25 October 1789

Carrington, Edward, 1749-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Opens by thanking Knox for his role in obtaining Carrington a presidential appointment [as marshal of Virginia]. He then discusses the French revolution, writing that "[t]he Revolution in France is as singular as it is important to the cause of Liberty. It is perhaps the first instance in the History of Nations of a King & his people uniting to extend the Rights of the latter in abridging the power and privileges of the Nobles. The Common tendency of Revolutions founded in a [sense] amongst the people of oppression from the Nobility has ever been to an implicit surrender of every thing…

GLC02437.04396

9 November 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Robert Aitken

Based on an agreement with David Ramsay, Knox was supposed to have sent Aitken a list of general and field officers to be published in the appendix of Ramsay's book, History of the American Revolution. He had another person working on the list for over two months, and upon review found the list too erroneous to publish. Also thinks the list would offend many, as it did not take into consideration those who left the service before the end of the war. Intends to let Ramsay know his reasons for not sending the list (refer to GLC02437.04778).

GLC02437.04411

12 November 1789

Bacon, John, 1738-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a demand made by a Mr. Goldthwait regarding the Waldo patent. Wishes to know if there is any "certain prospect of [the estate] being selled [sold] within a short time? We are unwilling our demand should lye any longer in the situation in which it now is."

GLC02437.04413

22 November 1789

Bourne, Sylvanus, 1761-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Replies to Knox's letter of 27 September (GLC02437.04368). Plans to present his wishes to obtain a foreign appointment. Urges Knox to forward his proposals to the Flucker estate's creditors so Bourne can attend to the matter before the next session of Congress.

GLC02437.04419

13 December 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Bacon

Discusses the Waldo patent. Refers to difficulties in having the patent authorized by the Legislature of Massachusetts. Mentions struggles with settlers who believe they have claims upon the land.

GLC02437.04437

January 10, 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sylvanus Bourne

Discusses the financial business of a mutual acquaintance.

GLC02437.04469

February 4, 1790

Carrington, Edward, 1749-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Wrote an affidavit as requested by Knox of his knowledge "respecting the circumstances which led Genl [Nathanael] Greene into his securityships for John Banks" (refer to GLC02437.04498). Discusses the transaction between Banks and Greene in detail. In the affidavit, Carrington did not comment on the suggestion that Greene was involved in trade with Banks. He plans to send Knox some newspapers that discuss Banks involvement with Greene, or send an additional affidavit. Hopes Knox will obtain evidence of the circumstances that led Banks to be pressured for additional security.

GLC02437.04497

7 February 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Edward Carrington

Discusses the issue of General Nathanael Greene being responsible for John Bank's debts. States that Mrs. Greene and her friends are petitioning Congress for an indemnification. General Greene made a statement to Congress in 1785 explaining the transaction. Knox sends a copy of this statement (not present). If the indemnification is not granted, Greene's family will be greatly in debt and in dire straights. Believes the deceased Greene's reputation, along with his statement, should be enough to obtain the indemnification requested. Thinks a corroborative certificate from Carrington and…

GLC02437.04503

9 March 1790 - 21 November 1792

Manuscript document

Title: The United States of America for Sundry expenditures from the 10th Sept 1789, to the 1st of March

Lists transactions for the account of Joseph Howell Junior, Paymaster General, by name and date. Includes amounts. Noted as written in the Auditors Office and the Pay office in New York City. Countersigned as a true copy by Joseph Nourse [?].

GLC02437.04523

2 March 1790

Carrington, Edward, 1749-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Encloses his affidavit (not present) upon the circumstances of private merchant John Bank's contract with Nathanael Greene to supply the southern army with provisions in 1783. It later came to light that Banks was involved in disreputable business dealings and Greene wanted to renounce any involvement with him. Both Carrington and General Anthony Wayne were asked by Greene to provide affidavits disclaiming any financial connection between Banks and Greene. Carrington asks Knox to withdraw his old affidavit and send this new one to Congress in its place. Encloses a copy of a letter (not…

GLC02437.04525

12 March 1790

Bryant, John, 1742-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to Knox, stating, "when I think of the attention that has been paid to me in my necessitous circumstances and of my situation in life, I cannot but with gratitude think on the author of it that his name may ever be rememberd [sic] in my family. I have named a son Henry Knox. he was born on the first of March. He is a fine large boy."

GLC02437.04545

15 March 1790

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Daniel Parker

Discusses in detail his financial business related to the Empress of China, the ship he took on his first trip to China. The owners refused to pay him and [Thomas] Randall. Says not only did the owners refuse to pay them upwards of $3000 but that they also instituted an account against them for $2300. The account was appropriated by Parker from the owners' funds committed to Shaw and Randall. Another $884 was also charged which he and Randall paid to Captain Green. The owners are now suing Shaw and Randall for the remaining balance that was not charged to their account. Discusses the…

GLC02437.04571

17 April 1790

Carrington, Edward, 1749-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses taking out a draft of money for the census department. Notes the Secretary of Treasurer, Alexander Hamilton, has informed him that in order to obtain a draft of money for the departments in the census, another person needs to be empowered to perform drawing and transmitting duties during his absence. Requests Knox takes over this function and to transmit the money by post. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.04586

27 April 1790

Châteaubourg, Camille Basset de, fl. 1790-1813

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses his invitation to join the Society of the Cincinnati that he received after the late War. Says in 1784 he was one of the French officers admitted into the Society, but at the time he could not procure himself the commission for his admission. Would like to obtain a diploma for the title of the honor he had to participate in the Society.

GLC02437.04590

28 April 1790

Manuscript letter

Title: to Theodore Bliss

Informs Bliss his accounts are settled. Does not believe Bliss applying to Congress will be of any service to him. Says Bliss's friends in Boston, Massachusetts can advise him on the propriety of petitioning the Legislature of Massachusetts.

GLC02437.04591

10 May 1790

Biddle, Clement, 1740-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes on behalf of a friend who "solicits the office of Ensign in the Service of the United States - "Writes on behalf of a friend, Mr. William Burd, who "solicits the office of Ensign in the Service of the United States." Reports that he is the son of Mark Burd, who worked in the Quartermaster's office, and that William Burd has the endorsement of Thomas Mifflin, former Quartermaster General and former President of the Continental Congress.

GLC02437.04601

15 May 1790

Breck, Samuel, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes a letter of introduction for a Mr. Frazier, who is visiting New York from Boston.

GLC02437.04607

26 June 1790

Breck, Samuel, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes on behalf of John Ewing, Jr., who wishes for a government position. Asks Knox for his help and patronage.

GLC02437.04637

4 July 1790

Brett, Piercy, fl. 1788-1792

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses politics in regards to the possible war with Spain. Writes, "Our political situation at present is so enveloped in clouds of doubt and uncertainty, that the keenest and clearest eyes can see nothing through them ... we have as formidable a fleet ready to sail as ever was fitted out in this country, in so short a space of time, well-manned and in high spirits, eager to engage the enemy, yet it is by no means certain that they will face us, or that a war will take place." Notes that the high-level diplomatic negotiations are kept secret. Possible terms of agreement between England and…

GLC02437.04643

6 July 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Bingham

Writes a letter of introduction for Count [Paolo] Andreani, of Milan, Italy. States that Andreani is highly recommended by the Marquis de la Luzerne.

GLC02437.04646

7 July 1790

Brett, Piercy, fl. 1788-1792

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relates that General [John] Maunsell arrived after a sixteen day passage from Halifax, and he will give Knox an account of his voyage after he has rested. Writes, "Ever since the beginning of May last we have been in daily expectation of a war with Spain; in consequence of which we have made vigorous exertions to be prepared for that event..." Reports that a fleet commanded by Admiral Barrington sailed several days prior, and there is still much uncertainty whether war will be declared or not. Notes that it is to the advantage of the British "that France is not in a capacity of assisting the…

GLC02437.04647

10 July 1790

Cavenough, William, fl. 1784-1790

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks for Knox's assistance, complaining that "the world has severely frowned upon me, and has left me, nearly as wretched, as the Human mind can conceive." Asks to have an interview with Knox so that he can explain his situation more fully. States that mutual acquaintances will give him recommendations.

GLC02437.04649

19 July 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to William Burnet

Relates that Catharine Greene, widow of Nathanael Greene, has a petition before Congress requesting an indemnification against debts incurred by Greene during the Revolutionary War. During the war, Nathanael Greene had made a contract with merchant John Banks to supply clothing and provisions for the Southern Army, and Knox seeks to prove Greene was not a business partner with Banks. Says that some have alleged Burnett had evidence of Greene's partnership with Banks, through the papers of his son Ichabod Burnet, who had been Greene's aide during the war. Asks whether he had such evidence, and…

GLC02437.04657

31 July 1790

Belknap, Jeremy, 1744-1798

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes in full, "Having received several Letters from Major Sargent under your frank, I presume it will not be disagreeable to you that I should ask the favour of you when you send dispatches into the Western Territory to give my letters inclosd with this, a place in your packet." Letters not included.

GLC02437.04663

6 August 1790

Blair, Samuel, 1741-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Reverend Blair to Secretary of War Knox. Blair says his infirmities dating back to his days in the army hinder his ability to work in the "stated customary offices" of his ministry. Requests that Knox help him get a "Chaplaincy in the Congress, on their removal to Philad[elphia]. Mentions that the timing of this letter might be inconvenient as the government prepares to move from New York. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.04671