17 October 1781

Manuscript

Title: [Summary of troops and equipment surrendered to General Horatio Gates by General John Burgoyne]

An unknown person compiled statistics relative to Burgoyne's surrender to Gates after the Battle of Saratoga in 1777. The scrap of paper is dated in October 1781. Breaks down nationality of the captured soldiers, number of sick and wounded, types and number of artillery and small arms captured, etc. Also written on the sheet is a receipt for Daniel Epir to receive payment from Samuel Emory. On verso, in what appears to be an unrelated to the summary of captured troops, is a partial list of payments due to soldiers. They could be troops under Gates's command.

GLC01450.197.01

August 29, 1777

Murray, Joseph, fl. 1777

Letter signed

Title: to Colonel Waite

Informs that a British Naval Officer, Sir George Collier arrived in Booth Bay, Maine, last Tuesday on board his ship, the Rainbow. Refers to Collier's capture of the Hancock commanded by Captain John Manly and destruction of thirty other vessels at Machias, Maine, on July 8, 1777. States that Collier and his forces took one sloop and tried to take another but the American troops attacked them. States that Collier promised that the militia have gone home but he still remains and Murray believes he might attempt to strike again. States that three Continental frigates are at Portsmouth, New…

GLC01450.206

October 10, 1759

Browne, John, fl. 1759

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Cushing

Discusses providing a letter and other support for Reverend Cushing's son to work for their "Kinsman Nat. Cotton" in England. He writes that "We are all filled with Joy at the Unexpected News of the Conquest of Canada," referring to the British victory at the Battle of Quebec during the French and Indian War in September 1759.

GLC01450.252

October 11, 1777

Bloomfield, Joseph, 1753-1823

Letter signed

Title: to Elias Dayton

Letter written by Major Bloomfield to Colonel Dayton. Begins by saying this is the first time he has been able to write since he was wounded at the Battle of Brandywine in September 1777. Says he lost so much blood that he could not ride to Chester and had to cross the Delaware River at Marcus Hook to avoid being captured. Reports that his wound was not dressed until 52 hours after he received it and that it bled for 23 of those hours. Says wound became inflamed, which caused a violent fever that lasted two weeks. Says on October 2, 1777 he was forced to flee Dr. Otto's, where he was…

GLC01450.455

September 15, 1758

Bligh, Thomas, 1685-1775

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Letter written on the British naval ship the Essex. Lieutenant General Bligh mentions issues with prisoners and says he was forced to land at Plymouth due to bad weather, but will soon continue to Portsmouth where he will await further orders. Letter written shortly after the British defeat during the expedition against St. Malo, France, September 7-12, 1758. Bligh, the commander in charge of the expedition, was attempting to follow up the successful August raid at Cherbourg, France. The expedition at St. Malo was mired by bad weather and logistics and the 7,000 soldiers that managed to land…

GLC01450.292

July 3, 1755

Porter, Peter, fl. 1755

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elijah Leonard

Describes the bad weather and encounters with Indians on his march from Massachusetts to Albany, New York. Sends news of recent victories against the French and their Indian allies and says a man brought good news of the fighting in Canada. Asks to be remembered to his family and friends and says "a solider Life is hard[,] hard Lodging and harty victuals."

GLC01450.298

June 19, 1745

Pepperrell, William, 1696-1759

Letter signed

Title: to Robert Hale

Letter written two days after the fall of Louisbourg. Says he would have liked to have congratulated Hale, a colonel from New Hampshire, on the recent victory in person, but understands he wants to return home quickly. Wishes him a safe trip.

GLC01450.300

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

April 19, 1782

Grasse, François Joseph Paul de Grasse, Comte de, 1722-1788

Letter signed

Title: to Robert Montague [in French]

Grasse thanks the captain of the Flora for his kind actions on behalf of Mr. de Reali and Mr. de Carouge. Also thanks him for provisions. Letter written on board his ship Ville de Paris after being captured by the British. After being captured on April 12, 1782 at the Battle of the Saintes the ship was towed to Jamaica and then England. Montague was the captain of the British frigate Flora which was stationed in Jamaica.

GLC01450.428

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

December 16, 1777

Tyler, John Sr., 1747-1813

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Colonel

Comments on the undisciplined behavior of his correspondent's regiment in camp. He cannot discern "what plan the Genl. [George Washington] has" but believes "this maneuver is the most likely to produce neglect of duty." Would like himself and the other officers present to join the regiment; he believes that he could bring discipline to the regiment and promote health among those recently inoculated, possible for small pox. Reports that on December 12, 1777, the army was marching along the Schuylkill River in Pennsylvania. That evening they were completely "surprised to find the Enemy on the…

GLC01450.628

July 23, 1781

Bruyn, James, fl. 1781

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Clinton

Bruyn informs Governor Clinton of Colonel Willett's (written in letter as Willet) recent victory over the enemy. Says that Willet's men killed and wounded ninety, while taking only five dead themselves, even though they were outnumbered. Offers to accompany Clinton on his upcoming trip "visit the army down towards New York."

GLC01450.559

May 18, 1745

Winslow, William, fl. 1745

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother

The letter from William Winslow to his brother, discusses battle.

GLC01450.614.01

July 1745

Clark, Thomas, fl. 1745

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Winslow

Clark writes a letter to Winslow discussing the celebration at fall of Louisbourg [date clipped].

GLC01450.614.02

October 18, 1812

Hall, J W., fl. 1812

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Hall writes about finding work for $15 per month and staying with two professors of religion, possibly at Middlebury College. Asks to be sent clothes and several other things and seeks news, mostly regarding farming related activities. Comments on the dragoons and artillery passing through during the War of 1812. Notes that he "saw the Artillery and spoke with many of them they Looke some fatigued but all hearty & ruged." Continues the letter on October 20, 1812 and reports that staying with Mr. Hubbard was a presbyterian priest who had been "in Ogdensburg when the Cannonading took place…

GLC01450.719.01

circa 1786-1805

Painting

Title: [Watercolor depicting a naval engagement between French and British ships]

Portrays an engagement between the ships La Blanche and La Pare. Shows sailors from both sides engaged in battle and falling into the water. Artist's name is obscured, possibly due to water damage. Other writing on the document is also lost due to water damage. Dates are inferred from information pertaining to two British ships named Blanche; one was built in 1786 and wrecked in 1799, and the other was created in 1800 and captured by the French in 1805.

GLC01450.800

17 December 1781

Sears, Isaac, 1730-1786

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Declares "we are very happy in this part of the Country at the glorious campaign our army has had this last summer," and says the people in his region are hoping for a peace. Comments that he is sorry to hear of General George Washington's loss of his stepson, Mr. John Parke Custis. Mentions several vessels that have been captured by the enemy: Captains Magge and Grenwell were both taken. Informs Knox that he lost money through the loss of cargo on these ships; Sears has about 230 pounds of Knox's money. Encourages Knox to invest this money in a small vessel Captain Magge will command.…

GLC02437.01306

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

5 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. Says he was mistaken when he told Knox the lower house of the Massachusetts legislature has passed an act for payment of notes for 1782 for officers and soldiers who still remained in the service. Tells how they decided against the measure. Feels himself lucky as he had already disposed of his notes. Sends this letter by General Benjamin Lincoln, whose stay in Boston started "much speculation. Whether New York or Canada is the object of the ensuing campaign is not fully determined, though the knowing ones seem to…

GLC02437.01364

16 May 1782

Sears, Isaac, 1730-1786

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Sears, who was known for his early and vehement support of the patriots in New York, to Major General Knox. References Knox's letters of 23 January and 1 May. Says his first "orders" are paid and the other will be paid when due. Is happy he could offer his services to Knox and his wife. Refrains from speaking on political matters, but hopes to be able to see Knox in New York soon. Says "it appears to me the heart of the American War is near at an end, but don't believe we shall have a peace very soon, unless the French and Spanish gains some great advantage over the British in the…

GLC02437.01418

24 September 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Thomas Seward

Written and signed for Knox in the hand of Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide-de-camp. Writes, "I have directed a company under Capt. Lt. [Isaac] Guion from Col. [John] Lamb's regiment to relieve yours now Stationed in the Northern department. You will therefore obtain permission from Maj. Gen. [William Alexander] Lord Stirling to collect your men and repair to this post as soon as possible. You must carefully examine all the waggons and other carriages which were taken from General [John] Burgoyne in 1777, and such of them as are fit for Service must be brought here in their present state - the…

GLC02437.01626

6 January 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Later copy. Refers to a recent letter from Sargent which discussed battle losses to Indians in the Northwest Territories. Comments on the protection of settlements on the frontier, and mentions that plans will be laid before Congress on that subject right away.

GLC02437.05288

10 November 1792

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses land business as well as shipping and invoices. Writes that in his area, "mole hills may be magnified to mountains and the smallest mistakes that have relation to the war Department may judging from precedent be made use of to incriminate." Discusses some mistakes that were made in the shipment of military supplies. Writes, "Of Indian affairs I will say nothing - Genl Wilkinson will detail to you the militia rout of the 6th an 'Affair of Honour' but dishonourable in the main I believe to those people in every point of view the personal Bravery of their Commandant excepted."…

GLC02437.05695

23 July 1794

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the preparation for an expedition (possibly the build-up to the Battle of Fallen Timbers that took place on 20 August 1794). Notes there have been volunteers pouring in ever since his arrival. Reports General [Charles] Scott has moved to the head of the line with a small group of men. Mentions Scott describes the men as a bunch of "fighting fellows" and the "best party that ever came out of Kentuckey [sic]." Appears to express his doubts regarding Scott's men. Also notes some of General Scott's horses are unable to handle the expedition and that Scott plans on persuading the men…

GLC02437.06150

5 September 1794

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses information he gathered from an officer regarding the army. Reports on the distances of forts and other landmarks located near Fort Recovery along with General [Anthony] Wayne's recent actions. Also reports General Wayne was attacked by "Indians commanded by [Alexander] Mckee" on the 20th. Describes the battle that followed. Reports the Indians were forced to flee and on the number of men who were killed and wounded in the battle. Mentions the British involvement and appears to hint at the possibility that the Indians were suppose to meet at the British camp. Notes the number…

GLC02437.06193