February 12, 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes a friendly letter on a variety of topics. First, mentions that [Samuel] Shaw has set sail for the East and wishes him God's blessing. Hopes that he return safely to his friends and is richly rewarded; hopes that a Mr. S. does not disturb Shaw with his "overbearing temper." Goes on to discuss some business concerns, including a visit to Mr. [possibly Joshua] Loring. Wishes Knox and his family will, as promised, come to visit in the spring. Says that the Winslows are excited for the visit. Explains that he is "so tired of this world," and if Knox and his family were to move to the…

GLC02437.03242

12 March 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes a friendly letter in which he presents news on a variety of subjects. First, mentions that he applied to Judge Wendell for certificates that they had been discussing. He has so far been unsuccessful but will try again. John Hancock is feeling better and will soon depart [likely for New York]. General [Benjamin] Lincoln and another friend [possibly Thomas Russell] have purchased two townships and Lincoln is very pleased with them. Mentions that the Ohio Company were mentioned in the newspaper and that he apparently intends to invest with them. Comments that the General Court has…

GLC02437.03250

16 April 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes a friendly letter outlining various happenings in Boston. Relates that Mr. [John] Hancock is recovered and will travel to Congress [in New York] in the coming weeks. A Mr. Oliver Smith refuses to purchase lime from the Winslows because they will not sell it to him as cheaply as he can find it elsewhere. Has arranged to let Mr. Smith take the lime and have Knox work out the price when he arrives in Boston. Will dispose of Knox's hardware goods per his wishes. Captain Callahan will set sail to London on 16 April with Dr. [William] Gordon and his family. Reports that their friend Mr…

GLC02437.03260

23 April 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that Captain Hall is not back in town yet so he cannot do anything further about the lime business. Writes that Isaac Winslow has gone to Halifax, but they spoke about it and it is Winslow's opinion that it would take a large farm and many laborers to make the lime business profitable, but it might not be in the Winslow family's power to accomplish that. Further, the "government would not allow monopoly of this article to any one family." Lime is not selling well and the Winslows have a great store of it. Discusses other business, including sale of Knox's hardware, which is in…

GLC02437.03263

4 June 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Thomas Hutchins

Writes to propose Hutchins hire his friend Major [possibly Winthrop] Sargent to be a surveyor on the Ohio. Relates that as Congress passed a new resolve empowering Hutchins to appoint people to the position, if the original appointees do not arrive within a certain amount of time, he thinks this would be a good opportunity for Sargent, who is eager to work for Hutchins as a surveyor. Would like to find out Hutchins's opinion on the subject, if he has not already made arrangements with others who want the job. See GLC02437.03279 for related items.

GLC02437.03271

26 June 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Hutchins

Writes again to recommend his friend Major [Winthrop] Sargent for a position: "Major Sargent will deliver you this. He takes letters to you from a number of the delegates in Congress, and will in consequence I hope receive an appointment from you. I am persuaded no accommodations on your part will be wanting, and solely on the presumption of your having the power of appointment in case of vacancies he makes his journey of nearly seven hundred miles. His abilities, and attention will I have no doubt ensure him your esteem and friendship." See GLC02437.03271 for a related document.

GLC02437.03279

28 September 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that it gives everyone pleasure to hear Mrs. Knox is "well a Bed - I please myself the Child will do well altho appearances may at present be against it." Discusses the brief arrival in town of a Major [possibly Richard] Platt and mentions his financial problems. Will visit Isaac Winslow to consult him on the business Knox mentions. Discusses local business and political issues, such as the opening of the General Court and the speech by the Governor to both houses. Heard reports that 7,00 men were armed in Springfield to oppose sitting of the Supreme Court and that even more men are in…

GLC02437.03303

10 November 1786

Humphreys, David, 1752-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that since his last letter, has had an idea that he thought best directed to Knox privately. Suggests that "Congress, in all their Corps, to promote by Brevet the Lt Colonels Commandant to be Brigadiers, and the first Majors to be Lieutenant Colonels." Can see no negatives to this plan, as it would not cost them anything, and allow them all to retain command of their regiments. It would, perhaps, grant these officers recognition and therefore motivate them. Also, if they were called on to enter the militia, their rank would give them command over the militia colonels and "it might…

GLC02437.03334

12 November 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes primarily about his efforts to recruit a regiment in the Boston area. Sad to hear that the rank of Colonel Hull could not be altered, because now he is convinced Hull will not serve, and the military will lose a valuable officer. Will see him tomorrow and try to convince him. Visited the Castle a few days ago and found that he can, very cheaply, find barracks with room enough to quarter 200 men and if necessary can find 150 more. Will try to fill it up as recruits come in. Emphasizes the difficulty of recruiting more officers, as he has no money. Has offered companies to twenty…

GLC02437.03335

19 November 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that Colonel [possibly William] Hull accepted an appointment in the Massachusetts line, but wants to rank next to Jackson, with the title of Major. Major [William] North believes he will outrank Hull, but Jackson emphasizes that Hull should outrank North, with Major [likely Elnathan] Haskell third. As Major North is traveling to New York, Jackson expects he will try to talk to Knox about it, and wishes Knox to be prepared. Lists the men he nominated to be Captains, but mentions that the Governor and Council changed some of the names without telling him. Discusses some problems…

GLC02437.03339

29 November 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to David Humphreys

Written from the "War Office"; location inferred. Discusses the "derangement of the public finance" and the difficulty of being able to financially support the military establishment. Mentions that if Humphreys is with Colonel [Jeremiah] Wadsworth, Wadsworth can explain everything. Also discusses the recruitment of soldiers.

GLC02437.03356

11 December 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he is having difficulties with the "subscription," apparently being unable to raise even one shilling since writing his last letter. Complains about the carelessness with which the subscription paper is left around, and mentions that several "Rich men" still have not paid. Provides a list of the people who paid, and the amount they paid. Suggests that Knox asks some of their associates, such as Mr. [Samuel] Higginson and Mr. [Samuel] Breck, to lobby for subscriptions where they live. Writes that if he had known Knox was too short of funds to help his recruiting efforts, he…

GLC02437.03371

17 December 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that because the weather has been so cold and stormy, has had to procure blankets for the recruits. Now, however, every new recruit he enlists will expect a blanket. Asks for Knox's advice on this subject. Has discussed the supply of rations with Mr. [Stephen] Bruce, who will write to Knox and to the Board of Treasury on the subject. Discusses his attempts to locate a bundle of goods belonging Mrs. Knox. Sends his love to Mrs. Knox and the children.

GLC02437.03383

22 December 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that Colonel [possibly James] Swan will deliver six pair of white silk hose for Knox, which Jackson had ordered from overseas through a Mr. Debloise for his own use. Had ordered twelve pairs, but only kept six, "as that will be a sufficient supply for me, since I have [commenced] a soldier & shall wear boots more than shoes." Writes that they are top quality, and have just come off the ship. Adds, "If you should have a supply, and are not in want of them, return them to me, - I have had several applications, from over sized men, for [part] or all of them."

GLC02437.03387

23 December 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to David Humphreys

Apparently responding to GLC02437.03334. Apologizes for not writing sooner. Writes, "Brevet rank in general appears to me to be delusive and far from answering the purposes designed by it - It sours and disgusts all who are not the objects of it, and it implants in the heart of its professor a restless disposition until he obtains the emoluments and substantial benefits of his title -The progress of this presently render rank more intricate in its nature than landed property held under the various servants of the feudal system - For these and other reasons, I cannot fully accede to your…

GLC02437.03389

December 31, 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Provides an account of the recent actions of Shays and his followers: the previous Tuesday, they prevented the Court at Springfield from sitting. The Court will meet in Worcester on 23 January. He and General [Benjamin] Lincoln are recruiting troops and preparing the militia. Also extensively discusses the clothing, supplies, and provisions needed for the troops.

GLC02437.03398

7 January 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Happy to hear that Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan arrived safely. Their friends in Boston were concerned about their trip due to the weather. Asks Knox to present his compliments to the Swans, and to tell them that their family in Boston is doing well. Reports that the government is making preparations to support the sitting of the Court at Worcester on 23 January. General [Benjamin] Lincoln will be commanding 4000 militia men, including six artillery companies, beginning on 20 January. If the insurgents do not appear, the plan is to use the militia to find the insurgents and bring them to…

GLC02437.03407

January 10 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Hopes to hear from Knox by the Saturday mail. Writes that the expedition against Shays and his supporters "has a pleasing appearance." Funds have been raised for the expedition, a proportion of which will be used by the troops being raised. Asks him to deliver an enclosed letter (not present). Sends his respects to Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan, as well as to Lucy Knox and the Knox children.

GLC02437.03412

January 14, 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Was upset to receive no letter from Knox by the last post. Expected an answer to his last letter in which he asked about clothing and uniforms for his recruits. Writes that if he was furnished with the uniform and had Knox's permission, he feels he would have been able to procure enough money to clothe all the men he has enlisted, which amounts to more than 100. Discusses the money already procured against the insurgents, but is convinced the insurgents will never appear to fight against the new government forces. Has enclosed a letter from Miss Snelling for Knox to deliver (not present…

GLC02437.03416

January 21, 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that the insurgents are "most cursedly frightened, & wish themselves to the devil." Some of the insurgents went to see the Governor to ask that the troops not be deployed to stop the upcoming siege on the General Court; they promised the insurgents would not stop the court from sitting. They were too late, however, and the troops set off to march as planned. Provides some detail about where they were quartered and where they traveled. Explains that the troops are to track down the leaders of the insurgents if they do not stand and fight. Declares that it "is more like the year…

GLC02437.03420

January 28, 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks him for his last letter, and asks him to deliver an enclosed letter (not present) to Mrs. Swan and send the Swans his compliments. Discusses the fight against the insurgents: General [John] Brooks marched yesterday to support General [Benjamin] Lincoln against Mr. [Daniel] Shays and his supporters. Mentions that Rufus Putnam will be coming to help Lincoln as well. Will meet with the Governor that evening and if he is finished in time to send off a letter, he will provide Knox with any news. Provides him information on the status of the force fighting the insurgents. Adds some…

GLC02437.03429

February 3, 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks him for his recent letters, and sends his compliments to Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan. Asks him to tell Mr. Swan that his services are wanted in Boston. Provides information on the Legislature and the General Court; declares that everyone is in a state of anxiety as to whether particular counties will be declared in a State of Rebellion. Discusses the status of the Army's military stores and recruitment, as well as the status of the insurgents and General [Benjamin] Lincoln's troops. Fears that the loss of their son "will be too much" for Mr. and Mrs. [John] Hancock.

GLC02437.03441

February 11, 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received his last letter and delivered the enclosures appropriately. Sends regards to Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan, and reports that their family is well. Writes that the Rebellion is nearly at an end. Has enclosed newspapers to provide an "authentick & particular" account of the fate of Mr. [Daniel] Shays and his "banditti" as well as of the success of their friend General [Benjamin] Lincoln. Reports that the Legislature has voted to raise troops to protect the state and capture any rebels they find, and the Legislature is offering a bounty to encourage men to enlist. Is concerned that…

GLC02437.03450

25 June 1787

Humphreys, David, 1752-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes in full, "It appears by the Resolution of Congress, authorizing the Board of Treasury to enter into a Contract for a Copper Coinage, that a person is to be appointed to superintend the business on the part of the Public. Captn Throop, whose character & services you are fully acquainted with, and who is lately entirely thrown out of all employment by the dissolution of my Regiment, is desirous of obtaining the appointment, if it shall be deemed within his reach of the sphere of his ability to accomplish the duties of it. I beg leave, therefore, to recommend him very earnestly to…

GLC02437.03590

27 July 1787

Humphreys, David, 1752-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to Knox about his last trip to Portsmouth and Boston. Says he was present and "highly delighted" with most of the "Academic Excercises" held at the University of Cambridge [Harvard], including one by a young Mr. [John Quincy] Adams, who "distinguished himself by a manly & dignified oration on public Credit." Also discusses the government, saying "We are gladdened with Reports that the federal Convention is likely to adopt almost unanimously some energetic form of Government, & that it is made so palatable, there are hopes entertained, that it will be swallowed by the People…

GLC02437.03624