January 29, 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received his recent letter. Writes that he is "full in the opinion with you that so long as you are entangled with the Winslows, the Patent will never be worth half its real value, and you ought to exert every nerve to buy them out, or to immediately effect a division. Relates that he ran into Isaac Winslow Jr., who was anxious for news about Knox's decision, as it will affect the plans of Isaac and his brother Samuel. Explains what he learned about the Winslow's financial status and describes in detail a negotiation he held with them about buying their land. Discusses…

GLC02437.05300

20 February 1784

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

General Washington writes to Knox, who had been Chief of the Continental Artillery during the Revolutionary War. Recently visited his "aged Mother," Mary Ball Washington. Thanks Knox for so diligently reporting the state of the garrison and stores at West Point while he was there (1782-1783). Discusses payment of the Office of Secretary at War. Relates that the Society of Cincinnati will meet in Philadelphia on the first Monday in May, and that he named Philadelphia as the location to comply with the wishes of South Carolina. Writes, "I am just beginning…

GLC02437.09404

2 November 1788

Stagg, John, Jr., 1758-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Stagg fills in for William Knox at the War Office (William was conducting War Office business in Henry's absence and is indisposed due to illness). Notes that William is too sick to answer correspondence. Reports that [John] Pratt, who was ordered to march with troops to Fort Pitt, will soon arrive in New York. Comments on transporting clothing to Fort Pitt. Notes that Pratt's men and the clothing will depart from New Brunswick. Relates that Knox's last quarter's salary was issued in paper money and has been given to his wife, Lucy.…

GLC02437.04023

30 March 1788

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relates that he received a letter from Knox, and that Mr. Madison informed him Knox had recovered from a "severe indisposition." Discusses ratification of the Constitution at state conventions, commenting that New Hampshire's behavior has baffled other states due to a long adjournment. Notes that if Virginia rejects the Constitution, all those states following it will do the same, and the Constitution will not be adopted. Relates that northern Virginia supports the Constitution, while in general, southern Virginia is opposed. Comments that the Kentucke…

GLC02437.09417

5 August 1781

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Written at camp near Dobbs Ferry by Brigadier General Knox to his brother William Knox. References William's letter of 25 July 1781. Says he wrote last week and hopes he has received the letter as the post office has been unreliable. It seems that someone in Lucy Knox's family is dying, but Henry says he will not tell her because she "will be afflicted by it beyond moderation." Says her family in England will want to know of this information, and wants to be informed when a Mrs. Winslow will sail for Plymouth, so he can write…

GLC02437.01120

5 October 1778

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Written at Fredericksburgh. Comments on the arrival of (the privateer) General Arnold's prize. Thinks the British will leave the United States to secure their possessions elsewhere, noting that an attempt to capture the French fleet at Boston rests on too many uncertainties for the British. Recently received news that the French captured the island of Dominica, which Knox refers to as "Dominico." Also reports that France sent 4,000 men to take Jamaica. Comments that the British have taken cattle and forage in New Jersey, and surprised [Colonel George] Baylor's regiment,…

GLC02437.00728

15 August 1774

Rivington, James, 1724-1802

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks him to sell his excess tea, and gives details for the transaction. Indicates that a much larger quantity of the tea he sent is already on its way to Boston. Tells him to work with James Seagrove to sell the additional tea. Thanks him for selling his newspaper, Rivington's New-York Gazetteer. Vouches for the honor and integrity of the "Gallant Royals of Wales," British troops on their way to Boston. Congratulates Knox on his recent marriage to Lucy Flucker. The third page is a note to Dr. Goldthwais, in which Rivington authorizes the release of his money to Knox, and in turn, asks…

GLC02437.00178

29 March 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks him for his recent letter. Comments on Knox's accusation that Jackson did not write him when he was supposed to, but provides an excuse. Writes, "What a misfortune, that the new government is not yet formed - the Feds are uneasy, & the Antis are rising tip toe in consequence of the delay - however, we keep up our spirits and hope for the best." Discusses the election of the Vice President, and the desire of the people of Boston to support the Federal Government. Reports that he and Benjamin Hichborn are delayed in departing for their visit to New York because…

GLC02437.04158

5 October 1793

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions their son Henry Jackson Knox is probably already in Boston. Says all are well, except Lucy who was left in Newark with the Ogden's. Says Mr. Breck has hired three rooms in Newark because he has no hope of getting to Philadelphia in the coming months. Reports that she does not believe Congress will sit in Philadelphia, in reference to the yellow fever outbreak. Mentions the deaths of people they know, including the mother and sister of Benjamin Rush and [Major David] Franks. Rush also said that Mr. Blodget and Mr. Clymer were ill. Heard that on…

GLC02437.05953

4 March 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the arrival of mutual friends, Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan, in New York City. Shares the Swans' gratitude for the warm welcome Knox and his wife Lucy are showing them. Mentions steps he has taken to fill orders for military supplies, such as clothing for soldiers. Continues with military matters concerning the stationing of men throughout Massachusetts, as well as his attempts to recruit men. Also discusses his fears about Congress disbanding his regiment. Relates the appointment of delegates for the Federal Convention, including Francis Dana,…

GLC02437.03482

28 July 1776

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the recent American victory in Charleston, South Carolina, and praises the patriotism and dedication of those in the southern campaign. Notes Captain Skimmer (possibly a privateer) seized a large ship and brought it to Marblehead, Massachusetts, and captured Benjamin Davis, a sandemanian preacher who was on board. Reports supplies on board. Davis and the other prisoners were brought to Boston, where the guards had to prevent the people from attacking him. Recounts what he recently wrote to Lucy Knox about her family and the establishment of a…

GLC02437.00397

3 June 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Notes that he received William's account of stock resulting from the plunder of British troops. Discusses notes that must be paid that pertain to personal business. Asks William to send him money to buy a carriage, so that Lucy Knox can leave New York quickly if there is danger. Also asks him to send uniform buttons he previously wrote about (see GLC02437.00275). Wants William to keep him informed on what is done with the confiscated Tory estates. Requests a copy of Edes and Gill's monday newspaper. The British had left many supplies in Boston when they…

GLC02437.00328

April 1776

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses her love for Henry and attempts to make him feel guilty for being away from home and family, particularly his infant daughter. Thanks him for his three recent letters (see GLC02437.00273, GLC02437.00275, GLC02437.00276) but wonders why the letter he promised from New York has not arrived. Mentions that their daughter Lucy was christened at Trinity Church. Comments on her alarm at hearing that the British have taken George's Island in Boston Harbor. Knox was then moving southward toward New York, planning coastal defenses against the British navy for Rhode Island and Connecticut…

GLC02437.00282

24 July 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References Knox's letter of 17 July. Will forward the letter Knox included for David Cobb. Claims that Cobb will write him and President Washington about the Postmaster General position. Tells Knox that Cobb's situation is "a very unpleasant one." Reports that Cobb is out of debt, but that he has 11 children and a wife to support without the means of doing so. Says that Cobb needs an appointment to a federal job to sustain himself. Reports Philips, the chairman of the Committee of the Sale of Eastern Lands, met with him and they…

GLC02437.05081

15 November 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that Ben, possibly Benjamin Hichborn, and Sam Gardner, will consider Knox's unspecified proposal. Reports that Captain Thomas Vose, who was overseeing affairs on Knox's Maine lands, was in town the previous week. Vose fears that a ship sailing from the St. George River was lost at sea. Adds that Knox's coachman, William, was on board. Notes that the people who live on Knox's land are late in their payments because of Brown's petition, and they will not make any payments as long as the petition's…

GLC02437.04415

24 December 1782

Shippen, Thomas Lee, 1765-1798

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from "Head Quarters." Writes, "I take the liberty to address these few lines to you, to deliver the compliments and best wishes of Papa and Mamma to yourself and Mrs. Knox agreable to their desire. I also enclose a letter to you from my uncle Blair which I expected to have had the honor to deliver myself when you came to Head Quarters yesterday: Gen. Howe detained me at his quarters and made me expect that you would not leave Camp until today. The dissapointment on my part was great as it was disagreable, however I am happy to hear from the General that you enjoy a perfect state of…

GLC02437.01761

29 July 1776

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Responds to a letter in which Knox described a meeting between George Washington and an adjutant general from the British army seeking to deliver a letter and negotiate a truce (the story was written to Lucy in GLC02437.00385). Claims that the information about the conference had not been known to anyone else in Boston. Seeks Knox's permission to have the account printed. Mentions that the Continental troops have left Boston triggering the creation of a new militia. Comments on preparatory activities of Colonel Craft's regiment. Discusses a privateer's seizure of a ship bound for New…

GLC02437.00400

15 September 1776

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Complains that Henry has not written to him recently and explains how he has received information from Lucy Knox and Mrs. Jonathan Pollard. Claims that they do not have many good sources for the news in Boston. Indicates that a British ship called the Mifford is seizing any vessel that comes near it in the bay. Mentions plans to mobilize troops from Connecticut. Notes that Benjamin Franklin, Edward Rutledge, and John Adams were being sent by Congress to meet with William Howe, a peace conference that later proved unsuccessful. Mentions reports of a…

GLC02437.00445

11 October 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the education of the son of a mutual friend [possibly named Sumner or Summer], whose legitimacy is suspect. Writes, "I am afraid whether I have any thing in writing that acknowledges him as his Son & that he ment [sic] to consider him as such with respect to his property." Forwards a letter from Dr. [William] Eustis concerning his desire to "have the charge of the Invalids" in Massachusetts (not present). Speaks highly of Eustis's integrity, and suggests Knox may want to appeal to Colonel [Alexander] Hamilton on Eustis's behalf, as Hamilton will be making the…

GLC02437.04386

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…

GLC02437.03303

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…

GLC02437.03339

January 5, 1785

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Washington complains of applications, letters of compliment, and enquiries which occupy his time and deprive him of exercise. He plans to hire someone to deal with the drudgery of this troublesome correspondence. Assures Knox that his letters are valued, as Washington enjoys corresponding with those he loves. Discusses the extended navigation of United States rivers, hoping that the legislatures will agree. Proposes to employ adventurers to first navigate the rivers, and later to impose tolls as river traffic increases, noting that the enterprise will not begin at the expense…

GLC02437.09406