February 3, 1788

Sands, Comfort, 1748-1834

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Sands reports that he has just returned from the New York Legislature, and that Mr. [Egbert] Benson has asked him to relay that both branches agreed to hold a convention to decide on ratification of the United States Constitution. The convention is scheduled to meet at Poughkeepsie in June. Benson asks Knox to inform Boston.

GLC02437.03779

February 3, 1788

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses his regret that Knox has rheumatism. Expects that Massachusetts will adopt the Constitution. Discusses several delegates who advocated its adoption. Mentions [John] Hancock's publication in the [Massachusetts] Centinel 2 February 1788, which according to Sargent stated "that we should ratify &c. & propose certain Amendments..." Asks if General [Arthur] St. Clair will hold a treaty with an unspecified tribe of Native Americans and discusses business of the Ohio Company. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.03783

2 March circa 1788

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses shares and shareholders of the Ohio Company. Encloses a pamphlet (not included but possibly related to GLC02437.03815), and asks Knox to forward it to Platt. Month and day are given; year is written in pencil at a later date.

GLC02437.03811

3 July 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Arthur St. Clair

Marked private at the top of page one. Declares, "I rejoice my dear sir in having the pleasure of congratulating you on the adoption of the Constitution by ten states. In Virginia, the business has been highly interesting and critical, and finally succeeded by a majority of ten- In New Hampshire the majority eleven- The latter passed it on Saturday the 21, and Virginia on Wednesday the 25th ultimo." Discusses the New York convention presently deciding on ratification of the Constitution. Predicts that "the Convention will stipulate for amendments previous to the adoption... Congress will…

GLC02437.03926

17 July 1788

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Sargent writes, "the adoption of the Constitution by Virginia & New Hamshire [sic] is a Circumstance of very high Gratification to all your Friends in this Western World- I am unhappy that you should seem to suspect me of Inattention to you since my Arrival here-" Notes that he has been unable to use his right hand, thus writes with his left. Encloses a letter to [Richard] Platt (not included), asking Knox to inspect it. Discusses the Ohio land interests of a Mrs. Colden and the retention of settlers to Northwest Territory lands. Hopes to accommodate "those Settlers who are every day…

GLC02437.03937

15 August 1788

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses matters related to the Ohio Company settlement at Marietta, including the possibility of defense against Native American attacks. Intended to send Knox a plan of Marietta, but was unable to draw one due to his injured or afflicted hand. Relates the details of cultivating the land and discusses land prices. Plans to go down the [Ohio] River to meet with nine Indian tribes.

GLC02437.03962

20 October 1788

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Sargent, Secretary of the Northwest Territory, discusses progress of the settlers and negotiations with Native Americans in the Territory including Joseph Brant. Writes, "We can not as yet, tis true, boast of very much Cultivation or Improvement, for our Numbers are not large, but the few present have not been idle- they have [built] themselves comfortable Log Houses..." Comments on the delay of an unspecified treaty with Native Americans. Writes "...As the Governour corresponds with you, you will undoubtedly be informed of the particular Disposition of the different Tribes- Should they…

GLC02437.04007

8 January 1789

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks him for his recent letter and the information contained therein. Reports that the Governor, aware of Knox's interest in Indian affairs, will soon write him a note on the negotiations for a treaty with the Indians. Provides some information on that subject. Sends the regards of several friends who are with him in Marietta, and sends his compliments to Mrs. Lucy Knox, as well as to Knox's brother, William.

GLC02437.04079

January 14, 1789

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that the death of a prominent judge will leave an opening for General [Rufus] Putnam and Mr. [possibly Manasseh] Cutler as candidates for office in the region. Comments that both men are high in his estimation and their merits entitle them to the consideration of Congress, but believes that due to past measures, it may be hard to elect either one. Believes that General Putnam may have the best chance for success due to his military connections. If he gets promoted, Cutler would be well suited to take the Judgeship that Putnam currently occupies. Writes to advise Knox, as he knows…

GLC02437.04092

16 March 1789

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Introduces the bearer, Mr. Tracey, who is in charge of a party that is founding a settlement fourteen miles from Marietta, Ohio. Discusses the emerging society in Ohio. Remarks on the geography of his region, including the location of the Muskingum River. Asks about the operation of the new government and voices concerns about whether he will be under the jurisdiction of the new government. Discusses his desire for his friends to write him, due to his sense of isolation, and comments on his friendship with Knox and others back in the East.

GLC02437.04145

29 September 1789

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Apparently sends condolences to the Knox family (likely regarding the recent death of one of Knox's children). Writes that he would be happy to receive a line from Knox and answer any questions Knox might have about Sargent's area of the country. Is anxious for the Governor to arrive, because he needs to determine which lands the Governor would like to settle on, so that Sargent can set up his own home and agricultural fields. Discusses the military staff present in Ohio and the prospects of Congress sending more people. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.04369

9 November 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Replies to Sargent's request to send more troops to the Western Territory, specifically Marietta, Ohio (refer to GLC02437.04369). Knox does not personally object to the request, but writes that "the arrangement directed is with the entire concurrence of the President of the United States and embraces a variety of views- It seems to be a pretty prevalent opinion among the members of the Eastern States that the expences for the Western territories should be rather lessened than encreased." Noted as an extract.

GLC02437.04410

7 December 1789

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Replies to Knox's letter from 9 November (GLC02437.04410). Notes that Knox is correct in his observation that "Agriculture might afford me Satisfaction and profit..." Adds that presently, he is living beyond his means. Writes that the governor has not yet arrived, likely referring to Arthur St. Clair, governor of the Northwest Territory. Reports that due to the death of General [Samuel] Parsons, John Symmes is the only judge left in the Northwest Territory. Hopes the vacancy caused by Parsons' death will be filled as soon as possible, and the territory can establish "good & wholesome Laws…

GLC02437.04428

24 March 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Informs Sargent that Major General St. Clair has left Philadelphia for Fort Pitt. McClure will inform Sargent "fully of the arrangements for the campaign and probably request that you would assist him." Notes the operations suggested will likely lead to peace but if not "they must be made so."

GLC02437.04890

19 May 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Later copy. Written by Knox as Secretary at War to Major Sargent. References receiving Sargent's letters of 20 April and 1 and 2 May. Says the difficulties in connection with calling out the militia "by an order to a subordinate officer of a state" will continue until Congress fixes it. Hopes the large bodies of regular troops will provide security in the Ohio Territory, making any calls on the militia unnecessary. Says Colonel Ebenezer Sproat seems to deserve compensation for his services and that the matter will be handled soon.

GLC02437.04952

2 December 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Later copy. Written from the War Department. Explains that Mr. Caleb Swan will be taking thirty five thousand dollars in post bank notes for the pay of the army, and that Sargent's name has been added to the notes for greater security. When Swan wants to exchange the notes for cash, he will need Sargent's to do so; asks that Sargent oblige.

GLC02437.05250

6 January 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Later copy. Refers to a recent letter from Sargent which discussed battle losses to Indians in the Northwest Territories. Comments on the protection of settlements on the frontier, and mentions that plans will be laid before Congress on that subject right away.

GLC02437.05288

13 March 1792

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox [incomplete]

Writes that General [James] Wilkinson has asked for his help with the militiamen, specifically acquiring more troops. Discusses Wilkinson's attempts to establish lines of communication. Comments on the dispute between Wilkinson and Zeigler (see GLC02437.05346 for further information). Also touches on the altercation between Ford and Hodgdon (see GLC02437.05351), as well as the field officers there in the militia.

GLC02437.05353

4 April 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Later copy. Was happy to receive Sargent's letters, but wants to assure Sargent that his position as Adjutant General was not abolished because he did a poor job. Assures him that the position was abolished because all its goals were met. Discusses a potential new job for Sargent, as well as recruiting for new expeditions. Also declares that "Capt [Constant] Freeman will tell you of the uproar the failure of the late expedition has excited."

GLC02437.05397

21 April 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Later copy. Written from the "War Department." Letter appointing Sargent to the office of Adjutant and Inspector General of the Army. Asks him to respond right away as to whether he accepts, and encloses the act of Congress establishing pay and benefits for the position (not present).

GLC02437.05422

17 May 1792

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox [incomplete]

Thanks him for his recent letter, as well as his kindness and friendship. Discusses how he would like to meet or surpass expectations in his job, especially by enforcing discipline among his troops. Tries to explain why he might have a bad reputation among the troops. Refers to a letter from Knox in which Knox asks why he is thought to act with "haughtiness and severity" (see GLC02437.05423). Discusses whether or not to decline his post, but seems resolved to keep his job.

GLC02437.05466

23 July 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Later copy. Gives orders to Sargent concerning the protection of the North West territory. Mentions directing General Anthony Wayne to provide an escort for the governor of Georgia. Noted as written at the War Department.

GLC02437.05553

8 August 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Later copy. Briefly mentions a number of topics, including the French Revolution and the government situation with the Eastern Territory.

GLC02437.05573

29 October 1792

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes a letter of introduction for the bearer, Captain Mayette writing: "for if he is not for us he will be decidedly against us - and his Influence is very considerable amongst the Indians... The British and Spaniards I have no Doubt would purchase him at a considerable price and but for the flattering distinctions we have paid him he probably would have struck up a Bargain." Discusses another Native American who he thinks would be a beneficial ally, although he is a "monstrous beggarly rascal even for an Indian." Refers to a treaty with the Native Americans, noting, "from the knowledge…

GLC02437.05678

1 November 1792

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Requests that Knox recommend a Mr. Sebastian (possibly Benjamin Sebastian) to fill any judicial vacancies that may arise in the Northwest Territory. Expects Judge [George] Turner to leave his seat.

GLC02437.05682