Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.06375 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 March 1795 Pagination: 4 p. ; 31.7 x 20.1 cm. Order a Copy
Long narrative about how Knox's son, Henry Jackson Knox, has been misbehaving in Boston and spending money excessively, particularly on clothes. Reports during one Henry's weekends with him that Henry "evaded and deceived me (Jackson) in every instance... his act and address, - the improper company he kept both male & female, seldom coming home until 11 or 12 O Clock - pockets full of money, and showing me in every instance, gave me great distress & uneasiness..." Reports after this incident he had a very pointed conversation with Henry and told he needed to return to Hingham the next day. After procuring two horses and stableman to escort Henry, while busy in his room with business, Jackson was informed that Henry had sent the horses back but was planning on riding in a carriage back to Hingham. Jackson later saw Henry still in town in "a sleigh with one of our Players." Upon seeing Jackson, Henry sent the player home but evaded Jackson. Says Henry hired a hack and "took two common girls with him and went to a house out of town, where I have since learnt he frequently visited..." Says the next day he procured a man and a sleigh and sent Henry back to Hingham. Has instructed the Preceptor not to allow Henry to visit Boston again during his next vacation nor does Jackson ever wish to see Henry in Boston again. Writes that since Henry's returned to Hingham Jackson has been informed of Henry's "conduct more than I had an Idea of - Cards - Wine & Women were his continual pursuit, - at Taverns & bad houses were his constant places of resort -" Mentions several gentlemen who Henry had tried borrowing money from but was refused.
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