19 November 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that Colonel [possibly William] Hull accepted an appointment in the Massachusetts line, but wants to rank next to Jackson, with the title of Major. Major [William] North believes he will outrank Hull, but Jackson emphasizes that Hull should outrank North, with Major [likely Elnathan] Haskell third. As Major North is traveling to New York, Jackson expects he will try to talk to Knox about it, and wishes Knox to be prepared. Lists the men he nominated to be Captains, but mentions that the Governor and Council changed some of the names without telling him. Discusses some problems…

GLC02437.03339

29 November 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to David Humphreys

Written from the "War Office"; location inferred. Discusses the "derangement of the public finance" and the difficulty of being able to financially support the military establishment. Mentions that if Humphreys is with Colonel [Jeremiah] Wadsworth, Wadsworth can explain everything. Also discusses the recruitment of soldiers.

GLC02437.03356

11 December 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he is having difficulties with the "subscription," apparently being unable to raise even one shilling since writing his last letter. Complains about the carelessness with which the subscription paper is left around, and mentions that several "Rich men" still have not paid. Provides a list of the people who paid, and the amount they paid. Suggests that Knox asks some of their associates, such as Mr. [Samuel] Higginson and Mr. [Samuel] Breck, to lobby for subscriptions where they live. Writes that if he had known Knox was too short of funds to help his recruiting efforts, he…

GLC02437.03371

17 December 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that because the weather has been so cold and stormy, has had to procure blankets for the recruits. Now, however, every new recruit he enlists will expect a blanket. Asks for Knox's advice on this subject. Has discussed the supply of rations with Mr. [Stephen] Bruce, who will write to Knox and to the Board of Treasury on the subject. Discusses his attempts to locate a bundle of goods belonging Mrs. Knox. Sends his love to Mrs. Knox and the children.

GLC02437.03383

December 31, 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Provides an account of the recent actions of Shays and his followers: the previous Tuesday, they prevented the Court at Springfield from sitting. The Court will meet in Worcester on 23 January. He and General [Benjamin] Lincoln are recruiting troops and preparing the militia. Also extensively discusses the clothing, supplies, and provisions needed for the troops.

GLC02437.03398

7 January 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Happy to hear that Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan arrived safely. Their friends in Boston were concerned about their trip due to the weather. Asks Knox to present his compliments to the Swans, and to tell them that their family in Boston is doing well. Reports that the government is making preparations to support the sitting of the Court at Worcester on 23 January. General [Benjamin] Lincoln will be commanding 4000 militia men, including six artillery companies, beginning on 20 January. If the insurgents do not appear, the plan is to use the militia to find the insurgents and bring them to…

GLC02437.03407

January 14, 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Was upset to receive no letter from Knox by the last post. Expected an answer to his last letter in which he asked about clothing and uniforms for his recruits. Writes that if he was furnished with the uniform and had Knox's permission, he feels he would have been able to procure enough money to clothe all the men he has enlisted, which amounts to more than 100. Discusses the money already procured against the insurgents, but is convinced the insurgents will never appear to fight against the new government forces. Has enclosed a letter from Miss Snelling for Knox to deliver (not present…

GLC02437.03416

January 28, 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks him for his last letter, and asks him to deliver an enclosed letter (not present) to Mrs. Swan and send the Swans his compliments. Discusses the fight against the insurgents: General [John] Brooks marched yesterday to support General [Benjamin] Lincoln against Mr. [Daniel] Shays and his supporters. Mentions that Rufus Putnam will be coming to help Lincoln as well. Will meet with the Governor that evening and if he is finished in time to send off a letter, he will provide Knox with any news. Provides him information on the status of the force fighting the insurgents. Adds some…

GLC02437.03429

February 11, 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received his last letter and delivered the enclosures appropriately. Sends regards to Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan, and reports that their family is well. Writes that the Rebellion is nearly at an end. Has enclosed newspapers to provide an "authentick & particular" account of the fate of Mr. [Daniel] Shays and his "banditti" as well as of the success of their friend General [Benjamin] Lincoln. Reports that the Legislature has voted to raise troops to protect the state and capture any rebels they find, and the Legislature is offering a bounty to encourage men to enlist. Is concerned that…

GLC02437.03450

27 October 1782

Hugg, Samuel, fl. 1782

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from Gloucester, which may be in Massachusetts, Virginia or New Jersey. Writes, "I am sorry to be under the necessity of troubling you again on the scour of my recruiting Account, but I am now called on by the person from whome I Borrowed the money for that purpose, & that in the most pressing manner, I have therefore to request that you will be so obliging as to furnish me with a certificate for the number of Men by me Inlisted, also for the Sum of Money you paid me on that account, & least you shoul have mislaid my acct I take the liberty of Mentioning to you that the…

GLC02437.01684

11 November 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Samuel Hugg

Written and signed for Knox in the hand of Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide-de-camp. In response to Hugg's last letter, Knox sends a certificate of the money Hugg received from the recruiting service in 1777, based on Knox's recruiting accounts. He cannot include a certificate declaring the number of men Hugg enlisted because all of Hugg's receipts were submitted along with the accounts at the time. Also includes a certificate for the money advanced to Captain Lieutenant Joseph Dayton for his recruiting services. Writes, "These two sums, amounting to 900 Dollars, are all that were supplied by me…

GLC02437.01706

13 November 1782

Hugg, Samuel, fl. 1782

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes, "I take this opportunity and the Fredom of Wrighting to your Honor by Lt Peninton not doubting that you Will do me that justis that is Due to me that is that you will Be so kind as to send me a Sotificate to Sertifye that I Did inlist [4]7 Men in the Core of Atillery in the year 1776-7 Which your Honor Well knows is true and I Do declaire that I Never have Recd one farthing but what I Recd from your Honer; if you would be so good as to Send me a sertificate of What is Wright I Shall for Ever Remain yor Hmb Srvt." See GLC02437.01706 for a related document.

GLC02437.01710

January 26, 1790

Howell, Joseph, 1750-1798

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the account of Colonel [John] Crane, stating that "[t]he principal objection to a close of the accounts of Colo. Crane arises on the expenditure of the monies recieved [sic] by him in the year 1777 for the recruiting service." Includes a list of transactions and agrees to look further into the matter, though also writes that "if it should appear that the sum due by the Colonel in 1777 was appropriated by him to his private use, then his accounts will stand as I have already stated them, and leave him a debtor to the U States exclusive of the sum retained from him & the monies…

GLC02437.04482

23 June 1863

Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Edwin McMasters Stanton

President Lincoln states that Judge William Darrah Kelley, a United States Representative from Pennsylvania, is attempting to raise African American regiments in Philadelphia. Informs Stanton, Secretary of War, that Milton [M. Herpert?] is a friend of Kelley and a Private in the 112th Regiment from Pennsylvania. States that Herpert wishes to serve as lieutenant of one of the African American regiments. Reports that if Kelley agrees of Herpert's appointment as lieutenant, Lincoln also approves. States that Herpert needs Stanton's approval to carry a letter to Kelley discussing this…

GLC06678

circa 1861-1865

Alberger, William C., 1837-1925

Scrapbook

Title: [Collection of William C. Alberger, 49th regiment, New York, infantry] [word processed inventory available] [Decimalized .01- .08]

Collection features a bound scrapbook and various documents relating to the military and civilian life of William C. Alberger. An inventory exists for the documents separated from the scrapbook, which are housed in a folder with the scrapbook. These items may have once been in the scrapbook as well. The collection contains two broadsides discussing the recruitment of African American troops, two cards inviting Alberger to attend military dinners, and correspondence from Buffalo Sheriff R. H. Best to Alberger regarding suppression of city riots and attendance at an Independence Day…

GLC06628

22 November 1776

Lansing, John, 1754-1829

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Philip Schuyler

Written by Lansing as secretary to Major General Schuyler. Written to Schuyler, who was commander of the Northern Department. Copied extract from the resolves of Congress. Says situation is such that recruiting officers are to enlist men for three years or the duration of the war and offer respective bounties. Says it should be kept in mind that is Congress's opinion that "the public Service will be best promoted by Inlistments for the War, if the recruiting Business is not retarded thereby."

GLC06568

13 June 1861

Wadsworth, James S., 1807-1864

Autograph endorsement signed

Title: [Endorsement of the creation of Berdan's sharpshooters]

Wadsworth endorses s clerical copy of a letter from Major General Nathaniel P. Banks to Secretary of War Simon Cameron, with his own approval of the establishment of "Berdan's Sharpshooters." Banks recommends that "the Rifle shooters what Mr. Berdan proposes to organize" be made part of the military, and Wadsworth adds, "I entirely concur in the above - especially in view of the mode of warfare adopted by the rebels."

GLC06585

22 July 1862

Adams, Alexander D., 1832-1872

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Petition to New York Governor Edwin D. Morgan seeking military policy changes]

Signed by several New York officers and endorsed by prominent Union generals Joseph Bartlett, John Newton, Winfield S. Hancock, and Henry W. Slocum, among others. Seeks to institute policy changes in order to fill the ranks for New York regiments. Includes two pages of regiment statistics. Lieutenant Colonel Adams was the first signed among the New York officers.

GLC06587

17 August 1780

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Caesar Rodney

Original manuscript copy, with clerical signature, of a letter appealing to the Committee of Congress for Cooperation. This copy of the letter was sent to Delaware Governor Rodney. Discusses the shortage of troops in the Continental Army, the unreliability of the militia, and the need to begin this years campaign as soon as possible. Lists the troops received from each state, mentions the shortages of men, supply, and transportation. "In this state of things, Gentlemen, I leave it to your own judgement to determine how little it will be in my power to answer the public expectations, unless…

GLC06488

30 July 1782

Smallwood, William, 1732-1792

Autograph letter

Title: to George Washington

Indicates that he is sending recruitment-related reports (not included) and discusses difficulties recruiting soldiers. Lists the reasons that soldiers will not join: worries about pay and depreciation, efforts to defend Chesapeake Bay, lazy officers, and poor conditions including lack of food, clothes and shelter for the recruits. Comments that "The treatment, naked and wretched situation of those in service, the abject distress and total neglect of disabled and disbanded soldiers... rendered desertion very prevalent." Complains of delays in fulfilling his requests for provisions and…

GLC06506

4 and 7 December 1776

Whipple, William, 1730-1785

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Langdon

Written by Whipple, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, as a New Hampshire Congressman to Langdon as agent for Continental prizes in New Hampshire. First two pages are a letter from 4 December 1776 and is signed "W Whipple" and the third page is a letter from 7 December 1776 initialed "WW." 4 December: previously wrote that the navy will add another ship of 74 guns to be built in New Hampshire. Says he will send the dimensions in a few days and the builders are to make their own drafts. Says the carpenters who built the "Raleigh" will do a good a job as any. Langdon is to…

GLC06519

26 June 1780

Grayson, William, 1736-1790

Letter signed

Title: to George Weedon

Discusses General Weedon being recalled to military service by the Continental Congress, claiming that "you must look upon a call at this particular Crisis, as a very decided testimonial of the good opinion of Congress." Agrees with Weedon's ideas about recruitment. Suggests that "The rejection of the resolution of Congress respecting finance was a fatal stab to the independence of America." Criticizes the Virginia policies that limited much needed resources. Indicates "that the Enemy have got stung in the Jerseys." Notes French and Spanish mobilizations. A postscript reports that the…

GLC06497

19 February 1782

Smallwood, William, 1732-1792

Autograph manuscript signed

Title: [Letters to recruiting officers and reports on recruitment]

Written by Major General Smallwood while on a mission to raise troops and assemble supplies in Maryland. General Nathanael Greene had sent Smallwood on this mission to end a conflict of command between Smallwood and Baron Friedrich von Steuben. This is a booklet of recruitment information that appears to have been bound inside a cover, which is now removed. Includes two letters to recruiters, one dated 19 February 1782, and the other 7 April 1782. Gives guidelines on who not to recruit: British deserters, men under five feet four inches tall, men who do not have well proportioned limbs, and…

GLC06507

9 December 1782

Smallwood, William, 1732-1792

Autograph document signed

Title: [Account of financial transfers used for recruiting of soldiers in Maryland under Major General William Smallwood]

Six leaves of notebook paper (four pages blank) listing various officers, the number of men they recruited, and the amount of money they received. Date from docket. Document signed by Smallwood several times in the text.

GLC06509

14 June 1776

Whipple, William, 1730-1785

Autograph letter

Title: to John Langdon & Meshech Weare

Written by Whipple, who would later signed the Declaration of Independence, as a New Hampshire Congressman to Langdon and Weare as prominent politicians in New Hampshire (Landgon resigned from his seat in Congress on 25 June 1776 to become agent for Continental prizes in New Hampshire). This document is actually two drafts of letters on different sides of one sheet of paper. The letters are unsigned. Langdon draft: Says this accompanies the 10,000 dollars for the naval service mentioned in a former letter. Says he has put it in a box with other money sent to Colonel Weare. Mentions that…

GLC06517