30 June 1799

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: [Letter of introduction for John Jeffrey]

Knox writes on behalf of John Jeffrey to "the Commanding officer of the Post of Niagara, and any other American posts which Mr. Jeffrey may visit" requesting that Jeffrey and his companions are received warmly and afforded protection.

GLC02437.07276

1854

Smith, Gerrit, 1797-1874

Pamphlet

Title: Speeches of Gerrits Smith. In Congress, 1853-'4.

Published by Buell and Blanchard. Includes speeches by Smith on war, the homestead bill, the Nebraska bill, the Pacific Railroad, the postal system, the reciprocity treaty, and the sale of intoxicating drinks in Washington, D.C., among other topics. Bound with a green paper cover.

GLC04717.02

18 July 1776

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Remarks on Henry's talent for burlesquing William's writing. Expresses sympathy for Lucy's situation, in which she has to stay in Connecticut away from Henry. Offers to leave the bookstore in someone's care and go to Fairfield to bring Lucy back to Boston. Mentions that the Declaration of Independence will be read in Boston on the day of this letter's writing. Remarks that he heard the British sailed up the Hudson, which they did on 12 July 1776, and conjectures "it to be by way of experiment." Mentions that Captain Harry Johnson came in from Halifax. Also mentions that two persons were…

GLC02437.00383

24 July 1776

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a British ship that was captured near an American fort at Nantasket, Massachusetts. The vessel had come from Ireland to support General William Howe's army and had mistakenly thought the British were still in Boston. Tells a detailed story about how the Committee of Correspondence and Safety ordered every man between sixteen and sixty to gather with full military accoutrements and drafted thirty-two of them to join the invasion of Canada. Many men ran away but the draft was eventually made by offering larger bounties. The debacle caused some to call for the removal of John Brown…

GLC02437.00392

1 July 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Chastises William for not writing more. Discusses the recent Tory plot to either capture or assassinate George Washington and the subsequent hanging of a member of the General's Guard named John Rickey, a misidentification of Thomas Hickey, the only person hanged for the conspiracy. Discusses General William Howe's position at Sandy Hook with 130 ships and his ability to strike the city in about three hours. They are expecting an attack any time and Henry speculates that if Howe "comes up like a man and brings his ships too before our Batteries, there must be the finest sight...that ever was…

GLC02437.00356

9 June 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Reiterates the request for money he made in his last letter (see GLC02437.00328). Mentions that Lucy is well, but their newborn is ill from teething. Discusses recent misfortunes from the invasion of Canada. Mentions the 8th Regiment quartered in Detroit heading towards Montreal with a party of Indians. Comments on the activities of Major Henry Sherburne, Colonel John Paterson, and General Benedict Arnold, and a six day truce forced on the British. Mentions that the army was stricken with small pox and General John Thomas was likely to die from them. Chastises William for not writing more…

GLC02437.00336

31 October 1864

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Louise Walbridge

Sent George a pass to come visit him as an "employee of the Quartermaster Department" and explains that Harry cannot visit because he is too young for such a pass. Preparations for George's visit: putting a stove in his tent; obtaining a horse for his buggy and harness. Mention reports to be filed on the first of the month, a large fleet assembled at Fortress Monroe preparing to attack Wilmington, NC. A raid at St. Alban's, Vermont [10/19/1864] worries him and he urges precaution. Apologizes that Minnie cannot attend parties since neither he nor George are there to "beau our sisters…

GLC04663.52

15 August 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Discusses his recent fever, treatment, and recovery. Comments on his duties and the upcoming conflict in New York, in sometimes florid prose. Discusses news from Ticonderoga concerning the attempted siege of Canada, and notes the arrival of a French fleet. Seeks assistance in obtaining buttons, possibly for his regiment's uniforms.

GLC02437.00418

19 August 1776

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Fears potential British successes in New York and the consequences it would have on morale. Wants all available men in New England sent to defend New York so it is not lost for want of soldiers, as was the case with the invasion of Canada. Believes that the British value New York very highly and if the Americans lose it will be disastrous. Discusses a ship from St. Augustine, Florida, that was seized and the intelligence gathered from it. Would like Knox to get him some artillery pieces.

GLC02437.00420

1 September 1776

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Applauds the detection of a German traitor named Ledwitz, who had been appointed a lieutenant colonel in the Continental Army. Discusses various orders for payment Henry made. Discusses the last two letters he received from Lucy Knox. Has heard that Halifax was burned down by 500 Indians led by Frank Shaw. Discusses need for guns for privateers in Boston and for Continental frigates. Discusses the comparative advantages of large versus small ships, because Henry Jackson is going to arrange for a vessel that Henry "shall be concern'd in." Notes that new regiments have been raised but are…

GLC02437.00431

15 November 1862

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Louise Walbridge

Tells how a Southern woman tried to burn down her house rather than let the North use it for a hospital. Also speculates on the possibility of foreign war, reparations for damages caused by a pirate, invasion from Canada, and advice for fortifying Buffalo.

GLC04663.10

25 November 1863

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Louise Walbridge

Embarrassed by the news that several ladies inspected a uniform he sent home, worries about the recently discovered Canada Conspiracy, and pay of a black regiment. "The North Carolina regiment (colored), are to be paid off to morrow, it seems all the pay they are now entitled to is seven dollars. I think this is altogether too little. They work harder than any other troops, and should receive the same pay."

GLC04663.27

26 May 1776

Feddeman, Joseph, fl. 1776

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Captain Burbeck's company collectively write to their commander to inform him of their ill treatment and poor conditions at Fort Montgomery. They seek relief from duty there. Knox had detached Burbeck's company to assist in the campaign against Canada. Written at Fort Montgomery

GLC02437.00316

11 July 1776

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Gives his sister-in-law news of her friends in Halifax. Also gives news of Lucy's mother and father, who were separated from each other at the time. Indicates that Lucy's mother is well, although she is in a smaller house than she desires. Reports that many Tories in Halifax have not gone to England because they are confident that General William Howe will suppress the Continental Army. Reports that some Scotsman have gone to Quebec with their possessions. Discusses smallpox inoculation and local laws passed to prevent further outbreaks. Notes that two British ships have been captured by…

GLC02437.00368

1 April 1782

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to discuss a new lime-burning agreement negotiated in Boston by Mr. Wheaton. Notes the risk incurred by Wheaton since he is so close to Penobscot, a Tory stronghold. Discusses a recent illness, and the quartering of Major Strauss's company at his house. Comments on the value of "depreciation notes" and "consolidating notes" in Knox's finances. See GLC02437.01404 and GLC02437.01406 for related information.

GLC02437.01380

8 October 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Pitts

Written by Major General Knox to John Pitts of the Massachusetts Legislature. Says this is the second letter he has written to Pitts, and he is happy that they are both in "the Cause of Humanity." Says the first letter was about "the young Miss Winslows" who are now at Boston. This letter is about their young brother, the son of the late Isaac Winslow. Discusses the desire of the "young Gentleman" to be in service of his country. He was age 11 at the start of hostilities and is now age 18 and "has attained some degree of maturity." Declares that he has never fought on the enemy's side, and…

GLC02437.01649

24 December 1793

Ogden, Samuel, 1746-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received a letter from Canada this morning relating an account from Detroit that "the Indians have not been able to assemble more than between eight and nine hundred Men; That they had Cutt off the Escort of Provision." Says Mrs. Ogden's health is improved. "Free" handwritten on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.06005

27 May 1794

Ogden, Samuel, 1746-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Notifies Knox the British intend to "wage War" with the United States over the western boundary lines. Reports the British believe their territory to be all of the west lakes and the Untied States territory to be limited to the Ohio River. Warns Knox if the United States were to agree to this arrangement the British would then take possession of Presque Isle. Gives an account of the troops they have in Canada. Also mentions the possibility of using militia men from Upper Canada if a war were to take place. Sends his regards to Knox's family.

GLC02437.06108

15 May 1784

Mifflin, Thomas, 1744-1800

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mifflin, President of Congress, encloses an Act of Congress directing Knox to ascertain from the British Commander in Chief of North America precisely when the British will leave their posts within the boundaries of the United States (possibly refers to Frederick Haldimand; see GLC02437.03019). Also asks that Knox arrange for cannon and stores at the posts to be delivered to West Point or another convenient location. Original of GLC02437.02999. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.02998

4 October 1784

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Mitchell

Relates he has been appointed as a commissioner to "examine whether the people under the Government of Nova Scotia have encroached upon the territories of this state." Requests sworn testimony regarding Mitchell's [in some sources, Mitchel] previous survey of the St. Croix River. Contains a biographical note near docket, explaining Knox's role as commissioner. Written in Dorchester, a neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts.

GLC02437.03053

6 October 1784

Mitchell, John, fl. 1755-1790

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mitchell [in some sources, Mitchel] responds to a letter from Knox requesting information regarding his previous survey of the St. Croix River. Offers to accompany Knox, who will serve as a commissioner to examine whether people of Nova Scotia had encroached on United States territory.

GLC02437.03054

9 August 1790

Ogden, Samuel, 1746-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Ogden writes Secretary of War Knox to report that four Cherokee Indians traveled to Canada via the West Indies to "procure my Lord Dorchester's permission for the western and northern Indians to join them, and the Southern Indians in the war against the United States." Ogden believes President Washington should know this information in light of the recent treaty with the Creeks. Ogden also informs Knox that the previous autumn there had been another conference of Six Nation Indians in Buffalo decrying American treatment and looking for help from England. Mentions the participation of…

GLC02437.04682

6 April 1796

Pickering, Timothy, 1745-1829

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from the "Department of State." Pickering informs Knox of his appointment by President George Washington to a commission to determine the Eastern boundary of the United States on the St. Croix River in Maine [as stipulated by Jay's Treaty of November 1794]. Writes that the commission's work will be delayed indefinitely due to complications with the British in those territories, but as soon as those issues are corrected, Knox can begin. Explains the pay rate for Knox's position and estimates how long the job will take. Hopes he will accept the appointment.

GLC02437.06694

17 July 1792

Ogden, Samuel, 1746-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes about an earthquake that hit Quebec "By a letter from Quebec of the 5th Instant - I find they had a most violent Earthquake on the 6th Decr - a vulcano [sic] broke out about 70 miles north - the light so great as to be seem at Quebec in the night." Mentions that the shakes continued for a day and a town 40 miles from the volcano received damage. Comments on an Indian raid, "The Indian Acct (very untrue) 1000 Indians engaged - Killed & wounded of our people, left on the field upwards of 1000!" Noted as written at "D Works," which is most likely Delaware Works, located in what is…

GLC02437.05543

8 August 1792

Ogden, Samuel, 1746-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Letter of introduction for two British soldiers, Captain Talbot, a member of Prince Edward's family, and Captain Piggot, of the "Royal Fusileers." They are traveling from Quebec back to England, but before they leave the United States would like to visit some of the southern states.

GLC02437.05572