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To: Jean B. Gouvion
February 26, 1781
Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834
Lays foundations for a reconnaissance by Lt. Col. Gouvion on the James River.
GLC08016.01
13 June 1787
An expedition to Egypt. [In French]
GLC08016.03
to James McHenry
circa November 11, 1786
Washington, George, 1732-1799
Describes his scheme to return a runaway slave to his master William Drayton of Charleston, S.C. After visiting Mount Vernon with his master, the enslaved person escaped and returned to Washington's home. Washington writes that "[t]he fellow pretends...
GLC02065
to Henry Knox
April 12, 1782
Letter written by Lafayette to Major General Knox. Letter of introduction for Chevalier de [Lameth], whose brother was severely wounded in the attack on the redoubts at Yorktown. Asks that he be introduced to "our Brother officers."
GLC02437.01385
May 25, 1782
Knox, William, 1756-1795
Outlines arrangements he has made to ensure packages he is sending to Henry Knox will arrive to him safely. Relates that he has "packed the Epaulets in a little box by themselves" and entrusted them to the care of General Lafayette. Made the ship's...
GLC02437.01430
June 12, 1782
Letter written by William to his brother Major General Knox. References a letter he wrote "a few days ago" and sent from Roquefort (he spells it "Rockford"). Also sent sweetmeats, caps, hats, a pair of epaulets, and two pieces of linen. Says he will...
GLC02437.01448
Letter written by William, Major General Knox's brother, to Henry Knox. Includes a postscript written and signed by Lafayette. References the taking of Mahon, an island off the Spanish coast in the Mediterranean, by the Spanish. Says Gibraltar is...
GLC02437.01386
December 27, 1781
Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794
Relates that he has confirmed the loss of ships Knox invested in by speaking both to McGee and Col. Sears (see GLC02437.01306). Comments that Col. Sears would like him to invest in another ship McGee will be sailing, upon returning from transporting...
GLC02437.01311
to Lucy Flucker Knox
May 23, 1782
Includes two letters, one addressed to Mrs. Lucy Knox, and one to her daughter, Miss Lucy Knox. In the first letter, to Mrs. Knox, he comments that he has tried to find out information about her family but was unable to; if he is able to visit...
GLC02437.01427
to John Lamb
February 15, 1782
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Knox responds to Lamb's letter (see GLC02437.01354) that the notes which were to be paid to the officers were intended, by Robert Morris, to counterbalance the clothing provided for the soldiers. Morris's priorities are first to provide the soldiers...
GLC02437.01355
4 October 1781
Discusses news of the siege of Yorktown, mentioning the activities of the Marquis de La Fayette and naval engagements between French Admiral Compte de Grasse and British Admiral Thomas Graves. Reports that Congress has received indications of the...
GLC02437.01207
to Joseph Vose
March 25, 1781
To Col. Joseph Vose at Annapolis, re French Admiral Destouches's setback by the British fleet in the Chesapeake: "I have received certain intelligence of a very severe action having been fought between the [British] Fleet and his Most Christian...
GLC09336
March 26, 1781
To Col. Joseph Vose, preparing to retreat after news of victory of British fleet: "make every preparation to march the troops by land to the Head of Elk…. I request you will use every Endeavour to persuade the people that we are going to join Gnl...
GLC09337
February 23, 1781
Smith, Wallace S., fl. 1781
As Lafayette's Aide-de-Camp, to Colonel Joseph Vose, commanding a regiment in Lafayette's Light Division. "The Marquis De La Fayette requests that the troops if the wheather is not too severe when you receive this may move to Pompton Plains...
GLC09338.01
March 14, 1781
McHenry, James, 1753-1816
As Lafayette's Aide-de-Camp, informing Col. Vose that British vessels may be near mouth of the Chesapeake intent on upsetting the plan of combined French and American operations in Virginia. "At present we do not apprehend any danger."
GLC09338.02
March 15, 1781
Smith, William Stephens, 1755-1816
Lafayette's Adjutant re the planned spring campaign. Unless French ships arrived and established naval supremacy in the Chesapeake it would be "impossible to move the troops to this place" but Vose should remain "in the most perfect readiness to move...
GLC09338.03
Nearly exact copy of 9338.03. With Lafayette Free Frank.
GLC09338.04
April 20,1781
McPherson, Major General, fl. 1863
Lafayette's Aide-de-Camp giving directions to Colonel Vose for his regiment's advance toward Richmond, Virginia. "Halt, till further orders at the Meadow Bridge."
GLC09338.07
to William Knox
May 18, 1779
Henry Knox expresses happiness in hearing of the arrival of the Joseph, a ship. He wishes William could have sailed earlier, on the General Arnold (referring to a voyage William plans regarding a business venture in Amsterdam). Instructs him to be...
GLC02437.00761
to Benjamin Lincoln
March 7, 1781
Later copy. Discusses General Cornwallis' movements in the south in detail, particularly by the Virginia/North Carolina border and Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan's efforts in harassing him. Wonders about Benedict Arnold's movements, who...
GLC02437.00906
July 25, 1781
Has not recently received any letters from William, his brother. Reports that Continental troops in the vicinity reconnoitered at Kings Bridge to estimate where the British are most vulnerable: "The result of our discoveries was a full conviction...
GLC02437.01084
May 21, 1779
Henry Knox recaps a letter he recently sent to William, in which he urged William to sail directly to Amsterdam instead of stopping in France. He mentions letters of introduction he previously sent for William's voyage to Europe, noting he will also...
GLC02437.00763
to Marquis de Lafayette
May 26, 1781
Savage, Joseph, 1756-1814
Captain Savage attests that Peter de [Lemay] of his detachment has served as a matross in the 3rd Regiment of Artillery for three years. Recommends him for discharge. This document apparently served as a register of provision orders; there are...
GLC02437.00955
Discusses business, Cornwallis' activities, and General Nathanael Greene's movements. Mentions the Marquis de Lafayette.
GLC02437.00907
April 17, 1781
Carleton, Joseph, 1754-1812
Carleton signs as Secretary of the Board of War. The Board has agreed to Knox's request to send artillery from the Marquis de Lafayette's detachment to the south. "...the Board are of opinion... all that can in the present situation of the Ordnance...
GLC02437.00938
to Board of War & Ordnance
August 31, 1781
Reports that General George Washington has ordered him to take southward all the arms and accoutrements possible. The demand has been indicated to Washington in letters from the Marquis de Lafayette. The supplies were needed for the upcoming Siege of...
GLC02437.01160
Return of all Continental spare ordnance and Military Stores in the field, and the Waggons which contain them.
21 September 1781
Jones, Thomas, fl. 1777-1782
Chart enumerating various types of ordnance held with three units under the charge of the Marquis de Lafayette. The stores listed "are exclusive of those which Complete the pieces annex'd to the Brigades, with the Park, & in the hands of the men of...
GLC02437.01186
Field artillery under the Marquis De LaFayette, June 1781
June 1781
Document gives the total of Lafayette's field artillery as 10 six pounders, 2 four pounders, 2 three pounders, and 2 five-and-a-half-inch howitzers. The artillery pieces were both captured and made for the Americans. One of the 6 pounders was taken...
GLC02437.00995
July 26, 1781
Knox writes to his wife from Philipsburgh (present-day Sleepy Hollow, New York). "... I have never found any absence from [Lucy] so truly insupportable as the present. I am alone amidst a croud [sic], and unhappy without my companion." He bemoans the...
GLC02437.01000
to Sebastian Bauman
September 7, 1781
Knox orders Major Bauman to obtain cannons left in Baltimore by the Marquis de Lafayette, as well as some other ordnance and supplies. They were needed for the "intended operation," referring to the upcoming Siege of Yorktown. Bauman commanded an...
GLC02437.01169
America's First Ally
1780
Moran, Edward Percy, 1862-1935
One engraving entitled "America's First Ally" dated 1780. Caption notes, "The return of Lafayette with assurances of good will from France." Depicts George Washington and Gilbert du Motier Lafayette surrounded by cheerful bystanders and soliders....
GLC08878.0085
Foreign Volunteers [of the American War of Independence]
1861-1877
Rogers, J. fl. 1860
One engraving entitled "Foreign Volunteers [of the American War of Independence]" circa 1861-1877. Portraits of Frederich Wilhelm ludolf Gerhard Augustin Baron von Steuben, Casimir Pulaski, Gilbert du Motier Lafayette, Tadeusz Kosciusko, and Johann...
GLC08878.0122
to Philip Hone
September 17, 1829
Opposed to a counter-revolution in France, and mentions attacks on himself. "The papers will inform you of the toiles in which France has Been Unexpectedly thrown by a Counter Revolutionary intrigue, and of the neccessity we are under to oppose it."...
GLC08984
April 8, 1783
Letter written by William Knox to his brother Major General Knox. Makes several witty references to the length of time between their communications. Mentions the peace and says "most people here particular those in commerce are happy at it, those who...
GLC02437.02073
June 16, 1783
Knox references "several" letters he received from Lafayette. Says his brother William is indebted to Lafayette for all the kindness shown to him. William asked that it be acknowledged. Goes on to say "America is infinitely indebted to you for your...
GLC02437.02166
January 8, 1784
Lafayette references receiving a letter from Knox. He writes of their warm friendship, and says "from the beginning of our Great Revolution which Has been the Beginning of our Acquaintance, We Have Been Activated By the Same principles, supported...
GLC02437.02928
December 14, 1783
Knox says he wrote Lafayette "several letters" expressing his affection for him. Says America as a nation believes the same thing and that "you must not regard [such expressions] as compliments but the language of sincerity." Goes on to say "Our...
GLC02437.02830
April 27, 1785
St. John de Crevecoeur, J. Hector, 1735-1813
Crevecoeur, French consul in New York, delivers a letter from "the good Marquis," possibly the Marquis de Lafayette (letter not included).
GLC02437.03133
May 11, 1785
Lafayette hopes this letter finds Knox in New York arranging for his duties as Secretary of War. Rejoices in Knox's selection as "the patriot and the soldier are nobly united in your person." Says Knox can write to him as a friend or as secretary of...
GLC02437.03144
January 19, 1786
Francastel, Nicolas Jean, fl. 1784-1786
An English translation of GLC02437.03238 in a different hand. This letter was written by Parisian jeweler Nicolas Jean Francastel, who was one of the creators of the jeweled eagle insignia worn by some members of the Society of the Cincinnati (Claude...
GLC02437.03239
to Henry Knox [in French]
May 16, 1786
Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron von, 1730-1794
Baron von Steuben writes to Knox in French asking if he will send him an excerpt of a letter written by the Marquis de Lafayette regarding his trip to Prussia. Says everyone has interest in the place where they spent the springtime of their lives...
GLC02437.03267
February 13, 1787
Provides an account of Shays' Rebellion in Massachusetts. Claims the "discontents in Massachusetts" were "speedily and effectually suppressed." Says these discontents were immersed in "Opinions which perhaps were necessarily diseminated previous to...
GLC02437.03451
August 1, 1786
Lafayette says a letter of recommendation was requested by Madame Gregorie, who has claims to present to the General Court in Massachusetts. Thought the best way to help her was to introduce her to Knox "who can better than Any Body Advise Her How to...
GLC02437.03289
January 7, 1787
Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804
Letter contains Wadsworth's reaction to Knox's analysis of Shays' Rebellion and includes Wadsworth's own ideas on the matter. Believes that despite the actions of the insurgents, they and their supporters would not vote for anyone "who have not the...
GLC02437.03409
to Louis-Marie Noailles
July 2, 1784
Knox writes to Viscount Noailles, brother-in-law of the Marquis de Lafayette. He expresses his friendship for Noailles, and discusses American trade and relations with Great Britain. Refers to public opinion of the Society of the Cincinnati...
GLC02437.03025
December 16, 1784
Lafayette reports to Knox that he will be leaving the United States from New York. Regrets that his situation renders him unable to see Knox in Boston before leaving. Expresses happiness on the birth of Knox's child. He has heard that Knox will...
GLC02437.03078
June 27, 1785
Chastellux, François Jean, marquis de, 1734-1788
General Chastellux (signed Chastelleaux) requests that Knox admit a French doctor who served in the Revolutionary War to the Society of the Cincinnati. Writes, "... you remember very well dear general, that after the siege of york you left behind a...
GLC02437.03160
September 7, 1785-October 5, 1785
Webber, James, fl. 1783-1797
Marked "duplicate." Includes two letters from James Webber, both written from London. In the first letter, in a clerical hand, but initialed by Webber, written on September 7, 1785, Webber outlines his dealings with Knox's brother, William, whom he...
GLC02437.03188
to George Washington
13 June 1786
Later copy of GLC02437.03273.
GLC02437.03274
June 16, 1786
Knox references Lafayette's letter from February 11, 1786. He thanks Lafayette for his kindness toward his brother, William, when he was ill. Says that William has recovered and has been with him since October 1785. Hopes the recovery is permanent...
GLC02437.03276
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