February 26, 1794

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Jackson

Discusses communications he received from French diplomats and encourages Henry Jackson to come to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Plans to pay a portion of the money he owes to Jackson and refers to potential discounts. Asks Jackson to complete a business transaction regarding the St. George's House (possibly referring to the Waldo patent lands). Transmitted a final plan in his last letter.

GLC02437.06051

February 17, 1806

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Gleason

Writes in response to two of Gleason's previous letters. Reports that the articles a Mr. Bentley ordered will be sent on a vessel in March. Mentions the very "serious" problem of the destruction of the lime store, which he blames on the "carelessness of the coopers." Discusses business with Mr. [possibly Ebenezer] Thatcher and the firm of Alden & Robbins. Provides instructions and commentary on his manufacturing business.

GLC02437.08008

February 7, 1784

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Hodgdon

Knox writes to Hodgdon, Commissary General of Military Stores. Discusses cannon that are to be engraved and presented to General [Nathanael] Greene by resolve of Congress. Orders that two British cannon at Philadelphia should be engraved with the enclosed inscription (not included).

GLC02437.02946

February 27, 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: [Notes on a conversation with John Morgan]

Recounts a conversation he had with Morgan that day, about a letter Morgan wrote regarding an incident in the Northwest Territories. Writes that he informed Morgan he must take action and have the matter investigated, due to his office. The incident apparently pertained to General [Arthur] St. Clair, the late General [William] Butler, fighting with the Indians, and a possible Court Martial or Court of Inquiry.

GLC02437.05327

February 7, 1794

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to William White

Knox writes in the third person. This is a note that accompanied a book Knox sent to Bishop William White. Knox sent "The Light of Nature Pursued" by Edward Search, whose real name is Abraham Tucker. Knox mentions Tucker died in London about 7 years ago. Signed by Knox in the body of the letter.

GLC02437.06041

February 27, 1793

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mr. Smith

Signed in text in third person. Requests Smith's pardon for not responding to his note. Asks Smith to send the terms as proposed by tomorrow, he will examine them and give Smith an answer. Docket marked "Private." It was noted as being sent to a "Mr. Smith N.H."

GLC02437.05838

February 17, 1781

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: A Return of Cannon, Mortar & Howitzers with their Ammunition & belonging to the Continent, which can be collected from the respective States, so as form part of a Train for a Siege.

Address to George Washington, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de, Rochambeau, and D'Aboville. Lists guns and ammunitions by type supposing "New York the point of operation." Mostly in the hand of Samuel Shaw, who also signs for Knox; two paragraphs are in Knox's hand.

GLC02437.00895

February 7, 1779

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Has just returned from Philadelphia. Reports that the Winslows have arrived at Pluckemin. Borrowed five hundred dollars from Mr. French, commissary, who is traveling to Boston. Instructs William to arrange for the repayment of French (William handled business matters of Henry's). Sends love from his wife, Lucy, and remarks that her things have not yet arrived.

GLC02437.00749

February 26, 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Samuel Winslow

For a reference to the date of Winslow's last letter to him, 17 February 1786, see GLC02437.03243. Discusses attempts to get Mrs. Waldo to release her claim on the Waldo patent lands. Is glad to hear that a Mr. Robbins is helping Samuel Winslow in his attempts.

GLC02437.03244

February 26, 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Isaac Winslow, Sr.

Unsigned, but handwriting suggests the author is Henry Knox. May be incomplete. Discusses several issues relating to the Waldo patent lands, including bonds forwarded to Knox by Mr. Sullivan, and the transfer of power of attorney.

GLC02437.09165

February 17, 1798

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Agreement]

Agreement between Knox and Waterman Thomas concerning land in the Waldo Patent. Signed by both Thomas and Knox.

GLC02437.07088

circa February 27, 1793

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document

Title: [Notes regarding claims of officers]

States the two commissioned officers should produce evidence that a claimant was wounded in the service of the United States. Says the evidence needs to include the time and object of the expedition the officer was on as well as the name of the commanding officer. Also, two respectable physicians should certify the claimant's situation. This evidence needs to be heard in an open court. Notes the Secretary of War is authorized to deal with each situation and that fraud cases are to be heard before the House of Representatives. Date written in a different hand with a black pen.

GLC02437.05837

February 27, 1802

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Land note]

Signed by [Catherine] Carter and Hezekiah [Thorndick] as witnesses. Document is not signed by but appears to be in Henry Knox's handwriting. A receipt for a note from William Taggart to be paid in 1804 to Henry Knox in the sum of $444.72 for 200 acres of land in Hancock County, Maine. William Taggart notes on the last page that he relinquishes his right of the bond to Robert B. Cochran with the condition Cochran pays Taggart's note to Knox. There is another note below Cochran's note from Robert Houston regarding surveying the land. Date was added at later time in pencil.

GLC02437.07719

13 July 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Knox writes, "the shortness of your two last letters were not very agreable [sic] to me..." Discusses the Battle of Ticonderoga (2-6 July 1777): "We have received... news of the evacuation of Ticonderoga pregnant in my opinion with the most disagreable [sic] consequences of any thing during the War..." Mentions Generals John Burgoyne (British), Arthur St. Clair (American), and Philip Schuyler (American). Refers to a wagon of supplies Lucy sent to him. Wishes his brother William would not join the Army, but would instead remain in Boston, serving as a "disinterested friend and protector"…

GLC02437.00622

25 May 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Knox writes to his wife, Lucy, in Boston. Discusses previous correspondence, including a letter from "Billey," referring to his brother William Knox. Asks Lucy to look after General St. Clair's daughter, who will be traveling to Boston, noting that the girl has "a specie of cousinship claim upon you..."

GLC02437.00601

1 June 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Written in Camp Middlebrook. Writes, "I am well and love you infinitely." Complains of the heat, hoping he has hinted enough so that Lucy will send his summer clothes. Mentions a skirmish with the enemy 31 May in which ten men were "cut to pieces."

GLC02437.00607

21 June 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Begins with expressions of his love for Lucy, his wife. Describes his devotion to his country, the only thing that keeps him from Lucy. Discusses possible enemy movement and location. Praises his troops. Writes, "With the blessing of Heaven I have great hopes in the cause- of this Campaign that we shall do something clever..." Refers to Silas Deane and the possible appointment of Phillipe du Coudray at the head of Continental artillery: "the Congress ... have resolved that Mr Dean has exceeded his Commission and that they cannot satisfy his treaty with Mr. DeCoudier..."

GLC02437.00616

21 June 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Jackson

Written at Camp Middlebrook. Replies to an earlier request from Colonel Jackson to enlist Hessians from a captured British ship: "I have not mentioned to the General your request to be permitted to enlist some of [the Hessians], it is so repugnant to the good of the service and your own reputation..." Discusses General William Howe's recent movements, and General John Sullivan's Continental force in Princeton, New Jersey. Is confused by the movements of the British. Assumed they intended to march to Philadelphia, but they instead fortified their position at Middlebrook, New Jersey. Notes…

GLC02437.00617

29 June 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Written at Camp Middlebrook. Knox writes, "Pity it is that lovers so exceedingly attached to each other as we are should be separated by the horrors of War." Discusses Lord Sterling's movement at Amboy (Perth Amboy, New Jersey) and Westfield, New Jersey. Expects the British to attack on the North River (the Hudson).

GLC02437.00618

1 July 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Hancock

Knox writes to Hancock, President of Continental Congress. Asks if [Phillippe] du Coudray has been appointed to command the artillery. Declares, "I wish to know of Congress whether this information be true, if it is, I beg the favor of a permission to Retire, and that a proper certificate for that purpose be sent me immediately."

GLC02437.00620

circa 27-29 October 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: [Response to queries from Headquarters]

In the hand of Samuel Shaw. Knox expresses his opinion against a general attack on the British. Writes, "It requires the best discipline, the firmest spirit, and good officers, to storm works or to make an impression on British troops. Not that I suppose the Europeans will make better soldiers than the Americans, but that habitual discipline to which they are used and in which all their officers are initiated gives them a superiority over us, which nothing but a similar discipline or superior numbers can counterbalance." Discusses the division in Continental troops between northern (…

GLC02437.00660

26 November 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: to George Washington

Penned by Samuel Shaw, with post-script in Knox's hand. Knox answers the question: "... whether it would be advisable to attack the enemies redoubts and the City of Philadelphia by way of storm ... " Knox writes, "I exceedingly lament my want of ability and experience to fill properly the important station in which I am, and am more particularly distressed when such important questions are referred to my decision as those which your Excellency gave us in charge the last evening. The happiness or misery of the People of America may be the consequences of a right or erroneous judgement."…

GLC02437.00667

December 1, 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to George Washington

Offers his opinion as to "the position proper for Winter Quarters." Argues that winter quarters are "indispensably necessary" for Continental troops. Suggests that quarters be established at a distance from the British (who occupy Philadelphia). Writes, "Could a place be found about 30 miles distant from & North or NW of Philadelphia in which it was possible to quarter the troops I should prefer it to a greater distance, or different direction as by it we should be able to cover a greater extent of Country than by taking post at Wilmington ... " Hopes to establish winter quarters in…

GLC02437.00669

3 December 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Washington

Offers Washington his sentiments "upon the advisability of a Winter Campaign and practicability of an attack upon Philadelphia with the aid of a considerable body of Militia asembled [sic] at an appointed time and place ... I think a Winters Campaign under the present circumstances will be the inevitable destruction if not of the Liberties of the Country yet of the present Army ... " Gives his reasons for arguing against a winter campaign, including the Continental Army's lack of suitable clothing, the strength of the British fortified at Philadelphia, and the uncertainty of gathering enough…

GLC02437.00671

27 December 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Written at Camp Great Valley [Valley Forge]. Relates that he has not set out for Boston, Lucy's location, due to urgent public business. Writes, "I should most certainly see you this winter if within the compass of human possibility but it will most assuredly be much better for my own satisfaction that I should have the honor of doing public business ... " Notes that George Washington hopes to wait for the arrival of an unspecified committee, and Knox hopes to be able to leave after the committee meets. Has not seen his brother William for "some days," due to William's illness and fatigue…

GLC02437.00675