October 23, 1783

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a Congressional meeting that may determine whether Knox should be granted an allowance for Major General of a separate division. Since they did not have enough representatives from the states, the decision has been postponed and is causing Shaw some anxiety. Free frank signed by Benjamin Lincoln and noted as sent "On Public Service," though the "On Public" portion is missing due to text loss.

GLC02437.02702

30 October 1783

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses his experience with Congress, in particular, making forced compromises in order to bring about a successful end to Knox's business. "I need not tell you how happy I am that this matter is at last brought to a close. Instead of one, it seems a twelvemonth since I left you, - the chagrin and mortification inseparable from an attendance on Congress is beyond any thing."

GLC02437.02726

8 August 1785

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Shaw, Knox's former aide-de-camp, writes a friendly letter to discuss a variety of matters. First, he forwards "Mr. Gardiner's oration on the anniversary of independence. If you can travel through so much various matter as it is composed of, it will be a strong proof of your perseverance." References a letter he sent Knox on 1 August, saying that it was "written in the bitterness of my soul, and what is worse, a bitterness which still continues"; he is having problems settling his father's estate, and is resigned that the outcome will not benefit himself or any of his siblings. Relates some…

GLC02437.03174

9 September 1785

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relates that per Knox's instructions, he has gone to New Haven and met with Mr. [Samuel] Broome and Mr. [Jeremiah] Platt to discuss their outstanding financial business. Explains that Broom and Platt assured him they will not be able to repay the money they owe in the next year. Provides a lengthy and detailed explanation of the firm's financial dealings, including the ways the war interfered with their business. Adds some information about the money they owe to the firm of [James] Webber & Co. Relates possible solutions to the problem.

GLC02437.03190

16 September 1785

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to explain the status of their dealings with the firm of Broome & Platt, with whom they are trying to settle a debt. Relates that Broome and Platt acknowledge the amount of money they still owe Webber & Co. of London (on whose behalf Knox is settling this debt), but will be unable to agree to the conditions requested by Knox. Describes a story the firm told him about their debt to Ludlow Gold of New York, which they also cannot pay, as evidence of the serious financial trouble their firm is in. Shaw also mentions that upon receiving the goods owed to him and Knox, he noticed…

GLC02437.03195

27 December 1787

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he is leaving the ship, Columbia, which is making the trip back to the United States and mentions that "[m]y affairs require my being at Canton this evening, which prevents me from going down the river to meet the new comers - " Noted as written in "Wampo, 17 miles from Canton."

GLC02437.03743

8 December 1789

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Shaw relates that three men have asked him to recommend them for the same office (Collector of Customs for Rhode Island). Shaw also knows of a fourth man applying for the position who did not ask for a recommendation. Of the four men, (Colonel Henry Sherburne, Major Lyman, Colonel Peck and Colonel Olney), Shaw gives Colonel Peck the highest recommendation.

GLC02437.04429

20 December 1789

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for everything has done for him and writes, "While I feel the full force of the most lively gratitude for your friendship towards me, it pains me to know that the too tender concern you take in everything which regards your poor Shaw cannot but interrupt that happiness you deserve ever to enjoy, and which with my whole soul I wish you. On this account, it aggravates my present unhappiness to inform you, that nothing could be done in the way we wished - and that I must get my ship ready and proceed, with my present means alone, as fast as possible to Batavia and China." Adds that…

GLC02437.04445

30 December 1789

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relates information concerning an incident with Daniel Parker. Notes that Mr. Holker has forward an account of the affair which Shaw hopes will clear the incident up. Writes to Knox describing his illness noting he has been sick in bed for five days with blind boils. Says that after "almost infinite pain" the boils have finally broke and he is again comfortable. Praises the abilities of Dr. William Eustis, who has been looking after him. Wishes Knox and his family a happy new year.

GLC02437.04453

January 24, 1790

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for a previous letter. States that his current business prevents him from writing a long letter and "occupies me to much at to render me almost a stranger to what is passing either in the gay or political world."

GLC02437.04481

February 14, 1790

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks for Knox's advice in dealing with his situation with a Mr. Holker and Mr. Parker, most likely Daniel Parker, the captain of the ship Shaw took to Guangzhou, China. Writes "I desire to be governed entirely by you ... " and that "Mr. Parker and his agent, which has occasioned such trouble an inconvenience to my friends, that I can no longer for observing any measurs [sic] with him, but what the most rigid justice demands; and I shall be perfectly satisfied with any mode you shall be please to adopt for prosecuting the business."

GLC02437.04512

February 21, 1790

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for helping him in renewing his post as consul at Canton, China and prepares to set sail again. Writes that "[m]y prospects in the Eastern hemisphere are not flattering, to be sure - but the empire of Chance is a wide one - and who knows what may turn up."

GLC02437.04517

7 March 1790

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses his business with [Samuel] Parkman and Messrs [Nicholas] Hoffman and [Son], noting it will soon be settled. Informs Knox he will be sailing in the near future, thanks to Parkman. Writes that "[l]anguage is insufficient to express how much I love you both - Tell Billy that he occupies a brothers place in my heart."

GLC02437.04532

15-21 March 1790

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Gives Knox some last minute instructions concerning his affairs before he sails, and expresses his love towards Knox and his family, including Knox's brother, William, whom Shaw calls Billy. Page one is from 15 March; page two is from 21 March.

GLC02437.04549

January 17, 1790

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for his "favor of the 16th [of January]" and for his "communications respecting Messieurs Pintards proposals." Informs Knox, due to the advanced season it would be impossible for him to "deviate from the direct and speediest route to China" and therefore he could not avail himself of their proposal. Discusses business affairs with associates. Encloses a letter (not included) from Samuel Newman, whom Shaw wishes to have a military appointment. The letter is dated 1790, but based on the content and letters exchanged regarding the same issues it is likely it was 1791.

GLC02437.04832

December 31, 1791

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the positive outcome of a meeting with his creditors in Europe, specifically outlining how he was able to save his credit by selling his ship. Happily relates that his creditors are willing to lend to him again due to his honest character. Describes his financial plans, including obtaining merchandise (such as tea) to ship to India, America and Europe, and relates that he will be traveling with the merchandise being sent to Holland and England. Asks Knox to tell [Thomas] Randall to remain in New York until Shaw returns, if Randall is in New York at present. Relates that the…

GLC02437.05281

19 June 1792

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses seeing Knox before he returns to Boston. Writes, "I have deferred writing to you since I came here - and as I now promise myself that happiness next Monday evening, I shall still defer for a viva voce communication..."

GLC02437.05511

25 December 1792

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he will be sailing for China again in January. He would be happy to execute commissions for Knox in China. States that "your wandering friend intends after this voyage to stay at home - " States that his wife sends her regards to Lucy Knox and the family. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.05756

January 25, 1793

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Encloses his account against Daniel Parker and Parker's acknowledgment of having received the original sum (not included). Also encloses a receipt from Messrs. Smith & Moses for $29,537.58 to be disposed of for his account with Knox (not included). Wants Knox to acknowledge receiving this by the first possible post. Says he will set sail by next Tuesday.

GLC02437.05793

January 31, 1793

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that bad weather prevented them from going to sea yesterday. It is now fair and they will sail in an hour. Received Knox's letter of 28 January and says "you will herewith receive a packet from me."

GLC02437.05801

6 December 1792

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Document

Title: [Bond with Samuel Shaw and Thomas Randall]

Partially printed document with manuscript information written in by Samuel Shaw. Bond documenting that Henry Knox owes Samuel Shaw and Thomas Randall 15000 pounds. The top half of the first page is missing.

GLC02437.05727

5 September 1776

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Asks William to visit the wife of Captain Lieutenant John Johnson of Knox's artillery and tell her that her husband was wounded and taken prisoner, but is being taken care of. Also wants the wife of John Callender told that he was taken prisoner as well. Notes that the Continental Army is in high spirits and there has been no new developments since the retreat at the Battle of Long Island. Shaw was a lieutenant in Knox's artillery regiment.

GLC02437.00440

12 August 1781

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: [Instructions for Lieutenant Price, Captain Patten, John Ruddock, and Thomas Frothingham]

Shaw, aide for Henry Knox, transmits orders for Knox. All orders are issued 12 August. Orders Lieutenant [William] Price, at the New Windsor laboratory, to deliver tin to Captain Bushnell; orders Captain [Thomas] Patten, at New Windsor, to obtain tin for Bushnell through the "tinman"; orders Ruddock, deputy commissary of military stores at Fishkill, and Thomas Frothingham, deputy commissary of military stores at West Point, to obtain gun locks for Bushnell.

GLC02437.01128

16 June 1775, 9 December 1775, and 12 December 177

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph document

Title: [Resolutions for Revolutionary War generals' pay]

Three resolutions regarding pay. The earliest sets major generals' pay at $166 per month, and double that when they serve in two departments. The next two issue General Richard Montgomery, commander of American forces in Canada, additional money. Montgomery was killed in an unsuccessful attack on Quebec in late December 1775. Possibly created circa 1783, in the context of Henry Knox's application for additional pay due as commander of a separate department.

GLC02437.00216

24 October 1781

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Manuscript letter

Title: to Ebenezer Stevens

"By order of genl. Knox," Shaw orders first division of vessels containing ordnance to Head of Elk, Maryland. Colonel Edward Stevens will provide an inventory of cargo. Explains the logistics of the transportation. Secretarial copy of a Shaw letter.

GLC02437.01261