4 December 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Osgood

Discusses a situation of a fellow officer, Colonel Michael Jackson, who intends to petition Congress regarding compensation for a wound he received in 1776 which is still causing him trouble. This letter is likely Knox's response to Jackson's 29 November 1783 request (GLC02437.02809).

GLC02437.02818

18 December 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to D. Parker & Co.

Informs the company that troops will be at Fort Schuyler and that they need provisions. Gives instructions regarding the provisions and method of payment. Directs the company to arrange payment with the Superintendent of Finance.

GLC02437.02842

23 December 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Daniel Parker

Discusses the lack of provisions for the troops at West Point, stating "[t]here are not more provision at this place than will serve the troops to the end of the month, and I much doubt whether it will last so long ... " Request that Parker supplies the post with supplies as soon as possible.

GLC02437.02851

29 December 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Daniel Parker

Knox, commander of West Point, reports that "about [ninety] men will be stationed in New York probably the greatest part of the Winter." Asks whether Parker, a contractor who furnished supplies for troops, will provide supplies for these men.

GLC02437.02871

8 January 1784

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Daniel Parker

Knox encloses a letter (not included) for Parker, of Daniel Parker & Co., a firm that supplied troops with provisions. Writes that the enclosure proves the "agonizing state of mind of my dear friend..." who had planned to gain passage on Parker's ship. Asks Parker to "keep the door open for him untill three or four days previous to the vessells sailing." Location inferred.

GLC02437.02925

21 March 1784

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Daniel Parker

Knox negotiates with Parker, of Daniel Parker & Co., a firm that supplied Continental troops with provisions. Hopes Parker will continue to furnish supplies to troops, although Congress has not informed Parker or Knox of a contract renewal. Refers to Mr. Morris, who has been in charge of paying Parker (possibly Robert Morris, Superintendent of Finance).

GLC02437.02980

5 October 1785

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Osgood

Writes to Osgood on financial matters. Declares that a Mr. Walker has written to him regarding a financial arrangement between himself and Osgood. Walker is apparently concerned that he and Osgood would withdraw money from an account that had already been emptied by Knox due to a new resolve of Congress. Knox assures Osgood that he has not yet withdrawn the money, so they may go ahead with the transaction without risk of "embarrassment."

GLC02437.03206

9 December 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William North

In response to Major North's letter (see GLC02437.03368), Knox writes that he agrees that [John Francis] Hamtramck's ideas show him to be a good officer. Adds, "I am persuaded his solicitude for a proper discipline, will be highly approved by all military men." Mentions that he has written to the Board of Treasury on the subject of pay, and hopes that the letter may have the desired effect.

GLC02437.03369

December 21, 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to William North

Writes in full, "I have been attempting my dear Sir, to accomplish your pay since I received yours of the 18th. The board of treasury are disposed to exert themselves in this instance but I am persuaded that their powers are short of their inclination. Be so good as to call upon me tomorrow [illegible] I will then, inform you, [of] the mode in which they are willing to negotiate the pay."

GLC02437.03384

19 April 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William North

Discusses Congress's decision to reduce the troops and states, "I feel most sensibly for the situation of the officers." In relation to North's resignation as Inspector General, states that he did not forward it on and that if North desires, he can probably resume the duties of that post (see GLC02437.03528 and .03495). Comments that Colonel Hull wrote to him about the issue with North's relative rank but believes it is something the state must decide.

GLC02437.03531

11 July 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eleazer Oswald

Discusses whether to distribute a narrative written by Knox's friend and former aide, Samuel Shaw. Encloses the narrative (not present but possibly referring to GLC02437.03310), but believes it would be better to circulate it only among friends. However, does not expect anything in it would damage Shaw's reputation. Requests that Oswald makes sure the narrative is not published. Signed twice by Knox.

GLC02437.03601

23 November 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Osgood

Writes "Man in some situations is indeed a helpless animal, and needs the support of his fellows or he is overwhelmed with misery, and dies - This formal sentence has just been excited by the entrance of two men one a constable - the other his prisoner." The prisoner in question is [Joshua] Winslow of Boston, nephew of John Winslow (see GLC02437.03713). Recounts the unfortunate story of how Winslow ended up a prisoner due to outstanding debts and appeals to Osgood to assist him.

GLC02437.03712

6 March 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Samuel A. Otis

Replies to GLC02437.03814, from Otis, regarding a clothing account. Has transmitted Otis's note to Mr. Walker based on Otis's request.

GLC02437.03817

18 June 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Samuel Parkman

Encloses two letters from [Samuel] Shaw (not present) which just arrived from Canton, China. Indicates one of the letters is for Parkman, and the other for Mr. Peck. Discusses a business transaction: "...Mr Eli Hayden the supercargo of the above vessell has contracted with Major Shaw to build a ship according to Mr Pecks directions & that he has remitted a certain proportion of the funds for this purpose on respondenture on the above Vessell consigned to the said Eli Hayden." Shaw enclosed Hayden's bonds for Samuel Ogden, assuming he lived in New York. Expects Ogden, (now located at…

GLC02437.03903

22 June 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Samuel Parkman

Discusses business related to the arrival of a brig from China. Mentions Samuel Shaw, Eli Hayden, and Samuel Ogden.

GLC02437.03908

6 July 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Parkman

Discusses a financial matter involving Samuel Shaw, Samuel Ogden, Nicholas Hoffman, and Eli Hayden. Notes, "It is supposed our friend has agreed for a pretty high price for the ship."

GLC02437.03928

11 April 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Palfrey

Reports that when he visited the Board of Treasury today, Mr. [possibly Samuel] Osgood told him about monies owed to her through her late husband, Colonel Palfrey. A sum of 3200 dollars in Bills of Exchange was withdrawn in 1780. Knox outlines where the bills went, declaring that some of them were endorsed by Benjamin Franklin in Paris, and some came into the possession of a Mr. McCarty, who may have been a partner of Colonel Palfrey. Discusses the courses of action she might take to claim her compensation. (See GLC02437.04175 for related information.) Knox's signature is on the fourth…

GLC02437.04174

27 May 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Palfrey

Received his recent letter (GLC02437.04211). Is not aware of any vacancies in the public offices at present. Believes that there are so many applicants to government positions at present, that unless Palfrey receives a promise from an official who has the power to hire him, he should not rely on a government position and should continue looking for work elsewhere. He will nonetheless advise Palfrey of any positions that unexpectedly arise that might suit his talents.

GLC02437.04222

7 March 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Parkman

Discusses business related to Samuel Shaw and Messrs [Nicholas] Hoffman and [Son] and Shaw's upcoming China trip on the Jay. Notes the Hoffman's will be informing Parkman of their situation concerning Shaw. They are willing to advance Parkman, on honor, $2000. If the Jay arrives they will replace him the other $2000 that way if the Jay is lost Parkman only has to wait for the insurance to be recovered. In the worst case scenario, and the Jay is lost Messrs Hoffman and Son will lay out $6000. Continues discussing payments made by Parkman and other financial matters related to the China…

GLC02437.04534

February 21, 1796

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Isaac Parker

Discusses the insurgent Samuel Ely, who is rumored to be planning to burn down Knox's buildings in Thomaston, Maine. Mentions actions he is taking to stop Ely, in particular by petitioning the government for help.

GLC02437.06634

27 June 1800

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Ebenezer Nutting

Knox tells Nutting that Nutting has "on board the Schooner Dove 302 casks of Lime...and thirty eight tones of oak lumber." Knox says Nutting has to go to Boston to see Knox's agents Jonathan Jackson and Joseph Peirce regarding this business. Jackson will pay Nutting the "amount of the freight, and a small balance" of $32.84.

GLC02437.07431

27 May 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Parker & Duer

Knox, Commander at West Point, writes to business partners William Duer and Daniel Parker: "A very considerable part of the Garrison, upwards of two hundred, are at this time sick with the measles and there are more to have them,- In this situation, fresh meat is absolutely essential to their well being-" Requests beef, veal, mutton, "or other small meats," to be sent to West Point immediately.

GLC02437.09744

22 August 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Robert Treat Paine

Knox, Commander at West Point, writes to Paine, Attorney General of Massachusetts. Informs Paine that he instructed General [Robert] Howe, in Philadelphia, to send two men to Boston (Paine requested their presence in Boston to serve as [witnesses]; refer to GLC02437.10128). Offers a stirring declaration regarding independence and the forging of a new nation: "I sincerely reciprocate your congratulations upon the happy termination of a doubtful conflict. The prize is indeed infinitely valuable; and has been obtained with small exertions in proportion to its high worth... There are men in…

GLC02437.10129

8 September 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Daniel Parker

Major General Henry Knox discusses a business arrangement, with Parker (of Daniel Parker & Company). Informs Parker that [Samuel] Shaw "will make an application to you in my behalf... there are several circumstances of your character which have induced me to commit myself to you, in preference to others upon whom I might be supposed to have a better claim for assistance." Discusses his financial resources, along with his plans to return to Boston after he leaves West Point.

GLC02437.10134

29 June 1793

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph Paine

Sends his regrets that his duties will most likely prevent him from visiting in the summer like he had planned. Discusses further business concerning the land in the Waldo patent. Writes about deeds, bonds and land in New Hampshire "for where I have had many application." Some water damage throughout the pages and faded ink towards the bottom. Watermarked "Watt & C Patent Copying." Letterpress copy.

GLC02437.10269