Collection Search

Papers of British Secretary of War Henry Fox relating to Braddock's defeat near Fort Duquesne and the recall of William Shirley due to the "Intercepted Letters Scandal" [Decimalized .01-.22]

Official papers relating to the conduct of Major-General William Shirley (1694-1771), who served briefly as Commander-in-Chief until he was dismissed and nearly court-martialled. The most serious charge against him was that he was the source of...

GLC09054

Additional Instructions to Major Genl. William Johnson, relative to the Indians of the Six Nations under his Command.

Copy of a letter instructing General William Johnson to ask the Six Nations to help fight against the French and their Indian allies. He requests that they "be engaged by private applications, and the offer of Rewards to take up the Hatchet against...

GLC09054.01

Abstracts from Gov. Shirley's Letters of Dec. 19th & 20th.

From December 19th: Discusses the minutes of the Council of War at Albany, New York on December 12th. Outlines a plan to attack Niagara and that "3000 Troops should, at the same time be marching to Fort Duquesne from Willis Creek to attack that Fort...

GLC09054.02

[to William Shirley]

Writes that previous letters have been "regularly received and laid before the King" and that the King is sorry to hear that Shirley's military expedition against Fort Niagara failed. Continues to say that a Colonel Webb will replace Shirley as...

GLC09054.03

[to Henry Fox]

Discusses a letter William Shirley wrote to William Johnson "in which he (Shirley) proposes Sending the Indians of the Six Nations to the Ohio." Writes about a suspicious affair and a letter that might prove damaging. Signed "Dunk Halifax" Scored...

GLC09054.04

[to Sir Charles Hardy]

Discusses possible treason by way of an "intercepted Letter, directed to the Duke of Mirepoix, the Contents of which, upon a full Consideration of them, appear to me of a very extraordinary Nature, & of the utmost Importance." Mentions a Peter...

GLC09054.05

[to William Shirley]

Informs Shirley that one of his men, Lydius is a spy and expresses surprise "that you (Shirley) should, this Summer, have employed M. Lydius...who [is] suspected to carry on a secret correspondence with the Government of Canada." Demands an...

GLC09054.06

Extract of the Report made by the Commissioners employed on the part of the Province of Pennsylvania at the meeting at Albany in 1754

Discusses news of the alleged spy, Mr. Lydius. News heard from a Mr. Woodbridge and two other Connecticut men who were "in Town with intent to negotiate a Puchase from the Indians for the Susquehannah Lands lying within the Latitude of the...

GLC09054.07

to Col. Daniel Webb

Instructs Colonel Daniel Webb about the transportations of troops. Webb is to "take upon [him] the Command of the Forces ordered to embark there (Plymouth), & to proceed in the ship" where they are to be part of the convoy to New York. Expects the...

GLC09054.08

to Col. Daniel Webb

Discusses more secret intelligence from another intercepted note. "The most incredible thing, either in this, or in his(the spy) former Letter, was, the very great Force raising in Pensylvania, of which no Man here knew anything." News came from a...

GLC09054.09

to George Montagu-Dunk, the Earl of Halifax

Discusses the issue of a spy under William Shirley's command and intercepted letters. Urges that Shirley be sent back to England as soon as possible and maintained as the Governor of Jamaica, a position to which Shirley had been recently appointed....

GLC09054.10

to George Montagu-Dunk, the Earl of Halifax

Same as previous (GLC09054.10). Discusses the issue of a spy under William Shirley's command and intercepted letters. Urges that Shirley be sent back to England as soon as possible and maintained as the Governor of Jamaica, a position to which...

GLC09054.11

to George Montagu-Dunk, the Earl of Halifax

Same as previous (GLC09054.10-11). Discusses the issue of a spy under William Shirley's command and intercepted letters. Urges that Shirley be sent back to England as soon as possible and maintained as the Governor of Jamaica, a position to which...

GLC09054.12

to George Montagu-Dunk, the Earl of Halifax

Same as previous (GLC09054.10-12). Discusses the issue of a spy under William Shirley's command and intercepted letters. Urges that Shirley be sent back to England as soon as possible and maintained as the Governor of Jamaica, a position to which...

GLC09054.13

to Henry Fox

Written in reply to Fox's letter concerning the spy and intercepted letters. Agrees that the affair has now become a major issue, "well deserving the immediate attention of his Majesty's Servants..." Suspicious of Pennsylvania troops, as their...

GLC09054.14

to [George Montagu-Dunk, Earl of Halifax (1716-1771)]

Most likely the note sent to accompany the letter to Montagu-Dunk mentioned previously (GLC0954.14). Writes "I send you herewith a Letter which I have gotten accidentally & which I think worth your reading. If you would shew it to the Duke or Lord...

GLC09054.16

List of Papers to be carried to the Meeting

Noted as a list. Items include "Copy of an Intercepted Letter directed to the Duc de Mirepoise, dated America Jan. 6th: 1756. Recd. March," "Additional Instructions to Maj. Genl. Johnson, relative to the Indians of the Six Nations under his Command...

GLC09054.17

to Daniel Webb

Informs Webb that his replacement, Major General Abercrombie will be setting out for Plymouth soon and so Webb can return to England via the "Packet Boat novo (?) at Falmouth, will in all Probablility, make your Passage three Weeks sooner, than if...

GLC09054.18

to William Shirley

Letter politely ordering Shirley to return to England as soon as possible. "It having been represented to the King, that your Presence in England may be very useful & necessary to His Majty's. Service at this Time, as you are able to give many...

GLC09054.19

to William Shirley

Same as previous (GLC09054.20). Letter politely ordering Shirley to return to England as soon as possible. "It having been represented to the King, that your Presence in England may be very useful & necessary to His Majty's. Service at this Time...

GLC09054.20

to William Cavendish 4th Duke of Devonshire

Encloses a letter to Cavendish concerning the affairs in America and writes to inform him of what has been going on with the possible spy and intercepted letters. "Both these Letters being of the most dangerous Nature, the King ordered me to give...

GLC09054.21

to George Montagu-Dunk, the Earl of Halifax

Informs Halifax about further information concerning the intercepted letters. "I have reason to Suspect a treasonable Correspondence has been, and is Still carrying on with the French, both in Europe and America, by some persons in his Goverment...

GLC09054.22

Narrative of the Manner in which the Campaign Against the Indians...

"Narrative of the Manner in which the Campaign Against the Indians [1791] was Conducted, under the Command of Major General St. Clair, together with his observations...and the Reports of the Committees appointed to Inquire into the Causes of the...

GLC09058

to Henry Jackson Hunt

Declares of courts and commissions organized by Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War 1862-1868, "Couldn't he organize courts & commissions to convict! They would have hung their own innocent mothers." Discussing Senator Charles Sumner, writes "Isn't...

GLC02382.085

to George Wortham

Accuses men belonging to Sharlington's Company of stealing from him. Says he watched as a few men from "Sharlington's Co went and broke open my trunk and stole all of my clothes and about $1500 in NC bank money." Has confronted Sharlington about this...

GLC02233.47

to the High Council of the Weber Stake

Asking for a rehearing of his case against Richard Ballantyne because of false testimony and to give new evidence.

GLC05756.084

[General orders no. 59 regarding the purchase of African Americans to serve in place of drafted persons]

Signed by Pratt, Aide-de-Camp (possibly to Brigadier General Innes Newton Palmer). Relates the story of John H. Irish, a recruiting agent, who attempted to bribe officers to allow him to cite previously enlisted men in order to satisfy recruiting...

GLC02224.01

[General orders no. 60 regarding the recruitment of African American soldiers]

Signed by Pratt as Aide-de-Camp (possibly of Brigadier General Innes Newton Palmer). States that some officers "procure negroes and send them to particular agents, receiving from them pecuniary reward." Orders that commanding officers must send...

GLC02224.02

[Letter to officers defending himself against accusations]

Written by Lieutenant Wheaton of the Rhode Island Battalion. Long letter describing his service in the army and denouncing the accusations made in "envy" against him. Says he has been in the army close to eight years and has not seen his family. Says...

GLC02437.02204

to William Pratt

Discusses charges issued against Lieutenant Wheaton involving defrauding non-commissioned officers and privates through clothing and hat purchases. A retained "true copy."

GLC02437.02578

[Testimony and observations of Lieutenant Pratt]

Lieutenant William Pratt's testimony for the trial of Lieutenant Wheaton. Accuses Wheaton of shirking his duty and of arresting him without due cause. According to Pratt, despite being the commanding officer, Wheaton had tried to pass command to...

GLC02437.02597

[Testimony of Samuel Arrickson]

Samuel Arrickson's [also spelled Arrixson] testimony for the trial of Lieutenant Wheaton. Relates an incident where Wheaton had ordered boots and shoes to be made and refused to pay for them. See GLC02437.02597. Noted as "Taken & Sealed -/On the...

GLC02437.02598

to Joseph Wheaton

Expresses his objection to improper orders.

GLC02437.02365

to Henry Knox

Asks Knox to order and send him supplies including nails, paint, and screws. Wonders if one of Knox's artificers can help him hang a new bell he has acquired to summon his servants. Also mentions that "This fellow [most likely referring to Colonel...

GLC02437.02688

[Testimony]

Testimony concerning a lieutenant Wheaton. States that Wheaton "directed me to sell the same [rum] by retail at a cheaper rate than any person in of about the place, (which I did) ... "

GLC02437.02556

[Court of Inquiry held at Albany concerning the trial of Lieutenant Wheaton]

First portion lists charges against Lieutenant Joseph Wheaton. Second portion is a transcript of Samuel Johnson's testimony, given before the court. Third part lists other witnesses who appeared before the court with a brief synopsis of their...

GLC02437.02652

[Charges against Lieutenant Wheaton]

Lists the charges brought against Lieutenant Wheaton, including "unofficer & ungentleman-like behaviour in defrauding the Non-commission'd officers and Soldiers of the Battalion (for his own private benefit) ... " Addressed to the President and other...

GLC02437.02599

to Henry Knox

Captain Randall expresses his gratitude to Knox and his family: "To find an asylum that enabled me to recover my feelings in so distressed a situation, when the calumniating tongue of the world was endeavoring to ruin me forever, was a protection of...

GLC02437.02942

to John Green

Written from Canton, present-day Guangzhou, China. Writes a long narrative regarding a dispute with Captain John Green, who helmed the ship Shaw traveled on during his first visit to China in 1784. The first page contains a letter to John Green from...

GLC02437.03310

to Henry Knox and Samuel Ogden

Written from Canton, present-day Guangzhou, China. Writes a lengthy letter updating his friends Knox and Ogden on the status of his business in China. Says he is pleased to finally be able to write, but is sad to report on the illness and death of...

GLC02437.03311

to Frederick Bowen

"The people of this Country have seen [William Jennings] Bryan in high office. If...they make him President of this Country, they will give us four years of incompetence and corruption without a single redeeming feature."

GLC07708

to Congressman Carlos J. Moorhead

One letter from Deborah Berg to Congressman Carlos J. Moorhead dated October 20, 1973. Berg supports the impeachment of President Nixon. She believes that Ford's confirmation should be delayed until the impeachment issue is settled. She also believes...

GLC09613.02.0031

to Congressman Carlos J. Moorhead

One note from Gerald M. Zeitlin to Congressman Carlos J. Moorhead dated November 1, 1973. Zeitlin supports the impeachment of President Nixon due to the illegal acts that he believes are unconstitutional. He writes, "Not to impeach him would...

GLC09613.02.0066

to Congressman Carlos J. Moorhead

One note from Nancy Sheets to Congressman Carlos J. Moorhead dated October 26, 1973. Sheets supports the impeachment of President Nixon. She writes, "What is the ultimate crime that will ultimately prove him guilty."

GLC09613.02.0067

to Congressman Carlos J. Moorhead

One letter from Nicholas J. Fina to Congressman Carlos J. Moorhead dated October 29, 1973. Fina writes in support of the impeachment of President Nixon. He states, "I do not feel he is fit to hold office."

GLC09613.02.0003

to Congressman Carlos J. Moorhead

One letter from A. Keith Dunker to Congressman Carlos J. Moorhead dated October 28, 1973. Dunker writes in support of the impeachment of President Nixon. He also mentions congressional checks on the president asking, "What will be the limitation on...

GLC09613.02.0004

to Congressman Carlos J. Moorhead

One letter from Leslie Freing to Congressman Carlos J. Moorhead dated October 29, 1973. Freing writes in support of the impeachment of President Nixon. She also mentions the firing of special prosecutor, Archibald Cox stating, "This diregard [sic]...

GLC09613.02.0005

to Congressman Carlos J. Moorhead

One letter from Kenneth A. Small to Congressman Carlos J. Moorhead dated 1973. Small writes in support of the impeachment of President Nixon.

GLC09613.02.0006

to Congressman Carlos J. Moorhead

One letter from Nancy O'Neill and John O'Neill to Congressman Carlos J. Moorhead dated October 27, 1973. the O'Neills write in support of the impeachment of President Nixon. They state, "Nixon's continued defiance is destroying our government of laws...

GLC09613.02.0007

to Congressman Carlos J. Moorhead

One letter from Lenore P. Watkins to Congressman Carlos J. Moorhead dated October 29, 1973. Watkins writes in support of the impeachment of President Nixon. She declares herself, "a very concerned citizen of these United States."

GLC09613.02.0009

to Congressman Carlos J. Moorhead

One letter from Frederick Jahnkow to Congressman Carlos J. Moorhead dated October 29, 1973. Jahnkow writes in support of the impeachment of President Nixon. He also mentions Nixon's use of tax money, and the engagement in the Vietnam War declaring...

GLC09613.02.0010

to Congressman Carlos J. Moorhead

One letter from Goriah W. Mahakian to Congressman Carlos J. Moorhead dated October 22, 1973. Mahakian writes in support of the impeachment of President Nixon. He states that, "no American citizen, regardless of position or public office, is above the...

GLC09613.02.0063

to Congressman Carlos J. Moorhead

One letter from Ed Stalcup and Ann Stalcup to Congressman Carlos J. Moorhead dated October 27, 1973. The Stalcups write in support of the impeachment of President Nixon. They mention that Nixon has attacked the press and states, "I wonder if in '27...

GLC09613.02.0011

to Congressman Carlos J. Moorhead

One letter from Laud Frances to Congressman Carlos J. Moorhead dated October 30, 1973. Frances writes in support of the impeachment of President Nixon. He says, "Congress is our bulwark against malfeasance in office."

GLC09613.02.0012

to Congressman Carlos J. Moorhead

One letter from Carol Aminoff to Congressman Carlos J. Moorhead dated October 29, 1973. Aminoff writes in support of the impeachment of President Nixon. She mentions the firing of the special prosecutor, Archibald Cox, and the altered tapes. She...

GLC09613.02.0015

to James Reston

One letter from Fred W. McPeake to James Reston dated October 30, 1973. McPeake is against the impeachment of President Nixon. He criticizes The New York Times for selective reporting on previous issues such as the Bay of Pigs, 1964 elections, Bobby...

GLC09613.02.0020

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

This letter from Natch is about how he believes that Sterns is fixing an appointment of a U.S. attorney due to corruption and that appointments are necessary. This letter is accompanied by another document and a separated docket detailed in GLC09400...

GLC09400.056.01

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Hall is asking Senator Bruce's opinion on what the future of Mississippi is considering the proposed investigation into the election. Hall would also like information regarding a possible petition that has been put together to remove the present post...

GLC09400.172

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

requests that Bruce send him copies of the speeches delivered by Senator Blaine on the investigation resolutions.

GLC09400.468

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Complains that married women in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (where he was from) throw parties for and "walk the streets" with the Porter Guards.

GLC02155.036

to Lile Miller

Written from Camp Pierpont to his wife. Complains that one of his fellow soldiers is spreading falsehoods, through letters, about others in the company.

GLC02155.030

to Children

Cordelia Williams writes to her children about the weather and that the new bedspread ordered for her is too big. She reminds them about Diane's birthday present and to tell her when they got it and how much it cost. She says that her garden is doing...

GLC09587.318

to Children

Cordelia Williams writes to her children that it has been quite hot recently. She asks whether Virginia has found Dolores' glasses and speculates as to where they might be. Cordelia then shares the news of George Coleman. She writes that despite the...

GLC09587.319

to Henry Knox

Reports on the Massachusetts election for governor and lieutenant governor. Encloses newspapers (not included) for Knox, on the election, noting that the papers attack "poor Cincin" (based on usage in GLC02437.03833, may refer to Benjamin Lincoln)....

GLC02437.03831

to Henry Knox

Wadsworth discusses the recruitment of troops. He writes, "I have farther investigated the Bermuda business I am persuaded there will be a Garrison [there] of one or two thousand men..." referring to British soldiers. Refers to the possible adoption...

GLC02437.03881

Extract of a letter from Judge Pendleton

A retained file copy in Henry Knox's hand. Complains of living in "a place where corruption prevades [sic] every public department, and rudeness every private society. I confess I cant find words sufficient to express the indignation I feel at our...

GLC02437.03747

to Henry Knox

Writes a letter of introduction for two men, a Mr. Guillenard and a Mr. Blackstone, who have been having a hard time entering society in Philadelphia, even though "their talents and character entitle them to." Asks Knox to "use your influence to...

GLC02437.06340

to Robert Treat Paine

Knox, Commander at West Point, writes to Paine, Attorney General of Massachusetts. Informs Paine that he instructed General [Robert] Howe, in Philadelphia, to send two men to Boston (Paine requested their presence in Boston to serve as [witnesses]...

GLC02437.10129

[Testimony related to Lieutenant Joseph Wheaton]

Testimony of Lieutenant Sherburne of the Rhode Island troops in the trial of Lieutenant Joseph Wheaton. Wheaton, while in command of the garrison at Saratoga, sold sundry items and rum to the soldiers for profit. John Thompson, Justice of the Peace...

GLC02437.10521

to William Duer

Discusses concerns about an agreement with Mr. [William] Green: "As Mr Green has not to my knowledge any great fixed property in this Country, and as he objects to any guarantee of his bonds, although going abroad, an apprehension is excited in my...

GLC02437.05677

to Elias Boudinot

Discusses a letter Boudinot sent exculpating the attributed author of a piece that evidently critcized Knox. Declares that he does not remember seeing or hearing anything about the story to which Boudinot alludes. States that as a public official he...

GLC02437.05309

to Henry Knox

Responds to Knox's letter of 16 September 1797 with an apology for his "abrupt deportation from Montpelier." States that he has met with disappointments while participating in running the nation, commenting that "the inattention of our friends to...

GLC02437.07035

[To the High Council of Weber Stake of Zion]

Trial between Mary and L. M. Nelson.

GLC05756.043

to body of High Council of Ogden City

Henry Rose has left and sold land that did not belong to him. This is proof of his guilt in the matter awaiting the court's decision.

GLC05756.044

[Testimony related to Lieutenant Joseph Wheaton]

Testimony/disposition of soldiers in the Rhode Island troops in the trial of Lieutenant Wheaton, who sold rum to the soldiers at the garrison of Saratoga for profit. All three men signed with an "X" on "His Mark" at end of their testimonies. John...

GLC02437.10522

to Benjamin Hawkins

Briggs opens his letter to Senator and Indian agent Hawkins with an allegory of a drunken servant beaten by master; other servants and lower types told the beaten man to commit suicide to escape his situation, others counseled patience, some wanted...

GLC02437.04798

to Henry Knox

Reports that "Cousin Isaac" (likely Isaac Winslow) has departed for "Georges River" (possibly St. George River in Maine, near the Waldo patent lands). Writes, "General [Benjamin] Lincoln appointment as one of the Commissioners to Treat with the...

GLC02437.04342

to Henry Knox

Wants Knox to forward an enclosed letter to William Knox (not included). Has been considering the proposals Knox made to him and he is at a loss of how to decide. Is also at a loss "for the very extraordinary refusal of the concerned." Believes...

GLC02437.05096

to Henry Knox

Written by Vice President Adams to Secretary of War Knox. References Knox's letter of 10 June. Is happy Knox is pleased with his situation at Bush Hill. Hopes to hear soon "of the Birth of a peaceable son of Mars." Says he did not know about the...

GLC02437.05014

to Ralph Izard

Forwards a copy of "Mr. [OTallorys] letter" with the "permission of the President of the US." The said letter contains "insinuations...against several gentlemen of respectable character." Requests Izard to look at it and advise whether or not it...

GLC02437.04894

to Mary McNeill

Tells Mrs. McNeill that he has received her letters "desiring me to make out an account for some little services in obtaining a certificate for you." Knox cannot comply as it would "have the appearance of collusion."

GLC02437.04944

to Lucy Knox

Thanks Lucy for her recent letter, and assures her that although his letters are shorter than hers, it is not from lack of love. Acknowledges receipt of ducks, chickens, and cheese. Writes, "The want of that refinement which you seem to speak of is...

GLC02437.10006

to Henry Knox

Discusses the education of the son of a mutual friend [possibly named Sumner or Summer], whose legitimacy is suspect. Writes, "I am afraid whether I have any thing in writing that acknowledges him as his Son & that he ment [sic] to consider him as...

GLC02437.04386

to Henry Knox

Reports that he arrived home safely. Discusses the "business of electioneering" in publications, especially the apparent desire to slander General [Benjamin] Lincoln's name. Believes Mr. [Samuel] Adams has an equal chance of winning. Mentions...

GLC02437.04148

to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for the information regarding Maryland's possible adoption of the Constitution. Writes, "I flatter myself that nine States will ratify it by June next- so as to set the wheels agoing by next winter." Has been assured by John Langdon and...

GLC02437.03833

to Henry Knox

Winslow informs Knox that he is "suffering much injury from Pillagers upon your Lands in Falmouth." Winslow says that "the Secretary of the Treasury, has instituted an investigation of the Conduct of the Marshal of this District, in consequence of...

GLC02437.07223

to Henry Knox

Discusses the friendship he established with the Chevalier de Longchamps when they were both prisoners of war in 1775. Also refers to his intent to defend Longchamps character in relation to the Chevalier's involvement in the Longchamps-Marbois...

GLC02437.03660

to Henry Knox

Two parts. First part written 26 February 1787. Notes he missed the post at Hartford, Connecticut and only has time to write a quick note. Describes how long and difficult his journey has been, particularly for Mrs. Swan, and says he will never go...

GLC02437.03471

to Henry Knox

Gives information about events in Virginia related to ratifying the Constitution. Encloses an act [not present] "now adopted by the legislature," about calling a convention. States that, "the policy of the state is against the constitution and the...

GLC02437.03703

to Mrs. Morris

Writes a very long and detail letter to his wife about the news from the area and his application for half pay. Reports that "Doctor [Mr. Pendergass] had been playing the fool with one of his mades, the consiquances [sic] of which is by the help of...

GLC02437.03623

to Henry Knox

Asks to see a copy of a letter Samuel Shaw sent Knox regarding his dispute with a Captain John Green in Canton (now Guangzhou, China) since "[o]ther Americans, as well as Major Shaw, I find have been involved in disagreeable controversies with Capt...

GLC02437.03587

to Eleazer Oswald

Discusses whether to distribute a narrative written by Knox's friend and former aide, Samuel Shaw. Encloses the narrative (not present but possibly referring to GLC02437.03310), but believes it would be better to circulate it only among friends...

GLC02437.03601

to Henry Knox

References Knox's letters of 27 February and 2 March. Notes he delivered the letters enclosed for Mrs. Flucker. Has learned from the sheriff of the county that no part of the patent can be sold to pay taxes. States he can count on his watchfulness...

GLC02437.05848

to Henry Knox

Discusses the preparation for an expedition (possibly the build-up to the Battle of Fallen Timbers that took place on 20 August 1794). Notes there have been volunteers pouring in ever since his arrival. Reports General [Charles] Scott has moved to...

GLC02437.06150

to Henry Knox

Mentions he will inform Knox if an unnamed gentleman accepts the ensigncy Knox has offered him. Also mentions he has not had time to read the publication made by the Yazoo company or the time to look into the complaints involving the company. King...

GLC02437.06216

[Summaries of council minute meetings discussing cases]

[fragment]

GLC05756.052

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Hancock is writing to Senator Bruce about the situation of the country, specifically the last election in which Hayes was elected president. Hancock mentions being beaten by Seagleton because republicans were "not voting in some of the Counties...

GLC09400.198

to Henry F. McSherry

Written by Richard to his son Henry. Makes reference to Henry's sister Anna returning from Washington where bureaucratic infighting involving Henry's resignation was taking place. Says reports of intemperance were stated against him. Says "Do my dear...

GLC03523.21.54