February 3, 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the Massachusetts convention for ratification of the United States Constitution: "The Convention are still seting and is supposed the final vote will not be taken untill Wednesday or Thursday next-" Mentions John Hancock's support of the Constitution and his article published in the previous day's Massachusetts Centinel. Calls the Anti-Federalists "so damnable stupid and ignorant...the whole race of the Antis are a set of poor devils..." Notes that the Anti-Federalists are concerned about their pay. Predicts that Massachusetts will adopt the Constitution. Encloses a receipt…

GLC02437.03784

February 13, 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses Massachusetts' ratification of the Constitution of the United States. Reports that [Rufus] King, who was part of the convention, will soon arrive in New York and will be able to inform Knox of "every particular that took place" during the final days of deliberation. Calls King "an able & charming fellow..." Mentions parades held in Boston to celebrate adoption of the Constitution. Notes, "Several Gentlemen from the remote parts of the States inform that the people are universally pleased with the adoption of the Constitution." Reports that New Hampshire meets on the same…

GLC02437.03795

February 24, 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson writes, "we are perfectly quiet in this State with respect to the adoption of the New Constitution-Fed's & Anti's almost to a Man united and determined to give it every support..." Reports that New Hampshire has adjourned their ratification convention until June. Encloses a letter from a man who hopes to buy land from Knox (letter not included).

GLC02437.03807

2 March 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Notes that he writes on this half sheet because it is Sunday and he cannot purchase more paper. Writes, "the Legislature of this State met in Wednesday last, [re] his Excellencies speech to them, it is highly approved off [sic], all is quiet & every body satisfied with respect to the adoption of the Federal constitution." Comments on the death of Thomas Cushing, who had been the Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts. Reports that [Nathaniel] Gorham, [Benjamin] Lincoln, [James] Warren, and [Elbridge] Gerry have been suggested by various sources to fill Cushing's place. Notes that the…

GLC02437.03812

10 March 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that he has been absent from Boston, attending a meeting of the Ohio Company in Providence, Rhode Island. Is pleased to find Knox has several shares of Ohio Company land. Predicts that New Hampshire will ratify the Constitution and Rhode Island will not. Hopes that John Hancock and Benjamin Lincoln will win the next election for governor and lieutenant governor of Massachusetts respectively. Notes that the Anti-Federalists and the "Insurgent influence" will support [James] Warren and [Elbridge] Gerry for the positions. Further discusses politics.

GLC02437.03819

15 March 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson writes, "The General Court are yet seting, & in many instance they discover their old insurgent temper and principles, & cannot help shewing their teeth on almost every occasion that respects government- but I hope in god their day is short- for the moment the Federal Constitution begins to operate, their influence must & will disappear like a vapour-" Notes that present state politics are focused on who will win the election for governor and lieutenant governor. Expresses confidence that John Hancock will be reelected as governor. Notes that Anti-Federalists will…

GLC02437.03822

23 March 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Refers to a package of newspapers including a map from Mr. Fales, possibly transmitted to Knox. Discusses Massachusetts politics, particularly the election of lieutenant governor. Expects Benjamin Lincoln to obtain the post over James Warren, although the Federalist vote may be split between Lincoln and Samuel Adams. Predicts that Hancock will maintain his post as Governor of Massachusetts. Will soon speak to Mr. Jarvis. Relates that Mrs. Swan is well. Marked "private" on the address leaf.

GLC02437.03828

30 March 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports on the Massachusetts election for governor and lieutenant governor. Encloses newspapers (not included) for Knox, on the election, noting that the papers attack "poor Cincin" (based on usage in GLC02437.03833, may refer to Benjamin Lincoln). Relates that Benjamin Lincoln and Samuel Adams are splitting the Federal party for lieutenant governor, while the Anti-Federalists support James Warren. John Hancock is expected to be reelected as Governor. Expects that John Langdon will be chosen as New Hampshire's governor, which will disappoint [John] Sullivan. Recently applied to the…

GLC02437.03831

6 April 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for the information regarding Maryland's possible adoption of the Constitution. Writes, "I flatter myself that nine States will ratify it by June next- so as to set the wheels agoing by next winter." Has been assured by John Langdon and others that New Hampshire will also ratify the Constitution. Relates that Langdon will be chosen "President," or Governor, of New Hampshire over John Sullivan. Discusses the Massachusetts elections, noting that John Hancock will retain his post as Governor. Reports that the Federalists are split between Benjamin Lincoln and Samuel Adams for…

GLC02437.03833

13 April 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the possibility that New York will not ratify the Federal Constitution. Writes, "I hope the Lord will turn the hearts of the Antis in New York that they may see the necessity of adopting the proposed constitution Some of our Feds are doubtfull whether nine States will Ratify it, and then all that has been done will be lost. If this should be the case I think we had [better] never attempted an alteration, as the Antis & Insurgents will feel a consequence & an influence arising from it that will throw the government into the greatest disorder." Encloses newspapers (not…

GLC02437.03837

20 April 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Recently heard news that their mutual friend, James Swan, arrived in France. His wife, Hepzibah Clark Swan, is still in America and hopes James will send for her. Jackson doubts he will be able to, noting "...I am sure his Finances are not sufficient to support it, that is, if he has left with me a true statement of his affairs." Refers to the Massachusetts election for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Reports that their mutual friend, "the General," has 3/5 of the vote (referring to Benjamin Lincoln and the election for Lieutenant Governor). Of Massachusetts legislature, writes "Our…

GLC02437.03852

27 April 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Refers to a recent "affray" in New York [the so-called Doctors Riot], expressing relief that Knox was not injured. Discusses a financial matter related to "Pierce's final settlement," arguing that he can make use of ten thousand dollars "without the least risque" (refer to GLC02437.03842 and GLC02437.03866). Notes that their mutual friend, Colonel James Swan, arrived in France. Marked "private" on the address leaf.

GLC02437.03862

4 May 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Forwards a subscription to Knox from Reverend Freeman (not included). Reports that General Benjamin Lincoln has the majority of votes (for Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts). Comments on a recent visit he paid to James and Mercy Otis Warren in Milton, Massachusetts, noting that Mrs. Warren "was made very happy when I inform'd her you proposed paying us a visit this month." Notes that unless Knox attends, Massachusetts will not be represented in the upcoming Philadelphia meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati. Relates that Mrs. Hepzibah Swan, wife of James Swan, sends her love. Marked…

GLC02437.03865

29 May 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson previously suggested that he invest 10,000 of Knox's dollars [in certificates]. Knox was appalled by the idea, and severely criticized Jackson for his suggestion (refer to GLC02437.03877, GLC02437.03876 and GLC02437.03866). Jackson writes, "good god to think that [I] should have done a thing to cause you so much distress, is worse than death to me- nothing shall be wanting on my part to recover the notes- your sending your brother- Harry I dont know what to say my mind is so distress'd-"

GLC02437.03879

1 June 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes a distressed letter to Knox on the subject of his investment of 10,000 dollars worth of Knox's notes without his permission. Explains that he did not answer Knox's previous letters because he thought Knox was on his way to Boston, thus assumed the letters would fall into other hands. Expresses his regret that Knox did not come in person, but instead sent his brother William to collect the notes. Writes, "The subject, the thought gives me pain- we have been acquainted for years------- excuse me Harry, its too tender a subject.... I wish never to see you------ my love to Lucy and the…

GLC02437.03885

18 April 1785

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the proper time to sell goods recently arrived from London that were consigned to Henry Knox. Relates that Granville Sharp sent a box of books intended for Knox, Harvard College, Rhode Island College, and George Washington. The books were damaged in transit, and are presently with Lucy, Knox's wife. Reports that in a recent meeting (held at Faneuil Hall in Boston) merchants resolved "to have no dealings whatever with any British mercht. agents... that we will not receive them to Board-Speak or have any connections with them, [that] we will not Let them a House shop-store, or…

GLC02437.03128

7 March 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he received Knox's last letter: "I rejoice with you & your family in the prospect of your being so soon well & a perfect cure effected." After reading his letter, showed it to Ben [Hichborn], who declared he has written to Knox about their business. Writes, "On Wednesday morning the Bells in this Town were set a Ringing in Honor of the Day - the Birth Day of the New Government, and a [general] joy ran through the whole of the inhabitants of this City - I believe there is not a more Federal Spot in Union. - We are momently expecting an Express from New York, announcing…

GLC02437.04138

February 12, 1783

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he will be passing through Knox's garrison with his own regiment and asks for Knox's advice concerning traveling down a river. Also tells Knox that "Col. Frank Barber of the Jersey Line was yesterday afternoon Kille'd [sic] dead on the spot, by the fall of a tree as he was going home to diner [sic] his horse was kill'd also." Noted as written at Huts.

GLC02437.01913

February 21, 1783

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Sends General Henry Knox a bass, caught near the port where Jackson is at present. Describes the fish as a Mr. Bass, a possible spy for the enemy and warns him to be on guard at West Point for a sudden attack. States that Knox should "examine him [Mr. Bass] well & if he will not give you a good account of himself, you had better cut him up joint by joint, ... pour hot melted Butter & Pa[r]sley over him & if he should then remain refractory, the best to be done with him will be to drownd [sic] him in good old [mead ?]."

GLC02437.01939

February 22, 1783

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he is sending Doctor Robert Tucker, "a very bitter Tory & a great enemy to his country," so "that he may be confined in the Provost at West Point & Secured in any other mode you may think necessary." Also mentions that there has been talk of peace in New York and that he hopes to hear very soon about the end of the war. Written at "[Delevans] Crompond," possibly in New York.

GLC02437.01945

8 June 1783

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses sending out notices for the Society of the Cincinnati and mentions setting up to vote for officer positions.

GLC02437.02154

27 May 1784

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson writes, "...I have sent the Barge to convey you here- indeed if you have nothing definitive respecting an establishment, on the Troops in service, it is absolutely necessary for you to be here, if only for a day- many matters want your determination as Commander in Chief." Knox had been in Annapolis, Maryland, apparently to discuss military matters before Congress.

GLC02437.03007

13 April 1785

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson, one of Knox's closest friends, encloses letters that arrived on a ship from London (letters not included). Reports that goods shipped by Knox's brother, William, on the Hero are consigned to Knox. Advises Knox to sell the goods as quickly as possible to avoid financial embarrassment, noting that Henry's wife, Lucy, agrees.

GLC02437.03126

25 April 1785

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions letters (pertaining to business affairs) that recently arrived by ship for Knox, newly appointed Secretary at War. Reports news of Knox's brother William, who suffered from mental illness: "By Mr. Webbers letters you will observe the melencolly [sic] situation of poor Bill, it makes my heartache when I think of him- Mr Webber appears to be a divine man, & it must give you great consolation that Bill has fallen into such good hands" (referring to James Webber, a close friend and subsequent caretaker of William). Advises Knox to send for his brother, noting that all of William's…

GLC02437.03132

1 May 1785

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses recent correspondence between himself and Knox, recently appointed Secretary at War. Discusses business and financial matters pertaining to Knox (apparently, Jackson was managing Knox's affairs while Knox was in New York).

GLC02437.03136