March 27, 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Enclosing a summary of documents recently sent to him by the Marquis de Lafayette. Also notes that a Congressman has assured him that the army is in fine shape. Letter written at "Head Quarters." Docketed in Knox's hand.

GLC02437.09383

14 April 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Encloses a letter from yesterdays post, and asks Knox his thoughts on the letter's subject. Instructs Knox to obtain General Huntington's thoughts on the subject of the enclosed letter (possibly Jedediah Huntington). Docket states "From Colonel Hamilton & Colonel Trumbull 9th/14 April 1783." Docketed in Knox's hand.

GLC02437.09384

21 April 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Due to an announcement of the cessation of hostilities (between the United States and Great Britain) Washington instructs Knox to permit any citizens of New York or the United States to pass and repass his post (West Point) with vessels, boats, or water craft.

GLC02437.09385

14 May 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Washington writes to Knox, commander at West Point. Supports Knox's approval of officers' court martial of rioters. Writes, "I am loth at this time to consent to the absence of Officers from their Corps,- wanting their influence as much as possible, to quiet & allay the discontents of the Soldiers." Allows Knox to consent to officers' absence under special circumstances. Instructs Knox to give non- commissioned officers or soldiers with "mutinous dispositions" furloughs for "any length of time they wish- we are better without them than with them." Relates that General Huntington (…

GLC02437.09386

8 June 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Washington answers a question from Knox. States that under a resolution of Congress of 23 April 1783, musicians are not entitled to take firearms home with them on furlough or disbandment. Notes that they should be allowed to take their drums & fife. Docketed by Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide.

GLC02437.09387

10 June 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Responds to a letter sent by Knox enclosing instructions issued by the Secretary at War (Benjamin Lincoln) regarding the construction of an arsenal and magazines at West Point. Calls the plan "an eligible one." Relates that as soon as he is finished furloughing men at his Cantonment, the remaining troops will be removed to West Point in whole or part. Written from New Windsor Cantonment, New York.

GLC02437.09388

17 August 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Emphasizes the priority of garrisoning the posts which will soon be ceded to the United States from the British in the "Western Waters," (referring to the Great Lakes region, specifically the posts at Oswego and Niagara, in present-day Western New York). Instructs Knox on the specifics of this preparation, including the transfer of artillery, stores, and ammunition. Notes that some articles may be taken from stores on the Mohawk River. Issues further instructions on detaching artillerists and light infantry to the region.

GLC02437.09389

26 September 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Encloses resolves of Congress. Instructs Knox to publish the resolves for the army. Expresses great pleasure in Congress's commendation of General [Robert] Howe and his detachment (for their role in suppressing the Philadelphia mutiny of 1783). See GLC02437.02559 for this resolve of Congress.

GLC02437.09390

28 September 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

General Washington discusses supplying troops with clothing during the winter. Instructs Knox to call for returns of such articles as will be necessary, and to forward him a return as soon as possible.

GLC02437.09391

8 October 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports receiving a letter from Knox, delivered by Captain Shaw (possibly Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide-de-camp). Informs Knox, commanding at West Point, he has been impatiently waiting for Congress to decide the number of troops to be stationed at West Point during the winter. Relates that some members of Congress seem reluctant to lessen the present force while the British remain in the United States. Intends to send orders to Colonel [Timothy] Pickering, Quarter Master General, to extend winter provisions for the supply of 2500-3000 men. Notes that Shaw has gone to Philadelphia. Docketed in…

GLC02437.09392

16 October 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Pierre Charles L'Enfant

Grants permission to Major L'Enfant, of the Corps of Engineers, to be absent from his Corps until the first day of May 1784, so L'Enfant may travel to France for "his own private affairs." Includes the original red seal of what appears to be the coat of arms of the Washington family.

GLC02437.09393

23 October 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes, "The arrival of the Definitive Treaty and the evacuation of New York- have been so long delayed as to interfere very materially with our arrangements for the Celebration of Peace..." Has decided that the celebration will be deferred until the British leave New York. Was informed by Sir Guy Carleton that the British will completely evacuate New York in November 1783. Instructs Knox to confer with New York Governor George Clinton, and to take possession of New York City as soon as the British evacuate. Transmits a copy of a Proclamation of Congress of 18 October 1783 for the…

GLC02437.09394

2 November 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Notes that a previous reply he had written to Knox was stolen from the post office, along with other copies of letters sent to Colonel Varick (Richard Varick was Washington's recording secretary). Discusses military specifics regarding the soldiers in charge of providing wood for the garrison, the retirement of officers, and the provision of winter clothing for the troops. Relates that Sir Guy Carleton, Commander in Chief of British forces, informed him through a Mr. Parker of his intention to evacuate New York City in November. Instructs Knox to confer with New York Governor George…

GLC02437.09395

1 June 1786

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Transmits a letter (not included) and asks Knox's advice regarding the Society of the Cincinnati. Notes that all papers of the Society are in the care of the Society's Secretary General, thus he cannot answer Mr. Jefferson's questions (possibly Thomas Jefferson, who was critical of the Society). Notes that some Society members obtained badges from Major [Pierre Charles] L'Enfant's Agency. Criticizes the badges L'Enfant created, noting that L'Enfant overcharged for the badges and misused the money he received. Has not seen L'Enfant since a Society meeting in 1784.

GLC02437.09396

26 August 1790

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Proclamation regarding the violation of treaties made with the Choctaw and Chicksaw tribes]

President Washington warns citizens of the United States against violating certain treaties previously negotiated with Native American tribes. Instructs civil and military officers of the United States to govern themselves according to the treaties. Also signed by Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State (1790-1793), who has added the words "By the President" below Washington's signature. This draft proclamation is in the hand of Attorney General Edmund Randolph.

GLC02437.09397

29 August 1789

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Countersigned by Henry Knox. Instructs Knox regarding his conduct (notes that the principles imparted are to remain secret). Indicates that the Government of the United States are determined that their administration of Indian Affairs shall be directed with justice and humanity. Refers to Knox's negotiations with the Creeks. Text is obscured due to a large water stain on page two.

GLC02437.09398

5 September 1781

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Transmits a box and map (not included), asking Knox to commit them to a person in whom he can confide. Notes that Knox should go by water to Christiana (possibly Delaware). Gives his compliments to Knox's wife, Lucy, hoping that she will spend some time at Mount Vernon. Docketed in Knox's hand.

GLC02437.09399

30 March 1782

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

General Washington discusses a "character" (possibly Loyalist Henry Van Schaack) present with Knox in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Instructs Knox to guard his colleague (possibly Gouverneur Morris) against freely discussing matters with this person, believing him to be a traitor to America, in pay of the British. Written from "York Hutts," which constituted the headquarters of a New York Regiment near Pompton (now Pompton Lakes, New Jersey). Docketed in Knox's hand.

GLC02437.09400

23 September 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses gratitude for Knox's praise of Washington in the context of Congress's resolution "That an equestrian statue of General Washington, be erected at the place where the residence of Congress shall be established," passed on 7 August 1783 (and later completed by sculptor Thomas Crawford in the nineteenth century). Informs Knox that he has continued to lobby in support of the Officers' Petition for a large land grant in the Ohio Valley in lieu of back pay, but that the petition is being held up by continued negotiations between Congress and the state of Virginia (in whose territory the…

GLC02437.09401

23 October 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions the return of General Benjamin Lincoln. Hopes the transition to a peacetime military establishment will commence without further delay. Does not think Congress intends to abolish the Office of Secretary at War (which Lincoln held from 1781-1783). Notes that Lincoln has helped devise a plan for making the office more economical. Intends to recommend Knox for the position of Secretary at War if Knox wishes. Comments that many members of Congress object to the terms of the peace establishment. Lincoln and Washington disagree on predicted expenses the office of Secretary at War will…

GLC02437.09402

23 October 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Marked "Duplicate" at the top by George Washington. Mentions the return of General Benjamin Lincoln. Hopes the transition to a peacetime military establishment will commence without further delay. Does not think Congress intends to abolish the Office of Secretary at War (which Lincoln held from 1781-1783). Notes that Lincoln has helped devise a plan for making the office more economical. Intends to recommend Knox for the position of Secretary at War if Knox wishes. Comments that many members of Congress object to the terms of the peace establishment. Lincoln and Washington disagree on…

GLC02437.09403

20 February 1784

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

General Washington writes to Knox, who had been Chief of the Continental Artillery during the Revolutionary War. Recently visited his "aged Mother," Mary Ball Washington. Thanks Knox for so diligently reporting the state of the garrison and stores at West Point while he was there (1782-1783). Discusses payment of the Office of Secretary at War. Relates that the Society of Cincinnati will meet in Philadelphia on the first Monday in May, and that he named Philadelphia as the location to comply with the wishes of South Carolina. Writes, "I am just beginning to experience that ease, and…

GLC02437.09404

28 February 1785

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Washington encloses letters "under flying Seals" to the Count de Rochambeau and the Marquis de Chastellux "introductory of Mr. Swan." Also includes certificates for Lieutenants Seaver and Henley (no documents included). Discusses suspending a building project in Alexandria, Virginia as his fiances were "not equal to the undertaking." Also discusses the use of stone versus oyster shell lime. Refers to laws passed by the Virginia and Maryland Assemblies regarding the improvement of navigation on the states' rivers. Virginia also passed an act to vest 100 shares in Washington and his heirs;…

GLC02437.09405

11 November 1782

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses his orders regarding collecting wood to be used as fuel for the nearby hospital. Washington states he directed the Fourth Connecticut regiment to gather the wood because he found the corps idle and the rest of the army was employed in other tasks. Suggests that if the Fourth Massachusetts is needed elsewhere, the fuel should be cut by troops under Knox's orders, or by Levies from the transportation service. Mentions that since no more sick will be sent to the hospital of Dr. Eustace, less fuel will be needed. Docketed by Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide.

GLC02437.10429

5 August 1779

Ruddock, John, fl. 1779-1796

Manuscript document

Title: [Return of clothing delivered to Colonel Ezekiel Cheever at North Castle, New York, December 1776]

Marked as a copy. Clothing came from Fort Washington by order of General Henry Knox. Lists the recipient of clothing, and by whose order it was delivered. Includes several administrative notes at the bottom of the page, with the signature (or a copy) of Ruddock, Deputy Commissary of stores at Fishkill.

GLC02437.10440