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to Henry Knox

Says that for the past several years he has been trying to make gunpowder "to as great a degree of perfection as I was able." Claims he supplied large amounts to the Continental Army in the Revolutionary War. States the "Essaymaster for this state"...

GLC02437.05079

to Henry Knox

Mentions that the mechanic Joseph Pope, who invented the orrery purchased by the legislature for Harvard, "brought with him on his return from England, a great Variety of Drawings of many of the most useful and late invented machines, mills, &c...

GLC02437.05129

to Joseph B. Varnum

Massachusetts Congressman Samuel Dana introduces William Whittemore to Varnum, Speaker of the House of Representatives. Informs Varnum that Whittemore will be travelling to Washington, D.C. in order to preserve the patent for "the exclusive use of...

GLC03845.07

John Selden

One engraving of John Selden dated December 1, 1836. Engraved by W. Hall. Original portrait dates to 1654.

GLC08878.1616

Establishment of the United States Military Philosophical Society

Partially printed. Letter discusses the establishment of the United States Military Philosophical Society, a scientific society. Informs Knox that the group has elected him a member. Signed by Jonathan Williams as President, and Alexander Macomb...

GLC02437.07989

to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for his letter of 6 September 1790. Writes he is pleased "to see the flourishing State in which N. America is grown...and wished that my own poor miserable Country in the South, could say the same." Comments on the plans for the new...

GLC02437.04848

to Henry Knox

Discusses Knox's plan for the militia. Writes, "The sight of a part of your plan for reforming our militia - and my fear of that hideous monster - a standing army, though covered with alluring clothes by artful politicians, wil [sic] atone for the...

GLC02437.04543

to Henry Knox

Wishes to introduce Knox to a friend of his, Count Paolo Andreani from Milan, Italy, who intends to visit America. Describes him as a top "diletante in Chimistery, and natural history, in Europe." Asks him to introduce Count Andreani to General...

GLC02437.04563

to Henry Knox

Jeffries writes to Knox thanking him for his kindness. Says he fears more for his wife whose "constitution" is particularly vulnerable, which also prevents Jeffries from traveling from Boston. Asks Knox to present a copy of his [aerial] narrative to...

GLC02437.04705

to Moses Gale and/or Moses Higgins

Discusses the production of his limestone. Notes a shipment was returned due to suspicions of the lime being bad. Mentions the reputation of the lime is his greatest concern and requests Gale destroy it. Provides instructions on how to properly...

GLC02437.07642

to the Secretary of War [Henry Dearborn]

Letter is not signed but appears to be in Knox's handwriting. Appears to be a letter of recognition for Pierre Charles L'Enfant. Writes to the Secretary of War [Henry Dearborn] verifying L'Enfant's services to Knox as an engineer from 1793 to 1794...

GLC02437.07696

to Henry Knox

Discusses Knox's business in New York and relays a message from his wife to Mrs. Knox. Also includes a table of the weather patterns, such as temperature and barometric pressure, for the month of May.

GLC02437.06993

to Henry Knox

Mentions the French Navy has been cruising on the American coast. Discusses the recent discoveryby his brother, a man of science, in potato cultures. Informs Knox his brother [William Maunsell] sent a packet that explains the discovery, which he is...

GLC02437.06114

to Henry Knox

Written in Russell's hand, but is signed by both Russell and James Sullivan. References a letter they wrote to Knox on 9 December 1792. That letter received no answer, so they are repeating its contents in this letter. They are writing in their...

GLC02437.05791

to John Nazro

Has not considered Nazro's letter because "by law the mode of obtaining patents has been altered." Encloses the circumstances of the new law, which passed on 21 February. When he applies under the new law he will obtain his patent.

GLC02437.06050

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that "I shall be able to bring with me everything which can be collected in this Country respecting Canals." Says he has heard that Knox is considering hiring an expensive director from England. Believes this is unnecessary as he has...

GLC02437.05735

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox he will be sending him some maps of canals. Asks Knox, if it will not be too troublesome, to ask William Smith to employ Stephen Bruce to purchase provisions. Notes he sails for Paris, France the next day. Also mentions the...

GLC02437.05778

to Henry Knox

Writes about the impending war and declares that Knox should "give up any consideration for the common or public good of our country." Discusses the necessity of finding an "American" engineer to help prevent the "enemy" from learning the strengths...

GLC02437.06077

to James Sullivan

Apologizes for not responding to Sullivan's earlier request for information on a canal engineer from Europe who recently arrived in Philadelphia (see GLC02437.05964). Knox waited to write until the engineer, Mr. Weston, an Englishman, arrived in the...

GLC02437.06037

[U. S. Department of Agriculture press release, Sawdust Flour From Waste of Lumber Mills]

Sawdust flour can make dynamite, linoleum, xyolite, and artificial flooring. These uses will relieve the amount of waste from lumber mills.

GLC00687.175.01

to Benjamin Rush

Addressed to "My dear Phylosopher [sic] and Friend," this letter discusses George Washington, France and scientific societies. Adams dwells ironically at great length upon those "talents" which brought about Washington's "elevation above his Fellows...

GLC00424