9 October 1789

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Since Henry Knox is returning to Boston soon, William states that "I shall be rather particular in stating to you the objects, which require your return as soon as possible, or for you to give such directions respecting them as can be done only by you." Goes on to discusses various issues in the War Department, such as an upcoming march by a Lieutenant [possibly John] Pratt and his company, the lack of clothing for troops, and financial business pertaining to General [Josiah] Harmar, Major [John Francis] Hamtramck, and troops in western Pennsylvania. Also touches on the financial…

GLC02437.04384

5 July 1790

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports on a recent visit he made to [Samuel] Ogden. Attempted to persuade Ogden to pay a debt he owed [James] Webber, a London merchant, but Ogden has to wait for money that is owed to him before he can pay the debt. Relates that he delivered several letters to different individuals, and discusses the prospect of exporting flax seed to Ireland. Informs Knox that two ships from India have arrived in Philadelphia since he has been there, and they both have full cargoes. Says that [Thomas] Mifflin has taken him to dine with the Society of the Cincinnati. Writes, "Bells ringing and Grays gardens…

GLC02437.04645

14 July 1790

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses meeting Colonel [Marinus] Willet and Alexander McGillivray (Willet was accompanying McGillivray, on his way to negotiate a treaty with the United States). Notes that Willet "appears to have overcome great obstacles in the object of his mission..." Says that McGillivray introduced him to two chiefs who were traveling with the men. Willet informed him that McGillivray sometimes drinks in excess, but nonetheless, Willet thinks highly of McGillivray's abilities. Plans to visit Mount Vernon. Writes, "The people at George Town & this City appeared to be very much delighted with the…

GLC02437.04651

4 August 1790

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses dinner engagements with various friends. Mentions that a Mr. LaTombe expects a large number of French trade ships to arrive from the West Indies soon, so they may avoid traveling during the rainy season. Reports that General [Henry] Jackson has gone to Portsmouth along with Mr. [Benjamin] Hichborn (see GLC02437.04666 for related information). Adds that Jackson's mother seems very ill. Declares that the elder Isaac Winslow wants Knox to complete certain deeds that he sent. Discusses potential changes in Congressional representation in upcoming elections, and mentions possible…

GLC02437.04668

9 August 1790

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William Knox writes Secretary of War Henry Knox about his travels through Newburyport and Salem, Massachusetts. Reports that his friends Mr. Jonathan Jackson and Mr. George Cabot have welcomed him and introduced him to "characters most calculated to forward my views to the eastward of this Town." Adds that his return will be delayed by a day due to the trip he took through Newburyport and Salem. Plans on returning via Newport, Rhode Island, for two reasons, "first, that my stay at Providence was too short for me to make any arrangements satisfactorily in passing through, and the second is…

GLC02437.04681

28 September 1790

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William Knox describes to his brother, Henry Knox, that the winds were not in his favor as they set sail from Sandy Hook, New Jersey. He has now reached Newfoundland. Remarks that he has not suffered any seasickness, unlike his other companions, Mrs. Green, who is still seasick, and Miss Hunter, who has recovered.

GLC02437.04739

September 1790

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William Knox describes to Knox the weather around the sea and the lighthouse before an expected storm. Asks Henry to remember "the subjects of an appointment to Cork or Limerick."

GLC02437.04741

25 October 1790

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William relates the details of what was nearly a shipwreck on his voyage from America to England. William will report to Knox on the political situation in Europe as soon as possible. Will see Mr. [James] Webber before W. Knox leaves London. Reports: "This much I can tell you that the British fleet is in the Channel - that 2000 guards are to march this day for Plymouth for embarkation - that Peace is restored between the Swedes & Russians - & that the Duke of Cumberland brother to the King of Eng. is dead in consequence of which every body that can buy a black coat or get credit for…

GLC02437.04756

29 October 1790

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William Knox writes Secretary of War Knox that though in London ten days, he has been unable to do much regarding the sale of Knox's lands. William hopes to provide more news next week including "the result of the business between Mrs. Harwood and Mr. Longman." William notes that a Mr. Teissier will be his correspondent in London. He tells Henry to tell Captain [Thomas] Randall that William will write Randall with the next "Packet" across the Atlantic. William tells Henry that Lord Howe's fleet is at Portsmouth, and General Garth's troops were recently reviewed by the King in Hyde Park. The…

GLC02437.04759

3 November 1790

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William tells Secretary of War Henry Knox that since his last letter to Henry of October 29 (GLC02437.04759) he has discussed with Hannah Harwood the money she owed Mr. Longman and has "delivered her the care of Watch furniture and seeds from Mrs. Knox." William explains the reason that Harwood is holding back payment to Mr. Longman. She hopes "that the other creditors would agree to her paying him the full sum of 1300 pounds." The agent for the creditors, Mr. Frazer, believes she has a case, and the prospect of a lawsuit would prevent the creditors from pursuing one. Nevertheless, "she is…

GLC02437.04768

4 November 1790

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William Knox writes Secretary of War Henry Knox to correct his previous letter (GLC02437.04768). After speaking with Mr. Longman, William has learned that "the idea of paying the whole thirteen hundred pounds originated with Mr. Frazer" is not correct. Mr. Longman and Hannah Harwood were the only parties involved. When they informed Mr. Frazer, the creditors' agent, Frazer warned them that a "suit in Chancery would probably be the result of refusal to pay the Creditors their proportion, and the insisting on your whole sum." Mrs. Harwood is still waiting for Henry Knox's decision to "acceed…

GLC02437.04769

January 15, 1791

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Copy. Describes the various transportation obstacles that prevented his letters from arriving earlier. Says the St. Lawrence lands are being advertised in two prominent Irish newspapers. Discusses the meeting he had with "the Earl of Westmoreland, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland" (John Fane, 10th Earl of Westmorland). Says they discussed trade between Ireland and America, and that he will write more about his encounter with the Earl and on the English administration of Ireland at a later time. Asks Knox to thank Mrs. John Jay for introducing him to the "Viscountess Stronghold," whose husband…

GLC02437.04828

February 13, 1791

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Urges Knox to write him as soon as he can, or make Lucy Knox "overcome her natural timidity" and write him. He has heard of the General (Charles) Scott expedition in the Miami Country and of the casualties Scott suffered. Discusses in great detail the Turk-Russian war along with other foreign affairs. The Russians are not far from Constantinople; the Empress (Catherine the Great) seeks to drive the Turks completely out of Europe and listens to no offers of negotiations. Prince Potemkin said that the Empress would consider stopping the war on several conditions; ceding Moldavia and Wallachia…

GLC02437.04853

18 February 1791

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Sends, along with his letter, papers addressed to Thomas Jefferson "requesting me to procure your interest for their favorable reception and attention." Hopes "after a mutual sending out of Ministers, such Commercial regulations will take place as to prevent similar inconveniences, and also other obstacles to a free and liberal intercourse between the two Countries." Expects that Knox will exert his influence on Thomas Jefferson should this matter come up in Congress.

GLC02437.04859

7 April 1791

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William had previously sent a packet to Knox that included "Paynes [Thomas Paine] pamphlet in answer to Burke on the french revolution." William tells his brother, "therefore the present is only to enclose you the papers since then, by which you will see from the debates in the English House of Lords and Commons and the preparations making, that Great Britain is about incurring a few more millions of debt, and (if the Empress should prove inflexible which in all probability she will) plunging the greater part of Europe into a War by sea and land - However distressing to humanity such an event…

GLC02437.04907

26 April 1791

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Wonders why he has not heard from Knox in so long and expresses hurt and confusion over it. "...only consider you are my only relation, and although I am in a country partly civilized, yet it is a Country of Strangers." States he has written "eleven" letters without replies. He is now enclosing some other letters with this one including one "to Mr. Jefferson on the subject of men lately impressed in Ireland from American vessels."

GLC02437.04928

11 May 1791

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William Knox informs Secretary of War Knox of what ships William's letters to Henry were traveling on. William is trying to arrange monies to live on until next winter; reports on his health, walking, rising early and drinking quite a lot of wine: "I never in any five winters of my life drank so much wine as the last; it has agreed perfectly with me although the custom of drinking to excess in good companies is fresh in the memory of most persons here, and is pretty well over, yet there is a difficulty in being the first man from table. I am commonly the second or third - and to be sure I…

GLC02437.04946

September 30, 1791

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Knox mentions a letter he wrote to Henry on September 7, from Cork, Ireland. Says affairs in France have taken a turn since the King accepted the constitution. He was also given a 12,000 pound yearly allowance and was allowed to retain most of his palaces. After accepting, most of the anger about his flight from Paris was forgotten. Says "vive le Roi after an interregnum of some months, is vociferated in the same notes as formerly at Paris." Says the Emperor of Germany and the King of Prussia have met to discuss the affairs of France and to give relief to King Louis. The King's recommendation…

GLC02437.05176

4 November 1792

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks his brother if there is any business to be done before he leaves New York. Says that he will remain in the area until the following Wednesday or Thursday, and, "During that period it shall be my object to ascertain... every thing respecting the character, integrity, punctuality and general circumstances of Mr. G[reen]." William cautions his brother to proceed with caution in his financial dealings with Green, advising him to do business with Green "as if he was a perfect stranger." Year inferred from content and written in pencil at the top of page one.

GLC02437.05689

8 November 1792

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

In accordance with Henry Knox's previous request, William reports on the character of [William Green], who he refers to as "Mr. G." Says that a mutual acquaintance "has no exalted opinion of Mr. G. although he could not say any thing against him either respecting his personal character or that he has not a large property." William could not ascertain the number of shares Green holds in the bank. Comfort Sands gave a favorable report of Green's character. Nonetheless, William advises Knox to be careful in his negotiations with Green.

GLC02437.05693

2 December 1792

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs his brother that he was unable to obtain passage and so has been obliged to stop for a while on his journey. States that he has met with William Duer, who seems insistent on delaying some payment or proposal. Date from docket. Noted as written at Broad Street.

GLC02437.05719

January 25, 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Arrived Wednesday evening and spent part of yesterday enquiring for a house. Makes reference to various homes, including a Mr. Morton's on Broadway, and Brockholst Livingston's. Reports "at this moment I cannot hear of a good one to be hired." Says that Samuel Shaw believes he will sail on Sunday, but William does not think he will. Says he dined with Shaw and Thomas Randall yesterday. Writes, "The idea here is universal that you are about resigning, how it got here I do not know." Written from the home of Mrs. McEwen. Place written inferred from content. "Free" handwritten on address…

GLC02437.05794

January 26, 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that he had dinner with Mr. Morton and learned that house rents will be high this year. Called on William Duer yesterday who reported that "Billy Morris was directed by Mr. C. to make the written report he did respecting the Eastern lands." Duer claimed that Morris had given a favorable report in the past, but he is not surprised as "this trick had been practiced more than once by the same parties." Writes, "People in general here appear to be sorry at your intention of retiring (which I have neither confirmed or denied) it is universally circulated - and it was last night…

GLC02437.05795

January 28, 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Enquired of Berry & Rogers for horse or travelling canteens. They only had one pair of a small size for 7 guineas. Heard Mr. Edgar will quit his house on Wall Street. Also heard that Mrs. Fleming is moving from her home. Is meeting with Fleming's agent and Mr. Edgar today to discuss possible rent. Reports there is a house belonging to a Mr. Rynlander on the North River near Partition Street, although he thinks Henry will not like it. Is satisfied that Henry did not have a connection with Green, as his reputation has been damaged recently over an incident involving "erasure on a note…

GLC02437.05798

January 29, 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Initialed by William Knox. Reports that Mr. Edgar will not leave his house on Wall Street. Says Macombs large house is not yet sold. Says that Mrs. Fleming wants to rent her house out for 1,200 pounds for three years. Edgar informed him that [Philip] Livingston offered her 1,000 pounds, but that it was refused. Will wait as "the extraordinary advance in rent will probably induce some to part with theirs who did not intend it." Provides the full story on Mr. Green, which he quickly referenced in GLC02437.05798. Green altered a document on a shipment of goods sent on a ship he owned.…

GLC02437.05799