28 November 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Advised Knox and family to get out of Philadelphia in the summer or be exposed to "the unhealthy climate of that City in the hot Season..." Describes a severe snowstorm that has hit Boston. Mentions that Governor John Hancock is not well and "is not long for this world." Says the Governor's face and legs are frequently swollen. Notes Mr. [Sylvanus] Bourne has delivered all of his papers to Colonel [Benjamin] Hichborn. Says he is interested in hearing how Knox's horse "Boston" is working out for him.

GLC02437.04782

5 December 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Notes he received Knox's letter of 21 November. Says he feels bad that Knox is not that happy in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania but reminds him that he "must not expect all that elegance and convenience that you left in New York." Notes he is sending Knox's [wall]paper to him including a bill that will sail out on a ship the following day. Comments that the weather continues to be severely cold and a man was found frozen to death. Looks to Knox to give one of his friends a government appointment. Says the friends and family of "Lt. Foule" are looking to pick up his effects and his pay.

GLC02437.04790

12 December 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Complains about the increased distance between them but says if they "continue to write on Sundays, we shall hear from each other the middle of every week." Worries Knox's new and unfurnished house might cause illnesses in his family during this time of year. Discusses Knox's wallpaper and the severe weather in Boston. Mentions that [Sylvanus] Bourne "is choosen Fed-Rep for the County of Plymouth." Says he has found a relief in his head by "bleeding and regular diet." Also expects that "exercise and temperance" will help him fully recuperate. Writes, "by every Vessell from Europe the…

GLC02437.04795

14 December 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Notes this letter will be delivered by Major Samuel Gatchell. Tells Knox that Gatchell is interested in an appointment to one of the cutters ordered by Congress. Attests to Gatchell's "reputation and honor."

GLC02437.04796

19 December 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson describe the severe weather and snow that continues to afflict the Boston area. Notes with sadness the news he heard that General Harmar has lost 700 men [fighting Indians] and that "from every quarter an European War appears pretty certain-which I wish might bring out a South American expedition." The canal idea is "much talked of." Jackson advises that Knox write Judge John Lowell on the matter. Jackson is optimistic that enough money can be raised for the project.

GLC02437.04801

5 January 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

General Jackson is happy to have received Secretary of War Knox's letter of 28 December 1790. Mentions a card party he is attending "with a small circle of female friends." "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.04818

9 January 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses his joy on finally hearing from Knox: "a Lover never received a Letter from his Mistress with half the pleasure that I received yours of the 28th [of December]." Talks about Knox's wallpaper and the trial of Knox's "Coachman." Jackson's news includes "a confirmation that the dispute between England and Spain is made up.-this comes by a ship which arrived here yesterday from Halifax." Jackson is disappointed that there won't be a war. Jackson did not accept an appointment to the militia because he is waiting for the one that Governor Bowdoin granted him before he died. Jackson is…

GLC02437.04820

January 16, 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes Knox's business with Mr. [Sylvanus] Bourne has been settled. Says they celebrated "the 11th of February as the Presidents birthday but we have been told, that is not the proper day, as we intend to Feast this year on the same occasion, I wish you to inform me...which is the most proper the 11th or the 22nd." Mentions that the "General [Josiah] Harmar affair has caused much conversation, with many severe reflections, but his military friends have in some measure supported him - I believe it has been an unhappy affair. I hope he will be able to vindicate himself."

GLC02437.04831

January 23,1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes, "General Harmar's letter of the 23d of November as publish'd in the papers, has relieved the minds of many, and the people are now less severe in the observations on his conduct." Says Captain John Hobby has written him seeking an appointment in the new militia. Believes Hobby is "one of the best of Officers, and is a Man of activity & integrity, and will do honor to any appointment." Also mentions John Tracy's desire for an appointment. From what he knows, Tracy is an honorable man with a good family. Acknowledges that the clamors for appointments must be challenging for Knox…

GLC02437.04835

January 30, 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that Governor John Hancock "deliver'd a lengthy speech to both houses, it was a very good one, and well received, the question has frequently been asked, who wrote it." Mentions when Samuel Sewall took his seat in the Massachusetts legislature he was rejected from all quarters of the House "because he was a district Judge of the United States." A debate took place and Sewall's supporters included William Eustis and James Bowdoin, but they were in the minority. Writes, "many good Federalists are sorry that Judge Sewall made a question of this business." Talks about the favorable…

GLC02437.04841

12 July 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he is sorry to "hear of the situation of your poor little fellow Washington, but as I did not hear from you last evening, I please myself he is better, which I pray god may be the case..." Sends news of their mutual friend Shaw, who is home and "will be disappointed if he does not meet with the kindest reception from his sweetheart" and so states that Knox "must prepare the way." Goes on to describe Shaw's ship ("the most perfect ship ever built in America") and nomination of officers. Notes that "the Impost Law is passed & approved by the President..." Mentions the trouble…

GLC02437.10222

12 April 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received his last letter, with its enclosure for Mr. [James] Swan. Writes that Mr. [possibly Sylvanus or, more likely, Congressman Shearjashub-only provides a first initial, "S"] Bourne arrived the previous Thursday with election results declaring John Adams to be Vice President. Mentions how Adams will travel to New York, including making a stop to visit Governor [John] Hancock. Writes that General [Benjamin] Lincoln likely will not be elected Governor, as Hancock has probably won reelection, with Mr. [Samuel] Adams elected Lieutenant Governor. Adds information about local elections.…

GLC02437.04178

15 April 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the sale of lands belonging to Knox's eastern territories, likely part of the Waldo patent lands. Declares that he has done research into the subject, but his last report to Knox may have been "premature." Mentions that Vice President [John] Adams left on Monday to travel to New York, and that Governor [John] Hancock acted honorably during his part of the festivities. Also mentions his plan to depart for New York in one week.

GLC02437.04181

24 May 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he arrived in Boston yesterday after a pleasant journey, and found all of his friends well. Found that his parents were both quite ill and confined to their bedchamber, and fears particularly for his father, who seems to be declining fast. Mentions that when he passed through Watertown, Captain [Thomas] Vose approached him to discuss concerns about Vose's trip eastward to the Waldo patent lands. Reports that Vose was distressed because Knox took so long to respond to Vose's letter that Vose has been unable to proceed eastward to begin his work as Knox's agent. Vose is also…

GLC02437.04217

31 May 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received his last letter. Is sorry to hear that Knox injured himself at the game of fives. Hopes his recovery will not be long, but advises him to take care of himself: "it will be a good lesson to you, when you exercise, to do it with less violence." Discusses a visit by Captain [Thomas] Vose, in which he helped Vose to prepare to depart for the Waldo patent lands, so that Vose could work as an agent for Knox. Delivered a letter to Vose from Knox, and watched Vose and his family pack their belongings and depart on a ship. Vose seemed to feel happy about the arrangements they made.…

GLC02437.04227

7 June 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he received Knox's last letter, and, noting that Knox did not mention his leg injury, he assumes Knox has recovered. He does remind Knox to be more careful the next time he plays sports. Discusses current politics in Massachusetts, such as the illness of the Governor. Also declares that the General Court is concerned that its members are no longer as influential now that the new federal government is running. Provides information on their friends and acquaintances in Boston as well.

GLC02437.04236

14 June 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received his last letter. Is glad to hear that his health is improving, though he imagines his confinement must have been "tedious & disagreeable." Discusses a recent letter "Cousin Isaac" [possibly Isaac Winslow, Sr.] wrote to Knox about a petition regarding the Waldo patent lands, and promises that their friend Ben [Benjamin Hichborn] will attend to it (see GLC02437.04239 for related information). Describes a recent social engagement, in which a Captain Linsee invited a party of gentlemen on board his boat. Lastly, mentions that he heard that Congress passed a measure to appoint…

GLC02437.04240

5 July 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes concerning the annual meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati at the Bunch of Grapes where they all had a "joyous day, everyone endeavoring to make each other happy." Goes on to describe the general business of the meeting. "We choose the same officers as last year..." Watermarked "L Paine" and with a hunting horn in a crest with "G R" underneath.

GLC02437.10221

7 August 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to David Humphreys

Writes that he will attend the President at nine, and that "the message respecting the troops should be accompanied by a statement which shall be prepared and submitted to the president so that it may be communicated to the house any time after to day."

GLC02437.04320

7 August 1789

Humphreys, David, 1752-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes in full, "The President commands me to inform you, that he proposes to lay the Communications relative to the Indian affairs in the Southern District and the establishment of a national Militia before both Houses of Congress, as soon as they shall have convened to-day; for which purpose he desires that you will call upon him at a proportionally early hour. - In the mean time, if you have in readiness the additional clause respecting the Troops now in service he wishes you to forward it by the bearer, that he may have time to give it consideration previous to its insertion in his…

GLC02437.04321

21 May 1791

Humphreys, David, 1752-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Humphreys as the American Minister to Portugal to Knox as Secretary of War. Humphreys writes a letter of introduction for the Chevalier de Freire, who will be a Portuguese diplomat to America. Describes the minister as a man "of infinite worth," and asks that Knox "do him all the good in your power, more as an honest tribute of veneration for his merit, than in simple compliance with the recommendation of" Humphreys.

GLC02437.04954

15 November 1791

Huntington, Ann, fl. 1791

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mrs. Ann Huntington, wife of General Jedediah Huntington, writes in support of her friend Anna Welch's petition (see GLC02437.05238). Discusses her virtues and her unfortunate circumstances, and encourages Knox to defend her petition in Congress. Sends her respects to Mrs. Knox.

GLC02437.05240

27 June 1794

Humphreys, David, 1752-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Introduces a Captain Heysell to Knox. Informs Knox that Haysell is a commander of a Danish ship and is interested in purchasing American ships for the Danish merchant service. Comments, "I shall be happy to learn that he shall have been instrumental in promoting the commercial intercourse between the two Countries."

GLC02437.06126

7 January 1794

Humphreys, Joshua, 1751-1838

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Congratulates Knox on his retirement and bids him farewell. Writes, "It would be ingratitude in me to be silent on your leaving the office of Secretary at War, you have so long & so honorably filled, without expressing my most cordial thanks for the Friendly & polite treatment I have received from you since I have been honored by your appointment... To hear of your happiness will always give me pleasure, and may you & yours always enjoy as much as this life can afford."

GLC02437.06296

5 May 1796

Humphreys, Joshua, 1751-1838

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks about lumber he would like to order from Knox, outlining the measurements he needs, and offering a price for it.

GLC02437.06731