Collection Search

to Henry Knox

References Henry's letter of 8 August 1781. Updates Henry on news he has heard. Says the French fleet was to have left Newport the day before to connect up with the Compte De Grasse, who is supposed to be nearing the continent with more French ships...

GLC02437.01153

to Henry Knox

Disappointed that his brother did not write him an "authentic account of Lord Cornwallis' situation in Virginia." Believes Cornwallis will surrender soon. Is planning a business trip to Europe and discusses fundraising. His last remittance to...

GLC02437.01159

to Henry Knox

Response to 4 September 1781 letter (GLC02437.01165). Discusses their financial situation, "which undoubtedly are in such a train as to require the strictest attention to Oeconomy." William has sold some goods to prepare for his business trip to...

GLC02437.01185

A Summary return of the Ordnance, Arms and military stores taken in the Enemies posts of York and Glocester.

Short list of British ordnance confiscated after the siege of Yorktown and a note indicating that the totals are so numerous that a complete detailed return has not yet been obtained.

GLC02437.01245

to Henry Knox

Writes to discuss a new lime-burning agreement negotiated in Boston by Mr. Wheaton. Notes the risk incurred by Wheaton since he is so close to Penobscot, a Tory stronghold. Discusses a recent illness, and the quartering of Major Strauss's company at...

GLC02437.01380

to Henry Knox

Written by William Knox to his brother Major General Knox. Mentions this is the fifth letter he has sent to Henry since arriving in France. Says he has received two from Henry. Says he is in Nantes on business, purchasing goods for his friends. Says...

GLC02437.01409

to George Washington

Replies to a letter he received from Washington on the same day. Refers to another letter Washington enclosed, from General [Ezekiel] Cornell. Cornell's letter referred to lead and cartridge expected to arrive from Boston, Massachusetts, and...

GLC02437.00965

[The account of Otis & Henly, to ascertain the amount of clothing supplied by them]

Lists clothing shipped on board Captain Hardie's ship, Olimpe, at Brest, France 15 June 1781. A separate list indicates artillery, ordnance, and camp equipage on board the Cybelle, ordnance stores on the ship Ruise, and medicines and instruments on...

GLC02437.00970

[Certificate of pay] [In French]

Certificate to pay Jonathan Winship. Appears to be signed by the Comte de Barras, and [Graucheau], Major of the Squadron under Barras. On verso, Winship signs, transferring the money to Joseph Gowen. Gowen signs, transferring the money to William...

GLC02437.01007

to Ebenezer Stevens

Directed to Lieutenant Colonel Stevens at "Kings Ferry, Westpoint, or New Windsor." Informs Stevens to suspend his movement to Kings Ferry if he is not already there, reporting that "Two twenty Gun ships, two sloops, and a galley belonging to the...

GLC02437.01078

[Certificate of pay] [In French]

Apparently written at Phillipsburg (present-day Sleepy Hollow, New York). Certificate to pay Wadsworth and Carter, Jeremiah Wadsworth being a commissary for the Count de Rochambeau's army. On verso, William Little signs, transferring the money to...

GLC02437.01098

to Henry Knox

Responds to Knox's letter (GLC02437.01102). Asks Knox to send previously requested "boulets," (bullets) as soon as possible.

GLC02437.01105

[Certificate of pay] [In French]

Certificate to pay Mr. De Valnais, possibly Joseph Dupas de Valnais, a French consul in America. Signed by the Comte de Barras, and [Graucheau], major of the squadron under Barras. On verso, Valnais signs a note, transferring the money to William...

GLC02437.01122

to William Knox

Written by Brigadier General Henry Knox to his brother William. Mentions sending a letter to him three days earlier. In that letter he says he gave as much of an account of the general circumstances of the army as possible given the chance of mail...

GLC02437.01125

[Certificate of pay] [In French]

Partially printed certificate to pay Valnais, Joseph Dupas de Valnais, a French consul. Signed by the Comte de Barras, and [Graucheau], major of the squadron under Barras. On verso, Valnais signs a note, transferring the money to William Knox....

GLC02437.01141

to Henry Knox

Response to Knox's 23 August 1781 letter (GLC02437.01154). Bauman arrived at the Curtis House, near Potts Mill, where Knox ordered him to halt. Reports that the ground has been "marked out for the left wing of the French line." Requests further...

GLC02437.01158

to Henry Knox

Reports that they have enough planks, but there has been an objection by Major Bauman and Mr. Thorp to the plans of General Mordecai Gist and the French generals to cut the planks and transport them with the troops. The planks were part of the...

GLC02437.01184

to Henry Knox

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 Benjamin Lincoln

Written by Major General Knox to Secretary of War Lincoln. References 2 private letters from 7 and 10 August. Says he cannot furnish him estimates. Says he read over his last public letter (which was on the issue of soldiers pensions at half pay) to...

GLC02437.01532

to Francois Jean, marquis de Chastellux

Writes that it would ill suit "the gratitude of my heart were I to omit writing a line to you by so good an opportunity as his Excellency the Minister of France." Hopes that he is happy with how the campaigns are proceeding and hopes the next...

GLC02437.01366

to Estelle Spero

Diamond provides a detailed description of the journey and the experience of being at sea. He tells her about "the heat which pounds one's body continuously." Written at sea

GLC09120.251

to Estelle Spero

Sidney informs Estelle that although he is in "dangerous waters', she would "scarce realize" how little they fear their "yellow friends, their submarines, their airplanes". Written at sea

GLC09120.252

to Estelle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that he is located on a large island in the Southwest Pacific, where the language spoken is French. He tells her that they have been building the base camp, and that there is a large town about 22 miles away.

GLC09120.257

to Estelle Spero

Diamond comments on his new palatial home, although complains about the abundance of mosquitoes.

GLC09120.266

to Estelle Spero

Diamond tells Estelle that he has sent his "fancy get-ups" home as he has no need for them in his present location. He writes that he would love to be in the European Campaign as "this jungle fighting" is not for him.

GLC09120.276

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that he is now "even more impatient to get at the Japs."

GLC09120.288

to Estelle Spero

Diamond describes one of the "natives", mentioning that they "appear a great deal more savage" than those on the other island.

GLC09120.292

to Estelle Spero

Diamond wonders "how these Nips can keep getting literally slaughtered." He comments that this is one period that he doesn't want to share with anyone: "I'm spending the rest of my life forgetting it."

GLC09120.375

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that the oriental inscription on the ring that Estelle bought for him causes him embarrassment, as people assume that he "Got that off a Jap".

GLC09120.385

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that he has heard that Passover is the following day, but that his "holidays are celebrated by destroying the enemy." Sidney describes firing on some "Japs".

GLC09120.386

to Estelle Spero

Diamond discusses the "news of the continental invasion."

GLC09120.428

to Estelle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle he has just been appointed Company orientation officer, a position that entails preparing lectures and aid in making the "American soldier the best informed soldier in the world." He writes that the topic for the following...

GLC09120.447

Handwritten notes on U.S Foreign Policy

GLC09120.448

to Estelle Spero

Diamond relates a lengthy conversation that he had had with officers from New Zealand.

GLC09120.457

to Estellle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that he had received a letter from Harvey Salb, an infantry platoon leader who had taken part in the invasion of France: "They had a very rough time of it - With all the jungle and discomfort I'm glad we're here - not there -"

GLC09120.459

to Estellle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that he has enclosed a page of the Pacific Pony edition of "Time". He writes that it is "really revolutionary. No advertisements, no fancy frills, every ounce of paper utilized." He mentions that the day before he had drunk...

GLC09120.460

Handwritten notes

Story about being on an observation post during a "Jap attack", and a faulty cartridge preventing Diamond from killing the target.

GLC09120.468

to Estelle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that, even though he was jealous of "Stan", he is unable to "stay sore" at her. He mentions the fact that they seldom have political discussions in his company, continuing to discuss the one Southerner's attitudes towards...

GLC09120.477

to Estelle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that she has "kept a warmth and happiness glowing within [him] to which [he] shall be eternally grateful." He writes that "war news over in the European theater sounds encouraging - Very encouraging -" He states that he...

GLC09120.491

to Estelle Spero

Diamond mentions that he has been reading Montaigne's "Selected Essays", which leads to a discussion of the problems pertaining to a potential "victory" over Japan.

GLC09120.503

[Fragment]

Unsigned fragment. "It would be dishonourable, and might be ruinous if without a redress of our wrongs war did not promptly follow the expiration of the embargo. No other alternative is left to our choice. Every other expedient has been tried and...

GLC09135

to John W. Frughs

Writes shortly after being nominated as Grant's Vice President. "I find your note and the Platform of 'The Young Men's Continental League' ...I have long hoped and believed that the people inhabiting the North American Continent will be united under...

GLC09142

to Earl Shaftesbury

Attempting to secure diplomatic recognition for the South. "two governments were now considering our question & that our recognition would very probably soon be announced...The advance of Lee in force across the Potomac had a double object, one...

GLC09175

[Slavery related collection] [Decimalized .01- .10]

Collection of 7 abolitionist and slavery related autograph letter signed and one John Brown carte-de-visite.
Autograph letter signed dated 25 June 1861 from H. Giles, "If this war continues, we can not now even imagine our worst days - nor, do I...

GLC09190

To "My Dear Alger"

GLC09190.06

To "My Dear Sir"

GLC09190.07

to Brigadier General Irvin, Prisoner on Parole

From British Deputy Commissary of Prisoners at Flat Bush, NY. "Three of your officers having been taken last Night to make their Escape, His Excellency Lieutenant General [James] Robertson wishes to see you...on this matter..." Likely to James...

GLC09193

to the South Carolina Legislature

"The public mind has in some degree over-estimated the essential importance of our cotton to England & France - in supposing that if deprived of it they would be forced to interfere in this contest with our enemies. They will be governed solely by...

GLC09206.01

to L. Pierce Jr.

Retained copy of letter to the U.S. Consul at Matamoras, declining to intervene in the ongoing Civil War in Mexico. "The federal government of Mexico is on terms of intimate friendship with ours... if your danger is iminent you should remove herer...

GLC09230

to Thomas Adams

Richardson, a medical officer, to Thomas Adams in Albany, a lengthy and detailed description of the Indians and the English armies as he travels up the Hudson through New York. "I accidentally met with Brigadier General Gage…who was traveling the...

GLC09239

[Address at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art]

Address at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, mapping the path to Union victory. Powerful congressman in the New York Democratic Party, with ties to senior Union political and military leadership, assesses the war: "We cannot...

GLC09245

to Fitzhugh Lee

To Fitzhugh Lee as U.S. Consul General to Havana, asking Lee to aid a New York doctor in obtaining legal proof of his brother's death in Cuba.

GLC09259

to C.C. Memminger

As Confederate Secretary of the Navy, to C. C. Memminger, Secretary of the Treasury, cancelling a requisition for nearly three million dollars "Captain Samuel Barron C. S. Navy, having returned to the treasury department the drafts drawn in his favor...

GLC09274

[2 ship's logs]

The HMS Antelope, on anti-slavery duty off the West African coast. Two ship's logs,"From 3rd Dec 1856 till 20th March 1859, Commanded by Lieutenant John Wm. Pike, Kept by Geo. E. G. Jackson, Master's Asst." Text and hand-drawn pencil sketches...

GLC09275

[Certification of authenticity of flag fragment]

Lt. Col. and Quartermaster of the U. S. Army 24th Corps certifies "That the accompanying is a fragment of the Rebel Flag that floated over the Capitol of the Confederacy in this city, and was taken by the troops of this command. The flag- made it is...

GLC09276.01

The Law of Retribution...

The Law of Retribution; Or, A Serious Warning to Great Britain and her Colonies, founded on unquestionable examples of God's Temporal Vengeance against Tyrants, Slave-holders, and Oppressors. First edition, printed in London.

GLC09291

Message from the President of the United States ... Due under the Award of the Emperor of Russia, for Slaves and other private property carried away by the British Forces, in violation of the Treaty of Ghent

"Message from the President of the United States Transmitting the Information required by a resolution of the House of Representatives of the 10th ultimo, Relating to the proceedings of the Joint Commission of Indemnities, Due under the Award of the...

GLC09296

News by Telegraph

Includes the New York Herald's reports of McClellan's battles in the Peninsular Campaign; summarizes the news recently received from Europe; reports on "The Colored Race in Illinois" concerning the denial of "negroes" the right to vote in Illinois.

GLC09314

Minutes of the Proceedings of the Thirteenth American Convention for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery...

"Minutes of the Proceedings of the Thirteenth American Convention for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery, and Improving the Condition of the African Race Assembled at Philadelphia..." Reports on schools for African-Americans, kidnapping, arrests of...

GLC09328

to Joseph Vose

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

to Joseph Vose

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

to Joseph Vose

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

to Joseph Vose

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

to Joseph Vose

Nearly exact copy of 9338.03. With Lafayette Free Frank.

GLC09338.04

[Broadside condemning Andrew Jackson]

"Why did the Irishmen of Philadelphia, oppose the reelection of Andrew Jackson?" Broadside quotes the opinion of Daniel O'Connell, a prominent Irish leader, regarding Jackson: "he did not believe…it was expedient to clothe military men with civil...

GLC09341

to William Knox

Informs his brother that he wrote a previous letter discussing the Battle of Monmouth (refer to GLC02437.00714). Writes, "I had particular reasons for not writing you a circumstantial [account] as General Lee who commanded the advanced parties has...

GLC02437.00715

[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

to George Washington

Written in the hand of Samuel Shaw, and signed by him for Knox'. Knox advises against sending troops from the northern Continental force "to the southward ... supposing the events at Charlestown [Charleston, South Carolina] to prove unfortunate."...

GLC02437.00805

[Working draft of Knox's Opinion delivered to his Excelency Genl. Washington]

Knox's opinions, analysis and recommendations on military strategy & tactics to Washington.

GLC02437.00850

A List of Officers, Massachusetts Line of the Army of the U. States

Pages 1 and 2 comprise "A List of Officers, Massachusetts Line of the Army of the U. States Jany. 1. 1781." Dozens of names are listed, broken down by rank. Page 2 also contains a chart of seven "General Officers killed in battle," including names...

GLC02437.00868

to William Knox

Recently arrived in Wethersfield with Generals George Washington and Duportail to meet General Rochambeau and Admiral Louis Jacques comte de Barras de Saint-Laurant to discuss "matters of great consequence." Expresses relief regarding William's...

GLC02437.00953

to Lucy Knox [incomplete]

Reports that in a previous letter to Lucy, he gave an account of the Battle of Brandywine. Relates that his army came in sight of the enemy, when a pouring rain ruined their cartridges. Describes how his army followed the British from across the...

GLC02437.00652

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 George Measam

Written at Fredericksburgh. To Measam, deputy clothier stationed at Fishkill, New York. Discusses a deficiency of "waiscoats."

GLC02437.00729

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 William Knox

Explains why he has not written recently, citing "a very bad arrangement between me & the post Master." Expresses relief that he and William agree regarding an unspecified matter and a Mr. Hichborne (most sources say "Hichborn"). Refers to the...

GLC02437.00750

to William Knox

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 William Knox

Encloses letters from Baron Johann De Kalb "to some of the most eminent characters in Europe all of them introducing you to the persons they are address'd to and mentioning you connection with me- it will therefor be incumbent on you to deliver them...

GLC02437.00762

to Lucy Knox

Sends his wishes for her improved health. Reports that the enemy in his area have made no new movements. Relates news of General Benjamin Lincoln's victory against the British in South Carolina (Lincoln engaged the British as they retreated from a...

GLC02437.00769

[News of British defeat in South Carolina]

Written in the clerical hand of Samuel Shaw. Begins with a note attesting that General Nathanael Greene received payment on an account from Colonel Cox in Philadelphia. The second copied document, also on page one, is an extract of a letter from...

GLC02437.00770

to Lucy Knox

Laments at length that he can not be with his wife and family (both Lucy and their infant daughter, Julia, are extremely sick). Has reason to believe the British have traveled down the river (the Hudson). Remarks that Continental posts near New...

GLC02437.00771

Memo of sundry bills forwd to France

Includes dates of bills, names of whom the bills were drawn in favor of, and countersigners' names. Verso contains two similar accounts.

GLC02437.00772

Major Price's State of the number of British forces at the Southward and those returned since the reduction of Charlestown

Refers to Charleston, South Carolina. Title from docket. Lists numbers of "Troops which arrived with Sr Henry Clinton," "One Hessian Regt," "Troops from Georgia," Reinforcements from New York," and "Troops which returned with Clinton."

GLC02437.00795

[Certificate concerning a loan]

Countersigned by Joseph Clarke, Commissioner of the Continental Loan-Office in the State of Rhode Island. States, "At thirty days sight of the second bill, first, third and fourth not paid, pay to Benjamin Williams or order, twelve dollars, in sixty...

GLC02437.00799

to William Knox

Smith writes to Knox in Amsterdam. Issues a lengthy apology for not writing sooner. Relates that his friend, Mr. Whitlock, shipped Knox's trunks. Describes a mutual acquaintance, "young Mynham," as "a perfect Dutchman." Compares the virtues of...

GLC02437.00803

to Henry Knox

Writes that this letter as an introduction and states that it will be delivered by a Mr. Gau, the Commissary at War for the Corps of Artillery. Remnants of sealing wax on the address leaf.

GLC02437.00806

to William Knox

Expresses happiness that his brother William is back in Boston and safe after a hazardous journey to Europe. Wants to know how his trip was and how Lucy Knox's family received him. Announces the birth of another boy, Henry Jackson. Relates an...

GLC02437.00849

[Details on British standards (flags) captured at Yorktown]

The "Standards" cited were the 18 German and 6 British regimental flags captured at Yorktown. Date inferred from content.

GLC02437.00866

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

[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

A Return of Cannon, Mortar & Howitzers with their Ammunition & belonging to the Continent, which can be collected from the respective States, so as form part of a Train for a Siege.

Address to George Washington, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de, Rochambeau, and D'Aboville. Lists guns and ammunitions by type supposing "New York the point of operation." Mostly in the hand of Samuel Shaw, who also signs for Knox; two...

GLC02437.00895

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

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

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 William Knox

Agrees with William that commerce is a profitable venture. Quotes Shakespeare: "There is a tide in the affairs of men, which, taken [at] the flood lead[s] on to Fortune..." Discusses William's previous proposal, which apparently involves buying...

GLC02437.00753

to William Knox

Comments on "the present grandees of our once respected town" (Boston). Criticizes the "mushroom gentry" rising in Boston, referring to those of recently established wealth, such as merchants. Notes that the honest man is scarcely noticed, "unless...

GLC02437.00764

to David Sears

Encloses four bills of exchange (not included) for Sears in Amsterdam. Requests a variety of goods, including cream colored tea cups and saucers, "small plain common wine glasses," apron tape, leather gloves, thread, shoe bindings, and gauze, among...

GLC02437.00774

to William Knox

Written to William Knox at Amsterdam. Reports that he asked his uncle about the "chest, cask, & some loose furrs which you desire to be shipped for Amsterdam." Notes that some of the items were sold because they were damaged, and Knox may draw the...

GLC02437.00786

to William Knox

De Neufville, of the Amsterdam firm De Neufville & Son, writes to William Knox in London. Reports that since Knox left [Amsterdam], "we have no material news." Apparently discusses business ventures. Refers to mutual acquaintances, including...

GLC02437.00787