4 July 1782

Lamb, John, 1735-1800

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Comments that he only received Knox's most recent two letters the night before, which accounts for his late reply. Writes, "I have (previous to your directions) made appreciation to the Qr. Mr. Genl. [Quartermaster General] for the necessary number of Horses, and waggons, to move us on the shorter notice. In consequence of your Letter, of the 14th ultimo, I have ordered Mr. Frothingham, to move with the Conductors, as soon as possible." Sends compliments to Mrs. Knox and Samuel Shaw.

GLC02437.01476

11 July 1782

Lamb, John, 1735-1800

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relates that the present letter will be given to Knox by Mr. [Richard] Frothingham. Writes, "I yesterday received a Letter from Mr. [likely Samuel] Hodgdon, informing me the Shells at Mr. [John Jacob] Faesch's Works, are Cast. - and, that Genl [Benjamin] Lincoln requests, Capt. [William] Stevens may be sent, with a Party of Men to prove them - In consequence of this information, I have sent Capt. Stevens, to Philadelphia, to settle with Genl Lincoln, the mode of subsisting himself, and Party, while on this Service. We have no News here, except a report that the Enemy have evacuated…

GLC02437.01482

20 July 1782

Lamb, John, 1735-1800

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that has noted Knox's previous letter, which indicates that artificers are working hard on wagons and tumbrils. However, "At the same time, I am sorry to inform you, that, they will fall far short of your expectations, in this particular owing to the great portion of time which has been taken up, in making the necessary repairs of the carriages, of those Pieces, that were brought from Philadelphia, to this place, many of which were in a wretched state." Writes that he is "chagrined" to find that a Lieutenant Fisk has resigned to avoid a Court Martial. Adds that the bearer of the…

GLC02437.01495

9 October 1782

Lamb, John, 1735-1800

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes, "Agreable to your request, I call'd on Mr. Billings to see what progress he had made in his work - I find that, he has prepared one of the Cannon, and has traced the device - as the border is to be Engraved, it requires much time to prepare the Cannon properly for the reception of the design. - He means to give such part of the gun, as will be exposed to view, when mounted, a very fine polish, which will add greatly to its appearance. He cannot yet determine when he will be able to compleat the work; But promises to undertake nothing else, till they are done. I flatter myself that…

GLC02437.01655

18 October 1781

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Has not heard from his brother in almost six weeks. News of the operation against Yorktown from General George Washington included the destruction of three of Lord Cornwallis redoubts and a formal demand for surrender, along with Cornwallis' rejection of it. Speculates that defeating Cornwallis will not be easy for the Allied Army, but "Fall he must." Rumors of unsuccessful British activity against General Nathanael Greene near Charleston. Offers high praise for Greene as a potential successor for Washington. Mentions the deaths of 300 soldiers and officers among Colonel William…

GLC02437.01239

27 November 1781

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by William Knox to his brother Brigadier General Henry Knox, who was at Washington's headquarters. Writes from France after a pleasant and short 21 day voyage from Boston. Is astonished by their speed of travel. Says he did not suffer from seasickness and that his little complaints were relieved by the voyage. Tells a convoluted story about meeting a British captain in a brigantine east of Newfoundland who was "castaway" from his merchant ship. Reports on the birth of the Dauphin and the excitement caused by the recent victories in America, but says the former is the greater event in…

GLC02437.01296

26 June 1781

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 in detail. Forwards Henry his account with the state (not included), noting that the state has "considered you as entitled to 25pcent more than an officer of equal rank in the Infantry." Discusses books he bought in Europe, possibly to sell in Knox's bookstore. Reports that the Brutus, a privateer, captured a British prize on course from…

GLC02437.00983

22 August 1781

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References Henry's letter of 8 August 1781. Updates Henry on news he has heard. Says the French fleet was to have left Newport the day before to connect up with the Compte De Grasse, who is supposed to be nearing the continent with more French ships. Says a ship was captured going from Charleston for England with letters from Colonel Balfour, which gives information relating to British plans for operations in the South. Balfour supposedly said "General Greene has exhibited such talents, as to take advantage of any opening given him by the King's Army." Balfour also supposedly said South…

GLC02437.01153

30 August 1781

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 merchants in Amsterdam was forwarded through Captain Edward Davis, but the $450 sterling was lost when Davis was captured and carried to Halifax. Discusses the state of exchange, the slim chances for profit, and various aspects of his business. Comments on the arrival of John Laurens in Boston, who had returned from France with supplies and money.

GLC02437.01159

6 September 1781

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions Lucy Knox's trip up the Hudson River and hearing that General Knox passed New Windsor, New York with Governor George Clinton on his way to meet Lucy. Comments on a naval battle off the coast of Boston between the French frigate Magicianne and the more heavily armed British ship Assurance. Inquires if a Mr. Diricks was ever a Colonel in the Continental Army. Discusses the arrival of a French frigate called the Diligent, along with news that the Spanish and French have attempted "the Reduction of Gibralter" and that they have brought a new type of ship that floats higher in the…

GLC02437.01167

10 September 1781

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lieutenant Thorp

Sends Thorp on an urgent trip to Baltimore to obtain supplies from General Mordecai Gist and Major Sebastian Bauman, whom he has written instruction to (see GLC02437.01178 and .01179). He is to embark with Bauman and proceed to the operation with him, referring to the upcoming siege of Yorktown.

GLC02437.01180

28 September 1781

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses plans for traveling to Europe, ships to take, and his effort to raise money. Also discusses what is happening at the port in Boston, mentioning specific ships, captains, armaments, and visitors. Mentions merchant activities, following up on his previous letter (GLC02437.01186) and announces that the sale of cargo on the Amsterdam has made Henry a profit. Comments on the large amount of public money owed to Henry. Discusses European business accounts. Speculates on the consequences of peace with Britain. Relates story of British Admiral Clyde Parker's battle with the Dutch off…

GLC02437.01196

4 October 1781

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses news of the siege of Yorktown, mentioning the activities of the Marquis de La Fayette and naval engagements between French Admiral Compte de Grasse and British Admiral Thomas Graves. Reports that Congress has received indications of the capture of Lord Cornwallis, but faulty intelligence from the past has made them skeptical. Discusses his upcoming business trip to Europe and seeks his brother's approval. Explains his sale of stock to finance the trip and plans to travel by French frigate. Explains his plans in case ships with cargo he owns arrive in Boston after his departure…

GLC02437.01207

29 October 1781

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

He is leaving for Europe tomorrow on a French frigate commanded by Count De Grasse. Remarks that in his haste the contents of this letter are only things of greatest importance. Discusses leaving his store with Joshua Loring, arranging for a Mr. Pierce to serve as Henry's attorney and leaving important papers with him. William does not know how long his trip will last, but his plans will be affected by the prospects for peace. Mentions business plans to transport hemp and iron. Comments on his funds for the trip, how he raised them, and expected costs. He will be happy to be able to…

GLC02437.01270

January 23, 1782

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Letter written by William Knox to his brother Brigadier General Henry Knox. Good travel description of France before the Revolution. Tells of his journey from L'Orient to Nantes. Arrived in Nantes on December 1 and stayed until December 8. Goes on to describe his time in Anjou (he spells it Angou) province. He mentions the fine riding school and slate quarries. Says he visited Tours and describes their silk industry. After Tours, he traveled to Orleans with stops in Amboise and Blois. States that French is spoken with great precision in Blois. He left Orleans on December 22 and arrived in…

GLC02437.01338

April 12, 1782

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 "closely beseiged and 'tis thought by many will fall." Mentions changes in the "English Ministry" -- Marquis of Rockingham is made First Minister and Lord Shelburne and Charles Fox are Secretaries of State. Says the Cavendishes, Duke of Richmond, Grafton, Lord Cambden, Burke, and Barre are all employed as well. Says "a sufficient time has not yet…

GLC02437.01386

5 May 1782

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by William Knox to his brother Major General Knox. Mentions this is the fifth letter he has sent to Henry since arriving in France. Says he has received two from Henry. Says he is in Nantes on business, purchasing goods for his friends. Says "allmost all american orders are made out for this Country with English Ideas and the articles differ so widely that there is the greatest hazard of sending things which will not be acceptable." Says he has been settling his business accounts, which were confused. Says his reputation would have soured if he had not gone to Europe to settle his…

GLC02437.01409

May 7, 1782

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Letter written by William to his brother Major General Henry Knox. Says he will not ship anything with the capital he has accumulated until the peace is complete. Says his business accounts were messy, but are now settled. Says he wrote to Lucy that he had no news of the Fluckers. Says the recent changes in the British Ministry probably been "influenced by the honest representations of Lord Cornwallis relative to the impracticability of reducing America, which rendered that Gentleman not so welcome an informant to the late Ministry as his Brother Passenger…

GLC02437.01412

23 May 1782

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by William Knox to his brother Major General Knox. Mentions his travels to Flanders, Nantes (where he did some business for his Boston friends), and has stopped in Rochefort on his way to Bourdeaux. Wants to ship many things to America, but says he will hold back until after the peace is decided. Mentions changes in British govenrment and how they will assist in the peace process. Says the merchants are in favor of British troops withdrawing from America. Lord Shelbourne told them not to ship more goods to America in case of an evacuation. Says the British tried to get John Adams and…

GLC02437.01429

May 25, 1782

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Outlines arrangements he has made to ensure packages he is sending to Henry Knox will arrive to him safely. Relates that he has "packed the Epaulets in a little box by themselves" and entrusted them to the care of General Lafayette. Made the ship's captain aware of the gifts, and alerted Clement Biddle of their arrival should they land in Philadelphia. He also instructed a Mr. Du Quesne to give them to the local Quarter Master General should they arrive anywhere outside of Philadelphia, so they could be forwarded on to Knox. Adds, "Nothing further has transpired relative to Mr. Granville that…

GLC02437.01430

June 12, 1782

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 not send property to America until a definite peace is in place. Says the diplomatic situation is the same as when he wrote last, except for Admiral de Grasse's defeat at the hands of a British fleet in the Caribbean in April 1782. Does not know how this will play out it negotiations. After losing 7 or 8 ships of the line, Louis XVI has ordered "…

GLC02437.01448

5 November 1782

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by William to his brother Major General Henry Knox. Fears that Henry is worried about him as he has not written since he was in Rochefort (William spells it Rochfort), France. While there he sent some linen, epaulets, sweetmeats, and some other things for Lucy. Has been in ill health lately, which has caused some problems with his business plans. The plan involved a Mr. Soderstroom from Gothensburgh, Sweden, who was going to work with a Mr. Sears, a Mr. Smith, and himself. It fell through when William was not able to go to Sweden as Soderstroom wanted. Has not given up all hope though…

GLC02437.01701

31 March 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Written from Elizabeth Town, present-day Elizabeth, New Jersey. Mentions that they have only just begun their meeting with the British commissioners. General [William] Dalrymple and Andrew Eliot, Esq. (likely Andrew Elliot) had arrived, as had Mr. Loring (probably Joshua Loring, an American Loyalist and British Commissioner of Prisoners). Comments that deliberations might keep him there until 10 April. Describes how he misses her and their children. Relates that Mr. Loring had received a letter from Mr. Simpson (possibly Jonathan Simpson, another Loyalist) which mentioned several of Lucy…

GLC02437.01376

11 April 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Written from Elizabethtown, present-day Elizabeth, New Jersey. Had expected to leave for Philadelphia today but the commissioners for the enemy have not agreed on their propositions yet. Is unsure whether they will and hopes to find out today; finds the business tedious. Hopes to be able to leave in four days, and explains that because of the delay, he may only be able to stay in Philadelphia with her and their children for a week.

GLC02437.01384

15 April 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Was happy to receive her last letter, though sounded as if she was in some distress; hopes the distress was simply that she missed him: "This implication I hope however is the consequence of an ardent affection. I am mortified that I have been so long absent from you, but I now think that we shall be able to get away from here tomorrow." Believes that they may stop "one day at Morris perhaps to make our report to the General and in two days afterwards be in Philadelphia." Sends love to the children and to the Biddle family, with whom Lucy and their children are staying.

GLC02437.01391