14 July 1864

Coleman, George W., fl. 1857-1886

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Addresses letter "Dear Cousin Joseph." Refers to the Battle of Brice's Crossroads and Confederate General Nathan B. Forrest's rout of the Union forces on June 10, 1864. Writes, "I am glad that you escaped so well in your chase after Forrest or rather in his chase after you." Expresses thanks that Joseph survived the battle. Comments on all those who died in the battle or were taken prisoner. Asks him to send details of the battle. Remarks wages are very high for harvesting, "from two dollars fifty cents to three dollars per diem." Says "All seem to be tired of the war but few seem to be…

GLC03523.10.130

17 July 1864

Maitland, William G., 1846-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Addresses letter "My Dear Bro." Says he has been working very hard on the harvest for the last nine days. Anticipates four tons of hay from two acres and twenty bushels of wheat per acre. Remarks that school is opening next week and if he finishes the harvesting he will try his "hand at getting a certificate..." Reports a friend was killed at the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain (27 June 1864) led by Union general William T. Sherman, whose wife just had a child a few days ago. Expresses sadness for "the widows and orphans this war is making." Letter continues the following day. Includes a three…

GLC03523.10.131

5 October 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister Martha [Spohn]

Wheeler is sorry to hear of Ella Lattin's death and writes that he was planning to send her a ring in a letter. Reports that part of General Ward's staff has gone to Murfreesboro. Writes that Colonel Dustan is in command of the 105th Illinois while Ward and Harrison are absent. Expects that there will be some fighting soon, as there are thousands of troops going through Nashville on loaded train cars. Recounts meeting Colonel Bob Thomas' wife, who delivered some shirts to Wheeler on behalf of Wheeler's mother. Writes that he attended a Methodist school which was dull compared to the…

GLC07460.052

9 October 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister

Thanks his family for the needle and thread they sent. Reports that General Ward is still in Murfreesboro. Writes that the 129th Ills has gone down to Columbia on the Franklin Road, but have not returned. Expresses his appreciation for the clothes that he's received from home by writing that he shall wear all his clothes on his back should he enter into battle or be in a position where he is likely to lose them. Writes that the prices of clothing have risen considerably since he first entered the service and provides prices for dress coats, overcoats, and blankets. Describes the stove he…

GLC07460.053

11 October 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister

Reports that General Ward is back in Murfreesboro. Writes that he has sent his ambrotype with the letter (not included) and has framed his mother's likeness, commenting that he is always proud to show it off. Wheeler mentions that he has bought an overcoat and had his boots tapped and nailed in preparation for winter. Writes that he's been so busy mending his clothes that he hasn't had time to make his mother's ring. Reports that the men have inspection this afternoon and jokes that he wants to get the office of inspector general of his mother's pantry when he comes home. In a post…

GLC07460.054

16 October 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister

Reports on some of the activity going on including train guard and the arrival of trains loaded with men which he thinks may be ill or convalescents. Writes that Confederate General Wheeler has not frightened them with his raids. Writes that ten days rations have been put in the fort but will probably be brought out again for the soldiers to eat. Discusses the price of grain and is glad to hear that oats is selling for a good price. Writes to his mother that he has been singing again. Updates his family on some of the other soldiers from his hometown including John Defield who is sick in…

GLC07460.055

24 October 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister Martha and family

Discusses activity regarding train guard. Writes that they would be able to drive the Rebels from Georgia without firing a gun, if they had Austrian rifles. Mentions that U.S. Grant is now their commander and reports that he passed through Nashville a few days ago with some generals on the way to the front. Writes that it is unlikely that his regiment will be called to the war front. Asks that cheese and butter be delivered to him with someone that is going back to camp. He writes that he'd rather not have more than four or five pounds of butter and a few of cheese at a time. Remarks…

GLC07460.057

29 October 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister

Writes that some of the men from his regiment are out on train guard duty on a branch road leading out to Tullahoma, Tennessee. He asks that Thomas Albee's mother be told that Albee hasn't been able to write because he's been on train duty. Reports a train attack and raids by some guerillas, but assures his family that the 105th regiment (Wheeler's regiment) hasn't been attacked. Reassures his sister that Lincoln's increasing of troops doesn't mean the war is not going to end soon; on the contrary he writes " if he would call for a million men it would be better." Remarks that " Old Abe…

GLC07460.058

5 November 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister

Writes that he has just returned from performing the funeral services and burial of George H. Gould. Gould, who shared a tent with Wheeler, had been sick since June from diahrrea, and was transferred to the regimental hospital in August where he died. He also writes that Gould's discharge papers were made out while he was sick in hospital but have not been returned. Furthermore, he explains that if a soldier dies or is discharged before serving two years, the seventy-five dollar bounty is lost. Discusses news about various soldiers from the regiment including a twenty-year old whose legs…

GLC07460.059

3 October 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Holden Parsons

Writes a brief note to General Parsons regarding the recent end of Shays' Rebellion and also the likelihood that the "Malcontents" might want to raid the stores at Springfield. Hopes that he can rely on the "late officers of the Continental Army" for protection. (A copy of this letter is included in the correspondence between Parsons and Knox contained in GLC02437.03306.)

GLC02437.03307

10 October 1786

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Manuscript letter

Title: to Thomas Hutchins

Written from "Cox's Fort Ohio River." Marked "copy." Discusses the process of surveying land around the Ohio River. Mentions that some surveyors have said there is imminent danger in conducting the survey beyond the 4th range. He has adopted no such sentiments and is willing to proceed immediately and will do as much as the weather will permit. Does think it makes sense to enlarge the group of soldiers going with him. Notes that it is not appealing to be in the woods that late in the season but feels it is his duty to proceed, and will continue according to Hutchins's recommendations.…

GLC02437.03309

11 October 1786-21 November 1786

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Manuscript document signed

Title: 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 Shaw, in which he declares that he is aware of the "liberties you have taken with my character." Writes, "I know you to be my enemy. I declare myself irreconcileably yours. Yet, although enemies, I will ask a favor of you. Do not, Mr. Green, ever attempt, under any circumstances, to speak to me. I will religiously observe the same rule towards you…

GLC02437.03310

21 November 1786-3 December 1786

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 their mutual friend Mr. [Isaac] Sears, who had been in China with him. Describes the cool reception he received from the Europeans when he arrived in China, because of the threat of competition the Americans posed. Discusses their business prospects, including the high prices and poor sales for tea and other goods. Includes a detailed…

GLC02437.03311

22 October 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Bowdoin

Writes to introduce Governor Bowdoin to Major [William] North, who is currently Inspector of Troops. Says that North wishes to be included in the line of troops being raised. Comments that he is a citizen of Massachusetts by birth and residence and that he is an honorable and worthy officer.

GLC02437.03316

8 November 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document

Title: [Certificate regarding Dr. Horton's widow]

Docket reads, "H Knox's copy certificate in the case of Dr Horton's widow." Testifies that Doctor Jonathan Horton died while in the service of his country, in the state of New Jersey, and that for this reason his widow is entitled to an allowance from Congress. See GLC02437.03358 for a related document.

GLC02437.03329

23 November 1786

Snelling, Joseph, fl. 1786

Autograph note signed

Title: [Receipt from Jonathan Burral, Esq.]

Duplicate of GLC02437.03345. Written from Salem, possibly in Massachusetts. Receipt from Jonathan Burral [possibly Burrall], Esq., Commissioner of Accompts [possibly Accounts], for 450 dollars with interest to be given to Henry Knox.

GLC02437.03344

23 November 1786

Snelling, Joseph, fl. 1786

Autograph note signed

Title: [Receipt from Jonathan Burral, Esq.]

Copy of GLC02437.03344.

GLC02437.03345

26 November 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elbridge Gerry

Almost identical in content to GLC02437.03352, which is a later copy of this letter. Writes that he and Mr. [Samuel] Osgood are investigating any openings in the public offices in New York, but have found none. Writes, "My brother whose resignation I hinted to you was possible, has decided to stay where he is. Indeed in the present state of commerce he can have no other prospects. Mr. Osgood & myself, will keep this object constantly in view, and in case of any vacancies or appointments, we shall use our utmost interest on the occasion. In respect to any vacancy under my direction, I…

GLC02437.03353

2 December 1786

Freeman, Constant, 1757-1824

Manuscript document

Title: [Excerpt from a letter regarding military appointments]

The author writes, "That you are not yet appointed need not surprise you when you have read this- I came here fully of opinion that I should have the second [Company] of [Artillery]; that you and all the other officers recommended by General Knox would be commissioned, but what a reverse! for some reason which I have not been able to learn, the company which I expected was given to Cap. [Henry] Burbeck, and as they could not decently pass by me the Governor has given me a Company of Infantry 'tho I am disappointed, still I had rather have the [Company] of Infantry as far as respects rank, for…

GLC02437.03361

3 December 1786

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Manuscript letter

Title: to Robert Morris

Discusses the contract recently sent by the Board of Treasury to him and to Morris regarding a loan they are planning to give to Congress. Will come to New York to finish signing paperwork with Morris. Writes, "I am very far from wishing to engage in any public business nor have I funds that I can readily apply to the purpose of a Contract but with those offered us & your extensive Credit & influence - I will not refuse to undertake, if it is perfectly agreeable to you." Secretarially written and signed for Wadsworth.

GLC02437.03365

9 December 1786

Humphreys, David, 1752-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jeremiah Wadsworth

Asks Wadsworth to deliver to the bearer, Corporal Nichols, equipment such as bowls and kettles that "may be necessary for the Recruits in Town." Asks also for some boards for making bunks and provides some procedures for distributing the materials to commissioned officers.

GLC02437.03370

1786-1787

Manuscript document

Title: [Supplies given to Colonel David Humphreys's regiment]

Date added later in pencil. Lists supplies provided to Colonel David Humphreys, such as hospital stores, rations, wood and clothing. Addressed to General Henry Knox.

GLC02437.03401

1786

Manuscript document

Title: [Henry Knox's account with Jeremiah Wadsworth]

Account between General Henry Knox and Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth for the year 1786. Docket reveals a balance due to Knox. Additional calculations on verso.

GLC02437.03402

7 January 1787

De Jean, fl. 1786

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks him for his letter. Writes, "By the contents of Mr. Macomb's, friendly letter, I am convinced, how wrong and presumptuous I was, in my former letter to you, to desire you to write to so many gentlemen, and to take so much trouble for a man entire [a] stranger to you." Begs his forgiveness and his "good patronage and protection." See GLC02437.03396 for a related document.

GLC02437.03410

28 January 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: to James Sullivan [incomplete]

Body of the letter and signature in the hand of Robert Pemberton, Knox's aide. Previous research determined the addressee to be James Sullivan, but the document does not indicate that explicitly. Knox discusses the settlement of the estate of Thomas and Hannah Flucker, the parents of his wife, Lucy, stating that he will "formally authenticate" a bond verifying monies owed to Mr. [likely Isaac] Winslow. He also comments on the insurgents in Massachusetts, and discusses in some detail the upcoming [federal] convention in Philadelphia, wondering whether its proceedings could be the basis of a…

GLC02437.03428