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...
8Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., to Henry Knox, 31 December 1794 (Washington Papers)
Bw Dandridge respectfully informs Genl Knox that the President will be glad to see him at 10 o’Clock this morning. The President wishes the General to bring with him the message & other papers which are to accompany the treaty with the Six Nations to Congress. ADf , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . For these documents, see GW’s first letter to the U.S. Senate, 2 Jan. 1795 .
9From 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...
10From 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...
11Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., to Henry Knox, 16 December 1794 (Washington Papers)
By the Presidents order Bw Dandridge respectfully transmits to the Secy of War the copy of a resolution of the House of Representative, of this date; with a request that the Secretary will prepare a Report agreeably thereto. ADf , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . On this date the U.S. House “Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to cause a report to be laid before this House; of...
12Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., to Henry Knox, 8 December 1794 (Washington Papers)
By the President’s order Bw Dandridge sends the enclosed copy of a Resolution of the House of Representatives, to the Secy of War, & requests him to give the information required thereby. The President wishes to see the Secretary in order to converse with him on the subject of the resolution. AL , DLC:GW . On this date the House of Representatives “Resolved, that the President of the United...
13Enclosure: Timothy Pickering to Henry Knox, 28 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
Various accidents have retarded the business of the treaty—among others, the death of two Oneida Chiefs—they were very old men. And the appearance of William Johnson, the British interpreter, occasioned the loss of two days. As the Chiefs told me that he had come at their request, it seemed necessary, besides mentioning my orders to suffer no British agent to intrude, to give some reasons for...
14Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., to Henry Knox, 12 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
Taking into consideration all circumstances, the President has determined that there will be no occasion for him to proceed with the troops further than Bedford, & that he will return from that place to Philada. He therefore directs me to request you to countermand any orders you may have given in consequence of my letter of the 9 Inst. & to desire that the waggon with Tents &c. &c. for him...
15From 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...
16Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., to Henry Knox, 9 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
Before the Presidents departure from Philada he requested Mr Hodgdon to prepare & hold in readiness for his use sundry articles such as tents, &c. &c. which wou’d be necessary for him in case he should find it expedient to go into the western counties with the troops. These things were to be got ready by Mr Hodgdon & the President was to let him know from this place whether they should be sent...
17Enclosure: Timothy Pickering to Henry Knox, 8 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
On the 23d Ulto I sent Horatio Jones the Interpreter to Buffaloe Creek to hasten the departure of the Indians and to give them any necessary assistance on the way. I thought also that he would be able to remove any little obstructions which the British Agents might continue to throw in the way. He went directly to their principal village, assembled the Chiefs and delivered my message. The...
18From 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...
19Enclosure: Timothy Pickering to Henry Knox, 27 September 1794 (Washington Papers)
On the 20th I wrote you, that two runners had arrived the day before from Buffaloe Creek with a message urging me to hold the treaty there, that I had answered them that I had no authority to remove the Council fire and that the Treaty must be held at Kanandaigua. That upon receiving this answer, the runners replied that they were directed by the Chiefs to inform me that if I could not go to...
20Enclosure I: Timothy Pickering to Henry Knox, 20 September 1794 (Washington Papers)
I arrived here yesterday. Two or three hours before, two runners arrived from the Indian Council at Buffaloe Creek, with their answer to your invitation to meet me at Kanandaiguay for the purposes therein mentioned. They apologized for the delay in sending their answer, by saying that they had waited the arrival of the Chief (meaning Cornplanter) by whom their former speech on the subject had...
21Enclosure II: Israel Chapin to Henry Knox, 17 September 1794 (Washington Papers)
Since my last I have endeavored to obtain every information from the Westward in my power Mr Wm Ewing having been employed in that quarter returned last evening and the minutes he has made are enclosed, and also the Copy of a letter from Captain Brant. I have had the accounts respecting Genl Waynes Action with the hostile Indians several ways, the particulars are mentioned in Mr Ewings...
22Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., to the Secretary of War, 11 August 1794 (Washington Papers)
By the President’s order B. Dandridge has the honor to transmit herewith enclosed to the Secy of War, two letters from the Govr of No. Carolina, of the 19. & 25 of July last—& a letter from the Govr of Pennsylvania of the 9 inst. The President requests the Secretary to answer to such parts of the Govr of North Carolinas Letters as may be thought to require it. ADf , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW ....
23From 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...
24From 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...
25From 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...
26From 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....
27Enclosure: James Seagrove to Henry Knox, 4 June 1794 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of writing you on the 28th ultimo by Capt. Skelly, his Excellency the Governor of Georgia arrived here. I have been frequently with him since his being in town, and have conversed freely and at large on the outrageous conduct of the people of this country. I should feel a sincere pleasure in being able to inform you that any measures have been taken by this government to...
28Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., to Henry Knox, 24 May 1794 (Washington Papers)
By the Presidents order B. Dandridge has the honor to send herewith enclosed to the Secretary of War, a letter just received by the president from the Govr of north Carolina; & to request the Secretary to cause such directions to be given, with regard to the subject thereof, as may be proper. A Letter to the President from Colo. Fitzgerald is also sent for the information of the Secretary, who...
29From 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....
30Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., to Henry Knox, 26 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
By the President’s order B. Dandridge sends the enclosed letter &c. from the Govr. of No. Carolina to the President, to the Secretary of war. The President wishes the Secretary to inform him what has prevented a final settlement of the business respecting the Sloop L’Amie Marguirette, & what is necessary to be done in order to an ultimate decision relatively thereto. ADf , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW...
31From 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...
32From 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 .
33From 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,...
34From 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...
35From 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, &...
36From 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...
37From 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...
38Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., to Henry Knox, 30 March 1794 (Washington Papers)
By the President’s order Bw Dandridge has the honor to transmit to the Secretary of War the Letter herewith enclosed from the Govr. of Pennsylvania—dated the 28 instant—together with its enclosures, numbered from 1 to 7. The President requests the Secretary to take into consideration the Act No. 1—for raising four defence companies—and if he should entertain any doubt with respect to the...
39Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., to Henry Knox, 28 March 1794 (Washington Papers)
By the President’s order Bw Dandridge has the honor to inform the Secretary of War that the President thinks the fortification of New York much more difficult to be accomplished than that of any other place intended to be fortified—he therefore thinks it proper that the most skilful of the engineers should be selected for that purpose. ADf , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . On the proposed fortification...
40Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., to Henry Knox, 6 March 1794 (Washington Papers)
By the President’s order Bw Dandridge has the honor to transmit herewith enclosed, to the Secy of War a letter from the Governor of North Carolina, to the president; and sundry papers respecting the Spanish brig St Joseph. The President requests the Secretary to do with them what may be thought proper. ADfS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . The letter from Richard Dobbs Spaight to GW of 16 Feb. , and...
41Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., to Henry Knox, 5 March 1794 (Washington Papers)
By the President’s order Bw Dandridge has the honor to return to the Secy of War the letter of mr Seagrove of the 25 Decr 93 with its enclosures. Some parts thereof appearing to require particular attention, the President requests the Secretary to consider what is proper to be done in relation thereto. ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . The enclosed letter from Indian agent James Seagrove to Knox,...
42Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., to Henry Knox, 24 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
By the President’s order Bw Dandridge has the honor to transmit the letters herewith enclosed, from the Govr. of North Carolina to the President, to the ⟨Secry⟩ of War. The President requests the Secry to inform him if, in his opinion, any thing is contained in them, that requires the President’s particular attention; if not, to take such measures thereupon as to the Secry shall seem fit. ADfS...
43From 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...
44Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., to Henry Knox, 13 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
By the President’s order Bw Dandridge has the honor to return to the Secretary of war the letters and enclosures from Gov. Blount which have been submitted to the Presidts perusal; and to enclose, at the same time, a Letter from the Gov. of Pennsylvania to the President, with a request that the Secretary will report to the President his opinion on the subject thereof. ALS , DLC:GW ; LB ,...
45Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., to Henry Knox, 11 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
B. Dandridge has the honor by the Presidents order, to send the enclosed Proceedings of the Senate, on the subject of the Treaty with the Wabash & Illinois Indians, to the Secretary of War for his information. AL , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . The enclosure has not been identified, but it contained a copy of the resolution passed on 9 Jan., in which the Senate refused, by a vote of 21 to 4, to give...
46From 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...
47From 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...
48Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., to Henry Knox, 13 December 1793 (Washington Papers)
By the Presidents command Bw Dandridge has the honor to send to the Secretary of War—a Letter from the Govr of North Carolina, of 26 Nov. 93 to the President, covering depositions respecting the Spanish prize carried into Wilmington by Capt Hervieux—& to inform the Secretary that the President wishes him to take such measures thereupon as may seem to him adviseable. ADf , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW...
49From 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 &...
50From 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...