12 November 1783

Carleton, Guy, 1724-1808

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox of his proposed schedule to evacuate New York, starting from King's Bridge as far as McGowan's Pass, continuing eastward on Long Island. Mentions evacuating Brooklyn the day following, then Paulus Hook, Denys's (Denyse's Ferry in Brooklyn), and Staten Island soon after. His plan also includes reserving the rights to the New York City shipyards for boat repairs for as long as he needs them.

GLC02437.02770

24 November 1783

Carleton, Guy, 1724-1808

Manuscript letter

Title: to George Washington

Informs Washington of his plans to evacuate New York, stating that "I purpose to withdraw from this place to morrow [sic] at noon, by which time I conclude your Troops will be near the Barrier. - The Guards from the Redoubts & on the East River shall be first withdrawn, but an officer will be sent out to give information to your advanced Guard when the Troops move." Transmittal copy sent to Henry Knox from George Washington, copied out entire in the hand of David Cobb, aide-de-camp to the Commander-in-Chief.

GLC02437.02798

9 November 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Guy Carleton

Discusses the evacuation of British troops from New York City. Suggests that American forces take over the city as soon as Sir Guy Carleton and his men leave to prevent disorder and damage to the city. Requests that Carleton give him 5-6 days notice before pulling out. Written in the hand of, and signed for Knox by, Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide-de-camp.

GLC02437.02761

10 November 1783

Carleton, Guy, 1724-1808

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox about a delay in the evacuation of his British troops, as they are still waiting for the ships and supplies. States that he will let Knox know their departure date as soon as he, himself, finds out.

GLC02437.02767

13 November 1783

Clinton, George, 1739-1812

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the delays of the British evacuation of New York City. States that they have to "wait Sir Guy's [Carleton] Pleasure and I fear considering the advanced season that he will put myself as well as many other Citizens who cannot think of removing their families into the City until his Departure, to great Inconveniencies and Difficulties."

GLC02437.02771

13 November 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Clinton

Discusses plans for the evacuation of New York City by the British and requests that they give five to six days' notice.

GLC02437.02773

25 November 1783

Cobb, David, 1748-1830

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Forwards a letter (most likely GLC02437.02798) from Sir Guy Carleton concerning "arrangements ... made for the British Officers' visiting your advanced guard." Noted as written at "Quarters."

GLC02437.02802

29 October 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Washington

Discusses the winter quarters for various regiments located in and around the area of West Point. Mentions the British evacuation of New York City which may or may not happen soon. Knox also offers to host Washington if he travels to New York City or Boston. Knox's retained draft.

GLC02437.02724

29 October 1783

Boudinot, Elias, 1740-1821

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks Knox to personally deliver a letter to General Alexander McDougall and emphasizes that it is private. Requests Knox to forward the two pieces of field artillery designed for the Count De Grasse to New York as soon as the British evacuate. Wants confirmation of this.

GLC02437.02722

5 April 1794

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses General Israel Chapin's negotiations with the Six Nations (possibly referring to the Canandaigua Treaty of 1794). Notes that the Treaty should take place apart from British agents and spies.

GLC02437.09428

September 20, 1795

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Washington recently received a letter from Knox "with great pleasure." He comments on Knox's home in Maine (Knox retired to his estate, Montpelier, in 1795, located near the St. George River in Thomaston, Maine). Mentions the "Treaty with Great Britain," referring to the Jay Treaty, signed by Washington in August 1795. He refers to public opinion of the Treaty. Discusses the details of providing for George Washington Lafayette (son of the Marquis de Lafayette and the President's godson). Relates that he has arranged for Lafayette to be cared for by Senator George Cabot and entered in the…

GLC02437.09430

circa 1790

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript document

Title: [Drafts of secret articles in a treaty between the United States and the Creek Nation]

A working manuscript that has been corrected by Knox probably intended for George Washington. Consists of several secret articles pertaining to the proposed treaty; in each case, "secret" has been struck. One article grants trading rights in United States ports. If the Spanish obstruct Creek commerce, promises to transport Creek goods through United States territory until the obstruction is removed, as long as the goods do not exceed 60,000 dollars in worth. Another article appoints Alexander McGillivray, Chief of the Creek Nation, as Brigadier General in the United States Army with 1,200…

GLC02437.09459

21 April 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Due to an announcement of the cessation of hostilities (between the United States and Great Britain) Washington instructs Knox to permit any citizens of New York or the United States to pass and repass his post (West Point) with vessels, boats, or water craft.

GLC02437.09385

17 August 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Emphasizes the priority of garrisoning the posts which will soon be ceded to the United States from the British in the "Western Waters," (referring to the Great Lakes region, specifically the posts at Oswego and Niagara, in present-day Western New York). Instructs Knox on the specifics of this preparation, including the transfer of artillery, stores, and ammunition. Notes that some articles may be taken from stores on the Mohawk River. Issues further instructions on detaching artillerists and light infantry to the region.

GLC02437.09389

23 October 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes, "The arrival of the Definitive Treaty and the evacuation of New York- have been so long delayed as to interfere very materially with our arrangements for the Celebration of Peace..." Has decided that the celebration will be deferred until the British leave New York. Was informed by Sir Guy Carleton that the British will completely evacuate New York in November 1783. Instructs Knox to confer with New York Governor George Clinton, and to take possession of New York City as soon as the British evacuate. Transmits a copy of a Proclamation of Congress of 18 October 1783 for the…

GLC02437.09394

26 August 1790

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Proclamation regarding the violation of treaties made with the Choctaw and Chicksaw tribes]

President Washington warns citizens of the United States against violating certain treaties previously negotiated with Native American tribes. Instructs civil and military officers of the United States to govern themselves according to the treaties. Also signed by Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State (1790-1793), who has added the words "By the President" below Washington's signature. This draft proclamation is in the hand of Attorney General Edmund Randolph.

GLC02437.09397

23 September 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses gratitude for Knox's praise of Washington in the context of Congress's resolution "That an equestrian statue of General Washington, be erected at the place where the residence of Congress shall be established," passed on 7 August 1783 (and later completed by sculptor Thomas Crawford in the nineteenth century). Informs Knox that he has continued to lobby in support of the Officers' Petition for a large land grant in the Ohio Valley in lieu of back pay, but that the petition is being held up by continued negotiations between Congress and the state of Virginia (in whose territory the…

GLC02437.09401

23 October 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions the return of General Benjamin Lincoln. Hopes the transition to a peacetime military establishment will commence without further delay. Does not think Congress intends to abolish the Office of Secretary at War (which Lincoln held from 1781-1783). Notes that Lincoln has helped devise a plan for making the office more economical. Intends to recommend Knox for the position of Secretary at War if Knox wishes. Comments that many members of Congress object to the terms of the peace establishment. Lincoln and Washington disagree on predicted expenses the office of Secretary at War will…

GLC02437.09402

23 October 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Marked "Duplicate" at the top by George Washington. Mentions the return of General Benjamin Lincoln. Hopes the transition to a peacetime military establishment will commence without further delay. Does not think Congress intends to abolish the Office of Secretary at War (which Lincoln held from 1781-1783). Notes that Lincoln has helped devise a plan for making the office more economical. Intends to recommend Knox for the position of Secretary at War if Knox wishes. Comments that many members of Congress object to the terms of the peace establishment. Lincoln and Washington disagree on…

GLC02437.09403

10 February 1891

Blaine, James Gillespie, 1830-1893

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Fennelon Brown

Secretary of State Blaine writes to Chief Clerk of the State Department Brown telling him to "send to White House treaty with paper prepared yesterday in connection therewith." Blaine's memorandum is written in ink. The date on the piece is in pencil and is not in Blaine's hand. On the verso is a note in pencil (which appears to be in the same hand as the writer of the date) that reads: "M. L. 1158 a.m."

GLC02504.43

20 September 1800

Marshall, John, 1755-1835

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rufus King

Marshall, Secretary of State, writes to King, Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States in England. Discusses violations of Jay's Treaty (concluded in 1794 between the United States and Great Britain), including impressment, debts, and seizure of goods during the Napoleonic Wars. States that "the aggressions, sometimes of one, & sometimes of another belligerent power, have forced us to contemplate, & to prepare for war, as a probably event." Declares that "The impressment of our seamen is an injury of very serious magnitude, which deeply affects the feelings & the honor…

GLC02539

25 June 1798

Jay, John, 1745-1829

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William North

Arrived in New York on 23 June 1798 and received North's letter of 22 June 1798. Written by Jay as Governor of New York to North as Senator from New York. North wrote soliciting advice on foreign affairs from Jay. Says the French alliance of 1777 should be considered void, but advises that a declaration of war should be avoided. Says war must seem unavoidable and necessary before the general public will give its approval of such drastic measures. Regrets the drastic measures of the Jacobins in France. Believes Elbridge Gerry's decision to remain in France after the XYZ Affair, while done out…

GLC02528.02

24 November 1778

Laurens, Henry, 1724-1792

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Alexander

Laurens, as president of congress, writes to the Earl of Stirling about the distribution of "the Treaties of Amity & Commerce & of Alliance" with France and trade relations with the United Provinces. He also bemoans the loss of virtue and unity which America had in 1775, decrying avarice and profiteering.

GLC02532

1 November 1854

Pierce, Franklin, 1804-1869

Document signed

Title: [Authorization for James Buchanan to conclude a Consular Convention with Great Britian]

President Pierce directs Secretary of State William Learned Marcy to affix the United States seal. Confirms full power for Buchanan, Minister to Great Britain, to conclude a consular convention.

GLC02585

1934

International Boundary Commission

Book signed

Title: Joint report upon the survey and demarcation of the boundary between the United States and Canada from the source of the St. Croix River to the Atlantic Ocean

Contains treaties between the United States and Canada regarding the demarcation of geographic boundaries. Describes the types of committees used and the methods of surveying the boundary from the source of the St. Croix River to the Atlantic Ocean. Features maps, descriptions of land formations and latitude and longitude tables. Includes a letter with the original signatures of the U.S. commissioner, James H. Van Wagenen, and the British commissioner (for Canada), Noel J. Ogilvie. Printed by the United States Government Printing Office.

GLC02619