Collection Search

to Henry Knox

Letter of introduction for four officers, two of which are German, hoping to visit West Point, New York before travelling to Europe.

GLC02437.02632

to Henry Knox

Asks Knox to discharge William Smith as he had been a prisoner from 6 July 1777 until the past July.

GLC02437.02655

to Henry Knox

Sends his regrets that he will not be able to visit Knox as planned due to a "favorable Breeze & the late Hour of the Evening." Date written in pencil and previously inferred.

GLC02437.02668

to John Paterson

Asks General Paterson to "assemble, the commanding Officers of the four massachusetts regiments, and direct them that they draw lots, to decide which regiment shall occupy the Connecticut huts, on the other side of the river - for winter quarters....

GLC02437.02701

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

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

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...

GLC02437.02925

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...

GLC02437.02980

to Henry Knox

Partridge, a Continental Congressman, discusses Knox's appointment as Secretary at War: "This Congress made choice of you to be their Secretary in the War Department, but it is rather doubtful with some of your friends whither [sic] you will accept...

GLC02437.03104

to Samuel Holden Parsons

Offers an extensive apology for not writing sooner. Discussions public objection to the Society of the Cincinnati. Writes, "A democracy what is greatly commercial is a solecism in politics... Our feoderal [sic] Government must be settled upon more...

GLC02437.03120

to Henry Knox

Requests that Knox, newly appointed Secretary at War, recommend him to Congress to command troops sent to garrison the western frontier. Writes, "I consider that Post an important One to secure the Amity of the Savages, and to prevent those undue...

GLC02437.03127

[Contract with Henry Knox and Samuel Shaw for sale of goods]

Apparently written in the hand of Samuel Shaw. Contract outlines the terms of an agreement between "Samuel Ogden, of the city of New York, Merchant," and General Henry Knox. Ogden agrees to sell the merchandise, worth "two thousand, two hundred and...

GLC02437.03199

to Henry Knox

Explains that he has received the goods Knox has arranged for him to sell (see GLC02437.03199). Has had them valued by Mr. Francis Atkinson and Mr. George Service, who are well-respected in the dry goods field in New York. They have told him that...

GLC02437.03200

to Henry Knox [incomplete]

Later copy of the correspondence between Generals Samuel Holden Parsons and Henry Knox between 24 May 1779 and 13 January 1788 (see GLC02437.03305 for a related document). The first letter, to Parsons from Knox, was written from Springfield...

GLC02437.03306

to Henry Knox

Written from Middletown, likely in Connecticut, as the postal stamp near the address reads "New Haven." Encloses a copy of Shays' circular letter (not present). Has heard from a friend that several towns have met to discuss the letter, and some...

GLC02437.03328

to Henry Knox

Recently returned from traveling, where he was apparently acting as an agent for Mr. Webber (possibly James Webber, the British merchant). Attempted to collect money from Webber to pay Knox. Expresses embarrassment that Webber didn't pay Knox sooner...

GLC02437.03569

to Henry Knox

Asks Knox whether or not there is a post established near the Pittsburgh area since he will be travelling there soon. Mentions that their "State Society" (likely referring to the Society of Cincinnati) have made provisions to pay their portion of the...

GLC02437.03627

to Henry Knox

Says he and Mrs. Ogden share in Knox's and Mrs. Knox affliction over their recent misfortune (Ogden is likely referring to the recent loss of Knox's youngest daughter, see GLC02437.03635). Invites Mrs. Knox to bring her children for a visit as "[o]ur...

GLC02437.03634

to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for his letter of 30 August. Appreciates that Knox will give him information "of the course of Lake Erie &c." Encloses a letter for Knox to forward to General [Richard] Butler, noting that sending letters to the "West Country" through the...

GLC02437.03654

to Henry Knox

Wishes Knox could visit, with Lucy and the children, before Knox goes "to the Eastward." Notes that 150 acres of the land they had previously looked at is available for 2,000 Lbs. Hopes to take ten acres for 300 Lbs. Written at Delaware Works...

GLC02437.03657

to Henry Knox

Writes that he has given much thought about a plan of Knox's and believes it to be a very [favorable] idea. Forwards a letter (refer to GLC02437.03672) to Mr. [Gouverneur] Morris. Notes he left the letter open for Knox to read. Written at Delaware...

GLC02437.03671

to Henry Knox

Writes that "By a Resolution of Congress the Ohio Company are intitled to sink their military Rights in the Purchase to the Amount of the Seventh of the Purchase Monies" and asks for documents to facilitate that end. Notes that he has contracted with...

GLC02437.03737

to Samuel H. Parsons [incomplete]

Discusses the possibility of granting lands to soldiers and officers by resolves of Congress. Explains how the lands may be granted and that some might be located in the Ohio territory, commenting, "it is not for me to determine what assistance you...

GLC02437.03746

to Henry Knox

Parsons reports Connecticut's adoption of the United States Constitution: "Huzza for good Times the Vote is this Moment taken. Yeas 128 Nays 40 on the Question of adopting the new Constitution." Written at seven o'clock Thursday evening. Location...

GLC02437.03755

to Samuel H. Parsons, James M. Varnum, and John C. Symmes

Knox writes to Parsons, Varnum, and Symmes, the first judges of the Northwest Territory. Introduces Thomas H. Cushing, who served in the army during the Revolutionary war and plans to settle in the Northwest Territory. Recommends Cushing for the...

GLC02437.03806

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...

GLC02437.03903

to Samuel Parkman

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

GLC02437.03908

to Henry Knox

Signature is clipped. Creator indicated in docket. Discusses the arrival of the brig Columbia from Canton (present-day Guangzhou, China). On board the ship, there is property from [Samuel] Shaw "to be Improved in Building a Ship..." The ship is...

GLC02437.03917

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

to Henry Knox

Expresses disappointment with Mr. Peck's ideas regarding the planned construction of a ship. Writes, "If his demand should be so Extravagant as we cannot comply with, shall the ship stand still, or shall another person be appointed to Construct &...

GLC02437.03945

to Henry Knox

Writes to discuss bounty lands due to him for being an officer of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Discusses the death of his two sons, Hardy and Isaac Peirce, in the service. As executor of his son Isaac's estate, would like to...

GLC02437.04152

to Henry Knox

Encloses a letter (not included) from General [Horatio] Gates and Mr. Balmain which requests Knox to send warrants for their "Donation Lands." Has asked Colonel [perhaps Richard] Platt to obtain the warrants from Knox, as well as a warrant for...

GLC02437.04177

to Henry Knox

Writes, apologetically, to ask for Knox's patronage. Declares that while his current career as a merchant is more lucrative, it "is not so respectable & by no means so desirable as the one I was bred to under yr. command - indeed Sir, I feel myself...

GLC02437.04335

to Henry Knox

Writes that Colonel John N. Cummings is applying to the President for the position of Marshall of the District of New Jersey. Relates his qualifications for the position, and asks Knox to support his nomination.

GLC02437.04360

to Henry Knox

Discusses a convention of the Rhode Island Legislature on adopting the constitution. States that "our Federal Friends were happy in the (almost) certainty of soon becoming a part of the Union; nor had they any course to change their opinion untill...

GLC02437.04513

to Henry Knox

Discusses a financial situation involving Samuel Shaw, his business partner, Thomas Randall, Daniel Parker, Messrs Hoffman, and the ship Massachusetts. Writes, "the friendship I bear to Shaw is my only apologie for troubling you with this business &...

GLC02437.04520

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...

GLC02437.04534

to Henry Knox

Signed in text by Nourse, register of the Treasury. Encloses an official statement related to allowances for travelling expences. Notes that travel expenses were not granted to commissioners appointed to settle state accounts, district commissioners...

GLC02437.04542

to Henry Knox

Explains the differences of settling premium accounts in England from those of the United States. Discusses issues relating to the insurance of Samuel Shaw. Stamped "Boston."

GLC02437.04554

to Henry Knox

Asks Knox to set an interview with Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth prior to the Congressional meeting. Adds that this request is based on Wadsworth's wishes, in order to discuss the nomination of the officers for the State of Rhode Island, an issue which...

GLC02437.04641

to Henry Knox

Relates that in a previous letter, he asked Knox for help straightening out a Bounty Land warrant owed to his family after the death of his son. Sends the bearer, his grandson Mr. Joseph Peirce Jr., to receive the warrant (it is unclear whether this...

GLC02437.05311

to Henry Knox

Writes that General [Henry] Jackson informed him that several gentlemen have declined appointments in the military, so he would like to be considered. Explains his qualifications, and adds that he would prefer an appointment in the cavalry if...

GLC02437.05373

to Henry Knox

Discusses a request he made a while back for an appointment in the federal service. Comments he did not receive the appointment. Mentions Congress is once again building up troops and he would still like to join the federal service if there is a...

GLC02437.06113

to Henry Knox

Expresses gratitude to Knox for his assistance in his cause. Notes he sent a letter to the judge explaining his wishes and his case, but has never heard from the gentleman. Asks Knox for advice in how he should proceed. Discusses the results of...

GLC02437.06187

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he believes his father will recover fully from his ill health.

GLC02437.06351

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

to Henry Knox

Updates Knox on Samuel Ely, an insurgent trying to rally a group of citizens against Knox, because he believes Knox has no right to particular lands in Maine. Explains what Ely is telling his posse to inspire them to oppose Knox. Discusses the...

GLC02437.06645

to Henry Knox

Writes that on Knox's request, he wrote to Mr. [possibly James] Nesmith about Samuel Ely and his band of insurgents (who believed that Knox was not the rightful, legal owner of his land tracts in Maine). Encloses Nesmith's reply (not present)....

GLC02437.06659

to Henry Knox

Discusses financial business. Possibly written by Isaac Parker, a Federalist Massachusetts Congressman, who served from 1797-1799.

GLC02437.06948

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....

GLC02437.07431

to Henry Knox

Discusses a complicated land deal likely located in Maine. Requests Knox provides him with a deed for a disputed lot of land. A note signed by Ana Peabody signing over her interest in the land to Stephen Peabody is included on page two of the...

GLC02437.07627

to Henry Knox

Writes to Knox regarding [Joseph?] Pierce refusing to pay Knox's account. Says he expects Knox to arrange payment since his bill is long due.

GLC02437.07746

to Henry Knox

Writes that the bearer, a Mr. Trickey, is the son of the elder Mr. Trickey who prosecuted a court case against Knox and won. The younger Mr. Trickey is visiting Knox to handle financial business associated with the settlement against Knox. Possibly...

GLC02437.07820

to Henry Knox

Had been meaning to write but his health had prevented it before now. Writes to Knox on the subject of the judiciary, because Knox has a sustained interest in it and also has a lot of influence with the legislature. Would like to put the judiciary...

GLC02437.07847

to Henry Knox

Consists of two letters written in the hand of Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide de camp. In the first, which composes the top half of the page, Colonel Crane and Lieutenant Colonel Stevens inform Major General Knox that upon inspection, a quantity of salted...

GLC02437.09684

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...

GLC02437.09744

to Henry Knox

Patten, Captain of a company of artificers, requests to receive the same pay as officers of the artillery. Complains that the men belonging to his company are from different states, "and have had their depreciation [in pay] made up to them from the...

GLC02437.10095

to Henry Knox

Writes that he has been saying good-bye to some very close friends, evidently Loyalists, who are leaving for England. Asks Knox to protect two ladies, "the two Mrs. Wallaces," whose husbands are among those leaving prior to the evacuation, though...

GLC02437.10184

[Policy of assurance]

Signed by various underwriters. A policy of assurance for Henry Knox. Insures various amounts of money for cargos shipped between Thomastown [Thomaston, Maine?] to Bermuda. The vessel is insured for risk of "capture & condemnation" only, cargo is...

GLC02437.10600

to Henry Knox

References Knox's letter of 25 August. Received the letter when he had a fever, which has left him in a weak state. Says he feels better and hopes to go to Pennsylvania in October. Notes Earl Wycombe, who came with Maunsell from England, will stop...

GLC02437.05142

to Henry Knox

Says the August mail just arrived and it had a dispatch from "our friend Brett, " which he has enclosed (not included). Asks Knox to send it back after he has read it. Wants to know the date of President George Washington's return to Philadelphia...

GLC02437.05183

to Henry Knox

Reports that the letter Knox intended for his brother, William, was put in the mail for London at 10 p.m. the previous night. Before Maunsell dined with their "friend Gates," the letter "was safely put into the Office, under a cover to our good...

GLC02437.05188

[Copy of an unsigned paper delivered by John Maunsell to Henry Knox]

Marked "Copy," but written in Henry Knox's hand. Page 3 bears an autograph endorsement signed by Henry Knox describing the document as "an unsigned paper delivered by Manor Genl Maunsell in his brittannic Majesty's service to HKnox." The document...

GLC02437.05202

to Henry Knox

Mentions the French Navy has been cruising on the American coast. Discusses the recent discoveryby his brother, a man of science, in potato cultures. Informs Knox his brother [William Maunsell] sent a packet that explains the discovery, which he is...

GLC02437.06114

to Henry Knox

Written by Mason, who, per docketing, appears to be the reverend for the garrison at West Point, to Major General Knox. Asks for an extension of his leave until next month as his wife is still very ill and his family's interests "are so embarrassed...

GLC02437.01635

to Henry Knox

Would like to discuss with Knox the status of the sick soldiers in the garrison, but apparently has been prevented from doing his job fully due to the illness and indisposition of his own family in New Jersey. Declares he has received a letter from...

GLC02437.01662

to Charles McKnight

Writes that in response to his request, he has not heard that any sick members of the garrison are suffering "for want of a Gentleman of the hospital." Writes that he does not feel it would be proper to grant him permission to travel to New Jersey...

GLC02437.01667

to Alexander McDougall

Written by Major General Knox to General McDougall, who was part of a committee sent to Congress by the army to lobby for half-pay pensions. Says he previously wrote "of the ferment which was raised in the minds of the officers by some anonymous...

GLC02437.02008

to Henry Knox

Offers congratulations on the end of the war and requests a leave of absence to attend to personal matters. Includes a reply written and signed by Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide-de-camp, stating that Knox is unable to grant Mason's request.

GLC02437.02032

to [John] Mason

Informs Mason that his request to visit his family has been granted. Initialed by Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide de camp, as answered and inquiry to be continued.

GLC02437.02135

to Henry Knox

Informs General Knox that due to ill health, he was unable to march with the regiment and has temporarily returned to camp. Assures Knox that he will follow the regiment if he is better in a few days. Written from "camp." Docketed in Knox's hand.

GLC02437.02195

to Hugh Maxwell

Written by Major General Knox to Colonel Maxwell. Orders that the remainder of the 3rd Regiment must march at 3 a.m. tomorrow morning. Tells him that provisions for 4 days must be drawn today and that the men need to have hard bread. Hopes he made...

GLC02437.02200

to Colonel Hugh Maxwell

A brief letter commenting on a report given to him by a field officer on the disorderly condition of the men of the 3rd regiment. He attributes the men's shoddy appearance to a recent long and severe march.

GLC02437.02262

to James McHenry

Recommends James Walker, who was previously employed by the Congressional Board of War. Notes that Walker will be presenting his case before Congress in an attempt to receive compensation for his service in the Revolutionary War. Asks that McHenry...

GLC02437.03072

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he recently met with Majors North and "Douttey [John Doughty?] who was perusing a Resolve of Congress respecting Invalids..." North and [Doughty] advised McFarland to await Knox's return to New York.

GLC02437.03156

to Henry Knox

Writes to Knox in distress. Thanks him for the recommendation to Governor Bowdoin, but informs him that a Major [likely William] Perkins was appointed to a position instead of him. Declares he is now left destitute, especially since his leg was...

GLC02437.03215

to unknown

Notes he left Pittsfield along with General [Benjamin] Lincoln this morning. Mentions the number of men enlisted in "disaffected counties" and when their enlistment expires. Discusses the mood of the mob, saying the men look forward to taking up...

GLC02437.03462

to Henry Knox

Asks for Knox's help in settling the Continental account of her late husband, Hector McNeill. Writes, "Pardon the liberty of addressing you on this occasion- as my distress'd cituation will not admit my Employing a person for the special purpose of...

GLC02437.03662

to Mary McNeill

Writes in response to a letter from Mrs. McNeill (see GLC02437.06662) and assures her that the matter should be looked into and that he will assist her in settling her business. Says he delivered the papers to the commissioner in the marine...

GLC02437.03670

to Mary McNeill

Forwards Mrs. McNeill a statement from the Commissioner of the Marine Department relating to her late husband's account. Says that while he has faith in Col. Walker, who is the Commissioner, suggests McNeill have either himself or another person...

GLC02437.03675

to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for his help in settling her husband's public accounts. Text in the hand of Henry Knox. See GLC02437.03662, .03670, .03675, .03772, .03781, and .03784.

GLC02437.03708

to Mary McNeill

Presents McNeill with a certificate of a sum owed to her late husband. Enclosed the certificate in a letter to Henry Jackson, who will transmit the certificate to McNeill. Writes, "I most sincerely wish that its present value was equal the sum...

GLC02437.03761

to Henry Knox

Tells Knox he would like to re-enter the army if there is an opportunity to serve. Would like to command in the artillery or in any other position. Left the army with a rank of Captain and would be happy to start there again.

GLC02437.04248

to John Maunsell

Signed in text. Thanks Maunsell for looking over Mr. Bretts letter for him and also forwards a letter concerning Moses Hazen.

GLC02437.04454

to Henry Knox

Discusses the training of soldiers. Writes that "I have been faced in the opinion that no plan respecting the Militia will be efficient which does not include the training of boys between the 9th and the [16th] years of their age - Let it be declared...

GLC02437.04483

[Note to Reverend Doctor Mason]

Signed in text by Knox. Regrets that the Reverend Doctor Mason's letter was not attended to sooner and states that he asked a gentleman to reply to it but it must have been omitted. Believes Doctor Mason's idea of providing an early military...

GLC02437.04506

to John Maunsell

Thanks Maunsell for his kindness to their mutual friend [possibly General Moses] Hazen. Alludes to the current unfortunate situation of Hazen, as well as his possession of "as obstinate a temper as ever afflicited [sic] humanity."

GLC02437.04617

to Henry Knox

Refers to a letter sent by their mutual friend Brett that should have arrived to Knox via Mrs. Maunsell. Mentions the "confidential discourse" he had with Knox previous to Maunsell's departure. Expects to be able to discuss it more fully in his...

GLC02437.04669

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox he wrote his last letter to Knox on 4 August 1790. Says he has been holed up at home due to a sprained leg. Describes the military buildup of both the British and the Spanish navies. Is not sure what will happen when these ships meet...

GLC02437.04710

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he still owes Dr. McKnight a "small Bill... of two Guineas and 3/4" from the summer of 1784 when General Knox was living on Wall Street. Mrs. Knox had fallen ill, when she felt better she and Knox had left. Dr. McKnight was not...

GLC02437.04772

to Henry Knox

Acknowledges Knox's letter on 10 November. Says he is sending a packet of "publick prints" that will explain the latest European political scene. England is in the process of making a peace with Spain, and Maunsell predicts that France will accept...

GLC02437.04783

to [Henry Knox]

Thanks Knox for being an "Angoll of the Lord" in helping her settle her late husband's business affairs. She will now be able to collect her third from her husband's estate. Writes, "I am ashamed of my speling and writing and my lame arme."

GLC02437.04830

to Henry Knox

Asks Knox for help in dealing with her creditors. States she is widow and hopes she can keep her house.

GLC02437.04896

to John Maunsell

Secretary of War Knox reports to Maunsell that "our Country is busily employed in arranging the public debt, forming a national bank, proprietary canals and a number of other useful things." Knox goes on to say that "Great Britain "... is about...

GLC02437.04904

to Mary McNeill

Tells Mrs. McNeill that he has received her letters "desiring me to make out an account for some little services in obtaining a certificate for you." Knox cannot comply as it would "have the appearance of collusion."

GLC02437.04944

to Henry Knox

Says things have been so uninteresting in the hemisphere that he has remained silent since he left Philadelphia. Wrote to his brother William by the last packet. Told William "that, some hopes were entertained, that the consular bill would be taken...

GLC02437.05132

to Henry Knox

Comments that he has not written to Knox in awhile. Has received a letter in the mail from [Samuel] Breck which he encloses (not present), and declares that he is "not writing to a minister, but to my friend General Knox." Hopes Knox will treat his...

GLC02437.05316

to Henry Knox

Maunsell writes to inform Knox he received a packet from Colonel [Sebastian] Bauman containing Knox's letter to the Consul at Dublin, among other correspondence. He expects mail to arrive from London hourly, and expects news in the papers about key...

GLC02437.05404

to Henry Knox

Writes to introduce Knox to the bearer, Captain Spry of the British Navy. Spry has traveled aboard the ship that carried the February mail, and plans to visit Philadelphia. Explains his positive qualities. Sends his respects to Mrs. Knox and Mrs....

GLC02437.05416

to Henry Knox

Has received the enclosed letters (not present) from the consul, and asks that Knox read them and return them to Maunsell so he can answer them. Asks that Knox also include any of his own letters for the consul. Thanks him for helping Maunsell's...

GLC02437.05453