Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03676 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 October 1787 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 25.5 x 20.1 cm. Order a Copy
Explains to Knox his reasons for not selling Knox's securities (refer to GLC02437.03635). Says Samuel Breck had advised Jackson to wait before selling since it appeared with the way the new Constitution was shaping that the value would likely increase. Comments he disagrees with Knox's decision to sell now but, "like an officer, I will obey or decision" and immediately sell Knox's shares. States that he believes Massachusetts will almost certainly ratify the Constitution. Sends his love to Lucy and the rest of Knox's family.
[draft]
Boston Octor. 21. 1787
My dear Harry -
I recd. your favor sometime since directing me to dispose of your State Notes for the most they would fetch & inform you of the neat proceeds, - and accordingly I took measures for that purpose - I waited on our freind Saml. Breck Esqr. for his advice & assistance in this business & [inserted: he] was full of opinion (from the appearance of the proposed Constitution being adoped [sic]) that all public securities would raise much higher, & advised me by all means not to hurry the negotiation but wait a little, - as he was more acquainted with transactions of this kind [2] kind I gave way to [inserted: his] opinion, and your writing me, you should set out from New York for this previous to the 12th Inst. has been the only reason why I have not writen you, as we have expected you in the two or three last stages, & yesterday when Mr. Gorham arrived was extreemly disappointed & mortified at not seeing you -
Yours are about making a great sacrifice, for which my heart relents - but [inserted: you] have ordered it, - & like an officer, I will obey your directions - tomorrow I will seriously attend to this business & will write you every post on the subject until I have [3] I have accomplishd your wishes, - this [Eveng] will [advise] with [friend] B - and follow his directions - I flatter myself it has been no material disadvantage to you the delay in the sale of the notes - my expecting you on the [spot] & our friends opinion governed me wholly -
Genl. Putnam is here, I will see that he writes you on the subject you mention - the maps are safe -
The Constitution as propos'd will most certainly be adopted by this State - was it left with the present Legislature, it would be acepted [sic] by a very large majority - this is the opinion of very influential men [4] Men in the assembly -
If you are not here this fall, you may expect to see me in New York sometime in the Winter -
your friends of the Club send their Love to you & Lucy - my love to Lucy & your dear family -
I am your truly
Affectionate
H Jackson
Genl. H Knox -
[docket]
H Jackson Esqr
Boston 21 Octr 1787
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