15 April 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he expects a "coach & four" at any moment to take him, Mr. Jarvis and Mr. Read to Andover to sign a contract, as Mr. Phillips is unable to come to where Jackson is. Has received a bill from Mr. [Royal] Flint for $6800, which eases his financial burdens. Writes that he hopes he and Mr. [David] Cobb will leave town soon. Is disappointed Knox has not been more specific as to how many members of his family will be staying with Jackson for the summer. Would like to make the necessary preparations. Encloses a letter from Mr. John Davis, an officer he worked with during the…

GLC02437.05415

25 April 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he and General [David] Cobb arrived in New York yesterday. Received Knox's letter via Colonel [Sebastian] Bauman, and would like to assure Knox that he believes Mr. [Royal] Flint will stick to their plan and make deals that are in their interest. He and Flint have signed the papers to purchase specific lands in Maine. Also reports to Knox that he has prepared his house in Dorchester for the visit of Mrs. Knox and the children.

GLC02437.05429

20 May 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that when he arrived in Boston, Madame de Leval was waiting to see him to discuss the removal of settlers from a particular township in Maine, according to their agreement. She requires them to be removed so that she can begin making her settlement in the town. Discusses the steps he has taken to accomplish this goal, and his subsequent disputes with Madame de Leval. Suggests that the French, like Madame de Leval, might want to move there due to the political unrest in France. Comments on other business dealings.

GLC02437.05471

22 May 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that the Committee [the Committee for the Sale of Eastern Lands] has called on him to make a payment for a purchase. Writes that Mrs. Knox, Mrs. [Sarah Lyons] Flucker and the children are well, and encourages Knox to send his son Harry [Henry Jackson Knox] to school. Lastly, mentions that Mrs. Flucker's son Francis recently arrived from Bristol, much to the party's pleasure. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.05475

27 May 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he is sorry to hear Knox was ill again. Discusses his dealings with Madame de Leval, mentioning that she was supposed to have left but has not yet, and that he "wish[es] her gone." Comments on the townships she is going to settle on their lands in Maine. Is happy to hear that Knox will be going to New York. Reports that Knox's family is doing well and have settled in. Encourages Knox to tell Mrs. Knox to send their son, Henry, to school. Provides some information on several of their friends, asking him to forward an enclosed letter to General [Rufus] Putnam, and mentioning…

GLC02437.05479

3 June 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks Knox about his upcoming visit to New York. Discusses his poor financial situation, particularly that he is having difficulty paying off debts. Updates Knox on their joint business ventures. Mentions their project to have Madame de Leval organize a French settlement in some of their lands in Maine. Writes, "Madame Laval sail'd on Friday for Frenchmans Bay. She appeared very much displeased with the general management of the business, and at one time was on the point of returning to New York... she kept constantly in view her fears with respect to our obtaining a Title of the lands…

GLC02437.05487

5 June 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Refers to an earlier letter he sent to Knox in which he discussed payment on one of their contracts. Urges Knox's "immediate compliance," because a lady (likely Madame de Leval) spoke with some "evilminded" persons who may try to overturn their negotiations based on the idea that they cannot pay. Resolves that he will not yield one inch of ground in their deliberations.

GLC02437.05489

10 June 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the urgency of making land payments and the fact that the committee doubts that they will be able uphold their part of the contract. States that he tried to explain the reason for the delay in making the payment, but the committee dismissed his excuses. Reports that he sent a copy of part of this letter to Royal Flint. Discusses a matter pertaining to Knox and "WD," likely William Duer, in the papers, and asks Knox for some related facts. Reports that Knox's sons embarked for Hingham the previous day with General Benjamin Lincoln.

GLC02437.05501

17 June 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses Knox's decision to relinquish to William Duer all claims to land in the "Eastern purchase." Writes, "I am at a loss to determine the reasons that governed you in this business, as they are so far different from those we had in contemplation at the time we parted." States that although 15,000 New York currency is a large sum, it is far less than the sum that was paid for the first purchase. Hopes to gain one fifth of the profit for helping Knox with the dealings. Also asks about land that he expected to receive. Inquires about the balance owed by the Society of the Cincinnati…

GLC02437.05508

24 June 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes, "I wish you to send me a copy of your conditional transfer to Colo [William] Duer, as from what you have written I am at a loss to determine exactly the principles of it... [the] embarrassment that has attended this business from the first movement of it, to the present hour, has rested on my shoulders and been conducted with an exertion on my part, which nothing but its prospects of emoluments for you and myself would have induced me to persevere." Further discusses finances and property deals, mentioning Royal Flint, Nathan Jones, and Madame de Leval. In closing, writes, "this…

GLC02437.05515

1 July 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

States that he has not received one farthing, and the money he had on hand "is more than all anticipated in the first payment to De Gregoire, expences of that survey & supplies to madame Laval..." Has written them for a further advance. Cautions Knox against his association with William Duer: "It is true my good friend I urged you to disengage yourself from Colo Duer but not to give it away for a song. I am satisfied that their is not a man of reputation to be found that woud [sic] step in my shoes in every point of view for ten times the sum that is in contemplation." "Free" stamped…

GLC02437.05525

8 July 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Referring to recent land dealings involving Knox, Jackson, and William Duer, Jackson writes: "My good friend you mistake me exceedingly if you think I doubted the motives of your conduct on any other principles than those the most honourable to you - the feelings of the heart - which I suppose had too great an influence in this business..." Encloses a letter from Royal Flint (GLC02437.05526). Says that he will remain in Boston until 8 August, and will then proceed to New York if no payments are made relative to Knox's Maine lands by that time. Thanks Knox for arranging the purchase of his…

GLC02437.05529

15 July 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses Knox's agreement with William Duer. Encloses a copy of a letter he received from Duer (not present) and states "I think it is pretty well understood that your conditional agreement will not be complyed [sic] with in his part - " Strongly encourages Knox to buy Duer out. Mentions some trouble in finding the money to pay the committee for their land contract. Mentions that Mr. De Gregoire has tried to evade his contract with Jackson and refused to give a Warranty Deed. Ends by stating, "Press Duer for the 5,000 dollars, Flint or some other person as I must pay that note before I can…

GLC02437.05538

22 July 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses worries over their situation with making payments on their contract and Knox's business with William Duer. Continues to discuss their financial situation and developments in their land speculations.

GLC02437.05551

29 July 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses their shaky situation with land speculation. Mentions the committee's desire to "hold me strictly to every point and condition of the agreement." Reports having trouble collecting money owed to him, and believes some of their financial associates will take advantage of their weak position. Mentions that Mr. de Grégoire "has disappeared ever since I tendered him the money," so he plans to use the law to make Grégoire uphold his end of a previous agreement. Continues to discuss a variety of business affairs concerning their land.

GLC02437.05563

5 August 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he has not been able to obtain the deed of land from Mr. Barthélémy de Grégoire, who has run off with the money they already paid. Provides updated information on that land deal, and his attempts to satisfy their creditors. Discusses other business arrangements, including his insistence on their eliminating [William] Duer from their ventures: "I am clear with you that Duer must take his name & management out of the business, or he will Damn the most favorable prospects, for I assure you the bare mention of him will distroy every confidence & make us the objects of…

GLC02437.05568

12 August 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he has arrived in New York City and is disappointed that he will not be able to meet up with him. Mentions that Madame de Leval is in town. Suggests they meet soon at "Prince Town" (Princeton, New Jersey). Reports on the health of Knox's family. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.05577

13 August 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Insists on meeting Knox at some point, if he really is unable to go to New York City. Suggests Kingston, New Jersey as a meeting place noting that "to see you at Princetown, Trenton or Brunswick they are very publick places & would cause some speculation that two such great men should have a conference, and its [sic] possible we may be newspaper'd & an alarm go forth that the Government was in danger - " Wants to discuss with Knox the situation regarding their land deals and with William Duer. Briefly summarizes discussions he has had with Duer on the subject of their financial…

GLC02437.05579

15 August 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a possible purchase of 300,000 acres of land, and reports that proposals are being drawn up to Knox and William Duer by Mr. [Théophile] Cazenove and Madame de Leval. Assures Knox of his belief that Duer has nothing to do with this purchase, and probably knows nothing about it. Address leaf has calculations written all over it.

GLC02437.05580

2 September 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Agrees with Knox on the necessity of having a survey done on the land, but states that it will be difficult to find trustworthy men to conduct the survey. Reports that Madame de Leval has not yet arrived, so he does not yet know what the Committee will decide regarding their application. He is still of the same opinion he had been, however. Informs Knox that he has received some news that the Committee might assist them in obtaining a quick settlement and continues to discuss further land business.

GLC02437.05595

9 September 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that Madam de Leval has yet to arrive and he is "at a loss" to determine "where she is or what after." Notes if she does not "arrive soon it will be too late to make an establishment this fall that will give strength and consequence to the settlement." Mentions Knox's other business matter (land deals) is progressing nicely so far and that he is looking for trustworthy people to survey the lands. Comments the search for such men has been rather difficult so far. Continues to discuss financial business.

GLC02437.05603

16 September 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox of further developments concerning finding trustworthy men to survey two tracts of land. Notes his dismay as to why Madame de Leval remains in New York. Discusses the financial problems with William Duer and the importance pushing Duer into settling the business quickly. Writes, "Mr. D - will never come to any point unless he is pushed... your delicacy on this head is a high Crime which you cannot answer to yourself nor your family - Indeed I view this as the Critical moment, which if lost, every present & future hope & expectation will be destroyed." Mentions that…

GLC02437.05610

23 September 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that Madame de Leval has finally arrived and that the Committee will probably consent to their proposal, providing that "we allow them the years Interest which they will otherways [sic] loose by puting the whole of the payments one year forward - the interest will amount to near fifteen thousand dollars - " Continues to discuss similar business concerning William Duer. Congratulates Knox on the birth of his daughter, stating "the little stranger is the finest & most healthy Child, of any you have had - "

GLC02437.05626

30 September 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Complains that Knox "appear[s] to Scold at me for pressing you to a separation from Colo. D-." Notes it is because of Knox's closeness to Duer that has led him [Jackson] to urge Knox to sever ties. Also discusses business regarding land. Says [Madam de] Leval is convinced that she will succeed with either the Committee or the Legislature. Believes that she is "determined to hold on to the last and attack the General Court when they come together..." and "this will hold you in a damn'd state of suspence." Informs Knox on the status of Knox's family as they are getting ready to travel.

GLC02437.05632

4 October 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Hopes to meet Knox in Springfield in the near future. Stresses the importance of returning to his house by Sunday and the embarrassment he would suffer if he were unable to.

GLC02437.05642