27 May 1806

Wormeley, Ralph, fl. 1806

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Mortgage for Dragon-bridge plantation]

Ralph Wormeley deeds ownership of the Dragon-bridge plantation to John Taylor as payment for a one thousand five hundred dollar debt. The five hundred acre plantation in Middlesex county would be returned to Wormeley if he could repay the debt in cash within eight years. Also signed by William Gordon, Samuel Ripley and Benjamin Baughton as witnesses, and certified by Thomas Muse and B. McCarly as clerks. The Wormeley family settled in Virginia in 1636 and became one of the most powerful and influential planter families.

GLC03434.02

October 1862

Chippie, Hettie, fl. 1862

Manuscript

Title: [Articles established by the Colored Ladies Lincoln Association]

Hettie (also spelled Hetty) Chippie is listed as President and Mrs. Major Williams as Vice President. Organized to tend to sick and wounded Union soldiers, and to be connected to the Women's Pennsylvania Branch of the United States Sanitary Commission. Includes a list of medical supplies. Contains a preamble declaring "We a number of Colored Ladies of Philadelphia deeming it to be our duty to furnish our brethrin in arms when sick & wounded ... " Establishes offices, duties, meeting times, and requirements for dues paid to the society. Lists the names of the society's members and…

GLC03434.03

20 February 1810

West, Benjamin, 1738-1820

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Certificate of emancipation for Priscilla a negro woman]

Certificate stating that Benjamin West, a free negro, has bought the freedom of Priscilla, who will be his wife. "Benjamin West a free negro having purchased a negrowoman named Priscilla...Do hereby liberate and emancipate the said negrowoman Priscilla...On condition the said negrowoman Priscilla is allowed to live with me as a wife during my life and not to be molested or disturbed by any person in authority under the act of assembly in that case made and provided." West signs with his mark. Also signed by Thomas Healy, George Healy, James Handate and Thomas Muse

GLC03434.04

19 July 1808

Berkley, Carter B., fl. 1808

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Manumission of Charlotte Robinson]

Emancipating Charlotte Robinson, as ordered in the will of Dr. George D. Spatt. Signed by Thomas M. Locke and Carter B. Berkeley, executors of the will of George Spratt. Also signed by George D. Nicolson, John Minor, Thomas Muse and Mr. Chew.

GLC03434.05

5 March 1763 to 30 July 1764

Kemble, Stephen, 1740-1822

Manuscript document

Title: British Orderly Book

A record book containing British military orders and instructions including parale locations and infractions of soldiers.

GLC07126.01

19 July 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Colonel Jackson asks, "What think you of the loss of Ticonderoga, it is in general believ'd here, that that Fortress was sold to the enemy- as for my part, I shall suspend my Judgement till I can hear more of the particulars." Discusses recent news from France that "all France is Arm'g their Fleet and Army..." to assist America. Also notes that a private letter from Dr. [Benjamin] Franklin to a gentleman in America suggests that "a War was inevertable," (possibly inevitable). Mentions the British recapture of their frigate the Fox, which had been taken by the Americans earlier. Notes…

GLC02437.00627

23 July 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Colonel Jackson declares, "The loss of Ticonderoga is a very severe stroke, we shall expereance [sic] the misfortune of it as long as the War lasts- there is no one circumstance take'n place this War that has affected the minds of the People so much as this- and there is not one that can acct for its being given up in the maner [sic] it was- not one single Gun fired from us..." Wonders how General [Arthur] St. Clair will explain his conduct after the American loss of Ticonderoga. Hopes General George Washington will become aware of General William Howe's plans. Expects Howe to move up the…

GLC02437.00628

31 July 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that Lucy Knox, Henry's wife, left for Newbury Port (possibly Massachusetts), the previous Monday. Mentions an express from General [Israel] Putnam to General [William] Heath, in which Putnam attested the British sailed from the Hook (possibly Paulus Hook, New Jersey), but did not know where they were bound. General George Washington assumed they are bound for Philadelphia, but a letter from General [Alexander] McDougal to Colonel Sears in Boston states they may be sailing toward Boston. Notes that Sears's behavior, including his intention to flee Boston, has "fright'd all the old…

GLC02437.00631

2 August 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Reports, "The enemy have manoevr'd us to this place... and after all gave us the slip... this is now the third day of their departure with a fine a wind as ever blew to carry them to New York and so up the North River [the Hudson]-- this must be their great object, and however appearances may have been against it- I could never account why it was not done- Thank God our force there is pretty respectable, and if they can hold out only till we get there... our forces will all be put in motion that way." Emphasizes that General George Washington could not have acted otherwise, for had he not…

GLC02437.00632

7 August 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports a scare regarding a fleet of 150 ships in the [Massachusetts] Bay. Describes how Bostonians were thrown into confusion, thinking the fleet consisted of British troops from New York. Speaks of the evacuation of Boston: "altho' the Alarm came very direct- yet by heavens everyone was for own dear self- from my little observation in this affair- I really think if the enemy were to come here, not one quarter part of the Town would turn out to oppose them- O my God the thought." Notes that The Hancock, a frigate, has been captured and taken to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Gives report of a…

GLC02437.00633

9 August 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: [Retained copy of an opinion delivered to General George Washington]

Offers opinions regarding fortification and manpower at Fort Island, Red Bank, and Billingsport. Created in Pennsylvania at Camp Sandy Run. Dated in another hand. Text is in the hand of William Knox.

GLC02437.00634

13 August 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Predicts that British General William Howe intends to sail for the North River (the Hudson) to connect with [General John Burgoyne's] army: "The North River is, & must be their object- I think the whole of Genl Howe's conduct, must show his weakness- therefore a Junction of the two Armies, is what he will try for & all he can expect this campaine [sic]..." Reports that a ship, the Hero, arrived in Boston to acquire crew, and will sail 14 or 15 August. Notes that the brevity of this letter results from an extremely painful headache.

GLC02437.00636

20 August 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document

Title: [Draft of an opinion for General George Washington]

"From the time which has elapsed since Genl Howe disappeared from the Capes, it may be fairly and certainly deduce'd that he has gone very far either to the Southward or eastward... and it may be concluded with the same probability that neither Philadelphia or the North river is the immediate object of his destination." Discusses William Howe's possible movements. Suggests mounting an offensive against John Burgoyne in the north, "as no longer to leave it in doubt who shall have the Ascendency in that quarter..." Knox predicts that a large scale attack in the north would draw Howe's forces…

GLC02437.00637

24 August 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Comments on General John Stark and the Battle of Bennington ( 16 August 1777): "I don't think all History from Adam to this day, can produce such an instance, which an unequal number of raw undisciplind militia, have attack'd a Superor number of well disciplined regular Troops intrench in Lines- beat them out & gaind so complete a Victory [sic]--" Describes the celebration held in Boston following news of the victory, including liquor at the Bunch of Grapes Tavern, drum and fife music on a balcony, brass field pieces, and two barrels of grog in the street. Gives an account of a new ship…

GLC02437.00639

25 August 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Written at "Derby, 7 Miles below Philadelphia" (possibly Darby, Pennsylvania). Reports that his troops had begun to march to the North River (the Hudson), but received a dispatch that British General William Howe was in the Chesapeake Bay. Believes Philadelphia to be Howe's target, and predicts he will approach Philadelphia via the Delaware River, not the Chesapeake Bay. Reports that American troops marched through Philadelphia 24 August: "their excellent appearance... astonished the Tories, who are very downcast in the Respectability of the army." Reports that he and General Nathanael…

GLC02437.00640

27 August 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Praises the American victory in the recent the Battle of Bennington. Notes that General [Benjamin] Lincoln's aide-de-camp sent an account of the British killed, wounded, and missing at Bennington, which amounted to 1,000. Reports that Henry's wife Lucy has agreed to sell her phaeton (a carriage). Relates a quarrel he had with Colonel Crafts as to rank. In two instances, Crafts refused to accept Jackson (from the Continental Artillery) as a higher rank. Jackson asks who actually holds higher rank, Continental Artillery or Continental Infantry.

GLC02437.00641

26 July 1777

Lovell, James, 1737-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Continental Congressman Lovell writes to Knox: "I suppose you among others have been led, from my being Chairman of the Committee on foreign applications, to dub me Patron of the whole Rank-mad Tribes. I am so far from thinking it proper to disavow that Title, under the present Circumstances of Things, that I rather confirm it by recommending to your notice the bearer, the Chevalr. Du Portail or, D'erford, as he chooses to be named." Thinks D'erford would be useful in Knox's department (artillery).

GLC02437.00629

30 July 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Follows British General William Howe while trying to determine if Howe intends on moving toward Philadelphia with his troops. Notes that he is within 32 miles of Philadelphia, and writes, "I am in hopes my business will call me there having never been in that corrupt place..." Wonders as to Howe's hesitation, joking that it is impossible Howe would be afraid of "our ragamuffin army." Criticizes Howe, noting "the first principle of an invader ought to be to destroy the army of his opponents... if his army is not superior in the field he may as well take himself away..." Asserts that based…

GLC02437.00630

12 August 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Written in camp twenty miles from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Expresses his happiness that Lucy has spent time in Newburyport, Massachusetts: "The Gentlemen there with whom I am acquainted, are in my opinion some of the most virtuous public spirited, patriots on the Continent." Reports that British General William Howe might be sailing toward the Chesapeake Bay. Disbelieves the Chesapeake is Howe's target. Asserts instead that Howe intends to sail for the North River (the Hudson) or Philadelphia. Discusses Howe's movements and comments on the extremely hot weather. Referring to British…

GLC02437.00635

23 August 1777

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 intensely, noting that even the company of their daughter, Lucy, reminds her of his absence. Describes her afternoon rides in her chaise, and her visits to several friends. Mentions the loss of her immediate family, who as Loyalists fled from Boston. Expresses her wish to be with Henry. Refers to the Hero, a ship, which will soon sail for France.…

GLC02437.00638

28 August 1777

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reprimands Henry for not writing sooner. Notes that she sent a letter to Henry with Captain Randall. Asks Henry to intervene on behalf of Captain Bliss regarding an unspecified matter. Writes, "It is very strange that you mention nothing to me of a strange letter I sent you from the pretended Dutchess addressed to his excellency- I do not like to be treated so..." Notes that "your man Jacksons wife" is displeased by hearing nothing from him. Reports that she and their "little girl," Lucy, are doing well.

GLC02437.00642

28 August 1777

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 the second of this month wherein you take no notice of it being your Lucys birth day- such apparent trifles are not overlooked by persons who tenderly Love- but it was the hurry of business it was not it could not be want of affection." Gives an account of the celebration in Boston following "advantage gained at the Northward," possibly the Battle…

GLC02437.00643

February 1777- August 1777

Manuscript document

Title: [George Measam's invoice]

Lists accounts with several officers. Includes the account of a transaction with James Mease, Clothier General, located in Philadelphia. A note at the bottom of the page indicates that Measam removed to Springfield, Massachusetts in 1778. Top of document is missing.

GLC02437.00644

15 March 1781

Reed, Jacob Jr., 1755-1838

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Return of the men in Capt. Thomas T. Bliss's Company]

Lists men formerly belonging to the company of artillery commanded by the late Captain Hugg. Created at an artillery park, covering the period of the date of their enlistment to 1 September 1777, for the war. Signed by Captain Lieutenant Reed. Some of the men listed dispute their enlistment.

GLC02437.00645

03/31/1862

Kelly, Mary, fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sarah

She has joined her husband at the hospital. He was wounded in the lower abdomen. The wound appears fatal and he seems resigned to die. She hopes to move him to a better hospital. She comments on her fate and "right hard trouble every spring." [The Kelly's lost a daughter two years ago in the spring and last spring their son died the night before James Kelly shipped out.] She also discusses other wounded. Date written "Monday 31."

GLC04197.25