7 April 1782

Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to inform Knox of Knox's appointment to Major General, and describes the details of his appointment.

GLC02437.01382

29 April 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document signed

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Lists several items needed by the artificers at Burlington [New Jersey], including one ton of iron, the dimensions of which to be given by Captain [Thomas] Patten to Mr. [Samuel] Hodgdon, "iron to cover the ammunition waggons and tumbrills," and "8 blacksmiths with their tools, to be hired for one month to go to Burlington."

GLC02437.01398

30 April 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Writes to General Lincoln, the Secretary at War, to inform him of the recent acquisition of ordnance from the enemy, obtained with the help of France. Explains that the articles obtained are in bad repair but are in high demand, so recommends a Mr. Byers, "who is at present under engagements" to the United States, to be employed to make as many mortars and howitzers as necessary from the materials. Knox will submit an estimate as to how many they might need.

GLC02437.01399

7 May 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Discusses the importance of establishing laboratories for artillery stores in the field. Comments on the work being performed by officers and enlisted men, as well as the pay scale they receive.

GLC02437.01413

8 May 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Writes to General Lincoln, the Secretary at War, on behalf of Captain Jeremiah Freeman, an officer of Artillery who is attached to an independent company. He is trying to obtain fair pay through Congress's resolve, but because of his attachment to an independent company, he is not receiving the deserved pay. Testifies to Freeman's service record and asks General Lincoln to take an interest in the case and see that Freeman get paid appropriately.

GLC02437.01414

16 May 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Writes again about problems he is having with laboratories and the Commissary, Mr. [Richard] Frothingham. Emphasizes the need for some payment, especially for the officers: "a little money now would be of much more service than a great deal in future." "[Y]our Joseph" is likely Joseph Nourse. See GLC02437.01413 for a related letter.

GLC02437.01419

26 July 1782

Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from the War Office. Has enclosed a resolve (possibly GLC02437.01501) regarding the Department of Commissary of Military Stores, and "shall be much obliged by your opinion what will be necessary in the department of field commissary of military stores, and what are the alterations you wish." Comments that he finds there is a Deputy Commissary of Military Stores retained at West Point, and is not sure why. Believes that there are very few stores there that do not belong to the Garrison, and contends that the Office of Artillery at the post should care for them. Requests Knox's…

GLC02437.01504

6 August 1782

Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from the "War Office." In response to Knox's letter of 31 July (see GLC02437.01510), advises Knox to settle the matter of which shells and shots each metalworker in their employ, Mr. [John Jacob] Faesch and a Mr. Whiting, should cast. Writes, "All the cartridge boxes made have been sent on the last contract has not been paid, we cannot obtain another without money I do not know when Mr. Morris can supply it, I will not forget to urge him." Finally, agrees with Knox that they should use armourers for repairing and rebuilding arms, but he "cannot engage people to work without some…

GLC02437.01517

7 August 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Discusses changes in the number and arrangement of field commissaries, quartermasters, and conductors. Comments on the usefulness of the Deputy Commissary of Military Stores at West Point, especially regarding distribution of artillery materials throughout New York State. Includes a list of the distribution of commissaries and conductors. A note in the hand of Samuel Shaw on page three states that a return of stores from the department of field commissary of military stores is enclosed.

GLC02437.01518

7 August 1782

Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Marked "private." Informs Knox that since writing his public letter, he has waited on Mr. [Robert] Morris to acquire the sums necessary to buy cartridge boxes but he has "not obtained it or even an encouragement that [he] may soon expect it." Hopes to be able to supply the artillery soon. Writes, "Consider how painful it is my friend to apply and be denied." Mentions that his duty is to make adjustments and put them before Mr. Morris so that he may procure the necessary articles. Asks Knox "not to blame me because you do not observe that supply which I have not in my power to procure."…

GLC02437.01519

23 July 1783

Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Secretary of War Lincoln to Major General Knox. References Knox's letter of 15 July, which referred to a plan for an arsenal [at West Point?]. Reports that as the official peace treaty has now arrived, they may not have the help of "the three years men in building the magazines." Says they should hire common laborers, as it will be cheaper than keeping those troops in the army. Says he will be able to give more information in a few days when Congress makes a decision on the magazines. Expresses that Knox's plan for the arsenal was "elegant," but does not expect an arsenal based…

GLC02437.02319

6 November 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [Anne-César] Chevalier de la Luzerne

Informs the Chevalier that "two pieces of cannon, and their carriages" will be arriving to be presented to the Count de Grasse at the direction of Congress "for the important services he rendered to the United States." Notes that the artist who engraved the emblems and inscriptions took longer than expected to finish. Says he addresses them to Luzerne "in case of the departure of his Excellency general Washington and the Secretary at War from Princeton." Contains some water damage along the left side. Watermarked with three fleur-de-lis inside a crest.

GLC02437.10180

29 October 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Discusses a dispute regarding two officers of the artillery, Majors Perkins and Bauman, concerning the differences in rank within the artillery as compared to that of the general army.

GLC02437.02723

20 November 1783

Luzerne, Anne-César, chevalier de la, 1741-1791

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox [in French]

Luzerne informs Knox of the arrival in Philadelphia of the engraved cannon for delivery to the Count de Grasse. He thanks Knox, saying that it is especially appreciated as Knox, more than any other, contributed to the victory at Yorktown which had brought such renown to the United States. He notes that Baron von Steuben has made arrangements with the Board of War regarding the cannon. Believing the British evacuation of New York to be imminent, he hopes he will have the pleasure of seeing Knox in Philadelphia the coming winter.

GLC02437.02791

24 October 1781

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Manuscript letter

Title: to Ebenezer Stevens

"By order of genl. Knox," Shaw orders first division of vessels containing ordnance to Head of Elk, Maryland. Colonel Edward Stevens will provide an inventory of cargo. Explains the logistics of the transportation. Secretarial copy of a Shaw letter.

GLC02437.01261

8 January 1783

Jefferds, Samuel, 1752-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses and reports the state of ordnance at several forts including Rensellaer, Schuyler, and Herkimer.

GLC02437.01815

27 August 1783

Jefferds, Samuel, 1752-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox of the status of his instructions in moving artillery munitions around to various forts in New York including Fort Schuyler, Fort Rensselaer, and Fort Dayton.

GLC02437.02428

29 September 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Samuel Jefferds

Gives orders to Jefferds regarding a new post and the distribution of the ordnance and stores. Expects an accurate account of everything he receives as well as a monthly return. Written and signed in a secretarial hand. Marked as a copy.

GLC02437.02583

25 November 1783

Jackson, Michael, 1734-1801

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports to Knox concerning the restructuring of the New Hampshire line. Discusses stores and cannons and other general military business.

GLC02437.02800

11 June 1784

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Jefferds

Following a Congressional order discharging most of the Continental troops, Knox orders Lieutenant Jefferds to "unite the stores now at the posts on the Mohawk River so that a very few men may keep them safely." Gives detailed orders regarding the consolidation of cannon and stores at various posts in New York. Location inferred.

GLC02437.03014

10 May 1794

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to an acquaintance [possibly Joseph Peirce or Henry Jackson]

Extract of a letter from Henry Knox, possibly to Joseph Peirce or Henry Jackson. Written at a later date. Discusses his house (most likely Montpelier) being completed in a year's time. Notes the critical state of affairs, his responsibility for the new corps of artillery, the frigates, and fortifications, along with all of his old responsibilities will keep him from visiting his new estate this summer. Stresses the state of crisis the country is currently experiencing and the dangers of their own conduct. Mentions both he [Peirce or Jackson?] and himself should stay out of public life so…

GLC02437.06093

17 March 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Knox requests ordnance supplies for West Point from Lincoln, Secretary at War. Requests fifty pounds of twine and thirty gallons of "spirits of wine of the best quality." Written in the hand of Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide de camp.

GLC02437.09693

19 June 1789

McLane, Daniel, fl. 1789

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Tells Knox he would like to re-enter the army if there is an opportunity to serve. Would like to command in the artillery or in any other position. Left the army with a rank of Captain and would be happy to start there again.

GLC02437.04248

28 August 1782

Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from the War Office. Mentions that he received Knox's letter of the 19th regarding the French shells and Mr. [John Jacob] Faesch, and asked Mr. Faesch whether he would cast the French shells under his present contract. Mr. Faesch said a new contract would be necessary, so he wrote to Mr. [Robert] Morris to ask for more money, who replied that that he has "no hopes of receiving the necessary sums required by Mr. Faesch." However, since the "repairs of the arms are of too much importance to be omitted if possible to effect them," he wonders about the "propriety of sending on some…

GLC02437.01546

3 March 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Written by Major General Knox to Secretary of War Lincoln. Congratulates Lincoln on the "glorious termination of our struggles." References Lincoln's letter of 22 February. Agrees with Lincoln on "the efficacy of the funds you mention, but I cannot determine upon the propriety of the Army pressing the particular funds upon Congress." Expects to see him in a few days as Washington will probably want to see Lincoln before the Army is disbanded. Says the magazines and arsenals cannot be erected without a special order from him.

GLC02437.01972