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to Artemas Ward

Gives a military report provided by Thomas Mayfield. Describes ship activities in Boston Harbor, mentioning workers and loading occurring at "the Castle," in reference to the military garrison on Castle Island in the harbor. Written in Dorchester...

GLC02437.00257

to Henry Knox

Responds very late to Knox's two previous letters because he is busy. Briefly outlines his daily routine. Gives an account of the recent plans, activities, and capture of the privateer Hero, captained by James Tracy, while pursuing a prize of...

GLC02437.00343

to Henry Knox

Transmits a letter originally to George Washington from a committee of the Continental Congress (not included) and asks Knox to go to New London, Connecticut to comply with its orders to work on its fortification and harbor. Requests a report after...

GLC02437.00274

to Lucy Knox

Writes that he curses "the man who first brought on this war only because it separates me from my Love." Mentions that he has received instructions from George Washington to inspect and fortify the local harbor in order to make it safe for...

GLC02437.00276

to unknown

Orders an officer to proceed to Norwich, Connecticut with powder and ammunition. Notes that the officer has a warrant to impress teams of animals if necessary. A note on the verso records numerical quantities of unnamed items being transferred from...

GLC02437.00271

to Lucy Knox

Explains that he has remained in Newport, Rhode Island, where a recent British naval attack had been fended off, to fulfill orders to help protect the town from additional attacks. He will depart for Norwich later in the day, where he hopes to stay...

GLC02437.00273

to Lucy Knox

Comments on a fatiguing two day, sixty-four mile journey from Newport, Rhode Island, to Norwich, Connecticut. Indicates that he will stay in Norwich until all the stores are embarked for New York. Mentions that he will make a trip to New London...

GLC02437.00275

to Lucy Knox

Describes the Battle of Monmouth (28 June 1778) in detail. As the British marched away from Philadelphia toward Shrewsbury, New Jersey, Continental troops under General [Charles] Lee attacked the British rear. In the ensuing battle, "My brave Lads...

GLC02437.00713

[Henry Knox's replies to questions posed by George Washington]

In Shaw's hand, and signed for Knox by Shaw. Knox replies in detail to Washington's question, whether an eastward movement of the greater part of the Continental Army would be feasible. Knox writes, "I cannot see the propriety of such a measure at...

GLC02437.00723

[Henry Knox's responses to questions posed by George Washington]

Knox's original working draft. Knox responds to General Washington's questions regarding eastward movement of the Continental Army to reinforce troops in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

GLC02437.00724

At a council of war held at Frederickburgh Octr 16th 1778

Knox's handwritten copy of Washington's queries to his Council of War. Washington informs the Council that the British force consists of two divisions (one at New York and one at Rhode Island). A detachment from New York were recently "employed in...

GLC02437.00731

to William Knox

Discusses previous correspondence between the two, noting he always acknowledges letters received from William. Mentions a military operation planned against Newport to take place in conjunction with the arrival of a French fleet led by the Comte D...

GLC02437.00717

to William Knox

Chastises William, his brother, for not writing more frequently. Mentions a military operation planned against Newport to take place in conjunction with the arrival of a French fleet led by the Comte D'Estaing. Instructs William to inform [James]...

GLC02437.00718

to William Knox

Knox writes to his brother, William: "I write... to inform you of our Welfare- no news- we are waiting most impatiently for some from Rhode Island" (there was a military operation planned against Newport to take place in conjunction with the arrival...

GLC02437.00719

to William Knox

Acknowledges receipt of a letter William wrote 14 August 1778. Notes that his wife Lucy would also reply to William, but Shaw has not provided her with pens (possibly referring to his aide-de-camp, Samuel Shaw). Refers to a naval battle near...

GLC02437.00720

to William Knox

Again chastises William for his "neglect in writing." Refers to the naval battle between the Comte D'Estaing and British General William Howe's fleet near Newport, Rhode Island. Observes that D'Estaing's departure for Boston will oblige American...

GLC02437.00721

to William Knox

Has received news that a fleet has blocked the port of Boston. Notes that Admiral Parker (possibly Sir Hyde Parker) has arrived at "the Hook" with several ships ("the Hook" may refer to Sandy Hook, New Jersey, or another point in New Jersey near New...

GLC02437.00725

to William Knox

Asks William, his brother, for news of the location of William Howe's fleet. Apparently speaking of the British, writes "It is improper for a person in any Station to speak thus were it to be divulged but I do not believe there ever was a set of men...

GLC02437.00726

to William Knox

Written at Fredericksburgh. Comments, "You appear a little testy that I did not inform you the Enemy were going to Boston. Indeed I never believed it except a combination of unfortunate circumstances should impress an Idea of the kind on their...

GLC02437.00727

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 William Knox

Written at Fredericksburgh. Reports that the British are still in New York City, and many British sailors are sick ashore. Of British commissioners, writes, "The Commissioners have Issued another Proclamation & manifesto. This they declare shall...

GLC02437.00730

to William Knox

Written at Fredericksburgh. Location from docket. Knox informs his brother that the British sent a detachment of 7000-8000 men from New York. Predicts the men were sent to the West Indies, but "others again suppose for Carolina." Mentions a fleet...

GLC02437.00734

to William Knox

Written at Fredericksburgh. Reports that a large detachment of British troops sailed recently, and by all accounts are bound for the West Indies or Europe. Writes, "The Enemy in New York are still preparing for a further Embarkation, if it takes...

GLC02437.00735

to William Knox

Requests that William obtain items for Lucy Knox, his wife. Asks that he send the articles so Lucy may receive them by mid-January. Requests green tea and "raisons." Discusses the procurement of goods, and gives William advice on business matters...

GLC02437.00736

to Silas Talbot

Knox's retained copy of a letter from Laurens, President of Congress. Laurens congratulates Talbot and his men for taking the schooner Pigot, and on behalf of Congress grants Talbot a commission as lieutenant colonel in the Continental Army. Copy...

GLC02437.00737