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

9 August 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: [Retained copy of an opinion delivered to General George Washington]

Offers opinions regarding fortification and manpower at Fort Island, Red Bank, and Billingsport. Created in Pennsylvania at Camp Sandy Run. Dated in another hand. Text is in the hand of William Knox.

GLC02437.00634

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

20 August 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document

Title: [Draft of an opinion for General George Washington]

"From the time which has elapsed since Genl Howe disappeared from the Capes, it may be fairly and certainly deduce'd that he has gone very far either to the Southward or eastward... and it may be concluded with the same probability that neither Philadelphia or the North river is the immediate object of his destination." Discusses William Howe's possible movements. Suggests mounting an offensive against John Burgoyne in the north, "as no longer to leave it in doubt who shall have the Ascendency in that quarter..." Knox predicts that a large scale attack in the north would draw Howe's forces…

GLC02437.00637

24 August 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Comments on General John Stark and the Battle of Bennington ( 16 August 1777): "I don't think all History from Adam to this day, can produce such an instance, which an unequal number of raw undisciplind militia, have attack'd a Superor number of well disciplined regular Troops intrench in Lines- beat them out & gaind so complete a Victory [sic]--" Describes the celebration held in Boston following news of the victory, including liquor at the Bunch of Grapes Tavern, drum and fife music on a balcony, brass field pieces, and two barrels of grog in the street. Gives an account of a new ship…

GLC02437.00639

25 August 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Written at "Derby, 7 Miles below Philadelphia" (possibly Darby, Pennsylvania). Reports that his troops had begun to march to the North River (the Hudson), but received a dispatch that British General William Howe was in the Chesapeake Bay. Believes Philadelphia to be Howe's target, and predicts he will approach Philadelphia via the Delaware River, not the Chesapeake Bay. Reports that American troops marched through Philadelphia 24 August: "their excellent appearance... astonished the Tories, who are very downcast in the Respectability of the army." Reports that he and General Nathanael…

GLC02437.00640

27 August 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Praises the American victory in the recent the Battle of Bennington. Notes that General [Benjamin] Lincoln's aide-de-camp sent an account of the British killed, wounded, and missing at Bennington, which amounted to 1,000. Reports that Henry's wife Lucy has agreed to sell her phaeton (a carriage). Relates a quarrel he had with Colonel Crafts as to rank. In two instances, Crafts refused to accept Jackson (from the Continental Artillery) as a higher rank. Jackson asks who actually holds higher rank, Continental Artillery or Continental Infantry.

GLC02437.00641

26 July 1777

Lovell, James, 1737-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Continental Congressman Lovell writes to Knox: "I suppose you among others have been led, from my being Chairman of the Committee on foreign applications, to dub me Patron of the whole Rank-mad Tribes. I am so far from thinking it proper to disavow that Title, under the present Circumstances of Things, that I rather confirm it by recommending to your notice the bearer, the Chevalr. Du Portail or, D'erford, as he chooses to be named." Thinks D'erford would be useful in Knox's department (artillery).

GLC02437.00629

30 July 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Follows British General William Howe while trying to determine if Howe intends on moving toward Philadelphia with his troops. Notes that he is within 32 miles of Philadelphia, and writes, "I am in hopes my business will call me there having never been in that corrupt place..." Wonders as to Howe's hesitation, joking that it is impossible Howe would be afraid of "our ragamuffin army." Criticizes Howe, noting "the first principle of an invader ought to be to destroy the army of his opponents... if his army is not superior in the field he may as well take himself away..." Asserts that based…

GLC02437.00630

12 August 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Written in camp twenty miles from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Expresses his happiness that Lucy has spent time in Newburyport, Massachusetts: "The Gentlemen there with whom I am acquainted, are in my opinion some of the most virtuous public spirited, patriots on the Continent." Reports that British General William Howe might be sailing toward the Chesapeake Bay. Disbelieves the Chesapeake is Howe's target. Asserts instead that Howe intends to sail for the North River (the Hudson) or Philadelphia. Discusses Howe's movements and comments on the extremely hot weather. Referring to British…

GLC02437.00635

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

28 August 1777

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reprimands Henry for not writing sooner. Notes that she sent a letter to Henry with Captain Randall. Asks Henry to intervene on behalf of Captain Bliss regarding an unspecified matter. Writes, "It is very strange that you mention nothing to me of a strange letter I sent you from the pretended Dutchess addressed to his excellency- I do not like to be treated so..." Notes that "your man Jacksons wife" is displeased by hearing nothing from him. Reports that she and their "little girl," Lucy, are doing well.

GLC02437.00642

28 August 1777

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Notes that Captain Randall is not leaving as soon as she expected, thus she can add more lines to her letter, a continuation of GLC02437.00642. Writes, "I forgot to tell you how much I am mortified at having received an epistle from you wrote upon the second of this month wherein you take no notice of it being your Lucys birth day- such apparent trifles are not overlooked by persons who tenderly Love- but it was the hurry of business it was not it could not be want of affection." Gives an account of the celebration in Boston following "advantage gained at the Northward," possibly the Battle…

GLC02437.00643

February 1777- August 1777

Manuscript document

Title: [George Measam's invoice]

Lists accounts with several officers. Includes the account of a transaction with James Mease, Clothier General, located in Philadelphia. A note at the bottom of the page indicates that Measam removed to Springfield, Massachusetts in 1778. Top of document is missing.

GLC02437.00644

15 March 1781

Reed, Jacob Jr., 1755-1838

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Return of the men in Capt. Thomas T. Bliss's Company]

Lists men formerly belonging to the company of artillery commanded by the late Captain Hugg. Created at an artillery park, covering the period of the date of their enlistment to 1 September 1777, for the war. Signed by Captain Lieutenant Reed. Some of the men listed dispute their enlistment.

GLC02437.00645

19 July 1780

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document

Title: to the Board of War and Ordnance

Signed by Samuel Shaw for Knox. List of items and requested quantities. Written at a Park of Artillery. With autograph annotations by Shaw.

GLC02437.00824

19 July 1780

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph document

Title: Articles necessary for a Field Laboratory

Lists all items for setting up an artillery field laboratory with requested quantities. Written at a Park of Artillery.

GLC02437.00825

March-July 1780

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph document

Title: Summary return of all the men employed in the service of the artillery and corps of the engineers...

Lists number of men by rank and profession.

GLC02437.00826

21 July 1780

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stevens

Military orders for Colonel Stevens after he arrives at Peekskill, New York.

GLC02437.00827

circa 6 October 1776

Hoff, Joseph, fl. 1776

Manuscript document

Title: John Hoff Memoranda for Col: Knox

Autograph endorsement signed on verso by Henry Knox, written from Mt. Washington, [New York] dated 6 October 1776, requests that Lieutenant Samuel Treat be granted passage over King's Bridge. John Hoff's memoranda explains the content and circumstances of the delivery (by John Hoff) of a letter from Joseph Hoff, owner of Hibernia Furnace, to Colonel Thomas Mifflin, requesting instructions for an order of artillery pieces (see GLC02437.00462). Since Mifflin went to Philadelphia, the letter is going to Henry Knox.

GLC02437.00463

2 October 1776-14 October 1776

Keyes, Nathaniel, fl. 1776

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Clothing receipts]

Four receipts for coats, white swanskin (a kind of material) and shoes, signed by Keyes, Thomas Frothingham, John Oliver, Joseph Eayres and Nathaniel Bowen. (All served under Henry Knox.) Notes supplies received at Mount Washington from Isaiah Audebert, the quartermaster in Knox's artillery regiment.

GLC02437.00467

5 October 1776

Jacob, fl. 1776

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he "is manufacturing gun powder for the Continental Congress" that is intended for George Washington. Sends samples to Knox and asks to be informed which will pass inspection. Signed in the third person in the text.

GLC02437.00469

8 October 1776

Anspach, Peter, fl. 1775-1783

Autograph note signed

Title: [Receipt for 450 pounds/1,500 dollars and an account for clothing for Colonel Thomas Mifflin]

Delivered for Henry Knox by Samuel Treat. Composed at Mount Washington.

GLC02437.00471

10 October 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Expresses disappointment with not receiving a letter from William, but writes this letter for both William and Henry Jackson. Discusses being recalled from New Jersey in response to sightings of British ships. Tells William to not give credit to reports that an American garrison has been taken, because it has not be verified. Comments on cannons he is getting for Henry Jackson to be mounted on a privateer. Mentions that Lucy Knox and their daughter visited briefly. Composed at Mount Washington.

GLC02437.00472

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