January 10, 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Marquis de Lafayette

Letter of introduction to Lafayette for Major [possibly Elnathan] Haskell. Says he might remember Haskell from the camp of General Robert Howe. Says "He was a brave officer and is a worthy citizen." Reports that Haskell is going to Europe on some sort of business, which he has no doubt is honorable.

GLC02437.04085

October 15, 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Marquis de Lafayette

Knox writes that he is thankful to be able to send this letter by Count de Moustier, who was returning from his time as French minister to America. He will enclose the diplomas for the French officers in the Society of the Cincinnati. Says "The importance of the revolution in France is astonishing - one looks round in amazement and asks is it not a delusion, can it be true? This is a new Lesson to the Gods of the earth that there [distinction] is but a phantom of the imagination that an [illegible] people will know and ought to repress the abuses and oppressions of their rulers." Asks for…

GLC02437.04391

November 7, 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Marquis de Lafayette

Knox sends his sincere wishes for Lafayette's happiness. Mentions mutual friends, including the Marchioness de Bréhan, who was wary of returning to France due to the "state of affairs" there (the French Revolution). Reports that "We are all peace - Our beloved chief is on a journey to the Eastern States - He is received every where with all possible demonstrations of affection - long may he live to be the cheif of the U.S." Encloses a letter from Catharine Greene for her son, who was studying with Lafayette in France (not included here).

GLC02437.04407

4 September 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Informs his brother William Knox that he has given him power of attorney to sell his lands. Says he sent a map of the lands that are jointly held with Alexander Macomb, Philip Schuyler, John Taylor, Robert Morris, among others. Describes the lands and the waters around it. Tells William he also authorized him to sell "25000 acres laying in the Waldo Patent." Says he is selling the land because he needs the money, and will accept a lower asking price. If William can't sell the land, Knox expects him to "raise a sum of money thereon by way of Loan giving the Land as a security for the…

GLC02437.04714

6 September 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Tells William he is anxious about his sister-in-law Mrs. "Horwood" (Hannah Flucker Harwood) paying a debt Henry Knox owed to Mr. Longman. Writes, "I hope there is no unnecessary delay on the part of Mrs Horwood - She appears to have answered the business with judgment and fidelity." Also asks about the state of the St. Lawrence lands and Mr. Malcolm's "state of mind respecting the balance."

GLC02437.04720

25 October 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Asks his brother to investigate the character of William Green, especially in relation to his integrity and punctuality. Calls for this investigation because of his financial involvement with Green (refer to GLC02437.05666).

GLC02437.05667

3 September 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to William Knox [incomplete]

Writes that he is not a good correspondent and this lack "of duty on my part however does not arise from a want of affection." Mentions that a vessel escaped him a few days ago and the situation "mortifies me not alittle." Gives him some business advice and it would "be extreme folly to pursue further." Advises him to clear his debts. Watermarked with crest over "G R."

GLC02437.10253

10 September 1781

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lieutenant Thorp

Sends Thorp on an urgent trip to Baltimore to obtain supplies from General Mordecai Gist and Major Sebastian Bauman, whom he has written instruction to (see GLC02437.01178 and .01179). He is to embark with Bauman and proceed to the operation with him, referring to the upcoming siege of Yorktown.

GLC02437.01180

14 June 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox (daughter)

Writes to his daughter telling her how much he loves her, but that "I am not alittle [sic] jealous that it is not so reciprocal as perhaps it ought to be. I do not mean as to degree that is that yours should equal mine - But I only desire a due proportion, an hundreth [sic] part or so of what I possess -" Asks for her to confide in him as if he were a female friend and "write the long letters - reciting all the little incidents which fall under your notice ..." Some text loss on the upper left side of the first page and second paragraph on the second page.

GLC02437.05504

29 June 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Jackson Knox

References receiving his son's letter by Mr. LeRoy. Sent two pairs of shoes yesterday. Sent three shirts by Mrs. Stagg today. Six more will be sent when they are made. Writes, "It is the judgement of your Mama and me, that you are too young to alter the style of your dress - That long clothes would be ridiculous for you - That you have a sufficiency of clothes for the present." Tells him he will have what he needs, and instructs him not to be extravagant. Informs him that Dr. [Samuel Stanhope] Smith will furnish him with spending money as he sees fit. Says "As you see many persons of my…

GLC02437.05038

21 May 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Writes that he has been in ill health again since he wrote her last, and explains how he has treated his ague. Wishes he had received a letter from her. Asks about the welfare of their children. Sends his love to Mrs. [Sarah Lyons] Flucker, his sister-in-law. Relates messages for each of his children: Lucy, Henry, Julia, and Washington. Asks to be remembered to various friends in the Boston area.

GLC02437.05474

8 July 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Expresses his happiness on hearing about his son Henry's current situation. Sends Lucy news of various acquaintances, which he lists by number. States that he is sorry to hear of Mrs. [Abigail] Adams's "indisposition," noting that the Adams family has ordered their furniture to be shipped to Boston. Vice President John Adams plans to return to New York without his family. Reports that George and Martha Washington will be going to Mount Vernon the following Wednesday, and will not return until 15 October. Mentions the Ogdens, Mrs. Smith, the Izards, the Stewarts, and Count Andreani.…

GLC02437.05528

12 July 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Mentions being "attacked with the cursed fever" last week, but is now better. Wishes he could be with her and the family. Informs that Mrs. Smith is doing better after being very ill with a "disorder in her bowels." Writes that "Our President [George Washington], Mrs. Washington and family departed yesterday..." Writes of events in England and France exclaiming, "What unpleasant work on the frontiers of France! - England will go into confusion - do you not think Tom Paine has excited great commotion in mens minds to be honored with a royal Proclamation against his writings."

GLC02437.05535

24 July 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Apologizes for not being able to visit her due to his job obligations but states that he will as soon as he can. Mentions that "something has occured relatively to the southern Indians which would seem to open new sources of difficulty." Discusses the children and future plans. Ends by stating, "The President [George Washington] is buried in solitude at Mount Vernon - I write no more to him than is indispensible in order to prevent trouble."

GLC02437.05557

6 September 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Discusses his health and family matters. Talks about gaining weight, stating "I have increased since your departure, owing perhaps to two causes ... more food and less exercise." Mentions that the President (George Washington) has invited him to Mount Vernon. Discusses financial matters and worries about his wife's health.

GLC02437.05602

9 September 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Agrees to the idea to allow his son (Henry Jackson Knox) to remain at Hingham for school. Believes not only will Henry's education improve but so will his morals. States he will leave the decision of Henry's schooling in Lucy's hands. Mentions their neighbor Mrs. Smith, who has been ill, finally passed away. Her husband is greatly affected by her death. Updates her on news of their friends and notes the "Presidents Nephew George Washington" has "given over with his old disorder a consumption."

GLC02437.05604

2 November 1793

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Flucker Knox

Signed and initialed by Knox. Tells Lucy their baby girl and the rest of the family is in good health just outside Philadelphia. Reports "The disorder seems to have vanished by Magic and the great Storm of rain which took place the day before yesterday and lasted 24 hours will complete the death of this infernal monster." Says he will not be going into town until December though. Expects to see Lucy by 15 November. Notes President Washington and Thomas Jefferson arrived in Germantown yesterday in perfect health. Mentions "Hamilton is again sick, but not with the prevailing fever but he…

GLC02437.05958

5 November 1793

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Flucker Knox

References Lucy's letter of 1 November. Says he will not go into the city until she returns, but believes everything is now fine. Reports he has sent her three letters before this one. Mentions that Alexander Hamilton is entirely recovered from his illness and was in Germantown yesterday. Says "He sent for Stevens, and Belville from Trenton because he was apprehensive that if he took any of the city Physcicians [sic] he should be systematically sacrificed either by the Tonics, or evacuents - But his disorder arose from cold, and did not in the least partake of the prevailing disorder."…

GLC02437.05960

12 November 1793

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Flucker Knox

References two of Lucy's letters. Expresses how much he misses her. Says he will meet her on the road "before you turn off from frankford road." Says the city appears to be safe and "It is filling with inhabitants." Reports that "A Vessell however has arrived and more are expected of the unfortune [sic] people of St. Domingo, expelled there by the English, or Aristocrats, who is apprehended are infected with some contagious disorder." Notes measures will be taken to prevent any danger. Mentions that President Washington went to Reading to see a canal that is being built. Washington was…

GLC02437.05971

31 March 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Written from Elizabeth Town, present-day Elizabeth, New Jersey. Mentions that they have only just begun their meeting with the British commissioners. General [William] Dalrymple and Andrew Eliot, Esq. (likely Andrew Elliot) had arrived, as had Mr. Loring (probably Joshua Loring, an American Loyalist and British Commissioner of Prisoners). Comments that deliberations might keep him there until 10 April. Describes how he misses her and their children. Relates that Mr. Loring had received a letter from Mr. Simpson (possibly Jonathan Simpson, another Loyalist) which mentioned several of Lucy…

GLC02437.01376

11 April 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Written from Elizabethtown, present-day Elizabeth, New Jersey. Had expected to leave for Philadelphia today but the commissioners for the enemy have not agreed on their propositions yet. Is unsure whether they will and hopes to find out today; finds the business tedious. Hopes to be able to leave in four days, and explains that because of the delay, he may only be able to stay in Philadelphia with her and their children for a week.

GLC02437.01384

15 April 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Was happy to receive her last letter, though sounded as if she was in some distress; hopes the distress was simply that she missed him: "This implication I hope however is the consequence of an ardent affection. I am mortified that I have been so long absent from you, but I now think that we shall be able to get away from here tomorrow." Believes that they may stop "one day at Morris perhaps to make our report to the General and in two days afterwards be in Philadelphia." Sends love to the children and to the Biddle family, with whom Lucy and their children are staying.

GLC02437.01391

8 August 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Writes to his wife that since his last letter, which marked his arrival, he has been "diligently preparing for our jaunt." His travel party will consist of himself, his brother William Knox, the younger Mr. Isaac Winslow, and General Henry Jackson. They will set off Thursday (does not specify a destination). Remarks that all of their friends are being very kind, and at present he is at Mr. [Samuel] Breck's, while William is at Ingersoll's. Declares he will write again Thursday. Sends blessings to Lucy and the children.

GLC02437.03290

6 April 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Secretary of War Knox writes to his wife Lucy "respecting our affairs in England." Knox is likely referring to some disappointing business between Thomas Longman and Hannah Harwood. Knox reassures Lucy that she should not worry as he does "not feel much distress from it."

GLC02437.04902

27 July 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Mentions he will be detained until tomorrow or the next day. Does not expect to get home until Saturday, but will do his best to get there by Friday. Says their boys are in high spirits and that Harry is gratified by his new long coat, "which is of an excellent blue cloth breeches of the same and tow half wais[t]coats." Marcus says he is impatient to be home. States he longs to see her and the little ones. Lucy is at Bush Hill outside of Philadelphia. Free frank signed by Henry Knox.

GLC02437.05086