January 24, 1814

Wood, Eleazor D., 1783-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Wood

He discusses his desire to visit home that winter, which could not be fulfilled because he is fighting in the War of 1812. Discusses the perils of his activities in the west (in Ohio), being surrounded by Indians, and fearing he would not see his family again. He comments on various other personal news and plans to come home in the spring.

GLC01043.03

1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: Extracts of letters written by the Secretary of War, to the Governor of Virginia, upon the defensive protection of the frontiers of that State

Contemporary clerical copy signed by chief clerk of the War Department, John Stagg, Jr. The letters concern protection of the Virginia frontier against Indians, emphasizing President Washington's view "that all parts of the union ought to be defended at the general expense." Discusses William Blount's requests for militias, congressional authorization, and Washington's opinions on the matters. Tied with blue ribbon. Dated May 16, 1792 - 3 November 1792.

GLC00813

21 June 1778

Bryan, George, 1731-1791

Printed document signed

Title: Commission of William Young as Capt Lieut. to defend western frontier

Partially printed document signed by Bryan as Vice-President of Pennsylvania's Supreme Executive Council and countersigned by Timothy Matlack as secretary. Indicates that he is being appointed to "a Company of Woodsmen to be raised for the defence of the frontiers." Any mention of frontier woodsmen is highly unusual. Has a paper seal.

GLC01450.411

1805-1863

Murphy, David, 1769-1844

Header Record

Title: [Items related to the Murphy family of Missouri] [Decimalized .01- .81]

Contains account books, numerous receipts, and letters related to the Murphy family of Missouri. David Murphy's signature appears on many of the receipts, and the collection includes his will and materials related to a local election.

GLC01450.600

14 October 1709

Dudley, Joseph, 1647-1720

Document signed

Title: [Petition to Queen Anne and account for planned expedition to Canada]

A petition to Quen Anne for an expedition to Canada signed by Joseph Dudley, G. Saltonstall, Samuel Cranston, Samuel Vetch, Micholson.

GLC01450.612.01

29 August 1786

Pemberton, Robert, ?-1788

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from the "War Office," which in 1786 was likely in New York City. Reports on business at the War Office. Explains that since his last letter to Knox, they have received a return of stores from Sergeant Hudson and a note from Commodore Hazelwood acknowledging receipt of his last letter. Mr. [Samuel] Hodgdon has not written back regarding the money he applied for. Has included a resolve of Congress regarding the Moravian Indians which was mentioned in Lieutenant Colonel [Josiah] Harmar's recent letter, as well as a letter to Colonel Hay regarding an obstruction to the survey of the…

GLC02437.03298

1 November 1790

Pendleton, Nathaniel, 1756-1821

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Pendleton describes and discusses attempts by a consortium of settlers along the frontier to buy land along the same lines as was done by the Yazou [Yazoo] Companies. Writes, "These are the kind of People who are constantly endeavoring to provoke hostilities with the Indians, in hopes of profiting either by a War, or a treaty. They are endeavoring all in their Power to stir up an opposition to the late treaty with the Creeks, & I am informed, with what foundation in truth I can't say, that Mr. Henry and Mr. Ross of Virginia are in conjunction with them, and propose to be at the House of…

GLC02437.04764

10 March 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to [Richard] Peters

Responds to Peters request "on the Subject of the Frontier Defence." Says that "I can explicitly inform you that the Measures taken for the Purpose will be immediate & must take Effect as soon as any State Arrangement can possibly get into Operation." Explains that this will be a challenge to arrange. Various names are marked on the verso. Knox marked the document as "private."

GLC02437.04876

13 October 1793

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Later copy. References Sargent's letter of 28 September. Believes Congress will meet in Philadelphia as the yellow fever appears to have dissipated. Believes a symbolic gesture that things are back to normal is necessary "or all the American commerce will be injured in foreign countries." Encloses a letter from Fort Washington in Ohio (not included). Says the army marched from the Ohio River on 7 October with 3,000 volunteers and is expecting more. Written from Falls of Schuylkill, Pennsylvania, present day Philadelphia.

GLC02437.05944

21 July 1794

Scott, Charles, 1733-1813

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Copy of a letter from Major General Charles Scott to the Secretary of War, Henry Knox. Informs Knox the rear of his command passed the Ohio [River?] this morning. Requests Knox makes all the necessary arrangements prior to their arrival so they are able to take to the field without delay. Mentions he fell short on the number of recruitments but the skill of the men compensates for any deficiencies. Also notes everyone gets along well. Written from Fort Washington, present day Cincinnati, Ohio.

GLC02437.06149

15 April 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Discusses Congress's proposed disbandment of the troops according to the resolve of Congress dated 21 October 1786. States that although he feels for the men who have made the military their life, "the public were utterly unable to support them by reason of the non compliance of all the states excepting Virginia with the requisition for that purpose..." He feels that if Congress decides to appoint a new Inspector General, they will choose Sargent. However Major William North, the current Inspector General, may just continue in the post. Comments that he has no information on a map of Sargent'…

GLC02437.03523

15 August 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Phillips Savage

Secretary of War Knox tells Savage he read of the death of Savage's son Captain Joseph Savage. As he is fairly certain this is untrue, Knox wonders how that misinformation appeared in a Worcester newspaper. Knox tells about hearing from the port collector of Savannah Mr. Habersham as as well as Captain John Smith, both of whom "remember nothing of such an event."

GLC02437.04693

5 December 1794

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Discusses Sargent's desire to be present at the next Congressional session, though the request was denied. Discusses the situation with the Indians in the Cincinnati region. States that "the poor Indians I believe are irrecvocably doomed by Fate to be extirpated." Extensive water damage renders ink difficult to read. Watermarked. Letterpress copy.

GLC02437.10314

8 May 1785

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to J. Hector St. John de Crèvecoeur

Knox writes to Crevecoeur, French consul at New York. Expresses his regret at Crevecoeur's loss of important papers. Apparently responding to Crevecoeur's request for information related to the Revolutionary War, writes, "...I was not at the frontiers during the War having always been with the Army under the immediate orders of His Ex Gen Washington[.]"

GLC02437.03141

6 June 1789

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes via their mutual friend, General [Rufus] Putnam, but unfortunately has no news to report from the Western territories. Discusses his pleasure at the commencement of the new government, especially at the fact that "our Cincinnatus has been induced to once more quit his Plough" (referring to General George Washington's decision to accept the Presidency). Had wished for his Excellency's success and happiness, and asks Knox to send his best wishes to the President. Also sends his best wishes to Mrs. Knox, Knox's brother William, and asks him to "remember me to any of our friends who are…

GLC02437.04234

20 August 1789

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received his recent letter and hopes that Knox's child is restored to health. Is overjoyed to hear of the President's recovery; feels his death might have caused dramatic instability. Discusses his interest in the "doings of Congress," especially the Treasury Bill. Mentions that he is "very poor" and trusts that Knox will help him acquire a government appointment if possible. Also relates that they have apprehended a Virginian man named Wetzell who fired on an Indian man by the name of Washington. Has enclosed some letters to his friends (not present) for Knox to forward.

GLC02437.04332

15 September 1791

St. Clair, Arthur, 1734-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References a letter he wrote Knox from Lexington on 4 September. Encloses a duplicate of that letter here (not included). Says all the troops he is supposed to have arrived on 9, 10, and 12 September, except the Kentucky militia. Has received Knox's letters of 11, 18, and 25 August with their enclosures. Writes, "The Anxiety Sir, which the President has expressed that the Operations of the Campaign should begin at an early period does not surprise me, and the Delays that have hitherto taken place have been to me the most irksome that can possibly be imagined." Wants Knox to reassure the…

GLC02437.05157

18 September 1791

St. Clair, Arthur, 1734-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that he was able to advise Knox of the arrival of General Richard Butler and the last contingent of troops. Says the Kentucky militiamen are expected on 25 September. Will probably move from the camp on the Great Miami River on or before the 25 September. Writes, "I have been too sanguine in my Calculation of the time necessary for erecting the Fort there, but as soon as it is enclosed, and the shell of the Houses up, the Garrison will be able to compleat it for themselves before Winter." Notes the commissary has forward 100,000 rations to the camp. The quartermaster and court of…

GLC02437.05161

25 September 1791

St. Clair, Arthur, 1734-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Since St. Clair last wrote on 23 September, Colonel Oldham arrived with the Kentucky militia. Oldham brought a letter from General Charles Scott, which is enclosed (not included). Scott has doubts about the militia, but Oldham has been reassuring. As the militia was "called out by draught," Scott believes he will not be able to command another volunteer expedition. Speaks of a deluge of rain, which has impeded transportation of provisions and stores. The weather is better today and things are now moving. Says the Court of Inquiry has finished their business and that General Josiah Harmar has…

GLC02437.05166

2 January 1792

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from Fort Washington, at present-day Cincinnati, Ohio. Asks Knox to attend to the accompanying letters, which outline confrontations between General [Arthur] St. Clair and Indians in the frontier, specifically in Kentucky. Wishes he had more information about the Indian towns. Would like information on how the government will protect the frontier region in during the upcoming season. Asks about the possibility of hiring some Chickasaw Indians to work within the army for upcoming campaigns.

GLC02437.05285

6 January 1792

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from Fort Washington, at present-day Cincinnati, Ohio. Received his recent letter, and touches on financial matters. Mentions that he heard that the President intends to eliminate the position of Adjutant General of the Army (his current position) after the present campaign in the frontier, and give the Adjutant's duties to the Inspector. Comments on whether to take as a personal affront the elimination of his position. Discusses his motives for joining the campaigns in the Ohio territories.

GLC02437.05287

10 March 1792

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from Fort Washington, in present-day Cincinnati, Ohio. Comments on and defends his ability to perform his duties under General [Arthur] St. Clair. Also touches on his abilities to use military forces to protect areas in the Northwest Territories. Declares that he has done everything in his power, and refers Knox to General [James] Wilkinson for further assistance.

GLC02437.05344

1 June 1792

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from Fort Washington, present-day Cincinnati, Ohio. Mentions that he successfully completed some experiments Knox suggested he perform (on artillery). Discusses the upcoming appointment of a new Adjutant General, and the qualifications necessary for the candidate. Comments on the importance of assigning high military rank to soldiers in the Northwest Territories. Provides a variety of information on the military endeavors in the Ohio area. Refers to General [James] Wilkinson.

GLC02437.05486

24 April 1793

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: to Arthur St. Clair

Later copy made from the original in November 1856. Reports that President George Washington directed him to inform St. Clair that proposed treaty negotiations between the U.S. and the hostile Indians north of the Ohio River is to take place at Lower Sandusky around 1 June. To guarantee the success of the negotiations it is necessary to make sure "all hostile incursions of the white inhabitants into, or near to the Indian Country north of the Ohio, should be absolutely prohibited, until after the Treaty be closed." The commander of the troops has been ordered to make a proclamation to that…

GLC02437.05876

1 August 1794

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports on the conduct of a [soldier] named Parson Jones. Comments he believes Jones was a man of sedition both here and in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Believes if Knox personally admonishes Jones it would correct him. Notes he heard Jones speaking in mixed company at a tavern about the president's (George Washington) intelligence. Expresses his concern over the effect Jones's opinions may have over the public mind.

GLC02437.06157