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to darling Cherry (wife)

He has reached Lisbon. All his travels just make him feel more satisfied that he has chosen the right partner. Recently there was an outbreak of yellow fever on the ship. He describes some of the victims. He also describes the streets of Lisbon...

GLC08284.063

to darling Cherry (wife)

He discusses what she can do to occupy her time and suggests Sunday reading. He watched a religious procession in Lisbon. He is embarrassed to say that while the officers of the Prussian ships can all speak English, no one on board his ship can speak...

GLC08284.064

to darling Cherry (wife)

He talks about an old church in Lisbon that impressed him. He also visited the King's Palace at Belem and the tower. The Opera House also figures prominently in the letter. Written in Lisbon Harbor

GLC08284.067

to darling Cherry (wife)

He tells her a little more about Lisbon. Later they went to Gibaltar where they had a delightful time. In Paris they saw many different nationalities, including Turks and Arabs. He describes their clothes.Written in Lisbon Harbor

GLC08284.068

to Nait

He finally made it to Spain where he had a difficult times because he does not speak Spanish. He mentions his photo collection. They visit the Naval musuem which he describes as worth seeing. He also visits a church and the Museum of Artillery.

GLC08284.071

to Nait

He describes an eclipse. He is hesitating about going to Spain because the country is a bit unsettled. He met an old friend who will tutor him in French. He expects to speak it tolerably well within four months.

GLC08284.072

to dear little wife

He discusses the places in Italy they may be able to visit. He describes the whales that played around the ship. They passed by Gibraltar. They have developed a taste for olives and their oil.

GLC08284.073

to darling Cherry

They are getting along in Spain despite not knowing the language. The merchantmen there are a mix of nationalies. Written in Cadiz Harbor

GLC08284.074

to darling Cherry

He notes that it is more expensive there than in New York. They are having problems with the monasteries there. They want to shut them down and open up free schools. He describes some of the characters in the streets.Written in Cadiz Harbor

GLC08284.075

to darling Cherry

He further describes the Queluz Palace including a chapel, many paintings and a fountain. Written in Lisbon Harbor

GLC08284.076

to darling Cherry

The first letter describing the Royal Palace of Queluz. In particular, the Grand Salon is mentioned. More tapestries and paintings are described. Written in Lisbon Harbor

GLC08284.077

to darling Cherry

He talks about bull fighting in Portugal. He uses very flowery language to describe an entire fight. He makes special note of "the way the negroes fight the bull." Written in Lisbon Harbor

GLC08284.078

to darling Cherry

He talks of grave matters like life insurance and of buying her a burial lot and coffin. The French battle ships are there now. He is reading up on Spanish history. Written in Lisbon Harbor

GLC08284.079

to darling Cherry

He describes his Fourth of July. They weren't allowed to fire a salute so the Portuguese flag ship had to do it for them, which he describes as humiliating. Written in Lisbon Harbor

GLC08284.080

to darling Cherry

He mentions the large number of Spanish refugees. He also describes a place called the Passeio Publico where he goes to hear live music. Apparently the king goes there and smokes his cigar. Written in Lisbon Harbor

GLC08284.081

to darling Cherry

They climbed a moutain to visit the Pena Castle. And then they saw the remains of a monastery. Afterwards they visit a villa called Montserrat owned by an Englishman. Next they went to the Royal Palace of Cintra. He provides lavish descriptions...

GLC08284.083

to darling Cherry

He attended a reception of Queen Isabella. He then tells the story of a Mrs. Mallard the wife of a Master Mallard of the ship. He wanted her to go home with him so he smuggled her into his room, but the officers eventually found out. Written in...

GLC08284.088

to darling Cherry

An acquaintance went into the shoe manufacturing business but the Great Portland fire burnt up his business. The railroad that is to connect Lisbon with Madrid has been completed. Written in Lisbon Harbor

GLC08284.091

to darling Cherry

He attends a lavish naval funeral and describes the reception of the American expedition in Russia. He tells the story of the chief engineer of a party who lost his cap. Written in Lisbon Harbor

GLC08284.093

to darling Cherry

He describes more landmarks. He has a fondness for Portuguese and French institutions and describes the museum of anatomy, the zoological museum, Pantheon, the Luxembourg Palace and Versailles. Written in Lisbon Harbor

GLC08284.094

to darling Cherry

He explored the two city cemetaries. He describes them in great detail including the coffins and tombs of royalty. Written in Lisbon Harbor

GLC08284.095

to darling Cherry

He describes the Corrida de Leroz. Then he goes on to talk about bullfighting again. He is sorry to hear about her throat. He visits Badajoz, an old city in Spain. They also go to Alameda. Bullfighting is a theme that runs throughout the letter...

GLC08284.098

to ma cherie Marie

He thinks France is the greatest nation in the world next to the USA. He wishes whole heartedly that she could be with him. He sings the praises of Paris, including the architecture and the art.

GLC08284.118

to wife

He describes the people of Paris, including the upper classes, the middle and lower classes and what he calls,a "Frenchy."

GLC08284.119

Trois-mats Norwegien

Photo of a ship.

GLC08284.148

Trois-mats filant grand largue par forte brise.

Photo of a ship.

GLC08284.149

to Lucy Knox

Assures her that their separation will not be as long as she fears, that they will soon be together again, and that he loves her deeply. Explains why he must stay at war and away from her, saying: "My obedience in this point interrupts our happiness...

GLC02437.00490

Order of march to Trenton

Orders for surprise attack on British forces at Trenton. On Christmas morning Washington made his famous crossing of the Delaware, and prepared for a surprise attack on Trenton. These orders lay out the various roles of the different sections of...

GLC02437.00495

to Lucy Knox

Expresses his love for Lucy, but says that the love of his country must keep them apart for now. Discusses the Battle of Trenton (26 December 1776) in depth. Starts by stating that Lucy must "have heard of our success on the morning of the 26th...

GLC02437.00497

to Lucy Knox

Asks if she has received his previous letter (GLC02437.00511). Details the fighting from 2 January onward. Discusses the American retreat from Trenton, for which the artillery provided cover, Washington's decision to next attack Princeton where...

GLC02437.00514

to William Knox

Says that since William's happiness is important to him, he will not prevent his brother from joining the army once William has completed certain essential family business. Arranges for William to pick up his baggage from various spots in New...

GLC02437.00556

to Henry Knox

Reassures his brother of his affection for him. Has received a trunk for Henry from Jonathan Ingersol, and will write him. Informs Knox that he will try to obtain silk stockings for him and that George Washington's coat has been charged to his...

GLC02437.00563

to Henry Knox

Colonel Jackson writes "by way of Peekskill" [New York]. Reports that a Massachusetts state cruiser has taken two British transport ships bound for New York with Hessians on board. Of the Hessians, writes "it is said they show'd the greatest joy...

GLC02437.00610

to Henry Knox

Replies to a letter from Henry from 21 June, in which Knox discussed British movement in detail. Agrees with Knox, that the British in the New York/New Jersey area will "form a junction with the Nothern [sic] Army." Worries that General George...

GLC02437.00621

to Henry Knox

Discusses the Continental evacuation of Ticonderoga: "My God, what a Stroke we have met with in Loss of Ticonderoga- after all the trouble, pains, & expense the Continent has been at in Fortifyg [sic] that Post, to think we should be obliged to give...

GLC02437.00624

to Henry Knox

Colonel Jackson declares, "The loss of Ticonderoga is a very severe stroke, we shall expereance [sic] the misfortune of it as long as the War lasts- there is no one circumstance take'n place this War that has affected the minds of the People so much...

GLC02437.00628

to Henry Knox

Reports a scare regarding a fleet of 150 ships in the [Massachusetts] Bay. Describes how Bostonians were thrown into confusion, thinking the fleet consisted of British troops from New York. Speaks of the evacuation of Boston: "altho' the Alarm came...

GLC02437.00633

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 Lucy Knox

Mentions problems with the post. Discusses the Battle of White Plains. Notes his belief that the British are planning to attempt a decisive attack. Thinks she should spend the winter in Boston and if she agrees he will send William Knox to escort...

GLC02437.00479

to Henry Knox

Discusses Knox infrequent correspondence and attributes it to him being "in one of the most active Situations in the whole army." Is happy to hear Knox is getting over an illness. Mentions Knox becoming increasingly fat. Discusses the scarcity and...

GLC02437.00482

to Henry Knox

Continues the discussion about raising money from his last letter, GLC02437.00555. Still believes that he will soon have raised the necessary funds, and will then be free to join the army. Hopes to receive the quills, wax, etc. that day. A French...

GLC02437.00558

to Lucy Knox [incomplete]

Informs Lucy that she has full possession of his heart. Expresses relief that her case of smallpox has improved. Discusses Mr. Bowdoin, possibly a man hired to help Lucy upon the departure of a previous servant or assistant, Mr. Bolling. Discusses...

GLC02437.00586

to John Adams

Later copy. Knox writes to Adams, the Massachusetts representative to Continental Congress. Mentions obtaining cannon cast from the furnace at Salisbury, Massachusetts. Discusses a failed attempt by Colonel Stewart, aide-de-camp to General...

GLC02437.00590

Imported into New Hampshire In the Mercury and Amphitrite from France

Lists items carried in on the ships Mercury and Amphitrite, including flints, cannon, grape shot, powder, and other ordnance stores and arms. The entry for 15 June 1781 notes that "sundry ordnance stores shipped by [Mr.] or [Wm.] Laurens.

GLC02437.00603

to Lucy Knox

Written in Camp Middlebrook. Writes, "I am well and love you infinitely." Complains of the heat, hoping he has hinted enough so that Lucy will send his summer clothes. Mentions a skirmish with the enemy 31 May in which ten men were "cut to pieces...

GLC02437.00607

to Henry Knox

Apologizes for not writing Knox sooner. Reports that he sent Knox wine the previous Sunday. Writes, "I think it impossible my Dear Friend that our Country can be so ungratefull as to put a foreigner over your Head but should they be so foolish &...

GLC02437.00613

to Henry Knox

Opens with, "Did my Harry let the 23rd of this month pass by unnoticed or did it occur to his mind that it was the anniversary of his wedding day..." Reflects upon her happiness when they were first married, and states, "instead of spending our...

GLC02437.00619

to Theodore Parsons

Later copy. Reports on the Continental evacuation of Ticonderoga: "As to the particulars of the retreat of the Army, I am not at present able to communicate,- thus much as to myself I can say, that I have lost all my Baggage of every kind except...

GLC02437.00623

to William Knox

Reports that British Commissioners William Eden, First Baron Auckland, Frederick Howard, Earl of Carlisle, and Governor George Johnstone are meeting in Philadelphia to discuss conciliation with America. Declares, "Any offers they may make but of...

GLC02437.00709

to William Knox

Reports that the British left Philadelphia. He and Lucy went into the city, but had to leave because it "stunk so abominably." Notes that the American and British armies are twenty miles apart, at Princeton and Allentown respectively. Comments on...

GLC02437.00712

to William Knox

Expresses disappointment with not receiving a letter from William, but writes this letter for both William and Henry Jackson. Discusses being recalled from New Jersey in response to sightings of British ships. Tells William to not give credit to...

GLC02437.00472

to Lucy Knox

Regrets that he must send her to Boston, but hopes to see her and Peter soon, if his duties allow. Notes British movements on Long Island. Comments on the tactical ineptitude displayed by both sides: "The manoeuvres of the enemy are so complicated...

GLC02437.00487

to Henry Knox

Dated November 1776; date of 17 November inferred from content. Reports that Fort Washington has been captured by the British, and that the Americans have "lost" between 2,000 to 3,000 soldiers. The American generals, including Washington, Palmer...

GLC02437.00488

to Lucy Knox

Informs her of the loss of Fort Washington and 1,500 men. "This is the most severe stroke we have received during the war as to the number of men." Writes that he is very upset over the terrible defeat, but has not lost hope.

GLC02437.00489

[Draft of an opinion for General George Washington]

"From the time which has elapsed since Genl Howe disappeared from the Capes, it may be fairly and certainly deduce'd that he has gone very far either to the Southward or eastward... and it may be concluded with the same probability that neither...

GLC02437.00637

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

A copy of Three Acts of Congress in favor of Silas Talbot

Title from docket. Includes acts for 10 October 1777, 14 November 1778, and 17 September 1779. The first act promotes Talbot to Major for his attempt to set fire to a British ship "and that he be recommended to General Washington for employment...

GLC02437.00656

to George Washington

Penned by Samuel Shaw, with post-script in Knox's hand. Knox answers the question: "... whether it would be advisable to attack the enemies redoubts and the City of Philadelphia by way of storm ... " Knox writes, "I exceedingly lament my want of...

GLC02437.00667

to Henry Knox

Colonel Jackson writes, "Are you dead or alive- one post after another, and not a line from you-its a Mo since I saw your hand writi'g." Describes his attempts to enlist soldiers. Asks if George Washington would approve if he enlists British...

GLC02437.00668

[Military advice for George Washington]

Written from Artillery Park of Great Valley (Valley Forge), Pennsylvania. Knox discusses the necessity of recruiting more men. Argues that New York City is of greater importance to the British than any other place due to its accessibility by way of...

GLC02437.00683

to William Knox

Shaw, Henry Knox's aide-de-camp, apologizes for the delay in sending a box owned by William. Reports that the army plans to leave Valley Forge, and Henry Knox is unwilling "to leave any thing of his in this d-n'd State." Refers to military and...

GLC02437.00707

to George Washington

Document in Samuel Shaw's hand, and signed by Shaw for Knox, giving Knox's opinion on several questions posed by Washington. Writes, "...it would be a most criminal degree of madness to hazard a general action at this time with the enemy, as by it we...

GLC02437.00711

to Henry Knox

Laments the loss of Bergen Point, New Jersey, as well as any other easy victory by the British because it lifts their spirits and emboldens them. It also discourages the Americans. Wants there to be no more works built that cannot be properly...

GLC02437.00474

to William Knox

Rants about not receiving any letters from Knox. Discusses in detail the "fatal Catastrophe of our Navy," commanded by Benedict Arnold, on Lake Champlain, as well as subsequent activities around Crown Point and Fort Ticonderoga, including the...

GLC02437.00477

to Lucy Knox

Comments on their problems corresponding and reaffirms his love for her. Indicates that the British have stopped pursuing them and their intentions are unknown. Denounces British and Hessian plundering. Describes the Scottish (Highlanders) as the...

GLC02437.00484

[Timeline of Prisoner Exchange Activities]

Later copy. Listing dates on which important events occurred relating to prisoner exchanges between American and British forces. Entries detail various plans for prisoner exchange. Also specify who is authorized to exchange prisoners and the...

GLC02437.00508

to Lucy Knox

Arrived last evening after a long trip. The roads past Hartford were so bad that "the Slay" and much of the baggage had to be abandoned. Has heard a report that at Spanktown, modern day Rahway, "our people" killed and wounded five hundred of the...

GLC02437.00549

to Henry Knox

Reports "News Glorious News" that a French ship loaded with artillery and arms for the Americans landed at Portsmouth last week. Also carried French officers "well recommended by Doct. Franklin" and an account stating that a similar ship will soon...

GLC02437.00554

to Lucy Knox

Loves her and thinks of her constantly. Thinks America will soon rise and Britain fall. Sees the recent arrival of arms as a positive sign from above. Feels the war has lost all virtue. If not for her he think he would not have the will to live....

GLC02437.00560

to Lucy Knox

Says that he always writes "by the post" and wishes she would do the same "as it is now conducted with some regularity." Hopes that her inoculation works, and that both she and their daughter not "have too many or too few" pocks. Wishes Lucy could...

GLC02437.00576

to Lucy Knox

The Americans "are getting strong" while "the enemy by all accounts...must be very imbecile." Hopes she is recovering from the smallpox inoculation, and sends his love to her and their daughter.

GLC02437.00577

to Henry Knox

Discusses the possibly appointment of French officer Philippe Tronson du Coudray in charge of artillery (Knox's post). Writes "...I think the circumstance of having a foreign officer, who neither speaks our language nor can possibly be acquainted...

GLC02437.00615

to Lucy Knox

Begins with expressions of his love for Lucy, his wife. Describes his devotion to his country, the only thing that keeps him from Lucy. Discusses possible enemy movement and location. Praises his troops. Writes, "With the blessing of Heaven I...

GLC02437.00616

to Henry Jackson

Written at Camp Middlebrook. Replies to an earlier request from Colonel Jackson to enlist Hessians from a captured British ship: "I have not mentioned to the General your request to be permitted to enlist some of [the Hessians], it is so repugnant...

GLC02437.00617

to Henry Knox

Knox's wife Lucy writes, "... I am resolved nothing shall prevent my coming to you early in September but your positive refusal, in which case, I will try to be as indifferent as I shall then think you are." Reports that Knox's brother William is on...

GLC02437.00625

to Lucy Knox

Written at "Camp near Schuylkill." Opens with various declarations of how he misses her, including "War nor none of its concomitant Horrors is sufficient to put my Lucy from my mind..." Reports of a recent engagement with the enemy, the Battle of...

GLC02437.00648

to Horatio Gates

Later copy. Copied 23 May 1860 for Joseph Willard, Esq., by George [H.?] Moore. Stewart, aide-de-camp to General Gates, offers an account of the Battle of Germantown. Mentions Generals Anthony Wayne, John Sullivan, Nathanael Greene, Edward Stevens...

GLC02437.00657

to Lucy Knox

Discusses the attack by Hessian Colonel Count Carl von Donop against a redoubt at Red Bank, the site of Fort Mercer, along the Delaware River below Camden, New Jersey. Notes that Colonel Greene, from Rhode Island, defended the redoubt, and even...

GLC02437.00661

[drafts of rough minutes delivered to Doctor Ramsey who is writing the history of the late war & who furnished to me his Sketches & Materials for that purpose. May '86]

Later copy of Knox's notes which he delivered to Doctor David Ramsay to use as reference for his book, History of the American Revolution. Note at top states, "(Inclosed) Notes and explanations of Doctor Ramsay's history respecting the campaign 1777...

GLC02437.00680

to George Washington

A highly detailed letter in which Knox reports on his efforts to obtain ordnance in New York City for the Continental Army in Cambridge. Discusses similar, unsuccessful activities in regard to the activities of a man named Colonel Read, and his...

GLC02437.00212

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 William Knox

Chastises William for not writing more. Discusses the recent Tory plot to either capture or assassinate George Washington and the subsequent hanging of a member of the General's Guard named John Rickey, a misidentification of Thomas Hickey, the only...

GLC02437.00356

to Lucy Knox

Indicates that he found an indentured servant, Thomas Eliot, for Lucy (see Lucy's request for one in GLC02437.00383) and has purchased three years of his labor. Mentions that Captain Sebastian Bauman's family "have gone into the Jersies" and asks...

GLC02437.00385

to Henry Knox

Responds to a letter in which Knox described a meeting between George Washington and an adjutant general from the British army seeking to deliver a letter and negotiate a truce (the story was written to Lucy in GLC02437.00385). Claims that the...

GLC02437.00400

to Lucy Knox

Expresses thanks for their ability to communicate while separated and is looking forward to their future together. Philosophically expresses hopes that reason and religion will someday dictate man's actions. Writes that he "will make a very family...

GLC02437.00419

[Plan for setting fire to British ships in Boston Harbor]

Affirms the practicability of laying siege to Boston Harbor, landing soldiers in the town of Boston, and setting fire to British shipping. Provides a lengthy list of military preparations and plans for the siege, For a map of the plans see GLC02437...

GLC02437.00231

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 Henry Knox

Explains that he must delay reconnaissance of King's Bridge (Kingsbridge) because he has to go to New Uttrick [Utrecht] on Long Island to conduct business with a committee there. Relays a report of two British ships spotted "off the offing" the...

GLC02437.00318

to William Knox

Reiterates the request for money he made in his last letter (see GLC02437.00328). Mentions that Lucy is well, but their newborn is ill from teething. Discusses recent misfortunes from the invasion of Canada. Mentions the 8th Regiment quartered in...

GLC02437.00336

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 Lucy Knox

Responds to Lucy's most recent letter (see GLC02437.00364), discussing her hasty departure from New York. Henry is upset by her distress. He reiterates that he did not want her in New York before something decisive occurred in the war. In response...

GLC02437.00369

to Lucy Knox

Henry is upset that Lucy is taking others advice over his and reiterates his recommendation for her to go to Fairfield or New Haven immediately. Mentions various people going to New Haven who Lucy could meet up with. Discusses the British attack of...

GLC02437.00372

to Henry Knox

Remarks on Henry's talent for burlesquing William's writing. Expresses sympathy for Lucy's situation, in which she has to stay in Connecticut away from Henry. Offers to leave the bookstore in someone's care and go to Fairfield to bring Lucy back to...

GLC02437.00383

to William Knox

Explains how a friend's illness and the difficult times brought on by the Revolutionary War have delayed her writing. Notes how expensive the war has made living and suggests William expand beyond just selling books. Looks toward the future when...

GLC02437.00422

to John Adams

Later copy. Responds to Adams' (see GLC02437.00416) and discusses the urgent need to obtain copper from mines in New Jersey in order to cast canons. Joins Adams in lamenting the lack of officers from Massachusetts in the Continental Army, but also...

GLC02437.00423

to Lucy Knox

A brief and hurried letter to let Lucy know that he is well and in good spirits. Displays optimism about the war, although at the time the American forces were being driven from New York City by the British.

GLC02437.00432

to Lucy Knox

Praises his wife. Discusses the war, claiming it will reveal "cowardice treachery ingratitude." His is optimistic about the Continental Army's position in New York. He is in good spirits. Denounces the Continental Congress for not funding the army...

GLC02437.00437

to George Washington

Discusses activities relating to the transport of artillery captured from the British at Fort Ticonderoga earlier that year. Comments on difficulties of getting the ordnance over Lake George. Mentions that he has obtained sleds and oxen. He will...

GLC02437.00222

to Lucy Knox

Laments not being able to return to Lucy when he had hoped to. Praises Lucy at length and reaffirms his love for her. Notes that this is only the fourth letter he has been able to write to her in the two months they have been apart, and explains why...

GLC02437.00237

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