21 October 1781

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Letter

Title: to John Adams

Later copy of GLC02437.01252. A detailed account of the siege of Yorktown. Affirms the correctness of Adams' ideas about a need to conduct a major attack against the British in the southern states. Announces the recent surrender of Lord Cornwallis at the Battle of Yorktown. Explains the "harmonious concurrence of circumstances" that made the victory possible, mentioning the fleet from the West Indies commanded by Admiral Compte de Grasse, the American and French troops marching down from the Hudson River, and a fleet from Rhode Island under the command of Compte de Barras. Provides a…

GLC02437.01251

6 May 1782

Lamb, John, 1735-1800

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from Burlington, likely in New Jersey. Explains to Knox that per his instructions, they have performed some experiments comparing English and French howitzers. They have concluded that French howitzers will be useless unless they have specially-cast shells created for them, because the amount of powder they can hold is different from the amount English howitzers can hold. Has included some samples. Extends his compliments to Mrs. Knox and to Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide-de-camp.

GLC02437.01411

4 June 1782

Lamb, John, 1735-1800

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relates that per Knox's instructions, he brought all the howitzers and field pieces to Burlington, and finds them in very bad shape. He is having them inspected and repaired immediately. Wrote to Colonel [Timothy] Pickering to ask him to obtain horses and wagons for moving the ordnance, but Pickering replied that he had no money and they would have to hire horses and wagons when they need them. Lamb "anticipate[s] the difficulties, we shall meet with, in transporting the ordnance, and stores."

GLC02437.01438

19 June 1782

Lamb, John, 1735-1800

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he has, pursuant to Knox's instructions, sent Captain [William] Stevens to Secretary at War [Benjamin] Lincoln with a section of a howitzer shell and a request that Lincoln order Mr. [John Jacob] Faesch to produce the number of shells Knox requested. Lamb also asked General Lincoln to give Captain Stevens an order to the Financier for enough money to "defray his expences," but Lincoln said he did not need to go to the Financier until the shells were cast. Also relates that Captain Patten mentioned a machine in Springfield "for cutting Elevating-Screws" and asks Knox to order…

GLC02437.01457

11 July 1782

Lamb, John, 1735-1800

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relates that the present letter will be given to Knox by Mr. [Richard] Frothingham. Writes, "I yesterday received a Letter from Mr. [likely Samuel] Hodgdon, informing me the Shells at Mr. [John Jacob] Faesch's Works, are Cast. - and, that Genl [Benjamin] Lincoln requests, Capt. [William] Stevens may be sent, with a Party of Men to prove them - In consequence of this information, I have sent Capt. Stevens, to Philadelphia, to settle with Genl Lincoln, the mode of subsisting himself, and Party, while on this Service. We have no News here, except a report that the Enemy have evacuated…

GLC02437.01482

1810

Fulton, Robert, 1765-1815

Book

Title: Torpedo War, and Submarine Explosions

The book illustrates different methods of torpedo and submarine defense, that Robert Fulton invented himself. Contains 5 illustrations.

GLC03107.05318

16 November 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses routine War Office affairs and preparations for John Pratt's march to Fort Pitt. Comments on Ebenezer Hazard's assurances that a contract would be renewed to guarantee regular postal service. Forwarded some letters from Henry to Winthrop Sargent, Secretary of the Northwest Territory. Discusses the coordination of supplies, namely cartouch boxes, for the trip. Mentions Pratt, John Stagg, and [Samuel] Hodgdon. Covers other military matters, referring to Captains Savage and [Henry] Burbeck. Remarks on a visit of the Count de Moustier, French minister to the United States, and his…

GLC02437.04030

31 October 1781

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Received Lucy's letter via Martha Washington and is glad to hear his daughter is in good spirits. Hopes to see her in ten days. He has to prepare to transport ordnance in the aftermath of the siege of Yorktown. Mentions that the French army will winter at Yorktown. All the Continental troops south of Pennsylvania, including Knox's, will join General Nathanael Greene. Encloses his brother William Knox's last letter (see GLC02437.01270). Reports that the British ships intended to relieve Lord Cornwallis have just arrived at the Capes too late to help. Comte de Grasse plans to attack them,…

GLC02437.01277

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

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

May 20, 1776

Whipple, William, 1730-1785

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Langdon

Whipple, a Continental Congressman, discusses the appointment of naval officers with Langdon, Congressman and Continental Naval Agent. Discusses Langdon's suggestion to appoint Captain John Roche, admitting his apprehension that Roche's appointment would "make some uneasiness as there are many Masters of Vessels of good carecter out of employ who perhaps will think themselves neglected." Relates his intention to appoint Captain Thompson (possibly Thomas Thompson) at the first opportunity. Discusses transmitting canvas and guns to Langdon for use in equipping the Continental Navy. Reports that…

GLC00336

June 9, 1779

Lee, Richard Henry, 1732-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Lee, a Continental Congressman and signer of the Declaration of Independence, expresses disgust regarding political affairs to an unknown recipient. States "The demon of avarice, extortion, and fortune making seizes all racks- And now, to get into office is another thing for getting into wealth on public funds and to the public injury- I well know that much of this will in all countries take place in time of war but in America unfortunately at this time, nothing else is attended to." He laments a tax which he worries will fall heavily upon industrious, honest people. Discusses the…

GLC00344

April 12, 1778

Henry, Patrick, 1736-1799

Letter signed

Title: to County Lieutenant of Berkeley

Printed circular letter signed by Patrick Henry as Governor of Virginia to the County Lieutenant of Berkeley telling him to keep his militia prepared for duty. Says the Continental Army may be forced to retreat and that Virginia might be called on for help. Says "As the volunteer scheme does not promise to succeed, the militia will be our only resource, and from that must we draw so many men as the exigency of things may require." Claims Virginia might be invaded from all sides and that they must be prepared to resist. Says one third of his men need to be ready to march at a "moment's warning…

GLC00370

December 25, 1860

Semmes, Paul Jones, 1815-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph E. Brown

Writes to the Governor of Georgia enclosing a plan and specifications for a powder magazine, with estimated costs. Advises that the magazine will hold 1250 barrels of 100 pounds of powder and that it was requested from Mr. E.J. Dupont de Nemours & Co. of Wilmington, Delaware. Semmes's autograph copy, marked as a copy. Docketed by Semmes. Accompanied by architectural drawing, GLC00446.02. Written from the 5th Avenue Hotel in New York City. This letter, written five days after South Carolina seceded from the Union, shows that preparations for war were already underway.

GLC00446.01

circa December 1860

Semmes, Paul Jones, 1815-1863

Sketch

Title: Plan and elevation of a magazine 18 x 26 feet on the floor x 10 foot high for E.J. Du Pont & co

Drawing of the plan and elevation of a powder magazine made for E.J. DuPont Nemours & Co. of Delaware. Lists dimensions as "18 x 26 Feet on the Floor x 10 Feet high for E.J. DuPont & Co./Capacity 5220 kegs." Includes sketch of a full size floor pin. On one side of muslin? cloth. Suffered water damage at some point.

GLC00446.02

1782

Header Record

Title: [Collection of 4 letters to William Richardson] [Decimalized .01-.04]

GLC01450.009

1778-1805

Pattullo, Robert, fl. 1778-1805

Autograph manuscript

Title: [Journal for ship Molly]

Daily log of activity aboard the British supply ship Molly sailing in the New York Harbor. Pattullo was the master. Most entries detail the weather, supplies received or delivered, and duties of the men aboard. Many entries note the carpenters' work to upkeep the ship. The daily entries end 16 May 1779. An insert titled Inventory of Ordnance Stores Embarked on Board the Molly Snow, Halifax 5 September 1779, lists cargo such as grapeshot, cartridges, tacks, spikes, etc. The journal becomes more of an account book starting with 23 August 1783, and lists cash paid or received for cargo…

GLC01450.019

June 30, 1779

Powell, Jeremiah, 1714-1789

Letter signed

Title: to John Waite

Powell informs Waite of the General Court decision to undertake the Penobscot Expedition. Orders were issued to detach 1500 men from the militia of Massachusetts, 100 artillery men, and a number of vessels to Penobscot Bay to dislodge the British stationed there. Reports that orders were given for provisions, ammunition, and firearms to be sent. The council also requested the assistance of the state of New Hampshire. Powell signed the letter as President of the Massachusetts Council. The Penobscot Expedition occurred July-August 1779 in present-day Maine (then Massachusetts). The Americans…

GLC01450.025

24 May 1780

Philips, Philip, fl. 1780

Autograph manuscript signed

Title: [Return of ordnance belonging to the Charles-Town frigate]

Signed as Conductor of Artillery. List of artillery supplies found at the Boston, Dorrels, French, and Still House batteries belonging to the frigate Charles-Town, previously called the Boston. Lists hand grenades, arm chests, barrels, shot, hand spikes, etc.

GLC01450.027

22 April 1780

Lansingh, Jeremiah, 1754-1817

Autograph document signed

Title: Brigade orders

General Abraham Ten Broeck's orders signed by Lansing as Major Brigade. States that since the enemy is in the northern and western frontier, it is necessary for part of the brigade to take action. Informs that the General has ordered one eighth of the regiments commanded by Colonel W. Crea and Colonel Stephen Schenfer to march to Fort Edward. One eight of Colonel Jacobus Van Schoonhoven and Colonel Van Wort's regiments will march to Palmer Town commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Cornelius Von Verhten. Instructs that the regiments should be armed with enough ammunition and provisions to…

GLC01450.087

April 25, 1777

Beardsley, Nehemiah, fl. 1775-1777

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph Cooke

Two sets of orders on one page. First orders are to Joseph Platt Cooke and a colonel [name illegible] to muster the regiment immediately as the enemy is near Compo Hill, Connecticut. Instructs to march day and night and bring all the ammunition they can gather. Signed by G. S. Sele[missing text], Brigadier General. The second set of orders are to Captain Dan Town[missing text] from Beardsley who signed as Major. Beardsley states that he has received the above information and orders the companies in New Fairfield, Connecticut to march immediately. Content refers to the British attack on…

GLC01450.096

25 July 1775

Amherst, Jeffery Amherst, Baron, 1717-1797

Document signed

Title: [Ordinance for William Redston]

Countersigned by two unidentifiable names. Dismisses Redston from responsibilty of unsold stores in Plymouth. Stores are listed in the ordinance. With "Pro Patria" (Britannia and lion) watermark.

GLC01412.17

August 20, 1780

Phillips, Samuel, 1752-1802

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Phillips Savage

Phillips discusses the amount of saltpeter he has left in the refining house, mill, and other buildings. States that the amount of gun powder he can produce weekly is uncertain because it depends on weather and other circumstances.

GLC01412.26

December 8, 1775

Ward, Henry, 1732-1797

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sisters

Ward writes that he has begun taking garlic and honey for health. Also writes that some supplies had come in including gun powder, muskets, wine, brandy, and coffee. States that he is concerned by the lack of interest among the troops in Cambridge. However, Massachusetts and New Hampshire plan to send a combined total of 5,000 troops to march to Cambridge. Addresses letter on address leaf to Mrs. Isabel Marchant.

GLC01412.37

20 April 1775

Randell, Timothy, fl. 1765-1775

Autograph document signed

Title: to Ebenzer Williams

Randell asks for part of the town's supply of lead to make into bullets.

GLC01412.55