1776

Hall & Sellers

Printed document signed

Title: [One third of a dollar, No. 307773]

Partly printed document signed by J. Sellers, of Hall & Sellers, Philadelphia printers. The front indicates the money was printed according to a resolution of the Continental Congress passed 17 February 1776. Underneath an icon of a sundial appears the phrase: "Mind Your Business."

GLC01450.215.03

June 12, 1776

Wendell, John, 1731-1808

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elbridge Gerry

Wendell asks Gerry to use his political influence to help place him in a number of governmental positions. Says that he is confident he can attain the position of "Vendue Master" if Gerry can get him a favorable letter from the President. Also mentions his own powerful friends. He views Canada as integral to American success, though hears events are going poorly there. Letter is tipped onto a border.

GLC01450.234

June 16, 1776

Freeman, Samuel, 1743-1831

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elbridge Gerry

On Gerry's advice, Freeman and his regiment "have applied to Court to consider our losses at Falmouth," in the hopes the court would petition Congress. The court refuses, and feels it might seem "selfish" to do such a thing. Discusses trouble obtaining copies of records of Congress.

GLC01450.235

October 25, 1781

Stone, Michael Jenifer, 1747-1812

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother

Stone writes a long letter to his brother that includes an announcement that "Cornwallis was taken." Discusses his brother's business in Philadelphia and advises him of the benefits of continuing to cultivate a friendship with a man named Mr. Morrill. Discusses commerce and American affairs: "at present the flourishing State of American affairs gives me warm hopes that Speculation must be succeeded by a Sober and regular Spirit of Commerce." Indicates that the public prints have announced his membership in the Maryland state house of delegates. Also admits his likelihood of joining Congress,…

GLC01450.412.15

December 6, 1780

Lee, Arthur, 1740-1792

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elbridge Gerry

Docketed in Gerry's hand. Tells Gerry that Congress has finally decided to satisfy his accounts "declaring that no charge against me have been proved." Comments that he thinks "a serious inquiry into the conduct of the Commissioners, must soon commence" and defends the quality of the military supplies he secured from Gardoqui & Co. in France. Briefly relates news of advantages against Lord Cornwallis and General Leslie's evacuation of Virginia. Lee had been recalled from France, suspected of abusing his diplomatic post.

GLC01450.456

18 July 1780

Levy, Levy Andrew, fl. 1745-1784

Document signed

Title: to Joseph Bullock

Sending Bullock all the second class lottery tickets he has sold. Includes the numbers of these tickets. In regard to a dispute over lottery tickets & prizes.

GLC01450.508

May 8, 1781

Lovell, James, 1737-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elbridge Gerry

Discusses fiscal matters in detail, claiming that "Nothing can exceed the Confusion here as to money." Comments on problems related to paying delegates, regarding inflation caused by paper money and the state as paymaster. Using personal examples, he worries he will not be able to provide for his family if he does not use hard currency (coin money) but also is concerned with what effect converting paper money will have on his reputation. Laments that "All the Stuff about Money is contrary to my natural Disposition. I began as early as 19 to have a Contempt of Wealth...This Discussion now…

GLC01450.541

1782-1783

Massachusetts Bay Council

Broadsheet

Title: Printed circular unsigned re: collecting taxes, mentions Robert Morris

Headed "(Circular Letter.)" Discusses the need to provide state financial support to Congress for provisioning for the army. Comments on the problems with their currency created after the Revolution began. Describes the moment and obligation as "one of those great occasions which calls on the good people of the Commonwealth to give proof of the sincerity of past engagements--a proof far more substantial and decisive than any verbal declarations whatever." Indicates that the "notes of the National Bank and the Official Notes of the honorable Robert Morris, Esq; will be received as money…

GLC01450.606

March 17, 1777

Butts, Thomas, fl. 1777

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his cousin

Butts is glad to be back in England, where thinking is not a crime worthy of tar and feathering. Butts left Gravesend, New York on the ship "Thomas" on July 17, 1776. Gives account of his attempted voyage to England. Says they had an uneventful journey until the 9th week, when they met a 70 ton sloop that easily caught up to them because of the bad sailing condition of the "Thomas." The sloop raised the Union Jack and said they were sailing from Virginia under the orders of Lord Dunmore to stop Americans from fishing on the banks. They wanted the Captain, a man named Bell, to take his boat…

GLC01450.613

February 24, 1779

Manuscript document

Title: [Payments made by Congress]

Short list of debits and credits of the Continental Congress from 31 October 1778 to 24 February 1779, relating to the printing of "Observations on the American Revolution," written by Gouverneur Morris. Two debits are to the printers Styner & Cist. The first payment of 680 pounds on 31 October 1778 was for the printing of 1300 copies of the book. The second payment of 450 pounds on 24 February 1779 was an advance for wages and bookbinders work. Credit on 16 November 1778, says 210 pound balance from a former account was delivered to William Drayton. The credit on 31 December 1778…

GLC01450.805.02

17 August 1781

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Richard Peters

Knox writes to Peters, a member of the Congressional Board of War and Ordnance. Discusses gathering ordnance and stores for George Washington's proposed "Southern Operation." Written at Phillipsburg (present-day Sleepy Hollow, New York).

GLC02437.01137

15 August 1786

Pemberton, Robert, ?-1788

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from the "War Office," which apparently was in New York City during this period. Pemberton, a staff member of Knox's at the War Office, relates several matters of business for Knox while he is away in Boston. Has included various documents from Congress (not attached), including an ordinance regulating Indian affairs, and a resolve accepting Major Fish's resignation and appointing General Butler as Superintendent of Indian Affairs for the Northern Department. Relates a story of eleven recruits sent to West Point by Ensign Luse, who were "most rascally fellows," some of whom deserted…

GLC02437.03292

17 August 1786

Pemberton, Robert, ?-1788

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from the "War Office," which was likely in New York City during this period. Pemberton, apparently a staff member of Knox's at the War Office, relates several matters of business for Knox while he is away in Boston. Writes that he was so pressed for time while sending the last letter, in order to complete it in time for the post, that he neglected to include copies of the "returns of military, and Quarter masters stores, at Forts Pitt, and McIntosh," so he includes them now. Also includes "Governor Griswolds discharge to the two deserters apprehended by Serjeant [sic] Webster with…

GLC02437.03293

29 August 1786

Pemberton, Robert, ?-1788

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from the "War Office," which in 1786 was likely in New York City. Reports on business at the War Office. Explains that since his last letter to Knox, they have received a return of stores from Sergeant Hudson and a note from Commodore Hazelwood acknowledging receipt of his last letter. Mr. [Samuel] Hodgdon has not written back regarding the money he applied for. Has included a resolve of Congress regarding the Moravian Indians which was mentioned in Lieutenant Colonel [Josiah] Harmar's recent letter, as well as a letter to Colonel Hay regarding an obstruction to the survey of the…

GLC02437.03298

15 June 1787

Pemberton, Robert, ?-1788

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Explains that a Mr. Audebert has received from the Board of Treasury an order for the loan officer in Virginia to pay John Pierce $1107. Has enclosed a warrant in this amount for Knox to sign (not present). Also reports that a box of medicines being sent to Mr. [possibly Samuel] Hodgdon are being transported via the sloop Dispatch, and that the freight costs have been paid already by Messrs. Craigie and Co. Noted as written at the War Office, which at this time was in New York City, New York.

GLC02437.03581

January 31, 1782

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Major Shaw, formerly Knox's aide-de-camp, to Brigadier General Knox. Reports that his brother arrived safely in France after a 23 day voyage. Says his brother's ship was the first to arrive with news of Cornwallis's defeat at Yorktown. It "was received with the most heartfelt satisfaction by our good Allies and it was expected would be productive of the greatest good consequences." Waiting to hear about the response from England. Says the legislature has been meeting for the last 8 days. Says the governor gave a good speech and that the legislature wants to comply with the…

GLC02437.01346

11 October 1783

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the issue of ordnance allowance at West Point, which General George Washington supports, but does not think advisable to proceed without talking it over with the Secretary of War, General Benjamin Lincoln. Mentions the decision to have Congress' permanent residence be "on the Delaware, about two miles below Trenton. The temporary residence is to be fixed on this day, which is expected to be either at Annapolis or Wilmington." Informs Knox also, that Lincoln is resigning from his position as Secretary of War and recommended Knox to be his successor.

GLC02437.02639

3 October 1788

Sayre, Stephen, 1736-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Describes his recent liberation from a "long & illegal confinement" and the defense of his liberty against a "malignant Villain." Warns Knox against the "growing Influence of the Law & Lawyers." Discusses his [unspecified] proposition regarding the navy. Hopes Knox will present his idea to Congress, and asks George Washington's opinion on the subject (Sayre is apparently trying to secure a contract with Congress for the navy). Defends his character and declares his resolve. Mentions [Francisco de] Miranda and refers to his "former friend" [William] Duer, who Sayre regrets is no…

GLC02437.03989

January 10, 1782

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Comments that he hoped he would receive news that Knox had gotten the promotion he deserved, but was disappointed to find that Congress had decided not to consider it at present. Comments, "However disagreeable it would be for an officer in your station to quit the army, especially at a juncture so promising as the present, yet I am to well persuaded of your inflexibility in a resolution taken upon the clearest grounds, that I look on your resignation as a certain consequence, Should they refuse or unnecessarily delay to comply with the reasonable expectations of yourself and friends." Adds…

GLC02437.01331

21 March 1782

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Major Shaw, Knox's former aide-de-camp, to Brigadier General Knox. Letter expresses the touchiness Revolutionary officers had about rank. Says no word on Knox's promotion is to be had. Hopes "The period, however, cannot be remote when Congress must decide - and either do you justice or dispense with your further services." Goes on to express dismay at Knox not receiving the promotion. References the letter he sent on 5 March as well as another he sent a week earlier. Says since his 5 March letter he has been able to reach a settlement with Massachusetts for his pay for 1780.…

GLC02437.01370

16 October 1783

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports on Congressional proceedings. The report to Congress included the issue of allowing extra allowance on the ordnance claim and a resolution respecting separate departments. Mentions which states support it and which do not, in addition to his deep interest in this business. "Public service" written on address leaf, which bears a free frank signed by "B. Lincoln" (Benjamin Lincoln).

GLC02437.02670

October 23, 1783

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a Congressional meeting that may determine whether Knox should be granted an allowance for Major General of a separate division. Since they did not have enough representatives from the states, the decision has been postponed and is causing Shaw some anxiety. Free frank signed by Benjamin Lincoln and noted as sent "On Public Service," though the "On Public" portion is missing due to text loss.

GLC02437.02702

30 October 1783

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses his experience with Congress, in particular, making forced compromises in order to bring about a successful end to Knox's business. "I need not tell you how happy I am that this matter is at last brought to a close. Instead of one, it seems a twelvemonth since I left you, - the chagrin and mortification inseparable from an attendance on Congress is beyond any thing."

GLC02437.02726

8 August 1785

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Shaw, Knox's former aide-de-camp, writes a friendly letter to discuss a variety of matters. First, he forwards "Mr. Gardiner's oration on the anniversary of independence. If you can travel through so much various matter as it is composed of, it will be a strong proof of your perseverance." References a letter he sent Knox on 1 August, saying that it was "written in the bitterness of my soul, and what is worse, a bitterness which still continues"; he is having problems settling his father's estate, and is resigned that the outcome will not benefit himself or any of his siblings. Relates some…

GLC02437.03174

15 April 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Discusses Congress's proposed disbandment of the troops according to the resolve of Congress dated 21 October 1786. States that although he feels for the men who have made the military their life, "the public were utterly unable to support them by reason of the non compliance of all the states excepting Virginia with the requisition for that purpose..." He feels that if Congress decides to appoint a new Inspector General, they will choose Sargent. However Major William North, the current Inspector General, may just continue in the post. Comments that he has no information on a map of Sargent'…

GLC02437.03523