30 June 1780

Avery, John, 1739-1806

Broadside

Title: [Massachusetts Order to recruit aid to fight against the British in New Jersey]

One broadside from Massachusetts calling for recruiters, officers and town selectmen who "are fired with love of Freedom and scorn to be Slaves" to fight against the British army in Morristown, New Jersey. Message printed by John Avery.

GLC01495

10 March 1762

Hopkins, Stephen, 1707-1785

Document signed

Title: to the sheriff of Newport County

Informs that King George III has commanded troops be raised in the colonies. Indicates that Major General Jeffrey Amherst calls for 178 men to serve from Rhode Island. Orders the sheriff to give notice to the members of the general assembly in the county to meet at the courthouse in South Kingstown on 23 March about the matter. Note on verso dated 20 March 1762 and signed by Josias Rogers, Deputy Sheriff, certifies that he has informed the assembly members of the meeting.

GLC01500

1864-1868

Mills, Albert L., 1854-1916

Header Record

Title: [Collection of typed military transcripts regarding James Sanks Brisbin] [Decimalized .01-.17]

These records are typed and witnessed by Albert L. Mills, first Lieutenant and adjutant of the first cavalry. Includes information regarding General James Sanks Brisbin's service in the Civil War. Brisbin's leadership, possible promotion in rank, wounds obtained during battle, and success as a recruiter are discussed, among other topics. These documents are written by Brisbin and by various political and governmental officials. These typewritten copies date to circa 1887-1891 based on Mill's rank and assignment at the time.

GLC01504.02

April 21, 1865

Park, William E., fl. 1855-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: To Mr. Newton

Writes to his cousin about the Union soldiers' reaction to the assassination of Lincoln. States that "the boys are in for exterminating the Rebels altogether." He also writes that there are many men who would re-enlist now that would not have done so a week ago. Expresses his hope that President Andrew Johnson is capable of conducting public affairs and doesn't show any mercy to the traitors. Also appends a short note to his cousin Mollie stating that since the death of Lincoln, he feels like re-enlisting and "help exterminate those accursed Rebels".

GLC01545.05

May 3, 1861

Lee, Robert E., 1807-1870

Letter signed

Title: to Philip St. George Cocke

Signed two weeks after Lee left the service of the U.S. Army. The letter from Lee to Cocke discusses mustering the first Virginia regiments to defend state.

GLC01564

May 10, 1861

Lee, Robert E., 1807-1870

Letter signed

Title: to Philip St. George Cocke

Lee writes to Cocke discussing early training of the newly recruited Virginia regiments. Letter signed three weeks after leaving the service of the U.S. Army.

GLC01565

5 June 1782

Waters, Joseph, fl. 1782

Manuscript document

Title: [Certificate given by the commitee in the case of Colonel Ezra Bedlam]

Certificate issued by the committee put together by Boston on the procurement of its quota for recruits for the Continental Army. Says that Lieutenant Colonel Ezra Bedlam, in the office of the muster master, discharged his duties faithfully. States he only tried to recruit men who would serve the public and complete the duties of their enlistment. Provides an example of him not allowing Frenchmen to join the army, except for a few who were examined closely to make sure they had no other obligations. The committee said they were most interested in the enlistments of Peter Godfrey and John…

GLC02437.01441

11 November 1781

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Clement Biddle

Thanks him and Mrs. Biddle for their kindness to Mrs. Knox and their young daughter while in Philadelphia. Comments that Biddle's knowledge of his orders during the siege will excuse his inability to write frequently. Stresses his interest in ensuring that American battalions are filled with troops. Describes the recent illness and death of Mr. Custis, George Washington's stepson, while he was at camp with Washington as an aide. Mentions that General and Mrs. Washington were present for his "last gasp." He is waiting for General and Mrs. Washington and Mrs. Custis to arrive, but "Mrs. Knox…

GLC02437.01287

25 September 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to John Adams

Later copy. Responds to a request from Adams' (see GLC02437.00) and comments on the character and abilities of several officers, although he directs Adams to a list of officers rather than composing one himself. Discusses the difficulties of inducing good men to serve. Suggest the establishment of military academies. Discusses the problems of the Continental Army with reference to the activities in New York. Praises Gerge Washington and Nathanael Greene. Believes the Battle of Long Island was their one chance to win in New York. Discusses the fortification of Harlem Heights.

GLC02437.00454

20 November 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Bowdoin

Introduces Captain [possibly Jeremiah or Constant] Freeman as a worthy artillery soldier who served under Knox during the previous war. Recommends him for service in the Massachusetts line currently being raised.

GLC02437.03341

1786

Manuscript document

Title: [List of officers appointed under General Henry Jackson]

Date added later in pencil. List of officers appointed under General Henry Jackson. Officers are sorted by rank, and include Majors William Hull, William North, and E. [possibly Elnathan] Haskell, as well as William Eustis as Surgeon.

GLC02437.03404

December 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: Supplies for recruits and disbursment

Lists supplies given and the amounts paid to various troops. Includes items such as shoes, fish, clothing, etc. Addressed to Jeremiah Wadsworth.

GLC02437.03750

25 August 1784

Carleton, Joseph, 1754-1812

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Carleton, Secretary at War, writes from the War Office, possibly located in Annapolis, Maryland with Congress. Reports on the settlement of Major Job Sumner's case. Relates that troops from Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania will be equipped as a result of the continued presence of British troops at forts on the northern frontier of the United States. Notes that New York will most likely raise its quota of troops "as soon as the Harvest is completed." "Free" stamped and "on public service" written on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.03045

12 June 1785

Carleton, Joseph, 1754-1812

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Carleton, previous acting Secretary at War, discusses military matters with Knox, recently appointed Secretary at War (Carleton is handling business from the War Office in Knox's absence). Discusses the pay and rank of several officers, the disbandment of troops at Fort Pitt, and the proposed reduction of artillery pay. Writes, "the recruiting business here goes on slowly - from this circumstance as well as some others, there is too much reason to apprehend that the time of holding the Southern Frontiers will be unavoidably procrastinated."

GLC02437.03154

8 January 1786

Biddle, Clement, 1740-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes, "My present engagements prevented my going to the westward to direct the business of supplies therefore I could not interest myself in the late proposals for victualing the troops as I wanted the means to [carry?] it on. I shall be much obliged by your orders to furnish the troops here when the recruiting service is again enter'd on." Also, in reference to an earlier letter, mentions that his friend Colonel [Eyres?] along with Charles Biddle remain very interested in donating ships to Congress for use in the conflict against pirates (see GLC02437.03221 and GLC02437.03223). Writes…

GLC02437.03234

28 November 1863

Dix, John Adams, 1798-1879

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Wager Halleck

General Dix, Commander of the Department of the East, encloses a confidential report (not included) by a detective from Buffalo, New York. Informs Halleck, General in Chief of the Union army, that the detective "has seen, as you will observe, a large number of prominent rebel refugees, and, having been with them at the South, had free communications with them." Writes "I shall... send a small body of troops to Fort Montgomery at Rouses Point. [Bumont?] has been provided for by the Governor. There is, however, need of guns for a Company of artillery just recruited, and I will endeavor to…

GLC02455.04

January 27, 1862

Halleck, H.W. (Henry Wager), 1815-1872

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Ulysses S. Grant

Major General Halleck transmits orders to Brigadier General Grant permitting the discharge of volunteers who desire to be recruited by the Navy for work on gun boats. The discharges must be distributed so they do not disrupt the efficiency of any single company. Asks Grant to have Commodore Andrew H. Foote send a recruiting officer to St. Louis. Written on stationery marked "Head Quarters, Department of the Missouri."

GLC02455.05

25 May 1861

Palmer, John M., 1817-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Scott Mather

Written on the day on which he was mustered in as colonel of the 14th Illinois Infantry at Camp Duncan (near Jacksonville, Illinois) to Colonel Mather, Adjutant General. Says "In the reorganization of the regiment I found it necessary to discharge a large number of men who were either rejected by the mustering Officer of the General Government or were fairly entitled to be relieved from their engagement or without any sufficient cause refused to tender their services... I hope what I have done will meet your approval." One bust engraving of Palmer included as collateral.

GLC02456.21

25 March 1864

Hawley, Joseph R., 1826-1905

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Eaton

Seventh Connecticut Infantry Colonel Joseph R. Hawley (Hawley's Brigade) writes to Rev. Jacob Eaton, West Meriden, Connecticut, to tell him that, given the choice for chaplain between him and Rev. Mr. Holmes, and knowing nothing of either of them, the regiment had chosen Holmes. Holmes has gone off with the cavalry, thus is not able to be called. Eaton should come as quickly as he can. One bust engraving of Hawley included as collateral.

GLC02457.07

June 23, 1779

Bowen, Jabez, 1739-1815

Autograph note signed

Title: [Order to pay Colonel William Barton six thousand pounds from the Rhode Island General Assembly]

Sent to Joseph Clarke, the General Treasurer of Rhode Island. The money was owed for Barton's efforts "recruiting his light corps." A note from Barton on the verso dated 24 June 1779 indicates he received the payment.

GLC02450.04

1 April 1776

Bauman, Sebastian, 1739-1803

Manuscript document

Title: [Roll of enlisted men in Captain [Sebastian] Bauman's artillery company for the Continental Service ordered to be raised in the colony of New York by the Provincial Congress]

Lists the names of men, date of enlistment, and place of birth.

GLC02437.10661

23 October 1778

Huntington, Jedediah, 1743-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Eldridge

Written by Brigadier General Huntington to Captain Eldridge. Sends Eldridge an account of the money advanced by him for Eldridge's recruiting services. Begins 3 January 1777 and ends 17 June 1777 for a total of slightly over 649 pounds. Says he cannot send a receipt since they are at camp. Postscript says Eldridge has been moving around so much that the auditors have not been able to go over all his paperwork and as soon as they are done he will send the receipts to him.

GLC02499.09

3 July 1862

Pierpoint, Francis Harrison, 1814-1899

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Egbert L. Viele

Pierpont writes to General Viele (spelled "Velie"), military governor of Norfolk, Virginia. Encloses a letter for Colonel Watson of Portsmouth, Virginia, "who is engaged in raising a Virginia regiment for U.S. Service" (letter not included). Written on Commonwealth of Virginia Executive Department, Wheeling, Virginia stationery.

GLC02467.19

26 June 1861

Cobb, Howell, 1815-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Cobb discusses organizing a regiment and procuring arms. Reports that he will return to Georgia (Athens) the following morning, to put his regiment in the field. Marked private. Says "I have [offered?] a regiment & it has been accepted- I have more to ask a great personal favor of you- Can & Will you serve me in the matter? I want arms- & I have reason to believe that a friend... could procure some for me in your state- I should like to get five hundred guns but would gladly take any number I can get. I appeal to you to get from your Governor as many as he is willing to spare-"

GLC02469.04

6 August 1777

Hancock, John, 1737-1793

Document signed

Title: [Resolve of Congress on General Gates's call for militia]

Written in the hand of William Churchill Houston as deputy secretary of the Continental Congress. Signed by Continental Congress President Hancock. It is noted that this is a copy from the Journals of Congress. Resolve issued in the aftermath of the fall of Fort Ticonderoga to the British. On 2 August 1777 Gates was given the permission of Congress to requisition from each state's militia the number of men he felt was necessary to defend against General John Burgoyne's advance. This resolve was sent to help Gates in his recruitment saying it is "impossible, in the present Circumstances of…

GLC02525