Collection Search

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Previous catalog record noted that this is a copy. Knox had planned to travel to New England by way of Albany, New York, so he could see Lincoln and Benedict Arnold, but his late departure will prevent him from taking that route....

GLC02437.00691

to Henry Knox

Compliments Knox on the "generalship" of the evacuation of Long Island and New York. Offers his opinions of the activities in New York and the role of the British navy. Also mentions the loss at Long Island's negative effect on morale. Also...

GLC02437.00458

to Henry Knox

Praises the American victory in the recent the Battle of Bennington. Notes that General [Benjamin] Lincoln's aide-de-camp sent an account of the British killed, wounded, and missing at Bennington, which amounted to 1,000. Reports that Henry's wife...

GLC02437.00641

Arrangement and present strength [incomplete]

Lists Major Generals, Brigadier Generals, and colonels in New Jersey. Lists Major Generals Green (Nathanael Greene), John Sullivan, [Adam] Stephen, [Benjamin] Lincoln, and "Ld. Sterling," (William Alexander). May be incomplete. Possibly created by...

GLC02437.00596

to Henry Knox

Notes that some of "our cool W[h]igs" are getting discouraged, in response to activities in New York and the loss at Long Island, and wish an end to hostilities. Jackson, however, only wants the matter settled "upon Independent terms." Reports that...

GLC02437.00453

to Henry Knox

Jackson declares, "...I am sure if we exert ourselves to the Southward & Northward as we ought to do that this Campaign will nearly bring the War to a Close, and establish our Independence." Reports he has heard news that Generals Horatio Gates...

GLC02437.00650

to Benjamin Lincoln

Explains his recommendations and opinions on key issues regarding the "ensuing campaign" in and around New York. Relates that upon asking General George Washington when to be prepared to march his troops, General Washington claimed to be out of touch...

GLC02437.01426

to Benjamin Lincoln

Writes to respond to General Benjamin Lincoln's request of his opinon on where to store 4,000 barrels of public powder now in Boston. Declares that West Point is so important that they should do everything possible to provide ample supplies. Thinks...

GLC02437.01309

to Benjamin Lincoln

Marked "copy." Writes in response to receiving from Lincoln a proposal by Colonel Timothy Pickering to send the artificers from the Park of Artillery to General Nathanael Greene's Southern Army. Writes that this proposal was made "without a...

GLC02437.01326

to Benjamin Lincoln

Written to General Benjamin Lincoln as Secretary at War. Calculations and notes regarding necessary ordnance and ammunition for the siege of New York. Discusses strategy relating to placement of cannon and batteries.

GLC02437.01336

to Henry Knox

Was informed by General Benjamin Lincoln that Knox's promotion has not yet gone through, though he and the rest of Knox's friends agree that it should, and are in support of the resolution Knox has taken "in case of a refusal on the part of Congress...

GLC02437.01359

to Benjamin Lincoln

Lists several items needed by the artificers at Burlington [New Jersey], including one ton of iron, the dimensions of which to be given by Captain [Thomas] Patten to Mr. [Samuel] Hodgdon, "iron to cover the ammunition waggons and tumbrills," and "8...

GLC02437.01398

to Benjamin Lincoln

Writes to General Lincoln, the Secretary at War, on behalf of Captain Jeremiah Freeman, an officer of Artillery who is attached to an independent company. He is trying to obtain fair pay through Congress's resolve, but because of his attachment to...

GLC02437.01414

to Henry Knox

Had wanted to write earlier but was afraid a letter might not reach him. Informs Knox that his brother William left for France on the 20th. Before he left, Knox's brother William left Peirce various papers and "empower'd me to transact his affairs...

GLC02437.01295

to Henry Knox

Written from the "War Office." Informs Knox that Mr. [John Jacob] Faesch has begun casting shells for them, and that Captain [William] Stevens "must immediately go there to prove the shells." Tells Knox to provide Stevens with instructions for how...

GLC02437.01481

to Benjamin Lincoln

Mentions that among the stores taken from the enemy at the battle of Yorktown are "a number of copper hoops that had been attached to the casks of powder consumed during the siege, which according to the customs of War invariably appertain to the...

GLC02437.01312

to Henry Knox [incomplete]

Discusses various topics of the day, including his own illness, the execution of a soldier for desertion and the trial of another for forgery, the capture of Lord Cornwallis and his army, and his movements with the military over the last several...

GLC02437.01360

to Henry Knox

Writes that he has, pursuant to Knox's instructions, sent Captain [William] Stevens to Secretary at War [Benjamin] Lincoln with a section of a howitzer shell and a request that Lincoln order Mr. [John Jacob] Faesch to produce the number of shells...

GLC02437.01457

to George Washington

Discusses Washington's negotiation with the state of Virginia to obtain cannon from them for the United States. Writes that he would have written to General Benjamin Lincoln earlier to discuss what to do with the cannon, but thought he would be...

GLC02437.01394

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Duplicate of GLC02437.01309. Writes to respond to General Benjamin Lincoln's request of his opinon on where to store 4,000 barrels of public powder now in Boston. Declares that West Point is so important that they should do everything...

GLC02437.01308

to Henry Knox

Writes to inform Knox of Knox's appointment to Major General, and describes the details of his appointment.

GLC02437.01382

to Benjamin Lincoln

Discusses the deficiency of supplies in the ordnance. Comments on the amount of horses necessary for the wagons in the field. Also discusses the supplies necessary for the ordnance, including cannon, howitzers, and ammunition, and the amount of...

GLC02437.01337

to Benjamin Lincoln

Writes to General Lincoln, the Secretary at War, to inform him of the recent acquisition of ordnance from the enemy, obtained with the help of France. Explains that the articles obtained are in bad repair but are in high demand, so recommends a Mr...

GLC02437.01399

to Benjamin Lincoln

Discusses the importance of establishing laboratories for artillery stores in the field. Comments on the work being performed by officers and enlisted men, as well as the pay scale they receive.

GLC02437.01413

to Benjamin Lincoln

Writes again about problems he is having with laboratories and the Commissary, Mr. [Richard] Frothingham. Emphasizes the need for some payment, especially for the officers: "a little money now would be of much more service than a great deal in...

GLC02437.01419

to Henry Knox

Expresses unhappiness with his post because of the limited action and requests a transfer should an opening occur. He has also mentioned this desire to Colonel David Cobb, formerly Jackson's second in command. Mentions tentative plans to visit Lucy...

GLC02437.01157

to George Washington

Marked as a copy; copied by Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide. General Lincoln offers Washington his observations "on the situation of Charlestown, the strength of its works, the number of men necessary to garrison it, and the point or points by which it may...

GLC02437.01112

to Henry Knox

McDougall signs as "Brutus," a pseudonym often attributed to him related to his involvement in the Newburgh Conspiracy. Writes a cryptic and critical letter, questioning plans made for the Continental army and the authority of Congress. Expresses...

GLC02437.01101

[Map of Charleston, South Carolina]

Manuscript map of Charleston, South Carolina showing the coastline, various rivers and geographic features, certain structures and county names. Date and creator inferred, based on the presumption that this map accompanies GLC02437.01112.

GLC02437.01113

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Knox gives advice to General Lincoln, Southern Department Commander: "My ignorance of the Country makes me an inadequate judge of your situation, but the numbers you mention you have to oppose the Enemy is most certainly a very serious...

GLC02437.00747

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Congratulates General Lincoln for field fortifications and sends his regrets in not being able to meet with him. Noted as "Directed to Lincoln at Philadelphia."

GLC02437.00812

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Discusses an exchange of prisoners, of which General Lincoln is one. Writes about a battle in Charlotte, North Carolina in some detail and mentions various other campaigns in the South. Written in Camp Bergen County.

GLC02437.00848

to Henry Knox

General Lincoln discusses the issue of paying officers at half-pay for the rest of their lives at the close of the war. Instead, advocates giving them one lump sum at the end of the war.

GLC02437.00878

to Benjamin Lincoln

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

to Benjamin Lincoln.

Later copy. Discusses the exchange of prisoners and that it is still in progess and also mentions the petition of the New England officers for better wages and other benefits. Informs General Lincoln of Cornwallis' movements in the South, mainly...

GLC02437.00852

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Complains about Lincoln not writing to him. Describes in great detail the battles between General Nathanael Greene and Lord Cornwallis at Guilford Court House, North Carolina, 15 March 1781. "Gen. Greene fought upon the best principles...

GLC02437.00934

to William Knox

Written at Fredericksburgh. Comments on the arrival of (the privateer) General Arnold's prize. Thinks the British will leave the United States to secure their possessions elsewhere, noting that an attempt to capture the French fleet at Boston rests...

GLC02437.00728

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Expresses happiness in hearing of the British evacuation of South Carolina, which Knox attributes to Lincoln's attack on the British in the Battle of Stono Ferry, 20 June 1779, (there is evidence that the British had previous plans to...

GLC02437.00783

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Discusses the status of troops throughout the New England states and a victory at Cowpens, South Carolina.

GLC02437.00888

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Discusses General Nathanael Greene's actions in the south, including the Battle of Guilford Court House. "General Greene after experiencing the hope of capturing Lord Cornwallis and his army, has been disappointed by the inert or...

GLC02437.00942

to Henry Knox

Gives recommendations for arranging the artillery for the siege of Yorktown. Discusses the establishment of the first parallel for the investment and fears a delay in operations. Speculates that one in four shots from the Continental Army will hit...

GLC02437.01213

[Ordnance return for Captain Treadwell's Company]

Notes that Treadwell's company is annexed to General Lincoln's Division. Created at an artillery park. Refers to General Benjamin Lincoln. Docket written in the hand of Samuel Shaw, Henry Knox's aide-de-camp.

GLC02437.00976

to Henry Knox

Written by Lucy the wife of Brigadier General Knox, to her husband. Reports that four posts have come and gone without a letter from him. Says General Benjamin Lincoln also came from his quarters without any remembrances from him. Claims "this is...

GLC02437.01129

to Benjamin Lincoln

Adams as vice president to Lincoln after his unsuccessful mission to make peace with the Northwest Indians. Says he read with interest Lincoln's report on why peace was not achieved. Says the report fits with the facts he learned while in Europe and...

GLC07101

Southern Department

One engraving entitled "Southern Department" circa 1861-1877. Portraits of General Daniel Morgan, General William Maultrie, General Nathanael Green, and General Benjamin Lincoln. Engraved by J. Rogers.

GLC08878.0120

to Benjamin Lincoln

Written by Major General Knox to Benjamin Lincoln. References his letter from "a few days past." Says that the letter mentioned a meeting of officers called for by a paper circulating around camp. Says "The meeting was had yesterday, and the General...

GLC02437.02009

to Henry Knox

Discusses the construction of an ammunitions magazine to house munitions, arms and stores. Gives details concerning the dimensions and the amount of stores and equipment the building should hold as well as building materials. Signature has been cut...

GLC02437.02151

to Benjamin Lincoln

Discusses the establishment of the Society of the Cincinnati and mentions a proposed constitution, which is not included. States that "[t]he intention [for creating the society] is pure, and uncorrupted by any sinister design - The sole objects the...

GLC02437.02131

to Benjamin Lincoln

Praises the artificers and men of the artillery for their work throughout the war and discusses their sentiments in regards to commissions and pay, which they feel is unfair under the current system.

GLC02437.01976

[An estimate of paint & oil]

Estimates the amount of paint and oil for the ordnance department and lists the different types and colors needed. Body of text is written in Knox's hand. Closing and Knox's signature is written in the hand of Samuel Shaw.

GLC02437.01978

to Benjamin Lincoln

Written and signed for Knox in the hand of Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide de camp. Discusses the pay for army artificers about to be furloughed, and their entitlement to arms.

GLC02437.02150

to Hawes

Requests Captain Hawes to "furnish for the use of the Artillery as many buttons as General Knox shall report to you are required for that Corps." Noted as written at the War Office. Originally enclosed with GLC02437.02047.

GLC02437.02046

to Henry Knox

Written from "Redoubt No. 3." Per Knox's orders and those of General Benjamin Lincoln, Secretary at War, he has visited the foundries of John Jacob Faesch at Mount Hope and Gabril [Gabriel?] Ogden at Pompton, both in New Jersey, and inspected the...

GLC02437.01738

to Benjamin Lincoln

Letter is unsigned; may be a page missing. Text loss on much of the document. Discusses a variety of subjects, including the pleasure Knox takes in his friendship with Lincoln: from the "first moment I have had the happiness of being acquainted you...

GLC02437.01751

to Benjamin Lincoln

Discusses the conditions of the artillery, carriages and wagons. States they need to be cleaned, repaired and repainted before being stored in a proposed arsenal.

GLC02437.01973

to Benjamin Lincoln

Gives an account of his advancement in the army and his wages as a way to show the unfair methods of payment of the soldiers and the lack of an organized system to deal with soldiers' wages.

GLC02437.02144

to Benjamin Lincoln

Discusses anxiety within the Army and a mission of General Alexander McDougall, possibly in connection to a petition of Congress for payment for the enlisted men. States that " ... if they [the army] should be disbanded previous to a settlement...

GLC02437.01974

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox of orders given to Captain Hawes and that the "articles for the ordnance department shall be forwarded as soon as possible." Noted as written at the War Office.
GLC02437.02046 was enclosed with this letter.

GLC02437.02047

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy of GLC02437.02009. References his letter from "a few days past." Says that letter mentioned a meeting of officers called for by a paper circulating around camp. Says "The meeting was had yesterday, and the General will forward the...

GLC02437.02007

to Henry Knox

Signature has been clipped. Discusses a purchase of paint and oil. Written in a secretarial hand. Noted as written at the War Office. Creator identified from docket.

GLC02437.01996

[Resolves respecting the Army]

List of resolves respecting the issuing of commissions, rank and promotions. Signed "B. Lincoln" by a secretary for General Lincoln.

GLC02437.02591

to Henry Knox

Request for Knox to deliver "for the use of the Indian tribes, five hundred pounds of powder - one thousand pound, of lead and one thousand flints - " Noted as written at the War Office.

GLC02437.02649

to Henry Knox

Writes that a storm prevented him from going to West Point but he intends to visit there before returning to Philadelphia. Although Lincoln is uncertain whether he will be able to travel by water the following morning, he requests to see General...

GLC02437.02301

to Henry Knox

Discusses the commutation of Captain Patten's pay. Hopes Patten will signify to Congress his acceptance of it. Marked as private.

GLC02437.02372

to Benjamin Lincoln

Mentions that Richard Frothingham, field commissary, is going to Philadelphia to settle the accounts of his department. Remarks upon the inaccuracy of the accounts, "As there have been a considerable number of persons employed and often under...

GLC02437.02376

to Henry Knox

Discusses the issue of ordnance allowance at West Point, which General George Washington supports, but does not think advisable to proceed without talking it over with the Secretary of War, General Benjamin Lincoln. Mentions the decision to have...

GLC02437.02639

to Henry Knox

Reports on Congressional proceedings. The report to Congress included the issue of allowing extra allowance on the ordnance claim and a resolution respecting separate departments. Mentions which states support it and which do not, in addition to his...

GLC02437.02670

to Benjamin Lincoln

Discusses a dispute regarding two officers of the artillery, Majors Perkins and Bauman, concerning the differences in rank within the artillery as compared to that of the general army.

GLC02437.02723

to Henry Knox

Copy of a letter dated 1 November 1783 from Benjamin Lincoln to Robert Morris, along with a copy of a Congressional resolution dated 30 October 1783. The letter and the resolution concern Congress's decision that Henry Knox should be allowed the pay...

GLC02437.02748

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Discusses the lack of funds for supplies and the large expenses incurred due to lack of stores. Plans to apply for more aid to see if "I cannot obtain the same compensation as those who have gone before me. Certainly I have expended as...

GLC02437.02592

to Henry Knox

Discusses a Congressional meeting that may determine whether Knox should be granted an allowance for Major General of a separate division. Since they did not have enough representatives from the states, the decision has been postponed and is causing...

GLC02437.02702

to Henry Knox

Asks Knox to deliver "as many of the inclosed brevets as are officers with you to recover them - The others for Massachusetts I wish you would forward by the next post ..." Noted as sent via "Public Service." Free frank signed by Benjamin Lincoln.

GLC02437.02746

to Benjamin Lincoln

Discusses an addition to his monthly allowance. Mentions how his pay compares unfavorably to that of other generals, such as [Alexander] McDougall and [William] Heath. Asks Lincoln to discuss the issue with Mr. Morris, likely Robert Morris, the...

GLC02437.02764

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Expresses disappointment that General Lincoln will not be ready to sail as soon as Knox anticipated. Adds that commissioners are waiting for them at Halifax, Nova Scotia. About the urgent voyage, writes "We ought to determine upon the...

GLC02437.03042

to Benjamin Lincoln

States he received a letter from General Henry Knox asking "whose map of the River St. Croix was used as an authority by the ministers who negotiated the Peace." Knox asked that Jay send his answer to General Lincoln. Jay says that the map was one...

GLC02437.03043

to Henry Knox

Encloses "as near a copy as I could make of our address to the Indians," possibly referring to a recent address he and Knox made to the Penobscots in present-day Maine. Discusses copying documents related to former Governor [Thomas] Pownall's...

GLC02437.03060

to Henry Knox

Writes a friendly letter in which he presents news on a variety of subjects. First, mentions that he applied to Judge Wendell for certificates that they had been discussing. He has so far been unsuccessful but will try again. John Hancock is...

GLC02437.03250

to Henry Knox

Discusses raising troops to fight against the insurgents, in particular to fight under Colonel [possibly Michael] Jackson. Mentions the drive to raise funds for recruiting troops and also procuring supplies, such as for the regiments of General...

GLC02437.03418

to James Bowdoin

Marked "copy" on docket. Describes in some detail the confrontations between his troops and the insurgents in Massachusetts, led by Daniel Shays. Reports that General [William] Shepard, who is also leading troops, is in a precarious position which it...

GLC02437.03422

to James Bowdoin

Written from Brookfield, likely in Massachusetts. Marked "copy." Relates how he led his troops to the aid of General Shepard. "Writes, Gen'l Sheppard expects hourly an attack by the whole force of the Insurgents:- Shays marched with the party...

GLC02437.03425

to James Bowdoin

Marked "copy." Written from "Head Quarters Springfield." Reports on Shay and his supporters' situation. Relates that he and a number of other regiments arrived in Springfield the day before. Writes, "On my arrival I found, that Shays had taken...

GLC02437.03427

to Henry Knox

Thanks him for his letters. Never doubted Knox's good wishes toward him, or his desire to promote Sargent's military achievements. Is acutely aware of Knox's responsibilities and does not want to put him in an embarrassing position because of his...

GLC02437.03432

to Benjamin Lincoln

Contains two letters. The first, written from Pelham, Massachusetts on 31 January 1787 to General Benjamin Lincoln, is signed by (though not in the hand of) Daniel Shays, along with Francis Stone and Adam Wheeler. The second is Lincoln's reply...

GLC02437.03434

[General Benjamin Lincoln's orders]

General orders which congratulate troops on the successful capture of a large number of insurgents. This document is probably one of the enclosures that accompanied Lincoln's 5 February 1787 letter to Knox (GLC02437.03444).

GLC02437.03442

to Marquis de Lafayette

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

to Henry Knox

Says that he received his recent letters, including one to be delivered to [Benjamin] Hichborn. Asks him to give his regards to Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan. Writes that Major [William] North has not yet arrived, and he is afraid that North is sick on...

GLC02437.03458

to Henry Knox

Requests Knox to read and send a document (not included) to the governor concerning the mood of the people. Writes that "His people, as I am informed, are getting mad, [Ours] have been so for some time since the rage is abating."

GLC02437.03463

to Henry Knox

Discusses the arrangement of troops and an established military uniform he received from Major [William] North. Asks Knox to decide which of the two majors will be assigned to him so he can appoint a field officer at the Castle. Goes into further...

GLC02437.03469

to Henry Knox

Thanks him for his recent letters, and sends his compliments to Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan. Asks him to tell Mr. Swan that his services are wanted in Boston. Provides information on the Legislature and the General Court; declares that everyone is in...

GLC02437.03441

to Benjamin Lincoln

Same as GLC02437.03465. Writes a recommendation to Lincoln for Mr. Payson, a "reputable inhabitant of Massachusetts" who is looking for "employment to give him bread." Notes he has no openings at present and is referring him to Lincoln.

GLC02437.03466

[Excerpt of a petition in which Knox and others attempt to persuade the Massachusetts Legislature to sell uncultivated lands to officers and soldiers who served in the Revolutionary War]

Signed in the docket. Knox, Benjamin Lincoln, Henry Jackson, and others attempt to persuade the General Court of Massachusetts to divide land in the eastern part of the state (present-day Maine) for officers and soldiers who served in the Revolution...

GLC02437.03124

to George Washington

Responds to a 2 June 1784 letter from Washington. Discusses a recent Congressional order requiring Frederick Haldimand, Governor of the Province of Quebec, to give the United States information as to when British troops will completely evacuate...

GLC02437.03031

[Speech delivered to the Penobscot Tribe]

Written at the Penobscot River, present-day Maine. Lincoln, a commissioner chosen to negotiate land boundaries with the Penobscot Tribe, praises the Penobscots' involvement in the Revolutionary War. Continues, "It is said that in your own Opinion...

GLC02437.03049

to Benjamin Lincoln

Marked "copy." Body of the letter and signature in the hand of Robert Pemberton, Knox's aide. Discusses Lincoln's success at stopping Shays' Rebellion and dispersing the insurgents. Mentions how the rapid defeat of the insurgents will affect orders...

GLC02437.03453

to Henry Knox

Provides an account of the recent actions of Shays and his followers: the previous Tuesday, they prevented the Court at Springfield from sitting. The Court will meet in Worcester on 23 January. He and General [Benjamin] Lincoln are recruiting...

GLC02437.03398

to Henry Knox

Writes that the insurgents are "most cursedly frightened, & wish themselves to the devil." Some of the insurgents went to see the Governor to ask that the troops not be deployed to stop the upcoming siege on the General Court; they promised the...

GLC02437.03420

to Gouverneur Morris

Later copy. Writes to update Morris on the status of the fight against the Massachusetts insurgents. First, mentions that Colonel [Jeremiah] Wadsworth is unavoidably detained for a few days. Then, outlines the actions of Generals [William] Shepard...

GLC02437.03424

to Henry Knox

Thanks him for his last letter, and asks him to deliver an enclosed letter (not present) to Mrs. Swan and send the Swans his compliments. Discusses the fight against the insurgents: General [John] Brooks marched yesterday to support General...

GLC02437.03429

to Benjamin Lincoln

Written from Granby, likely in southern Massachusetts, near Springfield. Writes on behalf of the town of Granby that the prospect of war is causing severe anxiety among the townspeople, despite the fact that they have a lot of faith and confidence...

GLC02437.03435

to Benjamin Lincoln

Unsigned, and marked "copy." Body of the letter in the hand of Robert Pemberton, Knox's aide. Knox refers to a previous letter he sent to Lincoln (see GLC02437.03446). Thanks him for his last letter, and believes his recent services to the...

GLC02437.03447