February 25, 1777

Putnam, Israel, 1718-1790

Letter signed

Title: to John Neilson

Reports that there is intelligence showing that the British are planning a movement toward Delaware. Advises that if this occurs, Colonel Neilson should join him immediately with his men. Warns him not to be fooled, "be careful that you are not deceived into this Movement by any Foraging Party for the Enemy, but previous to taking this step observe if possible whether or not they are really prepared for a March." Informs that the British are building pontoons in New York and that he should try to find out if any arrive at Amboy, New Jersey. Also instructs Neilson to spare no expense to…

GLC06307.02

3 June 1781

Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Nathanael Greene

Written by Lafayette as commander of American forces in Virginia to General Greene as commander of the Southern Department. Lafayette is writing from his camp between the Rappahannock and North Anna Rivers. Updates Greene on the cat and mouse campaign he was undertaking against General Lord Cornwallis throughout Virginia. Says that Cornwallis's force is much larger than his, especially his cavalry, which outnumbers his 10 to 1. Tells Greene that Cornwallis landed at Westover instead of Richmond and has been attempting to outflank him. Thought he would have met up with General Anthony Wayne…

GLC06323

25 September 1777

Schuyler, Philip John, 1733-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Richard Varick

Writes that he is pleased that General Benedict Arnold will remain and believes Arnold was ill treated by Continental General Horatio Gates at first Battle of Saratoga, 19 September 1777. Gates and Arnold clashed over strategy and Gates removed Arnold from second-in-command. " ... my gallant friend, General Arnold, has determined to remain until a battle shall have happened or Gen. Burgoyne retreats ... [Gates] will probably be indebted to him for the glory he may acquire by a victory, but perhaps his is so very sure of success that he does not wish the other to come in for a share of it…

GLC06332

11 May 1780

Wyllys, George, 1710-1796

Broadside

Title: [Connecticut policy toward enlisting men in Continental army]

Discusses the tax benefits of those towns having reached a quota of enlisted residents and the responsibilities of those persons who have not yet enlisted.

GLC06347

1855

Nell, William C., 1816-1874

Book

Title: The colored patriots of the American Revolution, with sketches of several distinguished colored persons: to which is added a brief survey of the condition and prospects of colored Americans.

Published by Robert F. Wallcut. Includes an introduction by Harriet Beecher Stowe. Contains descriptions of African Americans' meritorious military service. Includes a printed fold-out leaf opposite page 132, which consists of George Washington's discharge for a soldier named Brister Baker. The first illustration depicts Crispus Attucks, a runaway slave and a sailor who died 5 March 1770 in the Boston Massacre. A second section includes information on the state of African American Civil Rights at the time of publication. This work is a duplicate of GLC06176.

GLC06132

1855

Nell, William C., 1816-1874

Book

Title: The colored patriots of the American Revolution, with sketches of several distinguished colored persons: to which is added a brief survey of the condition and prospects of colored Americans.

Signed several times on the inside cover by Mrs. George H. Washington at an unspecified date. Signed 23 December 1978 in blue pen on the inner front cover by William D. Hoyt. Published by Robert F. Wallcut. Includes an introduction by Harriet Beecher Stowe. Nell, the author, describes African Americans' meritorious military service. Contains a printed fold-out leaf opposite page 132, which consists of George Washington's discharge for a soldier named Brister Baker. The first illustration depicts Crispus Attucks, a runaway slave and a sailor who died 5 March 1770 in the Boston Massacre…

GLC06176

1861

Garrison, William Lloyd, 1805-1879

Pamphlet

Title: The loyalty & devotion of colored Americans in the Revolution and War of 1812.

Published by Robert F. Wallcut. Contains excerpts from speeches and quotations related to African American military service. Includes excerpts from a William Howard Day speech delivered at a convention for African Americans held in Cleveland, Ohio, 9 September 1852; excerpts from an address delivered in 1842 before the Congregational and Presbyterian Anti-Slavery Society of Francestown, New Hampshire, by Dr. Harris (according to many sources an African American Revolutionary War veteran); excerpts from an 1821 speech by Dr. Clarke in the convention to revise the New York State Constitution;…

GLC06130

1847

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Book

Title: The journals of Major Samuel Shaw, first American Consul at Canton

[Title continued] "... with a life of the author, by Josiah Quincy." Shaw was Henry Knox's aide and he was related to Robert Gould Shaw. Printed by Crosby & Nichols.

GLC06155

1781-1791

Manuscript document

Title: [Revolutionary War orderly book]

For New York garrison located at West Point, New Windsor, Peekskill, Dobbs Ferry and Philipsburg Manor. Contains orders from Washington, describes Cornwallis's defeat and surrender at Yorktown (although this garrison remained on the Hudson), news of the final peace settlement and resulting celebration. Includes copies of correspondence between high ranking officers and foreign diplomats and dignitaries. The book mentions or alludes to many important figures in the Revolution, including D'Estaing, Greene, Robert Howe, Lafayette, Marion, Pickens, Rawdon, Cornwallis, De Grasse, Rochambeau and…

GLC05969

18 August 1777

Rittenhouse, David, 1732-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Page

Written by Rittenhouse, a well-known astronomer and instrument maker, as Pennsylvania state treasurer to Page as Lieutenant Governor of Virginia. References Page's letter of 25 March 1777. Thanks him sending his observations on the eclipse of the sun and the transit of Mercury. Says he is going to do a write up of the eclipse and needs Williamsburg, Virginia's (where Page wrote from) true longitude. Says next eclipse of the sun in June will be total. Discusses in detail the angle of observation for an eclipse and the path of Venus. Says he will send something to Page for publication since…

GLC05974

18 June 1776

Paca, William, 1740-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer

States that Mr. Aspden, a merchant in Philadelphia, is now in Annapolis and is soliciting passage home with the British Governor of Maryland, Robert Eden. Asks that the Council of Safety promote his passage if possible. Postscript remarks upon his determination to form an independent government, "Government must be affirmed - instructions must be withdrawn - Powers must be given to your delegates to make foreign alliances - I speak seriously. I expect to be down in time." Letter damaged at center with losses affecting text.

GLC05982

6 January 1776-4 September 1777

Howe, William, 1729-1814

Manuscript document

Title: [British adjutant's orderly book]

Orderly book of British Commander-in-Chief William Howe, oblong quarto, in the handwriting of six or seven soldier-clerks. Details daily orders, official memoranda, court martials, provisions, directives on the control of civilians, embarkations and landings of troops, and more. Among the historic events described are the siege and evacuation of Boston (from 5 March 1776 for 20 pages) and the execution of Nathan Hale (22 September 1776) who is unnamed. "A Spy from the Enemy by his own full confession, apprehended last Night was this day Executed at 11 oClock in front of the Artillery Park…

GLC05983

11 June 1781

Morris, Robert, 1734-1806

Letter signed

Title: to William Whipple

Discusses the state of financial affairs and the need for a national bank to stop depreciation of the currency and reduced powers of the government. Writes that he "must apply or support to Gentlemen of your Character and Zeal for the service of their Country." He asks him to subscribe to the bank, and to encourage his friends and fellow citizens to do likewise. "We shall have to appeal to the interests of mankind...."

GLC05898

1776

Lind, John, fl. 1776-1778

Book

Title: An Answer to the declaration of the American Congress

Disbound. Printed by T. Cadell, J. Walter & T. Sewell. 1st edition. Response to the Declaration of Independence.

GLC05933

1788

Minot, George Richards, 1758-1802

Book

Title: The History of the insurrection, in Massachusetts, in the year 1776, and the rebellion consequent thereon

First edition copy published by Isaiah Thomas. Gives a historical account of Shay's Rebellion. Late 19th century binding by P. V. Sanford.

GLC05949

1783

Burke, Aedanus, 1743-1802

Pamphlet

Title: Considerations on the Society or Order of Cincinnati...

Remainder of title: "Lately Instituted By the Major-Generals, Brigadier-Generals, and Officers of the American Army...." Burke is identified on the cover as the author. Printed by Basil Webster.

GLC05767

21 September 1781

Bailey, Francis, 1744-1817

Broadside

Title: Postscript to the Freeman's Journal, Sept. 21.

This document is a copy of the Postscript to the Freeman's Journal from 21 September 1781. It contains letter from a free black man named Cato, "a poor negro," complaining of a newly proposed act that would have sent free blacks back into slavery. Also includes a continued recount of the proceedings of the assembly, a letter to the printer about the anniversary of the Battle of Bemis Heights, 19 September 1777, and a few other news items.

GLC05818

1783

Vose, Joseph, 1738-1816

Object

Title: [Society of Cincinnati gold enameled eagle medallion with 2 cuff links]

Accompanied by blue and white shirt cuff buttons or links.

GLC05849

January 19, 1780

Greene, Nathanael, 1742-1786

Letter signed

Title: to James Abeel

Circular letter written to Abeel, the Deputy Quartermaster General of the Continental Army, about changes in the quartermaster's department. Indicates that the arrangement of financial business by Congress makes it necessary for them (as well as the Treasury Board) to determine war costs. Orders Abeel to follow new, more stringent accounting standards involving the use of printed certificates to specify monies owed. Sends a copy of a congressional resolution (not included).

GLC05871

17 March 1777

Whipple, William, 1730-1785

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Josiah Bartlett

Discusses Continental troop movements, specifically regarding Fort Ticonderoga and New Jersey. Also, rising cost of living and collapsing currency, taxation, Franklin's reception at Versailles, and New Hampshire politics.

GLC05878

1795

Wythe, George, 1726-1806

Book

Title: Decisions of cases in Virginia by the High Court of Chancery, with remarks upon decrees by the Court of Appeals, reversing some of those decisions.

Wythe's name is handwritten on title page as Chancellor of Virginia. Signed on inner front cover by James M. Whittle. Signed on title page by James Henry, 1795 (possibly the Virginia delegate to Continental Congress in 1780). Includes a multitude of cases. One page 132, contains a case alleging that the British government has not recompensated Virginia residents adequately, after stealing enslaved people. Richmond: printed by Thomas Nicolson

GLC05884

May 1777

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes a very detailed letter to her husband in Morristown, New Jersey during the American Revolution. Discusses the arrival in Boston of General Charles Tronson du Coudray, a French military engineer "who stiles himself Commander in Chief of the Continental Artillery" (Knox's current position) and claimed the appointment was from Silas Deane. Discusses the illness of Henry's brother William ("Billy") and her "fear we shall lose him, or at least that the humour in the blood has taken such deep root, as to embitter his future days." Also comments on various items she sent to Knox.…

GLC05895

2 September 1782

Haskell, Elnathan, 1755-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from Verplanks Point, now Verplanck, New York. Writes, "In the orders of this day I am appointed aide de camp to Major General [Robert] Howe, which I suppose will supersede the necessity of my returning to the Garrison again. Everything you desired was detailed to the Commander in Chief [George Washington], previous to my appointment, by General Howe."

GLC02437.01563

16 September 1782

Heath, William, 1737-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from Camp Verplank's Point, present-day Verplanck, New York. Writes that since the Commander in Chief [General George Washington] has not yet received money or the necessary papers by the Southern post, he plans to postpone the meeting of Commissioners to next Wednesday.

GLC02437.01615

22 November 1782

Hazen, Moses, 1733-1803

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Brigadier General Hazen to Major General Knox. Reports that Washington ordered him to send a return to Knox at West Point for ammunition, & etc. Asks to have it forwarded to Stony Point. Says "It was not in my Power to procure for you, amongst the German Prisoners, the Servants you wanted." Second page includes a copy of a note from Hazen, in the hand of Samuel Shaw, reading "to 29 rounds per man - 1404 dozen Cartridges / 150 priming wires."

GLC02437.01723