20 March 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Tells Knox he looks forward to his visit to Boston in the early summer. Updates Knox on various news from the Boston/New England area. Gives his opinion on the organization of the officers and warns Knox that the small salary allotted to the troops would make it difficult to "obtain proper men for the service." Knox could look to the seaports and "stragglers in the Country, but they will be the refuse of Creation." Mentions that Samuel Ogden left Boston for Philadelphia.

GLC02437.04881

22 March 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Requests that Knox choose "Mr. Samuel Andrews" to "be appointed an Ensign to the vacancy of Mr. Joseph Peirce." Nominates "Mr. Samuel Hall of Boston as an Ensign." Nathanial Balch, Jackson writes, will send a letter to Knox on his son's behalf as well. Notes at the end that he will write more later concerning the 2nd Regiment.

GLC02437.04888

27 March 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Offers his assistance in appointing officers to the army. States, "I believe but few are so well acquainted with the late Officers of the American Army as I am, and I do assure you, I should have been highly gratified to have assisted you in the late arrangement..." Says he cannot account for [John] Doughty declining the appointment as Lt. Colonel Commander. (See GLC02437.04875 and .4891 for related documents.) Knox has asked Jackson how he feels about his position in the 2nd Regiment. Admits he "exceedingly dislike[s] his situation" but he does not believe that being Lieutenant Colonel…

GLC02437.04892

3 April 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Tries to understand how Knox's letters are delayed in reaching him. Provides Knox with his opinion on various appointments.

GLC02437.04898

10 April 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson acknowledges receipt of Knox's letter of 27 March 1791 along with two other letters from James Swan. Jackson feared the letters may have been intercepted. Jackson reports that Joseph Peirce has been "very attentive to the directions which he has received" regarding the sale of Knox's lands. Jackson discusses various people he and Knox know, as well as the officers' concerns. Jackson has been assisting in finding recruits to Castle Island.

GLC02437.04914

24 April 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson received Secretary of War Knox's letter of 10 April 1791. Comments on various military appointments and the recruits from Massachusetts. He says, "the Officers in this Town have inlisted five or six but they are not such men as you want for the service." Mentions that "gentlemen" in the area are pleased that Knox has sent people to survey the area for the canal. Writes that "Mr. Jonathan Jackson will try to hold both his appointments, that of Marshal, and in the Excise." Jackson does not approve. Gives his opinion to Knox about other candidates.

GLC02437.04924

1 May 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Acknowledges receipt of Knox's letter of 19 April 1791. Talks about people from Boston including the Brecks who were heading to Philadelphia. Jackson would have liked to have joined them, but could not due to "the particular situation of my good mother." Discusses military appointments and that Dr. William Eustis thinks finding a good army surgeon might be difficult. Jackson reports that "recruiting is very dull." Once again, Jackson believes the compensation is too low to "induce our country's lads." Says "Capt. Ulman of Ducktrap" wants Knox to "write the people on Patent to whom [he]…

GLC02437.04935

8 May 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received Knox's letter of 2 May 1791. Thanks Knox for his "promise respecting the appointment of Marshall." Jackson believes that another, unrelated "Mr. Jackson" will try to hold on to that appointment along with the other appointment he holds. Says, "I have no fears in this head as the President will not approbate so great an impropriety as one man holding two Offices under the government." Goes on to discuss the issue of government appointments and the problem with choosing some men and leaving others out. Explains that "were the Deputies appointed by the President, they would have some…

GLC02437.04939

4 June 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

General Jackson tells Secretary of War Knox that he arrived in New York yesterday. Has spent the day in expectation of seeing "Mr. C," (probably William Constable) who returned to his farm about 20 miles outside the city yesterday. Hopes to catch a packet leaving for New Haven in order to get home a few days quicker, which "Mr. D," (probably William Duer) thinks is better. Wants Knox to write to the legislative committee in Boston that will decide on their land purchase in order to make negotiations easier. Delivered the notes to Captain Randall. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no…

GLC02437.04973

6 June 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by General Jackson to Secretary of War Knox. Says he left New York yesterday in the hopes of catching the stage this morning at Hartford. The winds were light and he did not arrive until the afternoon. Now must wait for the stage that leaves New York tomorrow. Writes that "you must settle the business in some way or other with S.O. -- or he will embarress our concerns, and the sooner he gives information of his intention to the Committee the better." S.O. appears to be Samuel Ogden. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.04976

19 July 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Has received Knox's recent letters and is happy to hear that Knox's son's health is improving. Discusses the best way to send letters to Knox now that new rules are in place. Describes the recent "Commencement at Cambridge" (possibly referring to Harvard University), in which the Governor appeared. Has enclosed some newspapers. Writes that soon "the Officers for the Collection of the Revenue will be appointed," and he is "really anxious" because so many people are applying for those positions. Mentions that their Wednesday evening club is at an end, as several members have moved out to…

GLC02437.04295

26 December 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson is upset that he has not received a letter from Knox in 24 days. He blames Knox's attention "to the western expedition" led by General Josiah Harmar for this lapse in communication. Jackson does not think ordinary "militia" men are capable of such an operation, "for a different class of Men must compose your Troops-I should like to be in the staff with Rank in the line." Comments on President George Washington's speech regarding the "establishment of the Militia, and I see by the Journals of the House they have chosen a Committee on that subject." Asks for a leading role in the…

GLC02437.04809

26 July 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Is disappointed not to have received a letter from Knox recently, and hopes that Knox's son isn't ill again, which would prevent him from writing. Writes, "By the last New York paper I observe that the Revenue System is nearly compleated [sic] and ready for the Nominations & Appointments - I am really extremely anxious in this head, and if I am disappointed it will be very severely felt by me, more so than any circumstance of my life." Adds that he is pleased Mr. [Rufus] King has been elected to represent New York in the Senate. Provides an update on Captain [Thomas] Vose and Major […

GLC02437.04305

13 August 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses his disappointment with apparently not receiving a government position, but knows that Knox did everything in his power to help. Would prefer, if possible, to be appointed in the Revenue department. Comments on the appointment of General [Benjamin] Lincoln and of Mr. Lovell. Mentions the severely hot weather they have recently experienced in Boston, and sends his love to Mrs. Knox and the rest of the family.

GLC02437.04326

23 August 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Has received the news that Knox's son has died. Sends his condolences to Knox and his wife and discusses the difficulty of losing a child. Has enclosed a letter for the President from Mr. Thomas Edwards, the former Judge Advocate, who is very poor at present and would like an appointment in the judicial branch as a clerk. Would like to pursue for himself the office of Marshal, and explains why he is well-suited for its duties. Also discusses his suitability for several other positions, but leaves it to Knox, who is in the seat of government, to represent his interests there.

GLC02437.04333

30 August 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that "Cousin Isaac" (likely Isaac Winslow) has departed for "Georges River" (possibly St. George River in Maine, near the Waldo patent lands). Writes, "General [Benjamin] Lincoln appointment as one of the Commissioners to Treat with the Southern Indians has given great Satisfaction to the people in this quarter, particularly to his friends who are exceedingly gratified in the confidence placed in him by the President." Continues to emphasize his interest in the position of Collector of the Port of Boston, but also discusses the position of Marshall and the duties and salary…

GLC02437.04342

1 September 1789

Hancock, John, 1737-1793

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Letter has two portions, both dated 1 September 1789. The first, written by Henry Jackson, describes the bearer, John Sewall, who is the son of Jonathan Sewall, the former Attorney General of New York, and nephew of John Hancock. Declares that he is of good character and an able attorney on his way from Halifax to Quebec, where he plans to establish a law practice. Will be stopping in New York, and Jackson asks Knox to assist Sewall while he is there. The second page, written by John Hancock, is a letter of introduction for Sewall, asking that Knox welcome him into his acquaintance.

GLC02437.04348

6 September 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions the illness of Lucy Knox, related to the recent passing of one of the Knox children. Discusses the recent bill describing the salaries of the various executive departments. Mentions General [Benjamin] Lincoln's recent appointment and his leading troops to negotiate with the Creek Indians in Georgia. Comments on his own prospects for receiving an appointment in the Revenue office or as Marshall. Also mentions the arrival of a French ship in the Boston area, as well as a bill from Captain [Thomas] Vose, Knox's agent in the Waldo patent.

GLC02437.04350

30 August 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson acknowledges that he received a letter from Knox on 22 August 1790. Laments that it was not within his "power" to take care of a debt that Knox asked him to settle in Worcester. Says he heard from a vessel from the West Indies that on 15 July war had been declared on England, but Jackson does not believe it, though he wishes "in god it may be true." Reports that Benjamin Austin, Jr. and Thomas Dawes, Jr. are "candidates for Federal Representatives for this district in the Room of Mr. Ames." Expects opposition, but believes "we shall be able to counteract them." Says that John…

GLC02437.04706

7 September 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

General Jackson did not receive Knox's letter of 30 August 1790 because he had been out of town. Jackson had met with two men named Jonathan Dow and Ebenezer Eastman interested in purchasing a "Township" from Knox. The land is between "Northern Stream and Lower debscot." These men assure Jackson they can bring in forty families to settle it immediately. Jackson needs to know what Knox wants to do about the situation. Jackson calls Knox's attention to an extract of a letter (in the newspaper) by Spanish Ambassador Don Diego de Gardoqui "which points an end to the prospects of War." Jackson…

GLC02437.04723

24 October 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson describes his concern that two letters he sent to Secretary of War Henry Knox did not reach him yet. Jackson tells Knox that a Captain Barnard is in Boston and will bring "the article" Knox left when he returns. Jackson also informs Knox of the courtship and pending marriage between John Codman and Katy Amory. Notes that judgment against a man named Richard has been postponed fourteen days, during which time Richard must prove that he paid a debt. Jackson closes by saying that Governor James Bowdoin is very sick and not expected to "continue long." "Free" stamped on address leaf…

GLC02437.04755

31 October 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson acknowledges receipt of Knox's letter of 24 October 1790 and was pleased to learn that Knox had arrived safely in New York. Jackson and others in Boston had received word of a coach accident that severely injured Mrs. Knox and some of their children. "To the astonishment of every body, Governor Bowdoin is yet living," Jackson reports, "for a week past every moment was supposed to be his last." Bowdoin "is a good and valuable man, and his death will be much lamented by his family and the public at large." Jackson comments on the performance of Knox's horse, "Boston," saying that Knox…

GLC02437.04763

7 November 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Acknowledges receipt of Knox's last letter. Tells Knox that he has spoken with the ailing Governor [James] Bowdoin "respecting the Fish, and we have concluded to put on board the first Vessell bound to Philadelphia." Bowdoin died at 4 o'clock that morning. "He had his reason to the last moment." Bowdoin's property left to "Mrs. Temple" will be "put into the hands of the Trustees, and the income only at her command during the life her husband but if she outlives him, it comes into their hands and at her own disposal." Notes he had a visit from Mr. [Sylvanus?] Bourne, but Jackson had no…

GLC02437.04773

14 November 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Acknowledges receipt of Knox's "favor of the [November 7] (inclosing [Samuel] Shaw and [Thomas] Randall's Bill, and Mr. [Sylvanus] Bourne's Note)." Complains of a chronic "disagreeable feeling in my head." To treat this, his doctor "bled me in my right Arm." "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.04777

21 November 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Refers to his last letter (GLC02437.04777) he sent to Knox. Believes "by bleeding and a few Salts" the "destruction in my head is in some measure removed." Informs Knox that he is sending via the Fish Knox's "[wall] Paper" which is now "finished and a most beautiful thing." Mentions he is ready to deal with Sylvanus Bourne regarding their debt issue. The word is that Governor Bowdoin's estate is worth £60,000. Describes in detail how Bowdoin's estate is to be divided. Bowdoin left £400 "to the College."

GLC02437.04779