18 February 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Says that he received his recent letters, including one to be delivered to [Benjamin] Hichborn. Asks him to give his regards to Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan. Writes that Major [William] North has not yet arrived, and he is afraid that North is sick on the road. Declares that he would be happy if his regiment were to remain at camp until it was full and properly organized, but would be satisfied to have any help from the state or from "influential monied men" in the form of supplies or clothing. Expects an order from Knox to be delivered by North allowing for some money, clothing and supplies…

GLC02437.03458

February 25, 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the arrangement of troops and an established military uniform he received from Major [William] North. Asks Knox to decide which of the two majors will be assigned to him so he can appoint a field officer at the Castle. Goes into further detail about his new recruits and funding for the uniforms. Notes General [Benjamin] Lincoln remains in Pittsfield, Massachusetts (one of the areas where Shays' Rebellion took place). Writes, "...the heart of the Rebellion is broken up, and have dispersed to all quarters - but if the government Troops were withdrawn, from that quarter, the same…

GLC02437.03469

4 March 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the arrival of mutual friends, Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan, in New York City. Shares the Swans' gratitude for the warm welcome Knox and his wife Lucy are showing them. Mentions steps he has taken to fill orders for military supplies, such as clothing for soldiers. Continues with military matters concerning the stationing of men throughout Massachusetts, as well as his attempts to recruit men. Also discusses his fears about Congress disbanding his regiment. Relates the appointment of delegates for the Federal Convention, including Francis Dana, Nathaniel Gorham, Caleb Strong, Rufus…

GLC02437.03482

11 March 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the sale of the "Eastern lands." Relates the membership of the committee chosen to represent Massachusetts at the Society of the Cincinnati meeting in May (members include General [Rufus] Putnam and Doctor [William] Eustis). Mentions petitioning the General Court of Massachusetts for funds to support the troops and provide uniforms. Asks about specifics concerning the uniforms, such as whether or not swords should be hung at the waist or from the shoulder, what officer rank should have each style of epaulette, or this length or amount of bullion fringe. Includes a small sketch of…

GLC02437.03489

14 March 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses his efforts to secure clothing for the troops. Mentions that alterations will need to be made to the knapsacks. Wants to procure "new bayonet belts to wear over the shoulder, this will be a great addition to the appearance of the Men."

GLC02437.03492

18 March 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses uniforms and informs Knox that "I intend my Regiment shall be the best Cloathed [sic] and as perfectly Uniform as any that has ever been in the American Army, or indeed any other Army - " Mentions that Colonel Hull has written to Knox regarding his rank (see GLC02437.03493) and calls him a "Charming fellow." Discusses problems of rank with his ensigns as they do not have an actual rank, but would like one. Feels he will be able to recruit the state quota with help from the government. Wants colours for his regiment, asks Knox for the device to make them so he can execute them.…

GLC02437.03494

25 March 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions a letter Knox sent him concerning Colonel Hull. Writes about obtaining cloth to cloath the men raised by the state. Informs him that at the last meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati, General R. Putman, Major N. Rice and Dr. Eustis were chosen as delegates, and 13 others were chosen as a grand Committee to instruct the delegates. Also mentions the election for the Massachusetts governorship. "Politicks runs high for Governor and Lt Governor as you will observe by the papers - it is generally believed that Mr. Hancock will be chosen - tomorrow [week?] will determine the question -…

GLC02437.03501

8 April 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expects the clothing for his men the next day and writes that "I pass'd yesterday at the Castle, [most likely Castle Island] & Inspected my Recruits, they are a fine body of Men, & want nothing but their Clothing to make them perfectly happy - " Hopes Knox will be able to influence Congress not to disband any of the troops, "Congress certainly will not disband any of the Troops without consulting the Secretary at War - I therefore flatter myself you will make such arrangements as to continue me in service..." States that [Nathaniel] Gorham is violently opposed to any troops being…

GLC02437.03514

11 April 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes in full, "This will inform you, that your friend is the most wreched [sic] man on earth, in consequence of your Letter of the 4th Inst. recd. by the post this Evening - derange - disband - return to private life again - great gad it is too much - I cannot think of it, without distraction, and my mind is embarrased [sic] without description - point to yourself every thing, and it will fall far short, of my feelings on this occation [sic], as more than every thing that is dear to me is involved in this business - I dare not trust on paper what I would wish to say to you - it is cruel -…

GLC02437.03518

14 April 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses his relief that Congress has not finalized their decision to disband the troops and states "I am in hopes they will alter their present intention of disbanding them - my heart - my soul - my present & future happiness is more connected in this business, than in any other situation in which I have ever been placed - in my own account it will be death to me - " He is most anxious about his officers, who he calls, "the gentlest & most ambitious Corps of Officers." States he will continue his exertions to clothe the men despite the possible disbanding and discusses applying for…

GLC02437.03521

17 April 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks Knox and his wife Lucy to welcome a Mrs. Jeffrey, who is travelling with Mr. and Mrs. John Hancock to New York City.

GLC02437.03525

22 April 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he has received the two letters he sent, regarding the disbandment of the troops. States that "it is a cruel business - but I know it will give you pain, shall say nothing at this time on that subject." Discusses upcoming dinner plans. Also mentions a fire in Boston's Malt House.

GLC02437.03532

8 May 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Lists the elected representatives for "the town," likely Boston. Informs that the making of the hats for two artillery companies will be delayed due to a fire. This will delay the marching of the two companies for a few days.

GLC02437.03546

27 May 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Encloses a bill of exchange (not present). Notes that their mutual friend, Samuel Breck, requests Knox to put the bill on board a ship bound for France. The bill will pay for Breck's son's educational expences in France.

GLC02437.03555

31 May 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses obtaining money to pay the troops and buy supplies. Writes, "I inclose a paper of this day by which you will observe a Return of the Senate & House as Chosen by the People." Discusses the candidates, writing, "a Respectable committee of both Houses waited on the Honble. John Hancock Esqr. & informed him he was chosen Govr of this Commonwealth." Hancock will visit the general court the following day, if his gout does not prevent him from doing so. Notes that the Lieutenant Governor is not chosen by the people.

GLC02437.03559

3 June 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes a letter of introduction for a Mr. Judah Hayes and asks Knox to befriend him, as it is Hayes' first visit to New York and he does not know anyone.

GLC02437.03562

4 June 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Encloses a warrant on Nathaniel Appleton, receiver of the Continental Taxes for the State of Massachusetts, for security for a loan from the Massachusetts Bank. The loan was used to be used to pay two companies of federal artillery ordered to protect the arsenal at Springfield, Massachusetts. For related correspondence, please refer to GLC02437.03573, GLC02437.03577, and GLC02437.03580.

GLC02437.03567

15 June 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Promises to comply with Knox's wishes, likely referring to a recent matter in which Jackson invested 10,000 of Knox's dollars in notes without first consulting Knox. Plans to spend this day with General [William] Hull.

GLC02437.03894

22 June 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that the final note is in Nourse or Hillegas's office (Jackson sold $10,000 worth of Knox's notes without his permission and attempted to retrieve them at Knox's request). Expresses hope that New Hampshire will adopt the Constitution (New Hampshire in fact ratified the Constitution 21 June 1788). Reports that the General Court of Massachusetts (the Massachusetts legislature) will remain adjourned until September 1788 at which time, he hopes, they will be able to give "orders to the people to choose the members for the General Government." Obtained a resolve from the General…

GLC02437.03909

7 September 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relates family news. Mentions Knox's daughter, Lucy, and Mr. Winslow and family, and encloses several letters (not present).

GLC02437.03983

30 November 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Encloses a paper informing Knox of the nominations for Federal Representatives for [Suffolk] County: Lowell will go if chosen, Brooks has given up the idea, and [David] Cobb "will be the man without doubt." Delivered a letter to their friend "Ben," who was mortified at the return of his [monetary] note. Sends his regards to the Knox family. "Public service" written on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.04040

6 December 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Comments on politics, including the nominations for Federal Representatives. Writes, "Cobb will be the man for the District" (David Cobb). Predicts that [Samuel Allyne] Otis and Mr. Varnum (Joseph Bradley Varnum?) will be selected for Middlesex County.

GLC02437.04044

4 January 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks him for recent letters. Apologizes that he will be writing a hasty, brief letter as he will soon be leaving to spend the day with "our friend Ben" (probably Hichborn). Reports that only "four Federal Representatives are Elected in this State- Plymouth district Mr. [George] Partridge - Bristol Mr. [George] Leonard, Lincoln & York- Mr. [George] Thatcher- Suffolk Mr. [Fisher] Ames." Declares that these four are good men, and the other four that will be elected will undoubtedly be good also. Hopes their "friend [John] Brooks" will be elected from his district. Sends his love to…

GLC02437.04074

7 January 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that agreeable to the manner outlined by the General Court, the House and Senate (presumably of Massachusetts) elected several men to serve as electors from Massachusetts for President of the United States. Provides a list of the men and the counties they represent. Declares that the electors are "highly pleasing to Federalists."

GLC02437.04078

January 14, 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relates that he is going to spend the day in Dorchester with "our friend Ben" [probably Hichborn]. Only has time to enclose a memo from Ben "on the subject of the Reference - you will observe they have changed their ground, & will do every thing in their power to take every advantage of you." Relates that Ben and [Edward] Robbins are aware of the problem and "will contract them if it is in the power of Man to do it." They will do everything in their power to "frustrate their designs." See GLC02437.04088 and GLC02437.04089 for related information.

GLC02437.04090