12 August 1791

Lillie, John, 1755-1801

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Knox's former aide-de-camp Lillie. Written on the ship "Eliza" bound for Savannah, Georgia. Says he previously wrote Knox a letter before he left Gibraltar in which he gave a sketch of the character of the Emperor of Morocco. The day after he left Gibraltar he saw two letters in the possession of James Simpson, the consul for the Empress of Prussia, from two European consuls residing in Tangiers. The letters reported that the Emperor's brother has amassed a body of nearly 100,000 troops near Fez with the intention of attacking the northern ports of Morocco to dethrone the…

GLC02437.05116

December 26, 1777-January 22, 1778

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph document signed

Title: [Journal]

Diary covers a variety of subjects, listed by date, including a report of General William Smallwood's capture of a British brig in Wilmington Delaware, local observations (including Moravian customs), the amount of snowfall, merchant shops, dining with Clinton, etc. Includes travels through Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York. Prior to setting out on this journey, William had been staying with his brother Henry Knox at the Valley Forge encampment. Year inferred from content.

GLC02437.08279

11 November 1789

Fenno, John, 1751-1798

Newspaper

Title: Gazette of the United States. [No. 61 (November 11, 1789)]

Printed on page four is the continuation of the act of Congress to establish the Judicial Courts of the United States (see GLC08757.01 for the first part). Other articles concern privateering, the national debt, and congressional salaries.

GLC08757.02

20 March 1777

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions his plan to "enter the Service" once he raises a certain sum, which he is confident he will have soon. He has bought two hundred pounds worth of quills, paper, and similar articles from Newburry, and thinks they will be easy to turn a profit on since they are scarce in Boston. William and Lucy Knox had reopened the bookshop that Henry had operated before the war, and tried to sell these items there. States that he ran into Joshua Wentworth of Portsmouth, who informed him of the arrival of a French vessel carrying a large cargo of arms for the Continental Army. French officers…

GLC02437.00555

18 March 1777

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Badly misses Henry and hopes to hear from him, her only comfort being her young baby, Lucy Flucker Knox. Hopes that he cries when thinking of her hardships. Reports that William Knox, who she calls Billy, has set out for Newburg, in order to purchase stationery which he hopes to sell. Lucy and William Knox reopened the Boston bookstore that Knox had operated before the war began. They tried to sell other stationery items, but were not very successful. Notes that a shipping embargo may begin soon, but feels that it is "privateering" to take the goods of those "innocent people" who are not…

GLC02437.00553

20 March 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports "News Glorious News" that a French ship loaded with artillery and arms for the Americans landed at Portsmouth last week. Also carried French officers "well recommended by Doct. Franklin" and an account stating that a similar ship will soon arrive with more weapons. Also reports that two "Fine Prize Ships" worth 50,000 pounds were recently captured from the British. Many of these same events are mentioned in GLC02437.00555. Wishes to know if he should still try to recruit men for a regiment. Notes that he has begun training a number of men to play the fife, and hopes to retain a…

GLC02437.00554

27 June 1865

Johnson, J.N., fl. 1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliakim P. Scammon

With 3rd Regt. U.S. Colored Troops. From Virginia; when war broke out, "was ordered by one Henry A. Wise a rebel leader to join my Regt which I refused to do and was arrested and my property seixed. I was released in June 1861...I then joined Gen Coxs division army of the Kanawha as a scout and guide...."

GLC02414.390

February 7, 1778

Martinica, Dominica, fl. 1777-1778

Document signed

Title: [Legal document of privateer from Court of Vice Admiralty of East Florida claiming enslaved people]

One document countersigned by Judge Robert Catherwood of the Court of Vice Admiralty of East Florida dated February 7, 1778. Signed with an "X" as the mark of Lieutenant Dominica Martinico. Document states that Martinico, the commander of the privateer schooner "Recovery," had taken several schooners off the coast of South Carolina during a cruise. Two of these schooners, the "Betsey" and "Grace," held enslaved people. Probably written in St. Augustine.

GLC01411.01

3 June 1777

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relates to Henry what he has heard regarding the Battle of Bound Brook, New Jersey (13 April 1777). Notes that he knows "General Washington & yourself was not in the Battle but intended being at bound Brook the next day." Discusses raising a sum of money and business matters, possibly related to his joining the army and to the bookstore he managed in Boston in Henry's absence. Also mentions Henry's share in the Newbury Privateer as demanded by Colonel Jackson (possibly Henry Jackson). Still awaits Henry's reply regarding his intentions to join the army.

GLC02437.00608

8 June 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Colonel Jackson writes "by way of Peekskill" [New York]. Reports that a Massachusetts state cruiser has taken two British transport ships bound for New York with Hessians on board. Of the Hessians, writes "it is said they show'd the greatest joy when our people board'd the Ship." Refers to another cruiser bound for Quebec with dry goods and blankets. Writes, "I wish to know if it would be agreeable to the generall that I may Inlist some of [the Hessians] in my Regt."

GLC02437.00610

10 July 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Replies to a letter from Henry from 21 June, in which Knox discussed British movement in detail. Agrees with Knox, that the British in the New York/New Jersey area will "form a junction with the Nothern [sic] Army." Worries that General George Washington had misleading information, believing William Howe intended to march to Philadelphia (Howe did not march to Philadelphia; refer to Knox's letter to Jackson from 21 June). Expresses misgivings regarding the loyalty of Native Americans near Fort Ticonderoga: "These devils will let their Friendship be what it may- will allways take up the…

GLC02437.00621

14 July 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the Continental evacuation of Ticonderoga: "My God, what a Stroke we have met with in Loss of Ticonderoga- after all the trouble, pains, & expense the Continent has been at in Fortifyg [sic] that Post, to think we should be obliged to give it up without fire'g a gun- is too much..." Predicts that because of the loss, "there will be nothing but Scalp'g & [Butcher'g] our back settlements..." Reports on the capture of The Fox, a British ship. Mentions the capture of British General Richard Prescott, and hopes for the exchange of Prescott for General [Charles] Lee.

GLC02437.00624

17 July 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions the capture of the Fox, a British frigate. Apparently, the Fox was retaken by the British, but this news is uncorroborated. Colonel Jackson expects to be called in to pay Knox's contribution to a privateer. Suggests that Henry persuade his wife Lucy to sell her phaeton (a horse drawn carriage), noting that Lucy keeps the carriage in case Henry approves her to visit him at military headquarters. Reports that between the phaeton and the chaise, Lucy will need two more horses than she has. Writes, "maybe you'll say it is none of my Business, if she wants 10 Horses, your pay as a…

GLC02437.00626

27 May 1777

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to Henry, his brother. Discusses unfounded accusations that he, William, [stole?] a pair of pistols from Edmund Randolph. Writes, "Now to come to the matter which ingrosses all my tho'ts, that of entring the army..." Discusses raising funds pertaining to a previous verbal agreement he made with Henry. Refers to business ventures (including investment in a privateer), a recent sale, and the Newbury Privateer. Appears to harbor intentions of joining Henry (then in Morristown, New Jersey).

GLC02437.00605

12 June 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Repeats news he mentioned in a letter from 8 June. Discusses the capture of several British ships with Hessians on board, and asks if he can enlist some of them for service. Comments on various ships, and mentions receiving money from Henry's brother William for Henry's share in the Newbury, apparently a privateer. Notes that Samuel Bradstreet has been accused of being a Tory, and Doctor Boyle is to be sent out of the country. Declares, "if the Court does not do something for us, we shall never raise out Regt. it is not money that will get the men... money is as plenty as dirt- there is…

GLC02437.00612

17 July 1777

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Knox's wife Lucy writes, "... I am resolved nothing shall prevent my coming to you early in September but your positive refusal, in which case, I will try to be as indifferent as I shall then think you are." Reports that Knox's brother William is on his way to join Henry in New Jersey. Worries that Knox will "fall into the usual error of absent lovers- that indifference will take place of that refined affection, which you have entertained for me..." From a family letter, Lucy learned that Thomas Flucker, her father, "enjoys his three hundred a year as Secretary of the province." Asks…

GLC02437.00625

15 September 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Would have written to Knox sooner, but was obliged to attend the execution of a man who had deserted from his regiment. Writes, "...he was Shot at the Bottom of the Common, it is supprise'g how the people minds are alter'd about this matter from what it was when the British Troops were here- every one cry'g out a deserter ought to die..." Mentions a British naval prize taken by a privateer and brought to Newburyport, Massachusetts. Describes a matter between the Tartar, an American ship, and a twenty-gun British ship. Expects news from the Northward (northern New York), where American…

GLC02437.00649

3 October 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Jackson

Reports that nothing has changed since 23 September, when he previously wrote, and that the British still have possession of Philadelphia. Relates that the Delaware frigate was recently lost to the British. Recently received militia reinforcement. Has received news from the north (possibly referring to the Battle of Freeman's Farm, 19 September 1777). Regarding the reports, comments: "...if this news should be followed by the probable consequences We may yet conclude the Campaign if not the War most happily..."

GLC02437.00653

19-24 December 1777

Tiffin, William, fl. 1777

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Proof of British powder]

Written at Turtle Bay near New York. Chart recording the result of proofing [testing] of British powder and powder captured by the British. Includes names of prizes from which powder was taken and the capturing vessels. Signed twice by William Tiffin, Captain of the Royal Regiment of Artillery.

GLC02437.00674

19 July 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Colonel Jackson asks, "What think you of the loss of Ticonderoga, it is in general believ'd here, that that Fortress was sold to the enemy- as for my part, I shall suspend my Judgement till I can hear more of the particulars." Discusses recent news from France that "all France is Arm'g their Fleet and Army..." to assist America. Also notes that a private letter from Dr. [Benjamin] Franklin to a gentleman in America suggests that "a War was inevertable," (possibly inevitable). Mentions the British recapture of their frigate the Fox, which had been taken by the Americans earlier. Notes…

GLC02437.00627

23 July 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Colonel Jackson declares, "The loss of Ticonderoga is a very severe stroke, we shall expereance [sic] the misfortune of it as long as the War lasts- there is no one circumstance take'n place this War that has affected the minds of the People so much as this- and there is not one that can acct for its being given up in the maner [sic] it was- not one single Gun fired from us..." Wonders how General [Arthur] St. Clair will explain his conduct after the American loss of Ticonderoga. Hopes General George Washington will become aware of General William Howe's plans. Expects Howe to move up the…

GLC02437.00628

31 July 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that Lucy Knox, Henry's wife, left for Newbury Port (possibly Massachusetts), the previous Monday. Mentions an express from General [Israel] Putnam to General [William] Heath, in which Putnam attested the British sailed from the Hook (possibly Paulus Hook, New Jersey), but did not know where they were bound. General George Washington assumed they are bound for Philadelphia, but a letter from General [Alexander] McDougal to Colonel Sears in Boston states they may be sailing toward Boston. Notes that Sears's behavior, including his intention to flee Boston, has "fright'd all the old…

GLC02437.00631

7 August 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports a scare regarding a fleet of 150 ships in the [Massachusetts] Bay. Describes how Bostonians were thrown into confusion, thinking the fleet consisted of British troops from New York. Speaks of the evacuation of Boston: "altho' the Alarm came very direct- yet by heavens everyone was for own dear self- from my little observation in this affair- I really think if the enemy were to come here, not one quarter part of the Town would turn out to oppose them- O my God the thought." Notes that The Hancock, a frigate, has been captured and taken to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Gives report of a…

GLC02437.00633

13 August 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Predicts that British General William Howe intends to sail for the North River (the Hudson) to connect with [General John Burgoyne's] army: "The North River is, & must be their object- I think the whole of Genl Howe's conduct, must show his weakness- therefore a Junction of the two Armies, is what he will try for & all he can expect this campaine [sic]..." Reports that a ship, the Hero, arrived in Boston to acquire crew, and will sail 14 or 15 August. Notes that the brevity of this letter results from an extremely painful headache.

GLC02437.00636

23 August 1777

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Notes that she is recovering from a four day illness. Describes her daily life in detail as requested by Henry. Rises at eight a.m., has breakfast for an hour, then reads, writes, or works until her "solitary dinner" at 2 p.m. Misses Henry intensely, noting that even the company of their daughter, Lucy, reminds her of his absence. Describes her afternoon rides in her chaise, and her visits to several friends. Mentions the loss of her immediate family, who as Loyalists fled from Boston. Expresses her wish to be with Henry. Refers to the Hero, a ship, which will soon sail for France.…

GLC02437.00638