22 August 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to William Heath

Written and signed in a secretarial hand for General Knox by his aide-de-camp Major Samuel Shaw. References Heath's letter of 7 August. Says with respect to John Shaw he can only extend his furlough as only the commander in chief can offer a discharge (see GLC02437.02360). Says that is impossible now as Washington is on a visit to Congress. Second page is a copy of another letter in the hand of Samuel Shaw (he accidently signed the letter and then crossed out his signature). This letter refers to John Shaw's poor health and need for a longer furlough. Says it was extended until next April.

GLC02437.02405

10 December 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Moses Hazen

Writes, "I received your favor respecting any supernumerary ensigns who might [turn?] the Massachusetts & Connecticut lines - I have made enquiry upon the subject, and find that instead of having an excess of Ensigns, each regiment upon an average is deficient, of more than one half of that grade." Adds that he is glad to hear that Hazen's regiment will not be affected by the reduction. He and Mrs. Knox send their compliments to Mrs. Hazen.

GLC02437.01736

19 April 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Heath

Encloses an agreement made by Colonel Crane's regiment to accept the commutation of five years full pay in lieu of half pay for life. Knox also accepts the commutation.

GLC02437.02105

2 April 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Hichborn

Writes that though he has written only once since he left Boston, his affection has not diminished for Hichborn. Is happy to hear all his Boston friends, including Hichborn, are well; this is frequently reported to Knox by his "valuable chronicle" Henry Jackson. Relates that his wife Lucy is in poor spirits as her mother [Hannah Waldo Flucker] died the previous December, and she now only has one sister left [Mrs. Hannah Urquhart]. Due to this circumstance he is interested in renewing his attentions to the "eastern estates," likely the Waldo Patent properties belonging to Lucy's family.…

GLC02437.03259

26 December 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Hichborn

Writes that he received a letter regarding Mr. [Stephen] Bruce's contracting to provide rations for the troops currently being raised. Would be happy to consider him for the contract, but his powers are constrained as the Board of Treasury has "agreed on the principles of an extensive contract for all the demands of the establishment." The Board is apparently planning to select one contractor to provide payment, clothing, and rations, and other supplies. Seems to suggest it might be possible for Mr. Bruce to contract with the one overarching contractor. Under these circumstances, the…

GLC02437.03393

26 December 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to François-Louis Teissèdre de Fleury

Mentions that Samuel Shaw is probably in Canton, China and was in India the last year. Updates Fleury on the Constitutional Convention held in Philadelphia and the progress of ratifying the constitution in each state. "A convention or representation of all the States excepting Rhode Island met in Philadelphia in the month of May last and after four months deliberation agreed on the Constitution herein enclosed (not present)." Goes on to state, "This constitution is to be submitted to a convention chosen by the people of each state," and adds that Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey have…

GLC02437.03740

21 August 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Elnathan Haskell

Missed Haskell when he recently called on Knox. Considers [Platt's?] bills accepted, and will send his friend Joseph Peirce to present the bills to Haskell for his signature. Knox's signature has been clipped.

GLC02437.03968

18 November 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Hichborn

Knox encloses a sum requested by Colonel Benjamin Hichborn and comments on how repayment should be made.

GLC02437.04032

January 11, 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Benjamin Hichborn

Discusses a variety of business matters, largely focusing on the Waldo patent lands in Maine. Mentions their ability to get references, as well as legal judgments pertaining to their case. Refers to a letter from Mr. [likely Isaac] Winslow, outlining Hichborn's opinion on these matters. Also comments on the views of a Mr. Robbins (possibly Edward Hutchinson Robbins). Writes that Mrs. Knox sends her regards to Hichborn and his wife.

GLC02437.04087

25 March 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Henley

Received his recent letter via Mr. [Nathaniel] Gorham. Declares that he was unable to find certain mortgage paperwork pertaining to Mr. [Thomas] Flucker's estate that Henley asked him for. Would have submitted it to Henley if he had found it. Discusses legal actions surrounding land claims on the Waldo patent.

GLC02437.04155

20 September 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Moses Michael Hayes

Would be happy to help Mr. Hays if he had the power to do so. However, it appears that Mr. Hays's not being a current resident of Rhode Island is a formidable barrier in securing him the appointment. Regardless of this problem, if he would like to submit a letter to the President about the position, Knox will present it to him.

GLC02437.04361

9 December 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Moses Hazen

Forwards a letter from the pay office. Notes that Hazen was mistaken with respect to the proportion of pay which was advanced to the army in 1782 and 1783. Writes that it is not in his power to advance Hazen any funds. Related to GLC02437.04430, GLC02437.04431, and GLC02437.04432.

GLC02437.04433

4 April 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Hichborn

Encloses an appointment (not included) for Hichborn's son. Tells Hichborn, "Mr. Peirce will have commanded the plan for selling the estate - pray see that all is right."

GLC02437.04900

13 October 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Moses Michael Hays

Initialed by Knox. References Hays's letter of 4 October (GLC02437.05184). Encloses certificates of safe travel for the ship "Jefferson," to be captained by Josiah Roberts (not included here).

GLC02437.05194

13 November 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to William Heth

Provides sympathy for "the melancholy cause of your brothers detention." Does not explain the cause of the detention.

GLC02437.05235

26 October 1781

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Hodgdon

Responds to Hodgdon's letter about sending ordnance from Baltimore for the siege of Yorktown (see GLC02437.01249) and hopes news of Lord Cornwallis' surrender reached him before the ships set sail. Asks that the shell and shot be sent to Head of Elk, Maryland instead. Hodgdon was the commissary general of military stores appointed by the Board of War & Ordnance.

GLC02437.01263

22 October 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stephen Higginson

Knox writes to Higginson, a former Congressman, to discuss Congress' opinions on amassing more troops in the frontier. Asks for his financial help, since Congress has good intentions in trying to fill the treasury, but there is not enough money now for emergencies. Writes, "Knowing your zeal for the public welfare, and your knowledge of our [brave] Boston patriots," he hopes Higginson will help him make arrangements to encourage others to help as well. See GLC02437.03336 and .03343 for related information.

GLC02437.03317

3 December 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to John Hobby

Received Hobby's last letter but has been unable to respond until now due to being out of town. Discusses payment of taxes on the lands belonging to the late Mr. [Thomas] Flucker, Knox's father-in-law, which are now in Knox's possession. Requests that he draw the money owed from Knox's friend General Henry Jackson.

GLC02437.03364

January 28, 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Stephen Higginson

Body of the letter and signature in the hand of Robert Pemberton, Knox's aide. Thanks him for his letters. Writes, "The Zeal of the people of Boston and the lower country in favor of Government is a good sign, and will probably produce the events expected from it." Declares, however, that even if the current insurgency dies down, "some measures will be necessary to prevent a repetition of" it. Believes that the "poor poor federal government is sick almost unto death." Mentions that a convention has been proposed by Virginia and several states with the intention to discuss reforms.…

GLC02437.03430

February 25, 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stephen Higginson

Thanks Higginson for his observations on the current state of the government. Says Higginson's views are "perfectly just and well founded" and that Higginson has "a greater degree of attention, and thought on the subject, than most other gentlemen..." Shares his thoughts about the state of affairs, noting "the whole must be taken to peices [sic], and a new one erected on the bases of publick Liberty and public happiness..." Notes Congress has acceded to the idea of a Convention. Discusses the benefits the Convention would bring if the states were to agree to it. States he hopes that…

GLC02437.03468

24 December 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Hodgdon

Encloses a copy of a statement from the treasury related to Hodgdon's old accounts. Asks Hodgdon to transmit his accounts and vouchers to the end of the year for all expenditures since his last statement.

GLC02437.04450

31 October 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Hodgdon

Secretary of War Knox acknowledges receiving a letter from Hodgdon the previous Friday regarding his housing prospects in Philadelphia (See GLC02437.04761). Knox believes that Hunter will honor his word to Knox and allow him to stay there. Knox considers Buddens's house a "last resort," and wants Hodgdon to find another house like Hunter's if Hunter's truly is not available. Knox's papers, he says, will arrive in Philadelphia by Thursday (this letter is dated Sunday). Knox wants his office to be "perfectly light, and comfortable, and the ceilings new white washed, and the Board work either…

GLC02437.04762

6 June 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to John Hills

Written by Secretary of War Knox to Captain Hills. References Hills's letter from Brookfield. Says that as Hills is still surveying the project must be promising. This is in reference to surveying a route for a canal from the Connecticut River to Boston (see GLC02437.04909). Says "I am not discouraged as to the height of 295 feet, nor even 100 more added thereto, provided there should be a sufficiency of water upon the high ground." Tells him to make his work as accurate as possible to bring himself honor and so that it will not have to be repeated. Tells him to send for money if he…

GLC02437.04977

30 June 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to John Hills

Written by Knox as Secretary of War to Captain [John] Hills, who was surveying a route for a canal from the Connecticut River to Boston. References Hills's letter of 23 June (GLC02437.05022), which gave him satisfaction. Writes, "In a work similar to the one on which you are employed, so remote from the contemplations of people generally, and of such magnitude, a person whose mind expands to the idea of its practicability and execution, runs no small danger of incurring strong and perpetual ridicule." States that Hills's last letter makes him believe something substantial is possible. Hopes…

GLC02437.05039

6 July 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Hills

Written by Knox as Secretary of War to Captain Hills who was surveying a potential route for a canal from the Connecticut River to Boston. References Hills's letter of 29 June. Tells him if he needs money to go to Joseph Peirce near "the Town house Boston." Says he will get 100 dollars when he shows Peirce this letter. Says he wrote to Hills on 2 July. Bottom of letter says that Hills was surveying near the Charles River and that this letter was put in the care of General Hull at Newton, Massachusetts.

GLC02437.05054