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

circa 1861-1865

Amsdern, F.P., fl. 1860

Photograph

Title: As captain, vignette bust portrait

Graphite inscription on verso "Capt. F. P. Amsdern Battery 'S' 1st Penna Artillery" "#26/2.00." Photographers imprint on verso: "Kellogg's Union Photograph Rooms, Scranton, PA."

GLC05111.02.1106

circa 1861-1865

Photograph

Title: Unidentified artillery officer rank obscured, standing full-length portrait

Graphite inscription on verso "**Book." Photographers imprint on verso: "Cady's Gallery, 343 Canal Street, N.Y E. K. Hough, Photographer."

GLC05111.02.1013

1 July 1864

Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865

Printed document signed

Title: [Commission of Henry Hunt as Lieutenant Colonel of the 3rd Artillery Regiment]

Countersigned by Edwin McMasters Stanton, Secretary of War, and Edward Davis Townsend, Assistant Adjutant General. Official seal has been ripped and is partially missing. Partially printed on vellum. Contains an image of an eagle, a knight's helmet, and several United States flags.

GLC06415.01

5 August 1781

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Letter signed

Title: to Joseph Woodbridge

Negotiates for credit to purchase a cannon for the Continental Army. With a presentation note on page three dated 17 April 1844 from Sheldon Woodbridge to H. A. Sheldon (signed by Woodbridge).

GLC06427

3 September 1781

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Letter signed

Title: to Joseph Woodbridge

Indicates that he has referred Woodbridge's letter about finalizing a cannon purchase to Robert Morris because he (Washington) has to march southward (for the Yorktown campaign). See also GLC06427 on the cannon purchase.

GLC06428

May 1862 circa

Doull, Alexander, 1836-?

Manuscript document signed

Title: Ordnance report of the siege train commanded by Colonel R.O. Tyler 1st Conn Arty

Reports on the performance of Tyler's artillerymen during the siege of Yorktown. States that "The guns placed in position before York Town exceeded by 50 percent any guns that had ever before been placed in Siege batteries" ever in world history, and details how this was accomplished. Discusses transportation and use of artillery during the seige, and suggests future improvements. States "The labors of the 1st Conn. Arty. will compare favorably with anything of the kind that has been done before," even though these troops had never seen combat before. Report was sent to Tyler. The Union…

GLC06386

February 25, 1880

Hunt, Henry Jackson, 1819-1889

Manuscript

Title: to William Sherman

Hunt's analysis of artillery at Gettysburg, written as part of his long, ongoing feud with Winfield Scott Hancock. The first part of the manuscript explains and defends the organization artillery and the post of Commander in Chief of the Artillery. Hunt quotes Hancock's letters and responds at great length, mapping out the role of the artillery in battles prior to Gettysburg, pointing out weaknesses in the lack of centralized command. He notes why batteries were placed in certain positions, why they fired and did not fire at certain times during the battle, etc. In an earlier letter to the…

GLC06415.02

7 July 1778

Sullivan, John, 1740-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Langdon

General Sullivan discusses the Battle of Monmouth based on information he received from Major Talbot. Referring to the 28 June 1778 battle between Generals George Washington and Henry Clinton, states "about ten in the forenoon General Washington with the Front of his Army Amounting to nearly one half his numbers came up with the Rear of the British Army Consisting of nearly one half their force which was Commanded by General Clinton ... a severe Action immediately Commenced which Lasted well near four in the Afternoon where victory Declared in Favor of the American Army." States that the…

GLC06521

1861-1868

Chandler, Daniel T., fl. 1861-1868

Header Record

Title: Andersonville Prison archive of A.A.G. of Commandant Wirz [Decimalized .01- .12]

1. Nichols, A.A. ADS: San Antonio, Tex. Special order no. 34 re: instructions for Col. Chandler. 26 February 1861. 2 p. 2. Nichols, A.A. MDS: San Antonio Tex. List of Ordnance and Ordnance Stores [two duplicate copies.] 29 April 1861. 2 p. 3. Garesche, Julius. DS: Washington. Commission of Chandler to the rank of Major. 4 November 1861. 1 p. 4. Thomas, L. MDS: Washington. Special orders no. 34 re: list of officers held prisoner. 15 February 1862. 1 p. 5. Chandler, D.T. ADS: [s.l.] Request for documentation of his resignation. Endorsed by John C. Breckinridge, Sec.…

GLC06979

31 October 1861

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Writes that there are fifty prisoners digging trenches to place cannons in. Also includes a letter written October 31st. Hs just returned from regimental review. Writes that he would like to become a member of the Free Masons; and would welcome information in regards to the Order.Written at Camp Rolla

GLC06728.004

24 September 1782

Guion, Isaac, fl. 1776-1823

Manuscript document signed

Title: Return of the state of Capt. Doughty's Company 2nd Regt. of Artillery

Return of Captain Doughty's company broken down by rank and status (fit, sick, etc.).

GLC02437.01625

3 March 1784

Doughty, John, 1754-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Major Doughty encloses the last return (possibly GLC02437.10578) of the corps of artillery (Doughty took command of the artillery at West Point after the suspension of Sebastian Bauman which resulted from a disagreement with William Hull, commandant of West Point). Declares, "It is no small misfortune to our little Corps, that on its first formation it should be embarrassed with trifling squabbles about duty, & perhaps had our Commandant diverted himself of his knowledge of foreign services, & attended to the practice of his own, much trouble might have been prevented..." Criticizes…

GLC02437.02970

30 June 1784

Doughty, John, 1754-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Major Doughty encloses returns of the ordnance stores and troops under his command. Plans to wait for clothing to arrive before sending a party of soldiers to Springfield, Massachusetts. Writes, "I have the Happiness to inform you that the greatest good order has prevailed in the discharge of the Troops from this place-" Reports a theft of stores. Reports on other events at West Point, thanking Knox for his charge.

GLC02437.03022

16 August 1784

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Doughty

Discusses Doughty's treatment of a specific store of powder. Notes that Doughty should care for the arsenal under his watch to the best of his ability until further instructions are received from Congress. Reports that Frederick Haldimand, Governor of the Province of Quebec, "will not probably deliver the upper posts this summer..." Written in Dorchester, a neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts.

GLC02437.03041

12 March 1785

Doughty, John, 1754-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Major Doughty, commander at West Point, transmits returns of troops and stores (returns not included). Doughty is extremely upset because he hopes to remain in the military as an artillerist, but recently heard that Congress plans to discharge the troops presently in service. Writes, "If this measure takes place, which it is probable will be the case, instead of continuing my military pursuits, I am fearful I shall be thrown upon the wide world without a profession, or a capital to create one..." Asks Knox, who was recently offered the position of Secretary at War, to procure him an office…

GLC02437.03108

21 March 1787

Doughty, John, 1754-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox he is extremely busy at the moment and will not be able to return to New York City as expected. Discusses concerns about the men not being paid and feels that if the corps are disbanded for lack of pay, they may never be able to raise another. States that if the federal troops are disbanded he should be allowed the choice of whether to stay or retire and "without one, I cannot see how any government worth living under can be kep up in this country." Comments on the poor quality of the powder at Fort Pitt. Asks Knox about the state of affairs in Massachusetts, "I feel so anxious…

GLC02437.03497

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

8 March 1791

Doughty, John, 1754-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Declines Knox's request to serve as Lieutenant Colonel Commander. Says after much deliberation, he has decided to leave the service. He wanted to when he served with General Josiah Harmar but the difficult situation with the Indians "forbid my retireing at that Time." Explains in detail his reasons for leaving the military stating, "I have long tried the military Life & have found many Disapointments..." Questions the nature of the military establishment. "A military establishment is certainly a very unpopular measure in this Country," Doughty explains. "Every Act of the Government…

GLC02437.04875

February-April 1776

Drury, Jotham, 1741-1831

Document signed

Title: [Pay abstract for Captain Jotham Drury's company in Henry Knox's regiment of artillery]

Appears to be signed by Drury.

GLC02437.09513

22 October 1781

Teissedre de Fleury, Francois Louis, 1749-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Has heard Knox has replaced ordnance lost or damaged during the siege of Yorktown by the Regiment of Bourbons and inquires if the same can be done for the Régiment de Saintonge. Also requests flags for marching. A note on the back requests information about whether or not a black man who was given to Major Fleury by a British officer has a master. "If he truly he has no master," Fleury writes, "send him back to his new one." The Régiment de Saintonge was selected in 1780 by the Count de Rochambeau to participate in the French expeditionary force to America.

GLC02437.01256

23 March 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Fleming

Discusses orders for Captain Fleming for posts at Verplanck's Point and Kings Ferry. Wishes Fleming to replace Captain Fenno, take stock of all of the ordnance and stores, and take their posts a half hour before daylight. States that "[a]lthough you are not exactly the commanding officer yet as you are in the advanced post of great importance to the public ... "

GLC02437.02021

29 March 1783

Fleming, George, 1748-1822

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he has now taken command of the posts from Captain [Ephraim] Fenno. Describes the condition of the arms, stores, guns and gunpowder in the magazine there. Notes that a number of the paper cartridges have been damaged and the magazine is unfit to store powder in. (See GLC02437.04043 for Knox's reply to this letter.)

GLC02437.02040

30 March 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Fleming

Replying to an earlier letter from Captain George Fleming (see GLC02437.02040) about the bad condition of Kings Ferry's magazine. Asks Fleming to improve the state of the magazine if possible, and if not, remove the stored gunpowder and stores to the Verplancks Point magazine if it is better.

GLC02437.02043

18 July 1794

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Jonathan Dayton

Discusses an appointment for Dayton's brother as a "Lieutenant in the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers." He writes that he hopes "his conduct will not diminsh the military reputation of the family," and that Dayton "omitted a small but essential ceremony," the name of his brother. Continues to discuss the status of the military. Mentions that General "Wayne['s] troops are good and I think he will move 1900 effectives perhaps 2000 - His supplies are abundant. Ten thousand barrels of flour being at Fort Washington and on the Communication - the only doubt is the ability to transport this…

GLC02437.10312