1To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Knox, 11 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
My friend Winthrop Sargent Governor of the Missisippi Territory will have the honor to present this letter to you. This gentleman served under my command in the revolutionary Army, with the highest approbation of the Commander in cheif and every officer in the Army whose good opinion was of any value. It is more than one quarter of a century since I have been intimate with him, and I never...
2To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Knox, 29 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Among the most perplexing, and thankless acts of your high station will be that of appointments to offices. You will be assailed by all sorts of arguments by applicants to obtain their ends; and even with all possible caution and wisdom errors may be committed. I ask pardon for these observations which I am persuaded have already occurred in full force, and also for the trouble I am about...
3To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Knox, 16 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Even if the sincerity and cordiality which dictate this note should fail of giving it any value in your estimation, yet the consciousness of having performed an impulse of duty will afford me some gratification. I cannot refrain from expressing to you, the heart felt satisfaction I have experienced in perusing your address of the 4th of the present month. The just manner in which you...
4To John Adams from Henry Knox, 9 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
Mr Wetmore who has been long a barrister at the bar of this state, but who meeting with pecuniary embarrasments has removed into the district of Maine, is very desirous of some employment in the judicial Line. His age about fifty, and his legal knowledge, qualify him in the opinion of those who are intimately acquainted with him, for almost any office in the department of the law I have the...
5To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Knox, 9 March 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
I feel great pleasure in any circumstance, which may present me to your remembrance.—No person has a higher respect & esteem for your Character, any shades of a difference in political opinions notwithstanding. The mutual and sincere expressions of regret at parting have always afforded me satisfaction.— I remember on a former occasion that You desir’d some information respecting the...
6To John Adams from Henry Knox, 27 February 1800 (Adams Papers)
The unalterable respect and affection I entertain for your talents and character dissipates all apprehension of offence in addressing you on the present occasion. My feelings as a father whose fortitude is assailed and wounded by the conduct of a thoughtless and extravagant son will I well know excite your sympathy. A son acting under the delusions of Youthful passions which hurry him headlong...
7To John Adams from Henry Knox, 19 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I flatter myself with the hope that the subject of this note, will not be deemed by you as unreasonable importunity. My son my only son has been a midshipman in the Navy upwards of a year. Before that period he performed a long voyage to India. He is reputed to be well skilled as a navigator, active as a seaman, in addition to which the experience of three years, appears in the opinion of Capt...
8To John Adams from Henry Knox, 2 June 1799 (Adams Papers)
I flatter myself with the hope that, the subject of this letter it will not be considered by you as unreasonable importunity—My son my only son has been a mids Midshipman th in the navy for upwards of a year. Before that period he was a year as he performed along voyage to india. The His expenence he has , and his know skill as a navigator, to add to his experience
9To John Adams from Henry Knox, 5 March 1799 (Adams Papers)
Although I have often entertained the intention of writing to you, yet as I had nothing more to communicate, than assurances of my sincere attatchment, and the warm approbation which appeared to possess the best mind of the great majority of the People, I could not bring myself to intrude on your time, so precious to your Country. But when your recent nomination for France seem for a moment to...
10To George Washington from Henry Knox, 4 November 1798 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two favors of the 21st and 23d ultimo. They breathe a spirit of friendship and affection which has ever been ardently reciprocated by me. The appointment of the third Major General having been explicity declined by me I have nothing to add on that subject but one single observation. To wit that you are the only decided personal friend who has advised my acceptance of it....