Collection Search

to James McHenry

Describes his scheme to return a runaway slave to his master William Drayton of Charleston, S.C. After visiting Mount Vernon with his master, the enslaved person escaped and returned to Washington's home. Washington writes that "[t]he fellow pretends...

GLC02065

to Lucy Knox

Received Lucy's letter via Martha Washington and is glad to hear his daughter is in good spirits. Hopes to see her in ten days. He has to prepare to transport ordnance in the aftermath of the siege of Yorktown. Mentions that the French army will...

GLC02437.01277

to John Lamb

Uncertain yet whether he will join the artillery park because General George Washington had not yet arrived. Writes, "He has lately met with a severe Shock to his affections, in the loss of the amiable Mr. Custis, Mrs. Washington's only child."...

GLC02437.01289

to Henry Knox

Has heard from Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth that Lord Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown had occurred, or would shortly. She has received his letter of 16 October 1781 and is awaiting the next, which Knox wrote on 19 October 1781 (see GLC02437.01231...

GLC02437.01257

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Written by Brigadier General Knox to General Lincoln. Says he was concerned for him, but hopes he is safe at Head of Elk, Maryland. Tells him to "pray take care of the trophies and carry them triumphantly into rome." Reports from Mount...

GLC02437.01288

to Marquis de Lafayette

Knox says he wrote Lafayette "several letters" expressing his affection for him. Says America as a nation believes the same thing and that "you must not regard [such expressions] as compliments but the language of sincerity." Goes on to say "Our...

GLC02437.02830

to George Washington

Knox reflects on the Revolutionary War: "Your calm retreat to Mount Vernon must be a source of ineffable delight to you. You can from there take a retrospective view of the critical exigencies of the War, and see a thousand ways by which the issue...

GLC02437.02960

to George Washington

Writes that he hopes to be able to visit General Washington at Mount Vernon soon. Is convinced of the General's affection for him and feels sure that his limited correspondence will not be misconstrued; is aware that responding to too many letters...

GLC02437.03319

to George Washington

Knox introduces Catharine Macaulay Graham and her husband, James Graham, to Washington. Writes, "a glorious enthusiasm for the cause of general liberty and human happiness, has impelled this lady and her husband, to cross the atlantic to visit that...

GLC02437.03122

to George Washington

Writes to Washington on a variety of subjects. Mentions that he had hoped to visit him at Mount Vernon, but now does not think that is possible. Discusses placement of six companies on the Ohio River, by Forts McIntosh and Pitt; declares that they...

GLC02437.03220

to William Knox

Knox signs with his initials. References receiving several letters from William since 7 April. Has no excuses for why he has not written more often. Says this letter will not be long because there is a ship in port that is just about to leave for...

GLC02437.05027

to James Wilkinson

Marked "Private." Besides receiving a copy of Wilkinson's report to Arthur St. Clair, he also received a private letter of 26 August. Says the volunteer expeditions under Wilkinson and [General Charles] Scott "reflect great honor on the commander...

GLC02437.05175

to Lucy Knox

Expresses his happiness on hearing about his son Henry's current situation. Sends Lucy news of various acquaintances, which he lists by number. States that he is sorry to hear of Mrs. [Abigail] Adams's "indisposition," noting that the Adams family...

GLC02437.05528

to Lucy Knox

Discusses his health and family matters. Talks about gaining weight, stating "I have increased since your departure, owing perhaps to two causes ... more food and less exercise." Mentions that the President (George Washington) has invited him to...

GLC02437.05602

to George Washington

Marked "private." Notes he questioned Mr. Hammond's and Mr. Ternant's intentions of visiting Mount Vernon. Mr. Hammond will set out for Mount Vernon on Wednesday but Mr. Ternant likely will not make the trip due to his health. In a struck paragraph...

GLC02437.05613

to Lucy Knox

Apologizes for not being able to visit her due to his job obligations but states that he will as soon as he can. Mentions that "something has occured relatively to the southern Indians which would seem to open new sources of difficulty." Discusses...

GLC02437.05557

to Henry Knox

Per his promise, sends Knox a statement of his accounts with Hodgdon (not present). Seems to ask that Knox pay him a certain sum, so that Hodgdon can pay off one of Knox's creditors for him. Relates that the President will be traveling to Mount...

GLC02437.06768

to Henry Knox

Discusses routine War Office affairs and preparations for John Pratt's march to Fort Pitt. Comments on Ebenezer Hazard's assurances that a contract would be renewed to guarantee regular postal service. Forwarded some letters from Henry to Winthrop...

GLC02437.04030

to Henry Knox

Gives a report of his trip to Alexandria, Virginia, and the surrounding area. Mentions that he had dinner with the Washingtons at Mount Vernon. Says he would have stayed with a Mrs. House in Philadelphia, but the Attorney General, Edmund Randolph...

GLC02437.04658

to Henry Knox

Discusses meeting Colonel [Marinus] Willet and Alexander McGillivray (Willet was accompanying McGillivray, on his way to negotiate a treaty with the United States). Notes that Willet "appears to have overcome great obstacles in the object of his...

GLC02437.04651

to Henry Knox

One of Washington's most famous letters, written shortly before going to New York for his inauguration. Washington writes about his apprehensions on assuming the presidency: "my movements to the chair of Government will be accompanied with feelings...

GLC02437.09419

Gazette of the United States. [No. 6 (May 2, 1789)]

Includes a description of George Washington's 30 April 1789 inauguration as the first President of the United States, held in New York City, with a printing of his Inaugural Address (page 3). Contains a column on the political state of America, and...

GLC03518

to Henry Knox

Refers to the constitutional rights of Massachusetts. Also discusses insurgents in that state (Shays' Rebellion was losing momentum). Relates in confidence that he does not want to go to the Constitutional Convention (to be held in Philadelphia)...

GLC02437.09410

to John Francis Mercer

Washington replies to a letter from Mercer, noting that he would have replied sooner, but he had a fever. Expresses his plan to never enslaved another person again, and his wish that slavery be abolished by "slow, sure & imperceptible degrees."...

GLC03705

to Burgess Ball

President Washington discusses the construction of a tilt hammer. Relates that the United States Government may be interested in purchasing a tract of land from Ball, upon which to establish an arsenal. Discusses the character of Hyland Crow, who...

GLC05287