12 November 1786

Higginson, Stephen, 1743-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: [to Henry Knox]

Discusses the upcoming possible war with the Indians, and especially the financial prospects of Congress. Believes that Congress will be able to raise more money. Mentions that the Treasurer (possibly Robert Morris) has offered his loan, and that others in a position to do so will feel compelled to provide funding as well. Recipient inferred from content. See GLC02437.03317 and .03343 for related information.

GLC02437.03336

25 November 1786

Higginson, Stephen, 1743-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that since his last letter, the loan for raising men to oppose the Indians has been offered, and it has been debated for several days. The reference to "Indians" is code for the troops being raised to suppress Shays's Rebellion. Explains different positions on the subject. Mentions that Shays' Rebellion has factored into the discussion. Seems to think they will, in a few days, have the money necessary for enlisting the men. Encloses a newspaper article about the doings of the General Court (not present). Also discusses how well the government seems to be functioning. Recipient…

GLC02437.03343

January 20, 1787

Higginson, Stephen, 1743-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses raising troops to fight against the insurgents, in particular to fight under Colonel [possibly Michael] Jackson. Mentions the drive to raise funds for recruiting troops and also procuring supplies, such as for the regiments of General [Henry] Jackson and General [Benjamin] Lincoln. Reports on preparations for the fight against the Shays insurgents, and describes the preparations in the nearby states, such as New York.

GLC02437.03418

February 13, 1787

Higginson, Stephen, 1743-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the upcoming Convention in May to possibly create a new system of government and Constitution. Writes that the idea of such a convention "may not only be new, but may appear to interfere with that article in the Confederation, which provides that, 'no alteration therein shall be made without the consent of all the states.' But will not that consent be naturally obtained, by the recommendation of Congress to the States to adopt this mode, as they are all supposed to be, at all times, represented in that Body?" Provides evidence to support this argument, and discusses the…

GLC02437.03452

17 March 1790

Higginson, Stephen, 1743-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks Knox to help his son obtain a position in the military. Higginson's son, John, previously served as an Ensign under General Jackson. He is now employed as commander of a ship, overseeing its cargo, but wants to change careers and become a soldier again: "[B]efore he sailed last, he told me, that he should prefer being a Captain in the Army, to the situation of an [eminant] & wealthy merchant." Reports that his son is abroad, but will return in two months; asks that if Knox raises any new troops during that time, he reserve a spot for John Higginson, "if that be not improper."…

GLC02437.04553

7 April 1790

Higginson, Stephen, 1743-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Requests an appointment in government for his son. Discusses his, and the general population's, views on the current government. Writes that judging from the past, "there appears too much reason to fear yet further fluctuation, if not changes, in the tempers & dispositions of the people toward the Government of the Union. But it appears to me, that a great alteration in the habits & feelings of the people has take place for the better; & that many new circumstances have arisen, tending to increase the force & respectability of Government, & to give a strong impression…

GLC02437.04578

30 December 1803

Higginson, Stephen, 1743-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks about possibly purchasing bricks and lime from Knox, and wonders about cost and delivery.

GLC02437.07840

1745/01/13

Higginson, Stephen, 1743-1828

Document signed

Title: Financial receipt

GLC01450.347

1794/07/03

Higginson, Stephen, 1743-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mr. LeRoy and Mr. Bayard

Discusses a shipping business venture. Comments on French naval activities in the West Indies, including their recapturing of Guadeloupe from the British. Mentions a possible response from Sir John Jervis. Speculates that the French might not only recover the islands taken by Jervis but capture him as well. Expects a positive outcome from John Jay's upcoming negotiations in London, part of which were aimed at obtaining indemnities for shippers, securing the right to trade in the British West Indies, and ensuring peace. That meeting produced Jay's Treaty.

GLC02450.08

February 8, 1787

Higginson, Stephen, 1743-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [Henry Knox]

Informs Knox that he (Higginson) spoke to Congress, including "Mr. Maddison," about forming a special convention to revise the Articles of Confederation. Discusses the need to draft a new document for the basis of government as the "Confederation is incompetent to the purposes for which it was established, the managing the affairs of the Union." States that "to delegate rights to Congress, and at the same time to withold from them the means of exercising those rights, is trifling and absurd." Watermarked with a IV and a hunting horn inside a crest with GR underneath. "Free" stamped on…

GLC02437.10209