Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03577 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 June 1787 Pagination: 6 p. : docket ; 29.6 x 19.3 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses a loan that he tried to obtain, and was denied, to pay soldiers at Castle Island. He had hoped Knox would assist him in the matter, and is disappointed that he has not responded. Describes a disagreement between their friend, Mr. Swan (likely James Swan), and William Debloise. Gives a detailed description of the men's argument and their ensuing duel. Both men's first shots missed their mark, and the dispute was resolved when the men apologized to each other. For related correspondence, please refer to GLC02437.03567, GLC02437.03573, and GLC02437.03580.
[draft]
Boston June 10. 1787
my dear Harry
I was disappointed last night in not having a Letter from you by the post in answer to one I wrote you respecting the situation of the two Artillery Companies, & the embarrasment I was under for the want of money to Pay & forward them on, - by the last Post I inclosed you the application I had made to the Bank for the Loan of 500 dolls. which faild me - tomorrow I intend applying again, am in hopes I shall be more successful, if so, they shall march on Wednesday - The officers cannot March without some money & If I attempted to move the Men, without compling with the terms of their Inlistment, I have no doubt but a large proportion of them would desert before they reachd Springfield - rest [2] rest assured that every thing has been done that was possible in my situation -
Our friend Swan & Mr. Wm Debloise on Wednesday last terminated a dispute (to the honor of both parties, & to the full satisfaction of the Public) which had been of a long standing - as there will be a thousand reports respecting this affair, I wish to place it in your mind exactly as it stands -
about two years since, Mr D - & Mr. S. had some altercation respecting the ballance of an account, which Mr D said our friend owed his Father, and he not being satisfied with the conduct of Mr. S - in this business, he publicly said many severe things of him - this matter laid dormant ever since, untill Monday last, when a dispute of Rank took place, between the Officers of the Independent Company and the [3] and the Officers of the Corps of Horse (of which Mr. S - is Senior) which should walk first in the procession in the Rear of the Gov.r & Council (it being Artillery Election day) from the old Brick Meeting to the Hall, where an Elegant dinner was provide for a very large company - Mr. S. Blagg one of the members of the Independent Company, in a very large Circle, in the afternoon of that day, made very free with the Character of Mr S - of this our friend had information on Tuesday morng & immediately called on him for satisfaction, he did not deny what he had said, but replied that he had only made use of the words, which Mr D - had some time since & therefore could not make him any acknowledgment, until he cleard up the matter with Mr D - our friend [4] finding himself in that situation - he instantly called [inserted: on] Mr. D to give him satisfaction, & proposed to [inserted: meet] him for that purpose at Patucket in the State of R Island the next afternoon at 5 O Clock - accordingly on Wednesday [inserted: morng] early the parties set out in two Post Chaises - and arrived on the ground at 6 O Clock in the afternoon, but a few words took [inserted: place] previous to their taking their distance (which was 20 feet) they both fired by the word of Command from Mr D - second, & happily they both missed - the Pistols were Loading for the second shot, when Mr. D's second observed that they were both brave Men & Men of spirit & was a pitty the affairs could not be accommodated - a conversation then took place, which closed this unhappy & disagreeable business, Mr. D - [5] Mr. D - took our friend by the hand & declard him to be a gentleman, a man of Honor, and a Man of Spirit, Mr. S. [strikeout] [inserted: repli'd] to him the same - and it was agreed on the ground, that Mr. D - should make the same declaration to Mr. B - on the Exchange, which he did in a very Gentlemanly manner, - Mr. B - then address Mr S - & beged his Pardon for what he had said - & thus this matter ended - to the honor and satisfaction of all concerned - our friend Doctr. E,, ,,s - was second to Mr. S - Capt. N,, ,,[r] to Mr. D -
Mr. S. has made an Apology to Colo. B - & that is settled without the least dificulty - if you have a occation to mention this affair, keep my name out of the question - you may rely on what I have said to [inserted: be] the fact, as I was made acquainted with it from the first to the last -
Mrs & Mr Swan & the Ladies of the Club send their love to you & Lucy - your affectionate
[6] H Jackson -
P.S - In conversation with our good friend Mrs.Jeffery respecting her late Tour to New York, she mentioned to me a circumstance that took place the moment she was steping in the Coach, as she had not heard a word of [inserted: it] since, she is very desirous of knowing the exact State of that matter as it now stands - & also if the Bill stands in her name - your give'g me information on this subject, by the return of the post, will give great satisfaction -
yours -
HJ
[docket]
Genl Jackson 10 June
1787
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