101To George Washington from Henry Knox, 27 February 1787 (Washington Papers)
My last to you was on the 22d instant, in which I stated my apprehensions respecting the proposed disfranchisement in Massachusetts. I did not mean to find fault with the measure. I am persuaded circumstances have rendered it necessary, and proper. But any rigorous chastisement of the rebels, will enflame them and render it right and expedient for the government to provide for its own safety...
102To George Washington from Henry Knox, 5 March 1787 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you on the 22d ultimo, that the affairs of Massachusetts were quietly settling down to peace and good order. But by recent advice from General Lincoln, it appears that the Insurgents who fled from Massachusetts, have received encouragement from the Inhabitants of this State bordering on the Line—and that embracing the time when the greatest part of his force were disbanded on the 23...
103To George Washington from Henry Knox, 19 March 1787 (Washington Papers)
The disturbances by the Massachusetts insurgents on the frontiers of this State, were quieted by an action which happened, on the 28th ultimo near great Barrington in which a number of them were taken prisoners. Govr Clinton therefore on his arrival, at the borders of Massachusetts finding no business, congratulated Genl Lincoln and returned to this City. The leaders of the rebellion are...
104To George Washington from Henry Knox, 26 March 1787 (Washington Papers)
I have attended my dear Sir to your request respecting the Chevalier D’anterroches, and the following sketch is the result. He is the son of a general officer in the french service old and infirm; His uncle is the bishop of Condon, rich, and miserly; besides which he is a relation of the Marquis de la Fayette—In the early part of his Life his father designed him for the church, and forced him...
105To George Washington from Henry Knox, 9 April 1787 (Washington Papers)
I thank you for your kind favor of the second instant which I received by the last post. Since my last to you, the legislature of Rhode-Island who seem to be unworthy of the rank of freemen, have rejected the proposition of the convention. But this may not be conclusive—The people themselves in that State may take the matter up, of which there is some probability, and send...
106To George Washington from Henry Knox, 29 May 1787 (Washington Papers)
I enclose you a letter from Don Diego de Gardoqui, which he transmitted to me by the post to Philadelphia after my departure, and which I received by the return post. I was happy on my return to find my daughter Lucys eye so much better, as to remove all fears of being obliged to apply the surgeons instruments to it. As you will have states sufficient to proceed to business, we hope to hear by...
107To George Washington from Henry Knox, 14 August 1787 (Washington Papers)
Influenced by motives of delicacy I have hitherto forborne the pleasure my dear Sir of writing to you since my return from Philadelphia. I have been apprehensive that the stages of the business of the convention might leak out, and be made an ill use of, by some people. I have therefore been anxious that you should escape the possibility of imputation. But as the objects seem now to be brought...
108To George Washington from Henry Knox, 14 September 1787 (Washington Papers)
presuming that you will not set out from Philadelphia untill Monday the 17th I write you a line to congratulate you on the termination of your arduous business & to wish you a happy sight of Mrs Washington and your family. In every event respecting the reception of the propositions of the convention you will enjoy the high satisfaction of having performed every thing that could possibly be...
109To George Washington from Henry Knox, 3 October 1787 (Washington Papers)
By this time my dear Sir, you will have again renewed your attention to your domestic affairs, after the long absence occasioned by the convention. I flatter myself with the hope that you found Mrs Washington and your family in perfect health. Every point of view in which I have been able to place the subject induces me to believe, that the moment in which the convention assembled, and the...
110To George Washington from Henry Knox, 2 November 1787 (Washington Papers)
The bearer the Marquis de Chappedelaine has been made known to me by my old friend Colo. Mauduit duplessi. The Marquis who is an officer in the service of his most christian Majesty thinks that he should have come to America to little purpose were he to depart without having seen your Excellency, I therefore take the liberty of introducing him to your attention. I am with the most perfect...
111To George Washington from Henry Knox, 11 December 1787 (Washington Papers)
I thank you for your kind favor of the 15th October which was duly received. Notwithstanding the opposition and writings of the enemies of the new constitution it is now pretty apparent that it will be received by considerable majorities in New Hampshire, Massachusetts Connecticut New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. The information from Maryland is defective, but Virginia it is said will...
112To George Washington from Henry Knox, 14 January 1788 (Washington Papers)
Some time has elapsed since my writing to you as I had nothing to offer but what you were acquainted with through the medium of the public papers. The new constitution has hitherto been as well received as could have been expected, considering the various existing opinions prejudices, and parties in the respective states. In addition to Delaware Pensylvania, and New Jersey, Connecticut has...
113To George Washington from Henry Knox, 10 February 1788 (Washington Papers)
I thank you my dear Sir for your favor of the 10th of last month which I duly received. The constitution has labored in Massachusetts exceedingly more than was expected. The opposition has not arisen from a consideration of the merits or demerits of the thing itself as a political machine, but from a deadly principle levelled at the existence of all government whatever; The principles of...
114To George Washington from Henry Knox, 14 February 1788 (Washington Papers)
It is with great satisfaction that I inform you that last evening the news arrived here of the adoption of the new constitution in Massachusetts on the 6th instant. The members present in the convention on the decision of the question 355—187 affirmatives, 168 negatives—majority 19. It may be asserted with great truth, that the subject was most candidly examined and debated. Many of the...
115To George Washington from Henry Knox, 10 March 1788 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 11th ultimo was duly received. The publication signed Publius is attributed to the joint efforts of Mr Jay, Mr Maddison and Colo. Hamilton It is highly probable that the general conjecture on this case is well founded. I have not written to you since the untoward event of New Hampshire⟨.⟩ The conduct of the convention was so contrary to expectations of every person who...
116To George Washington from Henry Knox, 25 May 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowledge my dear Sir the receipt of your several favors in March and yours of the 28th of april enclosing the application of Major LEnfant. I intended to have written You from Philadelphia while attending on the Cincinnati but being only three days there, and being much hurried by public business I could not obey my wishes in that respect. I have this day been putting on board the...
117To George Washington from Henry Knox, 28 July 1788 (Washington Papers)
It is with the most sincere satisfaction that I congratulate you on the unconditiona⟨l⟩ adoption of the constitution by the Convention of this state. The particulars of this important event are contained in this days paper herein enclosed. Messrs Jay Hamilton and the rest of the federalists have derived great honor from their temperate and wise conduct during the tedious debates on this...
118To George Washington from Henry Knox, 21 December 1788 (Washington Papers)
It is a long time my dear Sir since I have had the pleasure of addressing you, owing to my having been into Massachusetts and the province of main, during the period of the last four months. I have received your favor enclosing some foreign applications for admission into the Cincinnati—These papers are placed on the files of the society but cannot be acted on, untill the next general meeting...
119To George Washington from Henry Knox, 12 February 1789 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure by the post of Yesterday to receive your favor of the 29th ultimo. I immediately sent to the store where the american cloths were advertised for sale, and to all other stores where it was probable there were any, but was exceedingly chagrined to learn there were none in Town at present. Four peices are however expected hourly, the invoice being received, and information of...
120To George Washington from Henry Knox, 16 February 1789 (Washington Papers)
The cloths have not yet arrived although expected by the first wind. The moment they come to hand I will forward those for you and Mrs Washington by the stage. It appears by the returns of elections hitherto obtained which is as far as Maryland southward that your Excellency has every vote for President, and Mr John Adams 28 for Vice President exclusively of New Jersey and Delaware whose votes...
121To George Washington from Henry Knox, 19 February 1789 (Washington Papers)
I forward you by the stage which sets out this day 13 1/2 yards of 3/4 Wide bottle green cloth of the Hartford manufacture —I would there were more of it for your and Mrs Washingtons purposes but it was all of the color which came—The greys & the dark browns were too mean and coarse either for you or Mrs W. There will probably be enough for a coat and waiscoat for you and for Mrs Washingtons...
122To George Washington from Henry Knox, 5 March 1789 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday received your favor of the 21st ultimo containing enclosures which shall be submitted agreably to your desire. Yesterday being appointed for the assembling of the new government the members of it who are in Town met together, but there not being a quorum for business, they will adjourn from day to day untill they have a competent number of members which will most probably be early...
123To George Washington from Henry Knox, 9 March 1789 (Washington Papers)
By the last post on the 5th instant I informed you of the number of Members of the new government who had assembled here. There are no additions since, excepting one representative from New Hampshire, and one from Massachusetts. There is some competition between east and West Jersey, respecting the election for representatives, which have delayed the members from that state Appearing—None from...
124To George Washington from Henry Knox, 12 March 1789 (Washington Papers)
It is a circumstance of great chagrin to the members of the new government who are assembled here, that they have received no additionals since my last. They remain at 8 senators and 18 Representatives. Letters are forwarded to the absent members of Maryland Delaware and Virginia; but if the two houses are not formed untill effected in consequence of those letters, a month at least will...
125To George Washington from Henry Knox, 16 March 1789 (Washington Papers)
The members of the government are the same as when I wrote you last, excepting Mr Maddison Mr Page and Mr B. Lee from Virginia —But it is expected from information received, that a sufficient number of members will be assembled in the course of this week to form a quorum. I am my dear Sir Your respectfully affectionate humble Servant ALS , DLC:GW . See Knox to GW, 12 Mar. 1789 . John Page and...
126To George Washington from Henry Knox, 19 March 1789 (Washington Papers)
I thank you for your favor of the second instant which I received by the last post. The extreme badness of the roads is given as the reason that the number of members necessary to form a quorum of both houses are not yet assembled. Mr Patterson of the Senate, and Mr Griffin and Mr Moore of the representatives are the only additional since my last —The number therefore at present nine senators...
127To George Washington from Henry Knox, 23 March 1789 (Washington Papers)
The Jersey election being decided, the four members from that State will be here tomorrow or next day —Two members from Pensylvania who have hitherto attended the Assembly of that state which has now adjourned will also be here tomorrow evening—With the above and Mr Smith who has arrived here from Maryland the house of representatives will be formed on Wednesday or Thursday next. The senate...
128To George Washington from Henry Knox, 27 March 1789 (Washington Papers)
The house of Representatives want Yet four members and the Senate two. The first will not be formed until Monday, and the senate probably not untill Wednesday next the first of April. Colo. Hanson of Alexandria is so good as to take charge of the cloth sent you from the Hartford manufactory, and also of some federal buttons manufactored in this City, both of which will I hope safely reach you....
129To George Washington from Henry Knox, 30 March 1789 (Washington Papers)
The chagrin of the members who first arrived still exists, one senator and two representatives being yet wanted —The latter will arrive certainly in a day or two from Jersey and Pennsylvania, but unless Mr Reed from Delaware shall come on, the senate may be deficient during the whole of the present week. The tardiness of the members is more unfortunate at this season than at any other—The...
130To George Washington from Henry Knox, 2 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday the house of representatives completed their number, and chose Frederick Augustus Muhlenberg of Pennsylvania Speaker and Mr Beckley of Virginia Clerk. The senate are still deficient one member. Mr Read of Delaware has been expected daily but he has not yet arrived. Mr Thomson will sett off to announce to the President the unanimous choice of the people of the United states as soon as...
131To George Washington from Henry Knox, 9 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt [of] Sundry papers relative to the cherokees indians —These shall be examined, together with those relative to the North western Indians and reported on to you as soon as may be. I have the honor to be with the highest respect Sir, your Obedient and Humble Servant LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . See GW’s letter of this date to Knox .
132To George Washington from Henry Knox, 13 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
The secretary for the department of war humbly submits to the President of the United States the following report and statement of the troops in public service. That the enclosed resolve of Congress of the 3rd of October 1787 is the authority by which all the troops in the service of the United States were enlisted excepting two incomplete companies of artillery, which were returned in service...
133To George Washington from Henry Knox, 23 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary at war having examined the Negotiations of the Governor of the Western territory with certain northern and north western Indians, and the treaties made in consequence thereof at Fort Harmar on the 9th of January 1789, begs leave to Report. That The several treaties of peace which have been made with the northern tribes of Indians, and those North west of the Ohio, since the...
134To George Washington from Henry Knox, 9 June 1789 (Washington Papers)
In obedience to the desire expressed in your letter of yesterday, I shall immediately proceed to make out a general statement of the present situation of the war department, conformably to the principles you were pleased to suggest, and submit the same to your consideration. I have the honor to be sir with the highest respect Your most obedient and humble Servant ALS , DLC:GW . See GW to John...
135To George Washington from Henry Knox, 15 June 1789 (Washington Papers)
The time it will require to complete a full statement of the department of War, induces me to submit to your view in a series of numbers such parts thereof as seem to claim an immediate attention. As most of the nations of indians within the limits of the United States are at present discontented some of them turbulent, I have concieved it proper to commence by a statement of the indian...
136Enclosure, 15 June 1789 (Washington Papers)
(Number 1) By information from Brigadier General Harmar the commanding Officer of the troops on the frontiers, it appears that several murders have been lately committed on the inhabitants by small parties of Indians probably from the Wabash Country. Some of the said murders have been perpetrated on the south side of the Ohio, the inhabitants on the waters of that river are exceedingly alarmed...
137To George Washington from Henry Knox, 6 July 1789 (Washington Papers)
Indian Department, Southern District The Creeks. This nation of indians is divided into two districts the upper and the lower Creeks. The former reside chiefly on the waters of the Albama River in about 60 towns or villages. The latter on the waters of the Apalachicola river in about 40 towns. The Creeks are principally within the limits of the United States, but some of the most southern...
138To George Washington from Henry Knox, 7 July 1789 (Washington Papers)
The report of the 23d of May 1789 on the treaties at Fort Harmar, by the Governor of the Western Territory, and the paper Number One of the Indian Department, contain such a general statement of the circumstances relative to the Indian tribes, within the limits of the United States, North West of the Ohio, as will probably render their situation sufficiently understood. The Numbers, two,...
139To George Washington from Henry Knox, 7 July 1789 (Washington Papers)
The Cherokees. This Nation of Indians consisting of separate Towns or villages are seated principally on the head waters of the Tennessee which runs into the Ohio. Their hunting grounds extend from Cumberland River along the frontiers of Virginia, North and South Carolina, and part of Georgia. The frequent Wars they have had with the frontier people of the said States have greatly diminished...
140To George Washington from Henry Knox, 7 July 1789 (Washington Papers)
The Chickasaws. This Nation of Indians were estimated by the Commissioners in 1785 at 800 Warriors, other opinions make them amount to 1200. The lines of their territory between the Cherokees and Choctaws do not appear precisely fixed. Their limits established by the Treaty hereafter mentioned are bounded on the North by the ridge which divides the waters running into the Cumberland, from...
141To George Washington from Henry Knox, 28 July 1789 (Washington Papers)
Having examined the report of the Commissioners for treating with the Southern Indians dated the 30th of June last, and the papers accompanying the same, I have the honor to observe. That it is the opinion of the said Commissioners, that the Creek Nation of Indians are generally disposed to enter into a treaty with the United States, for the purpose of establishing a permanent peace. That it...
142To George Washington from Henry Knox, 13 August 1789 (Washington Papers)
The detail of the estimate of the expences for treating with the Southern indians which was formed the 20th of May 1789. It is supposed that at least 1500 Creeks will attend at the treaty, each of whom according to custom, must have one and an half rations ⅌ day; this would require for each day 2250 rations. The treaty may be presumed to last 25 days. 56,250 Rations at ⅛th of a dollar ⅌ ration...
143To George Washington from Henry Knox, 17 August 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have enclosed the copies of the letters you have been pleased to request. I am persuaded the senate will when they understand the matter fully concur with the house. I will wait on you this afternoon or tomorrow morning with some heads of instructions for the Commissioners. I sincerely thank you for Your kind condolance on the loss of our child—we must submit to events we cannot control. I...
144To George Washington from Henry Knox, 17 August 1789 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to submit to your view a loose sketch of the general ideas which have occurred to me on the subject of instructions to the Commission[er]s. If any part of them should meet your approbation, they could, together with such additions as you may judge proper be drawn up in form. I will wait on you tomorrow to receive your further orders on this subject. I am Sir respectfully and...
145To George Washington from Henry Knox, 9 October 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to submit to your inspection a general return of the Ordnance, Arms, and Military Stores in possession of the United States specifying the places at which they are deposited. The stores in general were placed in their present situation by the chances or events of the late War—Springfield in Massachusetts and Carlisle in Pennsylvania excepted—At these places buildings were...
146To George Washington from Henry Knox, 18 October 1789 (Washington Papers)
In obedience to your commands to write to you on all occasions I have the honor to inform you that Mr Kean arrived here yesterday from South Carolina. He brings a report which he received through such a channel as induces him to credit it, That a Mr Clark arrived at Savannah on the 2d of this month from the Rock Landing on the Oconee, and informed that the treaty had abruptly broken up without...
147To George Washington from Henry Knox, 22 October 1789 (Washington Papers)
Nothing of importance has occurred since the letter I did myself the honor of writing you on the 18th instant. I am anxiously expecting to hear from the southern Commissioners. Major Wyllis and the other Officers have been detained by business Untill this day. They have taken young White Eyes under their protection. I have the honor to be Sir Your obedient Servant ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW ....
148To George Washington from Henry Knox, 25 October 1789 (Washington Papers)
No further intelligence has been received from Georgia since the arrival of Mr Kean. This silence, and the powers with which the commissioners were invested to render the treaty advantages to the Creeks generally, and to their cheif particularly are sufficient to arrest the beleif of the report. The report itself originated perhaps in the apprehension or misrepresentations of some of the White...
149To George Washington from Henry Knox, 27 October 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment received a letter from Mr Habersham at Savannah dated the 14th instant informing that he had received a letter from the Commissioners dated at Augusta the 5th instant, directing him to engage a passage for Captain Burbecks company to New York, which he had accordingly done with Captain Schemmerhorn who was to sail about the 20th instant. Mr Habersham adds “You will doubtless...
150To George Washington from Henry Knox, 21 November 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to submit to your inspection the report and letter which I have just received from the Commissioners of Indian Affairs for the Southern district. I have the honor to be Sir With the highest respect Your Most Obedient Humble Servant. LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . Knox is undoubtedly referring to the letter of 17 Nov. 1789 to him from Benjamin Lincoln, Cyrus Griffin, and David...