15 September 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Would have written to Knox sooner, but was obliged to attend the execution of a man who had deserted from his regiment. Writes, "...he was Shot at the Bottom of the Common, it is supprise'g how the people minds are alter'd about this matter from what it was when the British Troops were here- every one cry'g out a deserter ought to die..." Mentions a British naval prize taken by a privateer and brought to Newburyport, Massachusetts. Describes a matter between the Tartar, an American ship, and a twenty-gun British ship. Expects news from the Northward (northern New York), where American…

GLC02437.00649

24 September 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Lucy Knox [incomplete]

Reports that in a previous letter to Lucy, he gave an account of the Battle of Brandywine. Relates that his army came in sight of the enemy, when a pouring rain ruined their cartridges. Describes how his army followed the British from across the Schuylkill River, and the British eluded them, intending to enter Philadelphia: "They have declin'd to combat our army and have taken possession of the prize for which we both contended." Reports that American Generals [Anthony] Wayne and [William] Smallwood were attacked on 20 September (later known as the Battle of Paoli or the Paoli Massacre).…

GLC02437.00652

3 October 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Jackson

Reports that nothing has changed since 23 September, when he previously wrote, and that the British still have possession of Philadelphia. Relates that the Delaware frigate was recently lost to the British. Recently received militia reinforcement. Has received news from the north (possibly referring to the Battle of Freeman's Farm, 19 September 1777). Regarding the reports, comments: "...if this news should be followed by the probable consequences We may yet conclude the Campaign if not the War most happily..."

GLC02437.00653

29 October 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Discusses the attack by Hessian Colonel Count Carl von Donop against a redoubt at Red Bank, the site of Fort Mercer, along the Delaware River below Camden, New Jersey. Notes that Colonel Greene, from Rhode Island, defended the redoubt, and even wounded Count Donop. Also describes the British attack on Fort Mifflin, in Philadelphia. Writes, "if the enemy do not get possession of the river they cannot stay in Philadelphia with any ease- their convoys will be liable to be cut off & they blockaded..." Reports that "Billey," his brother William Knox, is doing well.

GLC02437.00661

3 November 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Knox worries because Lucy has not recently written to him. Reports receipt of a letter from "Harry," (Colonel Henry Jackson, also in Boston). Expresses discontent regarding the high price of goods Jackson reported in Boston. Refers to the "glorious event to the northward," John Burgoyne's surrender at Saratoga, New York. Writes, "We are waiting for some favorable opportunity to give [the British] another blow & if possible to dispossess them of the redoubted city of Philadelphia- The enemy have not yet been able to drive our Gallies away or storm or…

GLC02437.00662

14 November 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Expresses his love for Lucy. Describes the British capture of Fort Mifflin, on the Delaware River near Philadelphia. Relates that Mifflin withstood fire for fifty days. Laments the loss of Captain Treat (Samuel Treat), who was hit by a cannonball. Intends to try to prevent the British from bringing their men-of-war (ships) to Philadelphia via the Delaware.

GLC02437.00665

19-24 December 1777

Tiffin, William, fl. 1777

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Proof of British powder]

Written at Turtle Bay near New York. Chart recording the result of proofing [testing] of British powder and powder captured by the British. Includes names of prizes from which powder was taken and the capturing vessels. Signed twice by William Tiffin, Captain of the Royal Regiment of Artillery.

GLC02437.00674

1859

Wood, William W.W., ?-1882

Autograph manuscript signed

Title: General Orders for the Engineers Department of the U.S.S. Sloop "Lancaster"

The General Orders includes 7 articles regarding duties assigned according to rank, 19 articles on day-to-day operations and procedures, and orders while "In Port," "At Sea - Steaming," "At Sea - Not Steaming," "Coming to," "Loading Ship," and orders regarding "Lights." Signed on docket by Wood, Chief Engineer. Wood, a pioneer of the steam Navy, oversaw construction of the Merrimac. He later served as engineer and Chief of the Navy and reached the rank of commodore.

GLC01896.025

August 29, 1859

City, George W., fl. 1859-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Edward Richard Archer

Thanks and praise from the Chief Engineer to Archer for his good service while working together. "It affords me great pleasure to be able to state that...the assistance you so cheerfully rendered at all times, your high professional attainments evinced, your unquestionably moral character and thoroughly correct deportment in all respects have merited not only my highest approbation but a sincere wish for your speedy promotion."

GLC01896.030

August 29, 1859

Semmes, Alexander, 1825-1885

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Edward Richard Archer

Praise from a lieutenant serving on the steamer "Soeyman" for Archer for his good service. "It gives me pleasure to State that your correct department, your qualifications for, and attention to, your duties during the time & over three months you have been under my command, were such as to merit my highest approbation." Semmes was a cousin of Confederate naval hero Raphael Semmes. Alexander Semmes stayed loyal to the Union, commanding vessels in the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron throughout the war. He was promoted to captain in 1873. Semmes was with the East Indian Squadron at the…

GLC01896.031

April 27, 1860

City, George W., fl. 1859-1878

Letter

Title: to J.B. Montgomery

To Flag Officer J.B. Montgomery, Commanding Pacific Squadron. Requesting letters of recommendation needed by Assistant Engineers Archer, City, and Dungan to present to the Board of Examining Engineers for promotions. According to an Act of Congress, a letter of recommendation is needed from the ship's commander that the assistant engineer served on when going before the board. However, such a letter was not possible due to the sudden detachment from the U.S.S. Frigate "Roanoke" at Boston which the three assistants had served on until that time. Indicates on the upper left hand corner that…

GLC01896.033

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

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

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

May 23, 1865

Farragut, Virginia L., fl. 1860-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [Roberta Jeffery]

The release of Roberta's brother, William, who is being detained as a prisoner of war at Fort Delaware. Virginia informs Roberta that, upon receiving a letter from William, Admiral Farragut addressed a letter to the commanding officer at Fort Delaware for his immediate release. The process is being delayed, however, by the lack of cooperation from Federal officers. Virginia talks about her great sadness due to the course of the war but expresses great relief that her family was safe--"...God had blessed us in every way, so mercifully protecting my husband and son from "shell and shot"..."…

GLC01896.075

10 October 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Expresses disappointment with not receiving a letter from William, but writes this letter for both William and Henry Jackson. Discusses being recalled from New Jersey in response to sightings of British ships. Tells William to not give credit to reports that an American garrison has been taken, because it has not be verified. Comments on cannons he is getting for Henry Jackson to be mounted on a privateer. Mentions that Lucy Knox and their daughter visited briefly. Composed at Mount Washington.

GLC02437.00472

7 November 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: William Knox

Was worried to hear from Henry Jackson that William had gone aboard a ship going to confront the British ship the Mifford. Notes that after pursuing the Continental Army to White Plains, the British have turned back toward New York and Knox speculates that they intend to besiege Fort Washington and then pass to New Jersey and possible Philadelphia. Believes Fort Washington could withstand a two or three month siege. Notes that the Hessians and the British "plunder all before them." Instructs William to pick Lucy Knox up from New Haven, Connecticut, if she wants to winter in Boston. A…

GLC02437.00483

2 October 1776

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Explains why he has not written recently. Reacts to Knox's account of Major Thomas Henley's death in a failed surprise attack against the British on Randall's Island. Notes that he has published accounts Knox requested. Indicates that Bostonians are "much alarm'd, about the burn'g, hang'g & cut'g the throats of some of our people..." Discusses the appointments, resignations, and selection of several officers. Reports the capture of a British vessel with light horse on board.

GLC02437.00466

10 October 1776

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Laments the loss of Bergen Point, New Jersey, as well as any other easy victory by the British because it lifts their spirits and emboldens them. It also discourages the Americans. Wants there to be no more works built that cannot be properly defended. Discusses several prizes taken by privateers and the supplies seized. Also relates news from London papers that were aboard one of the ships. Discusses a ship his is outfitting and inquires again about the guns he requested from Knox. Mentions the marriage of Ebenezer Oliver to Sucky (Susanna) Johonnet.

GLC02437.00474