11 July 1776

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Gives his sister-in-law news of her friends in Halifax. Also gives news of Lucy's mother and father, who were separated from each other at the time. Indicates that Lucy's mother is well, although she is in a smaller house than she desires. Reports that many Tories in Halifax have not gone to England because they are confident that General William Howe will suppress the Continental Army. Reports that some Scotsman have gone to Quebec with their possessions. Discusses smallpox inoculation and local laws passed to prevent further outbreaks. Notes that two British ships have been captured by…

GLC02437.00368

11 July 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Responds to Lucy's most recent letter (see GLC02437.00364), discussing her hasty departure from New York. Henry is upset by her distress. He reiterates that he did not want her in New York before something decisive occurred in the war. In response to her complaint that Nathanael Greene's wife returned to New York, he explains that General Greene did not want her there for the same reasons and had just sent her to Newark and she will later go to either Fairfield or Providence. Comments that if Mrs. Pollard comes to New York, she will distract her husband Jonathan Pollard, Knox's quarter…

GLC02437.00369

11 July 1776

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses Scottish (Highlanders) attempts to "purchase Conquer'd Lands." Describes Scottish prisoners as saucy because they call the country people rebels and say they will later be able to sieze their farms. Explains news that Colonel Archibald Campbell, a British officer from Scotland who was then a prisoner, suspiciously purchased a rifle dress. Jackson holds Campbell in a high esteem. Comments on the ships whose recent capture was decribed in an earlier letter (see GLC02437.00343). Says that one of the ships will be refitted and sailed to England "to see if she cant take some East…

GLC02437.00370

13 July 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Henry is upset that Lucy is taking others advice over his and reiterates his recommendation for her to go to Fairfield or New Haven immediately. Mentions various people going to New Haven who Lucy could meet up with. Discusses the British attack of New York the previous day. Knox lost six men in an accident, which he casts as a learning experience for the others, who will learn "to moderate their fiery courage." After the attack the British ships sailed north to Tappan Bay, near Tarrytown New York. Knox will send…

GLC02437.00372

9 October 1782

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a variety of business concerns with Knox regarding Knox's investments with the Government, and asks for his opinion on how to handle certain matters. Mentions that he and Colonel Hatch are planning to send to Knox possessions of his brother William Knox's, which have been in the possession of Mr. [Joshua] Loring while William has been in Europe. Relates that the appraisers living on a limerock farm that Knox is interested in are having difficulty conducting their appraisal due to the presence of the enemy. Discusses the recent death of a Treasurer Gardner and the candidates who…

GLC02437.01654

January 14, 1799

Russell, Charles C., fl. 1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Russell thanks Knox for writing to Secretary of Navy Benjamin Stoddert on his behalf. Stoddert said he did not know that Captain Nicholson "should take on himself the right to retain the Lieutenants Commissions, only to Midshipman and petty officers."

GLC02437.07224

circa 1783-1795

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Randall

Informs Randall there are no vacancies for a captain's position at the present time in the United States "Naval line" [likely referring to the Navy]. Suggests Randall pursues his commercial interests.

GLC02437.09900

2 December 1796

Hodgdon, Samuel, 1745-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports of a possible business venture in a foreign island (name is illegible, but it may be "Curacao"). According to the Consul there, the island is in great need of lumber for spars and masts, which Knox is selling. Encourages him to pursue the opportunity.

GLC02437.06875

1809

Book

Title: The Interesting Life, Travels, Voyages, and Daring Engagements of the Celebrated Paul Jones

Paul Jones was Commodore in the American Navy during the late Revolutionary War. The book contains "numerous anecdotes of undaunted courage, in the production of his undertakings." The book was printed by N. Elliot, and published by William E. Norman.

GLC03107.05325

12 December 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Jean Baptiste Vigoureuse Du Plessis

Was sorry to hear about Du Plessis' illness. Worries about the situation in Europe, notes that the "patriotic party appear to be humbled to the dust." Hears about an "impending War between France & England our wishes are decisively in favor of France." Writes that he has written to Count D'Estaing and Count de Rochambeau for a list of the officers of the royal Army and Navy of France that are members of the Society of the Cincinnati in order to execute their diplomas. Noted as a copy with the docket written in French.

GLC02437.03722

8 June 1794

Maunsell, John, fl. 1724-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions the French Navy has been cruising on the American coast. Discusses the recent discoveryby his brother, a man of science, in potato cultures. Informs Knox his brother [William Maunsell] sent a packet that explains the discovery, which he is forwarding to Knox. Requests Knox presents this packet to President George Washington. Comments he would like to hear what the president's opinion was on the matter. See GLC02437.06066 for further information on William Maunsell's letter to John Maunsell explaining his discovery.

GLC02437.06114

1 September 1790

Maunsell, John, fl. 1724-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox he wrote his last letter to Knox on 4 August 1790. Says he has been holed up at home due to a sprained leg. Describes the military buildup of both the British and the Spanish navies. Is not sure what will happen when these ships meet, but speculates they will, "like ladies, courtesy to each other, turn tail to tail, and go home again." Relates that some people think this standoff is meant "to have some influence on the French Revolution, or the disturbed politicks of Europe." Comments on and laments the decision to move the government to Philadelphia for ten years. Asks Knox…

GLC02437.04710

16 April 1792

Maunsell, John, fl. 1724-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to introduce Knox to the bearer, Captain Spry of the British Navy. Spry has traveled aboard the ship that carried the February mail, and plans to visit Philadelphia. Explains his positive qualities. Sends his respects to Mrs. Knox and Mrs. [Sarah Lyons] Flucker, Lucy Knox's sister-in-law. Suggests Knox introduce Spry to Mrs. Flucker.

GLC02437.05416

28 December 1798

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Nicholson

Knox writes Nicholson regarding "the circumstance of Mr. Russel and Mr. Amory" who left his ship (the Constitution) because they did not receive commissions. Knox has told them to return and be obedient, but also suggests to Nicholson that once they are all far out at sea to give them their commissions "in a handsome manner." It will surely boost Nicholson's reputation in town.

GLC02437.07215

8 September 1783

Pickering, Timothy, 1745-1829

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the maintenance of "the great chain" and whether the military should sell it, as they are in need of funds at the moment.

GLC02437.02481

20 October 1794

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox he did not receive the receipt on Palmer's note. Discusses a financial matter regarding when payments are to be made. Recommends a young man for a position in the Navy. Letter is marked as private.

GLC02437.06227

13 March 1800

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Peirce has spoken with "[Master] Flucker" about their business. Say that a vessel "is advancing for Liverpool but is not yet begun to load." Peirce says, "I mention this for your Government."

GLC02437.07376

1857

Simpson, Edward, 1824-1888

Autograph manuscript signed

Title: Journal of a cruise in the U.S.S. Portsmouth on the East India station, A. H. Foote Esqre commander, book II.

Calf cover. Excerpts: [11 April 1857] "Got underway at 8 A.M. Dipped colors to Commodore - Cleared down royals to English Admiral, he dipped his colors, we lowered ours. Got to sea by 'Lentoo Channel' [4 May 1857] "…Heard of the case of the Henrietta Maria. She was found at sea by the 'Coeur de Lion,' she had no captain, register, or navigator; no satisfactory account could be given since she had left Macao …It is thought that there must have been a mutiny on board … [5 May 1857] "…Captain Foote called on the Governor (Blundell) familiarly called Blundering Blundell from his…

GLC05911.02.02

1873

Simpson, Edward, 1824-1888

Manuscript

Title: Report on a naval mission to Europe, especially devoted to the material and construction of artillery. Volume I

Gilt decoration (United States Navy Bureau of Ordnance) on front cover and blind stamped on back. Title in gilt on spine.

GLC05911.17

1873

Simpson, Edward, 1824-1888

Manuscript

Title: Report on a naval mission to Europe, especially devoted to the material and construction of artillery. Volume II

Gilt decoration (United States Navy Bureau of Ordnance) on front cover and blind stamped on back. Title in gilt on spine.

GLC05911.18

January 28, 1840-June 28, 1840

Simpson, Edward, 1824-1888

Autograph manuscript signed

Title: Journal of a Cruise of the United States Sloop of War Decatur

A look at the journey of the USS Decatur, commanded by Henry W. Ogden with a crew of sixteen officers and sailors. Information contained includes a daily account of winds, sea conditions, supplies, charts, bearings, etc. The Decatur sailed from New York on 16 March 1840 for duty with the Brazil Squadron. Quarter calf binding and corners, red "mottled" boards.

GLC05911.01

1856-1857

Simpson, Edward, 1824-1888

Autograph manuscript signed

Title: Journal of a cruise in the U.S.S. Portsmouth on the East Indian station. A. H. Foote Esq. commander book I.

Calf cover. As part of the East Indian Squadron, the U.S.S. Portsmouth, under the command of Andrew Hull Foote, was ordered to observe British operations against Canton, China during the Second Opium War (1856-60) and to protect American interests there. On 16 November, 1856, Foote and a landing party were returning to the ship when they were fired on by Chinese shore batteries, despite prior promises of safe passage. The shots fell short, but Foote determined to retaliate. On 20-21 November, he led a landing party that quickly seized the Cantonese barrier forts. The action was both a…

GLC05911.02.01

1857-1858

Simpson, Edward, 1824-1888

Autograph manuscript signed

Title: Journal of a cruise in the U.S.S. Portsmouth on the East India station, A. H. Foote Esqre commander, book III.

Calf cover. Refit at the Norfolk, VA Navy Yard completed on 26 April 1856. Covers U.S. activity in Asia, cruises to Hawaii, Hong Kong, China, attacks on the Barrier Forts and the second visit to Japan by an American ship. Excerpts: [21 September 1857] Continues from GLC05911.02.02. Argument between Capt. Foote and governor of Hakodadi over supplying the ships. "It was all a miserable attempt on the part of the Governor to keep us out of an article of the treaty by which he hoped to gain credit with the government at Yeddo." [25 September 1857] "I took a look to-day (only for a…

GLC05911.02.03

1862

Simpson, Edward, 1824-1888

Autograph manuscript

Title: Captain's letter book. Reports, letters and orders, U.S. practice ship John Adams.

The John Adams was a training ship for midshipmen at the Naval Academy. As such, the daily orders have many references to extra duties and "watch" dealt out as punishment for minor ("smoking", "for not having hammocks up in time") and more serious ("throwing salt cellar at sevt", "kicking a servant") offenses. The John Adams returned to New York in January 1862 after operations in the Pacific and Far East. She was then sent to Newport, Rhode Island, the wartime location of the Naval Academy, to serve as a training ship midshipmen. In mid-1863, she joined the South Atlantic Blockading…

GLC05911.03

20 July 1863-15 May 1864

Simpson, Edward, 1824-1888

Diary

Title: Diary of Lt. Commander Edward Simpson

Diary of captaincy of the "Submarine Battery 'Passaic'". Details attacks upon Charleston, Fort Moultrie and Battery Gregg; inner workings of a Monitor and intraservice rivalries. Quarter calf, marbled boards, pencil loops. The USS Passaic, one of a series of single-turret ironclad gunships designed by John Ericsson, was commissioned in November of 1862 and assigned to the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. She saw action at Fort McAllister in March of 1863 and at Fort Sumter in April of that year. Following the latter engagement, she was sent to New York for repairs and command was…

GLC05911.04