27 March 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to John Doughty

Informs Doughty that he will help with procuring subsistence for the troops. Does not believe recruiting service will begin in New York as its quota numbers are deficient. The contracts of Morris and Wadsworth are ending as Congress is not happy with the proposals. Agrees with Doughty, who is in favor of a "national force," as he expects "every evil that can be produced from Anarchy." Also notes that "Congress have had but for a very little time nine States. Therefore nothing has been concluded on respecting higher pay for the Artillery than the Infantry." Mentions supplying artillery…

GLC02437.03502

19 August 1790

Doughty, John, 1754-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Major Doughty acknowledges Knox's letter of 25 July. Doughty was worried about his parents who had word that he had died in a skirmish on the frontier (see GLC02437.04606 and GLC02437.04628 for Knox's correspondence with Doughty's family). Thanks Knox for writing to his family and for sending him a letter from Doughty's parents and sister, which eased his mind. Mentions that Judge Turner left him two eagles from "the property of the Society [of Cincinnati]" to sell. Says that General Josiah Harmer wants Doughty to encourage re-enlistment of older soldiers. Doughty says "not one soldier…

GLC02437.04695

13 September 1791

Eustis, William, 1753-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Has not been able to come up with a surgeon to recommend for the 2nd regiment, as Knox requested. Relates that he heard that a Dr. Hewins of Stoughton is the only person who expressed interest in the position. Claims "Young gentlemen, just emerged from study, I am persuaded are not qualified for this, which I consider an important & very responsible, situation. The pay & emoluments are not an inducement to men of established reputation to leave their practice." Believes a Mr. Carmichael is well respected by the officers, noting "Indeed so far as my observation extends, the present…

GLC02437.05154

6 September 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jonathan Williams

Thanks him for his two recent letters relating to Judge [Thomas] McKean (see GLC02437.04285) and to Captain Newman (see GLC02437.04330). Writes that he will not compliment him on his public letter to the judge, but whenever he has heard merchants discuss the letter, they appear to agree with his position. Would be happy to help Captain Newman, "because you request it, and because I believe him to be an excellent soldier." However, he does not believe that more military forces will be raised in the near future, but if it should happen that more are raised, he will help the Captain.

GLC02437.04351

24 June 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Jonathan Williams

References Williams's letter of 27 May (GLC02437.04961). Has forwarded Mr. Bradford's letter. Says that he cannot say much about his application other than he "esteems him highly, and it would afford me real satisfaction to serve him." Writes, "The indian [business] will probably do well - An adequate force is raised and in [motion] forwards-" Tells Williams that he seems to have judgment to appreciate his own situation and that, in terms of finding an occupation, the "pursuit of some Love is as necessary for your mind as food for your body." Makes reference to bank stocks. Apparently in…

GLC02437.05028

11 April 1787

Willcox, Joseph, fl. 1775-1787

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jeremiah Wadsworth

Writes to Colonel Wadsworth to inform him of the lack of provisions at Springfield. Emphasize the need for the soldiers to be paid as they are now dependent on their credit. Believes this problem should take precedence over recruiting efforts.

GLC02437.03520

27 May 1791

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Williams to Secretary of War Knox. References Knox's letter of 18 May, which returned Colonel Bradford's letter. Sends his answer to Knox (not present) and asks him to pass it along to Bradford. Is not surprised recruitment is slow in the East because "they feel less irritated against the Indians, and are less disposed for that sort of desultory war." Says people in Virginia will not join the expedition westward because they believe the Indians will not enter into a decisive battle. Eloquently states why people seek glory in war and recoil from unopposed depredation. Mentions…

GLC02437.04961

15 April 1790

Edwards, Richard, fl. 1790

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks Knox for help in obtaining an appointment in the army. Says during the year of 1787 he had the honor of serving under Colonel [Henry] Jackson and heard that troops were once again being raised.

GLC02437.04584

18 June 1780

Reed, Joseph, 1741-1785

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Discusses General Washington's need for reinforcements in case British general Henry Clinton returns to New York before the arrival of the French fleet. Under these circumstances, Reed believes that Washington would be pushed to the Delaware River or beyond. Mentions the creation of a subscription bank for the supply of the army and the need to recruit more troops.

GLC05547

18 December 1780

Greene, Nathanael, 1742-1786

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Sim Lee

Written by Major General Greene as commander of the Southern District to Maryland Governor Lee. Congratulates Lee on his reappointment to the governorship. Says Major General William Smallwood will be delivering this letter. Requests aid for his weak army from Maryland, Delaware and Virginia. Says the aid "can save it from ruin." Says he is willing to acknowledge the mistake if reinforcements are not needed, but would like to have them. Written at Camp Charlotte

GLC05539

9 December 1758

Pitt, William, Earl of Chatham, 1708-1778

Letter signed

Title: to Stephen Hopkins

Addressed to Governor Hopkins "& Compy of Rhode Island." Relays requests and information on a planned invasion of Canada during the French and Indian War. Describes the rationale for the invasion to carry "War into the heart of the enemy's possessions" and orders that troops be raised. Specifies that the troops should rendezvous at Albany, New York, and be prepared to begin the invasion by 1 May 1759. Outlines the general plans for the invasion. Grants authority to issue commissions and indicates that the King will provide arms and supplies, but the Provinces must supply "…

GLC05562

circa 1 November 1864

Ringwalt & Brown, fl. 1863-1865

Broadside

Title: [Broadside regarding recruitment of African Americans and celebrating emancipation in Maryland]

Printed in commemoration of the adoption of emancipation in Maryland. The print incorporates five illustrations, three documenting African American combat valor and two related to emancipation and the future of African Americans. At the top of the transparency is a long illustration of African American troops in the Battle of Port Hudson, above it the words (from George H. Boker's poem): "God Save the Republic: Never in field or tent scorn a black regiment." Portrays these images on the front of the headquarters of the supervisory committee for recruiting colored regiments, located on…

GLC05701

17 August 1799

McHenry, James, 1753-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jonathan Dayton

References Dayton's letter of 16 August 1799. Writes to tell Dayton, Senator from New Jersey, that he should tell his brother that the three regiments being raised in New Jersey for the Provisional Army during the Quasi War with France might not quarter there. Dayton's brother wanted a contract to provide rations for the three regiments in the year 1800, but McHenry fears he based his contract on the fact the three regiments would remain in New Jersey. Says the regiments might actually quarter in Carlisle, Pennsylvania if the barracks prove feasible. McHenry awaits final word from General…

GLC05229

6 March 1847

Pena y Barragán, Matías de la, 1800-1850

Broadside

Title: Comunicaciones

Communication from the general-in-chief of the Mexican army, Matías de la Peña y Barragán, to President Santa Anna regarding raising troops to defeat the Americans and establishing a legitimate government. Document is in Spanish.

GLC05477

16 December 1798

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James McHenry

States he is stuck on the Susquehanna River because of low tide and bad winds. Takes the opportunity to discuss administration of the Provisional Army. Says War Department should only communicate with a concentrated military leadership, or else it will get bogged down in details. Says he is not the best person to contact about day to day military affairs because he will not personally lead the army unless an actual military engagement seems likely. He wants McHenry to communicate with General Thomas Pinckney, the commander in the south and with General Alexander Hamilton in the north. General…

GLC05319

14 November 1786

Cook, David, fl. 1751-1823

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to offer himself as "a candidate to your Excellency, for an appointment to command a Company of Artillery" in the expedition to "quell" the Indians in the Western territories or any other expedition. Writes that Knox knows of his service in the war as well as the suffering he endured. Has "lost all that was dear to me in this world (my children excepted)" and would like to "remove my person from the scene of my late unhappy loss." Writes that since he is not at present engaged in any business, he would be able to raise a company at short notice.

GLC02437.03337

17 June 1791

Comstock, Oliver, fl. 1791

Printed document

Title: [Enlistment paper for Oliver Comstock]

Enlistment paper for Oliver Comstock who voluntarily joined the army as a private. He signed up for six months with the First Regiment of Levies at Fort Washington near Cincinnati, Ohio. His unit was raised under an act signed by President Washington on 3 March 1791 to protect the frontier. Also contains an oath of allegiance. Contains Comstock's clerical signature as well as the clerical signature of George Woods, who acts as a witness. Marked as "No 8."

GLC02437.05004

1786

Howell, Joseph, 1750-1798

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Return of officers under Colonel John Crane]

Date added later in pencil. Lists officers who have partially settled their recruiting accounts, who served in Colonel John Crane's regiment of artillery.

GLC02437.03399

17 June 1788 - 19 June 1788

Swan, Caleb, 1758-1809

Manuscript document signed

Title: Statement of Colonel John Crane's old emission accounts

Signed by Caleb Swan for John Pierce, Paymaster General, 17 June 1788 in the Pay Office at New York (front cover). Signed 19 June 1788 by Joseph Howell, [Junior] Assistant Commissary, in the Office of Army Accounts at New York (page 13). Includes details of John Crane's account with the United States from 1776-1779. Pertains to recruiting accounts.

GLC02437.03900

6 March 1787

Ward, Artemas, 1727-1800

Manuscript document

Title: [Resolution]

Copy of a Massachusetts state resolution concerning money matters for raising "six hundred and sixty men as ordered by the aforesaid resolve, and for the pay[,] cloathing, & subsistence of the said men: Provided that the said sum shall not exceed Five thousand pounds." The 660 men had been requisitioned by Congress as the state's share of a force to be raised to quell Shays' Rebellion. This resolution calls for paying part of the troops' expenses from a tax levied to pay off the state's share of war debts in support of the national government. Those taxes helped pave the way for Shays'…

GLC02437.03484

February 14, 1782

Lamb, John, 1735-1800

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from Burlington, likely in New Jersey. Writes that he was "informed by the Pay-Master that the Financier intended the officers should receive two months Pay, in certain Notes, payable on the 1st of August next." He and the other officers agreed that "our receiving Pay of any kind in which the Soldiers do not share, will have a tendency, to sour their minds, still more, - and, may involve consequences not only fatal to those who command them, but the Public." Is ready to travel to New York state and hopes to stop in Poughkeepsie and convince the legislature there to recruit new…

GLC02437.01354

7 August 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the details of New York being chosen as the site for Congress. Mentions the opinions of [James] Madison, [Henry] Lee, and [William] Few. Reports that this decision is still not final, as some states are not yet voting. Discusses military matters, such as financial accounts for recruiting soldiers. Notes that Mr. King arrived in town the previous evening (possibly Rufus King).

GLC02437.03957

21 October 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports War Office business. Discusses Lieutenant Pratt's recruits and his orders to march to Fort Pitt. Refers to matters in the Northwest Territory, clothing inspection and packing, and a [Congressional] committee's inspection of the War Department. Of the inspection and resulting report, writes, "I do not think it looks unfavorably to you- but which with defference [sic] to their great wisdom might I think as well have been left undone, as it acquaints the world with secrets, which should have been less extensively known." Reports that Robert Morris is in town, and the "Old Congress"…

GLC02437.04010

8 July 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Expresses his happiness on hearing about his son Henry's current situation. Sends Lucy news of various acquaintances, which he lists by number. States that he is sorry to hear of Mrs. [Abigail] Adams's "indisposition," noting that the Adams family has ordered their furniture to be shipped to Boston. Vice President John Adams plans to return to New York without his family. Reports that George and Martha Washington will be going to Mount Vernon the following Wednesday, and will not return until 15 October. Mentions the Ogdens, Mrs. Smith, the Izards, the Stewarts, and Count Andreani.…

GLC02437.05528

January 1, 1781

Pendleton, Edmund, 1721-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Madison

The letter discusses successes of American arms in the South and recruiting in Virginia. Mentions: Colonel Sumter, Colonel Tarleton, Colonel Washington, military recruiting, and American victories.

GLC00099.058