Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.04699 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 August 1790 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 24.2 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
Jackson acknowledges Secretary of War Knox's letter of 15 August 1790. Mentions that he and "the Colonel" are making their way to Portland. Describes the journey, his sea sickness, and the help they received during the trip. Says a Mr. Gregory "has a high idea of the value of the Patent, and considers it a source of immence wealth." Mentions paying a visit to Captain [Thomas] Vose whose farm had "some of the best butter and Cheese" they have eaten this year. Reports that Vose will be disappointed if Knox does not pay him a visit. Suggests Knox come on 15 September 1790 when the legislature will be in session. Says a Captain Mitchel from Ireland had arrived with news that impressment of seamen has almost stopped and "the appearances of a War was nearly at an end." He then states, "I am sorry for it." Also discusses Knox's recently negotiated treaty with the Creeks: "Your Treaty with the Indians has given great satisfaction to all Class's of People in this quarter, particularly to your friends - for my own part I am highly delighted & gratified that you had the Sole conducting of this business."
[draft partial]
I thank you for your favor of the 15th Inst which I found in the post office on Thursday Eveng on my return - & I assure you it gave me infinite pleasure to hear that you & your family were well -
The Colo and myself proceeded from here by land to Portland, where we embarked on board a Boat of about 8 or 10 Ton for Burnt Coat and afte a Foggy and disagreeable passage of six days arrived at our place of destination - altho we run within the Islands & harbour'd every night I was extremely sea sick the whole passage - on our return I was determind to take land tacks on board, and accordingly put into Camden where we procured Horses to convey us to Portland, having left a Horse & Chaise at that place on our way down, - a Mr Gregory of Camden furnishd us with Horses & accompanied us as far as Portland Sunday noon - we had much conversation with Mr G respecting the [2] the Patent and the dificulties in that quarter - he is clear they have no grounds for their complaint, and their only motive is to obtain their possessions for [nothing], he says the time you offer them is just and reasonable, and he is sure this must & will finally come into them - he has a high Idea of the value of the Patent, & considers it a source of immense wealth - we calld on Capt Vose & passed an hour or two with him, he gave us some of the best butter and cheese we have eat this year, - the Farm is in a very different situation to what it was when I was there with you, - it is now well Formed and under high cultivation, he is anxious to have more stock, as it will keep double the number he has on it - the people in that neighbourhood give Capt Vose an exceeding good character as a farmer & a man of honor - and interprets, he will be much disappointed as [3] will all the settlers on the patent if you neglect paying them a visit this season - by the enclosed paper you will observe that the Governor has call'd our Legislature together the 15th of next month, which will be a favorable opportunity for you to be here, - your man William & his Wife were well, but I did not see them. -
By Capt Mitchel who is arrived here for Ireland, brings accounts that the [impress] of seaman had stopp'd & the appearance of a War was nearly at an end - I am sorry for it -
Your Treaty with the Indians has given great satisfaction to all Class's of People in this quarter, particularly to your friends - for my own part I am highly delighted & gratified that you had the Sole conducting of this business [4] business, and was the only [inserted: one] named in the Commission -
I find the ship Columbia has been arrived some days - the concerned in that enterprise have sunk 50 pr Ct of their capital, this is a heavy disappointment to them, as they had calculated, every owner to make an independent fortune.
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