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to Henry Knox

Requests a non-commissioned officer to expedite messages back and forth between Head Quarters and Dobbs Ferry. Written at "Head Quarters." Docketed by Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide.

GLC02437.09382

to Henry Knox

Enclosing a summary of documents recently sent to him by the Marquis de Lafayette. Also notes that a Congressman has assured him that the army is in fine shape. Letter written at "Head Quarters." Docketed in Knox's hand.

GLC02437.09383

to Henry Knox

Encloses a letter from yesterdays post, and asks Knox his thoughts on the letter's subject. Instructs Knox to obtain General Huntington's thoughts on the subject of the enclosed letter (possibly Jedediah Huntington). Docket states "From Colonel...

GLC02437.09384

to Henry Knox

Due to an announcement of the cessation of hostilities (between the United States and Great Britain) Washington instructs Knox to permit any citizens of New York or the United States to pass and repass his post (West Point) with vessels, boats, or...

GLC02437.09385

to Henry Knox

Washington writes to Knox, commander at West Point. Supports Knox's approval of officers' court martial of rioters. Writes, "I am loth at this time to consent to the absence of Officers from their Corps,- wanting their influence as much as possible...

GLC02437.09386

to Henry Knox

Washington answers a question from Knox. States that under a resolution of Congress of 23 April 1783, musicians are not entitled to take firearms home with them on furlough or disbandment. Notes that they should be allowed to take their drums &...

GLC02437.09387

to Henry Knox

Responds to a letter sent by Knox enclosing instructions issued by the Secretary at War (Benjamin Lincoln) regarding the construction of an arsenal and magazines at West Point. Calls the plan "an eligible one." Relates that as soon as he is...

GLC02437.09388

to Henry Knox

Emphasizes the priority of garrisoning the posts which will soon be ceded to the United States from the British in the "Western Waters," (referring to the Great Lakes region, specifically the posts at Oswego and Niagara, in present-day Western New...

GLC02437.09389

to Henry Knox

Encloses resolves of Congress. Instructs Knox to publish the resolves for the army. Expresses great pleasure in Congress's commendation of General [Robert] Howe and his detachment (for their role in suppressing the Philadelphia mutiny of 1783)....

GLC02437.09390

to Henry Knox

General Washington discusses supplying troops with clothing during the winter. Instructs Knox to call for returns of such articles as will be necessary, and to forward him a return as soon as possible.

GLC02437.09391

to Henry Knox

Reports receiving a letter from Knox, delivered by Captain Shaw (possibly Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide-de-camp). Informs Knox, commanding at West Point, he has been impatiently waiting for Congress to decide the number of troops to be stationed at West...

GLC02437.09392

to Pierre Charles L'Enfant

Grants permission to Major L'Enfant, of the Corps of Engineers, to be absent from his Corps until the first day of May 1784, so L'Enfant may travel to France for "his own private affairs." Includes the original red seal of what appears to be the...

GLC02437.09393

to Henry Knox

Writes, "The arrival of the Definitive Treaty and the evacuation of New York- have been so long delayed as to interfere very materially with our arrangements for the Celebration of Peace..." Has decided that the celebration will be deferred until...

GLC02437.09394

to Henry Knox

Notes that a previous reply he had written to Knox was stolen from the post office, along with other copies of letters sent to Colonel Varick (Richard Varick was Washington's recording secretary). Discusses military specifics regarding the soldiers...

GLC02437.09395

to Henry Knox

Transmits a letter (not included) and asks Knox's advice regarding the Society of the Cincinnati. Notes that all papers of the Society are in the care of the Society's Secretary General, thus he cannot answer Mr. Jefferson's questions (possibly...

GLC02437.09396

to Henry Knox

Countersigned by Henry Knox. Instructs Knox regarding his conduct (notes that the principles imparted are to remain secret). Indicates that the Government of the United States are determined that their administration of Indian Affairs shall be...

GLC02437.09398

to Henry Knox

Transmits a box and map (not included), asking Knox to commit them to a person in whom he can confide. Notes that Knox should go by water to Christiana (possibly Delaware). Gives his compliments to Knox's wife, Lucy, hoping that she will spend some...

GLC02437.09399

to Henry Knox

General Washington discusses a "character" (possibly Loyalist Henry Van Schaack) present with Knox in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Instructs Knox to guard his colleague (possibly Gouverneur Morris) against freely discussing matters with this person...

GLC02437.09400

to Henry Knox

Expresses gratitude for Knox's praise of Washington in the context of Congress's resolution "That an equestrian statue of General Washington, be erected at the place where the residence of Congress shall be established," passed on 7 August 1783 (and...

GLC02437.09401

to Henry Knox

Mentions the return of General Benjamin Lincoln. Hopes the transition to a peacetime military establishment will commence without further delay. Does not think Congress intends to abolish the Office of Secretary at War (which Lincoln held from 1781...

GLC02437.09402

to Henry Knox

Marked "Duplicate" at the top by George Washington. Mentions the return of General Benjamin Lincoln. Hopes the transition to a peacetime military establishment will commence without further delay. Does not think Congress intends to abolish the...

GLC02437.09403

to Henry Knox

General Washington writes to Knox, who had been Chief of the Continental Artillery during the Revolutionary War. Recently visited his "aged Mother," Mary Ball Washington. Thanks Knox for so diligently reporting the state of the garrison and stores...

GLC02437.09404

to Henry Knox

Washington encloses letters "under flying Seals" to the Count de Rochambeau and the Marquis de Chastellux "introductory of Mr. Swan." Also includes certificates for Lieutenants Seaver and Henley (no documents included). Discusses suspending a...

GLC02437.09405

to Henry Knox

Washington complains of applications, letters of compliment, and enquiries which occupy his time and deprive him of exercise. He plans to hire someone to deal with the drudgery of this troublesome correspondence. Assures Knox that his letters are...

GLC02437.09406

to Henry Knox

Congratulates Knox on his appointment (on March 8, 1785) to the post of Secretary at War. Encloses a certificate of service for Major Sergeant (not included). Hopes to receive limestone for use in construction. Discusses the Virginia Assembly's...

GLC02437.09407

to Henry Knox

Discusses trade between Indians and the British stationed on the American side of the territorial line (in the Northwest Territory). Reports criticism of the Society of the Cincinnati, including a pamphlet, Considerations sur l'ordre de Cincinnatus...

GLC02437.09408

to Henry Knox

Lamenting Shays' Rebellion, writes "I feel, my dear Genl. Knox, infinitely more than I can express to you, for the disorders which have arisen in these States. Good God! who besides a tory could have foreseen, or a Briton predicted them!" Alludes to...

GLC02437.09409

to Henry Knox

Refers to the constitutional rights of Massachusetts. Also discusses insurgents in that state (Shays' Rebellion was losing momentum). Relates in confidence that he does not want to go to the Constitutional Convention (to be held in Philadelphia)...

GLC02437.09410

to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for several letters, which put his mind at ease regarding General Benjamin Lincoln's military operations (Lincoln led the Massachusetts state militia in Shays' Rebellion) and the dignity of Government. Congratulates Knox on the recent...

GLC02437.09411

to Henry Knox

Relates reasons for not wanting to attend the Constitutional Convention, including the possibility that all states might not attend (rendering representation partial). Notes that if all Delegates attend with the power to address and cure the defects...

GLC02437.09412

to Henry Knox

Transmits a copy of an excerpt from a letter (see GLC 02437.03338) sent by Mr. Jefferson (Thomas Jefferson). Notes that the excerpt pertains to a translation of the article "Cincinnati," from the Encyclopedie Methodique, and reflects the way the...

GLC02437.09413

to Henry Knox

Discusses the Constitutional Convention, and cannot predict the result. Hopes Congress, the states' legislatures, and the community at large will adopt the government agreed upon in the Convention. Is convinced that such government is the best that...

GLC02437.09414

to Henry Knox

Discusses which states are ratifying the Constitution, and predicts its success. Notes "The determination of New York, of all others, seems most problematical; and yet, I can hardly entertain an idea that she will be disposed to stand alone..."...

GLC02437.09415

to Henry Knox

Expresses regret that "the important question" Massachusetts is deliberating "stands on such precarious ground" (referring to ratification of the Constitution; Massachusetts ratified 6 February 1788). Predicts that Virginia will choose to ratify...

GLC02437.09416

to Henry Knox

Received Knox's previous letter on the eve of departure for Fredericksburg, to visit his mother. Doubts acceptance of the United States Constitution by the Virginia Convention for ratification. Accuses Anti-Federalists of creating jealousies and...

GLC02437.09418

to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for recently sending cloth and buttons. Notes that his coat requires six more buttons for trim, and asks Knox to procure and hold these until Washington arrives in New York. Mentions an article of impost, and laments "the stupor, or...

GLC02437.09420

to Henry Knox

Discusses an expedition against the Wabash Indians. Expresses disappointment in General [Josiah] Harmer. Expected little from Harmer, after hearing he was a drunkard. Instructs Knox to present other important matters before Congress, as they occur...

GLC02437.09421

to Henry Knox

Transmits a letter from the President of the Society of the Cincinnati of South Carolina (possibly William Moultrie). Relates that the enclosed letter pertains to a resolution of the Society. At the bottom of the page, indicates that Knox is...

GLC02437.09422

to Henry Knox

Discusses his orders regarding collecting wood to be used as fuel for the nearby hospital. Washington states he directed the Fourth Connecticut regiment to gather the wood because he found the corps idle and the rest of the army was employed in...

GLC02437.10429

to Henry Knox

Transmits a letter from Colonel Nicholas, who Washington describes as an "influential character in Kentucky." Sends Knox the letter without asking Nicholas's permission. Notes that the transmitted letter pertains to the lack of confidence the...

GLC02437.09423

to Henry Knox

Instructs Knox not to disclose information regarding the nomination of General Officers and a bill that has not yet passed. Docketed in Knox's hand.

GLC02437.09424

to Henry Knox

Asks Knox for money to fund a building for Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine.

GLC02437.06933

to William Bingham

Discusses finances and states that the senate and house have agreed on a price for land in the Penobscot area.

GLC02437.06935

to John Adams

Writes that he does not know if he ought to congratulate Adams on becoming the next president, since there are also a lot of issues and heavy responsibilities that come with the office, but expresses his happiness that Adams will be "at the helm of...

GLC02437.06936

to William Bingham

Discusses finances.

GLC02437.06937

to Henry Knox

Writes that he does not think Knox will be able to pay the note that is due. Continues to discuss Knox's poor financial situation.

GLC02437.06939

to William Bingham

Mentions his plans to travel to Philadelphia and New York and discusses financial business.

GLC02437.06945

to Henry Knox

Discusses a loan and the sale of land in Maine.

GLC02437.06947

to Henry Knox

Discusses the state of affairs in England regarding American finances as well as other financial matters.

GLC02437.06954

to William Bingham

Discusses the payment of notes and mentions that the need for money is pressing. Also mentions the state of affairs in England.

GLC02437.06955