20 October - 15 November 1777

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph manuscript

Title: [Journal of William Ellery's journey from Dighton, Massachusetts, to Yorktown, Pennsylvania]

Discusses British General John Burgoyne's surrender at Saratoga and meetings with Generals Oliver Wolcott and Israel Putnam, and with Members of the Continental Congress Francis Dana, John Hancock, John Adams, and Samuel Adams. Includes allusions to Cervantes' "Don Quixote" and Laurence Sterne's "The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman."

GLC00107.02

June 28, 1778-July 23, 1778

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph manuscript

Title: [Journal of William Ellery's journey from Pennsylvania to Massachusetts]

Discusses his travels through Eastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Princeton, New Jersey, southern New York State, Connecticut, Providence, Rhode Island, and Massachusettes. Describes the defeat of Sir Henry Clinton at the Battle of Monmouth and speaks of Philadelphia's mood after its liberation. Mentions Elbridge Gerry and Francis Dana, members of the Continental Congress. Item in original brown wrappers fastened with a pin.

GLC00107.03

24 October 1778 - 14 July 1779

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph manuscript

Title: [Journal of William Ellery's journey from Dighton, Massachusetts, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]

Discusses travels through Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania and Philadelphia. Describes preparations for Independence day in Philadelphia on the day of his departure (3 July 1779) and reports news of British marauding on the Connecticut coastline. Details his expenses as a Member of Congress. Note in Ellery's hand on back cover reads: "Mr. William Redwood of Philadelphia joined me at Providence in his way home." Item includes original sewing in margin.

GLC00107.04

November 10, 1779 - April 15, 1780

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph manuscript

Title: [Journal of William Ellery's journey from Cranston, Rhode Island, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]

Discusses his travels through Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The bulk of the journal records the journey from Rhode Island to Philadelphia. Discusses a debate about blood chemistry and other medical matters that he provoked between Dr. Graham of Westbury and Thomas Tillotson, the Surgeon General of the Northern Department. Mentions a letter discovered on the road, which speaks of the forthcoming British evacuation of New York. Details his expenses as a Member of Congress.

GLC00107.05

October 8, 1781

McKean, Thomas, 1734-1817

Letter signed

Title: to Joseph Reed

Written by McKean, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, as President of the Confederation Congress to Reed as President of the supreme executive council in Pennsylvania. Says that Brigadier General William Irvine (McKean has written Irwine) sets out tomorrow to take command of Fort Pitt and might need the assistance of the local militia. Sends along a copy of Irvine's instructions (not included here). Says he "rests assured" that every measure of support will be given to Irvine by the militia. Written 11 days before the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown.

GLC00131

29 October 1780

Lewis, Francis, 1713-1803

Document signed

Title: to John Brown

[Title continued] for frigate "Confederacy" and ship "Saratoga." Co-signed by William Ellery. re: authorization of payment for beef

GLC00184.27

September 28, 1776

Penn, John, 1741-1788

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Johnson

Penn writes of his wish that France and Spain would join in fighting Britain and mentions French and Spanish warships. He concludes that "we have too many officers who are not fit even to act as common soldiers in that they have not one spark of honour."

GLC00184.38

October 3, 1780

Hand, Edward, 1744-1802

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Kitty Hand

Writes to his wife that he hopes he can alleviate her distressing situation soon. Informs her of the treason of Benedict Arnold and the hanging of the British spy, John Andre. "A few days ago Gen Arnold detected in his views of Betraying the Garrison of West Point & its dependencies into the hands of the Enemy, deserted to them leaving Major Andre Adjt. Genl. to the British Army to pay the forfeiture that should have falen on the traitor--Andre was yesterday Hanged as a Spy." Mentions the weather being warm in July and August and states that the army is still remarkably healthy. Talks…

GLC00189

April 21, 1777

Bartlett, Josiah, 1729-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Whipple

Discusses various Tory conspiracies, such as counterfeiting currency (to cause inflation) and spreading smallpox. Describes the difficulties of recruiting sufficient men for the army. Notes that many men have marched to Ticonderoga. Postscript dated April 22, 1777 mentions the arrival of a French ship. Bartlett represented New Hampshire in the Continental Congress.

GLC00193

February 15, 1777

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Nicholas Cooke

William Ellery voices concern about the financing of the national debt and the issuance of paper money. He has found in Congress some interest in naval defense. The American army is at Morristown and the British army is at Brunswick. There have been skirmishes. In one, the Americans would have defeated the enemy if not for the cowardice of Colonel Buckner, possibly Mordecai Buckner of Virginia. In another, the Colonial Commandant of the British was killed. Comments that their army on the east side of the Hudson has had to retire to White Plains because of the inclement weather. Comments on a…

GLC00202

August 5, 1780

Humphreys, David, 1752-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jeremiah Wadsworth

David Humphreys encloses a paper (not included) that explains the reasons for the recent movements of both the British and Continental armies during the Revolutionary War. He also encloses a sketch of the order of battle (not included) for the Continental troops. He mentions that Major General Benedict Arnold has been appointed to the command of West Point. Lord Stirling succeeds to the left wing. He has heard that the militia of North Carolina has taken down 60 of the enemy's horses but he does not know if this is true or not. He mentions his personal financial affairs and asks Wadsworth to…

GLC00250

September 20, 1779

Lee, Charles, 1731-1782

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sydney Lee

Marked No. 31 in a different hand. Written by the discredited Continental General in retirement on his farm in Virginia to "my dear Sister." Recipient inferred as Sydney Lee, his only sister. Mentions his experiences during the Revolution and defends his honor. Says "I feel for the horrid ravages & desolation I have been witness of, on this Continent" and expressing Tory sympathies claims "I feel for the Empire of G. Britain, for its glory[,] We[l]fare & existence; I feel for the fortunes of my Friends and relations." Claims he cannot talk about politics because the letter will be…

GLC00251

May 27, 1776

Wendell, John, 1731-1808

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Written by Wendell, a wealthy, well-connected merchant in New Hampshire to an unknown recipient. References a previous letter he wrote that mentioned political sentiments. Does not go into detail. Mentions a report of the broken American siege of Quebec. General Guy Carleton had defeated the Americans under General John Thomas on May 6, 1776. Says Canada must be won or the cause will fail. Claims the British now have "very interesting Advantages" and fears they will press them. Says if they receive the support of the Canadian interests then it will be beyond the power of the Americans to…

GLC00252

25 July 1780

Reed, Joseph, 1741-1785

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Orders for John Moore, Wagon Master of Pennsylvania

Signed as President of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania. Explains that the arrival of the French fleet has induced General George Washington and the Continental Congress to "call for a number of Teams and Horses." Seeks wagons and horses from Moore. Discusses how to obtain the horses and wagons and branding them. Explains that impressment is permitted. A post script asks for frequent updates on his progess. Written in the hand of Timothy Matlack, Secretary of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania.

GLC00490

8 November 1780

Pettit, Charles, 1736-1806

Autograph document signed

Title: [Estimate of the profits of the office of the Commissary General of Forage]

Pettit, acting as Assistant Quarter Master General, responds to the request of Colonel Clement Biddle, former Commissioner General of Forage, for the profits of his office since 2 March 1778, when General Nathanael Greene became Quarter Master General. Provides a detailed calculation of Biddle profits from commissions. Provides an example of the form and acceptability of war-profiteering during the American Revolution.

GLC00488

February 12, 1776

Hancock, John, 1737-1793

Document signed

Title: [Resolution to Colonel Anthony Wayne]

Transcribed by Charles Thomson Secretary of the Continental Congress from 1774-1788. Resolve requesting all colonels of the Pennsylvania battalions to send a report detailing the number condition of the enlisted men as well as the places where they are now and their rank. This specific order was sent to Colonel Anthony Wayne. Signed By Hancock, President of the Continental Congress.

GLC00496.031

8 June 1782

Marion, Francis, 1732-1795

Manuscript document

Title: Articles of Treaty between General Marion in behalf of the State of So. Carolina and Major Gainey & the Inhabitants under his Command which were Included in the Treaty made under the 17th day of June 1781

Clerical copy of treaty made between loyalist Major Micajah Gainey and American General Francis Marion. Gainey promises to disarm and swear allegiance to America. The second article notes that Gainey "will deliver up all Negroes, Cattle and other property." They loyalists will also give up all who do not agree to the terms and all their prisoners. In return, Gainey's men will be pardoned from treason charges. Those who do not accede "shall have leave to go within the British Lines." Written at Burches Mill on Peedee.

GLC00496.270

1783-1815

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph note signed

Title: to unknown

Fragment from a longer letter with only the signature and postscript remaining. Postscript discusses surgeons in Philadelphia recommended by delegates of the Continental Congress. "Mr. Palmer" is visible on verso.

GLC00496.107

August 31, 1777

Mumford, Giles, 1759-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Mumford

Written by Giles Mumford as a solider under Lieutenant Colonel Meigs to his father Thomas Mumford, a Groton, Connecticut merchant. References his father's letter from August 26, 1777. Mentions that he sent 4 letters to him and that none of them have been referenced. Says his health is restored and that he has not had any of the camp disorders. His illness was a fever with a pain in his right side, shoulder, and head and that it is now gone. Says the militia in the north are well thought of and that General Horatio Gates has probably taken command of the Northern Department. Says General Howe…

GLC00496.075.03

1777

Mumford, Giles, 1759-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Mumford

Written by Giles Mumford an American soldier in New York to his father, the Groton, Connecticut merchant Thomas Mumford. Says he has not received a line from his father since October 9, 1777. He is pleased that his mother and all his friends are feeling better. Expresses joy over the victory of Gates in the Northern Department. Says he is sending a copy of the Convention Articles to him (not included). Says "I think Great Brittain never met with such a Stroke, before, she must inevitably feel it." Hopes General Washington will do the same to General Howe. Says he heard Howe lost 1500 men at…

GLC00496.075.05

July 31, 1776

Schuyler, Philip John, 1733-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Richard Varick

Written by General Schuyler as commander of Northern Department to Captain Varick as deputy muster master general of the Northern army. Schuyler says he only received Varick's letter on July 27, 1776 yesterday afternoon. If cannot get certain articles for Washington in Albany, he must look elsewhere. The same goes for articles for General Arnold. Tells Varick to rely on expresses, not personal messengers. Says this is an emergency and needs Varick to assist in everyway he can. Wants Varick to write to the commander of Fort George and have him send supplies to General Gates. Says he is…

GLC00496.082

July 7, 1777

Parsons, Samuel Holden, 1737-1789

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Mumford

Written by Major General Parsons to Mumford, a Groton, Connecticut merchant. Says recent events are moving so fast that it they are the product of "a more prolific Brain than I find myself possesd of." Says while the nation is full of news he has little of it to share. Says it is not news that the British have left New Jersey and are concentrating at Staten Island and that it is anyone's guess what their destination will be. But he will conjecture that since no news has arrived of the enemy moving from Crown Point that the operations between Fort Ticonderoga and Skenesborough are a feint.…

GLC00496.075.01

August 26, 1777

Mumford, Giles, 1759-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Mumford

Written by Giles Mumford as a soldier under Lieutenant Colonel Meigs to his father Thomas Mumford, a Groton, Connecticut merchant. References his father's letters from August 11, 1777 and August 13, 1777. Says he has not received his powder puff, nor his cups, but that if they are returned he does not need them since there is a barber where he is. Says Colonel Samuel Webb has given him the liberty to keep a horse, as long as it is outside of camp. Says that in his last letter he informed his father that General Parsons and Colonel Webb went on a secret expedition to Long Island with 600 men…

GLC00496.075.02

October 23, 1779

Parsons, Samuel H., 1737-1789

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Mumford

Written by General Parsons to Mumford, a Groton, Connecticut merchant. Thanks him for his letter on October 17, 1779. Thanks him for procuring a place for his son, but is against him going on the ship "Trumbull" with Captain Nicholson. Would rather him go on a privateer or a merchant ship with Captain Henman. Says British have abandoned their posts at Verplank's and Stony Point for New York. Says Newport, Rhode Island is not evacuated, but that he hopes that will happen soon. Says if it happens they will have a formidable force to reduce New York. Conjectures on what British might do.…

GLC00496.075.06

April 25, 1780

Parsons, Samuel H., 1737-1789

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Mumford

Written by Parsons as a Major General in Continental Army to Thomas Mumford, a merchant from Groton, Connecticut. Mumford was also the brother-in-law of Parsons's staff officer Silas Deane. Tells Mumford his son was waiting at home after having escaped from a prison ship in New York Harbor. Mentions that he was grossly abused and "closely confined" on board. After 14 days of confinement he was liberated to the city by a Mr. Walter and just as he was about to board Joseph Chew's ship, which was to take him to New London, Connecticut, for a prisoner exchange, he was taken away and carried to…

GLC00496.075.08