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5 February 1788
Washington, George, 1732-1799
to Henry Knox
Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, discussing the vote on whether to adopt the Constitution in Massachusetts and Virginia. Copy made 8 February 1854.
GLC02437.09339
30 March 1788
Later copy of original letter. Discussing support for the Constitution in various states, notably New Hampshire. Copy made 4 March 1854.
GLC02437.09340
17 June 1788
Later copy of a letter written by Washington to Knox, discussing the Anti-Federalists and debate in each state over ratifying the Constitution. Copy made 3 March 1854.
GLC02437.09341
1 April 1789
Later copy of a letter written by Washington to Knox, discussing his hesitation to become President. Reads "My movements to the chair of Government will be accompanied with feelings not unlike those of a culprit who is going to the place of his...
GLC02437.09342
19 November 1790
Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, discussing an expedition against the Wabash Indians. Expresses disappointment in General [Josiah] Harmer. Expected little from Harmer, after hearing he was a drunkard. Instructs Knox to present other...
GLC02437.09343
1 January 1791
Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, which transmitted a letter from the President of the Society of the Cincinnati of South Carolina (possibly William Moultrie). Relates that the enclosed letter pertains to a resolution of the Society....
GLC02437.09344
22 January 1792
Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, instructing Knox not to disclose information regarding the nomination of General Officers and a bill that has not yet passed. Copy made 1 February 1854. Original of this letter is GLC02437.09424.
GLC02437.09345
29 February 1792
Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, discussing the case of General St. Clair (possibly Arthur St. Clair), noting that he wishes to answer St. Clair's letters with a reply that can be published. Comments that saying neither too much nor...
GLC02437.09346
24 September 1792
Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, thanking Knox for information he previously sent within his private letters. Mentions Mr. Hammond, Mr. Penn, and Andrew Hamilton. Asks how Pennsylvania State officers, including Mr. Morris (possibly...
GLC02437.09347
5 April 1794
Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, discussing General Israel Chapin's negotiations with the Six Nations (possibly referring to the Canandaigua Treaty of 1794). Notes that the Treaty should take place apart from British agents and spies...
GLC02437.09348
20 September 1795
Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, discussing a letter recently received from Knox "with great pleasure." Comments on Knox's home in Maine (Knox retired to his estate, Montpelier, in 1795, located near the St. George River in Thomaston...
GLC02437.09349
2 March 1797
Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, thanking Knox for a letter recently received. Offer condolences to Knox for his recent losses (several of Knox's children died 1796-1797, including his seven year old son named after George Washington)...
GLC02437.09350
16 July 1798
Later copy of the final portion of a letter from Washington to Knox. This section discusses private matters related to the Secretary of War. Also worries about "The loss of our independence or the Subjugation of our Goverment both of which are...
GLC02437.09351
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...
GLC02437.09417
10 February 1776
Waters, Josiah, fl. 1776-1794
Congratulates Knox on a safe return from Fort Ticonderoga, where he was retrieving artillery pieces for the Continental Army in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Has had trouble obtaining books on military fortification and asks Knox, who had been a...
GLC02437.00249
7 June 1782
Congratulates Knox on his recent promotion. Informs him that he has "been again prevailed upon to accept the disagreeable task of procuring this Towns Quota of Recruits for the Continental Army," a task which is "all times disagreeable but more...
GLC02437.01443
7 November 1782
Writes, "This will be delivered to you by Mr. J. Byles who if I mistake not served his time previous to the war with Mr. John Simpkins." After this time, he suffered "many adverse fortunes which has induced him to enter the service of the united...
GLC02437.01703
4 January 1783
Webb, J., fl. 1783
Written by Jos. Webb, possibly Joseph or Josiah Webb. Writes that he has business to settle with David Porter of Hartford, who has a son, Moses, in Colonel [perhaps Samuel] Webb's regiment. Would like to request Porter's son be allowed to return...
GLC02437.01795
30 October 1784
Doughty, John, 1754-1826
Proof of powder made at West Point
Titles continues to add that the powder referred to is "made at West Point with a 24 pd Ball fired from a 5 1/2 inch mortar..." Lists powder at Fort Clinton and Fort Putnam.
GLC02437.03066
1 December 1784
Webber, James, fl. 1784-1797
Webber, a London merchant and friend of William Knox, responds to a letter from Henry Knox (GLC02437.03068). Expresses happiness at William's recovery from an episode of mental illness. Reports that William will soon sail from London to Boston....
GLC02437.03071
6 January 1785
Webber, a London merchant and friend of William Knox, reports the details of William's recent episode of mental illness. William had announced his intentions to marry Miss Laurens, "a Daughter of Mr Henry Laurens." Although they were apparently...
GLC02437.03082
5 February 1785
Signed as the merchant firm "Webber, Addington & Bucknell." Discusses several invoices and other business matters. Writes that they "Sincerely wish it may soon be in our power to send a more favorable accot. of Mr. William Knox," referring to Henry...
GLC02437.03092
2 March 1785
Webber reports on the condition of Henry's brother, William, who suffered from mental illness. Writes, "I now am griev'd that I cannot send you more agreeable tidings, still continues in the same way, and I fear but little probability of a quick...
GLC02437.03102
4 May 1785
Webber reports on the condition of Henry's brother, William, who suffered from mental illness. Writes, "Tis with great pleasure I can inform you that Mr W Knox is abundantly more compos'd and steady now, than he was, generally is recollected, but at...
GLC02437.03138
7 September 1785-5 October 1785
Marked "duplicate." Includes two letters from James Webber, both written from London. In the first letter, in a clerical hand, but initialed by Webber, written on 7 September 1785, Webber outlines his dealings with Knox's brother, William, whom he...
GLC02437.03188
7 September 1785
Duplicate of GLC02437.03188.
GLC02437.03189
7 February 1787
Discusses financial arrangements and is happy to hear that Knox has received part of the monies owed him. Writes, however, that "[a]s Mr. Soderstam and Goodeve has not yet paid, must request you to take every step, which you may judge most prudent...
GLC02437.03445
31 July 1787
Expresses his happiness on hearing about Mr. [Samuel] Ogden "bringing Broome & Platt matters to a speedy issue... " Writes that "[i]t gives me very great pleasure in hearing that Mr. W. Knox is so well in health and spirits, and that he is satisfied...
GLC02437.03628
3 September 1788
Webber, a merchant from London, discusses business with Knox. Commenting on an unpaid debt owed to him by Samuel Ogden, writes, "Respecting Mr Ogden he alone is responsible for any alteration that may have taken place in the paper currency of N...
GLC02437.03981
20 October 1788
Tracy, John, fl. 1789-1795
Plans to visit Marietta, Ohio in the next few months. Asks Knox for letters of introduction to General Arthur St. Clair, Governor of the Northwest Territory, and other notables in the area. Docket notes that this letter was answered and letters...
GLC02437.04006
5 May 1789
Marked "copy." Thanks him for his last letter. Discusses financial matters, specifically the receipt of a bill of exchange worth 250 pounds from the Compsons [brothers Thomas and Joseph] and whether or not it shall be paid. Also sends his...
GLC02437.04193
2 June 1789
Attaches an earlier letter he wrote to Knox, in May 1789 (refer to GLC02437.04193 and GLC02437.04194). Declares that he does not have much to add to the earlier letter's content, but stresses the importance of Knox concluding their business with Mr...
GLC02437.04229
5 August 1789
Writes to refer Knox to his previous letters regarding business with the Compson brothers, and asks that Knox close their mutual business with Mr. [Samuel] Ogden. Requests that he write back immediately.
GLC02437.04317
25 October 1789
Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796
Describes the situation in western Georgia concerning negotiations with the Creeks. The Commission has not succeeded as of yet in negotiating a treaty with the Creeks. Mentions violence along the frontier between Native Americans and white settlers...
GLC02437.04397
2 December 1789
Discusses business and asks Knox to talk with Mr. [Samuel] Ogden to settle an account.
GLC02437.04423
7 February 1790
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
to Anthony Wayne
Signed "HK." Discusses the Creek Indians in Georgia. Agrees with Wayne about the utility of rifles. Asks if maybe Wayne's informant was mistaken in saying that the Creeks received 6000 muskets from the Spaniards. Writes about whether or not Georgia...
GLC02437.04502
20 March 1790
Answers Knox's question regarding the number of muskets "received from the Spaniards by the Creeks," stating that the number is 6,000. Reports that "our Mr. McGilvery," a Georgia planter, has told him that "the Spaniards had not when first demanded...
GLC02437.04556
12 May 1790
Thanks Knox for sending three more companies of men to him, as he believes this will help deter the Indians from hostilities. Provides the opinion of Creek leader "McGilvery" (referring to Alexander McGillivray), who believes that it is likely some...
GLC02437.04604
2 December 1790
Writes that William "is exceedingly well, but I think his spirits are at times too much elevated, however when he gets settled in Ireland, I much hope he will go on in a regular way, and be in a happy situation." Says he could not accept William's...
GLC02437.04789
25 December 1789
General Wayne acknowledges a letter from Knox of 28 November and talks about information on a possible treaty between the Creeks and the Spanish government. Wayne gives his opinion of rifles "when a professional gentleman who had been in the British...
GLC02437.04808
22 January 1791
Congratulates Knox on his promotion as Secretary of War. Asks Knox for an appointment in the new Militia and for compensation for past military service. Makes the case for using the Artillery Company of Massachusetts, "which was incorporated in 1638...
GLC02437.04834
2 November 1791
Discusses a financial interaction between himself, Knox, Mr. [Samuel] Ogden, and several other parties. Mentions that he is happy that Mr. Ogden plans to finally close his account this year, though he relates that he has been very displeased with Mr...
GLC02437.05221
1 April 1792
Has read and considered Knox's recent letter and is proud that he and the President think highly of his abilities. However, must decline Knox's offer of an appointment, apparently because he feels he would find "committing [his] military character"...
GLC02437.05392
6 May 1792
Thanks him for a letter and payment for the account of Samuel Ogden. Discusses various business matters.
GLC02437.05449
13 July 1792
Writes about two horses being returned, "one for you and all camp and another for a servant." Asks him to look into the matter. States that the cavalry horses must be used for the purposes "for which they are designed."
GLC02437.05536
22 March 1793
Marked "Private Personal & Confidential." References Knox's letters of 5 and 9 March. Claims some of the officers are drunks who lack military skills. Expresses sarcastic anger over orders given by Knox about ensigns in the army. Wayne does not...
GLC02437.05856
12 April 1793
Marked "Private." Reports that Mrs. [Wilkinson] had hoped to join him during his trip down the Ohio River and that she expected to be in Pittsburgh by 7 May. Her plans have changed since Wayne's latest letter said he is starting out on 22 April....
GLC02437.05869
6 October 1793
Says that Knox cannot enter Boston unless his baggage is cleaned with gunpowder smoke. Says Knox's certificate is sufficient for him and his servants to enter the city. Expresses a desire to be as helpful to Knox as possible. Appears to be written...
GLC02437.05940
15 November 1793
Marked "Private." Makes reference to the "baneful leaven," the radical democratic principles of the French Revolution, influencing troops in his army. Mentions that Thomas Paine's "The rights of man, has been held up as a Criterion, even of...
GLC02437.05975
4 February 1794
Has not received a letter from Knox since 7 August 1793. Says "I must once more intreat your exertions to close the Acco[unt]t with Mr. Ogden, who has so very long protracted payment, and now can have no excuse whatever." Asks that Knox's "powerful...
GLC02437.06040
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