20 May 1789

Carrington, Edward, 1749-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Wrote Knox recently and thought he might be able to visit "the metropolis," but now believes he must "decline the trip." Would prefer not to leave while his arrangements are still so tentative, and asks that Knox provide him with useful information as he sees fit. (Carrington may be referring to his prospects of receiving an appointment with the new government; see GLC02437.04167.)

GLC02437.04209

20 May 1789

Bauman, Sebastian, 1739-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to remind him of a letter he wrote to Knox previously, asking Knox to help him financially (perhaps by finding him a job). Argues that he was left impoverished because he spent so much time in "pursuit for the honor of my Country." Adds that he does not have family or friends in a position to help him, so he hopes that Knox will speak with the President and Vice President on his behalf. Docketed 21 May 1789.

GLC02437.04213

21 May 1789

Burke, Aedanus, 1743-1802

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions that he has tried unsuccessfully to "raise a subscription for the unfortunate Baron," likely the Baron de Glasbeech. Writes that there is nothing more he can do, except to send good wishes, and that he is "much mortified by it." A pencil note near the signature, likely written at a later date, states, "Who wrote against the Cincinnati," a reference to Burke's attacks on the Society.

GLC02437.04214

24 May 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Barrett

Received his last letter (GLC02437.04200). Declares that Barrett's education and reputation entitle him to request a position in the new government, but that all nominations are made by the President. Encourages him to submit a letter of application, and discusses what its contents should include.

GLC02437.04219

30 May 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to James Bowdoin

Writes to discuss a recent letter he received via a Dr. Bayley regarding political reforms in Europe.

GLC02437.04225

16 June 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Edward Carrington

Has received his last two letters, but did not write back because he hoped to see Carrington in person. Was also waiting for some government issues to be resolved so he could properly answer Carrington's queries. Has learned Carrington did not yet write the President about obtaining a position in the government, and encourages him strongly to do so, providing advice on what information to include. Mentions that he has recommended him to the President. Adds that he thinks Carrington was smart to not come to New York and try to solicit a job in person.

GLC02437.04243

20 June 1789

Barrett, Samuel, 1739-1798

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Declares that he received Knox's last letter, and would like to ask him to forward to the President a copy of a letter from Governor [John] Hancock, which he transcribes on the bottom half of the page. Hancock's letter recommends Barrett for a job with the federal government.

GLC02437.04249

20 June 1789

Allen, Jeremiah, fl. 1774-1791

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions that his friend Captain Josiah Roberts asked him whether Mr. [Samuel] Shaw has a captain for his ship yet for his next voyage. Allen promised to write and ask, as well as to recommend Roberts for the post, declaring that he himself took a voyage with Roberts and never knew a "more compleat sailor."

GLC02437.04250

25 June 1789

Bryant, John, 1742-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to ask if Knox might help his brother, Lieutenant David Mason. Mason is in New York in a desperate situation, and Bryant has no money at present to help him. Asks if Knox might lend Mason fifteen dollars to book passage to Boston or Springfield on Bryant's account, and Bryant will pay him back out of the first income he receives.

GLC02437.04255

29 June 1789

Biddle, Clement, 1740-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the establishment of a judicial branch for the United States, and his appointment as a justice in Philadelphia. Mentions that his accounts are in order. Has applied to the President for the position of "Marshall of the federal Court for the District of Pennsylvania," but has not yet appealed to any Senators except for those from Pennsylvania. Asks for Knox's help and recommendation. He and his wife also send their respects to Mrs. Knox.

GLC02437.04261

1 July 1789

Carrington, Edward, 1749-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes from "Powhatan via Richmond," most likely in Virginia. Writes that he has, in fact, decided not to travel to New York City in pursuit of a government appointment. Adds, "I did expect that many would collect there in quest of appointments, and that it would draw on them remarks which would tend rather to injure than promote their wishes - I now learn that this is in fact the case - I would not be ranked amongst them for the world." Believes that the President will not make appointments based on "absence or presence" but instead based on "character." Sends his respects to Mrs. Knox…

GLC02437.04267

3 July 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to John Bryant

In a secretarial hand and unsigned, but author is likely Henry Knox. Letter is probably a reply to GLC02437.04255, from Bryant to Knox. Writes that he would be happy to advance Bryant's brother-in-law Mr. Mason the sum Bryant requested, but he thinks it will not be necessary, as "such provision has been recently made for him as will relieve his present necessities."

GLC02437.04269

4 July 1789

Manuscript document

Title: [Minutes for the Society of the Cincinnati meeting of 4 July 1789]

Docket suggests that this copy of the minutes was created by a Thomas Jainson on 25 January 1836. Minutes for an annual meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati held 4 July 1789 at the Bunch of Grapes Tavern in Boston, Massachusetts. Topics discussed include financial relief for a Society member, David Mason, Jr. (see GLC02437.04255 and .04269), and reports from the Standing Committee. Also includes motions that passed at the meeting.

GLC02437.04270

14 July 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Barrett

Received his recent letters with their enclosures, and delivered the enclosures to the President. Writes that the President's recent illness has limited his ability to consider candidates for public office, but agrees that Barrett's documents will receive the fullest consideration.

GLC02437.04283

15 July 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Sylvanus Bourne

Discusses Bourne's request to borrow money. Due to the debts owed on the Flucker estate, he cannot advance money to him from the estate, but he would be willing to loan him fifty dollars.

GLC02437.04288

16 July 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Samuel Breck

Writes that this letter will be handed to Breck by Mr. John Henry, who works for the American Theatre. Since Pennsylvania has repealed laws against dramatic performance, Mr. Henry wants to expand his theatre into that state. Contends that the theatre under the direction of Mr. Henry and a Miss Hallan is conducted with the greatest propriety.

GLC02437.04292

20 July 1789

Butler, Pierce, 1744-1822

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to recommend a friend, Mr. Hall, for a clerk's position under Knox in the War Department. Describes Mr. Hall's past military service as well as his misfortunes in civilian life, and describes him as old but honorable and of great ability. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.04296

22 July 1789

Biddle, Clement, 1740-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received his recent letter and is "happy to hear that your Child is out of danger." Writes that he must again bother Knox on the subject of judicial appointments. Mentions that he wrote to the President on the subject about three weeks ago about his interest in being appointed "Marshall of the federal Court for the district of Pennsylvania" but has heard nothing back from him. Is a bit concerned because the President has always employed him in his private affairs. Asks Knox to mention him to the President if he gets the opportunity, and to mention that Biddle's accounts have been settled…

GLC02437.04299

23 July 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Pierce Butler

Received his favor via Captain Hall (see GLC02437.04296). Would like very much to be able to help Captain Hall, but he already employs many clerks and does not have any vacancies at present.

GLC02437.04303

3 August 1789

Bruce, Stephen, ?-1801

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Has not, until now, solicited Knox regarding employment because of his awareness that many of Knox's friends must have already asked. Writes that he believes Knox will soon be reappointed to his position and hopes he will be able to continue to provide services and supplies to Knox as he needs them.

GLC02437.04313

8 August 1789

Breck, Samuel, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Left some of his books and other items in New York during his last visit. Asks if he could trouble Knox to forward them privately to Boston. Describes some of the items. Sends his respects to Mrs. Knox and their family. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.04322

August 1789

Brooks, John, 1752-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he has not composed a letter to Knox for awhile in order not to interrupt the business of his office, and also, in order not to be a burden. Discusses his poor financial prospects and wishes for a government appointment. Asks Knox about his prospects for receiving a position, now and in the future. He and his wife send their respects to Mrs. Knox. Date taken from docket.

GLC02437.04346

16 September 1789

Bowdoin, James, 1726-1790

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that their friend Mr. [Nathaniel] Barrett, the bearer of the letter, is applying to the President for the position in the Consulate of France. Relates that Mr. Barrett lived in France as a merchant and would be well-suited for the position. Hopes that if Knox agrees that Mr. Barrett is a good match for the position, he will second the nomination.

GLC02437.04359

27 September 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Edward Carrington

Has received his last letter. Believes that highly respectable people have sought and been appointed to the position of Marshal, and congratulates him on his appointment to that office. Adds that the President supports his nomination. Mentions that his wife Lucy is ill and grief-stricken after the death of their child. Also discusses content of newspapers.

GLC02437.04366

27 September 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sylvanus Bourne

Received his recent letter. Did not reply because he expected to see Bourne in New York. Discusses appointments to the position of Marshal, and provides advice about Bourne's political career. Briefly comments on the Waldo patent lands.

GLC02437.04368