6 December 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rufus King

Writes that he has "nothing of consequence to communicate." Discusses the death of a Mr. Nash, as well as the doings of friends and colleagues including Mr. [possibly Edward] Carrington and Mr. [possibly Robert] Morris. Mentions trying to contact members of Congress who seem to have left the New York area. Sends regards to Mrs. King.

GLC02437.03366

15 July 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Rufus King

Discusses politics in France, and how American statesmen are being influenced by the structure of government in France. Writes, "The conduct of France in establishing provincial assemblies, is seized with great eagerness by the advocates for the state systems [...] But they do not bring into view the strong cement of the royal authority, supported by two hundred thousand soldiers - The state systems, are the accursed thing which will prevent our being a national character." Declares his support of a strong, centralized government.

GLC02437.03605

13 July 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Rufus King

Discusses the possible ratification of the United States Constitution by New York: "I have received no letters from Colonel Hamilton or any others of the convention, that will warrant the idea in any degree- but there has been a buz for a few days past that the convention would adopt the constitution and afterwards state strongly some material amendments..."

GLC02437.03934

17 August 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rufus King

Apologizes for missing King when King recently traveled to Boston. Discusses the possibility that King will remain in Massachusetts (perhaps to serve that state in government). Knox and [Nathaniel] Gorham both agree King should "instantly demonstrate [his] intentions" by purchasing a home in Massachusetts.

GLC02437.03965

13 June 1785

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rufus King

Discusses the line of inheritance for the Waldo patent, beginning with Brigadier General Samuel Waldo and passing down to his wife, Lucy Flucker Knox. Also provides news about friends and acquaintances, such as the fact that General [Rufus] Putnam will accept an appointment as surveyor.

GLC02437.09127

15 December 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Misses his wife, and addresses her anxieties in his absence. Writes, "No prospect of ambition or Interest could possibly keep me from you. nothing but a most sacred attachment to the much injured rights of my Country." Comments that the British capture of General Charles Lee is a severe blow to American forces. Hopes the British presence at Newport, Rhode Island will require his service in New England. Addresses the letter to Lucy in New Haven or, if she is not there, Boston.

GLC02437.09540

26 August 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Thanks Lucy for her recent letter, and assures her that although his letters are shorter than hers, it is not from lack of love. Acknowledges receipt of ducks, chickens, and cheese. Writes, "The want of that refinement which you seem to speak of is or will be the Salvation of America, for refinement of Manners introduces corruption and venality. I grant you that most people are in a degree corrupt..." Compares corruption in "young" and "old" states. Refers to the "wickedry" of the British, noting "I had rather revert to the barbarism of the original nations of this Land, than have any…

GLC02437.10006

18 June 1794

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rufus King

Discusses hiring an agent for the building of the frigate in New York and the fact that he is looking for "a character of approved accuracy, and integrity, acquainted with the modes of obtaining labor and materials which will be required in the most occonomical [sic] manner and who would not be above attending himself to the details." Asks King to also recommend people for the position but "without giving them expectation. Mentions that certain supplies should be obtained by special contacts. Watermarked "J Watt & C Patent Copying/Sold by J Woodmason/London." Letterpress copy.

GLC02437.10302

26 July 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Written near Morristown, New Jersey. Laments his absence from Lucy. Writes "...had it not been for this cursed war I should have been one of the happi[est] of the human race as it is I am bound by every principle of honor and moral attachment to stand by the Country while I can do it any service- the instant I am convinc'd that I cannot I will retire from public to private life..." Assures her that his absence is not due to lack of love. Addresses her concerns for future financial stability. Discusses business matters, mentioning his friend Harry (Henry Jackson). Urges her to agree to…

GLC02437.10453

15 October 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Written from camp 24 miles from Philadelphia. Sends this letter by Captain Randall, who had "the misfortune to be again made a prisoner after being slightly wounded in 7 or 8 places." Asks why she has not mentioned a gold watch he sent, worrying that the watch has been lost or stolen. Addresses Lucy's concerns regarding their future provision, assuring her to trust God. Reports that Continental defense along the Delaware River has hampered British shipping to and from Philadelphia: "If the enemy cannot get their shipping up Philadelphia is one of the most ineligible places in the world…

GLC02437.10455

15 August 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to John Coffin Jones

References receiving a letter from Jones (GLC02437.05110), but does not note the date. Tells him it will be necessary to obtain a sea letter or passport signed by President George Washington. To get them the owner or owners must make an oath that the vessel and the cargo are the property of citizens of the United States. Also, the captain, officers, and most of the crew must be United States citizens. Upon completion of this he can help them get the proper paperwork.

GLC02437.05122

16 March 1801

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Jefferson

A cordial letter welcoming Jefferson to office, and expressing approval of Jefferson's inauguration speech. Appreciates Jefferson's appeal for less partisanship as a means for "cementing more closely our union." Remarks upon the fact that he supported [John] Adams but nevertheless maintains a resepect for and attachment to Jefferson. Signed by Knox with initials.

GLC02437.07513

25 September 1781

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document signed

Title: [Mr. Jones will apply to Mr. Frothingham and receive five hundred Arms & bayonets].

Instructions indicating that a Mr. [Thomas] Jones will collect ordnance and transport it to Williamsburg, Virginia. Closes by saying "This order will be executed instantly." The arms were for a Virginia regiment commanded by Major General Baron Steuben. The Continental Army was then preparing for the siege of Yorktown.

GLC02437.01190

25 June 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document signed

Title: [Captain Lieutenant Johnson's permission to take military stores]

Major General Henry Knox says that Captain Lieutenant Johnson will apply to the commissary for two 6 pounders and the harnesses to transport them. Also, he is to be given 75 rounds of shot and "25 Case fixed with Flannel." Wants the quartermaster to help arrange for them to be taken to Stony Point, where Johnson will take control of them.

GLC02437.02187

17 December 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Samuel Johnson

Informs Johnson that Lieutenant [Matthew] Ernest, commanding officers at Fort Pitt, is trustworthy and capable of sending Johnson news from that vicinity. Says he will write to Ernest the following Monday, and any correspondence from Johnson can be transmitted at that time.

GLC02437.04441

3 January 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Coffin Jones

Informs Jones he was so impressed with his ideas that he has forwarded his letter to the Secretary of Treasury (Alexander Hamilton), but has yet to hear anything. Writes that the Secretary is "well organized & enlightened" and Knox is convinced that the Secretary will examine...his plans and support them with the best arguments. Believes such systems will be created and "make our country feel the blessed effects of public & private credit..."

GLC02437.04461

21 May 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to George Joy

Replies to an earlier letter from Joy in which Joy recommended his friend, Captain John Foster Williams, for a position (see GLC02437.04612). Declares that if called upon to offer suggestions for this position, he will be happy to submit Captain Williams.

GLC02437.04613

12 August 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Thomas Jefferson

Secretary of War Knox writes Secretary of State Jefferson apparently in answer to Jefferson's question about the upcoming ceremony to ratify the peace treaty with the Creeks (see GLC02437.04689). Provides information regarding who may attend the ceremony, and asks Jefferson to call on him to discuss the details.

GLC02437.04686

19 July 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Jefferson

References Jefferson's note from that morning. Has turn down Jefferson's "kindness" as he already has a previous engagement to dine with Lucy Knox. Place not listed, however, another letter (GLC02437.05074) written on the same day places Knox in Philadelphia.

GLC02437.05073

6 July 1795

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Jennison

Discusses various business in the Maine lands, including a theft.

GLC02437.06456

30 October 1798

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Edward Kelleran

Three letters written by Knox to various people. First to Captain Edward Kelleran discussing the cargo of a ship and payment of the crew. Second to John Gleason regarding the delivery of letters to Kelleran. Last to Waterman Thomas about the sale of goods. All noted as copies.

GLC02437.07182

23 August 1799

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Benjamin Joy

Knox received Joy's letter of 6 August 1799. Knox's financial woes are preventing him from making payments presently. He, himself, is owed money. Knox mentions that his sawmills are not at work right now. He has discussed these matters with Henry Jackson as well.

GLC02437.07301

29 March 1801

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Thomas Jefferson

Recommends Henry Jackson for the appointment to the office of Naval Agent (possibly the Secretary of Navy). Lists Jackson's qualifications, including his supervision of the construction of the USS Constitution, and describes Jackson as being competent in "all respects to execute the duties of the station cannot be questioned with propriety." Marked as private.

GLC02437.07516

14 June 1801

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Joy

Informs Joy his timber will be shipped to him this week. Also informs Joy that he hired a surveyor for Joy's lands.

GLC02437.07544

13 September 1801

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph Jones

Expresses his sympathy in hearing about Jones's barn being burnt down by the insurgents. Assures Jones the government will reimburse him for his loss provided the "villains" cannot be found and are unable to pay for the damages. Requests Jones makes out an estimation of his damages. Provides further instruction on what Jones needs to do to be reimbursed by the government. Also instructs Benjamin Bartlett to do the same for his losses.

GLC02437.07613