8 November 1792

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

In accordance with Henry Knox's previous request, William reports on the character of [William Green], who he refers to as "Mr. G." Says that a mutual acquaintance "has no exalted opinion of Mr. G. although he could not say any thing against him either respecting his personal character or that he has not a large property." William could not ascertain the number of shares Green holds in the bank. Comfort Sands gave a favorable report of Green's character. Nonetheless, William advises Knox to be careful in his negotiations with Green.

GLC02437.05693

2 December 1792

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs his brother that he was unable to obtain passage and so has been obliged to stop for a while on his journey. States that he has met with William Duer, who seems insistent on delaying some payment or proposal. Date from docket. Noted as written at Broad Street.

GLC02437.05719

January 25, 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Arrived Wednesday evening and spent part of yesterday enquiring for a house. Makes reference to various homes, including a Mr. Morton's on Broadway, and Brockholst Livingston's. Reports "at this moment I cannot hear of a good one to be hired." Says that Samuel Shaw believes he will sail on Sunday, but William does not think he will. Says he dined with Shaw and Thomas Randall yesterday. Writes, "The idea here is universal that you are about resigning, how it got here I do not know." Written from the home of Mrs. McEwen. Place written inferred from content. "Free" handwritten on address…

GLC02437.05794

January 26, 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that he had dinner with Mr. Morton and learned that house rents will be high this year. Called on William Duer yesterday who reported that "Billy Morris was directed by Mr. C. to make the written report he did respecting the Eastern lands." Duer claimed that Morris had given a favorable report in the past, but he is not surprised as "this trick had been practiced more than once by the same parties." Writes, "People in general here appear to be sorry at your intention of retiring (which I have neither confirmed or denied) it is universally circulated - and it was last night…

GLC02437.05795

January 28, 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Enquired of Berry & Rogers for horse or travelling canteens. They only had one pair of a small size for 7 guineas. Heard Mr. Edgar will quit his house on Wall Street. Also heard that Mrs. Fleming is moving from her home. Is meeting with Fleming's agent and Mr. Edgar today to discuss possible rent. Reports there is a house belonging to a Mr. Rynlander on the North River near Partition Street, although he thinks Henry will not like it. Is satisfied that Henry did not have a connection with Green, as his reputation has been damaged recently over an incident involving "erasure on a note…

GLC02437.05798

January 29, 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Initialed by William Knox. Reports that Mr. Edgar will not leave his house on Wall Street. Says Macombs large house is not yet sold. Says that Mrs. Fleming wants to rent her house out for 1,200 pounds for three years. Edgar informed him that [Philip] Livingston offered her 1,000 pounds, but that it was refused. Will wait as "the extraordinary advance in rent will probably induce some to part with theirs who did not intend it." Provides the full story on Mr. Green, which he quickly referenced in GLC02437.05798. Green altered a document on a shipment of goods sent on a ship he owned.…

GLC02437.05799

February 6, 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References Henry's letter of 2 February. Mentions that Shaw and Randall sailed on 1 February. Does not know how they made the mistake of drawing the interest on his shares. If Henry wants, he will write to Mr. Smith or another of their agents to have the situation rectified. Mr. Green goes in the packet on Thursday in an attempt to recover property "which has been long litigated on the other side of the water." Green believes Mr. Pinckney will assist him in London. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.05807

10 February 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that there are so many people in the market for a house that a place will not remain unrented for more than a day. Believes if one opens up it will be gone by the time Henry would forward the necessary instructions. Forwards a letter from Mr. Brett from Britain. Brett mentioned that "great apprehensions were entertained of disturbances in England." Reports that a large fleet has been ordered to be in readiness. Says the garrison at Frankfurt on Main has been taken by the combined forces of Prussia and Germany. The King of Prussia was present at the battle, which proves he has…

GLC02437.05809

February 12, 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Dined with Cary Ludlow, the father-in-law of Mr. Morton, where he learned that Mrs. Morton was opposed to going into their new house on Broadway. Ludlow said his son-in-law will probably be induced to let it for 350 pounds. Says if Morton can be persuaded to part with it for 300 pounds, it will be a good price in the current market. Relates that he spoke to Mrs. Fleming again about her house, but she is still determined to let it for 400 a year for 3 years. Reports that Isaac Clason, a merchant, is about to buy up Macomb's debt at 5/6 to the pound. Does not see William Duer taking any…

GLC02437.05815

February 22, 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References Henry's letter of 19 February. Notes he delivered the letter that Henry enclosed for William Duer. States the January packet from Europe arrived yesterday and he saw a letter from Mr. Brett to General Maunsell. The letter stated "every preparation was making for War by England, although hopes were entertained it would not take place." Goes on to say the letter reported that William Pitt "stood on high ground by being strongly supported by Parliament and the people in general." Says Mr. Fox's supporters left him because of his stance on France. Believes Thomas Paine is going to…

GLC02437.05830

6 March 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Has been trying to make an arrangement with Mr. Vaughn's bill for the last 3 or 4 days. Says it will be impossible to cash without the loss of 10 percent. The scarcity of money is making borrowing hard. Asks Henry to send him a United States bank note for $50 so he can pay his debts before going to Philadelphia. Wants to know when Henry will employ Dr. Shippen. Signature has been clipped.

GLC02437.05843

9 April 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports on Mr. Hoffman's inquiries on houses in New York. Says Baron Von Steuben's former house is now occupied by Mr. Stockholm, who operates a button manufactory in the neighborhood. Reports the house advertised by Mr. McEvers at Bloomingdale has been sold to a rich Dutchman. Says John Livingston bought the house previously owned by Colonel Platt. He will not let the house for less than £300 per year. Says the house of Roger Morris is now owned by or at the disposal of Mr. McKenncot, a merchant. A farmer lets two of the rooms in the house and watches over the place. McKenncot is trying…

GLC02437.05867

19 April 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Wanted to write yesterday, but received no word of Wilks' house until after the post left. Mr. Wilks is currently in negotiations with Colonel William Smith either for the purchase or lease of it. Will know the outcome in two or three days. If Smith does not take the house it will be let for £350 per annum. The house also has 50 acres of grounds. Yesterday a ship arrived form Calcutta owned by John Livingston. It contained Indian sugars and muslins. Says the ship and cargo amounts to $50,000. While it did not net Livingston as much as he hoped, "he considers it as so much saved from…

GLC02437.05874

1 May 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References Henry's letter of 27 April. Also delivered the enclosed letter to [Royal] Flint in prison. Agrees with Henry that his best recourse is to move to Maine. Hopes to be able to do so in a few days. Says his mind has been "depressed" lately due to a debt he cannot discharge. If it is paid he can move without any troubles. In reference to what seems like mental illness says "Bailey prescribed a fixed time to my remedies in order to be certain of embracing even the worst circumstances, which time has nearly elapsed, without my experiencing any of those evils which presented themselves to…

GLC02437.05884

17 November 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References two letters from Henry. Reports that Henry's son, Henry Jackson Knox, arrived safely last evening. He is travelling to Hingham tomorrow or the next day. Says he will write Berkeley Sidney Knox, a man in Jamaica claiming to be a distant relative of Knox and seeking a job (see GLC02437.05938). Notes he "cannot undertake to say any thing more than has already been said upon this subject." Is happy to hear that a group of physicians announced the official abatement of the yellow fever in Philadelphia. Believes the disorder may still be latent and recommends that Henry keep his…

GLC02437.05977

January 24, 1795

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses building a store in the Eastern lands. Notes the establishment would be created to serve the people and to add to "their happiness, ease, & comfort." Describes the traits and qualities the person in charge of the project should possess. Writes, "A young Quaker of good talent or other plain person… possessing honest & virtue principles a good accountant & understanding business..." Also discusses in great length Knox's time as a public servant and where his next place of residence should be. Advises Knox to keep his children close until they marry and suggests which…

GLC02437.06321

January 31, 1795

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Describes his current health problems to his brother. Starts by stating that he had a very black day but is recovering and thanks "the supreme disposer of events for his mercy in pointing out this happy asylum to me." Includes a list of 11 things that are improving his health, such as not smoking or drinking, regular sleeping hours, cleanliness, exercise, "a very tolerable passage of urine instead of great obstruction," and "a considerable degree of Hope instead of despair."

GLC02437.06335

9 July 1789

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Notes he will be heading to Baltimore, Maryland. Also mentions his disappointment with Congress regarding their decision for removal [it is unspecified as to what removal]. Docket notes 9 July 1790.

GLC02437.09815

18 October 1781

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Has not heard from his brother in almost six weeks. News of the operation against Yorktown from General George Washington included the destruction of three of Lord Cornwallis redoubts and a formal demand for surrender, along with Cornwallis' rejection of it. Speculates that defeating Cornwallis will not be easy for the Allied Army, but "Fall he must." Rumors of unsuccessful British activity against General Nathanael Greene near Charleston. Offers high praise for Greene as a potential successor for Washington. Mentions the deaths of 300 soldiers and officers among Colonel William…

GLC02437.01239

27 November 1781

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by William Knox to his brother Brigadier General Henry Knox, who was at Washington's headquarters. Writes from France after a pleasant and short 21 day voyage from Boston. Is astonished by their speed of travel. Says he did not suffer from seasickness and that his little complaints were relieved by the voyage. Tells a convoluted story about meeting a British captain in a brigantine east of Newfoundland who was "castaway" from his merchant ship. Reports on the birth of the Dauphin and the excitement caused by the recent victories in America, but says the former is the greater event in…

GLC02437.01296

25 June 1783

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by William to his brother Major General Henry Knox. Mentions he wrote a letter from Bristol, England about two weeks previous. Says he consigned 108 pounds worth of jewelry to Sears and Smith, to be delivered to his order. Says another shipment of glass from Bristol worth 200 pounds was sent as well as another shipment of hosiery from Nottingham worth 450 pounds. Also sent along about 60 pounds worth of things for Henry's family. Says he heard that Henry has expressed much interest in farming. Says that many of the "poorer Classes" have or will immigrate to America and that when he…

GLC02437.02181

August 14, 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William Knox discusses a financial matter involving [William] Duer, [possibly John] Peirce, [Richard] Platt, and Henry Jackson. Encloses a letter (not present) from the Marquis de Lafayette to St. John (possibly Hector St. John de Crèvecoeur). The letter was passed to St. John by George Washington and was accompanied by other papers discussing affairs of the Society of the Cincinnati (William does not include the other papers mentioned). Discusses financial transactions he apparently conducted on Knox's behalf, including payment of a reward for capturing a deserter from Lieutenant Kersey's…

GLC02437.03961

26 June 1781

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William writes to his brother, Brigadier General Henry Knox, stationed at New Windsor, New York. William, who oversaw much of Henry's personal and financial business, confirms receipt of three months of Henry's pay. Discusses currency and exchange in detail. Forwards Henry his account with the state (not included), noting that the state has "considered you as entitled to 25pcent more than an officer of equal rank in the Infantry." Discusses books he bought in Europe, possibly to sell in Knox's bookstore. Reports that the Brutus, a privateer, captured a British prize on course from…

GLC02437.00983

22 August 1781

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References Henry's letter of 8 August 1781. Updates Henry on news he has heard. Says the French fleet was to have left Newport the day before to connect up with the Compte De Grasse, who is supposed to be nearing the continent with more French ships. Says a ship was captured going from Charleston for England with letters from Colonel Balfour, which gives information relating to British plans for operations in the South. Balfour supposedly said "General Greene has exhibited such talents, as to take advantage of any opening given him by the King's Army." Balfour also supposedly said South…

GLC02437.01153

30 August 1781

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Disappointed that his brother did not write him an "authentic account of Lord Cornwallis' situation in Virginia." Believes Cornwallis will surrender soon. Is planning a business trip to Europe and discusses fundraising. His last remittance to merchants in Amsterdam was forwarded through Captain Edward Davis, but the $450 sterling was lost when Davis was captured and carried to Halifax. Discusses the state of exchange, the slim chances for profit, and various aspects of his business. Comments on the arrival of John Laurens in Boston, who had returned from France with supplies and money.

GLC02437.01159