistant died of yellow fever and the townspeople decided to burn the clothing. Mentions meeting a party of troops marching toward Lancaster and believes they will protect other clothing shipments "and take all reasonable means of satisfying the people as to the prevention of further communication of the disorders; So far as those in advanced are exposed, no remedy can arrive in time for the evil." Says he just returned from Knox's "deserted mansion" and saw…

GLC02437.05926

5 October 1793

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that he just came from Knox's house in Philadelphia and that everything is well. Says the servants are prudent for locking the gate to prevent anyone "from coming unawares." Says "I think you may be perfectly easy as to danger, the malady is a contagious one, not communicable at a distance." Claims the city is still in distress though. Believes it will only get better with a snowstorm or frost. Says medical aid is only effective "where the disease is not confirmed, and where the natural powers of the body are able to support it." "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature…

GLC02437.05939

January 12, 1795

Williams, John George, fl. 1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Wrote this letter to "commit to paper my views for an Establishment in the Province of Maine." Wants to settle in America and set up a mercantile settlment. Wants to supply the inhabitants of Maine and believes such a settlement will draw more people there.

GLC02437.06026

2 April 1794

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for their prior conversation and offers his assistance. Informs Knox he disagrees with the amount Knox wants to pay him for his services. Believes his past experience as a public servant and his current situation justifies a higher amount. Explains he has already built one frigate and executed an office of trust. Mentions the benefits of performing the requested duties and seems willing to negotiate the matter. Mount Pleasant is listed as the city, state is not given.

GLC02437.06072

6 October 1795

Mardin, William, fl. 1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes on behalf of James Davidson stating that "Mr. Davidson's absence at Baltimore makes it impossible to comply with the contents of your Letter 'till his return which will be in about Ten days as we have not at present the quantity of clear-boards you wish for on hand." Noted as written in Bath, possibly Bath, Maine.

GLC02437.06534

13 June 1796

Willing & Francis, fl. 1775-1797

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by the firm of Willing & Francis. Reports that a shipment of wine has arrived for Knox, and the firm will store it carefully and await his instructions for disposition of it.

GLC02437.06773

January 28, 1797

Willing & Francis, fl. 1775-1797

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses sending wine from Madeira.

GLC02437.06907

20 July 1798

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox to the hand of Henry Jackson

Offer his congratulations on an appointment to the army and discusses other business. Noted as written at Mount Pleasant, state unknown.

GLC02437.07159

11 September 1798

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses his wish to better serve his country as he feels his current position in the military does not allow him to do so. Asks for Knox's advice before he attempts to try for a higher position.

GLC02437.07171

11 November 1798

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses Knox's declination of an army commission, and his own views on service. Knox had declined a commission in the army raised during the quasi-war when he learned that Alexander Hamilton would outrank him. Noted as written at Mount Pleasant.

GLC02437.07189

January 24, 1799

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Williams tells Knox that many people are disappointed that Knox has chosen not to join the army. Williams worries that Knox's absence will hurt his own career: "As it is I fear my military career will be bounded by a Lieutenacy in a volunteer Corps of Cavalry." He regrets not remaining a private and says "since therefore I am destined for the field in case of war I may as well enter fully into the service (if I can) immediately; I wrote for this purpose a note to Genl Hamilton." Williams goes on to talk about his prowess as an artillerist and that some say he should be considered for…

GLC02437.07228