20 March 1771

McClure, David, 1748-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Describes the wilderness of New Hampshire around Dartmouth College, commenting on its advantages and disadvantages. Discusses the college and his position with the Grammar School. Ruminates on the potential benefits of the college to society, commenting that it will train young men "who shall do special Service in their Day to the Interest of our dear Immanuel's Kingdom." A post script instructs Knox to send mail to McClure at Dartmouth College and requests Knox send him a copy of Wood's "New England's Prospect," a history of the Indians of New England. Writes to Knox about missionary work…

GLC02437.00006

20 August 1772

McClure, David, 1748-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a trip to western Pennsylvania, where McClure stopped at Fort Pitt before heading further west to serve as missionary to the Delaware Indians in a town on the Muskingum River in Ohio. Gives his thoughts on the regional geography, the fort, and the Indians (both their vices and potential to "become a people"). M'Clure was a doctor of divinity who taught at Dartmouth College. M'Clure spells his name Maccluer.

GLC02437.00015

26 September 1776

McClure, David, 1748-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Thanks William for disabusing him of rumors from New York. Discusses the activities in New York, the war in general, and the cause of liberty. Praises the artillery at the Battle of Long Island. Notes that 1,000 troops from New Hampshire have set out for New York. Knox has recently set up a correspondence with Reverend McClure, an old friend of his brothers (see GLC02437.00425). McClure spells his name Macclure.

GLC02437.00457

26 July 1773

McClure, David, 1748-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Announces his arrival in Philadelphia after a "long Excursion into the Wilderness." Explains plans to travel back to New England. He expects to arrive in Boston in October. Has just heard of the passing of his friend, Mr. Wheaton, and comments philosophically on death. He is concerned about the church affairs on death of popular minister. Indicates that he sent a box to Knox. Gives his regards to others. McClure was returning from service as missionary to the Delaware Indians in a town on the Muskingum River in Ohio (see GLC02437.00015 and GLC02437.00032). M'Clure spells his name…

GLC02437.00086

22 December 1788

McClure, David, 1748-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reverend McClure, a childhood friend of Knox, writes a letter of reacquaintance and reminiscence: "I sometimes call to mind those scenes of innocent amusement & play, in which we were mutually engaged when we were boys..." Praises Knox's service to his country. Introduces Mr. Story, "a preacher" who is the bearer of this letter. Updates Knox on personal news and invites him to visit his "rural mansion." Docket notes, "answered." Faded areas and sections of text loss areas are written over in ink. See GLC02437.04098 for Knox's reply.

GLC02437.04059

3 September 1792

McClure, David, 1748-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes concerning the state of the Indian wars. Though he prefers peaceful ways to settle the conflicts, acknowledges that "[p]acific measures which I wished ardently at first, are now probibly [sic] too late. When I wrote you, I knew not that so many attempts had been made to conciliate the hostile tribes, as I find by your public declaration, had been made." States that "The calamity of the Indian war, is, I think productive of one great good of the negative kind, which is the prevention of a too extensive emigration over the western Territory, Were this embarresment [sic] removed…

GLC02437.05596

22 October 1792

McClure, David, 1748-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Responds to a previous letter from Knox (GLC02437.10255) and thanks him for ordering copies of his "Sermons on the Moral law." States that Knox has suggested the only plan for teaching the Native Americans "civilization": "an incorporation of white men & women with them by intermarriages." Says that if twenty or thirty virtuous young men could be found to take part in Knox's plan, he is convinced "they would tame & civilize the Indians and render them valuable Members of Society." Discusses two main obstacles that will hinder the plan: the hostile disposition of the Indians and the…

GLC02437.05664

18 June 1801

McClure, David, 1748-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Speaks of their "ancient friendship" and of Knox's accomplishments with the Indians while Secretary of War. Writes, "Altho' we are not yet old men yet we are verging into that class, and the greater part of those who set out with us on the journey of life have finished their earthly career." Notes he is happy Knox improves his time and abilities for the public good. Mentions the "one thing which was set on foot while you was Secretary of War, under your direction, relative to the civilization of the Indians, is attended with success. The Indian Tribes at the Southward, especially, appear…

GLC02437.07735

23 December 1773

McClure, David, 1748-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses his pleasure regarding their friendship, his shock over Mr. Morehead's death, his fears that Morehead's death will cause divisions in the congregation for which he served as minister. Tells of his current living situation with the Reverend Dr. Langdon, and his studies in divinity. Discusses a recent town meeting in which few Tories attended, commenting that "The chief talk here is Liberty, property & no Duty on Tea." Expresses happiness in hearing that those in Boston "appear in their Resolve respect the detested Tea." M'Clure had recently returned from service as missionary…

GLC02437.00110

February 17, 1773

McClure, David, 1748-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes about his good health and safe return from Indian country. Mentions that he has not received a letter from Knox. Asks Knox to "convey the inclos'd by some safe Conveyance," possibly in reference to a book order. M'Clure sent Knox a letter from Fort Pitt on 20 August 1772, (see GLC02437.00015) indicating that he was going to serve as missionary to the Delaware Indians in a town on the Muskingum River in Ohio. M'Clure spells his name Maccluer.

GLC02437.00032

18 September 1792

McClure, David, 1748-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses his attempt at publishing several sermons. Forwards one of his subscriptions for Knox's review and opinion: "If sir, you approve of it, I shall be gratified to have it honor'd with the name of so dear & valuable a friend." Notes how the people in his area need books and asks for donations. Mentions he has just returned from the commencement ceremony at Dartmouth College.

GLC02437.05620