George Washington
385 documents
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Knox's Terms for Appointment as Secretary of War
01/03/1784 LetterFrom West Point, New York, Henry Knox sends to George Washington a letter indicating the terms under which he'd be willing to accept a future appointment. Asks that pay be equivalent to that of Major …
Printed Versions 
Forwards Lafayette's Military Proceedings; Requests History of Revolution; Trade Politics with France & England
08/01/1785 Autograph Letter SignedSends the "military and patriotic proceedings" of the Marquis de Lafayette. Requests history of Lafayette for Doctor Gordon for inclusion in an upcoming account of the American Revolution. Expresses …
MMC, McHenry, James: Mm85004543- No image
Wanted: A Strong Central Government
10/23/1786 Modern Printed Transcription of Letter/DocumentKnox laments lack of unity among the thirteen independent sovereigns and mentions the idea of strengthening the central government. Powers of Congress are inadequate for preserving peace for the …
Printed Versions 
Shortcomings of the Current System of Government
12/04/1786 Draft FragmentLincoln appears to be commenting on the weaknesses of the central government of the Confederation. Those whose interests are undercut by the current system, namely creditors and holders of …
Robert Goodloe Harper
Reports Journey with Lafayette; Hopes to Visit Mount Vernon
11/13/1786 Autograph Letter SignedReports the Marquis de Lafayette has spared no expense on their journey. Would like to spend a few days at Mount Vernon, when the two of them could visit about the Revolutionary history.
MMC, McHenry, James: Mm85004543
Views of the Constitutional Convention
08/14/1787 Autograph Letter SignedAlludes to Constitutional Convention; worries that matters will leak out. Believes state governments to be an unnecessary evil; discusses qualities of Federal Government; alludes to Philadelphia …
Americana Miscellany Collection.
Support to Me in the Waning of Life
01/21/1788 Draft FragmentIn his nearly indecipherable handwriting, Lincoln seems to be discussing his feelings which he describes as "alive on this occasion."
Robert Goodloe Harper
Proceedings of the Massachusetts Convention to Consider the New Constitution
02/03/1788 Autograph Draft Letter SignedLincoln reports on the proceedings of the Massachusetts convention that is charged with adopting or rejecting the new Constitution. Though several of the Shays insurgents are delegates, Lincoln is …
Robert Goodloe Harper
Extolling the Virtues of Mr. Adams, Etc.
09/24/1788 Autograph Draft Letter SignedAmong many topics, Lincoln discusses the virtues of John Adams as a potential Vice President and his fears that the anti-federalists will hinder the success of the new government.
Robert Goodloe Harper
Election Results in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
05/31/1788 Autograph Draft LetterLincoln comments on the elections in Massachusetts and believes that the federalists will be victorious to the benefit of Massachusetts, the United States, and the world.
Robert Goodloe Harper- No image
Three Members Shy of a Government
03/30/1789 Letter SignedKnox reports that Congress is now three members shy of a government. Knox also notes that "the Spring impost amounting by computation to 300,000 dollars will be lost to the general government by its …
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Sufficient Numbers to Form the New Government
03/16/1789 Letter SignedKnox informs Washington that expected within the week are sufficient numbers of representatives needed to form a government. Knox adds that three members from Virginia have just arrived.
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Six Members Short of Forming a Government
03/27/1789 Letter SignedKnox reports that Congress is 6 members short of forming a government. He estimates it will be 1 April before sufficient members are present in New York. He mentions that Colonel Hanson of …
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Shipment of American Cloth to the Washingtons
02/19/1789 Letter SignedKnox informs Washington that the requested cloth was shipped by stage today. Knox identifies the cloth as 13.5 yards of 3/4 wide bottle green cloth of the Hartford manufacture. Knox also notes the …

Samuel Baire solicits a federal appointment from Washington
06/18/1789 Autograph Letter SignedLetter, discusses depreciation of currency; discusses financial impact of Revoultionary War; asks for federal appointment.
Henry Knox Papers. [Microfilm]- No image
Required Quorums of the New Government
03/05/1789 Letter SignedKnox informs Washington that members of the new government are assembling in New York but have not yet reached sufficient numbers to constitute a quorum. Knox reports that 12 will be a quorum in the …

Requests for Commissions and Federal Positions for Friends and Family
04/17/1789 Autograph Letter SignedIncludes requests from friends, including Robert Purviance's desire for a federal position, Captain Barney's request for a naval commission, Colonel Ballard's solicitation for office, support for the …
MMC, McHenry, James: Mm85004543
Requesting an Appointment in Rhode Island
09/28/1789 Autograph Letter SignedMoses Hays writes to Washington, requesting an appointment to "Collector ship of the port of Newport, Rhode Island." Hays was residing in Rhode Island until it was lost to the British, and would like …
M.M. Hays Papers.
Request for Protection
12/12/1789 DocumentRepresentatives request military assistance in the defense of the frontier counties from Indian attacks. Details on how Indians attack, type of protection previously enjoyed, and hope for peace.
First Congress: Reports and Communications Submitted to the Senate by the Secretary of War [1A-F2] (RG46)
Reports on the Southern Tribes and Likelihood of War
07/07/1789 Contemporary Copy of LetterThe war between Georgia and the Creeks could spark a general Indian war across the frontier. Knox discusses the potential for aggression against the Indians by unruly whites to unify the Southern …
Henry Knox Papers. [Microfilm]- No image
Report on the Chickasaws and Choctaws
07/07/1789 Printed transcription/modern copy of DocumentKnox views the substantial distance of the Chickasaws and Choctaws from frontier settlements as the principle reason that few complaints regarding white encroachments have thus far been lodged. Knox …
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Report on Several Indian Tribes
06/15/1789 Printed transcription/modern copy of DocumentKnox informs the President that certain Indian Affairs require immediate attention. He also goes on to outline a proposed strategic policy with regard to Indian affairs. Indians are currently in state …
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Regarding Constant Hostilities Between Indians who Live on Wabash River and People of Kentucky
09/14/1789 Modern Printed Transcription of Letter/DocumentRegarding constant hostilities between Indians who live on Wabash River and people of Kentucky: it must be considered by the government of Western Territory. Requests that Washington take matter into …
Printed Versions 
Recommends Extension of Contract for Samuel Caldwell
04/1789 Autograph Letter SignedRequests extension of contract for tonnage duties with Samuel Caldwell for the state of Pennsylvania. Recommended as patriotic, distinguished, and responsible.
MMC, McHenry, James: Mm85004543
