18 April 1791

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes Knox about his assessment of what will be the "Federal City," referring to Washington D.C. "It is so planned," Williams writes, as to make the River a diagonal line through the Square, leaving a right angled triangle on each side of it...taking in the greatest Quantity of tide water." Williams calls the location "judicious." Williams is concerned that purchasers of "Lotts" in the Federal City might not get reimbursed. He declares that "every purchaser on the Condition of the City being built must have a right to reimbursement in failure of the Condition." President George Washington "…

GLC02437.04917

5 May 1790

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Describes an incident that took place between England and Spain and the possibility of the two countries going to war. Says yesterday this country was "surprised by a hot press, which like an explosion swept between 3 & 4000 seamen, and to day we find the course in a Message sent by the King to the House of commons." Evidently, two Spanish ships of war seized two British ships that were trading off the northern coast of America. All of the men who were aboard were sent to a Spanish port as prisoners. The justification of the seizure was that Spain had the "exclusive rights of soverignty […

GLC02437.04594

27 October 1790

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Manuscript letter

Title: to the Executors of Dr. Benjamin Franklin's Will

In this contemporary copy of a letter from Franklin's grandnephew Williams to executors of Benjamin Franklin's will, Williams is trying to obtain books from Franklin's library as part of his inheritance: "Being still without your answer to my repeated applications for the legacy left me by the late Doctor Benjamin Franklin, consisting of that part of his library particularized in his catalogue under the head of medicine, surgery, &c... I am instructed to give you notice of my intended appeal to the Laws, that you may possess yourselves of the catalogue and the books I claim before it is…

GLC02437.04758

10 May 1791

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Encloses a letter from his brother Bradford, who is "much alarmed at the appearance of a rival candidate in the person of [a] mutual friend Harry Jackson." Expresses no wish to sway Knox's opinion, but does ask for his "Opinion of the requisite Qualities of the two Candidates ... conclude that [he] will ... Support the pretensions of the man [he has]... esteemed." Goes on to discuss Patrick Henry and his resignation from the Virginia government since "there is every reason to believe this State will no longer oppose the assumption of their debt, but quietly acquiesce in the funding system…

GLC02437.10229

14 December 1781

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Happy to receive news of Lord Cornwallis's surrender: "The Effect this reverse of Fortune has on the british Government is similar to what we often see in a man mad with Rage - Vengeance, Death Destruction foams at his mouth although he has not strength enough left to manage his weapon." Discusses the perspectives of the British King and Lords of Commons and their attitudes toward the American victory. Talks about Major Franks's arrival in Nantes and his acquaintance with Knox. Wishes he could be "galloping by your Side in pursuit of an Enemy; I have not much confidence in myself, but I…

GLC02437.01304

7 May 1786

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to inquire about an unsettled account against the late Mr. [Thomas] Flucker, Knox's father-in-law. Recently looked over his old account books and found that goods which were taken up by Flucker after Williams's departure (he apparently went abroad in 1770), but before the "Lexington Business put an End to all commercial Concerns in the Town." There is no record of the debt having been paid, and his business agents think it was not. Would like to know whether this account might be "admitted in the Settlement of the Estate?" Has enclosed the account information. Sends his…

GLC02437.03265

22 April 1789

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he "presume[s] upon their early friendship" to introduce to Knox a Captain All, the bearer of this letter, who he has known for fourteen years. Knows him as a capable man well-suited to working on behalf of his country. Believes that in the new government, appointments should be based on merit and not on recommendations from influential men, and would be the last to break those principles. However, argues that Captain All deserves an appointment due to "real worth & undeserved misfortune." Presents his respects to Mrs. Knox.

GLC02437.04186

15 July 1789

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Printed letter

Title: [Letter from Jonathan Williams to Thomas McKean, forwarded to Henry Knox]

Printed letter from Jonathan Williams to Thomas McKean, "Chief Judge of the Supreme Judicial Court of Pennsylvania." Forwarded to Henry Knox and signed by hand, "The Honble. H Knox Esq. from his affectionate & respectfull Friend & obedt Servant The author." A printed note at the top emphasizes that the author "offer[s] it for public consideration." Provides his opinions regarding commerce and international trade, and how these pertain to a legal case upon which Judge McKean has recently ruled.

GLC02437.04285

17 August 1789

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to remind Knox of his friend Mr. Samuel Newman. Thinks Knox might know him by reputation from the army, and declares that he is so attached to military life that he awakens to the sounds of "Reveille" in his head. Asks for Knox's help seeking employment for Newman. Also sends his regards to Mr. [Samuel] Shaw and to thank Shaw for his continued friendship to Williams's brother Jack. Sends his respects to Mrs. Knox and their family.

GLC02437.04330

10 September 1789

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to thank Knox for his replies to his recent letters. Mentions that he and his wife are happy to announce they will be "permanent Citizens[s] of these States," and hopes to be close enough to Knox to renew their friendship. Thanks him for his attention to the recommendations he submitted to Knox for federal employment of several individuals, and knows Knox will select people based on merit. Sends his respects to Mrs. Knox.

GLC02437.04353

27 May 1791

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Williams to Secretary of War Knox. References Knox's letter of 18 May, which returned Colonel Bradford's letter. Sends his answer to Knox (not present) and asks him to pass it along to Bradford. Is not surprised recruitment is slow in the East because "they feel less irritated against the Indians, and are less disposed for that sort of desultory war." Says people in Virginia will not join the expedition westward because they believe the Indians will not enter into a decisive battle. Eloquently states why people seek glory in war and recoil from unopposed depredation. Mentions…

GLC02437.04961

22 June 1791

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Williams says the information on "military movements" he is enclosing (not included) was given to him by General Wood who received it from a Mr. [Crous]. The Virginia Attorney General has letters that back up Crous's information. Says that Crous came to Richmond on business with the governor and appears to be an intelligent man.

GLC02437.05018

7 August 1791

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References Knox's letter of 24 June, which found him "in these back woods near the top of the Alleghany mountains." Tells Knox "I have long thought, with you, that your talents and disposition were not of a kind to be a very able manager in operations of interest & avarice; I cannot therefore form any great expectations of your success." Does not mean to disrespect him, but he has a cynical outlook because of his own situation as an "unsuccessfull merchant." Would like an appointment in the government, but he doesn't trust himself anymore. Asks why the public should trust him if he…

GLC02437.05111

14 September 1791

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to send an extract of a letter from Kentucky, which is on the other side of this letter (not included - the reverse of this letter is blank). Adds, "I leave this letter to its fate, & from the frequent passing of people from these fountains of salubrity I hope it will soon arrive at some place where there is a post office." Is on his way home and hopes to see Knox in early October. Postscript claims the letter is genuine as he read it himself. The extract referred to is likely GLC02437.05135.

GLC02437.05156

18 September 1793

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports on the situation at Yorktown. Says a wagon load of clothing arrived for troops stationed there. The wagon driver and his assistant died of yellow fever and the townspeople decided to burn the clothing. Mentions meeting a party of troops marching toward Lancaster and believes they will protect other clothing shipments "and take all reasonable means of satisfying the people as to the prevention of further communication of the disorders; So far as those in advanced are exposed, no remedy can arrive in time for the evil." Says he just returned from Knox's "deserted mansion" and saw…

GLC02437.05926

5 October 1793

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that he just came from Knox's house in Philadelphia and that everything is well. Says the servants are prudent for locking the gate to prevent anyone "from coming unawares." Says "I think you may be perfectly easy as to danger, the malady is a contagious one, not communicable at a distance." Claims the city is still in distress though. Believes it will only get better with a snowstorm or frost. Says medical aid is only effective "where the disease is not confirmed, and where the natural powers of the body are able to support it." "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature…

GLC02437.05939

2 April 1794

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for their prior conversation and offers his assistance. Informs Knox he disagrees with the amount Knox wants to pay him for his services. Believes his past experience as a public servant and his current situation justifies a higher amount. Explains he has already built one frigate and executed an office of trust. Mentions the benefits of performing the requested duties and seems willing to negotiate the matter. Mount Pleasant is listed as the city, state is not given.

GLC02437.06072

20 July 1798

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox to the hand of Henry Jackson

Offer his congratulations on an appointment to the army and discusses other business. Noted as written at Mount Pleasant, state unknown.

GLC02437.07159

11 September 1798

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses his wish to better serve his country as he feels his current position in the military does not allow him to do so. Asks for Knox's advice before he attempts to try for a higher position.

GLC02437.07171

11 November 1798

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses Knox's declination of an army commission, and his own views on service. Knox had declined a commission in the army raised during the quasi-war when he learned that Alexander Hamilton would outrank him. Noted as written at Mount Pleasant.

GLC02437.07189

January 24, 1799

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Williams tells Knox that many people are disappointed that Knox has chosen not to join the army. Williams worries that Knox's absence will hurt his own career: "As it is I fear my military career will be bounded by a Lieutenacy in a volunteer Corps of Cavalry." He regrets not remaining a private and says "since therefore I am destined for the field in case of war I may as well enter fully into the service (if I can) immediately; I wrote for this purpose a note to Genl Hamilton." Williams goes on to talk about his prowess as an artillerist and that some say he should be considered for…

GLC02437.07228

29 May 1800

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Williams writes Knox about his son Henry Jackson Knox and hopes that his son intends to return to his ship. Williams comments on the changes in the administration "which I think forebodes a settlement of some sort or other with France." Williams says it is assumed that Adams will lose the next election. Talks about a meeting of Federalists who want to run Pinckney and Adams "equally", which Adams will see as abandonment. "He wishes rather to take the chance of being second to Jeff than to P." Relates a letter James McHenry sent to him saying that he wished Williams to have a post in the…

GLC02437.07418

05 September 1800

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Williams discusses Knox's business affairs and debts. Williams explains to Knox that he would decline a military commission from President Adams, meaning no disrespect. Williams says, "In serious truth I had rather have a civil than a military station, tho' were I 15 years younger and a war impending I would prefer it to all this."

GLC02437.07457

5 July 1791

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports on General [Charles] Scott's expedition against the Indians. Writes that a "Party had recrossed the Ohio on their return, after having destroyed three Indian Towns, killed 32 Warriors, and brought away 50 or 60 Women & Children prisoners." Goes on to write about the nice weather and states that "[t]he Ladies are well and join me in respectfull Compliments to [Mrs. ?] Knox." Noted as "to be put into the first Post Office" and forwarded by Peter Hienkiele. Stain on address leaf where the letter was sealed. Watermarked "C Taylor" and with a hunting horn inside a crest with "G R"…

GLC02437.10231

18 November 1779

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Written to William Knox at Amsterdam. Reports that he asked his uncle about the "chest, cask, & some loose furrs which you desire to be shipped for Amsterdam." Notes that some of the items were sold because they were damaged, and Knox may draw the proceeds from him "at sight: I could have remitted it but could not find a Bill for so small a sum." Reports that the chest will be shipped to Amsterdam at first opportunity, addressed to [John de] Neufville & Son at Knox's request. A note at the top of the page written in a different hand states, "From Jona William at Paris."

GLC02437.00786