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to Henry Knox

Mentions the capture of the Fox, a British frigate. Apparently, the Fox was retaken by the British, but this news is uncorroborated. Colonel Jackson expects to be called in to pay Knox's contribution to a privateer. Suggests that Henry persuade...

GLC02437.00626

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...

GLC02437.00627

to Henry Knox

Expresses surprise that the Continental Army has no knowledge of British General William Howe's location. Thinks it's possible, but unlikely, Howe intends to sail for Boston. Comments on the Battle of Bennington and the performance of General John...

GLC02437.00647

[Response to queries from Headquarters]

In the hand of Samuel Shaw. Knox expresses his opinion against a general attack on the British. Writes, "It requires the best discipline, the firmest spirit, and good officers, to storm works or to make an impression on British troops. Not that I...

GLC02437.00660

to Lucy Knox

Written at Camp Great Valley [Valley Forge]. Relates that he has not set out for Boston, Lucy's location, due to urgent public business. Writes, "I should most certainly see you this winter if within the compass of human possibility but it will...

GLC02437.00675

to Lucy Knox

Describes the Battle of Monmouth (28 June 1778) in detail. As the British marched away from Philadelphia toward Shrewsbury, New Jersey, Continental troops under General [Charles] Lee attacked the British rear. In the ensuing battle, "My brave Lads...

GLC02437.00713

to Henry Knox

Notes that some of "our cool W[h]igs" are getting discouraged, in response to activities in New York and the loss at Long Island, and wish an end to hostilities. Jackson, however, only wants the matter settled "upon Independent terms." Reports that...

GLC02437.00453

to William Knox

Signed Philocles. Because he is impatient, asks Knox to deliver a letter (not included). A post script notes that the woman to receive the letter is going to Salem, if she has left, Knox should deliver the letter upon her return.

GLC02437.00461

to William Knox

Signed Philocles. Instructs Knox to deliver a letter with confidential content to a woman named Dilia. Possibly the same letter referred to a day earlier (see GLC02437.00461).

GLC02437.00465

to Lucy Knox

States that the army has been forced to flee, and the Americans are currently "making a stand on the side of the Delaware toward Philadelphia." Hopes to soon face the enemy again. Expresses his love for her, and continues to advise her to travel to...

GLC02437.00494

[Commission of Henry Knox to Brigadier General of Artillery]

Congressional appointment for Knox to the newly created rank of Brigadier General of Artillery. "We, resposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct and Fidelity, DO, by these Presents, constitute and appoint you to be a...

GLC02437.00500

to Henry Knox

Has just received a note from Knox, but does not know how many "Cartridges" to order, and requests that Knox send him the number. Also notes that he hopes an officer of Knox's corps will take the ammunition order to General Israel Putnam.

GLC02437.00502

to Lucy Knox

Longs to be with her, and hopes that he will have a chance at the end of winter. The men are fighting on past their enlistment dates and have "high spirits but want Rum and clothing." Informs her that he has been made Brigadier General over all...

GLC02437.00511

to Lucy Knox

Has just received her letter and assures her "my heart is yours although my Country demands my poor pittance to endevor to rescue her from barbarity." Feels this barbarity, exemplified by Indians slaughtering innocents, enslaved people killing their...

GLC02437.00517

[Artillery record book]

Book of records for Knox's artillery regiment. Contains inventories of artillery, notes regarding regimental activities and some daily entries. Samuel Shaw created the book, which dates between 12 January 1777 and 24 March 1777. The first page...

GLC02437.00518

to Ezekiel Cheever

Asks Cheever to deliver "twenty five yards of that White Duffle you have in your possession & two or three coats" to Lieutenant James Hall. Docket, signed by Hall, states that he received thirty yards of "Duffle," five coats, and "one Laced Hatt"

GLC02437.00533

[Receipt for coats and a hat]

States that three Regimental Coats intended for enlisted artillery soldiers and one lace hat had arrived from ordnance. Promises to be accountable to General Knox for these goods. The name at the bottom of the document is illegible.

GLC02437.00535

to Abraham Livingston

Orders Captain Livingston to obtain 5000 tents for next spring for General Thomas Mifflin. Orders him to "get the cloth for tents and get them made into tents each to hold six men." Also orders him to draw any necessary funds from General Mifflin.

GLC02437.00540

to Henry Knox

Jackson had said that "Crane could not get his battalion through the court," but says now "he has got every bounty allow'd him" and will soon have a full regiment. Believes that Lee's, Henley's, and his regiment will never be filled by the "Honorble...

GLC02437.00564

to Henry Knox

Hopes Henry will write more often. Captain William Dana cannot buy the two horses, but will take care of them until they are sold. William thinks they will earn one hundred pounds. Asks what would be the best way to travel to camp to join Henry....

GLC02437.00570

to Lucy Knox

Loves her and is glad she and their daughter are doing well after their inoculation. Longs to see her, but for her own safety and happiness denies her request to join him at Morristown.
Believes the British "by no means as formidable as they were...

GLC02437.00580

Establishment and pay for a company of artillery in the service of the United of America

Date from docket. Lists various posts, from captain to drummer, and their corresponding pay. First page and dated docket in Knox's hand, other docket in Shaw's.

GLC02437.00584

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that their daughter has smallpox, but is recovering, and acting "very lively." Discusses sending Knox waistcoats and breeches through Colonel Mason. At her current location, has no company except for [Henry] Gardner, Treasurer of...

GLC02437.00589

[Receipt between Samuel Treat and Colonel Flowers]

"Received... of Samuel Treat one thousand dollars for which he gave Col Flowers a Receipt." Signed by French as Major and Commissary of Military Stores. Text in Knox's hand.

GLC02437.00598

to Lucy Knox

Discusses their recent exchange, noting that he had not received some of her letters due to the postman's mistake. Expresses how much he misses her, emphasizing that nothing but an obligation to his country could separate them. Mentions the threat...

GLC02437.00599

to Henry Knox

Writes to Henry, his brother. Discusses unfounded accusations that he, William, [stole?] a pair of pistols from Edmund Randolph. Writes, "Now to come to the matter which ingrosses all my tho'ts, that of entring the army..." Discusses raising funds...

GLC02437.00605

to Henry Knox

Replies to his brother's "very affectionate but too short Epistle..." Has sold most of the stock of Henry's bookstore, which he operated in Henry's absence. Writes, "I would not justify your keeping the Store open longer than the time I mention if...

GLC02437.00611

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...

GLC02437.00629

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

Reports that the British have landed at Head of Elk, Maryland (present day Elkton), twenty miles from Knox's location. Writes, "...we shall remain here a few days and if they will not come to us we shall go to them... it is suppos'd the enemy intend...

GLC02437.00646

[Account of the campaign of September and October 1777]

Later copy. Possibly created by William Knox, General Henry Knox's brother. Contains a report of the 20 September Battle of Paoli. Mentions Generals Knox, Green (possibly Nathanael Greene), and Alexander McDougall. In an entry for 28 September...

GLC02437.00654

[Receipt for provisions issued]

Covers provisions issued from July-December 1777 in the Middle Department, "from Wilmington on the Delaware to Newark in Jersey." Also notes receipt of provisions from January 1778- August 1778 for the Middle Department.

GLC02437.00677

[Oath of allegiance to the United States]

Date inferred from the Journals of the Continental Congress circa January- February 1778. The Journals indicate that every officer who holds or is granted a commission or office from Congress should take the following oath: "I do acknowledge the...

GLC02437.00678

to Lucy Knox

Year and day cited, but no month. Month inferred based on content. Recently visited posts in the Highlands (New York) with General Nathanael Greene. Notes that "Mr. Wm. continues yet quiet in his quarters, but we have still reason to think he...

GLC02437.00679

[Biographical sketch of Samuel B. Webb]

Later copy. Initialed [H.P.J.] Pertains to GLC02437.00682.

GLC02437.00681

[Note regarding a duel between Samuel Blachley Webb and William Livingston]

Fragment. Relates, "a negotiation in the newspapers will most probably terminate the affair... The affair originates about Miss Wyckham."

GLC02437.00682

to William Knox

Possibly written to William Knox, Henry Knox's brother. Colonel Scollay expresses joy "that the circumstance of settleing [sic] a little delicate matter, whether we should continue the Friendship that has so long & uninterreptedly subsisted between...

GLC02437.00690

[Receipt for provisions]

Receipt to James Richardson, and signed by him. Lists provisions received by Knox during the month of February. Indicates that Knox received bread, flour, beef, pork, rice, soap, and rum. Possibly written from Valley Forge, Pennsylvania; location...

GLC02437.00694

[Receipt for payment of eleven dollars from Samuel Shaw]

Receipt to Samuel Wells, and signed by him. Wells certifies receipt of eleven dollars from Samuel Shaw, Henry Knox's aide-de-camp, "for the expence of going to Bethlehem and bring Genl Knox's Baggage to camp and for having a new Tongue made to the...

GLC02437.00696

[Observations regarding the firing of artillery] [in French]

"Observations sur les causes qui derangement les portees des bombes, & sur les attentions qu'il faut avoir pour les tirer avec succes."

GLC02437.00705

to William Knox

Knox informs his brother that his wife and daughter, both named Lucy, arrived recently at Valley Forge. Notes that General [Benedict] Arnold accompanied Lucy from New Haven, Connecticut. Notes that his guests may not be able to enjoy their...

GLC02437.00706

to William Knox

Discusses matters of business William is tending to in Boston, including a debt and a petition. Writes, "The Enemy have not yet evacuated Philadelphia but we are in hourly expectation of that event. The whole army is under marching orders as soon...

GLC02437.00708

to Lucy Knox

Discusses how important his correspondence with Lucy is and how much it hurts him to urge her to go farther away from him (first to New Haven then to Boston). Speculates on a possible British strategy to extend their conquest into New Jersey, which...

GLC02437.00485

to Henry Knox

Invites Knox to join him for "Dinner to day at 2 o Clock." The year is not given, but has to be 1776 as Knox was a Colonel then.

GLC02437.00531

to Henry Knox

Hopes Henry is thinking of her. Says that she is being inoculated for smallpox, but that a rash on her arm has slowed the process and led the doctor to give her more mercury. Worries about her health but says their daughter is doing quite well....

GLC02437.00572

to Henry Knox

Laments her lonely situation, noting that a recent visitor brought her news of Henry, but no letter from him. Envies the wives of generals able to travel with their husbands: "happy Mrs. Washington happy Mrs Gates in short I do not recollect an...

GLC02437.00602

to Henry Knox

Gives details of marching with an unspecified company, and discusses his recent service at Providence, Rhode Island. Refers to a recent election of representatives, possibly in Boston, Massachusetts. Writes, "My good friend, we are in a very bad...

GLC02437.00604

to Lucy Knox

Knox writes, "the shortness of your two last letters were not very agreable [sic] to me..." Discusses the Battle of Ticonderoga (2-6 July 1777): "We have received... news of the evacuation of Ticonderoga pregnant in my opinion with the most...

GLC02437.00622

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-...

GLC02437.00636

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...

GLC02437.00639