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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC02437.05057 |
| From Archive Folder | The Henry Knox Papers [0101] July-August 1791 |
| Title | David Cobb to Henry Knox discussing the prospects of a canal from the Connecticut River to Boston and family matters |
| Date | 10 July 1791 |
| Author | Cobb, David (1748-1830) |
| Recipient | Knox, Henry |
| Document Type | Correspondence; Land transaction document |
| Content Description | Cobb, a member of the Massachusetts legislature, writes that Knox may have seen "that small son of mine, whom you have kindly honor'd with a Commission." Says he has "an affection" for the "Lad" and that "the Females of my Family will never forgive you or me, if he is unfortunate." Mentions he has frequently discussed the prospects of a canal from the Connecticut River to Boston. Explains that the general consensus seems to be that the canal should be cut from Miller's River instead of the Chickibee. Says that Miller's River is above some of the waterfalls "that at present prevent the communication between New Hampshire & Vermont with Hartford." Adds that it will be expensive to bypass the falls if they start at the Chickibee. Asks him to have Captain John Hills survey the route from Miller's River if these arguments convince him. Estimates it to be 50 miles from Boston. |
| Subjects | Revolutionary War General Children and Family Women of the Founding Era Women's History Military History Canals Surveying Infrastructure Commerce Transportation Geography and Natural History Finance |
| People | Cobb, David (1748-1830) Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Hills, John (fl. 1771-1796) |
| Place written | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Theme | Children & Family; Women in American History; Industry |
| Sub-collection | The Henry Knox Papers |
| Additional Information | David Cobb was a U.S. Congressman for the Third District of Massachusetts. Born in Attleboro, Massachusetts, Cobb graduated from Harvard College in 1766. He studied medicine in Boston and afterward practiced in Taunton, Massachusetts. He was a member of the Provincial Congress in 1775; lieutenant colonel of Jackson’s regiment in 1777 and 1778, serving in Rhode Island and New Jersey; was aide-de-camp on the staff of General Washington; appointed major general of militia in 1786 and rendered conspicuous service during Shays Rebellion; Judge of the Bristol County Court of Common Pleas 1784-1796; member of the State house of representatives 1789-1793 and served as Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives; Elected to the Third United States Congress, replacing Elbridge Gerry who had been elected Vice President; Moved to Gouldsboro in the district of Maine in 1796 and engaged in agricultural pursuits; elected to the Massachusetts Senate from the eastern district of Maine in 1802 and served as president; elected to the Massachusetts Governor's Council in 1808; Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts in 1809; member of the board of military defense in 1812; chief justice of the Hancock County (Maine) court of common pleas; returned in 1817 to Taunton, where he died on April 17, 1830. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |