11 March 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the sale of the "Eastern lands." Relates the membership of the committee chosen to represent Massachusetts at the Society of the Cincinnati meeting in May (members include General [Rufus] Putnam and Doctor [William] Eustis). Mentions petitioning the General Court of Massachusetts for funds to support the troops and provide uniforms. Asks about specifics concerning the uniforms, such as whether or not swords should be hung at the waist or from the shoulder, what officer rank should have each style of epaulette, or this length or amount of bullion fringe. Includes a small sketch of…

GLC02437.03489

14 March 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses his efforts to secure clothing for the troops. Mentions that alterations will need to be made to the knapsacks. Wants to procure "new bayonet belts to wear over the shoulder, this will be a great addition to the appearance of the Men."

GLC02437.03492

11 December 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he is having difficulties with the "subscription," apparently being unable to raise even one shilling since writing his last letter. Complains about the carelessness with which the subscription paper is left around, and mentions that several "Rich men" still have not paid. Provides a list of the people who paid, and the amount they paid. Suggests that Knox asks some of their associates, such as Mr. [Samuel] Higginson and Mr. [Samuel] Breck, to lobby for subscriptions where they live. Writes that if he had known Knox was too short of funds to help his recruiting efforts, he…

GLC02437.03371

5 August 1781

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Letter signed

Title: to Joseph Woodbridge

Negotiates for credit to purchase a cannon for the Continental Army. With a presentation note on page three dated 17 April 1844 from Sheldon Woodbridge to H. A. Sheldon (signed by Woodbridge).

GLC06427

3 September 1781

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Letter signed

Title: to Joseph Woodbridge

Indicates that he has referred Woodbridge's letter about finalizing a cannon purchase to Robert Morris because he (Washington) has to march southward (for the Yorktown campaign). See also GLC06427 on the cannon purchase.

GLC06428

6 April 1797

Pickering, Timothy, 1745-1829

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rufus King

References many letters he has received from King and others. Pickering writes as Secretary of State to King as American Minister to Britain. Expresses anger at the French Directory over exclusion of American representatives in XYZ affair. Says French seizures of American ships has taken on a systematic quality. Says there is "one consolation, that they have weaned us from our undue attachment to France." Claims sentiments in America are turning against the French Revolution after recent events. Mentions the scandal with Ira Allen of Vermont, Ethan Allen's younger brother. Ira Allen…

GLC06652

13 June 1861

Wadsworth, James S., 1807-1864

Autograph endorsement signed

Title: [Endorsement of the creation of Berdan's sharpshooters]

Wadsworth endorses s clerical copy of a letter from Major General Nathaniel P. Banks to Secretary of War Simon Cameron, with his own approval of the establishment of "Berdan's Sharpshooters." Banks recommends that "the Rifle shooters what Mr. Berdan proposes to organize" be made part of the military, and Wadsworth adds, "I entirely concur in the above - especially in view of the mode of warfare adopted by the rebels."

GLC06585

7 July 1778

Sullivan, John, 1740-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Langdon

General Sullivan discusses the Battle of Monmouth based on information he received from Major Talbot. Referring to the 28 June 1778 battle between Generals George Washington and Henry Clinton, states "about ten in the forenoon General Washington with the Front of his Army Amounting to nearly one half his numbers came up with the Rear of the British Army Consisting of nearly one half their force which was Commanded by General Clinton ... a severe Action immediately Commenced which Lasted well near four in the Afternoon where victory Declared in Favor of the American Army." States that the…

GLC06521

27 August 1780- 24 October 1780

Manuscript document

Title: [Copy of orders from the camp of General George Weedon]

Mentions Colonel Febigen and Captains Lovely and Richardson. Discusses a survey of commissaries' stores, in which barrels of salt fish were deemed unfit for consumption. Refers to court martials, the trial of prisoners, and the prevention of embezzlement from a store of arms (6 September). Provides a list of several persons charged with desertion, and describes the proceedings of their court martial (8 September). Discusses the command of local drafts (27 September, 1 October).

GLC06499

February 1, 1777

Whipple, William, 1730-1785

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Langdon

Whipple, chairman of the Marine Committee in the Continental Congress, discusses various military and business matters with Langdon, a agent for the Continental Navy. Mentions Miss Wharton. Discusses money submitted to Langdon by the Marine Committee, including a sum transmitted to Langdon by Colonel Bartlett (possibly Continental Congressman Josiah Bartlett). Refers to Mr. Henderson and Mr. [Betten?], who delivered money from Whipple to Langdon. Mentions a ship Langdon was fitting as a result of Mr. Livingston's orders (possibly referring to Continental Congressman Robert Livingston…

GLC06520

14 March 1780

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Letter signed

Title: to Daniel Brodhead

General Washington refers to previous correspondence with General Brodhead, known for leading several military expeditions against Native Americans. Writes that a previously mentioned expedition "against the Natches and the English settlements upon the Mississippi, is now at an end, the Spaniards having already possessed those Posts." Instructs Brodhead not to attack the British force at Detroit, but states "if you think yourself competent to an excursion against any of the hostile tribes of Indians, you are at liberty, as I have mentioned ... to undertake it." Orders Brodhead to supply…

GLC06690

7 November 1776

Whipple, William, 1730-1785

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Langdon

Docketed by Langdon on verso. Reporting on the difficulties supplying the army and navy, military plans, and the mood in Congress. Mentions a shipment of guns with defects. Comments on officer promotions. Mentions the Marine Committee's answer to a letter from the Committee of Providence. Mentions the petition of an officer to be "Releavd," which he describes as a "Petition for a Public Body to break their own Genl: Rules." He doubts it will pass but states that he will render assistance. Discusses clothing the troops, who he finds "in good spirit" though "almost naked." Doubts the…

GLC06692

30 September 1860

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Writes that seven confederate spies have been caught and are being held in the guardhouse. Reports that General Fremont has left to cut off reinforcements from Price and McCulloch at Lexington. Writes that he is at the location where Col. Franz Sigel retreated to during the Springfield battle in August. Also writes that his company passed up an offer to receive new rifles so they were given old ones instead. Describes other conditions of camp and the surrounding land. Written at Camp Rolla

GLC06728.002

17 July 1782

Hodgdon, Samuel, 1745-1824

Manuscript document

Title: Extract of a letter from Samuel Hodgdon Esqr. C.G.M.S. to Henry Demler at the QM Genls. office

Samuel Hodgdon, the Commissary General Military Stores, writes, "Inclosed you have an order on Mr. [John] Ruddock for a Load of Muskets, to be brought by a returning waggon which getts out from this city to day - and as arms can never come amiss, should be glad to have a load as often as circumstances will permit - and for the delivery when opportunities present, you will produce this Letter which Shall be confidenced as a Standing order until revoked."

GLC02437.01492

29 March 1783

Fleming, George, 1748-1822

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he has now taken command of the posts from Captain [Ephraim] Fenno. Describes the condition of the arms, stores, guns and gunpowder in the magazine there. Notes that a number of the paper cartridges have been damaged and the magazine is unfit to store powder in. (See GLC02437.04043 for Knox's reply to this letter.)

GLC02437.02040

25 April 1798

Flucker, George Francis Waldo, fl. 1796-1801

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to his uncle, Henry Knox, forwarding his accounts that he paid with the money Knox sent him. Also asks Knox to send him a pair of pistols which he will pay for right away. Creator could possibly be George Francis Waldo Flucker, more often referred to as just Francis.

GLC02437.07120

February 22, 1787

Willcox, Joseph, fl. 1775-1787

Autograph document signed

Title: [Receipt for weapons and ammunition]

Receipt for muskets, flint, cartridges, etc. for David Humphreys' regiment.

GLC02437.03464

22 June 1782

Crane, John, 1744-1805

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Encloses a return of firearm stores Knox asked for (see GLC02437.01461). Specifies the amount without bayonets, but says they can be fitted with them if necessary, and likewise mentions that the damaged ones can be fixed.

GLC02437.01463

31 August 1848

Thomas, George Henry, 1816-1870

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John W. Thomas

Writes to his brother about the dwindling army of occupation, as the war had ended in February. Assures his brother that he will assist in relocating the family to Norfolk. Plans on being discharged soon but will apply for a furlough in October in hopes of seeing everyone for Christmas. Hopes he will not have a hero's welcome when he visits his family and friends and says being presented with a sword by his hometown was enough. Adds that there are conflicting ideas about whether the Mexican peace will last but does not care as long as he can leave "this vile country."

GLC05520

9 December 1758

Pitt, William, Earl of Chatham, 1708-1778

Letter signed

Title: to Stephen Hopkins

Addressed to Governor Hopkins "& Compy of Rhode Island." Relays requests and information on a planned invasion of Canada during the French and Indian War. Describes the rationale for the invasion to carry "War into the heart of the enemy's possessions" and orders that troops be raised. Specifies that the troops should rendezvous at Albany, New York, and be prepared to begin the invasion by 1 May 1759. Outlines the general plans for the invasion. Grants authority to issue commissions and indicates that the King will provide arms and supplies, but the Provinces must supply "…

GLC05562

23 March 1872

Kingsley, Charles, fl. 1872

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Kingsley disagrees with his correspondent's optimistic outlook on the world situation. He cites the increases in armaments and the re-extension of Papal power (after the first Vatican Council) in "our once Protestant and fruitful land" as reasons for his pessimistic view about the future. He fortifies himself with faith that God has ultimate control and wishes for Christ's return.

GLC05508.160

7 December 1759

Ellis, Henry, 1721-1806

Header Record

Title: Two Henry Ellis letters pertaining to illicit trade with the Cherokee [Decimalized]

GLC05228

29 May 1800

McHenry, James, 1753-1816

Letter signed

Title: [Report on Department of War to the successor of James McHenry]

Written shortly after McHenry's resignation as Secretary of War on 13 May 1800. McHenry wrote this report to his successor. He offered his resignation to President John Adams after an angry Adams accused him of working behind the scenes with Alexander Hamilton. Adams eventually selected Massachusetts Senator Samuel Dexter to the post. Report details instructions for the Provisional Army, created in the face of French aggression in 1798. McHenry, attempting to facilitate a smooth transition, touches upon many subjects important to the War Department. These include: logistics of clothing and…

GLC05230

21 November 1862- 2 December 1862

Smith, Gustavus Woodson, 1821-1896

Letterbook

Title: [Nine letters (from letterbook) written by General Gustavus Woodson Smith]

Written while Smith was commander of defenses at Richmond (expanded to become the Department of Virginia and North Carolina). Contains a dispatch from Smith to the officer in command of Fredericksburg, Virginia dated 21 November 1862, stating that the Mayor of Fredericksburg telegraphed Smith the news that Fredericksburg is to be shelled the following day. Smith asks if he should send cars for the removal of women and children. Contains a letter from Smith to General William H. C. Whiting at Wilmington, North Carolina (21 November), assuring Whiting that everything practicable will be done…

GLC05469

27 July 1794

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Burgess Ball

President Washington discusses the construction of a tilt hammer. Relates that the United States Government may be interested in purchasing a tract of land from Ball, upon which to establish an arsenal. Discusses the character of Hyland Crow, who served as an overseer on Washington's Union Farm after Washington left to serve as President in 1789. Notes that if Ball hires Crow as an overseer on his own farm, he must be strict. Praises Crow's understanding of the farming business, but also received frequent reports of Crow's hasty temper, ill treatment, and frequent absence from his post.…

GLC05287