William Knox to Henry Knox Providing an Update on the War Department, 9 October 1789

William Knox to Henry Knox Providing an Update on the War Department, 9 October 1789
Author: William Knox
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1789
Genre:
ISBN:

Since Henry Knox is returning to Boston soon, William states that I shall be rather particular in stating to you the objects, which require your return as soon as possible, or for you to give such directions respecting them as can be done only by you. Goes on to discusses various issues in the War Department, such as an upcoming march by a Lieutenant [possibly John] Pratt and his company, the lack of clothing for troops, and financial business pertaining to General [Josiah] Harmar, Major [John Francis] Hamtramck, and troops in western Pennsylvania. Also touches on the financial arrangements of [William] Duer.

William Knox to Henry Knox with Updates from the War Office, 14 October 1788

William Knox to Henry Knox with Updates from the War Office, 14 October 1788
Author: William Knox
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1788
Genre:
ISBN:

William, managing affairs in the War Office in Henry's absence, discusses military matters. Reports that Sergeant Alcott arrived at West Point with his complete party. Instructed Lieutenant Pratt to wait at Hartford, Connecticut for Henry Knox before departing with his party for West Point. Also reports receiving correspondence from the Marquis de Lafayette, forwarded by Mr. [John] Jay's office, regarding the Society of the Cincinnati. Docketed in pencil, possibly at a later date.

William Knox to Henry Knox Reporting War Office Business, 21 October 1788

William Knox to Henry Knox Reporting War Office Business, 21 October 1788
Author: William Knox
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1788
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ISBN:

Reports War Office business. Discusses Lieutenant Pratt's recruits and his orders to march to Fort Pitt. Refers to matters in the Northwest Territory, clothing inspection and packing, and a [Congressional] committee's inspection of the War Department. Of the inspection and resulting report, writes, I do not think it looks unfavorably to you- but which with defference [sic] to their great wisdom might I think as well have been left undone, as it acquaints the world with secrets, which should have been less extensively known. Reports that Robert Morris is in town, and the Old Congress will shortly conclude. Received news from Mr. la Forest: the Archbishop of Toulouse, Prime Minister of France (?tienne Charles de Lom?nie de Brienne) has been dismissed and no successor had been appointed as of 3 September; [Jacques Necker] is again the Director of Finances of France. Complains that he has been confined to his chamber with an ague in [his] face.

William Knox to Henry Knox with War Office Updates, 30 October 1788

William Knox to Henry Knox with War Office Updates, 30 October 1788
Author: William Knox
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1788
Genre:
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William, managing the War Office in Henry's absence, discusses military business. Comments on transporting clothing in preparation for a march to Fort Pitt. Transmits news from Generals Josiah Harmar and Arthur St. Clair. Reports on St. Clair's news: No treaty yet things look doubtful. Also remarks that [John] Sevier is outlaw'd in N. Carolina. Notes that Mr. Martin (possibly General Joseph Martin), defeated the Chickamaugas in a recent battle. In closing, complains of a cold, writing I am closely confined physicking fomenting and politicing.

William Knox to Henry Knox with Updates from the War Office, 14 September 1788

William Knox to Henry Knox with Updates from the War Office, 14 September 1788
Author: William Knox
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1788
Genre:
ISBN:

William attests to his endeavors to keep affairs in order at the War Office while Henry is away on business. Reports that a Mr. [Joseph] Martin has been appointed by a board of officers to command an Expedition against Chickamaga [sic] with 1000 men... Martin noted that the middle settlements and the Indians of the valley are disposed to Treat... (refer to GLC02437.03982). Notes that Martin received a friendly message from the Hangingman who succeeds the old Com Tassell. Announces that Congress voted New York to be the permanent seat of the United States Government. Relates other War Office business.

William Knox to Henry Knox of News about the War, 18 October 1781

William Knox to Henry Knox of News about the War, 18 October 1781
Author: William Knox
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1781
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Has not heard from his brother in almost six weeks. News of the operation against Yorktown from General George Washington included the destruction of three of Lord Cornwallis redoubts and a formal demand for surrender, along with Cornwallis' rejection of it. Speculates that defeating Cornwallis will not be easy for the Allied Army, but Fall he must. Rumors of unsuccessful British activity against General Nathanael Greene near Charleston. Offers high praise for Greene as a potential successor for Washington. Mentions the deaths of 300 soldiers and officers among Colonel William Washington's cavalry. Also mentions the success of General John Stark at Skenesboro. Discusses his plans to travel to Europe on business on a French frigate. Joshua Loring will take over his bookstore. Mentions selling some books and making other preparations for departure.

William Knox to Henry Knox with Updates from the War Office, 22 August 1788

William Knox to Henry Knox with Updates from the War Office, 22 August 1788
Author: William Knox
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1788
Genre:
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William, managing the office of Secretary of War in Henry's absence, discusses the people in Boston and their opinion of him and Henry. Mentions the flourishing state of trade in [Boston]. Plans to take a restful two day vacation to the country. Received reports from Arthur St. Clair, Governor of the Northwest Territory, and General Josiah Harmar. They arrested six Chippewas suspected of murder. Refers to Mr. Martin's appointment by Congress as an agent to the Chickasaw and Cherokee Indians.

William Knox to Henry Knox with Updates on Clothing for Soldiers and His Health, 28 October 1788

William Knox to Henry Knox with Updates on Clothing for Soldiers and His Health, 28 October 1788
Author: William Knox
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1788
Genre:
ISBN:

William, managing War Office business in Henry's absence, reports on gathering clothing for an impending march to Fort Pitt: Captain Price arrived in the morning; Mr. Stagg has begun inspecting and packing 400 uniforms; Samuel Hodgdon organized wagons for transporting the clothing, etc. Refers to Lieutenant John Pratt (who will lead troops to Fort Pitt). Comments on his illness: ...I had a face like a pudding- and more pain than I know what to do with... my face is swelling while I am writing-

William Knox to Henry Knox Admitting to Granting Pratt and Others More Pay, 9 November 1788

William Knox to Henry Knox Admitting to Granting Pratt and Others More Pay, 9 November 1788
Author: William Knox
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1788
Genre:
ISBN:

Reports news of the War Office (William was managing affairs there in Henry's absence). Discusses Lieutenant John Pratt's planned march to Fort Pitt. Refers to [Samuel] Hodgdon's organization of wagons for transporting clothing. Admits that he granted Pratt another month's pay when Pratt pressured him; Pratt also obtained a month's pay to four old soldiers under his command. Notes that he has been housebound due to a recent illness (a cold accompanied by a swollen face), but he is able to work at home. Philip Audebert, War Office clerk, attends constantly at the War Office. Lists members of Congress who are in New York including James Madison. Comments on acquaintances, including Catharine Greene.