7 November 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: William Knox

Was worried to hear from Henry Jackson that William had gone aboard a ship going to confront the British ship the Mifford. Notes that after pursuing the Continental Army to White Plains, the British have turned back toward New York and Knox speculates that they intend to besiege Fort Washington and then pass to New Jersey and possible Philadelphia. Believes Fort Washington could withstand a two or three month siege. Notes that the Hessians and the British "plunder all before them." Instructs William to pick Lucy Knox up from New Haven, Connecticut, if she wants to winter in Boston. A…

GLC02437.00483

10 November 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Discusses how important his correspondence with Lucy is and how much it hurts him to urge her to go farther away from him (first to New Haven then to Boston). Speculates on a possible British strategy to extend their conquest into New Jersey, which will force Knox to follow, and be further from his wife. Notes that the New York campaign might be considered a loss for the Americans. Analyzes the current situation in New York. Comments that General George Washington set out for New Jersey. Mentions that General Horatio Gates drove Sir Guy Carleton back to Canada, which Knox believes will…

GLC02437.00485

14 November 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Regrets that he must send her to Boston, but hopes to see her and Peter soon, if his duties allow. Notes British movements on Long Island. Comments on the tactical ineptitude displayed by both sides: "The manoeuvres of the enemy are so complicated that at times I think they have as little knowledge in the art of war as their opponents." Discusses the strength of both armies, and prepares for a siege of Fort Washington. Has heard that the King of Portugal has declared war on the colonies.

GLC02437.00487

17 November 1776

Greene, Nathanael, 1742-1786

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Dated November 1776; date of 17 November inferred from content. Reports that Fort Washington has been captured by the British, and that the Americans have "lost" between 2,000 to 3,000 soldiers. The American generals, including Washington, Palmer, Mercer and Greene, had been discussing abandoning the Fort when the British troops arrived and attacked. Describes the British attack on the fort, and the American retreat. Thinks the British may have taken a number of casualties, but bemoans the loss of the fort as a "terrible event its consequences are justly to be dreaded," and asks Knox for…

GLC02437.00488

18 November 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Informs her of the loss of Fort Washington and 1,500 men. "This is the most severe stroke we have received during the war as to the number of men." Writes that he is very upset over the terrible defeat, but has not lost hope.

GLC02437.00489

1 October 1776

Cheever, Ezekiel, 1720-1793

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Indicates that he is sending Knox ordnance and apologizes for the delay caused by wagon availability. Also explains his lack of manpower. If Knox sees General James Reed first, asks that he explain Cheever's inability to comply with a request to supply Reed with an officer, as was requested. Cheever was the commissary of military stores.

GLC02437.00464

2 October 1776

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Explains why he has not written recently. Reacts to Knox's account of Major Thomas Henley's death in a failed surprise attack against the British on Randall's Island. Notes that he has published accounts Knox requested. Indicates that Bostonians are "much alarm'd, about the burn'g, hang'g & cut'g the throats of some of our people..." Discusses the appointments, resignations, and selection of several officers. Reports the capture of a British vessel with light horse on board.

GLC02437.00466

October 1776

Hamilton, Alexander, 1757-1804

Autograph document signed

Title: Return of the Artillery Company of the State of New York commanded by Alexander Hamilton

Signed in text in the third person in the title ("Alexander Hamilton"). Lists numbers of men of various rank present in varying capacities. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.00468

9 October 1776

Stringer, Samuel, 1725-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Discusses their correspondence. Comments on General Philip Schuyler's planned resignation. Discusses expectations for an attack on Fort Ticonderoga and the plans of General Horatio Gates in relation to Schuyler's impending resignation. Sends his regards to various people.

GLC02437.00470

10 October 1776

Ogdon, Gabriel, fl. 1776

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the transportation of ordnance to New York.

GLC02437.00473

10 October 1776

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Laments the loss of Bergen Point, New Jersey, as well as any other easy victory by the British because it lifts their spirits and emboldens them. It also discourages the Americans. Wants there to be no more works built that cannot be properly defended. Discusses several prizes taken by privateers and the supplies seized. Also relates news from London papers that were aboard one of the ships. Discusses a ship his is outfitting and inquires again about the guns he requested from Knox. Mentions the marriage of Ebenezer Oliver to Sucky (Susanna) Johonnet.

GLC02437.00474

14 October 1776

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

He is anxious for news, which has not come in twelve days. He is also worried about the upcoming December because there are rumors that few in the old army will reenlist. Discusses possible solutions. Mrs. Johnson, the wife of Captain Lieutenant John Johnson, who was taken prisoner at the Battle of Long Island, was glad to receive a letter from Knox. Thinks it wise for Lucy Knox to stay in Boston for the winter. Inquires about a Mr. Cheever (possibly Ezekiel Cheever), who was possibly wounded.

GLC02437.00475

28 October 1776

Stringer, Samuel, 1725-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Rants about not receiving any letters from Knox. Discusses in detail the "fatal Catastrophe of our Navy," commanded by Benedict Arnold, on Lake Champlain, as well as subsequent activities around Crown Point and Fort Ticonderoga, including the actions of Indians fighting for the British. Describes the strong works at Fort George and Fort Ticonderoga. The letter continues on 3 November 1776 and discusses local military and naval activities since 28 October. Written from Fort George in Lake George, New York. Enclosure cited is GLC02437.09538.

GLC02437.00477

1 November 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Mentions problems with the post. Explains why the Continental Army had retreated in the Battle of White Plains (28 October 1776). Notes that military intelligence gathered from British prisoners and deserters suggests the British are planning to attempt a decisive attack. The Continental Army will try to avoid any general battle in which they lack "most advantageous terms."

GLC02437.00478

1 November 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Mentions problems with the post. Discusses the Battle of White Plains. Notes his belief that the British are planning to attempt a decisive attack. Thinks she should spend the winter in Boston and if she agrees he will send William Knox to escort her.

GLC02437.00479

6 November 1776

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses her poor health, explains why she did not write for three posts, and laments their separation. Seeks verification of a rumor that General William Howe met the same fate as General John Burgoyne. Letter dated below signature as 6 November. Year inferred from content.

GLC02437.00480

6 November 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Urges her to cheer up and look to the future: "Providence,...is [missing text] excellent rock to rest upon." Discusses overcoming recent ill health. Reiterates that he thinks she should spend the winter in Boston. Explains that the British army seems to be retiring, but it might be a feint. If the British head to New Jersey or Philadelphia, Knox must follow. Discusses the battle in White Plains. Mentions problems with the post.

GLC02437.00481

7 November 1776

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses Knox infrequent correspondence and attributes it to him being "in one of the most active Situations in the whole army." Is happy to hear Knox is getting over an illness. Mentions Knox becoming increasingly fat. Discusses the scarcity and inconsistency of news reaching Boston. He is especially disturbed by the effects of false, positive news. Fears that the British might attack when the current army's enlistment ends. Laments not enlisting last year and hopes for a solution to the manpower problem. Notes that a privateer has taken a prize bound for Halifax from London.

GLC02437.00482

8 November 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Comments on their problems corresponding and reaffirms his love for her. Indicates that the British have stopped pursuing them and their intentions are unknown. Denounces British and Hessian plundering. Describes the Scottish (Highlanders) as the most civil group in the enemy's army, perhaps because they see a commonality with the Americans. Affirms honor of the American efforts to be free. Lists the information about a brigade under General Alexander Leslie that was recently intercepted, including 152 dead.

GLC02437.00484

13 November 1776

Hastings, Jonathan, 1738-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Agrees that Boston men show "indifference" to joining the army. States his willingness to "resign my commission to the Post Master General" as long as he can join Knox as an "aid de Camp." Tells Knox "to be with you & share your Dangers is my sincere Desire." Congratulates Knox "on the capture of many prizes," especially the capture of a ship from Scotland to New York carrying "7,000 shirts ready made, 11,000 hair stockings, & 17,000 pairs shoes, besides many other articles in great demand for the army." The invoice on board the ship states the goods are worth "25,000 sterling."

GLC02437.00486

22 November 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Assures her that their separation will not be as long as she fears, that they will soon be together again, and that he loves her deeply. Explains why he must stay at war and away from her, saying: "My obedience in this point interrupts our happiness for the present in order to secure it more effectually." Writes that the British have arrived near Fort Lee, and expects they will attack it soon. Reports that the Continental Congress has not taken care of his artillery unit. Hopes to see her in four weeks, assuming the British move to winter quarters. Expects that his brother will be with…

GLC02437.00490

25 December 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document

Title: Order of march to Trenton

Orders for surprise attack on British forces at Trenton. On Christmas morning Washington made his famous crossing of the Delaware, and prepared for a surprise attack on Trenton. These orders lay out the various roles of the different sections of the American army. General Stevens will command the lead group, supported by some of Knox's artillery men. General Greene will command the second group, supported by a number of Knox's cannon. Delineates the various specific jobs of each unit. Includes hand drawn map on verso of Trenton. The pencil map shows the plan of Trenton, the roads and…

GLC02437.00495

28 December 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Expresses his love for Lucy, but says that the love of his country must keep them apart for now. Discusses the Battle of Trenton (26 December 1776) in depth. Starts by stating that Lucy must "have heard of our success on the morning of the 26th instant against the enemy." Describes how before the attack, they were forced to retire to the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware and that "preservation of Philadelphia was a matter exceedingly precarious - The Force of the enemy three or four times as large as ours." Notes that Hessian troops, German mercenaries, were defending Trenton. Describes…

GLC02437.00497

circa 1776

Allen, David, 1712-1777

Autograph document signed

Title: [List of artillery stores]

List various artillery supplies, such as powder, shells, shot, and fuses. Note on bottom of page states that he has just received the articles on the list "from Capt Dana at Bargin" and wishes to know what to do with them. Addressed to Knox at Mount Washington. Mount Washington could possibly refer to either Dorchester Heights in Boston or Fort Washington in New York. Mount Washington was a local name for Dorchester Heights for a time. Knox was positioned near both places during 1776. If the letter was sent to Boston then it was most likely written between January and March. If it was…

GLC02437.00503

23 November 1776

Pollard, Jonathan, fl. 1749-1786

Manuscript document

Title: [Account from Jonathan Pollard to Henry Knox]

Account for money owed Pollard for goods including flint, postage, and rum. Details of the account identical to GLC02437.00492.

GLC02437.00491