1 September 1776

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Applauds the detection of a German traitor named Ledwitz, who had been appointed a lieutenant colonel in the Continental Army. Discusses various orders for payment Henry made. Discusses the last two letters he received from Lucy Knox. Has heard that Halifax was burned down by 500 Indians led by Frank Shaw. Discusses need for guns for privateers in Boston and for Continental frigates. Discusses the comparative advantages of large versus small ships, because Henry Jackson is going to arrange for a vessel that Henry "shall be concern'd in." Notes that new regiments have been raised but are…

GLC02437.00431

2 September 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

A brief and hurried letter to let Lucy know that he is well and in good spirits. Displays optimism about the war, although at the time the American forces were being driven from New York City by the British.

GLC02437.00432

2 September 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Discusses the retreat from Long Island, after the Battle of Long Island, and plans to defend Manhattan.

GLC02437.00435

5 September 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Praises his wife. Discusses the war, claiming it will reveal "cowardice treachery ingratitude." His is optimistic about the Continental Army's position in New York. He is in good spirits. Denounces the Continental Congress for not funding the army properly, arguing that a few minor defeats will benefit the revolution by forcing them to alter their administration of the war. He wants there to be a standing army. Argues that the militia spreads panic. Looks forward to "conjugal bliss" with Lucy at the end of the war.

GLC02437.00437

5 September 1776

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reacts to news of the Battle of Long Island, hopes the loss serve as a learning experience rather than discouraging one, and laments the loss of Lord Stirling and General John Sullivan, who were captured. No news from Boston. "Lt. Johnston" was Captain Lt. John Johnston, captured at Long Island (see GLC02437.00443).

GLC02437.00438

5 September 1776

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Asks William to visit the wife of Captain Lieutenant John Johnson of Knox's artillery and tell her that her husband was wounded and taken prisoner, but is being taken care of. Also wants the wife of John Callender told that he was taken prisoner as well. Notes that the Continental Army is in high spirits and there has been no new developments since the retreat at the Battle of Long Island. Shaw was a lieutenant in Knox's artillery regiment.

GLC02437.00440

9 September 1776

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Laments the loss at the Battle of Long Island because they lost the territory, had to abandon military stores and artillery pieces, and lost access to the good farms and livestock on the island. Others in Boston think the loss was of little consequence. Hopes to keep Manhattan and thinks it possible. Reports hearing that nine prizes containing rum and sugar from the West Indies have been captured by privateers and brought to Newport, Rhode Island and Plymouth, Massachusetts. Seeks a response to his inquiry about getting guns to outfit a ship (see GLC02437.00436). Explains that Mr. Spears…

GLC02437.00443

11 September 1776

Waters, Josiah, fl. 1776-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Applauds Knox's action against a British ship on the East River. Notes that they are receiving stock and inhabitants from Long Island. Expresses pleasure at General Nathanael Greene's recovery from an illness. Lists Bostonians recommended for field officer positions.

GLC02437.00444

23 September 1776

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Notes that some of "our cool W[h]igs" are getting discouraged, in response to activities in New York and the loss at Long Island, and wish an end to hostilities. Jackson, however, only wants the matter settled "upon Independent terms." Reports that General Benjamin Lincoln will be marching to New York with 6,000 reinforcements. Jackson's company was not ordered to join them. Indicates that two prizes have been captured by privateers.

GLC02437.00453

26 September 1776

McClure, David, 1748-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Thanks William for disabusing him of rumors from New York. Discusses the activities in New York, the war in general, and the cause of liberty. Praises the artillery at the Battle of Long Island. Notes that 1,000 troops from New Hampshire have set out for New York. Knox has recently set up a correspondence with Reverend McClure, an old friend of his brothers (see GLC02437.00425). McClure spells his name Macclure.

GLC02437.00457

26 September 1776

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Compliments Knox on the "generalship" of the evacuation of Long Island and New York. Offers his opinions of the activities in New York and the role of the British navy. Also mentions the loss at Long Island's negative effect on morale. Also comments on Knox's baggage stolen by the Hessians and the cowardice of some of the troops. Communicates that Mr. Spears wants Knox to pursue the exchange of Captain Lieutenant John Johnson, who was taken prisoner at Long Island (also see GLC02437.00440). Discusses correspondence problems. Reports that General Benjamin Lincoln is on his way to New…

GLC02437.00458

20 October 1776

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses their correspondence and speculates that not all their letters reach each other. Discusses the recent British victories in taking Long Island and New York. Had hoped the victories would induce the British into an ill-planned and unsuccessful attack. Discusses the transportation of lumber. Asks his brother if he believes British General William Howe will attempt to end the war decisively this winter, if he believes France will assist the colonies, if he thinks the Continental Congress is taking proper actions to form the army. Notes that he will relay information about artillery…

GLC02437.00476

circa November- December 1776

Noyes, John, 1740-1784

Autograph letter

Title: to Mary Noyes

John Noyes writes to his wife in Newbury, Massachusetts. He discusses battles or skirmishes in New York but it is not clear which ones because the letter is incomplete and not dated. He reports on how many wounded or killed on each side. States that deserters from the British army are coming to them every week. Relays that the British have landed near Throg's Neck and have advanced over the river at Dobb's Ferry. They moved again on November 12 and are expected to go to Kings Bridge where there might be a bloody battle since the Americans have a strong fort there with five months of…

GLC01450.056.09

27 August 1776- 1777

Rooke, Henry, fl. 1775-1783

Autograph manuscript

Title: [British soldier's journal detailing New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania engagements during the Revolutionary War]

Rooke, a British soldier, records various Revolutionary War events. Discusses the Battle of Long Island, during which he estimates 1,500 Americans were killed and 2,000 taken prisoner. Mentions the November 1776 British capture of Fort Lee, New Jersey. States that the fort was abandoned when his regiment arrived. Refers to General George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River (December 1776). Discusses the British takeover of Philadelphia and deterrents regarding a British attack on Washington at Whitemarsh, Pennsylvania.

GLC03881.04

23 August 1776

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Knox writes to her brother-in-law: "we are now upon the eve of something decisive- the enemy have landed a number of men some say six thousand upon long island- we have a report to day- that- they have been ambushed and greatly weakened- but so far is certain- that a skirmish has happened upon the island that a reinforcement from the main body have gone over..." Reports that General John Sullivan has replaced Nathanael Greene as commander of troops on Long Island, noting that Greene is dangerously ill. Mentions a violent storm that occurred over New York City, killing five men, four of whom…

GLC02437.10005

21 October 1776

Watson, Brook, 1735-1807

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joshua Mauger

Watson, a merchant and British soldier, informs Mauger that he will remain in Canada until 10 November 1776. Mentions Captains Douglas and Abbott. Reports that in October, "the Two Little Inland Fleets first met each other about 10 o Clock in the Morning on Lake Champlain ... " States that the Continental Fleet contained 11 vessels. Relates that a Continental schooner, Royal Savage, was driven ashore and burnt according to the orders of British General Guy Carleton. States that American ships fled from the British fleet before finally escaping to Fort Ticonderoga. Reports that Fort…

GLC03902.019

1776/10/19

Faden, William, fl. 1750-1836

Map

Title: A Plan of New York island, with part of Long Island... [second issue]

Nebenzahl, Battle Plans of the American Revolution, 107. Second issue dated a month later than GLC 3533 (first issue). This map shows British control of Manhattan.

GLC04177

1777/07/15

Trumbull, Jonathon, fl. 1777

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Ezekiel Williams re: the exchange of prisoners taken on Long Island

Address leaf is damaged. Docketed on back of letter.

GLC06902