Henry Knox to William Knox on Business and Trade, 20 March 1779

Henry Knox to William Knox on Business and Trade, 20 March 1779
Author: Henry Knox
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1779
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Agrees with William that commerce is a profitable venture. Quotes Shakespeare: There is a tide in the affairs of men, which, taken [at] the flood lead[s] on to Fortune... Discusses William's previous proposal, which apparently involves buying goods on credit from a merchant who might travel to America. Contemplates the uncertainty of the venture and the difficulty in obtaining credit, associates, and bills. Remarks that Spain will accede to our Independence, and will give credit to American currency. Instructs William to consider all circumstances and to decide whether a European or West Indian trade would be more profitable. Prefers Holland and West Indian trade to British trade. Mentions his wife Lucy. Inquires as to the outcome of a petition affecting to his estate. Instructs William to give John Jackson flour, Indian corn, or grain. Refers to a dinner William has planned with General [Horatio] Gates.

William Knox to Henry Knox Discussing Financial and Business Plans, 8 July 1779

William Knox to Henry Knox Discussing Financial and Business Plans, 8 July 1779
Author: William Knox
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1779
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Makes financial plans before embarking for Holland on a business venture. Encloses an inventory of the stock on hand, which amounts nearly to as much sterling as it did upon my taking it after returning from the Army ... Informs Knox he has only one outstanding debt, and William cannot locate the person with the account (William was in charge of much of Knox's business while Knox served in the military). Declares, ... we are nearly six hundred pounds... richer than we were when I left the army, which I think it doing tolerably well considering the Capitol we had to begin with ... Intends to send Knox a list of furniture that arrived for him from Marlborough, [Massachusetts]. Reports that his voyage has been delayed until the end of the Penobscot Expedition. Has heard, from Samuel Adams, of a ship leaving immediately for Europe bearing dispatches of Revolutionary affairs in Charleston, South Carolina. Thanks Knox for letters of introduction Knox procured for his brother's trip to Europe, including letters from Baron von Steuben. Reports on British movements in the east, including their establishment of little Indian Houses with all kinds of trinkets, as a temptation for the Indians to join them for twenty miles from Penobscot.

William Knox to Henry Knox Discussing Finances and the War, and Speculating on what Peace Might Mean for Business, 28 September 1781

William Knox to Henry Knox Discussing Finances and the War, and Speculating on what Peace Might Mean for Business, 28 September 1781
Author: William Knox
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1781
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Discusses plans for traveling to Europe, ships to take, and his effort to raise money. Also discusses what is happening at the port in Boston, mentioning specific ships, captains, armaments, and visitors. Mentions merchant activities, following up on his previous letter (GLC02437.01186), and announces that the sale of cargo on the Amsterdam has made Henry a profit. Comments on the large amount of public money owed to Henry. Discusses European business accounts. Speculates on the consequences of peace with Britain. Relates story of British Admiral Clyde Parker's battle with the Dutch off Dogger Bank, which occurred in August of 1781. Comments on Dutch support and recognition of American Independence. Connecticut Governor Jonathan Trumbull reported the British return to New York after a severe naval loss to the Compte de Grasse.

William Knox to Henry Knox Discussing Military, Business and Family News, 4 October 1781

William Knox to Henry Knox Discussing Military, Business and Family News, 4 October 1781
Author: William Knox
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1781
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Discusses news of the siege of Yorktown, mentioning the activities of the Marquis de La Fayette and naval engagements between French Admiral Compte de Grasse and British Admiral Thomas Graves. Reports that Congress has received indications of the capture of Lord Cornwallis, but faulty intelligence from the past has made them skeptical. Discusses his upcoming business trip to Europe and seeks his brother's approval. Explains his sale of stock to finance the trip and plans to travel by French frigate. Explains his plans in case ships with cargo he owns arrive in Boston after his departure. Comments on the dearth of letters from Lucy to him and others in Boston. Mentions news of family and friends. Reports that local merchants are going to give a dinner for the Marquis de Gergerous.

William Knox to Henry Knox Discussing Their Precarious Financial State, 20 September 1781

William Knox to Henry Knox Discussing Their Precarious Financial State, 20 September 1781
Author: William Knox
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1781
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Response to 4 September 1781 letter (GLC02437.01165). Discusses their financial situation, which undoubtedly are in such a train as to require the strictest attention to Oeconomy. William has sold some goods to prepare for his business trip to Europe. Comments that It would have been particularly agreeable if you could have received part of what the public are indebted to you. Mentions that the allocation of the cash from the loan John Laurens obtained from France has not been negotiated yet. Discusses the arrival of a shipment of tea, the arrival of the Amsterdam, and one of Knox's accounts. Suggests a potential real estate deal. Comments on the importance of letters of introduction or support from well known people. Hopes there is peace by spring; it will be good for business. Mentions health problems. The Continental Army was then preparing for the siege of Yorktown.

Henry Knox to William Knox Regarding Business Matters, Military Affairs and Their Family, 3 June 1776

Henry Knox to William Knox Regarding Business Matters, Military Affairs and Their Family, 3 June 1776
Author: Henry Knox
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1776
Genre:
ISBN:

Says that he received William's account of plundered stock from British troops [the British had left many supplies in Boston when they evacuated in March 1776]. Discusses notes that must be paid that pertain to personal business. Asks William to send him money to buy a carriage, so that Lucy Knox can leave New York quickly if there is danger. Also asks him to send uniform buttons mentioned in a previous letter (see GLC02437.00275). Wants William to keep him informed on what is done with the confiscated Tory estates. Requests a copy of Edes and Gill's Monday newspaper.