26 September 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: [Henry Knox declines subscribing to the building of a theatre]

Signed in text. Knox, writing in the third person, proclaims great respect for Thomas Wignell and Alexander Reinagle "yet he begs leave to decline subscribing to the erection of a new theatre" (likely the Chestnut Street Theater in Philadelphia).

GLC02437.05168

27 September 1791

Bruce, Phineas, 1762-1809

Manuscript document

Title: to Henry Jackson

This is a copy of Bruce's letter in Jackson's hand (includes Jackson's signature). Discusses the purchase Knox is about to make of the "million of Acres between the Rivers Penobscot & Schoodie." Says the tract has fewer swamps and better soil than their adjoining purchase made earlier. Describes the country as "beautiful & romantick, interspersed with small hills, Valleys & fine fresh meadows." The timber consists of rock maple, beech, black and yellow birch, oak, elm, and some cedar and pines. Reports that the lakes are numerous, but only two or three of any magnitude have been…

GLC02437.05170

2 October 1791

Beckwith, George, 1753-1823

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that he did himself the honor to visit Knox this morning in order to invite him to dinner at the City Tavern the following Tuesday at 4 o'clock. Notes that Knox will have the opportunity to "meet your neighbour & friend Mr. Laurence." States that he is "Anxious to promote the benign purposes of peace! good humour! and intercourse! I am happy at all times in the being employed in whatever may have a tendency to promote such objects, which cannot conclude better than by a little eating and drinking."

GLC02437.05181

9 October 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Samuel Breck

References receiving Breck's letter from his son. Thanks him for his sympathy upon the death of his son Marcus. Says "Language is utterly inadequate to convey any idea of the agony of our souls upon the occasion." References Breck's previous letter where he ranted about the high taxes the assessors implemented in Boston. Would be happy to have Breck as a neighbor in Philadelphia if he should move. Reports that "House rent is here exceedingly high." Goes on to explain the rental real estate market in Philadelphia. Praises the house of Mr. Simmons, a coachmaker, at the corner of Chestnut and…

GLC02437.05189

14 October 1791

Carrington, Edward, 1749-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References Knox's letter of 5 October, which enclosed John Pope's note for eight dollars. Knox sent Carrington a copy of a memorandum on a meeting he had with Pope on 5 October (see GLC02437.05187). Describes Pope as "unhappy in his habits of wandering, and is considered in a degree crazed. he was once a young man somewhat pioneering - his talents were more than common." Adds that even now, several scraps of poetry written by Pope are "not intirely contemptible." Relates that Pope left Virginia for Kentucky about 12 months previously. After that, Carrington heard he traveled to New Orleans.…

GLC02437.05195

16 October 1791

Breck, Samuel, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References Knox's letter of 9 October (GLC02437.05189). Thanks him for looking into the housing market in Philadelphia, and agrees with him that "the extravagant high rents will produce a sufficient number of Houses to accomodate all who wish them, on moderate terms." As he has no business to attend to, will visit Philadelphia in the spring. Plans to either hire, purchase, or build a home. Notes that he is willing to consider Mr. Simmons's house if they can agree on a price. Explains other options in Philadelphia and goes on to lament the high taxes in Boston. Relates that it is too late for…

GLC02437.05197

1 November 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Merttins Bird

References letters from Bird that were written 12 August and 7 September. Is glad to hear his health is good. Thanks him for the offer to sell his public stock, "[b]ut the high price of stock in America at present seems to preclude the necessity of any sales in Europe." Says the six percent stock is now selling for 23 shillings to the pound. Expresses gratitude for Bird's offer. Adds that he will get in touch if things should change.

GLC02437.05217

5 November 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Rebecca Bowes

Writes that he feels for the distress she described in her letter (see GLC02437.05212). Wishes he could help further, but is only able to enclose a bank note for fifty dollars. Instructs her to present the note to General [Benjamin] Lincoln, who will exchange it for cash. Encourages her to write again if she needs any further assistance.

GLC02437.05223

8 November 1789

Breck, Samuel, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for his attention to his son when he visited Philadelphia recently. Relates that his son will relocate either to New York or Philadelphia next spring for business. Also thanks Knox for introducing him to Mr. Martin. Breck and his family send their regards to Mrs. Knox and Miss Knox.

GLC02437.05229

18 November 1791

Bowes, John Hancock, fl. 1791

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for the help he provided to his mother, Rebecca Bowes (see also GLC02437.05212). Stamped as "free" above address.

GLC02437.05244

28 November 1791

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Manuscript document

Title: [Bond from Shaw and Randall]

Docket identifies document as a copy. Date added later in pencil. Shaw, on behalf of himself and Thomas Randall, his business partner, declares that their firm is bound to George Bell's firm in Ostend, Flanders (he spells it "Ostende;" in present-day Belgium) for a particular sum of money. Outlines the terms of the financial transaction, which apparently involves the sale by Bell of Shaw's merchandise, including an assortment of teas. Signature witnessed by Joseph Bell and George Irving.

GLC02437.05247

28 November 1791

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Manuscript document

Title: [Agreement between Shaw and Randall, and George Bell & Company]

Docket identifies document as a copy. Date, title and location added in a different hand. Agreement outlines a business transaction between the firm of [Samuel] Shaw and [Thomas] Randall, and George Bell & Company of Ostend, Flanders (he spells it "Ostende;" present-day Belgium). Bell's firm will apparently sell teas and other merchandise of Shaw and Randall's. Signatures of Shaw and Bell witnessed by Joseph Bell and George Irving. See GLC02437.05248 for further information.

GLC02437.05248

20 November 1791

Bell, George, fl. 1791-1795

Manuscript document

Title: [Memorandum of monies disbursed to Samuel Shaw by George Bell]

Ledger page outlines financial transactions between Samuel Shaw and George Bell (see GLC02437.05247 and GLC02437.05248 for related information).

GLC02437.05249

17 December 1791

Bell, George, fl. 1791-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Memorandum apparently addressed to S[amuel] Shaw. Discusses financial transactions, particularly sales and interest on merchandise (alludes to merchandise being sold by Bell on Shaw's behalf; see GLC02437.05247, GLC02437.05248 and GLC02437.05249 for more information.)

GLC02437.05260

24 December 1791

Burnham, John, 1749-1843

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Requesting acceptance of his resignation from public office. Briefly explains his motivations for resigning.

GLC02437.05272

26 December 1791

Burnham, John, 1749-1843

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Stagg

Received his recent letter. Is ready to proceed, but is waiting for the "honorable Secretary" (Henry Knox, the Secretary of War) to accept his resignation. His request has not yet been sent in, so asks Stagg to forward it to Knox. (See GLC02437.05272 for related information.)

GLC02437.05275

27 December 1791

Howell, Joseph, 1750-1798

Autograph document signed

Title: [Certificate for Major John Burnham]

Certifies that Major John Burnham has settled his accounts with regards to his pay, subsistence, and monies given to him for recruitment purposes. Declares that Burnham's accounts are now balanced.

GLC02437.05277

5 February 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elias Boudinot

Discusses a letter Boudinot sent exculpating the attributed author of a piece that evidently critcized Knox. Declares that he does not remember seeing or hearing anything about the story to which Boudinot alludes. States that as a public official he is rightly open to criticism,.

GLC02437.05309

26 March 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Aaron Burr

Marked confidential. Writes on behalf of the President and himself to encourage Burr to use his influence to make someone (name is illegible) accept a higher post in the army.

GLC02437.05380

5 April 1792

Andrews, Joseph Gardner, fl. 1768-1792

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Marked "copy." Asks for Knox's help based on his intimate connection with Andrews's father (not named). His father does not want to abuse his friendship with Knox so is reluctant to ask. Andrews would like an appointment as Surgeon's mate and hopes Knox will forgive his effrontery in asking. Explains that the field of medicine is very crowded at present. Includes an excerpt from a letter from Samuel Danforth dated December 1789 which recommends him and certifies his studies in medical school.

GLC02437.05399

12 April 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to John Brooks

Writes to officially appoint Brooks Brigadier General of the army. Lists the other members of the General Staff, including A[nthony] Wayne, D. Morgan, M. Willit, and James Wilkinson. Wishes him the best of luck.

GLC02437.05409

13 April 1792

Breck, Samuel, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to introduce into Knox's acquaintance several men from Martinique who have lately been residing in Boston. They will be visiting Philadelphia, and Breck asks Knox to make them feel welcome. He and his wife and children send their love to Mrs. Knox and their daughter.

GLC02437.05414

24 April 1792

Brooks, John, 1752-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for his letter announcing the arrangement of the new general officers of the army. Does not feel he can provide an official opinion until he has more information about the ranks and pay scales associated with the positions, so he writes to ask Knox several questions on the subject. Among his comments about candidates, he states that he should have priority of rank over General [Marinus] Willett."

GLC02437.05427

1 May 1792

Breck, Samuel, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that the Consul of France has asked Breck to enclose a letter for Knox to forward (not present). The Consul is apparently afraid that the letter will be miscarried, so asks if the addressee (a Mr. De Rome) could send his reply via Knox. Relates that his wife, Mrs. Breck, is looking forward to a visit by Mrs. Knox and the children. Explains that the state of Massachusetts is calm at present, and the financial crisis in New York has not extended to his region. Sends his compliments to Henry Jackson, if Jackson is with him.

GLC02437.05440

2 May 1792

Foster, Theodore, 1752-1828

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

The three authors write to recommend a Mr. William Mumford, the bearer of the letter, for a clerkship. He had been long in their employ, and they believe he would be successful at the job.

GLC02437.05441