Collection Search

to Lucy Knox

Has just received her letter and assures her "my heart is yours although my Country demands my poor pittance to endevor to rescue her from barbarity." Feels this barbarity, exemplified by Indians slaughtering innocents, enslaved people killing their...

GLC02437.00517

[Artillery record book]

Book of records for Knox's artillery regiment. Contains inventories of artillery, notes regarding regimental activities and some daily entries. Samuel Shaw created the book, which dates between 12 January 1777 and 24 March 1777. The first page...

GLC02437.00518

to Ezekiel Cheever

Asks Cheever to deliver "twenty five yards of that White Duffle you have in your possession & two or three coats" to Lieutenant James Hall. Docket, signed by Hall, states that he received thirty yards of "Duffle," five coats, and "one Laced Hatt"

GLC02437.00533

[Receipt for coats and a hat]

States that three Regimental Coats intended for enlisted artillery soldiers and one lace hat had arrived from ordnance. Promises to be accountable to General Knox for these goods. The name at the bottom of the document is illegible.

GLC02437.00535

to Abraham Livingston

Orders Captain Livingston to obtain 5000 tents for next spring for General Thomas Mifflin. Orders him to "get the cloth for tents and get them made into tents each to hold six men." Also orders him to draw any necessary funds from General Mifflin.

GLC02437.00540

to Henry Knox

Jackson had said that "Crane could not get his battalion through the court," but says now "he has got every bounty allow'd him" and will soon have a full regiment. Believes that Lee's, Henley's, and his regiment will never be filled by the "Honorble...

GLC02437.00564

to Henry Knox

Hopes Henry will write more often. Captain William Dana cannot buy the two horses, but will take care of them until they are sold. William thinks they will earn one hundred pounds. Asks what would be the best way to travel to camp to join Henry....

GLC02437.00570

to Lucy Knox

Loves her and is glad she and their daughter are doing well after their inoculation. Longs to see her, but for her own safety and happiness denies her request to join him at Morristown.
Believes the British "by no means as formidable as they were...

GLC02437.00580

Establishment and pay for a company of artillery in the service of the United of America

Date from docket. Lists various posts, from captain to drummer, and their corresponding pay. First page and dated docket in Knox's hand, other docket in Shaw's.

GLC02437.00584

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that their daughter has smallpox, but is recovering, and acting "very lively." Discusses sending Knox waistcoats and breeches through Colonel Mason. At her current location, has no company except for [Henry] Gardner, Treasurer of...

GLC02437.00589

[Receipt between Samuel Treat and Colonel Flowers]

"Received... of Samuel Treat one thousand dollars for which he gave Col Flowers a Receipt." Signed by French as Major and Commissary of Military Stores. Text in Knox's hand.

GLC02437.00598

to Lucy Knox

Discusses their recent exchange, noting that he had not received some of her letters due to the postman's mistake. Expresses how much he misses her, emphasizing that nothing but an obligation to his country could separate them. Mentions the threat...

GLC02437.00599

to Henry Knox

Writes to Henry, his brother. Discusses unfounded accusations that he, William, [stole?] a pair of pistols from Edmund Randolph. Writes, "Now to come to the matter which ingrosses all my tho'ts, that of entring the army..." Discusses raising funds...

GLC02437.00605

to Henry Knox

Replies to his brother's "very affectionate but too short Epistle..." Has sold most of the stock of Henry's bookstore, which he operated in Henry's absence. Writes, "I would not justify your keeping the Store open longer than the time I mention if...

GLC02437.00611

to Henry Knox

Continental Congressman Lovell writes to Knox: "I suppose you among others have been led, from my being Chairman of the Committee on foreign applications, to dub me Patron of the whole Rank-mad Tribes. I am so far from thinking it proper to disavow...

GLC02437.00629

to Henry Knox

Notes that she is recovering from a four day illness. Describes her daily life in detail as requested by Henry. Rises at eight a.m., has breakfast for an hour, then reads, writes, or works until her "solitary dinner" at 2 p.m. Misses Henry...

GLC02437.00638

to Lucy Knox

Reports that the British have landed at Head of Elk, Maryland (present day Elkton), twenty miles from Knox's location. Writes, "...we shall remain here a few days and if they will not come to us we shall go to them... it is suppos'd the enemy intend...

GLC02437.00646

[Account of the campaign of September and October 1777]

Later copy. Possibly created by William Knox, General Henry Knox's brother. Contains a report of the 20 September Battle of Paoli. Mentions Generals Knox, Green (possibly Nathanael Greene), and Alexander McDougall. In an entry for 28 September...

GLC02437.00654

[Receipt for provisions issued]

Covers provisions issued from July-December 1777 in the Middle Department, "from Wilmington on the Delaware to Newark in Jersey." Also notes receipt of provisions from January 1778- August 1778 for the Middle Department.

GLC02437.00677

[Oath of allegiance to the United States]

Date inferred from the Journals of the Continental Congress circa January- February 1778. The Journals indicate that every officer who holds or is granted a commission or office from Congress should take the following oath: "I do acknowledge the...

GLC02437.00678

to Lucy Knox

Year and day cited, but no month. Month inferred based on content. Recently visited posts in the Highlands (New York) with General Nathanael Greene. Notes that "Mr. Wm. continues yet quiet in his quarters, but we have still reason to think he...

GLC02437.00679

[Biographical sketch of Samuel B. Webb]

Later copy. Initialed [H.P.J.] Pertains to GLC02437.00682.

GLC02437.00681

[Note regarding a duel between Samuel Blachley Webb and William Livingston]

Fragment. Relates, "a negotiation in the newspapers will most probably terminate the affair... The affair originates about Miss Wyckham."

GLC02437.00682

to William Knox

Possibly written to William Knox, Henry Knox's brother. Colonel Scollay expresses joy "that the circumstance of settleing [sic] a little delicate matter, whether we should continue the Friendship that has so long & uninterreptedly subsisted between...

GLC02437.00690

[Receipt for provisions]

Receipt to James Richardson, and signed by him. Lists provisions received by Knox during the month of February. Indicates that Knox received bread, flour, beef, pork, rice, soap, and rum. Possibly written from Valley Forge, Pennsylvania; location...

GLC02437.00694

[Receipt for payment of eleven dollars from Samuel Shaw]

Receipt to Samuel Wells, and signed by him. Wells certifies receipt of eleven dollars from Samuel Shaw, Henry Knox's aide-de-camp, "for the expence of going to Bethlehem and bring Genl Knox's Baggage to camp and for having a new Tongue made to the...

GLC02437.00696

[Observations regarding the firing of artillery] [in French]

"Observations sur les causes qui derangement les portees des bombes, & sur les attentions qu'il faut avoir pour les tirer avec succes."

GLC02437.00705

to William Knox

Knox informs his brother that his wife and daughter, both named Lucy, arrived recently at Valley Forge. Notes that General [Benedict] Arnold accompanied Lucy from New Haven, Connecticut. Notes that his guests may not be able to enjoy their...

GLC02437.00706

to William Knox

Discusses matters of business William is tending to in Boston, including a debt and a petition. Writes, "The Enemy have not yet evacuated Philadelphia but we are in hourly expectation of that event. The whole army is under marching orders as soon...

GLC02437.00708

to Lucy Knox

Discusses how important his correspondence with Lucy is and how much it hurts him to urge her to go farther away from him (first to New Haven then to Boston). Speculates on a possible British strategy to extend their conquest into New Jersey, which...

GLC02437.00485

to Henry Knox

Invites Knox to join him for "Dinner to day at 2 o Clock." The year is not given, but has to be 1776 as Knox was a Colonel then.

GLC02437.00531

to Henry Knox

Hopes Henry is thinking of her. Says that she is being inoculated for smallpox, but that a rash on her arm has slowed the process and led the doctor to give her more mercury. Worries about her health but says their daughter is doing quite well....

GLC02437.00572

to Henry Knox

Laments her lonely situation, noting that a recent visitor brought her news of Henry, but no letter from him. Envies the wives of generals able to travel with their husbands: "happy Mrs. Washington happy Mrs Gates in short I do not recollect an...

GLC02437.00602

to Henry Knox

Gives details of marching with an unspecified company, and discusses his recent service at Providence, Rhode Island. Refers to a recent election of representatives, possibly in Boston, Massachusetts. Writes, "My good friend, we are in a very bad...

GLC02437.00604

to Lucy Knox

Knox writes, "the shortness of your two last letters were not very agreable [sic] to me..." Discusses the Battle of Ticonderoga (2-6 July 1777): "We have received... news of the evacuation of Ticonderoga pregnant in my opinion with the most...

GLC02437.00622

to Henry Knox

Predicts that British General William Howe intends to sail for the North River (the Hudson) to connect with [General John Burgoyne's] army: "The North River is, & must be their object- I think the whole of Genl Howe's conduct, must show his weakness-...

GLC02437.00636

to Henry Knox

Comments on General John Stark and the Battle of Bennington ( 16 August 1777): "I don't think all History from Adam to this day, can produce such an instance, which an unequal number of raw undisciplind militia, have attack'd a Superor number of well...

GLC02437.00639

to Lucy Knox

Written at "Derby, 7 Miles below Philadelphia" (possibly Darby, Pennsylvania). Reports that his troops had begun to march to the North River (the Hudson), but received a dispatch that British General William Howe was in the Chesapeake Bay. Believes...

GLC02437.00640

to Henry Knox

Jackson declares, "...I am sure if we exert ourselves to the Southward & Northward as we ought to do that this Campaign will nearly bring the War to a Close, and establish our Independence." Reports he has heard news that Generals Horatio Gates...

GLC02437.00650

to George Washington

Offers his opinion as to "the position proper for Winter Quarters." Argues that winter quarters are "indispensably necessary" for Continental troops. Suggests that quarters be established at a distance from the British (who occupy Philadelphia)....

GLC02437.00669

[Draft of Knox's responses to questions regarding an attack on the British at Philadelphia]

"My sentiments are against a general attack of the enemy strongly posted as they are except upon the clearest principles of superior numbers to counterballance their superior discipline. I am fully of the opinion that we have no experience of our...

GLC02437.00676

A Weekly Return of Lt. Burbeck's Companey in Col. Knox's Reigt.

Lists numbers of men of various rank, under Lieutenant Henry Burbeck's command, present in varying capacities. Jefferds was a sergeant in Knox's artillery regiment.

GLC02437.00456

to William Knox

Thanks William for disabusing him of rumors from New York. Discusses the activities in New York, the war in general, and the cause of liberty. Praises the artillery at the Battle of Long Island. Notes that 1,000 troops from New Hampshire have set...

GLC02437.00457

to Henry Knox

Discusses the transportation of ordnance to New York.

GLC02437.00473

to William Knox

Mentions problems with the post. Explains why the Continental Army had retreated in the Battle of White Plains (28 October 1776). Notes that military intelligence gathered from British prisoners and deserters suggests the British are planning to...

GLC02437.00478

[Account from Jonathan Pollard to Henry Knox]

Account for money owed Pollard for goods including flint, postage, and rum. Details of the account identical to GLC02437.00492.

GLC02437.00491

[Account from Jonathan Pollard to Henry Knox]

Account for money owed Pollard for goods including flint, postage, and rum. Details of the account identical to GLC02437.00491.

GLC02437.00492

Return of Cloathing Drawn before the first of Jany. for the Use of the new Inlisted Men in Capt Foster's Company in Col. Henry Knox's Regt. of Artillery

A list of clothing and its value, including shoes, gloves cloth, a waistcoat

GLC02437.00507

Brigadier General Knox's account of Clothing

Contains accounts for amount of money Knox spent on various items of clothing from 1777-1779. Items include fabric, shoes, coats, shirts, etc. Many of the items listed are for other officers under Knox's command. Annotations made as late as 1783...

GLC02437.00513

[Copy of a receipt for pay of Captain Stephen Badlam's company]

Receipt for cash paid to Stephen Badlam, consisting of one hundred eighteen pounds twelve schillings to pay his company for the month and one pound eight schillings and two pence due General Mifflin for clothing. States that this document is a copy...

GLC02437.00530

[Request for coat]

Requests one coat for Sergeant Petty. Written to "the Conductor of Artillery at Fishkills." Written at Fort Constitution. Endorsed on verso by Abiel Pettie.

GLC02437.00538

[Record of payments]

States that Jeremiah Niles and Henry Burbeck have been paid for time served in 1776. Verso is signed by Thomas Proctor. Likely written at Fishkill, New York, where these men were stationed at the time.

GLC02437.00548

to Henry Knox

Thanks him for his letter, which Samuel Shaw delivered. When she had not heard from him for two posts she began to worry. She loves him more than ever, and will send the goods he requested in his previous letter. Details her plans to be inoculated...

GLC02437.00562

to Lucy Knox

Loves her and acknowledges her letter. Tries to assuage her fears about the war, smallpox, and his distance from her. Assures her that "General Howe is not driving us thro' the Jersies into Pennsylvania." Discusses the character and rank of the...

GLC02437.00566

to Lucy Knox

Expresses his love for her. Thinks Crane will soon have success in recruiting men. Feels "America trifles too much with the high matters in which she is engag'd - an infinity of happiness or misery depends upon the success or non-success of the...

GLC02437.00573

to Henry Knox

Dr. Gardner informs Knox that both his wife and daughter have been successfully inoculated against smallpox, and are feeling well again. Also a French ship has just arrived with 58 cannons, as well as shot, powder, clothing, blankets and tents....

GLC02437.00579

to Lucy Knox

Writes that his health has improved, and his wife is recovering from smallpox. Details the Battle of Ridgefield (27 April 1777) and the British actions leading up to it. Says British troops landed near Norwalk, marched to Danbury, and there...

GLC02437.00581

to Nicholas Eveleigh

Reports that ships loaded with arms have arrived from France. Notes that Lord Cornwallis nearly captured General Benjamin Lincoln, but Lincoln's party escaped. Mentions the capture of Captain Flahaven on 20 April (Knox writes "Flahaen"). Comments...

GLC02437.00587

to Henry Knox

Colonel Henry Jackson recommends Captain Mullens, who carries this letter to Knox. Reports that Mullens is "an Irish gentleman & has been in the French Service for 20 years." Notes that Mullens seeks an appointment, and if he does not receive such...

GLC02437.00588

to Henry Knox

Reports that he has not recently written to Henry, his brother, due to a "violent inflamation of my blood, which threw itself into my arms & hands in such a manner as to deprive me of the use of them for some days..." Discusses raising a sum of...

GLC02437.00592

to William Knox

To his brother, writes, "It is so long a time since I've had the pleasure of a Line from you that did I not hear it from others I should suppose that you had paid Natures last tribute..."

GLC02437.00595

to Henry Knox

Colonel Jackson writes to Brigadier General Knox in Morristown, New Jersey. Chides Knox for not writing to him through the last post. Comments that Boston will choose representatives the same day he writes. Expresses relief that Henry's wife, Lucy...

GLC02437.00600

to Lucy Knox

Knox writes to his wife, Lucy, in Boston. Discusses previous correspondence, including a letter from "Billey," referring to his brother William Knox. Asks Lucy to look after General St. Clair's daughter, who will be traveling to Boston, noting that...

GLC02437.00601

to Henry Knox

Lucy writes a love letter to her husband: "Is it possible, is there a dawn of hope, may I expect to be again blessed with him who forms a part of my very soul, whose presence I esteem the greatest good that this world can afford." Dreads that...

GLC02437.00614

to Lucy Knox

Written at Camp Middlebrook. Knox writes, "Pity it is that lovers so exceedingly attached to each other as we are should be separated by the horrors of War." Discusses Lord Sterling's movement at Amboy (Perth Amboy, New Jersey) and Westfield, New...

GLC02437.00618

to John Hancock

Knox writes to Hancock, President of Continental Congress. Asks if [Phillippe] du Coudray has been appointed to command the artillery. Declares, "I wish to know of Congress whether this information be true, if it is, I beg the favor of a permission...

GLC02437.00620

[George Measam's invoice]

Lists accounts with several officers. Includes the account of a transaction with James Mease, Clothier General, located in Philadelphia. A note at the bottom of the page indicates that Measam removed to Springfield, Massachusetts in 1778. Top of...

GLC02437.00644

to Henry Knox

Would have written to Knox sooner, but was obliged to attend the execution of a man who had deserted from his regiment. Writes, "...he was Shot at the Bottom of the Common, it is supprise'g how the people minds are alter'd about this matter from...

GLC02437.00649

to Henry Jackson

Reports that nothing has changed since 23 September, when he previously wrote, and that the British still have possession of Philadelphia. Relates that the Delaware frigate was recently lost to the British. Recently received militia reinforcement....

GLC02437.00653

[Memo of payments for General Nathanael Greene, relative to camp expenses]

Among others items, lists chickens, milk, butter, onions, potatoes, and a black horse. On verso, contains what may be a partial address to General Henry Knox.

GLC02437.00658

to Lucy Knox

Knox worries because Lucy has not recently written to him. Reports receipt of a letter from "Harry," (Colonel Henry Jackson, also in Boston). Expresses discontent regarding the high price of goods Jackson reported in Boston. Refers to the...

GLC02437.00662

to Thomas Flucker

Written at St. Dunstan's Hill. Latham, apparently a merchant, promises to send sherry to Flucker in Knightsbridge, London. Also apologizes for his previous blunder in the transaction. Docket in Shaw's hand.

GLC02437.00664

to Lucy Knox

Expresses his love for her as a follow up to a letter from the previous day. Writes, " ... is there nothing in this world that would satisfy [Lucy] but deserting the camp in which I am engag'd and render my self eternally infamous ... by resigning...

GLC02437.00672

[Proof of British powder]

Written at Turtle Bay near New York. Chart recording the result of proofing [testing] of British powder and powder captured by the British. Includes names of prizes from which powder was taken and the capturing vessels. Signed twice by William...

GLC02437.00674

[Account of spirits delivered for the use of General Knox]

Jones, Department Commissary General of Issues, lists account information from October-December 1777. In a note to Thomas Wiley, Assistant Commissary of Issues, Jones discusses Knox's account and liquor delivered to the troops. Possibly created in...

GLC02437.00688

[Journal of Congress]

Lists payment for the post of commissary general, deputy, conductors, and clerks. Recorded as "Journals of Congress- Vol. 4. Page 86." On verso, "Mr. James Giles" is written and struck.

GLC02437.00692

[Receipt for a horse]

Written at Camp Great Valley [Valley Forge, Pennsylvania], receipt to Samuel Williams and signed by him: "Recd. of Genl Knox by the Hands of Mr. James Gardner one Horse the property of the United States of America..."

GLC02437.00693

to William Knox

Location from docket. Asks his brother William, in Boston, why he has not recently written. Declares, "My God this War will go near to ruin me, they are making their Fortunes & I am losing one, however a good intention and a good Conclusion will I...

GLC02437.00697

[Receipt for four hundred dollars received from Samuel Shaw]

Receipt to Charles Knowles, and signed by him. Pertains to General Henry Knox's account.

GLC02437.00699

[Hints for the Improvement of the Artillery of the United States]

A report for the Continental Congress outlining specific recommendations to improve the organization, supply, and administration of the Continental Army's artillery. Composed at Harlem Heights in New York. Title from docket. Knox's retained copy...

GLC02437.00459

A Sketch of a defense of General Washingtons System of the Campaign of 1776, at New York and its Vicinity

Sweeping account of the early events of the American Revolution intended to defend the strategy George Washington took when the British drove the Americans from New York in 1776. Draft copy with many editorial alterations. Title from docket, which...

GLC02437.00460

to Henry Knox

Discusses the canons he was ordered to make. Work had stopped from lack of communication but was restarting, and Hoff seeks instructions on what to make. Also indicates that he has the opportunity to hire additional moulders, one of which was the...

GLC02437.00462

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he "is manufacturing gun powder for the Continental Congress" that is intended for George Washington. Sends samples to Knox and asks to be informed which will pass inspection. Signed in the third person in the text.

GLC02437.00469

[Receipt for 450 pounds/1,500 dollars and an account for clothing for Colonel Thomas Mifflin]

Delivered for Henry Knox by Samuel Treat. Composed at Mount Washington.

GLC02437.00471

William Knox

Was worried to hear from Henry Jackson that William had gone aboard a ship going to confront the British ship the Mifford. Notes that after pursuing the Continental Army to White Plains, the British have turned back toward New York and Knox...

GLC02437.00483

[List of artillery stores]

List various artillery supplies, such as powder, shells, shot, and fuses. Note on bottom of page states that he has just received the articles on the list "from Capt Dana at Bargin" and wishes to know what to do with them. Addressed to Knox at...

GLC02437.00503

to Henry Knox

Mentions his plan to "enter the Service" once he raises a certain sum, which he is confident he will have soon. He has bought two hundred pounds worth of quills, paper, and similar articles from Newburry, and thinks they will be easy to turn a...

GLC02437.00555

to Henry Knox

Relates to Henry what he has heard regarding the Battle of Bound Brook, New Jersey (13 April 1777). Notes that he knows "General Washington & yourself was not in the Battle but intended being at bound Brook the next day." Discusses raising a sum of...

GLC02437.00608

to Henry Knox

Reports that Lucy Knox, Henry's wife, left for Newbury Port (possibly Massachusetts), the previous Monday. Mentions an express from General [Israel] Putnam to General [William] Heath, in which Putnam attested the British sailed from the Hook...

GLC02437.00631

to Lucy Knox

Reports, "The enemy have manoevr'd us to this place... and after all gave us the slip... this is now the third day of their departure with a fine a wind as ever blew to carry them to New York and so up the North River [the Hudson]-- this must be...

GLC02437.00632

[Retained copy of an opinion delivered to General George Washington]

Offers opinions regarding fortification and manpower at Fort Island, Red Bank, and Billingsport. Created in Pennsylvania at Camp Sandy Run. Dated in another hand. Text is in the hand of William Knox.

GLC02437.00634

to William Knox

Docket is written in another hand. Attempts to facilitate the sale of a stallion. Briefly mentions that two deserters will have to face the lash.

GLC02437.00205

to Lucy Knox

Responds affectionately to a letter from Lucy asking what has become of him. Answers that he has not written because of how busy he has been (during the siege of Boston). Comments that the British are packing up and leaving Boston, and Knox expects...

GLC02437.00264

to Jonathan Pollard

Receipt for equipment. Whiteman was a member of the Dutchess County Militia of New York. Pollard was the quartermaster in Knox's artillery regiment.

GLC02437.00305

to Henry Knox

Receipt for scarlet cloth and thread (uniform-related).

GLC02437.00312

to Lucy Knox

Explains that he was disappointed to not receive a letter from Lucy by the most recent post and wonders if the difficulty of her journey to New Haven, Connecticut, prevented her writing. Reports via his brother, William Knox, that the people...

GLC02437.00394

to Henry Knox

Responds to Knox's letter (see GLC02437.00403) to tell him that he did not meet with the founder making the cannons Knox wrote about, but another member of the Continental Congress did. Reports that the congress is also making efforts to mine copper...

GLC02437.00416

to Henry Knox

Explains why he has not written recently. Reacts to Knox's account of Major Thomas Henley's death in a failed surprise attack against the British on Randall's Island. Notes that he has published accounts Knox requested. Indicates that Bostonians...

GLC02437.00466

to Henry Knox

He is anxious for news, which has not come in twelve days. He is also worried about the upcoming December because there are rumors that few in the old army will reenlist. Discusses possible solutions. Mrs. Johnson, the wife of Captain Lieutenant...

GLC02437.00475

to Henry Knox

Discusses her poor health, explains why she did not write for three posts, and laments their separation. Seeks verification of a rumor that General William Howe met the same fate as General John Burgoyne. Letter dated below signature as 6 November...

GLC02437.00480