February 13, 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

January 20, 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

January 24, 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

February 21, 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

19 February 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Is annoyed at Knox for not having written in a month and says, "It appears you are done writing me...but I was in hopes we should part friends at least, whenever you found it necessary to shake off your old friend give him a hearing before you adopted such violent measures." Provides Knox with an update regarding the Massachusetts legislature and it is plans to sell lands. Believes they need to do what they must to secure those lands, even if it means paying a little more. Says they "have leave to bring in a bill" for Knox's planned canal and that "it will pass without any difficulty."…

GLC02437.04861

20 February 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the government's relations with the Indians. Believes a greater force is needed in order to deal with the Indian battles in the "western Country." Writes, "the business with the Indians has a very disagreeable appearance, and unless the government apply a sufficient force in the first instance and make them feel their power, a long and bloody war will be the issue - and the whole western country will be depopulated..." Mentions that "Major Joseph Williams" is looking for appointment as "the Inspector of the Militia of this State."

GLC02437.04863

6 March 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that [Samuel] Ogden "closed the purchase of our western Country..." and is now preparing to go to Philadelphia. Warns Knox that he must "prepare your mind to hear much respecting the conduct of your friend [Nathaniel] Gorham, and the trouble & perplexity our friend has met with in this negotiation." Discusses his social and business meetings. The Massachusetts Senate has maintained its support of Jackson as Major General, but the House has not taken up the subject yet. "The Governors and S. Adams's interest is against me," Jackson says, "on account of the [Cincinnati]."…

GLC02437.04871

13 March 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Acknowledges receipt of Knox's letter of 27 February 1791. Comments he is anxious in finding out about what appointments will be made and when. Notes he has heard many reports respecting raising troops but nothing concrete has taken place yet. "We have had many reports with respect to raising of Troops &cc but nothing authenticate. a few days more, will bring this secret business to public view." Tells Knox that the "Committee on Petitions from the Patent have reported, and after some alteration by your friends in the house it was accepted, but you have nothing to fear from it, they…

GLC02437.04878

20 March 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Tells Knox he looks forward to his visit to Boston in the early summer. Updates Knox on various news from the Boston/New England area. Gives his opinion on the organization of the officers and warns Knox that the small salary allotted to the troops would make it difficult to "obtain proper men for the service." Knox could look to the seaports and "stragglers in the Country, but they will be the refuse of Creation." Mentions that Samuel Ogden left Boston for Philadelphia.

GLC02437.04881

22 March 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Requests that Knox choose "Mr. Samuel Andrews" to "be appointed an Ensign to the vacancy of Mr. Joseph Peirce." Nominates "Mr. Samuel Hall of Boston as an Ensign." Nathanial Balch, Jackson writes, will send a letter to Knox on his son's behalf as well. Notes at the end that he will write more later concerning the 2nd Regiment.

GLC02437.04888

27 March 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Offers his assistance in appointing officers to the army. States, "I believe but few are so well acquainted with the late Officers of the American Army as I am, and I do assure you, I should have been highly gratified to have assisted you in the late arrangement..." Says he cannot account for [John] Doughty declining the appointment as Lt. Colonel Commander. (See GLC02437.04875 and .4891 for related documents.) Knox has asked Jackson how he feels about his position in the 2nd Regiment. Admits he "exceedingly dislike[s] his situation" but he does not believe that being Lieutenant Colonel…

GLC02437.04892

3 April 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Tries to understand how Knox's letters are delayed in reaching him. Provides Knox with his opinion on various appointments.

GLC02437.04898

10 April 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson acknowledges receipt of Knox's letter of 27 March 1791 along with two other letters from James Swan. Jackson feared the letters may have been intercepted. Jackson reports that Joseph Peirce has been "very attentive to the directions which he has received" regarding the sale of Knox's lands. Jackson discusses various people he and Knox know, as well as the officers' concerns. Jackson has been assisting in finding recruits to Castle Island.

GLC02437.04914