4 November 1790

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William Knox writes Secretary of War Henry Knox to correct his previous letter (GLC02437.04768). After speaking with Mr. Longman, William has learned that "the idea of paying the whole thirteen hundred pounds originated with Mr. Frazer" is not correct. Mr. Longman and Hannah Harwood were the only parties involved. When they informed Mr. Frazer, the creditors' agent, Frazer warned them that a "suit in Chancery would probably be the result of refusal to pay the Creditors their proportion, and the insisting on your whole sum." Mrs. Harwood is still waiting for Henry Knox's decision to "acceed…

GLC02437.04769

15 January 1791

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Copy. Describes the various transportation obstacles that prevented his letters from arriving earlier. Says the St. Lawrence lands are being advertised in two prominent Irish newspapers. Discusses the meeting he had with "the Earl of Westmoreland, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland" (John Fane, 10th Earl of Westmorland). Says they discussed trade between Ireland and America, and that he will write more about his encounter with the Earl and on the English administration of Ireland at a later time. Asks Knox to thank Mrs. John Jay for introducing him to the "Viscountess Stronghold," whose husband…

GLC02437.04828

13 February 1791

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Urges Knox to write him as soon as he can, or make Lucy Knox "overcome her natural timidity" and write him. He has heard of the General (Charles) Scott expedition in the Miami Country and of the casualties Scott suffered. Discusses in great detail the Turk-Russian war along with other foreign affairs. The Russians are not far from Constantinople; the Empress (Catherine the Great) seeks to drive the Turks completely out of Europe and listens to no offers of negotiations. Prince Potemkin said that the Empress would consider stopping the war on several conditions; ceding Moldavia and Wallachia…

GLC02437.04853

18 February 1791

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Sends, along with his letter, papers addressed to Thomas Jefferson "requesting me to procure your interest for their favorable reception and attention." Hopes "after a mutual sending out of Ministers, such Commercial regulations will take place as to prevent similar inconveniences, and also other obstacles to a free and liberal intercourse between the two Countries." Expects that Knox will exert his influence on Thomas Jefferson should this matter come up in Congress.

GLC02437.04859

7 April 1791

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William had previously sent a packet to Knox that included "Paynes [Thomas Paine] pamphlet in answer to Burke on the french revolution." William tells his brother, "therefore the present is only to enclose you the papers since then, by which you will see from the debates in the English House of Lords and Commons and the preparations making, that Great Britain is about incurring a few more millions of debt, and (if the Empress should prove inflexible which in all probability she will) plunging the greater part of Europe into a War by sea and land - However distressing to humanity such an event…

GLC02437.04907

26 April 1791

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Wonders why he has not heard from Knox in so long and expresses hurt and confusion over it. "...only consider you are my only relation, and although I am in a country partly civilized, yet it is a Country of Strangers." States he has written "eleven" letters without replies. He is now enclosing some other letters with this one including one "to Mr. Jefferson on the subject of men lately impressed in Ireland from American vessels."

GLC02437.04928

11 May 1791

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William Knox informs Secretary of War Knox of what ships William's letters to Henry were traveling on. William is trying to arrange monies to live on until next winter; reports on his health, walking, rising early and drinking quite a lot of wine: "I never in any five winters of my life drank so much wine as the last; it has agreed perfectly with me although the custom of drinking to excess in good companies is fresh in the memory of most persons here, and is pretty well over, yet there is a difficulty in being the first man from table. I am commonly the second or third - and to be sure I…

GLC02437.04946

30 September 1791

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions a letter he wrote to Henry on 7 September from Cork, Ireland. Says affairs in France have taken a turn since the King accepted the constitution. He was also given a 12,000 pound yearly allowance and was allowed to retain most of his palaces. After accepting, most of the anger about his flight from Paris was forgotten. Says "vive le Roi after an interregnum of some months, is vociferated in the same notes as formerly at Paris." Says the Emperor of Germany and the King of Prussia have met to discuss the affairs of France and to give relief to King Louis. The King's recommendation…

GLC02437.05176

4 November 1792

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks his brother if there is any business to be done before he leaves New York. Says that he will remain in the area until the following Wednesday or Thursday, and, "During that period it shall be my object to ascertain... every thing respecting the character, integrity, punctuality and general circumstances of Mr. G[reen]." William cautions his brother to proceed with caution in his financial dealings with Green, advising him to do business with Green "as if he was a perfect stranger." Year inferred from content and written in pencil at the top of page one.

GLC02437.05689

8 November 1792

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

In accordance with Henry Knox's previous request, William reports on the character of [William Green], who he refers to as "Mr. G." Says that a mutual acquaintance "has no exalted opinion of Mr. G. although he could not say any thing against him either respecting his personal character or that he has not a large property." William could not ascertain the number of shares Green holds in the bank. Comfort Sands gave a favorable report of Green's character. Nonetheless, William advises Knox to be careful in his negotiations with Green.

GLC02437.05693

2 December 1792

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs his brother that he was unable to obtain passage and so has been obliged to stop for a while on his journey. States that he has met with William Duer, who seems insistent on delaying some payment or proposal. Date from docket. Noted as written at Broad Street.

GLC02437.05719

25 January 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Arrived Wednesday evening and spent part of yesterday enquiring for a house. Makes reference to various homes, including a Mr. Morton's on Broadway, and Brockholst Livingston's. Reports "at this moment I cannot hear of a good one to be hired." Says that Samuel Shaw believes he will sail on Sunday, but William does not think he will. Says he dined with Shaw and Thomas Randall yesterday. Writes, "The idea here is universal that you are about resigning, how it got here I do not know." Written from the home of Mrs. McEwen. Place written inferred from content. "Free" handwritten on address…

GLC02437.05794

26 January 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that he had dinner with Mr. Morton and learned that house rents will be high this year. Called on William Duer yesterday who reported that "Billy Morris was directed by Mr. C. to make the written report he did respecting the Eastern lands." Duer claimed that Morris had given a favorable report in the past, but he is not surprised as "this trick had been practiced more than once by the same parties." Writes, "People in general here appear to be sorry at your intention of retiring (which I have neither confirmed or denied) it is universally circulated - and it was last night…

GLC02437.05795

28 January 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Enquired of Berry & Rogers for horse or travelling canteens. They only had one pair of a small size for 7 guineas. Heard Mr. Edgar will quit his house on Wall Street. Also heard that Mrs. Fleming is moving from her home. Is meeting with Fleming's agent and Mr. Edgar today to discuss possible rent. Reports there is a house belonging to a Mr. Rynlander on the North River near Partition Street, although he thinks Henry will not like it. Is satisfied that Henry did not have a connection with Green, as his reputation has been damaged recently over an incident involving "erasure on a note…

GLC02437.05798

29 January 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Initialed by William Knox. Reports that Mr. Edgar will not leave his house on Wall Street. Says Macombs large house is not yet sold. Says that Mrs. Fleming wants to rent her house out for 1,200 pounds for three years. Edgar informed him that [Philip] Livingston offered her 1,000 pounds, but that it was refused. Will wait as "the extraordinary advance in rent will probably induce some to part with theirs who did not intend it." Provides the full story on Mr. Green, which he quickly referenced in GLC02437.05798. Green altered a document on a shipment of goods sent on a ship he owned.…

GLC02437.05799

6 February 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References Henry's letter of 2 February. Mentions that Shaw and Randall sailed on 1 February. Does not know how they made the mistake of drawing the interest on his shares. If Henry wants, he will write to Mr. Smith or another of their agents to have the situation rectified. Mr. Green goes in the packet on Thursday in an attempt to recover property "which has been long litigated on the other side of the water." Green believes Mr. Pinckney will assist him in London. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.05807

10 February 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that there are so many people in the market for a house that a place will not remain unrented for more than a day. Believes if one opens up it will be gone by the time Henry would forward the necessary instructions. Forwards a letter from Mr. Brett from Britain. Brett mentioned that "great apprehensions were entertained of disturbances in England." Reports that a large fleet has been ordered to be in readiness. Says the garrison at Frankfurt on Main has been taken by the combined forces of Prussia and Germany. The King of Prussia was present at the battle, which proves he has…

GLC02437.05809

12 February 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Dined with Cary Ludlow, the father-in-law of Mr. Morton, where he learned that Mrs. Morton was opposed to going into their new house on Broadway. Ludlow said his son-in-law will probably be induced to let it for 350 pounds. Says if Morton can be persuaded to part with it for 300 pounds, it will be a good price in the current market. Relates that he spoke to Mrs. Fleming again about her house, but she is still determined to let it for 400 a year for 3 years. Reports that Isaac Clason, a merchant, is about to buy up Macomb's debt at 5/6 to the pound. Does not see William Duer taking any…

GLC02437.05815

19 February 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports he recently met with Mr. Williamson and Mr. Wadsworth about lands in the "Gennessee Country" of upstate New York. Says farms of 300-500 acres are going for $1.50 per acre. Makes reference to lands that would eventually become Cooperstown and its environs, "those in this state in the neighbourhood of Lake Otsego, have greatly enhanced in value also." Believes the situation in Europe will lead investors to put their money into American lands. Heard several families from the English West Indies have recently bought land. Wants to know if Henry has made arrangements with General…

GLC02437.05824

22 February 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References Henry's letter of 19 February. Notes he delivered the letter that Henry enclosed for William Duer. States the January packet from Europe arrived yesterday and he saw a letter from Mr. Brett to General Maunsell. The letter stated "every preparation was making for War by England, although hopes were entertained it would not take place." Goes on to say the letter reported that William Pitt "stood on high ground by being strongly supported by Parliament and the people in general." Says Mr. Fox's supporters left him because of his stance on France. Believes Thomas Paine is going to…

GLC02437.05830

27 February 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Wanted to be in Philadelphia by 1 March, but thinks it will more likely be 3 or 4 March now. Writes, "It is the general opinion here that a war will take place between England and France, several officers of the British Navy are here at present, they are hurrying home by the first vessels." Notes Mr. Macomb has been released from jail "upon the principles I lately mentioned to you." States Macomb's real estate is up for sale. Says no man "lives more at his ease" than Horatio Gates. Saw him at 3 dinner parties last week. Mentions that he "is a warm democrat; the Baron says he is a good…

GLC02437.05836

6 March 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Has been trying to make an arrangement with Mr. Vaughn's bill for the last 3 or 4 days. Says it will be impossible to cash without the loss of 10 percent. The scarcity of money is making borrowing hard. Asks Henry to send him a United States bank note for $50 so he can pay his debts before going to Philadelphia. Wants to know when Henry will employ Dr. Shippen. Signature has been clipped.

GLC02437.05843

9 April 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports on Mr. Hoffman's inquiries on houses in New York. Says Baron Von Steuben's former house is now occupied by Mr. Stockholm, who operates a button manufactory in the neighborhood. Reports the house advertised by Mr. McEvers at Bloomingdale has been sold to a rich Dutchman. Says John Livingston bought the house previously owned by Colonel Platt. He will not let the house for less than £300 per year. Says the house of Roger Morris is now owned by or at the disposal of Mr. McKenncot, a merchant. A farmer lets two of the rooms in the house and watches over the place. McKenncot is trying…

GLC02437.05867

19 April 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Wanted to write yesterday, but received no word of Wilks' house until after the post left. Mr. Wilks is currently in negotiations with Colonel William Smith either for the purchase or lease of it. Will know the outcome in two or three days. If Smith does not take the house it will be let for £350 per annum. The house also has 50 acres of grounds. Yesterday a ship arrived form Calcutta owned by John Livingston. It contained Indian sugars and muslins. Says the ship and cargo amounts to $50,000. While it did not net Livingston as much as he hoped, "he considers it as so much saved from…

GLC02437.05874

1 May 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References Henry's letter of 27 April. Also delivered the enclosed letter to [Royal] Flint in prison. Agrees with Henry that his best recourse is to move to Maine. Hopes to be able to do so in a few days. Says his mind has been "depressed" lately due to a debt he cannot discharge. If it is paid he can move without any troubles. In reference to what seems like mental illness says "Bailey prescribed a fixed time to my remedies in order to be certain of embracing even the worst circumstances, which time has nearly elapsed, without my experiencing any of those evils which presented themselves to…

GLC02437.05884