26 December 1786

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Lamenting Shays' Rebellion, writes "I feel, my dear Genl. Knox, infinitely more than I can express to you, for the disorders which have arisen in these States. Good God! who besides a tory could have foreseen, or a Briton predicted them!" Alludes to "combustibles in every State, which a spark might set fire to." Notes that Virginia is (at the moment) calm, but worries over disputes regarding navigation of the Mississippi. Discusses an amendment to the existing Constitution regarding paper emissions and military certificates. Expresses sadness regarding the recent death of…

GLC02437.09409

17 July 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References Knox's letter of 10 July. Is happy to hear Lucy is doing well after the birth of their tenth child. Hopes God will take particular care of the little girl. Has made discreet inquiries about the powers of attorney necessary to transfer fifty bank shares, and describes the procedures for doing so. Reports that he asked Mr. Jarvis about the purchase of some land to satisfy "the ten proprietors." Says it is not best to "hurry the business, and therefore did not call the Committee together." Claims Jarvis understood his object and informed him…

GLC02437.05067

9 June 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Reiterates the request for money he made in his last letter (see GLC02437.00328). Mentions that Lucy is well, but their newborn is ill from teething. Discusses recent misfortunes from the invasion of Canada. Mentions the 8th Regiment quartered in Detroit heading towards Montreal with a party of Indians. Comments on the activities of Major Henry Sherburne, Colonel John Paterson, and General Benedict Arnold, and a six day truce forced on the British. Mentions that the army was stricken with small pox and General John Thomas was likely to die from them. Chastises William for…

GLC02437.00336

29 October 1794

Jarvis, Samuel G., fl. 1777-1794

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses his joy and appreciation over the friendship he shares with Knox and his lady [Lucy Knox]. Provides a detailed account of his last moments with his wife before she died. Notes she was four months pregnant and doing well. Discusses a romantic evening he had with her. Describes laying together at night for an hour talking and singing to her younger child. Says they awoke the next morning and laid in bed playing with their children past sunrise. Notes she walked over to his side of the bed and complained of a great pain in her side.…

GLC02437.06232

January 10, 1793 - January 15, 1793

Randall, Thomas, ?-1811

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Randall and Samuel Shaw ask Knox to forward information to a Mr. Anthony on the court case involving the ship "Nelly." The first two pages contain letters related to the case, apparently copied by Thomas Randall. The first page contains the postscript of a letter from Philips, Crammond & Co. It is dated 10 January from Philadelphia. It states that letters from P. Ferguson & Co. contained the vouchers transmitted "to recover the Nelly." Goes on to state they will not be admitted by the underwriters. Claims the business needs to be adjusted. Includes a copy of…

GLC02437.05784

16 October 1785

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes largely on financial subjects. Mentions a Mr. Appleton, and his attempts to get 20 associates to join. Also refers to a Mr. Sherbourn and a meeting with proprietors, and asks Knox about signing a bond they will be sending. Mentions that he has not heard anything about Lyde (likely the Captain of the boat Henry's brother William is travelling on to America) but that it is "momentarily expected." Adds that "Young Joshua Blanchard last week closed his doors, many others will soon follow," possibly referring to the financial difficulties many shopkeepers in Boston were…

GLC02437.03208

4 January 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks him for recent letters. Apologizes that he will be writing a hasty, brief letter as he will soon be leaving to spend the day with "our friend Ben" (probably Hichborn). Reports that only "four Federal Representatives are Elected in this State- Plymouth district Mr. [George] Partridge - Bristol Mr. [George] Leonard, Lincoln & York- Mr. [George] Thatcher- Suffolk Mr. [Fisher] Ames." Declares that these four are good men, and the other four that will be elected will undoubtedly be good also. Hopes their "friend [John] Brooks" will be elected from his district. Sends his love to…

GLC02437.04074

January 10, 1788

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses which states are ratifying the Constitution, and predicts its success. Notes "The determination of New York, of all others, seems most problematical; and yet, I can hardly entertain an idea that she will be disposed to stand alone..." Wonders whether a dispute between France and England will result in war. Predicts that if war does erupt, the United States will participate, since the current government does not have the power to restrain the people. Sends his and Martha's congratulations to Henry and his wife Lucy on the birth of a son, whom they have named…

GLC02437.09415

2 July 1785

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph document signed

Title: Paid for Mrs. Knox

Shaw notes that payment was made for purchases by Lucy Knox at the French milliner Mrs. Barre and at Luke Baker's store. Also noted that money was given to pay Mr. Sheppard's account. The total came to £3.1.4. Shaw mentions that Henry Jackson gave him the money.

GLC02437.08586

7 August 1781

Greene, Nathanael, 1742-1786

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Major General Greene as commander of the Southern Department to Brigadier General Knox. Says if reports of New York's investment are true then "you must be the hero of the day. Me thinks I hear the cannon roar while I am writing..." Hopes Knox will comes to the South after finishing the job around New York. Makes reference to a story involving General William Howe at the Battle of Morristown, which took place in 1777. Says "Where is How[e] with his nose, has he left off his part, or forgiven the levy that insulted it so grossly at Morristown?"…

GLC02437.01124

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…

GLC02437.03263

February 3, 1787

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Refers to the constitutional rights of Massachusetts. Also discusses insurgents in that state (Shays' Rebellion was losing momentum). Relates in confidence that he does not want to go to the Constitutional Convention (to be held in Philadelphia) but that convention organizers have included him and implored him not to make a final decision regarding whether or not he will attend. Admits that "powers are wanting" in government, but takes a pessimistic view, wondering how such powers shall be derived. Comments that Knox's opinion, to build a central national government, is…

GLC02437.09410

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…

GLC02437.03407

27 May 1779

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Comments on "the present grandees of our once respected town" (Boston). Criticizes the "mushroom gentry" rising in Boston, referring to those of recently established wealth, such as merchants. Notes that the honest man is scarcely noticed, "unless he can talk of his premiums and per cent..." Remarks that the past winter has been more enjoyable than the winter William spent as a soldier. Refers to the circle of ladies in New Jersey. Describes a dramatic scene at a recent tea party and "social hop," during which a gentleman fell and a girl was thrown from a phaeton. Mentions the Winslow…

GLC02437.00764

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

February 15, 1783

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Peirce to Major General Knox. References Knox's letter of 31 January. This is a follow up on Peirce's letter at GLC02437.01835. Says Mr Rowe has finally given a price of £3600 for the Belcher farm - one third due up front, one third in six months, and the last third in twelve months. Did not speak to Rowe about Knox's government securities as he wanted to know his opinion on the price first. Says a Gavin Brown has lately returned from England with news that Lucy's father was doing well as of last July. Brown saw Mr…

GLC02437.01921

April 8, 1783

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Letter written by William Knox to his brother Major General Knox. Makes several witty references to the length of time between their communications. Mentions the peace and says "most people here particular those in commerce are happy at it, those who are and who ought to be most discontented are the American Refugees who from either side have apparently but little to expect." Says he has only been in London for a few days after arriving from Holland. Says he saw Lucy Knox's family -- Mrs. Fluker, Mrs. Urquhart, as well as…

GLC02437.02073

25 August 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Writes that a friend of William's [name illegible but might be Mr. Samuel Hodgdon] will be travelling to France and will see William, so Knox felt he had to take the opportunity to write. Thanks William for his last several letters. Comments that he thinks William's motives are just for remaining in Europe till peace is achieved. Mentions the recent defeat of Comte de Grasse, and also relates that General George Washington has appointed him Commandant of West Point. Reports that he and his family resided in Philadelphia until they moved to the North River. Writes, "All my…

GLC02437.01539

2 September 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William, attending business in Henry's absence, transmits two letters from Lucy Knox (possibly GLC02437.03976 and GLC02437.03979). Notes that Congress recently addressed the question of its permanent location. Six states were in favor of New York, while four were in favor of Philadelphia, "so the question was lost as seven states are necessary for the decision." Discusses military matters: Royal Flint's clothing contract with [the War Department?]; Joseph Howell's appointment as Commissioner of Army Accounts; correspondence with Arthur St. Clair and Josiah…

GLC02437.03980

12 August 1781

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Lucy the wife of Brigadier General Knox, to her husband. Reports that four posts have come and gone without a letter from him. Says General Benjamin Lincoln also came from his quarters without any remembrances from him. Claims "this is what I am so unused to, that I scarce know how to behave under it., if it has meant to mortify it has answered the purpose admirably." Sent a letter last Thursday by Colonel Lewis and needs his answer to know how to proceed. Hears nothing of the army's movements and says she is "sick with anxiety, oh horrid war…

GLC02437.01129

25 September 1786

Humphreys, David, 1752-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Colonel David Humphreys, who has been elected to the Connecticut Legislature, writes to Knox about his opinions about the state militia. Wants to obtain a copy of the report he wrote for Congress on the subject. Would like his opinions in order to prevent anything contradictory to them from being passed. Writes, "In the present tumultuous times, you will readily conceive, my dear General, how much the public safety & even our very existance [sic] as a nation, may depend upon placing our Militia in proper hands & putting it upon an eligible footing." Also describes…

GLC02437.03302

31 July 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that Lucy Knox, Henry's wife, left for Newbury Port (possibly Massachusetts), the previous Monday. Mentions an express from General [Israel] Putnam to General [William] Heath, in which Putnam attested the British sailed from the Hook (possibly Paulus Hook, New Jersey), but did not know where they were bound. General George Washington assumed they are bound for Philadelphia, but a letter from General [Alexander] McDougal to Colonel Sears in Boston states they may be sailing toward Boston. Notes that Sears's behavior, including his intention to flee Boston, has "fright'd all the old…

GLC02437.00631

February 28, 1785

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Washington encloses letters "under flying Seals" to the Count de Rochambeau and the Marquis de Chastellux "introductory of Mr. Swan." Also includes certificates for Lieutenants Seaver and Henley (no documents included). Discusses suspending a building project in Alexandria, Virginia as his fiances were "not equal to the undertaking." Also discusses the use of stone versus oyster shell lime. Refers to laws passed by the Virginia and Maryland Assemblies regarding the improvement of navigation on the states' rivers. Virginia also passed an act to vest 100 shares in Washington and his heirs;…

GLC02437.09405

February 18, 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Says that he received his recent letters, including one to be delivered to [Benjamin] Hichborn. Asks him to give his regards to Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan. Writes that Major [William] North has not yet arrived, and he is afraid that North is sick on the road. Declares that he would be happy if his regiment were to remain at camp until it was full and properly organized, but would be satisfied to have any help from the state or from "influential monied men" in the form of supplies or clothing. Expects an order from Knox to be delivered by North allowing for some money, clothing and supplies…

GLC02437.03458

25 August 1776

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Responds to his brother's news about British ships sailing up the Hudson river, reinforcements arriving for the Continental Army, and Henry's optimistic outlook on the impending battle. Relays news from the West Indies that the Dutch have refused to renew a treaty with Britain to not sell military supplies to Americans and to supply the British with Scotch regiments. Hostilities between the two are beginning. Describes naval skirmishes. Mentions that he has not received any letters from Lucy Knox. Comments on the poor treatment of Tories exiled from Boston…

GLC02437.00425