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29 December 1783
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
to Major Sumner
Provides instruction to Sumner about mustering troops. Says it will be unnecessary to muster the Massachusetts troops.
GLC02437.02870
7 June 1784
Sumner, Job, 1754-1789
to Henry Knox
Asks Knox for "a speedy determination of our Ranks" as rank will determine his subsistence and pay. Hopes he is entitled to "the allowance of major" unless Congress revokes his commission.
GLC02437.03010
8 January 1787
Sullivan, James, 1744-1808
Discusses a variety of financial matters. Mentions bonds and a mortgage involving Mr. Isaac Winslow, as well as investment in the estate of a Major Dench, which is now proving to be insolvent. Date of letter is cited as 8 January 1786, however...
GLC02437.03235
27 October 1786
Swan, James, 1754-1830
Writes that he is "agreeably saluted with the news of War being declared against the Indians." Is quite overjoyed at the situation: "I told you in State Street, what my hopes were- little did I think the happy circumstance so near." Would like Knox...
GLC02437.03321
4 November 1786
to James Swan
Very flattered by Swan's confidence in his judgment, and only wishes his judgments were up to that standard. He has not been contemplating the funds, so he cannot judge "which species of them ought to have the preference." Provides some thoughts as...
GLC02437.03326
14 January 1787
Sullivan, John, 1740-1795
Sullivan, the Governor of New Hampshire, writes that based on their long acquaintance and friendship, he takes the liberty to introduce his good friend Paine Wingate, delegate to Congress from New Hampshire. Writes that "he is a stranger in New York...
GLC02437.03415
26-28 February 1787
Two parts. First part written 26 February 1787. Notes he missed the post at Hartford, Connecticut and only has time to write a quick note. Describes how long and difficult his journey has been, particularly for Mrs. Swan, and says he will never go...
GLC02437.03471
28 February 1787
to James Sullivan
Body of the letter and signature in the hand of Robert Pemberton, Knox's aide. Discusses an upcoming convention (the Constitutional Convention) in Philadelphia. "The late approbation of Congress of a Convention to be held at Philadelphia in May next...
GLC02437.03473
2 March 1787
Mentions some legal papers that he is trying to get an attorney assigned to. Discusses horse breeding and the recipient's recent trip through Connecticut.
GLC02437.03479
10 May 1787
Informs Knox that the bearer of the letter, William Morris, was appointed Captain to command the forces "destined for the western frontiers." Morris is very disappointed by this appointment. Sullivan asks Knox if there is anything that can be done...
GLC02437.03547
30 October 1787
Returns Swan's account against John Campbell, "who has been liberated from Goal by an oath of Insolvency & gone to Europe." (Swan had a dispute with Campbell; see GLC02437.03437). Says he does not know what the charges of Colonel [Alexander?]...
GLC02437.03690
20 December 1787
Talbot, Silas, 1751-1813
Thanks him for the information from Monsieur La Forest about his sons, who were in France for their education (see GLC02437.03714 for a related letter). Laments that he did not meet up with La Forest when he was in New York and discusses paying the...
GLC02437.03731
19 January 1788
to John Sullivan
Transmits a letter from the Marquis de Lafayette delivered to Knox by the Count de [Moustier], a French Minister. Informs Sullivan, Governor of New Hampshire, that Lafayette wrote the letter "on the supposition of your being in this City and...
GLC02437.03765
29 March 1788
Refers to his attempts to meet with merchants and manufacturers in France. Writes, "The reason why the French in this Quarter, have not been able to sell their manufrs. as low as the English, I saw in a moment,- there is not that invention & care...
GLC02437.03830
18 April 1788
to Thomas Stoughton
Replies to a letter in which Stoughton informed Knox that Maurice (or Morris) Kelly, one of Knox's servants, recently solicited him for employment; Stoughton refused because Kelly had not obtained a discharge from Knox (refer to GLC02437.03845)....
GLC02437.03844
Stoughton, Thomas, fl. 1788
Reports that Knox's servant, Maurice (or Morris) Kelly, recently solicited him for employment. Refused to accept Kelly's offer without an official discharge and a recommendation of character from Knox, "which [Kelly] assured me you was ready to give...
GLC02437.03845
21 June 1788
Sullivan, President of the New Hampshire Consittutional ratification convention, reports on the Constitution's progress: "I have the pleasure to inform you that our Convention have this moment adopted the New Constitution..." Address leaf indicates...
GLC02437.03905
20 October 1788
Missed the opportunity to visit with Knox when he recently passed through town. Writes, "I join with you in wishes for the success of the new Government am strong in the faith that we shall not be deceived..."
GLC02437.04008
14 December 1788
Encloses the proposed Constitution of Georgia (not included). Notes that three members from each county are appointed to meet at Augusta in January: "I shall only say, that from the disposition of the People, and in particular that of their members...
GLC02437.04053
3 January 1789
Thanks him for his last letters. Apologizes for not writing to him about private matters, but alludes to the fact that the custom in Europe (where Swan is) is for the post officers to open the mail, so he did not feel comfortable going into detail....
GLC02437.04068
16 September 1789
Written from Exeter, likely in New Hampshire. Refers to Knox's influence in the government, and asks that he uses it to recommend James Wheelock, the brother of the current president of Dartmouth College. Describes Mr. Wheelock's qualities and...
GLC02437.04358
15 October 1789
Informs Swan of recent Congressional proceedings. Describes the Senate and House of Representatives convening from April to September, and passed revenue and judiciary laws. Adds that Congress plans to reconvene at the end of January.
GLC02437.04389
23 January 1791
Informs Knox that "the Count Montmorin, Minister for foreign affairs here, has written Mr. Otto, chargé des affaires auprès le Congrès, to use his influence with the President that the proposals of Schweizer Jeanneret & Co. should be accepted."...
GLC02437.04836
27 May 1791
Swan says he wrote Knox letters on 27 December 1790 and 23 and 27 January 1791. Mentions new ministers from France arriving in America. Their primary goal is to address the U.S. debt to France. Discusses how they could find 40 million dollars to pay...
GLC02437.04960
1 June 1791
Written by Secreatary of War Knox to General Sullivan. References Sullivan's letter of 30 April. Feels sorry that he was not made aware of Sullivan's son's desire to obtain a military appointment when there were still positions available....
GLC02437.04966
4 June 1791
Hoped to already have an answer to a letter he wrote back in December. Says the subject of that letter has taken another turn and he will write in a few days about it. Encloses letters that he hopes Knox will forward to Boston.
GLC02437.04974
23 January 1793
Russell, Thomas, fl. 1793
Written in Russell's hand, but is signed by both Russell and James Sullivan. References a letter they wrote to Knox on 9 December 1792. That letter received no answer, so they are repeating its contents in this letter. They are writing in their...
GLC02437.05791
23 July 1793
Thanks Knox for "recommending the agreeable family of Mr. [Ralph] Izard to our civilities." Wants Knox to deliver an enclosed letter to a Mr. [DeStorts]. Asks the letter to be returned if he has left Philadelphia. Has been absent from Boston for...
GLC02437.05908
9 November 1793
Written and signed by Sullivan and Thomas Russell; they are writing as an appointed committee of the Middlesex Canal Company. Notes they are pleased Knox is friendly toward their plan. They want to know when John Hills "can attend to our business...
GLC02437.05964
21 December 1793
Says he wouldn't normally bother Knox, but needs to update him on the situation because of the "cruel war" in Europe. Sends the latest news on 13 sailors captured by the "Algereen pirates." Swan expresses anger that the pirates are allowed to harass...
GLC02437.06002
1 February 1794
Apologizes for not responding to Sullivan's earlier request for information on a canal engineer from Europe who recently arrived in Philadelphia (see GLC02437.05964). Knox waited to write until the engineer, Mr. Weston, an Englishman, arrived in the...
GLC02437.06037
2 April 1795
Describes the trading patterns between France, Spain, Britain, and the United States. States that Europe does not generally see America, or even Spain as a market for goods, but rather goes to England.
GLC02437.06380
17 May 1796
Reminds Knox that he needs a sum of money Knox owes him by 1 June. Declares that if his finances were not tightly arranged, and if his credit were not endangered, Swan would not be so insistent.
GLC02437.06743
10 August 1796
Discusses financial arrangements he has made with Knox. Relates his apprehension about entering into certain types of deals with Knox.
GLC02437.06797
26 June 1797
Sumner, Increase, 1746-1799
[Invitation to dine]
Presents his compliments to Knox and asks Knox to dine with him on 4 July at 3 o'clock in Roxbury, Massachusetts.
GLC02437.06994
27 June 1797
to Increase Sumner
Replies to Sumner's invitation, stating that he has a prior engagement and therefore, has to refuse the invitation.
GLC02437.06995
17 April 1798
Stodder, David, fl. 1791-1798
Writes to Knox concerning the market for various types of lumber.
GLC02437.07116
22 June 1798
Writes to the Governor of Massachusetts, Increase Sumner, concerning a resident of Thomaston who is applying for the position of Justice of the Peace.
GLC02437.07152
3 January 1799
to Benjamin M. Stoddert
Knox writes Secretary of the Navy Benjamin Stoddert "on behalf of Mr. Charles Russel late acting first Lieutenant and Mr. William Amory." Knox explains they left the ship Constitution because they did not get their commissions. They are of good...
GLC02437.07221
24 April 1799
Knox repeats an offer that he made to the Secretary of the Navy, Benjamin Stoddert, to build "a vessel on St. Georges River near Penobscot on account of the U.S."
GLC02437.07260
29 April 1799
Stoddert, Benjamin, 1751-1813
Secretary of War Stoddert lists the ship needs of the navy. Stoddert thinks one of the big "74 Gun Ships" is to be built in Massachusetts, not any smaller vessels. He tells Knox that he cannot contract with him. Signature has been clipped. Free...
GLC02437.07261
6 August 1799
Sullivan, William, fl. 1799-1806
Sullivan writes Knox to tell him, "the suite of Amory against you and those of Simpson Goodard and Dorr against Genl. Lincoln will come to judgment at the next Supreme Court-you have a right to review.-To exercise the right of review, a bond must be...
GLC02437.07291
5 August 1799
Stoddert, Secretary of the Navy, has received Knox's letter of 4 July 1799 by "Captain Nicholson." Stoddert assures Knox that he has no intention of "depriving him of his commission" and that President Adams would never "consent to injure any person...
GLC02437.07292
18 August 1799
to William Sullivan
Knox received Sullivan's letter of 6 August 1799 (GLC02437.07291). Knox thinks Sullivan meant to talk about "Mr. Stephen Gorham's suit against me, instead of Amorys." Knox is unprepared to pay, as are Henry Jackson and Benjamin Lincoln. "General...
GLC02437.07297
23 October 1799
Knox received Stoddert's letter of October 6 "through Capt. Nicholson." He is grateful to Stoddert for commissioning his son "on board of the constellation." The ship has not arrived yet in New York, however, and Knox asks that Stoddert order his...
GLC02437.07321
25 November 1799
Swan, Hepzibah Clarke, 1757-1825
Mrs. Swan tells Knox that the time has come for him to pay heed to the agreement he made with her to "purchase of me the twenty five thousand acres of land which you formerly sold to Genl. Jackson." Mrs. Swan is in great need of the money. She says...
GLC02437.07329
29 December 1799
Sullivan received Knox's letter of December 22. He tells Knox, "by General Jackson you will receive a memorandum concerning the bills of Winthrop Mackay and Derby." Sullivan goes on to describe the arrangements with these men and how Knox can get the...
GLC02437.07347
12 January 1800
Knox acknowledges the articles that Sullivan sent him and his wife. Knox also tells Sullivan, "if Thomas Flucker is not gone onboard of any of the Vessells of [near] I pray you to remit immediately the fifty dollars to Mr. Pemberton at Billerica to...
GLC02437.07354
9 February 1800
Knox calls Sullivan's "arrangement with Mr. Lowell...perfectly satisfactory." Says Henry Jackson will sign the note. Knox is also happy with Mr. Derby's arrangement. Knox asks, "if you could arrange with Mackay and Winthrop for postponement, or...
GLC02437.07367
6 March 1800
Secretary of the Navy Stoddert writes Knox to tell him that he has passed on a letter to Knox's son Henry and has recommended that he be assigned as a midshipman. There is a note from Henry Jackson indicating the letter was sent via Jackson. Jackson...
GLC02437.07373
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