17 January 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses appointments by the state legislature, which is currently in session, and a recent speech given by the President (George Washington). Notes Speaker Eustis (likely referring to William Eustis who was a member of the Massachusetts Legislature from 1788 to 1794) and others are well acquainted with the petition and will "meet it." Writes his father's health is no longer as it was and that he will not last much longer. States that "he is 83 years of age; and my good mother is 82 she appears to be as well as I have known her this twenty years, they have lived together near 60 years in…

GLC02437.04472

10 February 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he, along with Mr. Whitmore and "cousin Isaac," presumably Winslow, appeared before a committee chaired by John Gardner to discusses a report described in his last letter (dealing with a petition of Knox's in relation to the Waldo patent lands, see GLC02437.04500). The issue involved a resolve in 1785 where the years 1775 and 1785 were confused. Mentions the presence of Nathan Dane, Nathaniel Gorham, Knox's "friend" Ulmer from Duck Trap, among others. Jackson concludes the issue by stating that chairman Gardner told him that he was deceived by the men on the other side of…

GLC02437.04504

14 February 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses an excise and valuation bill in the House. Writes, "The state notes hold their ground much better than the continentals, the moment they are at your marker, I will strike, and with the greatest secrecy as it respects you." Comments that at present he cannot determine how Knox's plan for the militia will be received, as he has heard many different opinions about it. Informs Knox that they celebrated Washington's birthday in Boston.

GLC02437.04510

4 April 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a mutual friend's financial troubles and the need for every exertion to be made on his behalf. Mentions a general meeting of delegates that may be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Asks Knox to inform him if he believes the business at the meeting will not be attended to. Describes the dissatisfaction many former officers are feeling as they still have not received any pay for their services to the government. There is a meeting being held regarding their situation and he has been asked to join it. Notes he feels the officers complaints are just but the timing is wrong.…

GLC02437.04576

6 February 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Acknowledges receipt of Knox's letter of 23 January 1791. Says he is happy that Knox has decided to write every Sunday and that Knox likes his new wallpaper. Is forwarding Knox papers "respecting the payment to Mr. S[ylvanus] Bourne." Relates that Samuel Ogden is in town negotiating over "our Western Lands." Robert and John Livingston have also been there. Discusses the social scene of Boston and his plans to celebrate the birthday of George Washington on February 11 in Concert Hall with 100 gentlemen. Jackson is in charge of this celebration. They reached out to Governor John Hancock but…

GLC02437.04850

13 February 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Acknowledges Knox's letter of 30 January 1791. Comments that [James Swan] "is too sanguine in this business and his profits are only on paper." Notes [Sylvanus] Bourne is eager to settle his business affairs with them. Talks about the celebration of President George Washington's Birthday where they consumed "82 Bottles of Madeira Wine." Says the purpose of [Samuel] Ogden's visit to Boston is to "make a purchase of the remaining 2/3d of our Western Lands - Gorham and Philips having purchased the other 1/3d." Tells Knox that "a number of Petitions have made their appearance from the settlers…

GLC02437.04854

20 April 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson thinks the salary for Office of Marshall for the District should increase to attract better candidates. Jackson considers himself a candidate and wishes for Knox to exert his influence on President George Washington. Jackson thinks the appointment will suit him because it requires outdoor activities and energy. He even tells Secretary of War Knox that if the salary is "one penny, or one pound," he would still take it. He wants to avoid "indoor business." Jackson is depending on Knox and admits he is disappointed that Knox has not come through for him sooner on this matter.

GLC02437.04920

13 September 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to ask Knox to recommend Mr. [Moses Michael] Hays for the position of Collector of Newport, Rhode Island, when Rhode Island's statehood becomes official (see GLC02437.04355 for Hays's request for the position). Relates that Hays lived there for many years before the war. Describes Hays as a gentleman of the "first Honour & Integrity" and comments on his business successes and loyalty to his family and the federal government.

GLC02437.04356

20 September 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received Knox's most recent letter, and is glad to hear his daughter Julia has recovered completely from her illness. Relates that all the members of the Society of the Cincinnati in Boston were invited to dine aboard a ship, the Leopard, whose captain is also a Society member; also describes another feast aboard a boat, to which the Governor was invited. Describes a dinner the Cincinnati are throwing the following week. Mentions that "little Isaac" (likely Isaac Winslow, Jr.) recently returned from "the Eastward" (likely the Waldo patent lands) and is very happy with the job Captain…

GLC02437.04362

11 October 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the education of the son of a mutual friend [possibly named Sumner or Summer], whose legitimacy is suspect. Writes, "I am afraid whether I have any thing in writing that acknowledges him as his Son & that he ment [sic] to consider him as such with respect to his property." Forwards a letter from Dr. [William] Eustis concerning his desire to "have the charge of the Invalids" in Massachusetts (not present). Speaks highly of Eustis's integrity, and suggests Knox may want to appeal to Colonel [Alexander] Hamilton on Eustis's behalf, as Hamilton will be making the appointment.…

GLC02437.04386

8 November 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Describes his trip back to Boston as a "most disagreeable and damnable passage of five days ..." Still suffers from the voyage, noting: "at this moment the Sea is rolling in my head, and the Room and Chairs... if ever I am caught again in the sound I pray I may be committed to a mad house as a lunatic." States that he had wanted to discuss "a misunderstanding which took place on the day of the arrival of the President," but will have to put it off since he is not feeling well. Relates that his parents are in ill health and are declining fast. Asks Knox to give his regards to Lucy Knox and…

GLC02437.04408

13 December 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a proposal that they had put together and writes in detail about showing it to [James] Bowdoin, John Pitts, and [Sylvanus] Bourne. Declares, "I think we have but little hopes of success - " Comments on other business transactions. Gives news of the adoption of the Constitution by North Carolina: "By a vessell in five days from North Carolina we have the pleasing intelligence that that State has adopted the Federal Government by a majority of 118... yesterday all the Bells in town were put in motion on this joyous event." Encloses a newspaper from 12 December (not included). Relates…

GLC02437.04438

20 December 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the financial affairs of a Mr. Pemberton, noting that Pemberton's estate is in the hands of overseers (of Boston), and the interest was to be given to the relief of "such poor persons as had formerly lived in genteel life..." Notes that the demand against their acquaintance, a Mr. F., is thus in the hands of the overseers. Discusses additional financial matters. Refers to a proposal placed before Mr. [James] Bowdoin, noting that Jackson did everything in his power not to leave the papers with Bowdoin. Promises to put the proposal before [John] Pitts when he returns to town, but adds…

GLC02437.04444

27 December 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses issues with the eastern lands and the need for Knox to act quickly. Mentions that the price of state paper has gone up since Jackson last wrote to Knox and that "Continental Certificates" are going backwards. Says he will not purchase any notes until he hears back from Knox. Also mentions fishing, saying "let me know what you are after - possibly some fish may come to my hook - I should like to be baited & ready for them - you know I like Salmon -" Wishes Knox and his family a merry Christmas.

GLC02437.04452

5 January 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses his visits to friends and "the most violent snow storm we have had since the year 1780 ... " Expresses his concern on not hearing from Knox, as "never since our acquaintance first took place, do I remember such an instance as the present - it is now more than a month since you wrote me ... I am my dear Harry really at a loss, indeed I cannot conjecture the reason why I am forgotten - and I assure you I shall continue very unhappy and distress'd until this matter is explained - I have writen [sic] you every Sunday since you left Boston and shall continue so to do and I pray you to do…

GLC02437.04465

9 January 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that the Massachusetts legislature will be meeting and that he will attend in order to look after their mutual interests. Discusses securities, the militia and the weather.

GLC02437.04468

20 January 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses issues with the northern region of the Waldo patent. Mentions the General Court is continuing in great harmony and believes it will continue to do so unless it is interrupted by John Gardner's notions on the law. Also forwards a speech (not included) by Governor [John] Hancock for his perusal.

GLC02437.04477

24 January 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks Knox to send him one of the reports from the Secretary of Treasurer, [Alexander] Hamilton, when they are printed. Does not believe they will be disappointed by Hamilton's "abilities & industry." Discusses the state of securities noting the prices remain the same. Informs Knox a petition has been signed by the merchants and traders of Boston to annihilate the state excise. Says 200 to 300 of the most respectable men have signed the petition and it is the general opinion that this part of the revenue be under the direction of the general government.

GLC02437.04480

7 February 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes, "I am glad you have sent one of your Reports to the Governour [sic] because he has been not a little displeased with you in consequence of some Letter you have lately writen [sic] him in your Official Character in which I believe he thinks was not expressed respectfull enough to the first magistrate of this Commonwealth- what it was, or what about I know not- but I have several times been ask'd what you had done to offend the Governour-" Discusses Knox's petition, which has been stopped in the Senate. Also gives details of the dishonest conduct of Thomas & Brown in relation to…

GLC02437.04500

21 February 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that Rhode Island is close to adopting the constitution, "[t]here is almost a certainty that the State of Rhode Island will adopt the Federal Government ... " and on behalf of a Mr. and Mrs. Hays, as they are "desireous [sic] of having the appointment of Collector for the Port of Newport - but his not being a resident in that State were objections to his being consider'd as a candidate for that office - however the principle may be a good one of not appointing a man from one State to an office in another, yet in the case of Mr. Hayes it is very different - " Goes on to say he, "at the…

GLC02437.04516

7 March 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Refers to the poor financial situation of Mr. Tracy, presumably Nathaniel Tracy. Relates that Major Gibbs pursued Tracy into another state to collect a debt. Discusses a petition before the Massachusetts general court related to Knox's Maine lands. Mentions those who were present for the committee meeting, commenting that "Brown is an artfull suttle designing fellow and held on like a bull dog- he made a thousand false representations & told a number of damn'd lies in order to gain his point-" Adds that Brown misconstrued dealings between the petitioners and Knox's agent, "to call for the…

GLC02437.04535

14 March 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Repeats a request to Knox that "unless you appear here, in person, you never will be able to effect your wishes" regarding petitions in the Massachusetts General Court related to Knox's lands. States that the Winslows have "done every thing in their power - but they are infants in this business, & perfectly ignorant of the subject, indeed the name of Winslow is enough to damn any plan you may have in view." Reports that Governor John Hancock nominated Colonel Gabriel Johonnot as first judge to the Court of Common Pleas, and George Tyler of Deer Island as High Sheriff for Hancock County.…

GLC02437.04547

21 March 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a dispute between mutual friends Mr. Tracy and Mr. Gibbs. Reports attending the funeral of Miss Abigail Otis, daughter of Mr. S[amuel] A[llyne] Otis, Massachusetts politician and Secretary of the U.S. Senate. Miss Otis was a lovely young girl of sixteen who died of consumption. Provides news of other illnesses in his family, including the imminent passing of his father. Reports that his mother is in good spirits considering the illness of his father, and that they have passed nearly sixty years together.

GLC02437.04557

24 March 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Sends Knox a copy of the Boston Gazette (not included). Writes about recent stormy weather, which has prevented Samuel Shaw from setting off on his trip. Provides some news on family and friends.

GLC02437.04558

31 March 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that he has had a conversation with Dr. [William] Eustis, and that Eustis would find a particular (unnamed) circumstance highly pleasing if it came to pass. Informs Knox about the progress of Samuel Shaw, who is sailing again to China. Also discusses a 17- or 18- year-old debt owed to the Flucker estate. Reports that he should be able to secure its repayment if he can find the note explaining the debt, but asks if Knox has any knowledge of this issue or wishes about how to handle it. Adds that his father is still alive but "cannot continue many days."

GLC02437.04567