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Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03521 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 April 1787 Pagination: 5 p. ; 29.7 x 19 cm. Order a Copy

Expresses his relief that Congress has not finalized their decision to disband the troops and states "I am in hopes they will alter their present intention of disbanding them - my heart - my soul - my present & future happiness is more connected in this business, than in any other situation in which I have ever been placed - in my own account it will be death to me - " He is most anxious about his officers, who he calls, "the gentlest & most ambitious Corps of Officers." States he will continue his exertions to clothe the men despite the possible disbanding and discusses applying for funds for this purpose. Mentions that John Hancock, his wife, and a Mrs. Jeffery are leaving tomorrow for New York. Informs that the Society of the Cincinnati of Massachusetts held a meeting and have chosen seven delegates including, General Knox, General Putnam, Henry Jackson, General Cobb, Major Rice, Major North, and Doctor Eustis. Of these, three will form a delegation; Knox, North, and Eustis. Has incorporated a tax for the Society of Cincinnati members to cover the costs of the delegation. Ends by pleading, "I pray you Harry keep my Regiment alive, I rest all on you..."

[draft]
Boston Aprl 14 1787
Your favor of the 8th Inst. Came to hand by the post last Eveng - I am pleased to find that Congress have not as yet come to any determination respect the Troops and I am in hopes they will altar their present intentions of disbanding them my heart my soul my present & future happiness is more connected in this business, than in any other situation in which I have ever been placed - in my own account it will be death to me - but that is not all - I shall feel most Sensably for my Officers, Harry they are the gentlest & most ambitious Corps of Officers you can form an Idea off, & would do honor to any service in the world - the situation of most of them will be disturbing indeed - this ought to have some weight with Congress in their determination - I am satisfied [2] without a doubt the middle of July this States quota would be completed - I am at last preparing the Cloathing & by this day week shall be able to inform you when I shall be ready to march for Springfield - I shall go on with this business, and make every exertion in my power to have the men cloathed as if nothing had been said with respect to disbanding - I have purchased all the Materials & tomorrow shall begin to make them up - I have consulted the Governour & Council in every step I have taken & I flatter myself & shall not be brought into any difficulty on this head -
The Governour has received a Letter from Mr. King & Mr. Dane [pointing out] the irregular mode of supplying me with money for the clothing &tc of my recruits - that all Contracts and supplies to the Federal Troops must ought to go thro the [3] Treasury Board - and that no expenditure of monies by the State will be allowed by the Treasury Board unless it passes thro the regular channel - The Governour & Council sent for me I suppose to put a stop to my going forward in the Cloathing, but I had made such progress in this business that they finally directed me to go on - at the same time directed me to write you to make application in the most pressing manner to the Board of Treasury authorizing me to transact business & have it put on a proper footing - I assure you if they have err'd it was from a zeal for the good of the service & not from design - I therefore hope you will be able to accomplish their wishes -
Mr & Mrs Hancock & [4] my good friend Mrs Jeffery are to set out tomorrow morning for New York how far they will proceed I know not but doubtless certainly they will reach you - the whole of this business appears to me a whim, and I think a whim will return them, if they set out -
On Wednesday last the Cincin. of this State had a meeting - and we have chosen seven delegates three of which is to make a delegation

Genl. Knox X
Genl. Putnam
H Jackson
Genl. Cobb -
Major Rice
Major North X
Doctr: Eustis X

I have laid a tax on every member of the Society to defray the expence of the delegation it is supposed that those with this mark X can attend to the business - [5] Mr. Bruce continues to supply me Provisions. I only wish authority to me contract with him - there will not be any difficulty in what he has, or may furnish me in the present way, as we perfectly understand each other - but yet I think it would be best to have a Contract, then there can be no dispute -
I pray you Harry keep my Regiment alive, I rest all on you - they are a fine set of fellows and the Officers are well worth preserving - I am unwell to day & have taken a dose of your all powerfull medicine Castor Oil - my love to Lucy and your dear little family -
I am truly your affectionate
H Jackson
Genl. H Knox

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

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