3 October 1788

Sayre, Stephen, 1736-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Describes his recent liberation from a "long & illegal confinement" and the defense of his liberty against a "malignant Villain." Warns Knox against the "growing Influence of the Law & Lawyers." Discusses his [unspecified] proposition regarding the navy. Hopes Knox will present his idea to Congress, and asks George Washington's opinion on the subject (Sayre is apparently trying to secure a contract with Congress for the navy). Defends his character and declares his resolve. Mentions [Francisco de] Miranda and refers to his "former friend" [William] Duer, who Sayre regrets is no…

GLC02437.03989

3 January 1789

Sayre, Stephen, 1736-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Forwards him a letter for Genl. W. [General George Washington] regarding the American Navy. Believes that if Knox is named in charge of the military by Congress, as will likely be the case, Knox will have influence with Congress and might encourage them to adopt his proposal. Asks Knox to act on his behalf if the Court requests his presence in America. Adds that he believes the Court "will show a very different temper, as to America, if the Prince of Wales takes the Regency."

GLC02437.04067

16 December 1793

Sayre, Stephen, 1736-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Claims to have communicated sensitive information to Knox and that he should let President Washington know (specifics not provided). Tells Knox of a master shipbuilder in this city (likely Philadelphia), and that Congress and the president need to know this if they plan to build ships to protect the nation after the outbreak of war in Europe. Recommends "graduate improvements" in a previous communication and assumes Knox is in agreement with him. Notes he knows that a multitude of people will oppose his scheme, but claims this is reason enough for Knox to support him early.

GLC02437.05997

5 September 1785

Sayre, Stephen, 1736-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to ask that if Knox leaves Baron de Poellnitz's house "before any other person appears as his Attorney," he should pay Mr. Anthony Bleeker the balance he owes for rent, as the Baron wants to provides money for his children. On the verso is a note signed by Anthony Bleeker specifying the amount due from Knox. See GLC02437.03172 for a related document.

GLC02437.03183

29 June 1789

Sayre, Stephen, 1736-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Ogden

Writes to Ogden and asks Ogden to show the present letter to Henry Knox, because feels that if he wrote to Knox directly, the letter might get stopped. Declares that he is still expecting a response from Knox to several letters and is still "disposed to consider myself worthy Reply - holding the rank of a Gentleman entitles me to one." Asks that Knox speak to the President and respond to him. Reports that he recently dined with a Colonel Miranda, who has just returned from Paris, and that Miranda's "prejudices are still the same against the French nation." However, Miranda has traveled…

GLC02437.04262

10 May 1790

Sayre, Stephen, 1736-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses surprise at Knox's lack of a reply to a mutual friend (unnamed, but Sayre may be referring to William Duer, whom he discusses throughout the letter). Reports business difficulties with Duer, declaring, "Mr. Duer will not deny his having made a most solemn agreement, as a man of honor, to act with me, for our equal benefit." Duer has not, apparently, done justice to this agreement. Hopes for Knox's help in encouraging Duer to contribute to the project, by securing the appropriate business contracts to let Sayre continue his work in England. Also advises Knox to have the…

GLC02437.04602

June 1785-January 1786

Sayre, Stephen, 1736-1818

Manuscript document

Title: [Account between Henry Knox and Stephen Sayre as agent for the Baron von Poellnitz]

Account listing, by date, the charges paid by Henry Knox for rent on the Baron von Poellnitz's house, with Stephen Sayre acting as agent. See GLC02437.03183 for a related document.

GLC02437.03236

15 June 1790

Sayre, Stephen, 1736-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses his feeling of "mortifying neglect, of being unaswer'd" after writing several letters to Knox with no reply. Discusses his suggestions for improving warships; had applied to Congress with suggestions in 1785, but Knox advised him not to pursue the issue any further until the government was more stable. Mentions his concern that American might get drawn into "the war" (perhaps fighting associated with the French Revolution) and his feeling that he will not be idle if that occurs. Discusses facts and figures related to his warship improvement ideas and mentions that Knox may obtain…

GLC02437.04627