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Greenbacks for Bonds; One Currency

Verso contains text of law authorizing the first issue of greenbacks and 5.20 bonds. Printed with black and green ink.

GLC07785

to Mrs. A.W. Hopkins

Writes to his mother about the welcome upturn in the weather. Explains that he has sent a package containing a 37mm shell and asks her to take care of it until he returns. Adds that the explosives contained within the shell have been removed....

GLC07810.053

To: Dr. Cutting.

Conveying views on paper currency as inflationary "Fictious Money."

GLC08065

to his sister

Received the news that clothes were on the way. Is very grateful to have a family that readily supplies his wants. Remarks on beauty of Maryland, and comments that his brother Marion remembers the countryside and the "famous stampede" there the...

GLC08165.57

President's message to the Senate and House of Representatives of the United Sates. Including Indian affairs, war with Tripoli and Barbary Pirates.

"President's message to the Senate and House of Representatives of the United Sates." Including Indian affairs, war with Tripoli and Barbary Pirates, relations with Europe budget, taxes, naval affairs. Printed by Office of the Newport Mercury...

GLC08289

to Henry Knox

Badly misses Henry and hopes to hear from him, her only comfort being her young baby, Lucy Flucker Knox. Hopes that he cries when thinking of her hardships. Reports that William Knox, who she calls Billy, has set out for Newburg, in order to...

GLC02437.00553

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

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

Notes that Captain Randall is not leaving as soon as she expected, thus she can add more lines to her letter, a continuation of GLC02437.00642. Writes, "I forgot to tell you how much I am mortified at having received an epistle from you wrote upon...

GLC02437.00643

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 Henry Knox

Applauds the detection of a German traitor named Ledwitz, who had been appointed a lieutenant colonel in the Continental Army. Discusses various orders for payment Henry made. Discusses the last two letters he received from Lucy Knox. Has heard...

GLC02437.00431

to Henry Knox

Notes that she is recovering from a four day illness. Describes her daily life in detail as requested by Henry. Rises at eight a.m., has breakfast for an hour, then reads, writes, or works until her "solitary dinner" at 2 p.m. Misses Henry...

GLC02437.00638

to Lucy Knox

Knox worries because Lucy has not recently written to him. Reports receipt of a letter from "Harry," (Colonel Henry Jackson, also in Boston). Expresses discontent regarding the high price of goods Jackson reported in Boston. Refers to the...

GLC02437.00662

to William Knox

Location from docket. Asks his brother William, in Boston, why he has not recently written. Declares, "My God this War will go near to ruin me, they are making their Fortunes & I am losing one, however a good intention and a good Conclusion will I...

GLC02437.00697

to Henry Knox

Repeats news he mentioned in a letter from 8 June. Discusses the capture of several British ships with Hessians on board, and asks if he can enlist some of them for service. Comments on various ships, and mentions receiving money from Henry's...

GLC02437.00612

to Henry Knox

Rebukes Knox for calling him a lazy scoundrel for not writing at every post. Discusses privateering news from a man named Captain White in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and provides an account of ships and cargo seized. Notes that the privateering has...

GLC02437.00412

to Benjamin Austin

States that due to the termination of the charter of the First Bank of United States, no payments can legally be made. Advises him to inform the officers of the Union Bank about this. Austin was Commissioner of Loans, Boston. Signed as Secretary...

GLC02050.02

to Andrew Jamieson

Writes to Jamieson, the Collector at Alexandria, Virginia in reference to the transport of merchandise such as cotton and tobacco to the states in rebellion. Instructs that Jamieson will have to prepare a statement each month showing the number of...

GLC02091

to William Ellery

Circular letter (marked "Copy") signed by Osgood and Walter Livingston to Ellery as Loan Officer for the state of Rhode Island. Sends directions for "issuing one years Interest on the domestic debt," which had been delayed in hopes that the accounts...

GLC02058

Columbian centinel. [Vol. 15, no. 729 (16 March 1791)]

Reprints "An act to incorporate the subscribers of the Bank of the United States." References the establishment of the National Bank. Other news includes congressional news, local news, ship arrivals, postings, and advertisements. Handwritten note in...

GLC02060

to William Rochester

As President of the Bank of the United States, Biddle clarifies some rules and regulations concerning lending funds. Explains that the security of two responsible, known persons is necessary and advises Rochester, a banker in Buffalo, New York, to...

GLC02044

[Circular letter to port collectors]

Printed circular letter signed by Hamilton as Secretary of Treasury. Points out common errors in customs collection.

GLC02052

to Elihu Chauncey

Writes concerning his bank balance. States that he sent a messenger to the bank who reported his balance to be $3614.49 which worries him because he wrote a check yesterday for $10,000. Asks Chauncey to check on this and if his balance is really...

GLC02045

to F. N. Barrett

Responding from a letter from Barrett, a journalist, who had requested permission to print a letter from him. He has no objection to the publication of the letter "if names were suppressed." Advocates free-coinage of silver. Written on personal...

GLC02048

Report the subject of the Cod and Whale Fisheries...

Printed by Francis Childs and John Swain. Folio. A-G2 ($1 signed). Full title: "Report of The Secretary of State, on the Subject of the Cod and Whale Fisheries, Made Conformably to an Order of The House of Representatives...." The House issue of...

GLC02123

to Joseph Wilson

Returns an application for permission to dispatch a vessel in ballast (not present). Explains rules for customs regarding tonnage on vessels. Wilson was Customs Collector for Marblehead, Massachusetts.

GLC02049

to Nicholas Cooke

Also signed by James Clarke. Apologizes for their delay in providing Governor of Rhode Island Cooke with accurate records of recent imports and exports that they are compiling. Thinks a more extended accounting would be more useful, and if Cooke...

GLC02105

to Henry Knox

Written by Major Shaw, formerly Knox's aide-de-camp, to Brigadier General Knox. Reports that his brother arrived safely in France after a 23 day voyage. Says his brother's ship was the first to arrive with news of Cornwallis's defeat at Yorktown. It...

GLC02437.01346

to Henry Knox

Letter written by William to his brother Major General Knox. References a letter he wrote "a few days ago" and sent from Roquefort (he spells it "Rockford"). Also sent sweetmeats, caps, hats, a pair of epaulets, and two pieces of linen. Says he will...

GLC02437.01448

to Henry Knox

Written by Major Shaw, Knox's former aide-de-camp, to Brigadier General Knox. Letter expresses the touchiness Revolutionary officers had about rank. Says no word on Knox's promotion is to be had. Hopes "The period, however, cannot be remote when...

GLC02437.01370

to Isaac Sears

Written on paper of two sizes: the smaller measures 25.7 x 20.4 cm, and the larger measures 32 x 23 cm. Asks Sears to discharge a specified amount of money to Colonel Clement Biddle and to Colonel Samuel Griffith. Thanks him "heartily, for your...

GLC02437.01407

to Henry Knox

Letter written by William, Major General Knox's brother, to Henry Knox. Includes a postscript written and signed by Lafayette. References the taking of Mahon, an island off the Spanish coast in the Mediterranean, by the Spanish. Says Gibraltar is...

GLC02437.01386

to Henry Knox

Thoughts on various topics of the day, including the ways people understand the war and military strategy; shifting American perceptions of the war, especially those of people in Massachusetts; financial problems and supply shortages; squabbles among...

GLC02437.01374

to Henry Knox

Discusses the Excise Act and the response of New England Towns and ports. Mentions problems with currency and payments, and argues, "Our Legislative & Executive Bodies seem to be by far too large for so young a State - they swallow up an immense Sum...

GLC02437.01342

to William Knox

John de Neufville and Son, a merchant firm in Amsterdam, reports that war with England has effected trade. Comments extensively on the Fourth Anglo-Dutch War. Discusses business.

GLC02437.01079

to William Knox

Marked as a duplicate (of GLC02437.01079).

GLC02437.01080

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

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

Slave dealer letter

" I have purchased...a very large and tolerable likely fellow of Hollingsworth at $450, Ralph of Elder Patterson at $425, he keeps him untill his crop is finished unless he becomes unruly. Thar is at this time at least double the number of negroes...

GLC09129

[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 James M. Shute

"I almost despair of securing any financial legislation this season, thought we shall try to pass a bill legalizing Gold Contracts and also declaring the 5.20 Bonds and greenbacks are ultimately payable in Gold...The late decision of the Supreme...

GLC09143

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 Charles Stoess

To his brother-in-law Charles Stoess, Bavarian Consul in Liverpool. From Memphis, relating family and business news: "The fall has been the most favorable for gathering the cotton crop ever seen by 'the oldest inhabitant'. The low price has acted...

GLC09253

to Dr. J.J. Wardlaw

Former Alabama slave owner comments on Reconstruction: "There will be in this country great distress and destitution; hundreds of men who were in good circumstances before the war are completely ruined. Suing and being sued is the order of the day...

GLC09311

to Mary Hughes

Concerns over his and his wife's health; wishing not to give his wife false hopes of his release; fluctuation in the price of gold.

GLC02166.090

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

Discusses business ventures and the depreciation of currency. Mentions the General Arnold, a ship in which Knox was apparently invested. Refers to a certain gentleman, whose name is not mentioned. States, "...I have the most unequivocal evidences...

GLC02437.00757

[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

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

[Certificate for Benjamin Gorton's appointment as Conductor of Military Stores in Hodgdon's department]

Hodgdon, Commissary [General] of Military Stores, writes from Succasunna Plains, certifying Gorton's appointment. Also signed by John Ruddock, who served as Deputy Quartermaster of Stores at Fishkill, New York. Includes a note on the bottom of...

GLC02437.00789

to Henry Knox

William writes to his brother, Brigadier General Henry Knox, stationed at New Windsor, New York. William, who oversaw much of Henry's personal and financial business, confirms receipt of three months of Henry's pay. Discusses currency and exchange...

GLC02437.00983

to Henry Knox

"Agreeable to your Desire I embrace the earliest Opportunity of acquainting you to the Rate of exchange upon France." Gives details of the rate of exchange of bills. Also notes that the destination and time of sail for a certain Dutch ship is...

GLC02437.00759

to William Knox

Thanks William for congratulating Henry and Lucy Knox on the recent birth of their daughter, Julia. Reports that Lucy has been extremely ill, and suffers from "billious [sic] obstructions." As a consequence, the baby is forced to be weaned....

GLC02437.00760

[Pay order]

Exchange rate noted as "18 Dollars at Five Livres Tournois Dollar," with an issue number of 2243. "At Thirty Days Sight of this Second Bill, First, Third and Fourth not paid, pay to Philp De Freest or Order, Eighteen Dollars, in Ninety Livres...

GLC02437.00864

[Pay order]

"At Thirty Days Sight of this Second Bill, First, Third and Fourth not paid, pay to Dudley Woodbridge Jun. or Order, Twelve Dollars, in Sixty Livres Tournois, for Interest due on Money borrowed by the United States." Countersigned by the...

GLC02437.00873

to William Knox

Brigadier General Knox writes to his brother: "We have no news, but are alarm'd at the rapid depreciation of the paper currency... the State of Pennsylvania, has pass'd an act to strike old and new out of circulation after the first of next month...

GLC02437.00945

to William Knox

Relates that he enclosed to Samuel Broome of Boston a set of bills of exchange drawn by Captain [Simonot De Valcourt?] from Valcourt's father. Encloses an extract [from his contract with Broome], copying the information for Knox. Discusses the...

GLC02437.00767

to Henry Knox

Informs his brother, Brigadier General Henry Knox, he has received a sum of money [for Henry] from Colonel Henry Jackson. Discusses currency and depreciation. Reports that Colonel Sears will likely not be able to join Knox in attempting to regain...

GLC02437.00985

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox he recently forwarded Lucy Knox a letter from her brother, Thomas. Reports on ships that have arrived in Boston carrying news from Antigua, England, and Martinique. Comments on currency: "The New Money has experienced the fate of the...

GLC02437.01082

to William Knox

Written at camp near Dobbs Ferry by Brigadier General Knox to his brother William Knox. References William's letter of 25 July 1781. Says he wrote last week and hopes he has received the letter as the post office has been unreliable. It seems that...

GLC02437.01120

to Henry Knox

Refers to an ensuing campaign and the potential for "disposing of the British fleet." Remarks on the prevalence of British ships in the Boston harbor and adjacent waters. Reports that the House of Lee and Jones lost a ship to the British...

GLC02437.01060

Observations on the nature and use of paper credit

Includes proposals for a national bank. Ex-libris stamps.

GLC07038

[Reciept for Benjamin Franklin]

Receiving twelve bills of exchange from Charles Pettit drawn by Francis Hopkinson on Benjamin Franklin, Minister Plenipotentiary to France. These total nine thousand eight hundred dollars, which the government had given him. Written at the Office...

GLC02324

to Henry Knox Craig

He is working for pay for retired soldiers. Comments on the Supreme Court decision in the McCardle case and President Andrew Johnson's impeachment. Expresses strong feelings about the Republican party and Reconstruction, criticizing the unfair...

GLC02382.040

to Henry Jackson Hunt

States "I say you are still fit for the tented field; full pay; and to hold your own with any hero or patriot of them all (even with Cullum- I will tell you, someday, why I put him first)." Scolds Hunt for going to Little Rock, Arkansas because...

GLC02382.098

to Aaron F. Perry

Congratulates Perry on winning his Congressional election and praises him as "honest, true, and capable." Declares, "I have always been for a free tariff, and I believe that that is all the country requires now, to fulfil its mission. My idea of...

GLC02310

to Henry Jackson Hunt

Drum, who had served as an assistant adjutant Union general during the Civil War, writes to Hunt at Fort Adams, Newport, Rhode Island. Notes that Harney (possibly General William Selby Harney) "would get through notwithstanding his demerit."...

GLC02382.113

to Solomon Haven

Discusses political and social news. Mentions that the state legislature will meet tomorrow and that there is a movement toward legal reform, which he feels in necessary. Briefly comments on national and state debts. Written as member of Congress.

GLC02344

to Henry Maynadier

Written from Georgetown. Key writes to his uncle about depressed stock prices. He also discusses colonizing 12 captured Africans who are in Baltimore (he does not explain how they came to be there), in reference to his efforts through the American...

GLC02379

to Henry Jackson Hunt

Relates that he is leaving Washington to travel to St. Louis, Missouri. Notes that Senator Ambrose Burnside (a Civil War General) is doing well but may need looking after. Mentions Representative Walsh (possibly William Walsh, a Representative from...

GLC02382.096

to Henry Jackson Hunt

Mentions correspondence between Hunt, Emily Virginia Mason, and Richard Coulter Drum (refer to GLC2382.113 and .114). Thanks Hunt for the exertions he has made, with Mason and Drum (concerning financial matters, pertaining to her husband General...

GLC02382.115

to Tench Coxe

Thanks Coxe, a statesman and economist, for a paper he sent him concerning various trade products. Asks a series of questions about exports and re-exports, European markets, and market discrimination against America. Makes reference to an export...

GLC02387

[Copy of report to William P. Fessenden about the first Federal income tax Florida]

Reports the results of his inquiry into the "practices & procedures & acts of the Tax Commissioners of the Insurrectionary Districts..." Informs that the Florida Direct Tax Commissioners were appointed in October 1862, and that since then, they have...

GLC02414.003

to Charles Clark

Trenholm, Secretary of the Confederate Treasury, discusses the preparation and transmission of bonds from the Register. Informs Clark, Governor of Mississippi, that it will be impossible to furnish bonds smaller than $500. Written on Confederate...

GLC02408

[to Texas pension recipients]

Lockhart relates that since the pension fund is exhausted, he has been acquiring funds from the State Highway Investment Fund to pay pensioners. Writes "This fund is also exhausted, but as the Christmas holidays are nearing and I am desirous of...

GLC02386.04

[General Bragg discusses military matters in the Pensacola area]

Bragg (Confederate) states "Our truce remains in force, 'They are not to reinforce, We are not to attack.' It is being carried out by both parties so far. All kinds of supplies ... were being furnished the enemy when I got here. I have stopped...

GLC02409

[Print of pen and ink drawing of Uncle Sam]

Depicts Uncle Sam sitting at a table holding a container with three things written on it; "Income tax bacilli, whiskey, sugar." There is a dollar sign on the folds of the tablecloth.

GLC08879.01.11

Letter from the Secretary of the Treasury on the Subject of American Manufactures

First edition of second American report on manufacturing.

GLC08891

to General Anthony Wayne

"The raising a Sum of hard Money is ... indespensably necessary not only for the recruiting Service but the Pay of the Army & Support of our Prisoners on Long Island." Describes the bickerings of the assembly, and an empty treasury amidst abundance.

GLC09031

to Sharpe Delaney

"As in the first establishment of Revenue systems, imperfections and inconveniencies will naturally present themselves in practice, which could not have been foreseen in their formation; it is of the greatest moment, that the best information should...

GLC09063

to the Senate and the House

Inflation and the cost of living. "How far the system of cooperative organization which flourishes in various European countries may be adapted to our highly organized and individualistic social organization may perhaps only be determined by...

GLC09098

to Julius Tower

Tower writes his son that he has been traveling to Augusta, Georgia and that his health is improving. Gives the details of his journey, and discusses business, finances and the family homestead.

Excerpt: "…Since we came into S. Carolina the houses...

GLC02233.01

to Samuel D. Ingham

Moore updates Ingham on several matters, some financial. Samuel D. Ingham was the Secretary of the Treasury from 1829-1831.

GLC02233.02

to William S. Holabird

Year inferred from content. Discussing politics, states "You now begin to see the correctness of our distrusting legislature many years ago in so concentrating federalism that it may be all be hit at one blow... You [Hanny & McChanies?] Bank fellows...

GLC05636.38

[Receipt for meals and lodging]

Signed by Charles Pyncheon. Verifies receipt of 32 shillings from Bartlett as payment for his and Colonel Nathaniel Peabody's food and lodging for eight days at the Springfield, Massachusetts monetary convention held 30 July - 6 August 1777.

GLC02205

Dignified retirement: parody on the house that Jack built, -- fitted to the times

A parody of the nursery rhyme styled upon eighteenth century children's chapbooks making fun of Jefferson's retirement at a time of national crisis. The figures are rough allegories of Jefferson (alternately a king then a priest, retiring to a...

GLC02209

to Ford, Heath & Company

Anthony discusses the payment of interest on bonds and business ventures with Ford, Heath, & Company, a British firm. Explaining the economic situation in Arkansas, Anthony states "Liberal loans were made upon long times payable in installments with...

GLC02210.01

to Robert Wharton

Requests that Wharton, the Mayor of Philadelphia, prevent the exportation of specie to the East Indies, which has a negative effect on the prices "of Property, of Labour and of Work, and of Produce." Also discusses DeWitt Clinton's suitability as a...

GLC02221

to Richard Edmonds

Acknowledges to Edmonds, the founding editor of the Manufactures Record, that their unemployment was high but contends "it is fantastic for the Englishman you mention to talk about five million." Also notes that he needs to hear from Edmonds...

GLC02346.01

to George Washington

A copy, in the hand of Washington's secretary David Cobb, of the letter Hamilton wrote as a Continental Congressman from New York to General Washington. Hamilton was writing in his capacity as a chairman of a committee (other members included Madison...

GLC02437.02078

to Henry Knox

Written by General McDougall under the alias "Brutus" to Major General Knox, lamenting Congress's refusal to pay the army and fund pensions for the officers. Says the motion was declined by Congress "for fear the States would consider it a design in...

GLC02437.01959

to Henry Knox

Discusses business in Europe and his hopes of expanding trade. Mentions the cost of labour in America as compared to that in Europe.

GLC02437.02160

to Henry Knox

Written by General McDougall to Major General Knox. Says nothing decisive about whether the half-pay pension issue has been decided. Says it took a week of travel to get to Philadelphia in bad weather. Wanted to lobby the delegates before the...

GLC02437.01819

to Henry Knox

A letter commenting on Knox's personal finances, especially the disposition of government notes. Peirce references Knox's letter of 3 April. Mentions consolidating old notes and registering new ones. Says his brother William did not consign any goods...

GLC02437.02106

to Henry Knox

Rivington, the New York printer and bookseller, signs in text. Mentions Knox's previous request for a copy of Adam Smith's "Wealth of Nations." Forwards his only copy, which Knox can keep or return. The 2 volumes cost £2.5 sterling. Says no advance...

GLC02437.02296

to James Rivington

Thanks Rivington for the copy of Smith's "Wealth of Nations" that he sent. Knox signed in text. See GLC02437.02296 for Rivington's original note.

GLC02437.02379

to Henry Knox

Written by Secretary of War Lincoln to Major General Knox. References Knox's letter of 15 July, which referred to a plan for an arsenal [at West Point?]. Reports that as the official peace treaty has now arrived, they may not have the help of "the...

GLC02437.02319

to Benjamin Lincoln

Written and signed for Knox by Major Samuel Shaw. Says the bearer of this letter, Mr. Peck, was in a company of artillery artificers under Captain Post. Says that this unit was raised for 2 years and is therefore excluded from any allowance for the...

GLC02437.02404

to David Humphreys

Written by Major General Knox to Colonel Humphreys, an aide-de-camp to General Washington. Knox says that Captain Lieutenant Kemper has been arrested "at the instance Colonel Crane for uttering expressions to his prejudice." Says the cause of the...

GLC02437.02234