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to Henry Knox
December 31, 1802
Reed, Josiah, fl. 1798-1805
Informs Knox he received his letter, a deed, and the weights and measures Knox sent him. Notes he will immediately inform the "Town."
GLC02437.07778
to Bradshaw Hall
December 27, 1805
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Unsigned, but handwriting suggests the author is Henry Knox. No addressee is listed, but likely is Bradshaw Hall, register of deeds for Castine, Maine (see GLC02437.07992 for Hall's response to this letter). Encloses deeds and powers of attorney...
GLC02437.07991
February 8, 1806
Reid, George, fl. 1806
Place name is illegible. Writes apologetically that the people of his region would like Reid to be appointed as a Justice of the Peace. Wonders about the propriety of nominating himself.
GLC02437.08005
to Thomas Rice
27 September 1784-4 October 1784
Contains two letters. In the first, of 27 September, Knox writes that he was unable to call upon Rice when Knox visited the "eastern country" recently. Writes that he is an agent of part of the Waldo patent, as he is executor for the recently...
GLC02437.09109
21 September 1798
Richards, John, 1753-1822
Regretfully informs Knox he is unable to accept Knox's invitation due to General [David?] Cobb's upcoming absence. Mentions Knox will likely see Cobb during his journey and can get information from this years proceedings from Cobb. Also updates Knox...
GLC02437.09853
to Thomas Randall
circa 1783-1795
Informs Randall there are no vacancies for a captain's position at the present time in the United States "Naval line" [likely referring to the Navy]. Suggests Randall pursues his commercial interests.
GLC02437.09900
10 April 1784
Putnam, Rufus, 1738-1824
Relates that he will be unable to accompany Knox to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (possibly for the May meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati). Transmits a letter (not included) for Knox to pass on to George Washington, if Washington should attend...
GLC02437.02991
23 December 1790
Procter, Thomas, 1739-1806
Proctor informs Secretary of War Knox that officers of the Philadelphia militia are eager to welcome President George Washington, as well as Knox himself, on New Year's Day.
GLC02437.04806
16 July 1791
Passed along to Knox, some time ago, a letter from "a Gentleman resident on the borders of the Spanish Government." Reports that the man is the principal officer of a new settlement on the Mississippi River. Fears he transgressed "the Limits of...
GLC02437.05066
to Rufus Putnam
5 October 1783
Writes to General Rufus Putnam about how the people feel in regards to the army and compensation. He hopes that it is satisfactory but events show otherwise. Many in Connecticut and the inland counties are unhappy. Feels that Connecticut shows...
GLC02437.10160
January 21, 1783
Pollard, Solomon, fl. 1783
Requests Knox's assistance in obtaining a furlough in order to attend a court session in Concord, Massachusetts, since his reputation is at stake.
GLC02437.01849
February 8, 1783
Prowd, Charles, fl. 1783
Written by Prowd, a former artificer for the Continental Army to Major General Knox. Says that Colonel Frothingham has his pay and would like Knox to help him get it. Says he needs it badly as he is sick. Says his wife is also ill. Reports that "I...
GLC02437.01901
to John Popkin
29 May 1783
Discusses the payment of the noncommissioned officers and the resentment they feel regarding the equality of receiving pay, as well as giving directions on how to handle the disgruntled men. For related documents, see GLC02437.02219, .02220, .02226...
GLC02437.02139
18 June 1783
Discusses the reduction of the army and the issue of opening up the Ohio valley to settlers.
GLC02437.02170
2 July 1783
Written by Major General Knox to Lieutenant Colonel Popkin. References Popkin's letter of 19 June 1783. Says as the army is about to be disbanded the complainants "have been advised to another mode by the Judge advocate, you will consider the...
GLC02437.02226
23 October 1783
Discusses his observations concerning the public view of commutation. States that there is still general prejudice against officers especially by "lower class of people" but that the prejudice is abating. Mentions a "Lake Erie Scheme," the prospect...
GLC02437.02703
to William Price
4 January 1784
Orders Captain Price, commissary of military stores, to deliver supplies such as steel, wine, tin, flannel, leather, and blubber oil to Timothy Pickering, Quartermaster General.
GLC02437.02908
6 January 1784
Knox writes to Price, newly appointed commissary of military stores at West Point. Gives Price instructions regarding his post, including the method by which he must orders stores and keep meticulous records. Price will take orders from Major...
GLC02437.02919
[William Price's oath sworn to the United States]
1 January 1784
Price, William, ?-1790
Also signed by Major General Henry Knox. Price swears to serve the United States in the office of commissary of military stores (for West Point).
GLC02437.02920
February 4, 1784
Randall, Thomas, ?-1811
Captain Randall expresses his gratitude to Knox and his family: "To find an asylum that enabled me to recover my feelings in so distressed a situation, when the calumniating tongue of the world was endeavoring to ruin me forever, was a protection of...
GLC02437.02942
to Mrs. Pynchon
February 21, 1784
Writes he has been informed that Mrs. Pynchon late husband had military stores such as wine, rice, and medicine for use of the Continental troops stationed at Springfield. Asks her to deliver the items to Major [Joseph] Williams, in charge of the...
GLC02437.02962
to [William] Price
11 June 1784
Knox writes to Captain Price, apparently William Price, Deputy Commissary of Ordnance and Military Stores at West Point. Orders Price to make monthly returns and to issue only what the commanding officer, the War Office, or Congress orders.
GLC02437.03011
December 26, 1784
Randall, who accompanied Samuel Shaw to China, thanks Knox for the "many civilities received in your family." Of Knox's family, writes "My heart retains so lively a sense of them, that no distance can ever efface it." Notes that Shaw, Knox's former...
GLC02437.03081
14 March 1805
Porter, Benjamin J., fl. 1805-1821
Informs Knox that Mr. Harry, an attorney from Topsham (present-day Maine), requested a renewal of [Aleijah] Richardson's commission as justice of the peace for Lincoln County.
GLC02437.03110
March 23, 1785
Pollard, Jonathan, fl. 1749-1786
Complains that his broken knee will prevent him from pursuing the trucking business. Requests an appointment to work under Knox, newly appointed Secretary at War.
GLC02437.03116
3 August 1785
Poellnitz, Frederick Carl Hans Bruno, Baron von, 1734-1801
Writes to Knox to discuss a home in New York City, at Bow[er]y Lane, apparently owned by Baron Poellnitz, which Knox is occupying. Baron Poellnitz has received word from Mr. Steven Sayre that Knox is living there, and is pleased to hear that it has...
GLC02437.03172
10 August 1785
Captain Thomas Randall writes to inform Knox that he has arrived in Baltimore after his trip to China with Samuel Shaw. Writes that "we stopped sometime at Batavia the capital of the Dutch settlements in the East Indies where the reception our flag...
GLC02437.03176
to Reverend Doctor Provost
13 August 1785
Writes to ask the Reverend Doctor Provost over for a drink the next afternoon "and to baptise our child."
GLC02437.03178
to Jonathan Pollard
February 12, 1786
Discusses a petition of Pollard's that has been active since 1781, apparently for pay from when Pollard worked for General William Heath. Says it must be renewed, noting that Robert Morris was not yet Superintendent of Finance when it was filed.
GLC02437.03241
to David Ramsay
11 March 1786
Written in the third person and signed in text: "Genl Knox presents his compliments to the honorable Mr Ramsay, and submits to his inspection a plan for the general arrangement of the militia." Asks Mr. Ramsay for any suggestions to the plan to help...
GLC02437.03246
12 March 1786
Ramsay, David, 1749-1815
In response to Knox's plan for the militia (see GLC02437.03246), Ramsay believes "it is excellent in theory," but has two major reservations: first, is unsure whether the government is prepared to devote time and expense to such a plan, and second...
GLC02437.03249
2 December 1786
Writes that he has been informed by Captain [perhaps Samuel] Jefferds that Knox has recommended him to the Massachusetts State Legislature for a lieutenancy in the artillery, for which he is thankful. However, "if my accepting of a Lieutenancy...
GLC02437.03360
18 April 1787
Discusses the Waldo patent land in respect to it interfering "with the lands belonging to the Plymouth Company and requesting to know if the Committe [sic] would make up the defisency [sic] without the proprietors applying to the general Court ... "...
GLC02437.03530
22 July 1787
Discusses surveys of the Muscongus Patent prepared by Mr. [possibly Enoch] Titcomb and Captain Stone. Asks whether the surveys have been submitted yet to the Massachusetts General Court's Committee on Eastern lands. Would like to find out about...
GLC02437.03611
12 November 1787
Pritchard, C., fl. 1787
Apologizes to Knox for not having kept his promise to see him in New York City as the sloop on which he was arriving was delayed. In a postscript, mentions he will be in Boston soon and would be happy to hear from Knox's brother, William.
GLC02437.03702
21 November 1787
Platt, Richard, 1755-1830
Colonel Platt informs Knox that he can take his time to make a payment.
GLC02437.03710
to Jean Baptiste Vigoureuse Du Plessis
12 December 1787
Was sorry to hear about Du Plessis' illness. Worries about the situation in Europe, notes that the "patriotic party appear to be humbled to the dust." Hears about an "impending War between France & England our wishes are decisively in favor of France...
GLC02437.03722
2 May 1788
Knox writes to Price at West Point. States, "Independent of the public objects I shall wish to converse with you on the subject of objects to the Eastward- I should wish to form some system in that quarter what would promote our mutual interests. I...
GLC02437.03863
3 July 1788
Marked as a "copy/private." Appears to be from Knox to Price at West Point, although no creator is cited. Notes he will be leaving for Boston 10 or 12 July. Asks if Price can be in New York by that time so they may travel together. Notes he will...
GLC02437.03925
12 July 1788
Unsigned, and no creator is cited. Appears to be from Knox to Price at West Point, although it is not written in Knox's hand. Knox asks Price to meet him in New York so they can travel to Boston together the following Thursday. Writes "...it will...
GLC02437.03932
19 July 1788
Discusses financial matters.
GLC02437.03938
to Lieutenant [John] Pratt
19 October 1788
Was informed by his brother, William, that Lieutenant [John] Pratt met the quota of Connecticut troops, and the recruits are at West Point. Instructs Pratt to prepare to march on an expedition.
GLC02437.04004
[Letters to Jeremiah Wadsworth and John Pratt]
21 October 1788
The first letter, to Jeremiah Wadsworth, is contained on pages one and two. Both letters are written from Boston and dated 21 October 1788. In the letter, Knox informs Wadsworth that Mr. [Rufus] King arrived yesterday from New York, relating the...
GLC02437.04009
24 October 1788
Pratt, John, 1753-1824
Lieutenant Pratt discusses making preparations for his men to march to Fort Pitt (see GLC02437.04010). Complains at length that he will receive only one month's pay without subsistence, and that the "Old Soldiers" under his orders were not included...
GLC02437.04013
10 November 1788
Lieutenant Pratt certifies that George Dennison, Commissary at West Point, erroneously delivered a barrel of rye flour to the troops under Pratt's command.
GLC02437.04029
December 17, 1788
Refers to a matter he and Knox discussed "at Club" the previous Saturday evening regarding Knox's St. Lawrence lands. Asks if the matter meets Knox's approbation.
GLC02437.04055
to Richard Platt
Replies to Colonel Platt's letter (GLC02437.04055). Intends to see Platt the following morning, when they will discuss Knox's St. Lawrence lands.
GLC02437.04056
8 April 1789
Asks that if he has any more specie, he should give a check to the bearer and Platt will reimburse him.
GLC02437.04171
7 May 1789-4 June 1789
Document contains three portions. The first, directed to Henry Knox from Richard Platt, asks whether Knox can spare any of the money he keeps in his bank account for the next week. Asks that if he can, he should send it with the bearer of the...
GLC02437.04195
6 August 1789
Declares that he has not written to Knox in a long time. Writes that he served under Knox in the Artillery and believes Knox has a good opinion of him, so he would like to request an appointment under Knox in the Ordnance Department. Believes he...
GLC02437.04319
27 September 1789
Addressed to Doctor Ramsey, likely Dr. David Ramsay. Encloses corrected calculations about pay (not present). Apologizes for not being able to deliver the materials personally.
GLC02437.04365
20 December 1790
Post, Anthony, fl. 1780-1790
Major Post talks about the valuables from Knox's New York City home being transported to Philadelphia. Some things were damaged despite Post's efforts. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.
GLC02437.04804
January 19, 1791
Pritchard, John M., 1759-1844
Thanks Knox for the hospitality shown to him and his wife by Knox and his wife while in New York. Welcomes any friend of Knox's to Madeira should one come. Offers to send more wine at a discounted price and wants Knox to recommend Pintard's "house"...
GLC02437.04833
8 March 1791
Encloses a letter from Captain David Cook (see GLC02437.04873) to Secretary of War Knox explaining Cook's want of money that has forced him to be detained in Philadelphia. Says he would give Cook "forty dollars" if he could, but he is not in a...
GLC02437.04874
7 April 1791
Platt tells Secretary of Knox that he has sent him a box "containing a good large Salmon."
GLC02437.04908
13 June 1791
Prince, Job, fl. 1791
Says when he left Canton he received a box of china and a fan that Samuel Shaw, Knox's former aide-de-camp, asked him to forward. Says he should have taken care of it sooner, but he took a ship directly from the West Indies to Boston and had to wait...
GLC02437.04992
3 August 1791
Letter of introduction from Ramsay for Mr. Harper, "an eminent young Lawyer" of South Carolina. Requests Knox shows Harper attention while he is in Philadelphia. Does not usually ask for these types of favors, but thinks Knox will gain much...
GLC02437.05100
October 1791
Pope, John, 1749-1802
Refers to his travels from Richmond, Virginia through Kentucky, Louisiana, and the two Floridas "under the governance of" Alexander McGillivray. Says he cannot return home without monetary help from Knox. Chooses to ask Knox because of "the...
GLC02437.05216
to John Marsden Pintard
14 November 1791
Received his last letter as well as a pipe made of bone he ordered from Pintard, which he likes very much. Discusses their families and mentions the death of his second son, Marcus, a few months ago. Relates that Mrs. Knox has been "inconsolable."...
GLC02437.05237
February 8, 1792
Pintard, John M., ?-1811
Received the letters Knox sent to him the previous November. Confirms that he is sending Knox the merchandise he asked for, including wine and a pipe. Has carefully monitored the quality of the items and is confident they will be to Knox's...
GLC02437.05315
12 June 1792
Requests Knox to ask around for information regarding the bankruptcy laws in Pennsylvania and how to take advantage of them. Signature is clipped. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.
GLC02437.05503
February 26, 1793
Ogden, Samuel, 1746-1810
Says there is an old proverb which states "Silence gives consent." Since Knox has not contradicted his previous suggestions, he will proceed to make "a location for you in this Town," meaning Newark. Has thought it over and knows it is the correct...
GLC02437.05835
24 December 1793
Received a letter from Canada this morning relating an account from Detroit that "the Indians have not been able to assemble more than between eight and nine hundred Men; That they had Cutt off the Escort of Provision." Says Mrs. Ogden's health is...
GLC02437.06005
February 26, 1794
Introduces a Mr. Campbell, who is traveling from Quebec to the West Indies.
GLC02437.06052
7 March 1794
Describes the purchase of lands (possibly in Maine) from Colonel [probably Benjamin] Walker. Also mentions the potential land sale to Mr. [William] Duer. Verifies whether the agreement suits Knox and asks for permission to sign the deed on his...
GLC02437.06057
27 May 1794
Notifies Knox the British intend to "wage War" with the United States over the western boundary lines. Reports the British believe their territory to be all of the west lakes and the Untied States territory to be limited to the Ohio River. Warns...
GLC02437.06108
20 October 1794
Informs Knox he received his letter regarding the commission from Carolina. Encloses a deed (not included) and needs Knox to have it signed by a federal judge. Discusses his wife's failing health. Congratulates Knox and Mrs. [Lucy] Knox on their...
GLC02437.06226
24 November 1794
Informs Knox he sold a tract of land and will be delivering the deed Saturday. Requests Knox forwards him his quick claim immediately.
GLC02437.06255
8 January 1795
Pourcheresse, C. P., fl. 1765
Expresses his sorrow about Knox resigning as Secretary of War. Discusses his service since being employed by Knox and requests a raise. Reminds Knox he had promised to do something better for him. Says he cannot support his family on a $700 yearly...
GLC02437.06298
25 November 1800
Rand, Isaac, 1743-1822
Rand is sending via the bearer of his letter a key to Rand's house for Knox. Rand requests an advance of "a quarters rent." Rand will send a receipt for Knox's payment.
GLC02437.07489
February 8, 1802
Asks Knox to send $115 for rent.
GLC02437.07712
to Prospect Selectmen
14 July 1802
Announces he would like to see a road built on Brigadiers Island, present day Sears Island, Maine. Date taken from the docket.
GLC02437.07740
February 5, 1806
Porter, Aaron, fl. 1806
Writes to recommend Mr. Nathaniel Coffin for a position of Justice of the Peace in the county of Bath. Relates his qualifications. Adds that Knox's friend General [David] Cobb, as well as Judge Thatcher, are well acquainted with him as well.
GLC02437.08003
December 11, 1787
Noted as written in "Rutland," possibly in Ohio or Massachusetts. Discusses a survey of the Muscongus patent completed by Captain Stone and Mr. [possibly Enoch] Titcomb.
GLC02437.09170
January 19, 1783
Popkin, John, fl. 1771-1783
Marked as a duplicate. Colonel Popkin defends himself against charges of fraud posed by men in Colonel Crane's regiment. Their accusations pertain to repayment of the soldiers and depreciation of currency. Popkin regrets that he cannot follow Knox...
GLC02437.10082
19 June 1783
Popkin defends himself against complaints waged against him by men from Colonel Crane's regiment. Knox had ordered Popkin to go to camp to address the complaints. Popkin writes, "The substance of the complaint is not true: Notes for Pay I never...
GLC02437.10112
1 July 1783
Popkin informs Knox, Commander of West Point, "...it was, and is, my full intention to comply strictly with orders, and... no other circumstance whatever but the want of Money, has prevented me being at the Quarters..." For related documents, see...
GLC02437.10117
ca. 1764
Lieutenant Price discusses the state of ordnance and provisions at his post. Notes, "We have been badly supplyed [sic] here with Provisions- have been out three Days at a time- and all the salt meat we have drawn has been to bad that it was merely...
GLC02437.10494
27 September 1785
Writes, "I have the pleasure to acknowledge the receit of your favor of the 21st of August, but leaving Baltimore soon after prevented me from writing you, and being informed you were expected in this city. I delayed giving you a full account of my...
GLC02437.03202
21 November 1789
Discusses Ramsay's idea of publishing the names of all the officers in the Continental Army in the appendix of Ramsay's history. Although originally pleased with Ramsay's idea, Knox is now against the idea. "Upon examining the list I found it...
GLC02437.04778
to Joseph Peirce
1 May 1782
Apologizes for not writing sooner but explains that he was held on "public business" in Elizabeth Town, New Jersey. Mentions a petition he gave to General Benjamin Lincoln. Focuses on matters of personal finance, such as his possible purchase of an...
GLC02437.01406
to Joshua Loring and Joseph Peirce
12 June 1782
Consists of Knox's working drafts of two retained letters, one to Joshua Loring and one to Joseph Peirce. In the letter to Loring, Knox asks that he forward him any money that he owes him as well as the proceeds for any sales of items belong to his...
GLC02437.01447
3 April 1783
Discusses consolidating business securities, which do not appear to be doing well. Rejoices in the "glorious" conclusion of the war.
GLC02437.02061
4 July 1783
Written by Major General Knox to Peirce, an associate in Boston who was handling some of his business affairs. References Peirce's letter of 16 June. Says he wants to purchase a farm where he can "live a decent oeconomy." Says if one cannot be found...
GLC02437.02237
[Weekly return for the corps of Sappers and Miners]
3 October 1783
Bushnell, David, 1740-1826
Lists men by status, rank and file. Written at Constitution Island.
GLC02437.02612
to Lucy Knox
14 June 1788
Moore, Thomas Lambert, 1758-1799
Updates Lucy on the progress of her son, Henry. Writes, "Master Henry's advances in the Latin are such as I hope will please you sufficiently... His mind appears strong, and his judgment solid- his ideas are lively and his memory sufficiently...
GLC02437.03893
3 March 1789
Writes a letter of introduction for the bearer, Mr. [Henry] Wynkoop, one of the Pennsylvania representatives to the new Congress, who will be spending time in New York. Recommends him as an acquaintance who will "meet your esteem & civility." He...
GLC02437.04133
March 23, 1789
Discusses an order for iron from Mr. Parkman for [Samuel] Shaw's ship and comments that he needs to acquire more iron "of the first quality." Asks if Knox can find out for him where he might get some. Also asks some questions about Congress....
GLC02437.04154
3 April 1789
Encloses an excerpt of a letter written to him by Mr. [Samuel] Parkman, respecting iron wanted for Mr. [Samuel] Shaw and Mr. [Thomas] Randall. The letter also discusses the dimensions and quantity of iron desired. Ogden writes, "My wish, nay my...
GLC02437.04165
9 April 1789
Writes, "I have the happiness to tell you that Mrs. Ogden is safely in Bed with a sweet little Girl." Adds that Mrs. Ogden would like Mrs. Knox to select a name for the child. Also mentions that he will receive information tomorrow about their...
GLC02437.04172
26 May 1789
Writes, "We very much lament the occasion which hurryed you by us with out giving us a call, we hope to hear of the recovery of your Child without injury having happened to so precious a member as its Eye." He and his wife look forward to an...
GLC02437.04221
13 July 1789
Has only just received his letter, so sent a Jacob Tuthill to Booneton [Boonton, NJ] as quickly as possible to make sure Knox got the necessary paperwork on time (likely referring to paperwork Knox asked for regarding Ogden's business with James...
GLC02437.04279
5 November 1789
Notes that he should have replied sooner to Knox's last letter, but wanted to consult [Gouverneur] Morris (Ogden's brother-in-law) first. Laments the poor state of their funds. Notes that Mrs. Ogden is ill. Written at Delaware Works, located in what...
GLC02437.04405
March 21, 1791
Writes a detailed letter to Peirce dealing with Thomas Flucker's estate, the Waldo Patent, land deals, and other financial matters. Encloses a letter (not included) to Captain [Thomas] Vose and Mr. [David] Fales regarding advertisements for the sale...
GLC02437.04886
8 May 1791
Hopes that Peirce sent Captain Vose "duplicates and copies." If there are any problems regarding the sale of his land, Knox expects Peirce to take care of it.
GLC02437.04940
31 May 1791
Written by Secretary of War Knox to his agent in Boston, Joseph Peirce. Encloses documents related to the Waldo patent, including Samuel Waldo's original deed (not present). Is sending them via his friend General [Henry] Jackson. Refers to various...
GLC02437.04965
23 June 1791
References Peirce's letters of 14 and 16 June. Consider the importance of the deeds he asks them to be "drawn up in a masterly manner." Tells him to employ who is necessary to get this done. Expects to learn about the sale of the estate on...
GLC02437.05021
2 July 1791
Written by Secretary of War Knox to Peirce, his agent in Boston. References Peirce's letter of 23 June that enclosed the draft of the deeds. Reports that he had the one from Peirce copied and executed, and the one for Oliver Smith drawn upon...
GLC02437.05047
21 July 1791
References a letter from Peirce but does not provide a date. Encloses a summary of his accounts as Peirce requested. Gives what information he can, but says his papers are divided between the town and the country. Claims he took no receipts of...
GLC02437.05078
December 31, 1792
Writes concerning debts to the Flucker estate.
GLC02437.05764
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