18 September 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Notes that Colonel [Edward] Carrington will escort Lucy Knox from Trenton, New Jersey, where she is visiting friends, to New York. Mentions The Alliance, a ship owned by Robert Morris. Was informed by [Alexander] Hamilton at dinner the previous evening that an unspecified business matter related to Henry Knox has not yet been addressed in Congress. Comments on a board appointed by Congress to settle accounts connected with the United States. The board consists of William Irvine, Abraham Baldwin, and Nicholas Gilman. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.03988

7 October 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relates that the Ogden family arrived 6 October to visit Lucy Knox. Discusses letters from Arthur St. Clair (Governor of the Northwest Territory), General Josiah Harmar, and Majors [John Francis] Hamtramck and [possibly John] Wyllis. Notes that St. Clair's letter to Congress looks hostile, and that Hamtramck reported an Indian attack on a provision escort in the Territory.

GLC02437.03990

21 October 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports War Office business. Discusses Lieutenant Pratt's recruits and his orders to march to Fort Pitt. Refers to matters in the Northwest Territory, clothing inspection and packing, and a [Congressional] committee's inspection of the War Department. Of the inspection and resulting report, writes, "I do not think it looks unfavorably to you- but which with defference [sic] to their great wisdom might I think as well have been left undone, as it acquaints the world with secrets, which should have been less extensively known." Reports that Robert Morris is in town, and the "Old Congress"…

GLC02437.04010

1 September 1788

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

In dramatic terms, expresses how much she misses Henry and speculates on the hopelessness of life if one of them should die before the other. Writes, "I have just finished a pretty long letter to our charming daughter [Lucy], hers to me are the most delightful treat I have ever received, save one correspondence still dearer." Notes she is staying with the Ogdens and comments on family matters. Writes, "Congress have proceeded no further in the arrangement of the government a circumstance very alarming to the well affected and highly encouraging to the malcontents in this state they have…

GLC02437.03979

28 March 1785

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rufus King

Knox discusses his appointment as Secretary at War. Informs King, a Continental Congressman, "It is true I was fully of opinion that the salary was considerably inadequate to the honorable support of so confidential an officer, but I thought it would be injurious to the dignity of Congress to state that circumstance as an objection to my acceptance..." Hopes a future Congress will consider increasing the position's allowance.

GLC02437.03119

4 May 1785

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Knox's wife expresses her "infinite regret" at his suggestion that they find a house in the country. Notes that Congress should be able to find him a decent place near New York City, where he will be stationed as Secretary at War. Mentions a recent sale, at which Mr. [John?] Hancock bought a dressing table for the "high price of forty one dollars." Discusses family and friends.

GLC02437.03137

6 December 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rufus King

Writes that he has "nothing of consequence to communicate." Discusses the death of a Mr. Nash, as well as the doings of friends and colleagues including Mr. [possibly Edward] Carrington and Mr. [possibly Robert] Morris. Mentions trying to contact members of Congress who seem to have left the New York area. Sends regards to Mrs. King.

GLC02437.03366

25 June 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document signed

Title: [Captain Lieutenant Johnson's permission to take military stores]

Major General Henry Knox says that Captain Lieutenant Johnson will apply to the commissary for two 6 pounders and the harnesses to transport them. Also, he is to be given 75 rounds of shot and "25 Case fixed with Flannel." Wants the quartermaster to help arrange for them to be taken to Stony Point, where Johnson will take control of them.

GLC02437.02187

14 March 1785

King, Rufus, 1755-1827

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

King, a Continental Congressman, attempts to persuade Knox to accept the appointment of Secretary at War. Notes that although the salary is low, there will be a possibility for an increase, or an allowance for rent and traveling expenses. Declares, "If the wishes of your particular friends, and the entire satisfaction of the states would be an inducement to your acceptance, you cannot refuse- I could not excuse myself, did I not make these observations to you; the present wasting condition of the Department requires the hand of a master; if you decline, I fear we shall be driven into an…

GLC02437.03111

27 June 1785

King, Rufus, 1755-1827

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

King, a Continental Congressman, discusses Knox's eastern [land] claim: "I am uninformed of the merits of your eastern claim, but presume they are such as sufficiently warrant the report of the committee on your applications, and therefore am concerned at the decision of the House." Relates that Colonel [Benjamin] Tupper should "discharge the duty of surveyor for a given period, after which [Rufus] Putnam may come on." Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.03159

April 7, 1781

Pendleton, Edmund, 1721-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Madison

The letter discusses war news from Virginia and the Carolinas and speculation on the next British move. Also mentions: French fleet, Lord Cornwallis, General Greene, death of Colonel Tarleton, criticism of Congress, and the rumor of the death of the Russian Empress and her successor's alliance with Britain.

GLC00099.064

May 21, 1781

Pendleton, Edmund, 1721-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Madison

The letter mentions the discussion of the powers of the Continental Congress to make a direct tax on citizens and news of military operations in North Carolina. Also mentions: revenue of Congress, Colonel Hamilton, taxes, Sir Henry Clinton, Death of General Philips, Benedict Arnold, Marquis de Lafayette, Lord Cornwallis, and military rumors.

GLC00099.070

May 28, 1781

Pendleton, Edmund, 1721-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Madison

The letter discusses financing of the War, actions of the Pennsylvania troops (a mutiny), local and military arguments, military operations in the South. Also mentions: Congress, paper money, conflict between Pennsylvania and Virginia Conflict, Marquis de Lafayette, movements of British Troops, military rumors, Lord Cornwallis, Lord Rawdon, and General Greene.

GLC00099.071

July 6, 1781

Pendleton, Edmund, 1721-1803

Autograph letter

Title: to James Madison

,The letter describes Edmund Pendleton's flight to western Virginia to escape the British advance, including his stop at Madison's plantation (the first known time it is referred to as Montpelier), the course of the War in Virginia, and trade with Spain. Also mentions: Congress-Taxes, military rumors, paper money, and Virginia House of Delegates.

GLC00099.072

April 14, 1783

Pendleton, Edmund, 1721-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Madison re: need for a strong Federal government

The letter discusses the necessity for a strong Federal government, settlement of loans and elections, and the urging of John Taylor of Caroline for Congress.

GLC00099.110

June 9, 1783

Pendleton, Edmund, 1721-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Madison re: attempts of House of Delegates to pass war debt

The letter discusses the attempts of the House of Delegates to pass the war debt bill and the election of the new delegation to Congress (Madison was not re-elected).

GLC00099.115

August 11, 1783

Pendleton, Edmund, 1721-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Madison

The letter discusses the powers of Congress and need to define them. Suggests that a day may come when the junction of the Ohio and the Mississippi might be a central location for a capital. Also, writes about his hopes for the evacuation of New York.

GLC00099.122

September 1, 1783

Pendleton, Edmund, 1721-1803

Autograph letter

Title: to James Madison

Signature has been clipped-off but postscripts remain. Mention's powers of Congress, seat of government (Philadelphia, Annapolis), need for a Constitution, crops in Virginia, Edmund Pendleton's suggestions regarding the District of Columbia. A large section of this letter was clipped out, beneath this a postscript reading: "Between the first two stars [was] cut out on the 2d Dec. 30. for Mr I[srael].K[eech]. Tefft. S[avanna]h.Ga. as an Autograph. 'We have at length had very fine rains, but according to the state of all sublunary things, are now under great anxiety, lest our Crops should be…

GLC00099.125

October 20, 1783

Pendleton, Edmund, 1721-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Madison re: Madison's impending retirement from Congress

The letter notes that Madison will soon retire from Congress, thanks him for his correspondence, and hopes he will soon be in the Virginia House of Delegates. Also mentions Congress fixing Princeton, N.J., as the permanent meeting place.

GLC00099.128

December 23, 1776

Jay, John, 1745-1829

Autograph manuscript

Title: To the inhabitants of the State of New York

Delivered at Fishkill, New York, to the state's constitutional convention shortly after the American defeats at Long Island, Manhattan and White Plains, and a few days before Washington surprised the Hessians at Trenton. As such, Jay addressed his fellow Americans disillusioned by British victories and questioning the moral rightness of the American cause. Speech explains why he felt it was necessary to fight against the British in the cause of liberty, even unto death. The unsigned manuscript is written and corrected entirely in Jay's hand. There are many corrections, strike outs as well as…

GLC00006

1776-1781

Header Record

Title: Documents signed by Presidents of the Continental Congress authorizing privateers' capture of British vessels [Decimalized .01- .04]

GLC00038

April 3, 1776

Hancock, John, 1737-1793

Document signed

Title: Instructions to the commanders of private ships or vessels of war, which shall have commissions or letters of marque and reprisal, authorizing them to make captures of British vessels and cargoes.

Printed as a broadside. Signed by Hancock as President of the Second Continental Congress. Contains eleven articles created by Congress authorizing private American ships to capture British vessels. Instructs American captains to bring captured goods, ships, and persons to court in the colonies following capture. Forbids torture of captured persons, demanding civilized conduct. Requires captains to transmit a written account of capture to Congress. Demands that one third, "at the least, of your whole Company shall be Land-Men." Forbids the ransom of prisoners.

GLC00038.01

circa November 1, 1777- December 9, 1778

Laurens, Henry, 1724-1792

Document signed

Title: Instructions to the commanders of private ships or vessels of war, which shall have commissions or letters of marque and reprisal, authorizing them to make captures of British vessesl and cargoes.

Broadside with printed date of 3 April 1776. Signed by Laurens as President of Congress (indicating that signature and printed date do not coincide). Contains eleven articles created by Congress authorizing private American ships to capture British vessels. Instructs American captains to bring captured goods, ships, and persons to court in the colonies following capture. Forbids torture of captured persons, demanding civilized conduct. Requires captains to transmit a written account of capture to Congress. Demands that one third, "at the least, of your whole Company shall be Land-Men…

GLC00038.02

circa December 10, 1778 - September 28, 1779

Jay, John, 1745-1829

Document signed

Title: Instructions to the commanders of private ships or vessels of war, which shall have commissions or letters of marque and reprisal, authorizing them to make captures of British vessels and cargoes.

Broadside with printed date of 3 April 1776. Signed by Jay as President of the Continental Congress (indicating that the signature and printed date do not coincide). Contains eleven articles created by Congress authorizing private American ships to capture British vessels. Instructs American captains to bring captured goods, ships, and persons to court in the colonies following capture. Forbids torture of captured persons, demanding civilized conduct. Requires captains to transmit a written account of capture to Congress. Demands that one third, "at the least, of your whole Company…

GLC00038.03

circa September 28, 1779 - June 6, 1781

Huntington, Samuel, 1731-1796

Document signed

Title: Instructions to the commanders of private ships or vessels of war, which shall have commissions or letters of marque and reprisal, authorizing them to make captures of British vessels and cargoes.

Broadside with printed date of 3 April 1776. Signed by Huntington as President of the Continental Congress (indicating that the signature and printed date do not coincide). Contains eleven articles created by Congress authorizing private American ships to capture British vessels. Instructs American captains to bring captured goods, ships, and persons to court in the colonies following capture. Forbids torture of captured persons, demanding civilized conduct. Requires captains to transmit a written account of capture to Congress. Demands that one third, "at the least, of your whole…

GLC00038.04