5 May 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Nicholas Eveleigh

Reports that ships loaded with arms have arrived from France. Notes that Lord Cornwallis nearly captured General Benjamin Lincoln, but Lincoln's party escaped. Mentions the capture of Captain Flahaven on 20 April (Knox writes "Flahaen"). Comments on the British attack at Peekskill, New York. Notes that a counterattack by American General Alexander McDougall forced the evacuation of the British. Describes the destruction of stores by the British in Danbury, Connecticut (April 1777) in great detail. Notes that the recent battle is "a pleasing proof that the Yeomanry of America have not…

GLC02437.00587

7 May 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Colonel Henry Jackson recommends Captain Mullens, who carries this letter to Knox. Reports that Mullens is "an Irish gentleman & has been in the French Service for 20 years." Notes that Mullens seeks an appointment, and if he does not receive such he will take command of a company of Jackson's regiment. Writes, "he appears to me to be a very fine Officer & much of a Gentleman."

GLC02437.00588

8 May 1777

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 Massachusetts, and Madam Heath, "who is so stiff it is impossible to be sociable with her."

GLC02437.00589

10 May 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Letter

Title: to John Adams

Later copy. Knox writes to Adams, the Massachusetts representative to Continental Congress. Mentions obtaining cannon cast from the furnace at Salisbury, Massachusetts. Discusses a failed attempt by Colonel Stewart, aide-de-camp to General [Horatio] Gates, to obtain cannon for Ticonderoga, New York. Notes that Congress disapproved of the cannon price, thus Ticonderoga remains without the cannon. Writes, "I sincerely wish that the spirit of enterprise may animate our army; but you well know, my Dear Sir, during the winter past and the most part of the spring, we have had no army to be…

GLC02437.00590

15 May 1777

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that he has not recently written to Henry, his brother, due to a "violent inflamation of my blood, which threw itself into my arms & hands in such a manner as to deprive me of the use of them for some days..." Discusses raising a sum of money pertaining to Colonel Jackson (possibly Henry Jackson).

GLC02437.00592

17 May 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Reports that he is in Peekskill with General [Nathanael] Greene. Asks Lucy why she did not write to him in the last post, declaring, "I write you by every opportunity and expect the same from her who is far dearer to me than life..." Asks about her recovery, possibly referring to her recent bout with smallpox.

GLC02437.00593

17 May 1777

Sweers, Cornelius, fl. 1777

Autograph document signed

Title: [Account of goods for Henry Knox by order of Captain Lieutenant Treat]

Signed by Sweers, commissary of military stores in Philadelphia, who notes that the contents were received in full from Treat. Lists water biscuits, green tea, and other items.

GLC02437.00594

8 May 1777

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written at "Sewal's Point," evidently Sewall's Point, in Brookline, Massachusetts. Their daughter, Lucy, has small pox, and "the poor little soul- is covered from head to foot with it- she has upwards of eaighty [sic] on her sweet face..." Relates that Billy (Knox's brother William) has returned from Providence, Rhode Island. General [Henry] Jackson will begin recruiting troops soon, and General [William] Heath informed Lucy that an order has been issued for Jackson's troops to remain in Boston. Remarks, "the people in Boston are all mad moving out as fast as possible, for fear of genl…

GLC02437.10012

July 1918

Committee on Public Information, 1917–1919

Photograph

Title: "At the grave of Lt. Quentin Roosevelt."

Chaplain Francis P. Duffy conducts a service at the grave of Lt. Quentin Roosevelt, near Chamery, France. Lt. Roosevelt's plane was brought down back of the German lines, July 14, 1918. The American advance brought the spot within American lines a few days later. The Germans had marked the grave with a cross of boughs and an inscription upon a board from the wrecked plane: 'Lt. Roosevelt, American Aviator.'" Stamp of U.S. Committee on Public Information on reverse. A second stamp on back reads: "A.E.F. [American Expeditionary Forces] Passed as Censored."

GLC07002.90

4 September 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: 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 Stark: "Genl Starks Action I think view'g every circumstance stands first in the American War... before this the Enemy were Ravage'g, butcherg and Scalp'g all before them, not a prisoner fell in there Land but was Tomhawk't to Death- now all is quiet with them & we hear nothing of their Scalp'g & c." Relates that [Burgoyne] has possibly…

GLC02437.00647

18 September 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson declares, "...I am sure if we exert ourselves to the Southward & Northward as we ought to do that this Campaign will nearly bring the War to a Close, and establish our Independence." Reports he has heard news that Generals Horatio Gates, Benjamin Lincoln, and Benedict Arnold intend to attack British General John Burgoyne's army (near Saratoga, New York). Discusses growth of militia in the State of Massachusetts, noting "...its said there is the finest body of militia now in the field that wer [sic] ever known..." Mentions that some towns, being unable to raise enough voluntary…

GLC02437.00650

10 October 1777 - 17 September 1779

Manuscript document

Title: A copy of Three Acts of Congress in favor of Silas Talbot

Title from docket. Includes acts for 10 October 1777, 14 November 1778, and 17 September 1779. The first act promotes Talbot to Major for his attempt to set fire to a British ship "and that he be recommended to General Washington for employment agreeable to his Rank." The second act commends Talbot on his capture of the Pigot, a schooner, presenting Talbot with the Commission of Lieutenant Colonel. The third act, on the motion of [Henry] Laurens, commissions Talbot as Captain in the United States Navy.

GLC02437.00656

circa 27-29 October 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: [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 suppose the Europeans will make better soldiers than the Americans, but that habitual discipline to which they are used and in which all their officers are initiated gives them a superiority over us, which nothing but a similar discipline or superior numbers can counterbalance." Discusses the division in Continental troops between northern (…

GLC02437.00660

26 November 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: to George Washington

Penned by Samuel Shaw, with post-script in Knox's hand. Knox answers the question: "... whether it would be advisable to attack the enemies redoubts and the City of Philadelphia by way of storm ... " Knox writes, "I exceedingly lament my want of ability and experience to fill properly the important station in which I am, and am more particularly distressed when such important questions are referred to my decision as those which your Excellency gave us in charge the last evening. The happiness or misery of the People of America may be the consequences of a right or erroneous judgement."…

GLC02437.00667

27 November 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Colonel Jackson writes, "Are you dead or alive- one post after another, and not a line from you-its a Mo since I saw your hand writi'g." Describes his attempts to enlist soldiers. Asks if George Washington would approve if he enlists British General John Burgoyne's men, who are marching through on their way to embark for England following the British defeat at Saratoga. Argues that since Burgoyne's men are neither prisoners nor deserters, he should be able to recruit them. Hopes to obtain a set of bayonet belts based on the English pattern. Reports he will not be able to make it to camp…

GLC02437.00668

1 December 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to George Washington

Offers his opinion as to "the position proper for Winter Quarters." Argues that winter quarters are "indispensably necessary" for Continental troops. Suggests that quarters be established at a distance from the British (who occupy Philadelphia). Writes, "Could a place be found about 30 miles distant from & North or NW of Philadelphia in which it was possible to quarter the troops I should prefer it to a greater distance, or different direction as by it we should be able to cover a greater extent of Country than by taking post at Wilmington ... " Hopes to establish winter quarters in…

GLC02437.00669

3 December 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Washington

Offers Washington his sentiments "upon the advisability of a Winter Campaign and practicability of an attack upon Philadelphia with the aid of a considerable body of Militia asembled [sic] at an appointed time and place ... I think a Winters Campaign under the present circumstances will be the inevitable destruction if not of the Liberties of the Country yet of the present Army ... " Gives his reasons for arguing against a winter campaign, including the Continental Army's lack of suitable clothing, the strength of the British fortified at Philadelphia, and the uncertainty of gathering enough…

GLC02437.00671

1863

Emerick, J. H., fl. 1861-1865

Diary

Title: Wallet dairy.

10 almanac and preface pages + 120 diary pages + 30 memoranda and account pages. Entries include details of working life, war news. NB. No entries from June 22 - July 10. Emerick was ill during this period, with "symptoms of typhus." (Entry for July 11th). Summary of selected entries: 1. 02/27/63. "Hooker gone to Washington tonight." 2. 03/02/63. "Sent rep. To Phila. Inquirer tonight. Not much for news. The rebels are reported as doing some damage with our ram "Queen of the West." Large force of rebels reported in vicinity of Bull Run range." 3. 04/10/63. "Rebel Report of our attack…

GLC06738.03

1865

Emerick, J. H., fl. 1861-1865

Diary

Title: Pocket diary

14 prefatory and almanac pages + 170 diary pages + 32 memoranda and account pages. NB. Missing: pages for December 15 -31. No entries: August 28 - September 1; September 3 - 17; September 24 - October 13; October 16 - November 11; November 15 - December 14, excepting a sum on November 21st and the word "very" on December 13. Summary of selected entries 1. 01/05/65. Commander Melander and other officers of the Swedish navy arrive to visit the Army of the Potomac. 2. 01/27/65. General Grant goes south "to Savannah or Ft. Fisher or both." Also, message from Major E. re. O'Brien being…

GLC06738.05

1865 June

Gardner, Alexander, 1821-1882

Photograph

Title: Military Telegraph Operators in Richmond.

Negative by T.H.O. Sullivan; positive by Alex Gardner, 511 Seventh Street, Washington. 11 men grouped between pine trees in front of two tents. Seven of the men sit on chairs, while four stand behind them. A small dog occupies a director's stool at the left of the picture. The men have been identified as: (left to right) 1. Dennis Doren, Superintendent of construction. 2. L. D. McCandless. 3. Charles Bart. 4. Thomas Morrison. 5. James B. Norris. 6. James Caldwell. 7. A. Harper Caldwell, chief cipher operator. 8. Maynard A. Huyck. 9. Dennis Palmer. 10. J. H. Emerick. 11. James H. Nichols.

GLC06738.07

1858/05/17

Whittingham, William Rollinson, fl. 1858

Document signed

Title: Catholic confirmation certificate of John R. Meigs.

GLC07059.01

1860/01/21

Floyd, John Buchanan, 1806-1863

Document signed

Title: [Appointment belonging to Meigs]

Appointment of Meigs as a cadet.

GLC07059.04

1862

Johnson, Fry, & Co., fl. 1825-1873

Engraving

Title: [Print of George Clinton]

Depicts General George Clinton standing next to a bayonet, cannon, and cannon balls. Another soldier stands in the background, with his back to Clinton. The backdrop appears to portray the Hudson River Valley. A printed notation states "From the original painting by Chappel in the possession of the publishers."

GLC01450.623.02

13 April 1783

Barry, John, 1745-1803

Autograph document signed

Title: [Certificate of discharge for Jonathan Mury]

Barry, Captain of the frigate Alliance, states that Mury served on board the ship 6 December 1781- 13 April 1783. Discharges Mury, stating that he is eligible for prize money. Contains several dockets.

GLC01450.655.01

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