16 September 1785

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to explain the status of their dealings with the firm of Broome & Platt, with whom they are trying to settle a debt. Relates that Broome and Platt acknowledge the amount of money they still owe Webber & Co. of London (on whose behalf Knox is settling this debt), but will be unable to agree to the conditions requested by Knox. Describes a story the firm told him about their debt to Ludlow Gold of New York, which they also cannot pay, as evidence of the serious financial trouble their firm is in. Shaw also mentions that upon receiving the goods owed to him and Knox, he noticed…

GLC02437.03195

16 November 1785

Savage, Joseph, 1756-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from Weston, likely in Massachusetts, near Boston. Thanks Knox for his kind letters. Reports that "Unfortunately for me all the wishes and exertions of my friends in my behalf have proved abortive. Maj.r Perkins has that appointment." Asks that if any post opens up that Knox thinks he "can fill with reputation to myself and benefit to the public," that he remembers him for it. See GLC02437.03215 for a letter on the same topic.

GLC02437.03217

25 October 1786

Seymour, Thomas, 1735-1829

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thomas Seymour, the mayor of Hartford, Connecticut, writes to Knox about his late father-in-law Thomas Flucker's estate. Seymour writes that his own late father was the attorney of Thomas Flucker. Explains that he is having trouble collecting the sums owed to Thomas Flucker by the Deputy Sheriff. Says the sheriff made arrangements with Flucker prior to the war but now contends that he is not accountable for some of the money and does not owe interest on it. Will continue to investigate the matter and keep Knox informed. Asks Knox to remember that he is taking up his late father's business…

GLC02437.03320

15 April 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Discusses Congress's proposed disbandment of the troops according to the resolve of Congress dated 21 October 1786. States that although he feels for the men who have made the military their life, "the public were utterly unable to support them by reason of the non compliance of all the states excepting Virginia with the requisition for that purpose..." He feels that if Congress decides to appoint a new Inspector General, they will choose Sargent. However Major William North, the current Inspector General, may just continue in the post. Comments that he has no information on a map of Sargent'…

GLC02437.03523

18 April 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Seymour

Replies to Seymour's letter of 25 October 1786 (see GLC02437.03529). Discusses financial business related to the estate of his late father-in-law Thomas Flucker. Thomas Seymour was the mayor of Hartford, Connecticut.

GLC02437.03529

20 July 1787

Seton, fl. 1787

Autograph note

Title: [Request for money]

Mrs. Seton asks Knox for "Miss's [present] quarter," and encloses receipts for both quarters (not present). Explains that she needs the money to put toward another bill she must pay that day.

GLC02437.03607

27 December 1787

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he is leaving the ship, Columbia, which is making the trip back to the United States and mentions that "[m]y affairs require my being at Canton this evening, which prevents me from going down the river to meet the new comers - " Noted as written in "Wampo, 17 miles from Canton."

GLC02437.03743

21 August 1788

Saussure, Daniel de, fl. 1788

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes, "Mr. De'Saussure presents his respectful compliments to Genl. Knox and Sincerely wishes him a pleasant and prosperous tour to his dominions." Adds that he so appreciates Knox's attentions and help that he is unsure how to thank him, but offers himself to Knox's service. Possibly written by Daniel de Saussure.

GLC02437.03971

20 May 1789

Senf, Charles, ?-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from "Rocky Mount," South Carolina. Declares that several letters he wrote to Knox did not arrive safely, so he is sending another and hopes Knox will receive it. Has enclosed a copy of his proposition (a plan regarding inland navigation and communications in South Carolina, GLC02437.04228) and is sure the government will look favorably on it. Hopes that Knox can promote the project to his friends. Also offers to provide Knox with any news or information about the Southern states should he have questions.

GLC02437.04212

24 May 1789

Tharp, John, 1751-1819

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Declares that he recently saw a newspaper advertisement about bounty lands for veterans and wondered whether he should apply. Also asks whether Knox knows of a job for which he might apply in the new government.

GLC02437.04220

May 1789

Senf, Charles, ?-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: Copy of a letter to his Excellency the President General of the United States

Date and location (Rocky Mount, South Carolina) added later in red pen. Charles Senf, Engineer of the State of South Carolina, presents a plan regarding inland navigation and communications. His plan focuses on the sea coast from New York State to Eastern Florida. Would like to make travel easier. Outlines the costs of his plan, and the surveys he would need to undertake to accomplish his goals. Originally with GLC02437.04212.

GLC02437.04228

29 June 1789

Sayre, Stephen, 1736-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Ogden

Writes to Ogden and asks Ogden to show the present letter to Henry Knox, because feels that if he wrote to Knox directly, the letter might get stopped. Declares that he is still expecting a response from Knox to several letters and is still "disposed to consider myself worthy Reply - holding the rank of a Gentleman entitles me to one." Asks that Knox speak to the President and respond to him. Reports that he recently dined with a Colonel Miranda, who has just returned from Paris, and that Miranda's "prejudices are still the same against the French nation." However, Miranda has traveled…

GLC02437.04262

1 August 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Sewall

Received his letter regarding the purchase of a tract of land in the Waldo patent. Refers him to Captain Thomas Vose and Mr. David Fales, his agents at Thomaston, Maine, for the terms of sale.

GLC02437.04311

8 December 1789

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Shaw relates that three men have asked him to recommend them for the same office (Collector of Customs for Rhode Island). Shaw also knows of a fourth man applying for the position who did not ask for a recommendation. Of the four men, (Colonel Henry Sherburne, Major Lyman, Colonel Peck and Colonel Olney), Shaw gives Colonel Peck the highest recommendation.

GLC02437.04429

20 December 1789

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for everything has done for him and writes, "While I feel the full force of the most lively gratitude for your friendship towards me, it pains me to know that the too tender concern you take in everything which regards your poor Shaw cannot but interrupt that happiness you deserve ever to enjoy, and which with my whole soul I wish you. On this account, it aggravates my present unhappiness to inform you, that nothing could be done in the way we wished - and that I must get my ship ready and proceed, with my present means alone, as fast as possible to Batavia and China." Adds that…

GLC02437.04445

30 December 1789

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relates information concerning an incident with Daniel Parker. Notes that Mr. Holker has forward an account of the affair which Shaw hopes will clear the incident up. Writes to Knox describing his illness noting he has been sick in bed for five days with blind boils. Says that after "almost infinite pain" the boils have finally broke and he is again comfortable. Praises the abilities of Dr. William Eustis, who has been looking after him. Wishes Knox and his family a happy new year.

GLC02437.04453

31 Decmeber 1789

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Recommends a mutual acquaintance, Daniel Lyman, a former aide-de-camp to General [William] Heath, to Knox and asks for his help in assisting Lyman in his career. Notes Lyman wishes an appointment in the revenue department when Rhode Island accedes to the Confederation. Signature has been clipped.

GLC02437.04455

January 24, 1790

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for a previous letter. States that his current business prevents him from writing a long letter and "occupies me to much at to render me almost a stranger to what is passing either in the gay or political world."

GLC02437.04481

7 February 1790

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions the visit of Mr. Hoffman related to some "unfortunate business," which Shaw will try to make as agreeable as possible. Thanks Knox for his militia plan and hopes the country receives and appreciates it.

GLC02437.04501

February 14, 1790

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks for Knox's advice in dealing with his situation with a Mr. Holker and Mr. Parker, most likely Daniel Parker, the captain of the ship Shaw took to Guangzhou, China. Writes "I desire to be governed entirely by you ... " and that "Mr. Parker and his agent, which has occasioned such trouble an inconvenience to my friends, that I can no longer for observing any measurs [sic] with him, but what the most rigid justice demands; and I shall be perfectly satisfied with any mode you shall be please to adopt for prosecuting the business."

GLC02437.04512

February 21, 1790

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for helping him in renewing his post as consul at Canton, China and prepares to set sail again. Writes that "[m]y prospects in the Eastern hemisphere are not flattering, to be sure - but the empire of Chance is a wide one - and who knows what may turn up."

GLC02437.04517

28 February 1790

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he has written to Daniel Parker and encloses the letter so Knox can read it (not present). Concerns financial matters related to obtaining insurance on the ship Massachusetts and involves Samuel Parkman, Daniel Parker, and Messrs Hoffman.

GLC02437.04521

7 March 1790

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses his business with [Samuel] Parkman and Messrs [Nicholas] Hoffman and [Son], noting it will soon be settled. Informs Knox he will be sailing in the near future, thanks to Parkman. Writes that "[l]anguage is insufficient to express how much I love you both - Tell Billy that he occupies a brothers place in my heart."

GLC02437.04532

15-21 March 1790

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Gives Knox some last minute instructions concerning his affairs before he sails, and expresses his love towards Knox and his family, including Knox's brother, William, whom Shaw calls Billy. Page one is from 15 March; page two is from 21 March.

GLC02437.04549

10 May 1790

Sayre, Stephen, 1736-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses surprise at Knox's lack of a reply to a mutual friend (unnamed, but Sayre may be referring to William Duer, whom he discusses throughout the letter). Reports business difficulties with Duer, declaring, "Mr. Duer will not deny his having made a most solemn agreement, as a man of honor, to act with me, for our equal benefit." Duer has not, apparently, done justice to this agreement. Hopes for Knox's help in encouraging Duer to contribute to the project, by securing the appropriate business contracts to let Sayre continue his work in England. Also advises Knox to have the…

GLC02437.04602