February 3, 1787

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter by Washington to Knox, discussing the potential Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, which he does not plan to attend. Believes the current national government is terribly flawed, but that maintaining it may be the best plan. Also mentions public dissent against the state government in Massachusetts. Copy of letter made 3 March 1855.

GLC02437.09333

February 25, 1787

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter by Washington to Knox, discussing Shay's rebellion. Greatful that the rebellion has been supressed. News of the rebellion, and fear of further upheaval, helped spur Washington to agree to attend the Constitutional Convention. Copy made 2 February 1854.

GLC02437.09334

2 April 1787

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, discussing whether or not he should attend the Constitutional Convention. Debates pros and cons of the convention, and requests Knox's opinion on the matter. Copy made 3 February 1854.

GLC02437.09335

27 April 1787

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, discussing the Society of the Cincinnati, and "the light in which it is viewed in France." Copy made 3 February 1854.

GLC02437.09336

19 August 1787

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, reporting on events at the Constitutional Convention. Copy made 1 February 1854.

GLC02437.09337

January 10,1788

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy. Discussing the voting in each state as to whether or not to adopt the new Constitution. Copy made 3 March 1854.

GLC02437.09338

February 5, 1788

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, discussing the vote on whether to adopt the Constitution in Massachusetts and Virginia. Copy made 8 February 1854.

GLC02437.09339

30 March 1788

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of original letter. Discussing support for the Constitution in various states, notably New Hampshire. Copy made 4 March 1854.

GLC02437.09340

17 June 1788

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter written by Washington to Knox, discussing the Anti-Federalists and debate in each state over ratifying the Constitution. Copy made 3 March 1854.

GLC02437.09341

1 April 1789

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter written by Washington to Knox, discussing his hesitation to become President. Reads "My movements to the chair of Government will be accompanied with feelings not unlike those of a culprit who is going to the place of his execution: so unwilling am I, in the evening of a life nearly consumed in public cares, to quit a peaceful abode for an Ocean of difficulties, without that competency of political skill, abilities & inclination which is necessary to manage the helm." Copy made 2 February 1854.

GLC02437.09342

19 November 1790

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, discussing an expedition against the Wabash Indians. Expresses disappointment in General [Josiah] Harmer. Expected little from Harmer, after hearing he was a drunkard. Instructs Knox to present other important matters before Congress, as they occur to him, preceding Washington's arrival. Notes that recent heavy rains may hinder his progress to Philadelphia. Marked private at the top of page one. Copy made 3 March 1854.

GLC02437.09343

1 January 1791

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, which transmitted a letter from the President of the Society of the Cincinnati of South Carolina (possibly William Moultrie). Relates that the enclosed letter pertains to a resolution of the Society. At the bottom of the page, indicates that Knox is Secretary General to the Society. Copy made 6 March 1854. The original of this letter is GLC02437.09422.

GLC02437.09344

January 22, 1792

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, instructing Knox not to disclose information regarding the nomination of General Officers and a bill that has not yet passed. Copy made 1 February 1854. Original of this letter is GLC02437.09424.

GLC02437.09345

29 February 1792

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, discussing the case of General St. Clair (possibly Arthur St. Clair), noting that he wishes to answer St. Clair's letters with a reply that can be published. Comments that saying neither too much nor too little with be difficult concerning St. Claire's case. Copy made 8 February 1854. Original of this letter is GLC02437.09425.

GLC02437.09346

24 September 1792

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, thanking Knox for information he previously sent within his private letters. Mentions Mr. Hammond, Mr. Penn, and Andrew Hamilton. Asks how Pennsylvania State officers, including Mr. Morris (possibly Robert Morris), received Hamilton, noting that Morris is one of the obnoxious characters in Pennsylvania. Relates that his nephew is scarcely able to walk. Intends to leave Mount Vernon for Philadelphia on 8 or 9 October 1792. In a post script, notes that Hammond and Mr. Smith have arrived at Mount Vernon. Copy made 8 February 1854.

GLC02437.09347

5 April 1794

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, discussing General Israel Chapin's negotiations with the Six Nations (possibly referring to the Canandaigua Treaty of 1794). Notes that the Treaty should take place apart from British agents and spies. Copy made 8 February 1854. Original of this letter is GLC02437.09428.

GLC02437.09348

September 20, 1795

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, discussing a letter recently received from Knox "with great pleasure." Comments on Knox's home in Maine (Knox retired to his estate, Montpelier, in 1795, located near the St. George River in Thomaston, Maine). Mentions the "Treaty with Great Britain," possibly referring to the Jay Treaty, signed by Washington in August 1795. Refers to public opinion of the Treaty. Discusses the details of providing for George Washington Lafayette (son the Marquis de Lafayette and the President's godson). Relates that he has arranged for Lafayette to be cared for…

GLC02437.09349

2 March 1797

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, thanking Knox for a letter recently received. Offer condolences to Knox for his recent losses (several of Knox's children died 1796-1797, including his seven year old son named after George Washington). Washington complains of those who lack confidence in and have criticized his leadership, stating that they will be satisfied with nothing "short of a change in our political system." Writes that he looks forward to the prospect of retirement, but is not "without my regrets at parting with (perhaps never more to meet) the few intimates whom I…

GLC02437.09350

16 July 1798

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of the final portion of a letter from Washington to Knox. This section discusses private matters related to the Secretary of War. Also worries about "The loss of our independence or the Subjugation of our Goverment both of which are evidently struck at, by an intoxicated - ambitious - and domineering foe." Copy made 3 March 1854.

GLC02437.09351

3 December 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Comments on "The splendid display of Fireworks last evening" and wishes Knox to pass along his compliments to those in charge. With an signed endorsement on the verso by Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide de camp, sending the letter to Brigadier Generals Michael Jackson and Henry Jackson stating that the letter be published for "the troops under your command." George Washington's signature is clipped.

GLC02437.09368

30 March 1788

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relates that he received a letter from Knox, and that Mr. Madison informed him Knox had recovered from a "severe indisposition." Discusses ratification of the Constitution at state conventions, commenting that New Hampshire's behavior has baffled other states due to a long adjournment. Notes that if Virginia rejects the Constitution, all those states following it will do the same, and the Constitution will not be adopted. Relates that northern Virginia supports the Constitution, while in general, southern Virginia is opposed. Comments that the Kentucke district (Kentucky County, which…

GLC02437.09417

10 February 1776

Waters, Josiah, fl. 1776-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Congratulates Knox on a safe return from Fort Ticonderoga, where he was retrieving artillery pieces for the Continental Army in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Has had trouble obtaining books on military fortification and asks Knox, who had been a bookseller in Boston, if he could find some. Asks Knox to inform him of what maneuvers are being planned against the British, and promises it will "be most sacredly kept." Mentions that the saltpeter (a compound used in gunpowder) works are proceeding rapidly.

GLC02437.00249

7 June 1782

Waters, Josiah, fl. 1776-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Congratulates Knox on his recent promotion. Informs him that he has "been again prevailed upon to accept the disagreeable task of procuring this Towns Quota of Recruits for the Continental Army," a task which is "all times disagreeable but more particularly so when through long continued scenes of villainy and practices most pernicious to the Community, it seemed to become habitual to do wrong." The town council has given the former Muster Master, a Colonel [Ezra] Badlam, a testimony of approbation, and Colonel Badlam will be sent to deliver the present letter and the testimony letter.…

GLC02437.01443

7 November 1782

Waters, Josiah, fl. 1776-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes, "This will be delivered to you by Mr. J. Byles who if I mistake not served his time previous to the war with Mr. John Simpkins." After this time, he suffered "many adverse fortunes which has induced him to enter the service of the united States as a private soldier and being to march for camp has requested of me a line to you. Not being acquainted with him I made inquiry concerning his conduct, before I ventured to give him a Letter and finding that he has really been unfortunate though having committed some imprudences, I have told him that he must not expect the attention he…

GLC02437.01703

4 January 1783

Webb, J., fl. 1783

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Jos. Webb, possibly Joseph or Josiah Webb. Writes that he has business to settle with David Porter of Hartford, who has a son, Moses, in Colonel [perhaps Samuel] Webb's regiment. Would like to request Porter's son be allowed to return home to settle the business. Mentions seeing General Huntington and sends regards to Mrs. Knox.

GLC02437.01795