6 January 1776-4 September 1777

Howe, William, 1729-1814

Manuscript document

Title: [British adjutant's orderly book]

Orderly book of British Commander-in-Chief William Howe, oblong quarto, in the handwriting of six or seven soldier-clerks. Details daily orders, official memoranda, court martials, provisions, directives on the control of civilians, embarkations and landings of troops, and more. Among the historic events described are the siege and evacuation of Boston (from 5 March 1776 for 20 pages) and the execution of Nathan Hale (22 September 1776) who is unnamed. "A Spy from the Enemy by his own full confession, apprehended last Night was this day Executed at 11 oClock in front of the Artillery Park…

GLC05983

5 December 1863

Cosby, George Blake, 1830-1909

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Birdseye McPherson

Written from CSA Headquarters, Cosby's Brigade. Marked as unofficial. Contains a watermark on the upper left corner. General Cosby writes to McPherson, commanding forces at Vicksburg, Mississippi. States "I am informed that Peter Grinner a citizen of Vicksburg has been arrested and is to be tried for being a spy & c- Said Grinner came out from Vicksburg by permission of Genl Sherman on a visit to his brother who is Chf Bugler at my Hdqr- He staid I believe near the camp two or three days- I solemnly pledge my word of honor that said Grinner gave me no information whatever prejudicial…

GLC05814

7 June 1782

Hamilton, Alexander, 1757-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Hamilton after he left the Army to Major General Knox. Letter details Hamilton's opinions against retaliation for the execution of American Captain Joshua Huddy at the hand of New York Loyalists (this is reference to the well-known Huddy-Asgill Affair). Hamilton says any retaliatory killing would be "derogatory to the national character." He claims there is no precedent for such a killing and that it would be "wanton and unnecessary." Says America's affairs "are now in a prosperous stream and so vigorous," that it would be foolish to tarnish the nation's reputation. Says that this…

GLC02437.01442

7 June 1782

Hamilton, Alexander, 1757-1804

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of letter from Alexander Hamilton to Henry Knox in GLC02437.01442, for which a transcript is available. Written by Hamilton after he left the Army to Major General Knox. Letter details Hamilton's opinions against retaliation for the execution of American Captain Joshua Huddy at the hand of New York Loyalists (this is reference to the well-known Huddy-Asgill Affair). Hamilton says any retaliatory killing would be "derogatory to the national character." He claims there is no precedent for such a killing and that it would be "wanton and unnecessary." Says America's affairs "are now…

GLC02437.01444

30 November 1777

André, John, 1751-1780

Autograph letter

Title: to Louisa Andre

Writes a lengthy letter to his sister about recent events of the war in Philadelphia. "The army has remained encamped before Philadelphia and Mr. Washington has remained about 14 miles off. Our patroles meet and exchange shot every now and then, which is all the symptoms we have of war." Comments on his leisurely lifestyle, "The only hardships I endure are being obliged to sleep in my bed, to sit down to a very good dinner every day, to take a gentle ride for appetite's sake or to exercise my horses ... " Remarks that British General Charles Grey shows signs of favoring his advancement.…

GLC07272

February 21, 1783

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Sends General Henry Knox a bass, caught near the port where Jackson is at present. Describes the fish as a Mr. Bass, a possible spy for the enemy and warns him to be on guard at West Point for a sudden attack. States that Knox should "examine him [Mr. Bass] well & if he will not give you a good account of himself, you had better cut him up joint by joint, ... pour hot melted Butter & Pa[r]sley over him & if he should then remain refractory, the best to be done with him will be to drownd [sic] him in good old [mead ?]."

GLC02437.01939

22 April 1919

Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924

Document signed

Title: [Sentence commutation for Fernando Robert Edward Ludicke, convicted for violating the Espionage Act on 18 September 1918]

Fernando Ludicke, alias Robert Edwards, was convicted of violating the espionage Act of June 15, 1917 in the U.S. District Court of Western Pennsylvania and sentenced to 18 months to be served in the Maryland State Penitentiary at Baltimore, Maryland. Wilson commuted his sentence to expire immediately; no reason given. Countersigned by A. Mitchell. Printed document with blanks filled in with type.

GLC06598

27 May 1794

Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Francis Vigo

Asks Major Vigo to use his connections to arrange for the British to be spied on. Wayne wants "either Frenchmen or Indians to go as far as Roche de Bout...to discover the number and designs of the enemy," the number of British troops and whether or not they have constructed a fort. Indicates he is willing to pay a large sum and would also like to arrange for regular dispatches of intelligence.

GLC06479.01

30 September 1860

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Writes that seven confederate spies have been caught and are being held in the guardhouse. Reports that General Fremont has left to cut off reinforcements from Price and McCulloch at Lexington. Writes that he is at the location where Col. Franz Sigel retreated to during the Springfield battle in August. Also writes that his company passed up an offer to receive new rifles so they were given old ones instead. Describes other conditions of camp and the surrounding land. Written at Camp Rolla

GLC06728.002

December 21, 1782

Brewster, Caleb, 1747-1827

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Captain Brewster to Major General Knox. Claims Knox is the "Commanding Officer of the Corps to which I have the honor of being annexed." Sends along the account of a sea battle he had with Captain Hoit in Long Island Sound. While in Stamford with Major Tallmadge, he said he heard that Hoit was in the Sound with 3 ships and he went to attack him with 6 ships. Split his boats up -- sending 3 to the "North Side" of the island and 3 to the "South Side," to prevent their escape. After a short time he saw Hoit across the Sound from Huntington and immediately chased them. He…

GLC02437.01755

26 August 1777

Gates, Horatio, 1727-1806

Letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Written by Gates as newly installed commander of the Northern Department to Major General Lincoln, who was sent to New York in July 1777 by George Washington to reinforce Gates's army. Says he received enclosed letters from General Benedict Arnold, who was also sent northward by Washington, and Colonel Peter Gansevoort (letters not included). Mentions a British deserter who provided intelligence on the size of Burgoyne's army. Expects Arnold and a group of Indians to join General Enoch Poor in a few days. Says that Livingston and Cortlandt's regiments will join Poor today. Compliments…

GLC05563

February 25, 1862

Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson), 1822-1885

Autograph document signed

Title: [General order regarding the presence of non-soldier African Americans in military camp]

Written from Fort Donelson, Tennessee. General Grant states that "orders ... prohibit negroes from coming into camp. When they are brought in by an officer or soldier they must be turned out ... owners are not to be permitted to search the camp on pretence of looking after their negroes. This would open the way to the most dangerous class of spies that we could have among us."

GLC05529

18 June 1780

André, John, 1751-1780

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph Chew

Reports that Benedict Arnold, "the Rebel General," is to take command in Connecticut and that he is expected to leave from West Point to go to New Haven daily. Asks Chew to send spies to watch his travels. On verso is a note dated 19 June by Chew stating that he has sent two men in the direction given by Major Andre and details what they will be paid for the service.

GLC05533.01

December 31, 1861

Johnston, Joseph Egleston, 1807-1891

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard

General Johnston writes to General Beauregard, commander of the Potomac District, Department of Northern Virginia. He writes "Is the W. arts near enough to Weir's house to be concerned in pulling to pieces the out houses? I heard thro' Major Boyle that soldiers carrying off...doors &c evidently for their own new quarters." Possibly referring to General Isaac Ridgeway Trimble, he states "Genl Trimble's brigade is nearest- & most probably furnished the culprits- I have desired him to get a guard at the house, & to have a search made for the missing materials." Mentions that "a place…

GLC05752

24 July 1781

Beckwith, George, 1753-1823

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Clinton

Spy's report, titled, "Copy of a letter from a Gentleman in Phila. to Capt. Beckwith." The report points out that he might not be able to gain information about General George Washington's Army. Notes that Washington's correspondence with Congress now goes by express rather than post and cannot be intercepted. Also provides naval intelligence of merchant vessels leaving Philadelphia.

GLC05223

1811-1812

Shaler, William, 1773-1833

Autograph manuscript

Title: Diary as secret US agent at New Orleans, Natchitoches, La., Washington, etc.

Shaler served as Madison and Monroe's secret agent in Louisiana on the Texas border. He was instructed to try to encourage revolution in Texas against Spanish and Mexican authority. At the same time, all of his activities had to be deniable. His letters and reflections, contained in the first two volumes (.01-.02), describe his relations with revolutionaries and other agents, his meetings with the President and his observations on power and spheres of influence. The letter copies have been published from the originals in the National Archives, but the diary portions and observations on…

GLC05246.01

1812-1814

Shaler, William, 1773-1833

Autograph manuscript

Title: Diary as secret US agent at New Orleans, Natchitoches, La., Washington, etc.

GLC05246.02

September 1781

Beckwith, George, 1753-1823

Header Record

Title: Two British spy reports [Decimalized .01-.02]

GLC05224

22 September 1778

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Letter signed

Title: to George Baylor

Advises Baylor to "use every means in your power" to ascertain as much information as possible about the British troops embarking from New York. Also instructs him to keep an eye on the North River and to notify West Point if he sees any British transports go by. Written just prior to British General Charles Grey's attack at Old Tappan on 28 September 1778. Water damaged ink.

GLC07486

26 July 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Written near Morristown, New Jersey. Laments his absence from Lucy. Writes "...had it not been for this cursed war I should have been one of the happi[est] of the human race as it is I am bound by every principle of honor and moral attachment to stand by the Country while I can do it any service- the instant I am convinc'd that I cannot I will retire from public to private life..." Assures her that his absence is not due to lack of love. Addresses her concerns for future financial stability. Discusses business matters, mentioning his friend Harry (Henry Jackson). Urges her to agree to…

GLC02437.10453

October 17, 1780

Pendleton, Edmund, 1721-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Madison

Discusses the war in Charlotte and Salisbury, North Carolina, and Benedict Arnold's treasonous act. Mentions Colonel Sumter, Colonel Tarleton, and General Gates.

GLC00099.050

February 5, 1781

Pendleton, Edmund, 1721-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Madison re: military news from the South, prisoner exchanges

The letter mentions: military news, Benedict Arnold, Lord Cornwallis, General Leslie, Braddock Taylor, Harry Pendleton, Camden, N.J., and prisoner exchanges.

GLC00099.059

March 19, 1781

Pendleton, Edmund, 1721-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Madison

The letter discusses Virginia and the war, conduct of forces, movements of the British, diplomatic questions, Madison's health, Arnold, and Lafayette's arrival at Yorktown. Mentions: Lord Cornwallis, Colonel Harrison, Colonel Williams, General Gregory (traitor), Portsmouth, VA, Hampton Neck, VA, York Town, VA, Count D'Estaing, the possible Saratoga ship, Annapolis, MD, York, VA, the Marquis de Lafayette, Benedict Arnold, and military rumors.

GLC00099.061

June 2, 1861

Pearce, Edgar, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

In his letter, he discusses the arrival of more troops and spies. He reports that there is martial law in Parkersburgh. Possibly written from Marietta, Ohio.

GLC00066.070

January 21, 1780

Penn, John, 1741-1788

Letter signed

Title: to Richard Caswell

Co-signed by North Carolina Congressmen Thomas Burke and Allen Jones. Written in what appears to be Penn's hand. Penn was also a North Carolina Continental Congressman and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Written to Caswell as Governor of North Carolina. Mentions an enclosed and authentic "Extract of Intelligence" (not included). Says as the presiding magistrate of North Carolina, Caswell has a duty to stay vigilant against the enemy. They express fears "from the ill-judging class of our citizens, and from our negroes and should [the British] attempt to invade or penetrate any…

GLC00414