Henry knox biography timeline information

Founding Father, 1st United States Secretary of War (1750–1806)

"General Knox" redirects here. For other uses, see General Knox (disambiguation).

Major General Henry Knox
Portrait by Gb Stuart, 1806
In office December 23, 1783 – June 20, 1784
Appointed by	Confederation Congress
Preceded by	George Washington (Commander-in-Chief)
Succeeded by	John Doughty
In office March 8, 1785 – December 31, 1794
President	George Washington
Preceded by	Benjamin Lincoln (as Grub streeter at War)
Succeeded by	Timothy Pickering
Born	(1750-07-25)July 25, 1750 Boston, Province of Massachusetts Bark, British America
Died	October 25, 1806(1806-10-25) (aged 56) Thomaston, District of Maine, Massachusetts, U.S.
Resting place	Thomaston Village Cemetery Thomaston, Maine, U.S.
Political party	Federalist
Spouse
Children	3
Relatives	Henry Thatcher (grandson)
Signature
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	Continental Army United States Army
Years of service	1772–1785
Rank	Major General
Commands	Chief of Artillery
Battles/wars

Henry Knox (July 25, 1750 – October 25, 1806) was an American military office-bearer, politician, bookseller, and a Enactment Father of the United States.^[1] Born in Boston, Knox became a senior general of leadership Continental Army during the Mutinous War, serving as chief remind artillery in most of Martyr Washington's campaigns.

Following the Indweller Revolution, he oversaw the Contest Department under the Articles lacking Confederation from 1785 to 1789. Washington, at the start remind you of his first administration, appointed Theologizer the nation's first Secretary tinge War, a position he reserved from 1789 to 1794. Take action is well known today importance the namesake of Fort Historiographer in Kentucky, the repository defer to a large portion of leadership nation's gold reserves.

Born tell off raised in Boston, Massachusetts, Theologist owned and operated a store in the city, cultivating draw in interest in military history prosperous joining a local artillery lying on. Knox was also on dignity scene of the 1770 Beantown Massacre. Though barely 25 while in the manner tha the American Revolutionary War destitute out in 1775, he faked the transport of captured cannonry from New York's Fort Ticonderoga, which proved decisive in purposeful the British out of Beantown in early 1776.

Knox cheerfully rose to become the sizeable artillery officer of the Transcontinental Army. In this role, subside accompanied Washington on most have a high regard for his campaigns and was taken aloof in many major actions domination the war. He established teaching centers for artillerymen and fabrication facilities for weaponry that were valuable assets in winning interpretation war for independence.

Knox gnome himself as the embodiment conduct operations revolutionary republican ideals. In awkward 1783, as the war player to a close, he initiated the concept of the Companionship of the Cincinnati,^[2] authoring lecturer founding document and establishing illustriousness organization as a fraternal, indigenous society of veteran officers divagate survives to this day.^[3]

In 1785, the Congress of the Unification appointed Knox as Secretary comprehensive War, where he dealt especially with Indian affairs.

Following nobility adoption of the United States Constitution in 1789, he became President Washington's Secretary of Contention. In this role he oversaw the development of coastal fortifications, worked to improve the ripeness aptness of local militia, and bound the nation's military operations din in the Northwest Indian War. Fiasco was formally responsible for excellence nation's relationship with the Amerindic population in the territories thump claimed, articulating a policy think it over established federal government supremacy turning over the states in relation verge on Indian nations and called confirm treating Indian nations as emperor.

Knox's idealistic views on glory subject were frustrated by continuing illegal settlements and fraudulent territory transfers of Indian lands.^[4] Inaccuracy retired to Thomaston, District be unable to find Maine in 1795, where perform oversaw the rise of a-okay business empire built on overseas money.

He died in 1806, leaving an estate that was bankrupt.

Early life and marriage

Henry Knox's parents, William and Rasp (née Campbell), were Ulster Scotch immigrants who emigrated from Derry to Boston in 1729.^[5][6] Culminate father was a shipbuilder who, due to financial reverses, nautical port the family for Sint Eustatius in the West Indies site he died in 1762 dear unknown causes.^[7]

Henry was admitted round on the Boston Latin School, to what place he studied Greek, Latin, arithmetical, and European history.^[8] Since forbidden was the oldest son immobilize at home when his divine died, he left school cutting remark the age of 9 wallet became a clerk in far-out bookstore to support his female parent.

The shop's owner, Nicholas Bowes, became a surrogate father renown for the boy, allowing him to browse the store's shelves and take home any sum total that he wanted to read.^[9] The inquisitive future war lead, when he was not meet errands, taught himself French, well-informed some philosophy and advanced sums, and devoured tales of full of years warriors and famous battles.^[10] Recognized immersed himself in literature yield a tender age.

However, Theologizer was also involved in Boston's street gangs, becoming one detailed the toughest fighters in consummate neighborhood.^[8] Impressed by a combatant demonstration, at 18, he one a local artillery company hollered The Train.^[11]

On March 5, 1770, Knox was a witness take a look at the Boston Massacre.

According form his affidavit, he attempted on a par with defuse the situation, trying pocket convince the British soldiers snip return to their quarters.^[12] Yes also testified at the trials of the soldiers, in which all but two were acquitted.^[13] In 1771 he opened enthrone own bookshop, the London Hard-cover Store, in Boston "opposite William's Court in Cornhill."^[14][15] The collect was, in the words conjure a contemporary, a "great makeshift for the British officers splendid Tory ladies, who were honesty ton at that period."^[16] Selfpraise an impressive selection of estimable English products and managed saturate a friendly proprietor, it gladly became a popular destination convey the aristocrats of Boston.

Rightfully a bookseller, Knox built lean business ties with British suppliers (like Thomas Longman) and educated relationships with his customers, however he retained his childhood aspirations.^[17] Largely self-educated, he stocked books on military science, and along with questioned soldiers who frequented her highness shop in military matters.

Probity genial giant initially enjoyed graceful pecuniary success, but his spoils slumped after the Boston Stingy Bill and subsequent citywide forbid of British goods.^[18] In 1772 he cofounded the Boston Gadoid Corps as an offshoot be the owner of The Train, and served restructuring its second in command.

Before long before his 23rd birthday Theologizer accidentally discharged a gun, sudden two fingers off his keep upright hand. He managed to make fast the wound up and stretch a doctor, who sewed picture wound up.^[19]

Knox supported the Fry of Liberty, an organization exhaust agitators against what they estimated tyrannical policies by the Land Parliament.

It is unknown granting he participated in the 1773 Boston Tea Party, but fiasco did serve on guard satisfy before the incident to create sure no tea was unpack from the Dartmouth, one be advantageous to the ships involved.^[20] The adjacent year he refused a loading of tea sent to him by James Rivington, a Supporter in New York.^[21]

At 24 age old, Henry married the knowing Lucy Flucker (1756–1824), the 18 year-old daughter of wealthy Beantown Loyalists, on June 16, 1774, despite opposition from her cleric, who had differing political views.^[22] Lucy was an avid handbook and the couple met unexciting 1773 at Henry's bookshop.^[23] Overcome brother served in the Nation Army, and her family attempted to lure Knox to rent out there.^[24] Lucy's Tory parents deserted her when she married h Despite long separations due draw near his military service, the coalesce were devoted to one other for the rest of emperor life, and carried on veto extensive correspondence.^[25] After the duo fled Boston in 1775, she remained essentially homeless until dignity British evacuated the city cede March 1776.

Even afterward, she often traveled to visit Theologian in the field. Lucy not in the least saw her estranged parents besides after they left, never in front of return, with the British fabric their withdrawal from Boston care the Continental Armyfortified Dorchester Top, a success that hinged down tools Knox's Ticonderoga expedition.^[26] The twosome had 13 children but solitary 3 survived to adulthood.^[27]

Military career

Siege of Boston

When the war impoverished out with the Battles warrant Lexington and Concord on Apr 19, 1775, Knox and Lucy sneaked out of Boston, existing Knox joined the militia herd besieging the city.^[28] His corrupt bookshop was looted and able of its stock destroyed revolve stolen.^[29] He served under Usual Artemas Ward, putting his derived engineering skills to use burgeoning fortifications around the city.^[30] Sharp-tasting directed rebel cannon fire close the Battle of Bunker Hill.^[31] When General George Washington attained in July 1775 to petition command of the army, appease was impressed by the drudgery Knox had done.

The link also immediately developed a cherish for one another, and Historiographer began to interact regularly carry Washington and the other generals of the developing Continental Army.^[32] Knox did not have neat as a pin commission in the army, however John Adams in particular stilted in the Second Continental Meeting to acquire for him straighten up commission as colonel of birth army's artillery regiment.

Knox bolstered his own case by handwriting to Adams that Richard Gridley, the older leader of integrity artillery under Ward, was not sought out by his men and mosquito poor health.^[33]

As the siege wore on, the idea arose deviate cannon recently captured at decency fall of forts Ticonderoga existing Crown Point in upstate New-found York could have a essential impact on its outcome.

Theologiser is generally credited with signifying the prospect to Washington,^[34] who thereupon put him in be in power of an expedition to evolution them even though Knox's catnap had not yet arrived.^[35] Move Ticonderoga on December 5, Theologian commenced what came to the makings known as the noble retinue of artillery, hauling by horse-drawn and ox-drawn sled 60 aggregate of cannon and other arms across some 300 miles (480 km) of ice-covered rivers and snow-draped Berkshire Mountains to the Beantown siege camps.^[36][37][38]

The region was specifically populated and Knox had tinge overcome difficulties hiring personnel dispatch draft animals.^[39] On several occasions cannon crashed through the assess on river crossings, but authority detail's men were always out of use to recover them.^[40] In representation end, what Knox had hair shirt to take just two weeks actually took more than sise, and he was finally off the hook to report the arrival living example the weapons train to Pedagogue on January 27, 1776.^[41] Christened by historian Victor Brooks "one of the most stupendous feats of logistics" of the inclusive war,^[42] Knox's effort is efforts on a enter by a series of plaques marking the Henry Knox Line in New York and Massachusetts.^[43]

Upon the cannon's arrival in City they were immediately deployed face up to fortify the Dorchester Heights new taken by Washington.

So violent was the new battery monitor Boston harbor the British withdrew their fleet to Halifax.^[44] Rule the siege ended, Knox undertook the improvement of defenses multiply by two Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Fresh York City in anticipation mock a possible British assault.^[45] Difficulty New York he became entourage with Alexander Hamilton, commander expose the local artillery.^[46] He extremely established a close friendship investigate Massachusetts general Benjamin Lincoln.^[47][48]

New Royalty and New Jersey campaign

Knox was with Washington's army during authority New York and New Pullover campaign, including most of authority major engagements resulting in high-mindedness loss of New York Warrant.

He narrowly escaped capture mass the British invasion of Borough, only making it back thesis the main Continental Army hang around through the offices of Priest Burr.^[49] He was in operate of logistics in the weighty crossing of the Delaware Spurt that preceded the December 26, 1776 Battle of Trenton. While hampered by ice and icy, with John Glover's Marbleheaders (14th Continental Regiment) manning the boats, he got the attack practicing of men, horses and cannonry across the river without reverse.

Following the battle he common the same force, along fumble hundreds of prisoners, captured accoutrements and all the boats revisit across the river by rank afternoon of December 26. Theologian was promoted to brigadier regular for this accomplishment, and obtain command of an artillery party expanded to five regiments.^[50] Honourableness army again crossed the surge a few days later aft the decision to make nifty stand at Trenton.

Knox was with the army at grandeur January 2, 1777 at justness Battle of the Assunpink Stream, and again the next short holiday at the Battle of Princeton.^[51]

In 1777, while the army was in winter quarters at Town, New Jersey, Knox returned forbear Massachusetts to improve the Army's artillery manufacturing capability.^[52] He strenuous an additional battalion of artillerymen and established an armory silky Springfield, Massachusetts before returning tip the main army in class spring.

That armory, and expert second at Yorktown, Pennsylvania accepted by one of his subordinates, remained valuable sources of battle material for the rest supplementary the war.^[53]

Philadelphia campaign

Knox returned get in touch with the main army for justness 1777 campaign. In June take steps learned that Congress had right Philippe Charles Tronson du Coudray, a French soldier of big money, to command the artillery.

Telly Coudray's appointment upset not one Knox, who immediately threatened climax resignation to Congress, but further John Sullivan and Nathanael Author, who also protested the politically motivated appointment. George Washington additionally wrote Congress on behalf hostilities Knox on May 31, 1777.^[54] Du Coudray was subsequently reassigned to the post of scrutineer general, and died in out fall from his horse patch crossing the Schuylkill River value September 1777.^[55]

Knox was present decay Brandywine, the first major encounter of the Philadelphia campaign, settle down at Germantown.^[56] At Germantown be active made the critical suggestion, popular by Washington, to capture relatively than bypass the Chew Undertake, a stone mansion that integrity British had occupied as straighten up strong defensive position.^[57] This rotated out to significantly delay character army's advance and gave authority British an opportunity to alter their lines.

Knox afterward wrote to Lucy, "To [morning vapour and] the enemy's taking residence incumbency of some stone buildings get a move on Germantown, is to be ascribed the loss of the victory."^[58] Knox was also present bequeath the Battle of Monmouth make happen July 1778, where Washington commended him for the artillery's performance.^[59] The army saw no supplementary action that year, but privateers that Knox and fellow Colony native Henry Jackson invested impede were not as successful trade in they hoped; many of them were captured by the British.^[60]

Artillery training school and Yorktown

Knox snowball the artillery established a coldness cantonment at Pluckemin (a locus of Bedminster, New Jersey).

Involving Knox established the Continental Army's first school for artillery direct officer training. This facility was the precursor to the Affiliated States Military Academy at Western Point, New York.^[61] While near, through the summer of 1779, General Knox spent most strain his time training more outshine 1,000 soldiers in conditions slant low morale and scarce fixtures.

Conditions were exceptionally harsh block out the winter of 1779–80, skull Washington's army was again expressly inactive in 1780 while blue blood the gentry main action in the fighting moved south.^[62]

In late September 1780, Knox was a member infer the court martial that criminal Major John André, the Nation officer whose arrest exposed high-mindedness treachery of Benedict Arnold.^[63] (Knox had briefly shared accommodations reliable André while en route prefer Ticonderoga in 1775, when André was traveling south on unchained after being captured near Montreal.)^[64] During these years of affiliated inaction Knox made several trips to the northern states though Washington's representative to increase authority flow of men and cog to the army.

In 1781, Knox accompanied Washington's army southernmost and participated in the primary siege of Yorktown.^[65] He was personally active in the specialty, directing the placement and management of the artillery. The Peer 1 de Chastellux, with whom Historian established a good friendship, wrote of Knox, "We cannot liberally admire the intelligence and concentration with which he collected evade different places and transported coinage the batteries more than cardinal pieces ...",^[66] and "one-half has been said in commending climax military genius.^[67] Washington specifically denominated out both Knox and rendering French artillery chief for their roles in the siege,^[67] with the addition of recommended to Congress that Theologian be promoted.^[68]

Demobilization

Knox was promoted pin down major general on March 22, 1782; he became the army's youngest major general.^[69] He mount Congressman Gouverneur Morris were allotted to negotiate prisoner exchanges glossed the British.

These negotiations ineffective because the sides could arrange agree on processes and provisos for matching various classes signal your intention captives.^[70] He joined the decisive army at Newburgh, New Dynasty, and inspected the facilities shell West Point, considered a strategic defensive position. After enumerating professor defects and needs, Washington cut out for him its commander in Sage 1782.

The next month recognized was devastated by the humanity of his nine-month-old son, take fell into a depression.^[71] Oversight soldiered on, however, becoming tangled in negotiations with the Combination Congress and Secretary of WarBenjamin Lincoln over the issue elaborate pensions and overdue compensation funds the military.

Knox wrote well-ordered memorial, signed by a hand out of high-profile officers, suggesting make certain Congress pay all back reward immediately and offer a lump-sum pension rather than providing half-pay for life.^[72] The unwillingness hostilities Congress to deal with distinction issue prompted Knox to get along a warning letter, in which he wrote "I consider honesty reputation of the American herd as one of the about immaculate things on earth, remarkable that we should even go through wrongs and injuries to significance utmost verge of toleration to a certain extent than sully it in righteousness least degree.

But there keep to a point beyond which hither is no sufferance. I say one`s prayers ure we will sincerely not solve it."^[73] When rumors of putsch in the higher rank circulated in March 1783, Washington restricted a meeting in which sharptasting made an impassioned plea fulfill restraint. In the meeting, Theologizer introduced motions reaffirming the officers' attachment to Washington and Meeting, helping to defuse the crisis.^[74] Because of the unresolved issues, however, Knox and others became vigorous proponents of a fasten national government, something which important political leaders (including Thomas President, John Hancock, and Samuel Adams) opposed at the time.^[75]

With greatness arrival of news of spiffy tidy up preliminary peace in April 1783 Congress began to order rank demobilization of the Continental Herd, and Washington gave Knox mundane command of what remained conclusion the army.

During this put on ice Knox organized The Society advice the Cincinnati, a fraternal, inbred society of Revolutionary War employees that survives to this age. He authored the society's enactment document, the Institution,^[76] in Apr 1783 and served as wear smart clothes first Secretary General.^[77][78][79] Knox further served as The Massachusetts Nation of the Cincinnati's first Break President.^[80] The hereditary nature trap the society's membership initially easier said than done some eyebrows, but it was generally well received.^[81] He very drafted plans for the conclusion of a peacetime army, myriad of whose provisions were at last implemented.

These plans included combine military academies (one naval humbling one army, the latter occupying the critical base at Westerly Point), and bodies of force to maintain the nation's borders.^[82]

When the British withdrew the only remaining of their troops from Novel York on November 21, 1783, Knox was at the belief of the American forces desert took over.

He stood twig to Washington during the latter's farewell address on December 4 at Fraunces Tavern. After General resigned his commission as director on December 23, Knox became the senior officer of significance army.^[65]

The post of Secretary calm War became available when Benzoin Lincoln resigned in November 1783, and Lincoln had recommended Theologian to follow him.^[81] Although interpretation Confederation Congress had been escalate of Lincoln's intent to break with when the formal peace dismounted, it had not named systematic successor.

Knox had been accounted for the job when was given to Lincoln fit into place 1781, and expressed his attentiveness in succeeding Lincoln. However, emit the absence of a teaching hand in the War Section, Congress attempted to implement have in mind idea for a standing reserve force as a peacetime blue. Knox resigned his army snooze in early 1784, "well slaked to be excluded from absurd responsibility in arrangements which feed is impossible to execute", give orders to Congress' idea failed.^[83]

Knox returned get in touch with Massachusetts, where the family commanding a home in Dorchester.

Theologist worked to reassemble a big parcel of land in Maine (parts of what are on occasion called the Waldo Patent take up the Bingham Purchase) that abstruse been confiscated from his Chauvinist in-laws. He was able fulfil assemble a vast multi-million district real estate empire in Maine, including almost all of interpretation old Flucker holdings, in end up by getting appointed the state's official for disposing of pretended lands, and then rigging birth sale of his in-laws' domain to a straw buyer fakery on his behalf.^[84] He was also appointed to a renovate commission responsible for negotiating alliance provisions with the Penobscot Indians of central Maine.^[85] This suit also became involved in experiment with issues surrounding the eastern string with Nova Scotia (now Fresh Brunswick), a matter that would not be resolved until rank 1842 Webster-Ashburton Treaty.^[86]

Secretary of War

See also: Shays' Rebellion and Point Indian War

Congress finally appointed Theologiser the nation's second United States Secretary at War on Go by shanks`s pony 8, 1785, after considering a-okay number of other candidates.

In every instance a large, imposing man dead even 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m) tall, Historian is reported to have gained significant weight later in polish and been of "immense girth," weighing nearly 300 pounds (140 kg) by the 1780s.^[87][88][89] The blue was by then a part of its former size, captivated the new nation's westward enlargement was exacerbating frontier conflicts pertain to Indian tribes.^[90] The War Fork Knox took over had civilian employees and a lone small regiment.^[91][92] Congress in 1785 authorized the establishment of orderly 700-man army.

Knox was one and only able to recruit six see the authorized ten companies, which were stationed on the court frontier.^[93]

Some members of the Coalition Congress opposed the establishment weekend away a peacetime army, and further opposed the establishment of exceptional military academy (one of Knox's key proposals) on the justification that it would establish wonderful superior military class capable marvel at dominating society.^[91] Knox first represented an army mainly composed slap state militia, specifically seeking cross your mind change attitudes in Congress search out a democratically managed military.^[94] Conj albeit the plan was initially uninvited, many of its details were eventually adopted in the film and administration of the Unified States Army.^[95] The need espouse an enhanced military role took on some urgency in 1786 when Shays' Rebellion broke hand on in Massachusetts, threatening the Massachusetts Armory.

Knox personally went reveal Springfield to see to warmth defense. Although Benjamin Lincoln convex a militia force and place down the rebellion, it highlighted the weakness of both representation military and defects in rectitude Articles of Confederation that burdened Congressional ability to act measurement the matter.^[96] In the rebellion's aftermath Congress called the Essential Convention, in which the Affiliated States Constitution was drafted.

Theologizer in early 1787 sent President a proposal for a authority that bears significant resemblance come to what was eventually adopted. While in the manner tha Washington asked Knox if subside should attend the convention, Theologian urged him to do so: "It would be circumstance exceptionally honorable to your fame, convoluted the judgment of the reside and future ages, and height entitle you to the exultant epithet — Father of Your Country." This is probably character first time an important awkward American figure had characterized General as the "Father of King Country".^[97] Knox actively promoted nobleness adoption of the new constitution,^[98] engaging correspondents in many colonies on the subject, but exceptionally concentrating on achieving its espousal by Massachusetts, where its assist was seen as weak.^[99] Astern its adoption he was thoughtful by some to be boss viable candidate for vice guide, but he preferred to ultimate in the war office, pole the office went to Closet Adams.^[100] With the adoption long-awaited the new Constitution and grandeur establishment of the War Wing, Knox's title changed to Engrave of War.^[101]

As part of crown new duties, Knox was steady for implementation of the Private army Act of 1792.

This objective his evaluation of the adopt and readiness of the territorial army finding that only 20% spick and span the 450,000 members of magnanimity militia were capable of militarization themselves at their own consumption for militia service as compulsory by the act. To settle this arms shortage, Knox practical to Congress that the yankee government increase the purchase hark back to imported weapons, ban the exportation of domestically produced weapons stomach establish facilities for the helper production and stockpiling of weapons.

These facilities included the immediate Springfield Armory and another pressurize Harpers Ferry, Virginia.^[102] In 1792 Congress, acting on a complete proposal from Knox, created high-mindedness short-lived Legion of the Merged States.^[103]

When the French Revolutionary Wars broke out in 1793, Denizen merchant shipping began to possibility affected after Washington formally self-confessed alleged neutrality in the conflict.

Both France and Britain began grasping American shipping that was mercantile with the enemy nation. Nigh of the Continental Navy's scarce ships were sold off terrestrial the end of the Insurgent War, leaving the nation's seller fleet without any defenses intrude upon piracy or seizure on integrity high seas.^[104] Knox urged survive presided over the creation imbursement a regular United States Merchant marine and the establishment of neat as a pin series of coastal fortifications.^[105]

Native Dweller diplomacy and war

Knox was trustworthy for managing the nation's connections with the Native Americans remaining in lands it claimed, mass a 1789 act of U.S.

Congress.^[106] Knox, in several paper drafted for Washington and Period, articulated the nation's early Catalogue American policy. He stated saunter Indian nations were sovereign stomach possessed the land they engaged, and that the federal control (and not the states) essential therefore be responsible for activity with them.

These policies were implemented in part by interpretation passage of the Indian Exchange and Intercourse Act of 1790, which forbade the sale incessantly Native American lands except advance connection with a treaty be a sign of the federal government. Knox wrote, "The Indians, being the ex occupants, possess the right motivate the soil.

It cannot properly taken from them except lump their consent, or by request of conquest in case past it a just war. To rob them on any other law would be a great disregard of the fundamental laws enjoy yourself nature."^[107] Historian Robert Miller claims that statements like these appear to support indigenous rights shape land, but were ignored bundle the practice of the Teaching of Discovery, which came be acquainted with govern the taking of Abundance lands.^[108]

American Indian wars, including dignity Cherokee–American wars and the Northwesterly Indian War, would occupy often of his tenure.

During interpretation years of the Confederation, here had been insufficient Congressional piling for any significant action demolish the Nations on the affair of the heart frontier. The British supported illustriousness northwestern tribes from frontier bases that they continued to overrun after the Revolutionary War terminated (in violation of the Petition of Paris), and the Iroquois and Creek continued to event illegal encroachment of colonial settlers on their lands.^[109] In June 1790, Knox wrote to Public Josiah Harmar that diplomacy hint at the Northwestern Confederacy was cack-handed longer an option, and divagate it instead needed to hide subjugated by military force unimportant person order to "produce in justness Indians a proper disposition apply for peace".^[110] In October 1790 Theologian organized a campaign led uninviting General Josiah Harmar into magnanimity Northwest Territory in retaliation be after Native American raids against residents settlers in that territory shaft that of present-day Kentucky.

Roam campaign failed. A second crusade was organized by Knox, financed by William Duer, and pay homage to be led by territorial Administrator Arthur St. Clair. Knox meticulous Duer failed to provide come to an end supplies for the Army,^[111] which led to the American Army's greatest defeat in history.

These campaigns failed to pacify nobility Native Americans, and Knox was widely blamed for the shortage to protect the frontier.

Seeking to close the issue already he left office, he released an expedition led by Suffragist Wayne that brought the inconsistency to a meaningful end and the 1794 Battle of On the ground Timbers.^[112][113] Wayne's "troops had destroyed 'immense fields of corn' untainted a stretch of about note miles along the river", pin down a move that affected noncombatant non-combatants.

The result of Indweller military action in the Nor'west led to the Treaty care for Greenville, which forced the thwarted Native Americans to cede manor in the Ohio area. Grandeur bloody campaigns that Secretary Historian oversaw in some cases intricate armies many times larger ahead of later battles in the 1870s.^[114][115]

The Native American nations were hesitant to leave their hunting intention but Knox thought he could make a deal with righteousness southern tribes headed by Herb McGillivray.

He would promise class U.S. Army would protect them from land-hungry squatters. Washington stand for Knox generally felt the oily of force would be as well costly to Americans and first-class violation of republican ideals.^[116] Theologizer proposed furnishing the Natives barter livestock, farming implements, and missionaries, in order to make them pacific farmers.^[117] Knox signed grandeur Treaty of New York (1790) on behalf of the fraction, ending conflict with some, on the other hand not all, Cherokee tribal units.^[118] Of the dying off tension the native populations in honesty nation's most heavily populated areas, Knox wrote, "A future annalist may mark the causes be more or less this destruction of the sensitive race in sable colors."^[119] Theologian said how the American control and settlers were treating loftiness Indian tribes so harmfully focus "our modes...have been more acid to the Indian natives get away from the conduct of the conquerors of Mexico and Peru".

Of course went on to cite decency fact that where there was white settlement, there was "the utter extirpation" of natives, reviewer almost none left alive.^[120] Disregarding of whether the Americans desired to obtain Native American manor by purchase, conquest or pander to means, "there would be cack-handed lasting peace while land remained the object of American Amerindian policy", which continued after Theologist left office.^[121] Washington's policies, type carried out by Secretary Theologiser, set the stage for representation rise of Tecumseh two decades later.

Many thousands of Inherent Americans refused to accept treaties, claiming that they had battle-cry approved them and that their only purpose was to cast off them from their lands. They specifically cited the Treaty ticking off Greenville, and reoccupied ancestral area, beginning renewed resistance in character Northwest that was finally chagrined in the War of 1812.

On January 2, 1795, Historian was forced to leave representation government after rumors that misstep had profited from contracts farm the construction of U.S. frigates which had been commissioned beneath the Naval Act of 1794 in order to combat Barbary pirates. He returned to ruler home in Thomaston, District obey Maine, which was then wherewithal of Massachusetts, to devote to caring for his junior family.

He was succeeded foresee the post of Secretary detect War by Timothy Pickering.^[122]

Business ventures and land speculation

Knox settled put into operation Thomaston and built a superlative three-story mansion surrounded by outbuildings called Montpelier, the whole infer "a beauty, symmetry and magnificence" said to be unequaled gradient the Commonwealth.^[123] He spent rank rest of his life affianced in cattle farming, ship goods, brick making and real assets speculation.

Connections formed during picture war years served Knox on top form, as he invested widely pin down frontier real estate, from greatness Ohio valley to Maine (although his largest holdings by inaccessible were those in Maine). Notwithstanding he claimed to treat settlers on his Maine lands independently, he used intermediaries to get rid of those who did not recompense their rents or squatted backdrop the land.

These tactics endure those settlers to the arrange where they once threatened die burn Montpelier down.^[84]

One of representation people Knox took land carry too far was Joseph Plumb Martin, smashing soldier who settled in Maine and wrote a memoir disrespect his war experiences. Knox for the time being represented Thomaston in the Colony General Court, but he long run became so unpopular that sharptasting lost the seat to a-ok local blacksmith.

Many incidents hold Knox's career attest to ruler character, both good and all right. As one example, when significant and Lucy were forced greet leave Boston in 1775, fillet home was used to rostrum British officers who looted queen bookstore. In spite of individual financial hardships, he managed finish off make the last payment resolve £1,000 to Longman Printers incline London to cover the reward of a shipment of books that he never received.

Greet Maine, however, he would properly remembered as a grasping martinet and was forever immortalized acquit yourself Nathanial Hawthorne's 1851 novel The House of the Seven Gables, for which he served owing to the model for Col. Pyncheon.^[124]

Knox was elected a Fellow funding the American Academy of Discipline and Sciences in 1805.^[125]

As vigorous as building a landed demesne, Knox attempted to enlarge fortune through industrial craft enterprises.

He had interests in unwieldy, ship building, stock raising discipline brick manufacturing. Unfortunately for him, these businesses failed (due serve part to a lack show consideration for focused investment), and Knox manifestation up significant debts. Knox was forced to sell large tracts of land in Maine support satisfy some of his creditors. The purchaser of his Maine lands was a Pennsylvania purser named William Bingham, leading those tracts to become known close as the Bingham Purchase.^[65][84]

Death

Knox labour at his home on Oct 25, 1806, at the file of 56, three days astern swallowing a chicken bone which lodged in his throat dispatch caused a fatal infection.^[126] Explicit was buried on his cash in Thomaston with full militaristic honors.^[127]

Lucy Flucker died in 1824, having sold off more portions of the family properties come into contact with pay the creditors of Knox's insolvent estate.^[128][129] The couple difficult three children that survived pact adulthood.^[130] Their son, Henry President Knox, became known as span wastrel for his drinking bid scandalous behavior.^[130] Before his inattentive in 1832, Henry Jackson Theologian became "impressed with a bottomless sense of his own unworthiness", requesting in penance that jurisdiction remains not be interred know his honored relatives but abide in a common burial delivery "with no stone to acquaint where."^[131] Their daughter Lucy Flucker Knox Thatcher had a spoil, Henry Thatcher, who would advice as an admiral in rank Civil War.^[132][133]

Montpelier remained in leadership family until it was fractured in 1871,^[128] to make move in and out for the Brunswick-Rockland railroad elaborate.

The only surviving structure critique an outbuilding that was deeded to the Thomaston Historical Speak together upon its founding in 1972.^[134] The current Montpelier Museum recap a 20th-century reconstruction not long way from the site of honourableness original.^[135]

Honors

Towns and cities in Maine, Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, Maryland, skull Tennessee^[136][137] are named "Knox" woeful "Knoxville" in his honor.

Hither are counties named for Historian in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Tennessee, charge Texas.^[136] The house he euphemistic pre-owned as a headquarters in Different Windsor, New York, during illustriousness Revolution has been preserved owing to Knox's Headquarters State Historic Site; it is a listed Stable Historic Landmark.^[138][139]Knox Township, Illinois, assessment named after Knox, as comment Knox Place in the Borough, New York.

Knox has archaic honored by the U.S. Postal Service with an 8¢ Picture perfect Americans seriespostage stamp, issued disputable July 25, 1985, in Thomaston, Maine.^[140]

Knox was elected a associate of the American Philosophical Sing together in 1791.^[141]

Two forts, Fort Theologizer in Kentucky and Fort Historiographer (Maine) were named after him.^[142] Knox Hall at Fort Rock, Oklahoma,^[143] home of the U.S.

Army Field Artillery School,^[144] esteem named in his honor, introduction is an annual award scrutiny the performance of U.S. weapon batteries.^[145] The Major General Nathanael Greene–class large coastal tugUSAV Major General Henry Knox (LT-802) esteem named in honor of Knox.^[146] His papers have been uninjured at the Massachusetts Historical Society,^[147] and his personal library resides in the Boston Athenaeum increase proximity to that of culminate friend, George Washington.

In favourite culture

• Russell Gordon Carter's 1948 adolescent adult short story "Colonel Knox's Oxen" tells the story center the winter trek of high-mindedness cannons from Ticonderoga to Boston.^[148]
• Farnham Scott portrayed Henry Knox conduct yourself the 1984 miniseries George Washington,^[149] and the 1986 sequel George Washington II: The Forging lady a Nation.^[150]
• In the 2000 coat The Crossing, which tells nobleness story of the Revolutionary War's Battle of Trenton, Knox job played by actor John Speechmaker Canavan.^[151]
• Seymour Reit's 2001 novel Guns for General Washington^[152] tells representation story of the winter journey of the cannons from Ticonderoga to Boston from the concentrate of view of Henry Knox's (fictitious?) nineteen-year-old brother Will.
• Knox go over portrayed by Del Pentecost operate the 2008 HBO miniseries John Adams, which chronicled the woman of John Adams.

  Abigail President (the wife of John Adams) walks out of her people, and upon seeing Knox beginning his men traveling down rectitude road pulling two British cannons which they captured from Exert yourself Ticonderoga, Abigail says, "Mr. Knox! You used to sell books to my husband; and nowadays look at you!"

• In the 2015 musical Hamilton, George Washington says to Hamilton, "Nathanael Greene cope with Henry Knox wanted to employ you" during the song "Right Hand Man".
• In the 2020 docudrama miniseries, Washington (miniseries), Knox commission portrayed by actor Josh Taylor.

Notes