20 March 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports "News Glorious News" that a French ship loaded with artillery and arms for the Americans landed at Portsmouth last week. Also carried French officers "well recommended by Doct. Franklin" and an account stating that a similar ship will soon arrive with more weapons. Also reports that two "Fine Prize Ships" worth 50,000 pounds were recently captured from the British. Many of these same events are mentioned in GLC02437.00555. Wishes to know if he should still try to recruit men for a regiment. Notes that he has begun training a number of men to play the fife, and hopes to retain a…

GLC02437.00554

February 16, 1794

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that Mr. Denton has frequently called on him to discuss the plan for Knox's house. Says that Knox's delays on sending the alterations "will put back finishing the house by the time in contemplation." Says that Prince Edward left on the British packet for Halifax yesterday. The prince "did not incline to wait on Lt. Govr. Adams; which cause'd some difficulty." Says he dined at Mr. Russell's and accompanied Mrs. Russell to the assembly, where there were than 80 ladies. Says "your Sister Mrs. F is much Envy'd - the Prince was introduced to her in a large circle of Ladies at the…

GLC02437.06047

February 6, 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson comments on the Massachusetts convention for ratification of the United States Constitution: "HUZZA HUZZA - as you must be anxious & to keep you from suspense a moment I have the extreme pleasure to inform you, that the grand question was put this Afternoon at 5 O Clock by yeas & nays, and was determined in favor of the Constitution by a majority of 19- the whole number present when the vote was taken was 355- of that number 187 were yeas- and 168 nays..." Remarks that he attended in the gallery from 9:00 am, eating a dinner of gingerbread and cheese. Exclaims, "The moment…

GLC02437.03788

February 17, 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Hopes to be able to inform Knox by the next post that New Hampshire ratified the Federal Constitution "as every account from that quarter gives encouragement to that effect." Of Massachusetts' ratification, writes, "...the Federalists in this State increase daily and there is every reason to think that the people at large (except the Insurgent Interest) are fully satisfied with the Ratification, however some persons may say to the contrary." Comments on [James] Swan's debt and asks about his copper contract with the Treasury. Notes that his appointment to Federal regiments has almost…

GLC02437.03800

February 27, 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that [Samuel] Ogden is very disappointed that he has not been able to purchase "the western Lands" due to the breakdown in negotiations with the Gentlemen who were supposed to make that happen. Says he is confident that Ogden will ultimately succeed by calling on his powerful friends in the legislature. Informs Knox that "the petition respecting the Waldo patent will be refer'd over to the next Sessions of the Court." Notes the "General Heath resign'd his Commission of Major General of this Division, and on Friday the Senate chose me by a large majority but the House elected…

GLC02437.04868

1 July 1794

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Manuscript document signed

Title: The Massachusetts Society of Cinncinnati in Account current with Henry Jackson Treasurer.

The second document is a July 1, 1794 account signed by Henry Jackson, including payments made for a July 4th, 1793 "Feast" for the officers. (Costs include advertising through the publisher of the Columbian Centinel, wine and dinner.) This document is kept in Size 3, Box 008.

GLC01450.627.01.02

28 June 1793

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Manuscript document signed

Title: Accot. Current with Henry Jackson Treasurer

The third document is a June 28, 1793 verification of the financial accounts of the same society, which is signed by Joseph Vose, Benjamin Dana and Thomas H. Condy of the Massachusetts Society's Committee of Examination. This document is stored in Size 3, Box 008.

GLC01450.627.01.03

27 May 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Gives details of marching with an unspecified company, and discusses his recent service at Providence, Rhode Island. Refers to a recent election of representatives, possibly in Boston, Massachusetts. Writes, "My good friend, we are in a very bad state of defence in this Town & harbour, not a man in all the Forts here..." Sent his regiment to recruit soldiers outside of Boston, and they have only raised 26 men: "the Country People have got the devil in them... good god Harry if we go on in this way we shall soon be ruined, ruined for ever." Mentions the discrepancy between the current…

GLC02437.00604

8 June 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Colonel Jackson writes "by way of Peekskill" [New York]. Reports that a Massachusetts state cruiser has taken two British transport ships bound for New York with Hessians on board. Of the Hessians, writes "it is said they show'd the greatest joy when our people board'd the Ship." Refers to another cruiser bound for Quebec with dry goods and blankets. Writes, "I wish to know if it would be agreeable to the generall that I may Inlist some of [the Hessians] in my Regt."

GLC02437.00610

10 July 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Replies to a letter from Henry from 21 June, in which Knox discussed British movement in detail. Agrees with Knox, that the British in the New York/New Jersey area will "form a junction with the Nothern [sic] Army." Worries that General George Washington had misleading information, believing William Howe intended to march to Philadelphia (Howe did not march to Philadelphia; refer to Knox's letter to Jackson from 21 June). Expresses misgivings regarding the loyalty of Native Americans near Fort Ticonderoga: "These devils will let their Friendship be what it may- will allways take up the…

GLC02437.00621

14 July 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the Continental evacuation of Ticonderoga: "My God, what a Stroke we have met with in Loss of Ticonderoga- after all the trouble, pains, & expense the Continent has been at in Fortifyg [sic] that Post, to think we should be obliged to give it up without fire'g a gun- is too much..." Predicts that because of the loss, "there will be nothing but Scalp'g & [Butcher'g] our back settlements..." Reports on the capture of The Fox, a British ship. Mentions the capture of British General Richard Prescott, and hopes for the exchange of Prescott for General [Charles] Lee.

GLC02437.00624

17 July 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions the capture of the Fox, a British frigate. Apparently, the Fox was retaken by the British, but this news is uncorroborated. Colonel Jackson expects to be called in to pay Knox's contribution to a privateer. Suggests that Henry persuade his wife Lucy to sell her phaeton (a horse drawn carriage), noting that Lucy keeps the carriage in case Henry approves her to visit him at military headquarters. Reports that between the phaeton and the chaise, Lucy will need two more horses than she has. Writes, "maybe you'll say it is none of my Business, if she wants 10 Horses, your pay as a…

GLC02437.00626

12 June 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Repeats news he mentioned in a letter from 8 June. Discusses the capture of several British ships with Hessians on board, and asks if he can enlist some of them for service. Comments on various ships, and mentions receiving money from Henry's brother William for Henry's share in the Newbury, apparently a privateer. Notes that Samuel Bradstreet has been accused of being a Tory, and Doctor Boyle is to be sent out of the country. Declares, "if the Court does not do something for us, we shall never raise out Regt. it is not money that will get the men... money is as plenty as dirt- there is…

GLC02437.00612

4 September 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses surprise that the Continental Army has no knowledge of British General William Howe's location. Thinks it's possible, but unlikely, Howe intends to sail for Boston. Comments on the Battle of Bennington and the performance of General John Stark: "Genl Starks Action I think view'g every circumstance stands first in the American War... before this the Enemy were Ravage'g, butcherg and Scalp'g all before them, not a prisoner fell in there Land but was Tomhawk't to Death- now all is quiet with them & we hear nothing of their Scalp'g & c." Relates that [Burgoyne] has possibly…

GLC02437.00647

18 September 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson declares, "...I am sure if we exert ourselves to the Southward & Northward as we ought to do that this Campaign will nearly bring the War to a Close, and establish our Independence." Reports he has heard news that Generals Horatio Gates, Benjamin Lincoln, and Benedict Arnold intend to attack British General John Burgoyne's army (near Saratoga, New York). Discusses growth of militia in the State of Massachusetts, noting "...its said there is the finest body of militia now in the field that wer [sic] ever known..." Mentions that some towns, being unable to raise enough voluntary…

GLC02437.00650

27 November 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Colonel Jackson writes, "Are you dead or alive- one post after another, and not a line from you-its a Mo since I saw your hand writi'g." Describes his attempts to enlist soldiers. Asks if George Washington would approve if he enlists British General John Burgoyne's men, who are marching through on their way to embark for England following the British defeat at Saratoga. Argues that since Burgoyne's men are neither prisoners nor deserters, he should be able to recruit them. Hopes to obtain a set of bayonet belts based on the English pattern. Reports he will not be able to make it to camp…

GLC02437.00668

15 September 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Would have written to Knox sooner, but was obliged to attend the execution of a man who had deserted from his regiment. Writes, "...he was Shot at the Bottom of the Common, it is supprise'g how the people minds are alter'd about this matter from what it was when the British Troops were here- every one cry'g out a deserter ought to die..." Mentions a British naval prize taken by a privateer and brought to Newburyport, Massachusetts. Describes a matter between the Tartar, an American ship, and a twenty-gun British ship. Expects news from the Northward (northern New York), where American…

GLC02437.00649

19 July 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Colonel Jackson asks, "What think you of the loss of Ticonderoga, it is in general believ'd here, that that Fortress was sold to the enemy- as for my part, I shall suspend my Judgement till I can hear more of the particulars." Discusses recent news from France that "all France is Arm'g their Fleet and Army..." to assist America. Also notes that a private letter from Dr. [Benjamin] Franklin to a gentleman in America suggests that "a War was inevertable," (possibly inevitable). Mentions the British recapture of their frigate the Fox, which had been taken by the Americans earlier. Notes…

GLC02437.00627

23 July 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Colonel Jackson declares, "The loss of Ticonderoga is a very severe stroke, we shall expereance [sic] the misfortune of it as long as the War lasts- there is no one circumstance take'n place this War that has affected the minds of the People so much as this- and there is not one that can acct for its being given up in the maner [sic] it was- not one single Gun fired from us..." Wonders how General [Arthur] St. Clair will explain his conduct after the American loss of Ticonderoga. Hopes General George Washington will become aware of General William Howe's plans. Expects Howe to move up the…

GLC02437.00628

31 July 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that Lucy Knox, Henry's wife, left for Newbury Port (possibly Massachusetts), the previous Monday. Mentions an express from General [Israel] Putnam to General [William] Heath, in which Putnam attested the British sailed from the Hook (possibly Paulus Hook, New Jersey), but did not know where they were bound. General George Washington assumed they are bound for Philadelphia, but a letter from General [Alexander] McDougal to Colonel Sears in Boston states they may be sailing toward Boston. Notes that Sears's behavior, including his intention to flee Boston, has "fright'd all the old…

GLC02437.00631

7 August 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports a scare regarding a fleet of 150 ships in the [Massachusetts] Bay. Describes how Bostonians were thrown into confusion, thinking the fleet consisted of British troops from New York. Speaks of the evacuation of Boston: "altho' the Alarm came very direct- yet by heavens everyone was for own dear self- from my little observation in this affair- I really think if the enemy were to come here, not one quarter part of the Town would turn out to oppose them- O my God the thought." Notes that The Hancock, a frigate, has been captured and taken to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Gives report of a…

GLC02437.00633

13 August 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Predicts that British General William Howe intends to sail for the North River (the Hudson) to connect with [General John Burgoyne's] army: "The North River is, & must be their object- I think the whole of Genl Howe's conduct, must show his weakness- therefore a Junction of the two Armies, is what he will try for & all he can expect this campaine [sic]..." Reports that a ship, the Hero, arrived in Boston to acquire crew, and will sail 14 or 15 August. Notes that the brevity of this letter results from an extremely painful headache.

GLC02437.00636

24 August 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Comments on General John Stark and the Battle of Bennington ( 16 August 1777): "I don't think all History from Adam to this day, can produce such an instance, which an unequal number of raw undisciplind militia, have attack'd a Superor number of well disciplined regular Troops intrench in Lines- beat them out & gaind so complete a Victory [sic]--" Describes the celebration held in Boston following news of the victory, including liquor at the Bunch of Grapes Tavern, drum and fife music on a balcony, brass field pieces, and two barrels of grog in the street. Gives an account of a new ship…

GLC02437.00639

27 August 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Praises the American victory in the recent the Battle of Bennington. Notes that General [Benjamin] Lincoln's aide-de-camp sent an account of the British killed, wounded, and missing at Bennington, which amounted to 1,000. Reports that Henry's wife Lucy has agreed to sell her phaeton (a carriage). Relates a quarrel he had with Colonel Crafts as to rank. In two instances, Crafts refused to accept Jackson (from the Continental Artillery) as a higher rank. Jackson asks who actually holds higher rank, Continental Artillery or Continental Infantry.

GLC02437.00641

2 October 1776

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Explains why he has not written recently. Reacts to Knox's account of Major Thomas Henley's death in a failed surprise attack against the British on Randall's Island. Notes that he has published accounts Knox requested. Indicates that Bostonians are "much alarm'd, about the burn'g, hang'g & cut'g the throats of some of our people..." Discusses the appointments, resignations, and selection of several officers. Reports the capture of a British vessel with light horse on board.

GLC02437.00466