1From George Washington to Henry Knox, 27 August 1790 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Henry Knox, 27 Aug. 1790. On 29 Aug. 1790 Knox wrote to GW , “In answer to your secret communication of the 27th instant, and the questions stated therein.” See GW to John Adams, 27 Aug. 1790 (second letter), n.2 .
2From George Washington to Henry Knox, 7–8 May 1791 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Henry Knox, c.7–8 May 1791. Tobias Lear wrote to GW on 22 May : “I had the pleasure to receive a letter from Major Jackson—enclosing one for each of the heads of the Departments.” GW’s letters to the secretaries of state and treasury bear Charleston, 7 and 8 May, datelines.
3From 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 .
4George 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...
5From George Washington to Henry Knox, 15 June 1791 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Henry Knox, 15 June 1791. On 19 June GW referred Knox to “My letter of the 15th inst.” William Jackson informed Tobias Lear on 14 June that “The President thinks he may write to the Heads of departments by the next post.” In the letter-book copy of GW’s letter of 19 June to Knox ( DLC:GW ), Lear noted that “The letter of the 15th instant was not among those put into the...
6From George Washington to Henry Knox, 17 June 1791 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Henry Knox, 17 June 1791. GW docketed Knox’s official letter of 17 April as answered on 17 June, and Knox wrote on 21 June to GW: “I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favors, of the 15th and 17th instant.” Although Henry Knox wrote “ 17th instant” in his letter of 21 June, he was probably referring to GW’s letter of 19 June (which might have been misdated...
7George 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...
8From George Washington to Henry Knox, 1792 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Henry Knox, 1792. ALS , sold by Goodspeed’s, no. 129, item 2073, 1919. GW marked this letter “Private,” and according to the catalog entry, this letter is “on matters concerning the army organization.”
9From George Washington to Henry Knox, 8 March 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have taken into consideration your letter of the 15th of last month, and I approve of the proposals therein suggested, of endeavoring to avoid a War with the Creek nation of Indians. I approve particularly of your requesting Mr Hawkins to send the letter to Alexander McGillivray a copy of which you have enclosed—and I authorize you to employ a suitable person to conduct the business, and to...
10From 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,...
11From 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...
12George 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...
13From George Washington to Henry Knox, 26 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
(Private) Dear Sir, Philadelphia Decr 26th 1791 The enclosed is a private letter from Colo. Nicholas (an influential character in Kentucky) to the Attorney General. He put it into my hands to read; I, without having asked his permission, send it to you for the same purpose, of course the communication is confidential. My reason for sending it to you is, to shew you the uniform sentiment of...
14From 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...
15From 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...
16From 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...
17George 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...
18From George Washington to Henry Knox, 10 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 1st inst: I have duly recd—likewise one of the 4th, covering a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury together with some communications from Lt Colo. Beckwith. I herewith transmit you an Address & Memorial of the Officers, Civil & Military, of the District of Miro, which was sent to me by Govr Blount—I wish you to take the same into your consideration, & make a Report...
19From 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...
20From George Washington to Henry Knox, 26 August 1792 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your Letter of the 17th inst; with it’s enclosure from Genl Wayne. Whatever Genl Wayne may require towards the equipmt of his troops for the service for wch they are designed, provided a compliance therewith be authorised by Law, I think had better be granted. powder in particular, precisely such as he desires, I would furnish him with in order that there may be no room for...
21From 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...
22From George Washington to Henry Knox, 22 January 1792 (Washington Papers)
Upon reflection, I think it best that no mention should be made of the probability that the characters we run over yesterday will be nominated as General Officers (in case the Bill shall pass)—and, if you have disclosed the matter to Mr M——or any one else, that secrecy may be enjoined as to the Men, not the numr. In the embryo state of this business it might (especially as it respects the...
23From George Washington to Henry Knox, 25 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
I have given the enclosed draught of a letter to Captn Brandt a careful perusal. Such additions as are made with a pencil may be advisable—but, after you have given them an attentive consideration, they may stand or fall as you shall think best. Yours &ca ALS , PHi : Society Collection; Df , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW
24From 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 &...
25From George Washington to Henry Knox, 16 September 1792 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 8th, with its enclosures, came duly to hand; & requires but little in reply to it, as your answer to Genl Waynes communications contain every direction which is necessary for his governmt at this time. Whatever may be the Attorney General’s opinion with respect to the legality of calling out Militia by the Governor of Pennsylvania—for supplying the place of the Rangers—it is...
26From 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...
27George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and Henry Knox, 4 April 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
As the public service may require that communications should be made to me, during my absence from the seat of government, by the most direct conveyances and as, in the event of any very extraordinary occurrence, it will be necessary to know at what time I may be found in any particular place, I have to inform you that unless the progress of my journey to Savannah is retarded by unforeseen...
28George 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...
29From George Washington to Henry Knox, 14 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
(Private) My dear Sir, Mount Vernon Octr 14th 1791. I have been under a strange mistake with respect to the time appointed for the meeting of Congress, and a distressing one; inasmuch as I shall have but little time after my arrival in Philadelphia to receive, & digest the thoughts which may have occurred to the heads of Departments, with those of my own, into proper form for communication, or...
30From 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...
31From George Washington to Henry Knox, 4 April 1792 (Washington Papers)
You will lay before the House of Representatives such papers, from your department, as are requested by the enclosed Resolution. Df , in Tobias Lear’s hand, DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . Tobias Lear noted at the bottom of the draft: “(The papers aluded to are such as relate to the expedition under Genl St Clair—).” The enclosed resolution was undoubtedly that passed by the House of Representatives...
32From George Washington to Henry Knox, 1 April 1791 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 27th Ultimo was received last evening. Your proceeding upon the intelligence therein contained (which I think truly alarming) meets my entire approbation, and appears to promise as good effects as the limited sphere of action, allotted to the general government, in cases so deeply effecting its dignity and the happiness of the citizens will allow. Should you suppose that...
33From 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...
34From George Washington to Henry Knox, 9 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed papers relative to a treaty with the Cherokee Indians were put into my hands: and as I understand that matters of this kind have hitherto been considered as belonging to the department of the Secretary of War to examine and report thereon, and knowing that you have others of a similar nature now in your hands, I would wish you to make a summary report on the whole as soon as may...
35From George Washington to Henry Knox, 29 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
That General St Clair may not think his letters (enclosed) to me, have been unattended to, or slighted, I wish such an answer as will do for publication may be prepared—conformably—to the Sentimts which seemed to be entertained of the matter when the subject was before us the other day. I am always Yrs P.S. To say neither too much, nor too little, in the answer will be a matter of some...
36From 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...
37From 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...
38From George Washington to Henry Knox, 19 February 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have given due consideration to the papers annexed. If the usage of the Army has been, that the Officer next in seniority has not only the right to fill the vacancy which is occasioned by death—Resignation—or dismission; but also (if adjudged worthy of promotion) to have his Commission dated at the time the said vacancy happened: And; as it appears that the resignation of Captn Mercer of the...
39George 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...
40From George Washington to Henry Knox, 2 November 1790 (Washington Papers)
(Private) My dear Sir, Mount Vernon Novr 2d 1790 I am a little surprised that we have not heard (so long after the time appointed for the Rendezvous) of the issue, the progress, or the commencement of the Expedition against the Wabash Indians under the conduct of Brigr Genl Harmer. This, in my opinion, is an Undertaking of a serious nature. I am not a little anxious to know the result of it, &...
41From George Washington to Henry Knox, 14 January 1791 (Washington Papers)
On as full a consideration of the last speech made to me by Cornplanter, Half Town, and the Great-tree, Chiefs of the Seneka Nation, as my comprehension of their meaning enables me to give, I am led to the following conclusions, which, if there is any propriety in discussing their request, or yielding the land asked for, I wish you to consider as the basis of the communications to be made to...
42From 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...
43From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and Henry Knox, 4 April 1791 (Washington Papers)
As the public service may require that communications should be made to me, during my absence from the seat of government, by the most direct conveyances—and as, in the event of any very extraordinary occurrence, it will be necessary to know at what time I may be found in any particular place, I have to inform you that unless the progress of my journey to Savannah is retarded by unforeseen...
44From George Washington to Henry Knox, 4 November 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 25th ultimo with its enclosures. I am apprehensive that Governor St Clair’s communication of the object of the expedition to the Officer commanding at Detroit has been unseasonable and may have unfavorable consequences—it was certainly premature to announce the operation intended until the troops were ready to move—since the Indians, through that channel,...
45From George Washington to Henry Knox, 2 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
Nothing at present occurs to me of which I have to inform you, except that since the rect of your letter of the 22d ulto respecting the situation of affairs in the French Island of Hispaniola—your other letter of the 22d & that of the 24th of the same month, one giving an Accot of the Expedition under Gl Wilkinson—the other enclosing a Statemt of the Troops now on our frontiers, having been...
46From George Washington to Henry Knox, 4 September 1789 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of a Resolve of the Congress of the United States, bearing date the 26th of Augt 1789, I have thought fit to appoint Andrew Ellicot to compleat a certain survey directed to be made by an Act of the late Congress of the 6th of June 1789. The sum of Eleven hundred and twenty five dollars is (by an estimate of Mr Ellicot) found necessary to carry into effect the beforementioned...
47From George Washington to Henry Knox, 4 April 1791 (Washington Papers)
To avoid the inconvenience of future delay in officering the Virginia battalion of levies, and to remove the uncertainty which your want of information might occasion, I have determined to attempt its completion, with the assistance of Colonel Darck, whom I have authorized by a letter of this date, to appoint three Captains, three lieutenants, and three Ensigns from among the Gentlemen of his...
48From 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...
49From George Washington to Henry Knox, 26 August 1789 (Washington Papers)
Provision having been made by the Act of Congress of the 20th of August 1789, that a sum not exceeding twenty thousand dollars, arising from the duties on imports & tonnage shall be appropriated for defraying the expence of Negotiating & treating with the Indian Tribes; I have therefore to request that you will use your best exertions to obtain the necessary means for carrying the intention of...
50From George Washington to Henry Knox, 7 April 1790 (Washington Papers)
The papers which you yesterday submitted to me, respecting the arrangement of the three companies to be sent to Georgia and the Instructions to be given to their Captains, have been duly considered, and meet my approbation. The proposed disposition of the said companies after their arrival in Georgia— “To wit One company—at the St Mary’s. One do—at Beards } Altamaha Bluff on the One do at the...