4 April 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a mutual friend's financial troubles and the need for every exertion to be made on his behalf. Mentions a general meeting of delegates that may be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Asks Knox to inform him if he believes the business at the meeting will not be attended to. Describes the dissatisfaction many former officers are feeling as they still have not received any pay for their services to the government. There is a meeting being held regarding their situation and he has been asked to join it. Notes he feels the officers complaints are just but the timing is wrong.…

GLC02437.04576

6 December 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Introduces a Colonel [John] Tyler to Knox as Tyler has been "appointed by the Electors of the State to carry on their votes of President and Vice President to Philadelphia, and by what I can learn they are unanimous for the present old servants," referring to the re-election of President George Washington and Vice President John Adams. Also recommends him for a post in the infantry or cavalry, as Tyler had served under him previously and he knows Tyler's abilities.

GLC02437.05728

14 March 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Repeats a request to Knox that "unless you appear here, in person, you never will be able to effect your wishes" regarding petitions in the Massachusetts General Court related to Knox's lands. States that the Winslows have "done every thing in their power - but they are infants in this business, & perfectly ignorant of the subject, indeed the name of Winslow is enough to damn any plan you may have in view." Reports that Governor John Hancock nominated Colonel Gabriel Johonnot as first judge to the Court of Common Pleas, and George Tyler of Deer Island as High Sheriff for Hancock County.…

GLC02437.04547

21 March 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a dispute between mutual friends Mr. Tracy and Mr. Gibbs. Reports attending the funeral of Miss Abigail Otis, daughter of Mr. S[amuel] A[llyne] Otis, Massachusetts politician and Secretary of the U.S. Senate. Miss Otis was a lovely young girl of sixteen who died of consumption. Provides news of other illnesses in his family, including the imminent passing of his father. Reports that his mother is in good spirits considering the illness of his father, and that they have passed nearly sixty years together.

GLC02437.04557

24 March 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Sends Knox a copy of the Boston Gazette (not included). Writes about recent stormy weather, which has prevented Samuel Shaw from setting off on his trip. Provides some news on family and friends.

GLC02437.04558

31 March 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that he has had a conversation with Dr. [William] Eustis, and that Eustis would find a particular (unnamed) circumstance highly pleasing if it came to pass. Informs Knox about the progress of Samuel Shaw, who is sailing again to China. Also discusses a 17- or 18- year-old debt owed to the Flucker estate. Reports that he should be able to secure its repayment if he can find the note explaining the debt, but asks if Knox has any knowledge of this issue or wishes about how to handle it. Adds that his father is still alive but "cannot continue many days."

GLC02437.04567

7 April 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses an upcoming meeting with the Society of the Cincinnati. Says the standing Committee would like to know if the Constitution of the Society will be voted on during the next meeting. Asks the number of delegates Knox believes will be necessary to handle the business at the meeting. Believes it more convenient if Knox were to handle the whole business himself. Mentions it has been reported that Gov. [Arthur] St. Clair and Major [Winthrop] Sargent have been taken by Indians.

GLC02437.04579

11 April 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that his father passed away the day before, stating that "he was calm & resigned, and died in full faith of perfect happiness in the world of spirits - this was a great consolation to my honored mother & to his Children & friends around him - my aged mother is very much afflicted, and cannot reconcile the separation they having live'd together fifty eight years last month, and but very little apart during that period - " Goes on to discuss matters regarding the raising of troops and a possible appointment in the military, though he states "but why do I mention QMG [Quarter…

GLC02437.04581

25 April 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for his letter of condolence on account of his father's death. Discusses Secretary of State Alexander Hamilton's plan for the federal government to assume state debts. Writes, "[t]he nonassumption of the State Debt has thrown the people into the greatest confusion, and will be the means of weakening the Federal government more than any other measure they could have persued..." Believes that "unless this measure is obtained in the present session of Congress, very serious consequences will take place..." Mentions a number of public creditors had a meeting on Thursday, and will…

GLC02437.04589

9 May 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a meeting Knox and his delegation are attending. Mentions a meeting held at the Green Dragon to deal with officers pay. Says a committee was appointed to draft a memorial to Congress and report it at the Society of the Cincinnati meeting in July. It is the intention of the committee to meet with the officers the latter part of this month and present their findings to Congress in June. Forwards a copy of the memorial that was drafted for Knox to peruse, he is instructed not to say a word of it to anyone. Says if he dislikes or would like an amendment to any part of the report to…

GLC02437.04599

16 May 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Acknowledges receipt of Knox's last letter. Mentions current issues facing the military establishment, particularly regarding enlistment and pay. Also touches on military inspections, and tells Knox to expect a letter from Captain C[onstant] Freeman on the subject. Briefly mentions the "price of State notes." Discusses the travel plans of Mrs. Swan, who will be meeting her husband in Paris. Hopes she will travel with some letters of introduction in case Mr. [James] Swan cannot meet her when she arrives.

GLC02437.04610

30 May 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he received Knox's letter and the enclosure for Mr. Short, but it arrived too late to give to Mrs. Swan as she left for Paris. Wishes her a safe journey. Also reports that Mr. Swan wrote to him and seems to be doing well; promises to tell Knox more when Jackson visits New York on business that weekend.

GLC02437.04619

20 June 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a trip he made to visit his mother, and asks about Mrs. Lucy Knox's health. Relates that there will be great opposition to Mr. Dalton's election, referring to Tristram Dalton's reelection to the United States Senate. Reports news from a captain recently arrived from London: "we have accounts of a Spanish War with England, he informs there was a very hot press in England & [every] British Seaman was put on board their Men of War." "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.04631

22 June 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that Mr. Constant Freeman will be a good worker in Knox's department and discusses the election for senator. States that "Mr. George Cabot obtaind the vote by a majority of one, and was chosen - "

GLC02437.04633

27 June 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Replies to Knox's letter from 20 June. Encloses some unspecified papers (not included). Notes that the [Massachusetts General] Court met Friday and have adjourned until January 1791. Reports that Thomas's party has been quiet, and the people are angry. In a post script, adds that Governor John Hancock refused signing an act giving the light houses to Congress. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.04638

4 July 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes, "The time taken up by Congress in fixing the permanent seat of Government, and the situation of the Funding business has caused a great uneasiness & clamour amongst the people, and of that Class that have been the firmest supporters of the government ... every mechanick & Tradesman conceives that their being out of employ is wholly owing to that circumstance - and the distress of that class of people in the several seaports in this State is very alarming - in this town it is melancholy to see the poverty and wretchedness of the inhabitants..." Reports that Captain Vose,…

GLC02437.04644

11 July 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati where they elected officials, most of whom were the same as the ones they had the year before. Lists the delegates, including Knox, who were chosen to attend the general meeting the following May. Notes that Governor John Hancock has been ill. Writes on behalf of a Captain Phelon and asks Knox if he would be able to employ him.

GLC02437.04650

1 August 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses his arrival in Portland en route to Burnt Coat Island. He is traveling with his "friend Ben" [possibly Benjamin Hichborn], and expects that they will return to Boston in ten to twelve days. Mentions his hope that a General [John] Glover will receive "the appointment of Collector for the port of Marblehead." Also touches on international issues: "I wish from my soul for a Spanish War, I think it would put a new face on the affairs of this Country." Also provides information on Knox's extended family, and reports that Knox's cousin Samuel Winslow wants Knox to inspect parts of the…

GLC02437.04666

22 August 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson acknowledges Secretary of War Knox's letter of 15 August 1790. Mentions that he and "the Colonel" are making their way to Portland. Describes the journey, his sea sickness, and the help they received during the trip. Says a Mr. Gregory "has a high idea of the value of the Patent, and considers it a source of immence wealth." Mentions paying a visit to Captain [Thomas] Vose whose farm had "some of the best butter and Cheese" they have eaten this year. Reports that Vose will be disappointed if Knox does not pay him a visit. Suggests Knox come on 15 September 1790 when the…

GLC02437.04699

4 March 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Updates Knox on the status of the canal project, and informs him that the Bill of Incorporation for it has passed in the House of Representatives and soon should pass in the Senate. Declares that the project has popular support. Also mentions debate in the Committee over a "Joint Report," and adds that Benjamin Hichborn represented their interests well. Intends the next day to purchase four townships in the Waldo patent lands, as they had discussed. Lastly, declares that he was offered the position of Major General, and would like to know whether Knox thinks he should accept. Sends his…

GLC02437.05332

18 March 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses possible amendments to the General Court's bill approving their canal project. Mentions his attempts to outbid Mr. [William] Tudor on a million acres of land (in Maine, in or near the Waldo patent lands). Also comments on the financial woes of [William] Duer, and how they are causing panic among the public. Relates that Dr. [William] Eustis has visited him that morning, who should be able to write Knox soon to accept his new appointment.

GLC02437.05361

21 March 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the financial woes of their friend and business associate Colonel [William] Duer. Feels at a loss as to how to proceed in their land negotiations. Expected some advice to arrive from Mr. [Royal] Flint by this post, but he has not yet received it, and is really unsure how to proceed.

GLC02437.05369

25 March 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Provides information on his transactions with their business associates, including Colonel [Benjamin] Walker and Mr. [Samuel] Shaw. Discusses their land acquisition projects (in Maine), as well as the communications he has received from Mr. [Royal] Flint on the subject. Explains the financial bids he is placing on land they are purchasing. Asks for details regarding Mrs. Knox's trip with the children to the Boston area. Would like to know how many children will be coming, and asks Knox to send a trunk with bed and table linens for them; everything else Jackson will be able to provide for…

GLC02437.05376

1 April 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Declares that he was disappointed not to receive a letter from Knox regarding the canal project. Mentions that many businessmen are asking him when they will allow shares to be purchased in the canal business. Reports that their business associate Colonel [William] Duer's financial situation does not look promising, and that he has landed in debtor's prison (he spells jail as "goal," an antiquated form). Would like Knox to send him a deed. Encloses a recommendation from William Hunt (not present) for an unnamed young man to receive a military appointment.

GLC02437.05390

8 April 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Encloses a copy of a letter from Mr. [Royal] Flint (not present) regarding their business propositions (relating to land purchases in Maine, which they have been working on). Writes that he had been very nervous about it but now feels he can proceed, with their support. Received a bill of monies owed him, which will help him pay his debts. Comments on their land project, and mentions paperwork being sent to the Committee for the Sale of Eastern Lands to work out the terms of the purchase. Would like Knox's input and advice on the most recent acquisition. Discusses the upcoming visit of…

GLC02437.05406