Collection Search

to George Washington

In response to a request by General George Washington to consider the best place in West Point to erect a magazine, the "General Officers" would like Knox to report that the "hollow west of Fort Clinton" is "under all circumstances" the best place...

GLC02437.01512

to Henry Knox

Discusses the transportation of supplies from a building at Fishkill being taken down. Writes to inform Pickering that he asked "the officer commanding the fatigue party to see that the lumber was put under the care of a sentry," in case Pickering...

GLC02437.01534

to John Crane

Directs Crane to send a specified amount and kind of arms and troops to the light infantry [at an unspecified location]. Declares that Crane may choose which men to send, but no more than twelve men may be attached to each piece of artillery. Will...

GLC02437.01535

to Henry Knox

Mentions that he went to "the Point" [possibly West Point] the day before to pay his respects and inform Knox about the movement of the Invalids between Fishkill and West Point. Also writes, "My further intention was to request your permission to...

GLC02437.01544

to Henry Knox

Writes, "the quarter master general has told me a few days since, that he could not furnish me with any Masons; untill the 20th of the present instant ; it also seems to me that he is not able to supply with lime and other essential articles, to...

GLC02437.01616

to Henry Knox

Written by William Hawes, a Captain of Artificers. Mentions that he called on Knox while in Philadelphia, but Knox had already proceeded on to West Point. Reports that the Minister of War [Benjamin Lincoln] has ordered thirty artificers to continue...

GLC02437.01628

to Henry Knox

Petition of James Rickey, formerly of Cherry Valley, New York in Tyron County, stating that he lost his house, trade goods, his "negro," and household furniture "due to the 'depredations and crulty of the Enemy.'" Says "he is reduced from a state of...

GLC02437.01572

to Henry Knox

Signs as Lord "Stirling." Writes that the laboratory and the old iron cannon has been shipped, by sloop, from Albany to West Point. Mentions that he had expected the military stores to be shipped also, but the Deputy Quartermaster has "disappointed"...

GLC02437.01631

Return of boards, & nails wanting for stores, shops & barracks at West Point

Marked "copy." List of items needed at West Point. Signed by T[homas] Patten, Captain of Artillery Artificers, and H[enry] Knox, Major General and Commanding officer of West Point. Addressed to Colonel [Timothy] Pickering, Quartermaster General.

GLC02437.01634

to Timothy Pickering

Writes that time is passing and he does not have any new artificers to help construct the new barracks to house the infantry. Colonel [John] Crane's party is stationed in the woods, and will want teams (he may be referring to oxen) to "begin to draw...

GLC02437.01640

[Permission for Lewis Nicola to move lumber from Fishkill to West Point]

Writes, "Col. [Lewis] Nicola, of the Invalids, is hereby authorized to take down & move from Fishkill such of the useless and unoccupied barracks at that place, as he shall judge necessary, for furnishing him with quarters at this post during the...

GLC02437.01643

to Henry Knox

Writes, "By the bearer of this Capt Lotteridge I send a quantity of Plank, Boards and Tar, which he is to land at Wappens Creek - I must request you will please to forward the letter directed to his Excellency by express." Sends his compliments to...

GLC02437.01647

to Henry Knox

Written from Verplank's Point, present-day Verplanck, New York. In response to recent letters from Knox (see GLC02437.01640 and GLC02437.01648), Colonel Pickering, the Quartermaster General, writes, "When the mind is eager in the pursuit of any...

GLC02437.01675

to George Washington

Impressed with the importance of West Point for "the existence of the United States," says he wanted to make sure the fort was in working order and that its dependencies were well-supplied with cannon and military stores. Says he has made every...

GLC02437.01479

to Henry Knox

Written from Head Quarters. Writes that the Commander in Chief [General George Washington] would like to inform Knox that "immediately on the arrival of the troops at their places of Cantonment much uneasiness arose as hearing their artificers" were...

GLC02437.01685

to Benjamin Tupper

Writes, "His Excellency the Commander in chief has informed me (the Quarter Master having represented to him the scarcity of tents) that your regiment must go into barracks on the point. You will therefore select the twenty best in repair, and put...

GLC02437.01552

to John Ruddock

Mentions that a temporary magazine on a redoubt on Constitution Island (near West Point, New York), which is being prepared to house the powder from Fishkill, will be ready in three to four days. Asks that the powder from Newburgh be recovered first...

GLC02437.01575

[Return of four sloops and cargoes sent to West Point]

Lord Stirling [William Alexander] writes, "four Sloops loaded and Sailed for West point, with the building of the Laboratory and fourteen peices of Cannon and two Broken peices. The Sloops are Commanded by Captains Edward S Willet[,] Barent Van...

GLC02437.01630

to unknown

Writes, "I am informed the work at the house I am to occupy at the Point cannot proceed for want of boards, & as I am anxious to be where my duty calls me, I am under the necessity of requesting your application to Genl. [Henry] Knox to know whether...

GLC02437.01639

to Henry Knox

Writes to disclose the cargo on Captain [Garrit] Rykeman's sloop. Ship carries the boards from "a long building which was of no use but to harbour allmost all the Bell dames [pssibly camp followers] in this department"; provides measurements of the...

GLC02437.01653

to Henry Knox

Declares that he is convinced of Knox's desire to help old and infirm soldiers (he is a colonel in the Invalid regiment). Writes, "I find by experience I have over rated my abilities in undertaking to remove boards from here to the Point; my horses...

GLC02437.01674

Specification of the number of feet in each work, number of men necessary for each, and the quantitiy of provision for twenty days - obtained from General McDougall

Chart of measurements and supplies, broken down by location; all West Point vicinity fortifications.

GLC02437.01767

Estimate of boards wanted for repairs in the long & old barracks

Unsigned, but a Captain Niven is mentioned in the docket; this may refer to Daniel Niven, Captain of Engineers. Estimate is broken into boards for long barracks and old barracks.

GLC02437.01750

Return of shingles in the woods

Lists the number of shingles and their locations.

GLC02437.01765

Return of the boards & plank issued for the use of the artillery barracks antecedent to the last order

Return listing boards and planks, sorted according to who ordered their delivery and the date of delivery.

GLC02437.01720

[Estimate of boards for bunks and other repair]

Two estimates of boards needed for bunks and other items for the barracks. Total amounts are 136 and 21 boards, respectively. Signs his own name as "Niven."

GLC02437.01868

to Henry Knox

Discusses the circumstance surrounding a stolen barrel of gunpowder and a request for a lock and key in addition to five hundred feet worth of boards to prevent such occurrences from happening again in the future.

GLC02437.01926

Return of the boards & plank issued for the use of the Connecticut barracks

Addressed to Major General Henry Knox. Signed by George J. Denniston on behalf of John Campbell, Assistant Deputy Quarter Master. Return of the amount of boards and planks, as well as when they were delivered, to whom, and on whose orders.

GLC02437.01728

to Henry Knox

Discusses military stores, what is needed, what he has ordered, the condition of new equipment, completion of the magazine and furnace, etc.

GLC02437.01873

[Rental agreement between Henry Knox and Walter Livingston]

Unsigned, and addressee unlisted. Author may be Walter Livingston, writing about himself in the third person. Addressee may be Henry Knox; see his response at GLC02437.04061. Writes, "Mr. Walter Livingston cannot permit general Knox to be...

GLC02437.04062

to Henry Knox

Sends Knox a number of items including pitch, tar, cider, and others. Describes unrest in the city where there has been a mob patrolling the streets.

GLC02437.06524

to Ebenezer Dunton

Places an order for 1500 feet of pine planks, among other items.

GLC02437.06570

to Henry Knox

Asks Knox about the possibility of constructing a temporary greenhouse and includes a diagram. Continues with other plans for buildings and household matters.

GLC02437.06598

to Henry Knox

Mentions a possible business deal with a Colonel Smith. Would like information on how Mr. [William] Bingham is handling Knox's affairs relative to the deal. Also discusses supplies, particularly lumber, for building his own house.

GLC02437.06638

to Ebenezer Dunton

Unsigned, but handwriting suggests the author is Henry Knox. Provides extensive instructions to Dunton, for when he arrives back in Maine, to continue building projects he left behind at the end of the previous fall. The project seems to...

GLC02437.06649

to Henry Knox

Writes that he saw Knox's instructions to Mr. [likely Ebenezer] Dunton regarding the building of a store. Discusses his plans, including his difficulty obtaining lumber during the winter season. Also mentions several individuals who have claimed...

GLC02437.06668

to Henry Knox

Reports about an unsuccessful attempt made to apprehend the insurgent [Samuel] Ely. Describes when the warrants against him were sent out, and relates how one of Ely's associates might have told Ely there were warrants out against him. Discusses...

GLC02437.06669

to Henry Knox

Provides Knox with an update on the survey of the river which Knox hired him to undertake. Explains how much he has completed so far, and provides estimates about the size of different ponds and the materials lining the bottom, such as gravel and...

GLC02437.06672

to Henry Knox

Mentions that there is a proposal to build a canal from Providence to Worcester. Declares that no survey has, as yet, been made, but individuals who are familiar with the area believe that there should be no difficulty constructing the canal....

GLC02437.06690

to Henry Knox

Reports on a recent business arrangement he discussed with Mr. [William] Bingham on Knox's behalf, and declares that Bingham has arranged to make a provisional payment for Knox. Encloses a note from Bingham (not present). Discusses lumber he is...

GLC02437.06691

to Henry Knox

Mentions that the people of Worcester, Providence, and the towns in between would like a canal to be built to service those areas. They have set plans in motion, and he has enclosed a subscription form (not present), hoping Knox will become one of...

GLC02437.06698

to Ebenezer Dunton

Large amount of text loss in the upper left corner of page 1 and upper right corner of page 2. Explains that boards will be delivered at St. Georges (likely in Maine) so that Dunton can continue building the fences and stables at Knox's estate....

GLC02437.06711

to Peter Charles Varlé

Discusses financial matters.

GLC02437.06544

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox he has cleared 15 acres of fallen timber. Mentions he secured the material and a carpenter for the house and needs to know where to draw payment from. Also asks for clarification on other details regarding Knox's property. Likely in...

GLC02437.06235

to William Griffin

Discusses his house being built on Brigadiers Island, present day Sears Island, Maine. Instructs Griffin to make the house "comfortable" and to let him know the cost of the carpentry bill. Inquires if any of the inhabitants have the left island yet....

GLC02437.06250

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox he received the case of marble and has shipped it off along with some rabbits. Discusses the sum of money owed to Mr. [possibly John] Smith. Also mentions some undisclosed business being completed with the Brinleys and the continuance of...

GLC02437.06280

to Thomas Vose

Instructs Vose to always notify General [Henry] Jackson beforehand if he intends to draw money. Notes both he and Jackson need to know the amount and purpose of the draw. Informs Vose he plans on visiting St. George, Maine in May and expects the...

GLC02437.06278

to Henry Knox

Discusses building a store in the Eastern lands. Notes the establishment would be created to serve the people and to add to "their happiness, ease, & comfort." Describes the traits and qualities the person in charge of the project should possess....

GLC02437.06321

to Thomas Vose

Discusses furniture and stores and also gives Vose directions regarding the placement of rooms and goods for the house that he (Knox) is building. Pages are severely water damaged with very blurry writing.

GLC02437.06420

to Henry Knox

Asks Knox to send him information regarding the dimensions of the house frames he (Knox) wants so that he can order them as soon as possible.

GLC02437.06421

to Henry Knox

Writes on behalf of James Davidson stating that "Mr. Davidson's absence at Baltimore makes it impossible to comply with the contents of your Letter 'till his return which will be in about Ten days as we have not at present the quantity of clear...

GLC02437.06534

to Henry Knox [incomplete]

Discusses how the weather will affect the construction of a canal.

GLC02437.06537

to Peter Charles Varlé

Asks Varlé to send a whole report for the canal, complete with all of its locks and levels.

GLC02437.06541

to unknown [incomplete]

Discusses fruit trees that have arrived from New York and other various landscaping. Also gives further instructions about a fence.

GLC02437.06568

to Henry Simpson

Writes concerning the lack of reply to his letters and the demand for lime, bricks and slate.

GLC02437.06607

to Henry Knox

Encloses a letter (not present) by Mr. McCombs regarding the purchase of lime from Knox, and its delivery to his house in the east end of Long Island. Touches on the price of the lime and the arrangements they must make. See GLC02437.06665 about...

GLC02437.06677

to Levi Lincoln

Unsigned, but handwriting suggests the author is Henry Knox. The docket, also in Knox's hand, says that a copy of this draft was never sent to Lincoln, but a later version, dated 9 May, was sent, and no copy was retained of that. Writes that he...

GLC02437.06712

to Ebenezer Dunton, Thomas Vose, and James Waller Head, and [Life] Wilson

Marked "copy." Includes several letters. The first, to Mr. [Life] Wilson, provides instructions for him to build a saw mill in the St. Georges region of Maine using lumber from Mr. James Waller Head. The second note, to Mr. Head, asks him to...

GLC02437.06717

to Henry Knox

Writes that Mr. [likely George] Meade (he spells it "Mead") came to collect Knox's note from Hodgdon this morning. Asks that Knox please send him the note soon, as he wants to renew his credit at the banks. Discusses arrangements he is making with...

GLC02437.06719

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox he paid William Griffin for 30 sheep and grass seeds. Notes he also furnished Griffin with materials to finish Knox's house on Brigadiers Island, present day Sears Island, Maine. Discusses the election and comments it was magnificent....

GLC02437.06237

to Henry Jackson

Appears to discuss financial matters and his various accounts. Mentions he directed [Thomas] Vose to purchase valuable marble and to contact Jackson prior to making any other purchases. Also mentions Henry [Jackson Knox?], his son, will be returning...

GLC02437.06267

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox he was unable to secure a price for "ground" on the Mill River in Maine. Notes the owner says he will have a referral for the "grounds" upon Knox's arrival. Also mentions the owner was pleased about Knox's idea of building some mills...

GLC02437.06277

to Henry Knox

Congratulates Knox on his resignation from the position of Secretary at War and informs him about the progress on the house Knox is building [Montpelier]. Informs him of an unnamed man "the owner of a certain piece of land on the [Mill?] River" was...

GLC02437.06356

Agreement between WB & DC

Confirming the agreement between William Bingham and David Cobb for the maintenance and care on various tracts of Bingham's lands located in Maine (see GLC02437.06368 for the full agreement). Date taken from docket..

GLC02437.06369

to Henry Knox

Provides an update on the progress of the Knox's house (Montpelier) being built in Thomaston, Maine. Mentions where the fruit trees were planted and the amount of land that has been plowed. Expresses his displeasure with Knox's last letter to him...

GLC02437.06325

[Articles of Agreement between William Bingham and David Cobb]

An agreement made between Bingham and Cobb for "several large and valuable tracts of Land in Sundry parts of the district Main" of Bingham's land. Cobb is named agent and superintendent of the land and agrees to reside on the land where he can...

GLC02437.06368

to Henry Knox

Discusses a variety of topics, including windows for a house, land and property and land shares. Asks Knox if he gets newspapers on a regular basis and includes a list of items and their costs.

GLC02437.06493

to Henry Knox [incomplete]

Discusses the structure of Knox's canal project on the St. Georges River.

GLC02437.06531

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that his house (Knox's) should be finished around the 30th, presumably of October. Continues to discuss business matters such as mortgages.

GLC02437.06547

to Henry Knox

Asks Knox for a job to help build ships.

GLC02437.06617

to Samuel Hodgdon

Hopes Hodgdon will be able to successfully negotiate on their project without having to offer an "enormous discount." Asks him to speak to Mr. [William] Bingham about a particular project. Writes that he about sending a vessel for Hodgdon's lumber...

GLC02437.06662

to Henry Knox

Discusses a recent negotiation he has been pursuing on behalf of Knox. Will forward a more complete statement about the negotiation soon. Will see Mr. [William] Bingham this morning and speak to him on the subject, but advises Knox to consult him...

GLC02437.06670

to Henry Knox

Discusses building materials such as bricks and fences.

GLC02437.06606

to Thomas Vose

Discusses building plans for a house on the Waldo patent. Wishes Vose to commence with the building project right away and sends regrets that he will not be able to be there. Mentions General Henry Jackson. The majority of the document is...

GLC02437.10271

to unknown [incomplete]

Discusses the layout of his house. Comments that he "do[es] not think it too large - it has only [three ?] rooms on a floor. I want a comfortable house." States that Mrs. Lucy Knox wants a bigger house. Lists corrections for building. Mentions...

GLC02437.10276

to unknown

Discusses the construction of a building. States that "I am persuaded that it would be chaper and perhaps better to defer the building until next year." Mentions the cold weather and that if it lasts, the digging of the foundation can begin. Last...

GLC02437.10280

to Joseph Peirce [incomplete]

Discusses money for a payment and concerns about the house. Letterpress copy.

GLC02437.10320

[Deed]

Record of a deed for two plots of land. Includes a diagram at the bottom, possibly the blueprint of a building. The transaction involves the Library Company of Philadelphia.

GLC02437.10363

[John Campbell's declaration regarding the Damariscotta River settlement]

Attests that he took up land in an area under the charge of Colonel [David] Dunbar. Dunbar was replaced by Colonel Samuel Waldo, and some families left the area while others remained. The greatest concentration of settlers dwelled in the township...

GLC02437.10411

[Account of payment made by Thomas Flucker to May & Williams]

Account information pertains to 1772. Flucker ordered wood products from May & Williams, such as shingles, oak, planks, and pine. Note on verso states that Flucker paid the balance in full for the estate of the late Isaac Gridley.

GLC02437.10433

[Account between General Henry Knox and Jackson Tracy & Tracy]

Signed by Brimmer on behalf of Jonathan Jackson, Nathaniel Tracy, and John Tracy. Knox pays for sugar and repairs of the Hero, a frigate.

GLC02437.10457

to Henry Knox

Writes that he is sorry to "hear of the situation of your poor little fellow Washington, but as I did not hear from you last evening, I please myself he is better, which I pray god may be the case..." Sends news of their mutual friend Shaw, who is...

GLC02437.10222

to Joseph Peirce

Discusses the situation with the construction of the house and states that "I am making great exertions to endevor [sic] to be arrange my business in such a manner, as to set [out for] the province of Maine in the in the course of the next month ......

GLC02437.10301

to Henry Jackson

Discusses payment for services rendered. Wants Jackson to keep men "supplied so that no unnessary expence [is made] for idle workmen [due to] want of materials ... " Mentions installing lightning rods and "keeping an attentive eye upon the house...

GLC02437.10300

to Rufus King

Discusses hiring an agent for the building of the frigate in New York and the fact that he is looking for "a character of approved accuracy, and integrity, acquainted with the modes of obtaining labor and materials which will be required in the most...

GLC02437.10302

to unknown [fragment]

Last page of a letter to an unknown recipient. Encloses bank bills (not included) for "window sashes."

GLC02437.10359

[William Burns's declaration regarding the Muscongus settlement]

Burns discusses his settlement on Samuel Waldo's Muscongus Patent (also known as the Waldo or Linconshire Patent, land in present-day Maine). Discusses improvements Burns made to a stone house, and mentions his black cattle. Burns was given command...

GLC02437.10410

[Building plan]

Drawn colored plan for a powder magazine, with views from the side and front, with a scale. Docket written in Henry Knox's handwriting.

GLC02437.10448

to unknown

Discusses financial situation in regards to taxes and the Waldo patent, a tract of land Knox inherited by marriage in present-day Maine. Mentions possibly making a trip out to the patent, but is uncertain whether or not he will be able to go and...

GLC02437.10284

to Joseph Peirce

Writes about continuing to receive supplies from France. Seems annoyed about changes in the arrangements, stating "[t]his therefore had better be the course of the business that is to descend upon the agreements ... in Paris." Discusses Mr. Dunton...

GLC02437.10294

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that the alteration of a window "will be attended with a considerable expence; as the windows are all finished & glazed, and the window frames are also finished with all the work that is to go inside which must consequently be thrown...

GLC02437.10295

to Thomas Vose

Feels "anxious about the house" and discusses the building of chimneys. States that he is only making suggestions. Mentions meeting up with Vose at a later date. Ink on first two pages very blurry and difficult to read. Watermarked "J Watt & C...

GLC02437.10305

[Plan of house]

Includes lists and plans for the house in addition to a penciled floor plan.

GLC02437.10319

to unknown

Discusses money and materials in constructing the house and states that he is "extremely anxious that it should be completed in the course of the year, although my heart fears that I shall not be able to go there this summer." Mentions the new corps...

GLC02437.10299

to J. Bruce

Discusses vacating his house in preparation for moving back to Boston, Massachusetts. Goes on to write about his route. Watermarked "J Watt & C Patent Copying/Sold by J Woodmason/London." Letterpress copy.

GLC02437.10306

[Account of payment made by Thomas Flucker to Edward Winter]

Includes account information from 29 August- 15 December 1772. Signed on verso by Winter 3 February 1773, certifying that Flucker paid his account in full. Flucker purchased items such as hooks, staples, nails, and hinges from Winter.

GLC02437.10434

to Thomas Vose

Discusses construction on a building. Writes about the opinions of the people in the area. Mentions particulars about the floors and doors of the house, a garden at a "distance from the house" and other such matters. Watermarked "J Watt & C Patent...

GLC02437.10281

to Thomas Fitzsimons

Per the request of a House Committee, Knox submits, "an Estimate of the probable Expences which would be incurred in securing the SeaPorts, that have been enumerated, from insult or surprize." States that the batteries and redoubts, in order to keep...

GLC02437.10292

[Henry Knox declines subscribing to the building of a theatre]

Signed in text. Knox, writing in the third person, proclaims great respect for Thomas Wignell and Alexander Reinagle "yet he begs leave to decline subscribing to the erection of a new theatre" (likely the Chestnut Street Theater in Philadelphia).

GLC02437.05168

[Receipt for goods and services purchased by the French Company of the Union]

Receipt for items purchased by Rosalie Josephe Bacler de Leval and Jean-Baptiste de la Roche on behalf of the French Company of the Union. Receipt confirms an agreement the company made on 27 August 1791 with William Duer in New York, and on 3...

GLC02437.05220