Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03303 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 28 September 1786 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 31.6 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
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 Court and that even more men are in arms to support the government. (Refers to Shays' Rebellion) Does not know how this will end but hopes something important will come of it. Refers to an upcoming meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati, and a "great honor" earned by General [John] Sullivan. Also refers to meeting the Minister of the Netherlands, who is in town. Sends his love to Lucy Knox and the children.
[draft]
Boston Sept: 28. 1786
Dear Harry
Yours of the 20th & 24th I have recd - it gives me & all your friends the highest pleasure to hear Mrs Knox's is well a bed - I please myself the Child will do well although appearances may at present be against it - Major Platt returnd to New York before I recd yours of the 20th, he stay'd here only two days - Saturday & Sunday, I saw him but a moment - I have made great inquiry respecting the Loan of the sum you mention & find it almost impossible to affect it - Money is not to be had on any terms - in conversation with Major Platt he informed me his credit was so good at the Bank in N York that he had frequently to serve a friend without the least injury to himself drawn any sum out of the Bank & cou'd continue the discount for 3 : 6 or 9 months - this he had done, & was always ready to for a friend - if so - I see no difficulty [2] in your obtaining it in that way -
I will call on Isaac Winslow and consult with him on the business you mention - Willm Sherburne is very wroth with you that you did not compleat the Bond, before you left Town - as he say's, you promised him you would do it on your return from the Eastward - The General Court open'd this day, his Excellency the Govr address'd both Houses in a very spirited & animated speech - all that heard him are perfectly pleased with him - it is reported that Eveng - that 7,00 men are in arms at Springfield determed to oppose the siting of the Supreme Court - & that 1,000 or 1,500 are also in Arms to support government at every risqué - what will be the result of this time must determine - I pray to god something important will be the event - you will observe a meeting of the Cincin is call'd on the 11th of Octobr I hope we shall have a full meeting of the Society [3] after this rest will attend to the News papers - I had forgot them - what think you of our old Friend Genl. Sullivan - he has done himself great honor - so much for cincin - The Minister of the United Netherlands is here - he is much pleased with the attendtion that has been laid him - I have dined in company with him a number of times - on Tuesday I waited on him to Bunkers & Prospect Hills - & this May to Dorchester Heights & Castle - the Castle Saluted him with 13 Rounds when we landed & when we left the garrison -
I am writing this in Mr. Hurds Insurance office - where there is much talking & confusion - my best regards to Lucy & your little ones -
Your affectionate
& rest friend -
H Jackson -
Genl Knox
[docket]
Genl Jackson
Boston 28 Septr 1787
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