Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.10222 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 July 1789 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 38.5 x 24.4 cm. Order a Copy
Writes that he is sorry to "hear of the situation of your poor little fellow Washington, but as I did not hear from you last evening, I please myself he is better, which I pray god may be the case..." Sends news of their mutual friend Shaw, who is home and "will be disappointed if he does not meet with the kindest reception from his sweetheart" and so states that Knox "must prepare the way." Goes on to describe Shaw's ship ("the most perfect ship ever built in America") and nomination of officers. Notes that "the Impost Law is passed & approved by the President..." Mentions the trouble Knox has been having with settlers on his eastern land and sends his love to Mrs. Knox and the family. Watermarked "L Paine" and with a hunting horn in a crest with "G R" underneath.
Washington refers to Knox's son, George Washington Knox, named after George Washington. He died in infancy, in August 1789. Shaw is Samuel Shaw, a lieutenant of artillery who attained the rank of major, and served as aide-de-camp to General Knox. He went to Canton in February 1784, as supercargo, and on his return Knox made him first Secretary of the War Department. He was later appointed as the first United States consul at Canton. The land referred to is most likely the Waldo Patent, an area of land 36 miles square in what is now the state of Maine. General Samuel Waldo was proprietor of the Waldo Patent and a relation of Knox on his wife's side. He is said to have gone to Europe to recruit German immigrants to settle on his 576,000 acres of land in Maine
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