1From George Washington to Henry Knox, 21 October 1798 (Washington Papers)
Several causes have concurred, to retard the acknowledgment of the receipt of your favour of the 26th of August. At the time it came to hand, I was much engaged in matters that could not be well postponed; and before I got through them, I was siezed with a fever which was unremittingly severe for several days, and left me in so debilitated a state as to render writing, and business generally...
2From George Washington to Henry Knox, 9 August 1798 (Washington Papers)
Private My Dear Sir Mount Vernon 9th Augt 1798 Your letter of the 29th Ulto has filled my mind with disquietude, and perplexity in the extreme; but I will say nothing in reply, intentionally, that shall give you a moments pain. Indeed from the tenor of your letter, it would seem as if nothing I could say, now, would be of any avail—after the open, candid and I think friendly communications in...
3From George Washington to Henry Knox, 16 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
Little did I imagine when I retired from the theatre of public life, that it was probable, or even possible, that any event would arise in my day, that could induce me to entertain, for a moment, an idea of relinquishing the tranquil walks, and refreshing shades, with which I am surrounded. But it is in vain, I perceive, to look for ease & happiness in a world of troubles. The call of my...
4From George Washington to Henry Knox, 2 March 1797 (Washington Papers)
Amongst the last acts of my political life, and before I go hence into retirement, profound , will be the acknowledgment of your kind and affectionate letter from Boston—dated the 15th of January. From the friendship I have always borne you—and from the interest I have ever taken in whatever relates to your prosperity & happiness, I participated in the sorrows which I knew you must have felt...
5From George Washington to Henry Knox, 8 June 1796 (Washington Papers)
I would not let Mr Bingham (who says he is about to visit you) depart without acknowledging the receipt of sevl letters from you; and offering Mrs Knox & yourself my sincere condolence on your late heavy loss. Great, and trying as it must be to your sensibility, I am persuaded after the first severe pangs are over you both possess fortitude enough to view the event as the dispensation of...
6From George Washington to Henry Knox, 4 April 1796 (Washington Papers)
Before this will have reached you, you must have seen in the gazettes that I have taken the liberty (without a previous consultation) to nominate you the Commissioner for ascertaining the true St Croix & the Eastern boundary of the U. States, agreeably to the fifth article of the treaty lately entered into with G. Britain. I hope it will be convenient & agreeable for you to accept the trust,...
7From George Washington to Henry Knox, 20 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
I received with great pleasure the letter you wrote me from Boston, dated the 2d instant—as I always shall do any others you may favor me with. This pleasure was encreased by hearing of the good health of Mrs Knox and the rest of your family, and the agreeableness of your establishment at St George’s in the Provence of Maine. I may add also, that the account given of the favorable disposition...
8From George Washington to Henry Knox, 30 December 1794 (Washington Papers)
The considerations which you have often suggested to me, and are repeated in your letter of the 28th instant; as requiring your departure from your present office, are such, as to preclude the possibility of my urging your continuance in it. This being the case, I can only wish that it was otherwise. I cannot suffer you, however, to close your public service without uniting with the...
9From George Washington to Henry Knox, 23 December 1794 (Washington Papers)
The letter of which the enclosed is a copy, was received yesterday. The information wch it contains being of a serious nature I request that strict enquiry may be instituted into the matter and a report thereupon made to me. ADfS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . See Pierce Butler to GW, 30 November. Knox referred the question to Alexander Hamilton, who in turn referred it to Tench Coxe. Noting that...
10From George Washington to Henry Knox, 9 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 6th came to hand last night. It would have given me pleasure to have had you with me & advantages might have resulted from it on my present tour, if your return, in time, would have allowed it. It is now too late, as we shall be in the Act of crossing the mountains, or I shall be on my return to Phila. (according to circumstances & the information I shall receive) at the...
11From George Washington to Henry Knox, 30 September 1794 (Washington Papers)
Under the circumstances which exist to exceed your proposed time of absence so long, is to be regretted—but hearing nothing from you for a considerable time has given alarm, lest some untoward accident may have been the cause of it. Having occasion sometime ago to write to Colo. Ball on business, I observed that the land of which he was possessed was reported as a favorable spot on which to...
12From George Washington to Henry Knox, 8 August 1794 (Washington Papers)
(Private) Dear Sir German Town [Pa.] Friday 8 Oclock P.M. [8 Aug. 1794] Mr Bradfords letter (which I presume you have seen, and) which was sent to me by Express, conveyed to my mind a different idea than it is now impressed with, from the Secretary of States account of the conversation he has had with Colo. Nevill & Major Lenox. I concluded from the first (combined with the articles in the...
13From George Washington to Henry Knox, 14 July 1794 (Washington Papers)
I have given the proceedings of the Court Martial in the case of Captn Willm A. Lee—and the Petition which accompanied it to have him restored—an attentive perusal. The judgment of the Court is, in my opinion, well supported by evidence (except in the article of nonconformity with the order of arrest; in this , the explanation of an expression of Captn Campbell may have led him into the error...
14From George Washington to Henry Knox, 30 June 1794 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 25 instt, enclosing letters from Generals Wayne & Chapin, & from the Contracter Williams, came safe by Fridays Post. On neither shall I say any thing at present; because (if I find myself able to bear jolting over the infamous roads I have to travel) I shall, on thursday, commence my Journey for Philadelphia, & proceed by easy stages For this reason, and because it is...
15From George Washington to Henry Knox, 25 June 1794 (Washington Papers)
(Private) Dear Sir Mount Vernon 25th June 1794. Your letter of the 18th instt came to me by the Post wch arrived in Alexandria on Monday evening. It is not more unusual than it is difficult to account for the motives wch induce Gov. M——’s either to antedate or to detain after they are written the letters which I receive from him. That there is design in it, admits of little doubt in my mind....
16George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, [16 June 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
Tomorrow I shall commence my journey for Virginia. My absence from the seat of Government will be as short as I can make it, to answer the purposes of my going. In the interim, occurrences may happen, out of the common routine which might suffer by delay. Where this is the case, & the matter is of importance, advise with the other Secretaries, & the Attorney General, and carry any unanimous...
17George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, [10 June 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
It is my wish to set off for Mount Vernon on Monday next. With some inconvenience to myself, it might be delayed until Wednesday; beyond which the purposes of my journey would, in a great measure, be defeated by further delay. I therefore desire that everything which requires my attention in your Department previous to my absence, may be laid before me with as much promptitude as the case will...
18From George Washington to Henry Knox, 1 May 1794 (Washington Papers)
The letter from General Wayne to you, of the 10th of March, I have perused. The Contractors who supplied the articles of Hats & Shoes to the Army, which he complains of, or the person who inspected them—or both, ought to be called to a severe account for such abuse of public confidence. The ideas communicated in the above letter, relatively to long & short Coats are not, I conceive, bad....
19From George Washington to Henry Knox, 16 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
I have considered your report of the 15th instt relatively to the Frigates which are to be built; and as soon as the important points on which the master builders have differed, is settled by the expedient you have had recourse to; and you can obtain the means for carrying the law into effect, it is my desire that the work ⟨may be entered upon⟩ without delay; in the manner, and at the places...
20From George Washington to Henry Knox, 14 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
Consider, and report such an answer to the letter herewith enclosed (from the Governor of the State of Pennsylvania of this date) as the contents in your judgment may require. Given at Phila. this 14th day of April 1794. ADfS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . For the enclosed letter and Knox’s reply to Thomas Mifflin of 15 April, see Mifflin to GW, 14 April , and n.3 .
21From George Washington to Henry Knox, 12 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
Your report, dated the 11th instt, respecting the defence of Miro district is approved, and the Governor of the South Western Territory may be authorized to carry it into effect. Given at Philadelphia this 12th day of April 1794. ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . Knox included the defensive measures suggested in his letter to GW of 11 April in a letter to William Blount of 14 April ( Carter,...
22From George Washington to Henry Knox, 10 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
After giving the application contained in the Memorial of Doctr White (herewith returned) all the consideration it deserves, you will report what you think can & ought to be done for the protection of the District of Mero under present circumstances. I am &c. Df , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . On the memorial presented by James White, which requested federal assistance in the defense of the Mero...
23From George Washington to Henry Knox, 9 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
In reply to your letter of yesterday, I observe, that to fortify Annapolis is, in my judgment, a very proper measure. But I do not see that the Executive of the U. States can take any steps towards it until the result of the motion, now pending in the House of Representatives, be known. It is my desire that you would examine carefully the Speeches which have been made in this City, &...
24From George Washington to Henry Knox, 7 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
If the number of recruits in the Atlantic States, can afford a detachment of fifty men to the southward without too great an exposure of more important objects, it will accord with my opinion that that number should be sent thither. And they may be designated for Charleston or Savannah, as shall appear most eligible to you from the information that is to be obtained. Yours &c. Df , DLC:GW ; LB...
25From George Washington to Henry Knox, 4 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of this date, enclosing one from Captn Williamson, is received. I have never entertained any doubt myself of the genuineness of the Speech which is published as Lord Dorchester’s; nor of the intentions of the B—— Government to keep this Country in a state of disquietude With the Indian nations; and also to alter the boundary between them and us, if, by any means, they can effect...
26From George Washington to Henry Knox, 15 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
(Private) Dear Sir, Phila. Feby 15th 1794. You mentioned in the conversations, which I have lately had with you on the subject of Mr Jay and Mr King’s letter to me, of the 27th of last month, and particularly in what passed between us on thursday, that they had repeatedly declared, that they never considered that letter, as an official one; that on the contrary they had intended it, as a mere...
27From George Washington to Henry Knox, 1 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
I enclose you a resolve of the Senate of the United States of the 31. Ultimo, and request you would state what measures have been taken relative to the subject alluded to. Df , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . After the draft was written by a clerk in the War Department, Knox enclosed it for GW’s approval in his letter of 4 Jan. to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr. The Senate resolved “That the Senate will, on...
28From George Washington to Henry Knox, 23 December 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have read the proposed message to the “Sachems, Chiefs and Warriors of the Six Nations” and approve of it, except that I question whether the 8th and the 11th paragraphs are expressed quite strong enough. The 8th gives too much ground, in my opinion, to expect a compliance with their request in its full extent; and the 11th although the sense is plain, seems hardly decisive enough for Indian...
29From George Washington to Henry Knox, 15 October 1793 (Washington Papers)
The violence with which (from all accounts I have received) the contagious fever in Philada continues to rage makes it still more necessary than ever that the meeting of the Heads of Departments which I requested you to attend in a letter of the 25th Sept: should not fail to take place by the first of November that, among other things measures may be taken for security of the public offices &...
30From George Washington to Henry Knox, 25 September 1793 (Washington Papers)
(Private) Dear Sir, Mount Vernon Sep. 25th 1793 I have duly received your letters of the 15th & 18th instt and as the last announces your intention of setting out for Boston the next day I shall add nothing in this letter on business—but shall thank you for the information you have given me—as well private as public; and observe that, it appears to me highly necessary that the heads of...
31From George Washington to Henry Knox, 16 September 1793 (Washington Papers)
The Packet herewith sent, I fd at the Post Office in Alexandria, as I passed through that Town on Saturday after noon. The letter from the Minister of the French Republic, dated the 7th instt, in answr to one he had received from Govr Clinton of the 3d preceeding, breathes (as far as I can understand it from Mr Dandridge’s translation) the same language as all others do which have been...
32From George Washington to Henry Knox, 9 September 1793 (Washington Papers)
(Private) Dr Sir, Philadelphia Sepr 9th 1793. It was the opinion of the Gentlemen at their meeting on Saturday last if I mistake not, that Mr Wolcott should be desired to request Mr Webster to substantiate the language of the Minister of the French Republic as related by him in the enclosed letter. Colo. Hamilton’s situation—for which I feel extreme regret—does not permit his having any agency...
33From George Washington to Henry Knox, 26 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed letter from the Governor of the State of Delaware dated the 23d instt came to hand this moment. The occasion requires something to be written, or done in consequence of the information. ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . GW enclosed Joshua Clayton’s first letter to him of 23 Aug. 1793, which has not been found. According to GW’s executive journal for 26 Aug., the date of this letter’s...
34George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, [3 August 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
Fresh occurrences, but communicated thro’ private channels, make it indispensable that the general principles which have already been the subject of discussion should be fixed, & made known for the government of all concerned, as soon as it can be done with propriety. To fix rules on substantial ground, conformably to treaties & the Laws of nations, is extremely desireable. The verdict of the...
35George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, [29 July 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
It will not be amiss, I conceive, at the meeting you are about to have to day, to consider the expediency of directing the Customhouse Officers to be attentive to the arming or equipping Vessels, either for offensive or defensive war, in the several ports to which they belong; and make report thereof to the Governor or some other proper Officer. Unless this, or some other effectual mode is...
36From George Washington to Henry Knox and Andrew Pickens, 26 July 1793 (Washington Papers)
In addition to the information given by the Secretary of War and Genl Pickins the 24th instant, answers to the following queries are requested. ALS , DLC:GW ; ALS (letterpress copy), DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . The text in angle brackets is from the letterpress copy. The memorandum to GW from Henry Knox and Andrew Pickens of 24 July , relative to the present state of the Cherokee and Creek Indians...
37From George Washington to Henry Knox, 23 June 1793 (Washington Papers)
Under cover with this note, you will receive two letters and an enclosure from Govr. Mifflin, wch are sent to you for your information. Also the Journal of a Mr Ewing’s Voyage down, & his observations respecting the posts, Settlements &c. on the Mississipi. It is my earnest desire that you would prosecute these enquiries with assiduity. It merits investigation in order to decide whether the...
38From George Washington to Henry Knox, 14 June 1793 (Washington Papers)
By the Gazettes of to day, I perceived a Vessel is just arrived in this Port from New Orleans, on board of which are several of our citizens; who, having passed down the Mississipi, are now on their return to Ohio, their place of residence. It is of great importance that this Government should be fully informed of the Spanish force in the Floridas—The number of their Posts—and the strength &...
39George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and Henry Knox, 12 June 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
As you are about to meet on other business, it is my desire, that you would take the enclosed application into consideration. It is not my wish, on one hand, to throw unnecessary obstacles in the way of gratifying the wishes of the applicants. On the other, it is incumbent on me to proceed with regularity. Would not the granting a Patent then, which I believe is always the concluding Act and...
40George Washington to the Secretaries of State, Treasury, and War, [12 June 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
As you are about to meet on other business, it is my desire that you would take the enclosed application into consideration. It is not my wish, on one hand, to throw unnecessary obstacles in the way of gratifying the wishes of the applicants. On the other it is incumbent on me to proceed with regularity. Would not the granting of a Patent then, which I believe is always the concluding act, and...
41George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, 18 April 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
The posture of affairs in Europe, particularly between France and Great Britain, places the United States in a delicate situation; and requires much consideration of the measures which will be proper for them to observe in the War betwn. those Powers. With a view to forming a general plan of conduct for the Executive, I have stated and enclosed sundry questions to be considered preparatory to...
42From George Washington to Henry Knox, 12 April 1793 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 8th instt with its enclosures came duly to hand. It is painful, after the exertions Government have made to keep the Southern Indians quiet, & the expence that has been incurred to effect it, to receive such unfavorable accts from that quarter as are contained in the letters of Mr Seagroves which you have forwarded to me. From Genl Waynes Representation of the want of...
43From George Washington to Henry Knox, 5 April 1793 (Washington Papers)
In addition to the several matters contained in my circular Letter to you before I left Philada which you were desired to take into consideration, I now submit to you (& the other Gentlemen to whom the above mentioned Letter was directed, and who you will now also consult) a request of the Society of Quakers to be permitted to make presents to the Indians at the proposed Treaty at Sandusky....
44George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, March 21st [–22] 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
To The Secretary of State—The Secretary of the Treasury—The Secretary of War and The Attorney General of the United States. Gentlemen, The Treaty which is agreed to be held on or about the first of June next at the Lower Sandusky of Lake Erie, being of great moment to the interests and peace of this Country; and likely to be attended with difficulties arising from circumstances (not unknown to...
45George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and Henry Knox, [9 March 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
Expecting that my private affairs will call me to Virginia on or before the 25 of this month, I have to request that you will lay before me, previous to that time, such matters within your Department as may require my attention or agency before I set out, as well as those which might be necessary for me to know or act upon during the time of my absence from the Seat of Government (which will...
46From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and Henry Knox, 9 March 1793 (Washington Papers)
Expecting that my private Affairs will call me to Virginia on or before the 25th of this month, I have to request that you will lay before me, previous to that time, such matters within your department as may require my attention or agency before I set out; as well as those which might be necessary for me to know or act upon during my absence from the Seat of Government (which will be about...
47George Washington to the Secretaries of State, Treasury, and War, 9 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Expecting that my private Affairs will call me to Virginia on or before the 25th of this month, I have to request that you will lay before me, previous to that time, such matters within your department as may require my attention or agency before I set out; as well as those which might be necessary for me to know or act upon during my absence from the Seat of Government (which will be about...
48From George Washington to Henry Knox, 28 February 1793 (Washington Papers)
(Private) Dr Sir. [Philadelphia] Thursday Morning Feby 28th 1793 It is much to be regretted that the subject of Rations (encreased) had not been thought of and considered at an earlier period! It is to be feared a proposition at this time would be received with an ill grace. probably no attention paid to it. At the meeting you are about to have it might be well to mention the matter and know...
49George Washington to Alexander Hamilton and Henry Knox, 27 February 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
As the day is near at hand, when the President-elect is to take the oath of qualification, and no mode is pointed out by the Constitution or law; I could wish that you, mr Jefferson (Genl. Knox, or Colo. Hamilton) and mr Randolph could meet tomorrow morning, at any place which you may fix between yourselves; & communicate to me the result of your opinions as to time, place & manner of...
50George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, 24 February 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
The President of the United States requests the attendance of the at Nine o’Clock tomorrow morning ; at the President’s house, on the subject of the note sent to the on the 17~. inst: and that the will bring with him such remarks as he may have committed to writing in pursuance of said note. At the same time the President will lay before the Heads of the Departments & the Attorney General some...