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to Henry Knox

Requests a meeting with Knox to discuss the military. Writes, "Col. Pickering presents his compliments to General Knox, and begs to be informed when it would be convenient to indulge Colonel P. with a long conversation on the military establishment...

GLC02437.06317

to Henry Knox

States that Paul Rever has his howitzers ready to bore and asks if they should be proved. Pickering feels this might be a waste of ammunition and asks for Knox's opinion. Noted as written at the War Office.

GLC02437.06357

to Henry Knox

Forwards a letter and informs Knox of various governmental events, including the signing of the resolutions by the democratic society of Philadelphia, as well as Jay's treaty and John Jay's negotiations with Great Britain. Noted as written at the War...

GLC02437.06468

to Timothy Pickering

Writes that he received Pickering's letter in which he learned he was appointed head of a committee to negotiate the boundary between Maine and Canada. Declares that while he is grateful for the faith the President places in him, he must decline the...

GLC02437.06706

to Henry Knox

Asks Knox if he would be interested in appointing an aide-de-camp.

GLC02437.07161

to Timothy Pickering

Knox requests [horses] from Pickering, Quartermaster General. Knox possibly writes from West Point. Notes that the duties at his location require horses and forage. In the right margin, writes, "at present we are totally without."

GLC02437.10044

to Timothy Pickering

Knox possibly writes from West Point to Pickering, Quartermaster General. Mostly illegible, but Knox appears to be discussing construction of artillery barracks on Constitution Island.

GLC02437.10049

to Timothy Pickering

General Knox writes to Pickering, Quartermaster General of the Army. Requests money to repair redoubts in the West Point vicinity. Notes that Major Villefranche, engineer at West Point, supports Knox's opinion that the redoubts are in need of...

GLC02437.10086

to Timothy Pickering

Major General Knox writes to Colonel Pickering, Quartermaster General. Discusses a chain, possibly the great chain that stretched across the Hudson River near West Point to prevent British ships from sailing upriver. Writes "From the information of...

GLC02437.10135

to Timothy Pickering

Signed "HK." Writes to Colonel Pickering about the transportation of wood. Mentions sending a regiment to Connecticut. Discusses the place where wood can be obtained with the greatest facility. There will be a regiment of men wintering at West...

GLC02437.10167

to Timothy Pickering

Informs Colonel Pickering there will be a sergeant and twelve men to cut wood for the department to send to Newbury and that "time grows more and more precious daily." Mentions that he has received complaints about soldiers cutting wood without...

GLC02437.10170

to Timothy Pickering

Talks about the on-coming winter and the scarcity of wood. Asks Colonel Pickering if it is possible to increase the means of supply to the garrison. Has directed the 4th Massachusetts to occupy the huts as winter quarters. Watermarked with three...

GLC02437.10174

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Written by Brigadier General Knox to General Lincoln. Says he was concerned for him, but hopes he is safe at Head of Elk, Maryland. Tells him to "pray take care of the trophies and carry them triumphantly into rome." Reports from Mount...

GLC02437.01288

to Benjamin Lincoln

Explains his recommendations and opinions on key issues regarding the "ensuing campaign" in and around New York. Relates that upon asking General George Washington when to be prepared to march his troops, General Washington claimed to be out of touch...

GLC02437.01426

to Henry Knox

Written from the "War Office." Informs Knox that Mr. [John Jacob] Faesch has begun casting shells for them, and that Captain [William] Stevens "must immediately go there to prove the shells." Tells Knox to provide Stevens with instructions for how...

GLC02437.01481

to Benjamin Lincoln

Writes to Lincoln, the Secretary at War, to ask his opinion on various subjects surrounding artillery stores for future campaigns. Various topics include shells being cast for French howitzers by Mr. [John Jacob] Faesch, preparation of shot and...

GLC02437.01510

to Benjamin Lincoln

Writes in response to Lincoln's letter of 20 August. Declares, "I am sorry Mr. [Robert] Morris cannot pay for any shells for the french [8?] inch howitzers, as they without shells much be useless after all the time and money which has been expended...

GLC02437.01604

to Benjamin Lincoln

Writes that as he has been charged with being the commander of West Point, he must, with General George Washington, determine any changes or additions to West Point "as may tend to give it that solid strength which the nature of the service may...

GLC02437.01760

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...

GLC02437.01972

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy of GLC02437.02009. References his letter from "a few days past." Says that letter mentioned a meeting of officers called for by a paper circulating around camp. Says "The meeting was had yesterday, and the General will forward the...

GLC02437.02007

to Henry Knox

Gives recommendations for arranging the artillery for the siege of Yorktown. Discusses the establishment of the first parallel for the investment and fears a delay in operations. Speculates that one in four shots from the Continental Army will hit...

GLC02437.01213

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Duplicate of GLC02437.01309. Writes to respond to General Benjamin Lincoln's request of his opinon on where to store 4,000 barrels of public powder now in Boston. Declares that West Point is so important that they should do everything...

GLC02437.01308

to Benjamin Lincoln

Mentions that among the stores taken from the enemy at the battle of Yorktown are "a number of copper hoops that had been attached to the casks of powder consumed during the siege, which according to the customs of War invariably appertain to the...

GLC02437.01312

to Benjamin Lincoln

Discusses the deficiency of supplies in the ordnance. Comments on the amount of horses necessary for the wagons in the field. Also discusses the supplies necessary for the ordnance, including cannon, howitzers, and ammunition, and the amount of...

GLC02437.01337

to Henry Knox

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

GLC02437.01382

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...

GLC02437.01398

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...

GLC02437.01399

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

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...

GLC02437.01414

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...

GLC02437.01419

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Written by Major General Knox to Secretary of War Lincoln. Arrived in Newburgh three days earlier. Was at West Point "with the officers of the Army and find them generally much discontented." Says the problems revolve around the issuing...

GLC02437.01432

to Henry Knox

Writes, "Since my return my dear Sir I have found great difficulty in renewing our obligation at the bank I have at last by ye [the?] aid of our mutual friend Mr. Osgood obtained a farther credit (by giving a new obligation & paying the interest) of...

GLC02437.01469

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Marked "Private." Letter from Major General Knox to Secretary of War Lincoln. Reports that the Massachusetts line has determined to apply to the state for its backpay. Says "It would be useless to detail the reasons why such a settlement...

GLC02437.01473

to Benjamin Lincoln

Marked "copy." Writes, "The bearer of this is a Mr. [Burnet] who is connected with some person who contracted in 1779 for [Cartridge] boxes. I do not remember exactly the circumstances, but generally that Mr. Ruddock was directed by the board of...

GLC02437.01485

to Henry Knox

Written by Secretary of War Lincoln to Major General Knox. Letter seems to be about personal finances. References a letter he sent "some days since" on money due to the bank. Says he has found an unexpected difficulty to renew the note. Reports that...

GLC02437.01487

to Benjamin Lincoln

Written by Major General Knox to Secretary of War Lincoln. Marked both "Private" and "Copy." Mentions writing to Lincoln on 13 July, which acknowledged Lincoln's letter of 29 June. Was in the hope of being able to remit to him the money that was sent...

GLC02437.01489

to Henry Knox

Marked "private." Writes that he has sold a bill for Knox and that the matter is settled because it has been deposited. With Lincoln's free frank.

GLC02437.01500

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...

GLC02437.01504

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....

GLC02437.01517

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...

GLC02437.01518

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...

GLC02437.01519

to Henry Knox

Marked "Private." Written by Lincoln as Secretary of War to Major General Knox. Says Congress has appointed a committee to create a catalog of books they need for themselves and various departments. Wants to know what he thinks will be the fall out...

GLC02437.01522

to Benjamin Lincoln

Written by Major General Knox to Secretary of War Lincoln. References 2 private letters from 7 and 10 August. Says he cannot furnish him estimates. Says he read over his last public letter (which was on the issue of soldiers pensions at half pay) to...

GLC02437.01532

to Benjamin Lincoln

Written and signed for Knox in the hand of Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide-de-camp. Lists the appointments to the department of military stores after it has been restructured by resolves of Congress of 3 September 1782. Writes: "In consequence of the...

GLC02437.01673

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Writes that Major Villefrance, who will deliver the letter, hopes to receive a promotion. He has not been promoted since he joined the service in 1777. Writes that he has been very successful as Commanding Engineer and is highly...

GLC02437.01744

to Benjamin Lincoln

Written and signed for Knox in the hand of Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide de camp. To Secretary of War Lincoln. Says with the confirmation of peace the artillery artificers are worried about disbanding before hearing from Congress about a payment...

GLC02437.02074

to Benjamin Lincoln

Discusses the establishment of the Society of the Cincinnati and mentions a proposed constitution, which is not included. States that "[t]he intention [for creating the society] is pure, and uncorrupted by any sinister design - The sole objects the...

GLC02437.02131

to Benjamin Lincoln

Gives an account of his advancement in the army and his wages as a way to show the unfair methods of payment of the soldiers and the lack of an organized system to deal with soldiers' wages.

GLC02437.02144

to Benjamin Lincoln

Written and signed for Knox in the hand of Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide de camp. Discusses the pay for army artificers about to be furloughed, and their entitlement to arms.

GLC02437.02150

to Benjamin Lincoln

Written by Major General Knox to Secretary of War Lincoln. Writes respecting the arsenal and magazines to let Lincoln know that his orders are "impracticable" to execute. Reminds Lincoln that he is the President of the Massachusetts branch of the...

GLC02437.02291

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...

GLC02437.02319

to Henry Knox

Discusses the commutation of Captain Patten's pay. Hopes Patten will signify to Congress his acceptance of it. Marked as private.

GLC02437.02372

to Henry Knox

Request for Knox to deliver "for the use of the Indian tribes, five hundred pounds of powder - one thousand pound, of lead and one thousand flints - " Noted as written at the War Office.

GLC02437.02649

to Henry Knox

Asks Knox to deliver "as many of the inclosed brevets as are officers with you to recover them - The others for Massachusetts I wish you would forward by the next post ..." Noted as sent via "Public Service." Free frank signed by Benjamin Lincoln.

GLC02437.02746

to Henry Knox

Encloses "as near a copy as I could make of our address to the Indians," possibly referring to a recent address he and Knox made to the Penobscots in present-day Maine. Discusses copying documents related to former Governor [Thomas] Pownall's...

GLC02437.03060

to Henry Knox

Writes a brief report on the status of Shays and his troops. Refers Knox to several letters he has enclosed, in order to get a fuller picture of the story. However, as he has very little time, writes that he must wait till the next opportunity to...

GLC02437.03426

to Henry Knox

Writes in full, "As I have not had time to write to you fully on the subject of our movements & the state of matters in this part of the country I have caused copies to be made out of such papers as will give you the best information on these points...

GLC02437.03444

to Henry Knox

Reports on the disbanding and scattering of the members of Shays' force, and explains that they are in pursuit of Shays, but "with little hope however of overtaking him." Describes how he chose to rearrange the troops in Hampshire and Worcester and...

GLC02437.03456

to Henry Knox

Requests Knox to read and send a document (not included) to the governor concerning the mood of the people. Writes that "His people, as I am informed, are getting mad, [Ours] have been so for some time since the rage is abating."

GLC02437.03463

to Henry Knox

Discusses the convention (referring to the upcoming Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia) and his views of the people's ideas of changes Congress would bring about. "I have not the most distant idea that the people would adopt any...

GLC02437.03476

to Henry Knox

Transmits a letter pertaining to a Major Baylies to be forwarded to John Jacob Faesch. Writes, "I have no private news- I need not add that I love you." Presents his regards to Lucy and the Knox children.

GLC02437.03888

to Henry Knox

Writes that he wrote to the President to discuss the possibility of working for the new government. Explains a dramatic property loss he experienced while fighting in the war. Declares that he did not approach Knox on the subject because he felt...

GLC02437.04226

to Henry Knox

Discusses the President's appointments to the judiciary branch. Mentions the possibility of a Mr. [likely John] Lowell being nominated for the Supreme Court, and provides his opinions on that appointment.

GLC02437.04293

to Henry Knox

Writes a response to Knox's proposed plan for regulating the militia and gives his opinion that it has "great merit" and "if cordially embraced it would make ours the strongest militia in the world." But believes the people of Massachusetts will not...

GLC02437.04509

to Henry Knox

Received Knox's letter of 19 April 1791. Comments on "young Mr. [William] Balch" and calls him, "a wild citizen, yet I think he has many qualifications which will recommend him as an officer - He very well knows that he cannot sport with his...

GLC02437.04933

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that their son Henry Jackson Knox is doing well and that he was not allowed to go to Boston since Henry Jackson would not be there to supervise. He is advancing well in his studies. Also recommends Mr. James Henry Langier for a clerk's...

GLC02437.05758

to Henry Knox

Copy of a letter from Benjamin Lincoln in Knox's hand, dated 15 January 1795. Letter congratulates Knox on his retirement and his "escape from an office, which did not give you [bread], and more, that Malice, and design have been fully checked by the...

GLC02437.06308

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he has signed the inclosed notes (not included).

GLC02437.07163

[Memorandum]

Certifies an agreement between Lincoln and Henry Knox concerning a brigantine and cargo.

GLC02437.07181

to Henry Knox

Lincoln encloses papers related to the agreement made with Thomas Winthrop "in the appointment of appraisers in Robt Houston Esqr. George Ulmer Esquire Mr. Charles Vaughan and Docr. Samuel Coleman." Lincoln says nothing is needed from Knox now until...

GLC02437.07470

to Henry Knox

Asks Knox to put through a petition.

GLC02437.07803

to Henry Knox

Mentions that their affairs have remained unsettled for a long time, and he cannot bear for them to be unsettled any longer. Provides suggestions for how they might arrange their financial matters.

GLC02437.07879

to Henry Knox

Discusses settling their financial accounts together, specifically repayment by Knox of a sum Lincoln loaned him. Considers repayment options, including the possibility of accepting land from Knox instead of money. Mentions General [Henry] Jackson.

GLC02437.07882

to Henry Knox

Writes that the bearer of the letter, a Mr. [Romanie], is the Catholic instructor for the Passamaquoddy and Penobscot tribes. He is moving to Knox's neighborhood and would like Knox's help and advice. Lincoln writes that he is sure Knox will meet...

GLC02437.07972

to Benjamin Lincoln

Knox writes to Lincoln, Secretary of War. Writes, "His Excellency the commander in chief has stationed me at this post, which in addition to its natural embarrassments, is attended with much greater expenses than my purse can admit." Notes that...

GLC02437.10040

to Benjamin Lincoln

Knox, commander at West Point, writes to General Lincoln. Mentions a recent application by Continental Army officers to the State of Massachusetts regarding half pay. Knox reports the decision has been postponed, mainly because of Osgood (Samuel...

GLC02437.10064

to Henry Knox

Written by General McDougall to Major General Knox. Says nothing decisive about whether the half-pay pension issue has been decided. Says it took a week of travel to get to Philadelphia in bad weather. Wanted to lobby the delegates before the...

GLC02437.01819

to Benjamin Lincoln

Marked "copy." Body of the letter and signature in the hand of Robert Pemberton, Knox's aide. Discusses Lincoln's success at stopping Shays' Rebellion and dispersing the insurgents. Mentions how the rapid defeat of the insurgents will affect orders...

GLC02437.03453

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Informs Lincoln a name (possibly Lincoln's or someone Lincoln recommended) has been put on a list of candidates for a Surgeons Mate. Notes the President (George Washington) is the person who will decide when and who the appointment goes...

GLC02437.06320

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...

GLC02437.10180

to Henry Knox

Acknowledges receipt of Knox's letters and apologizes for not responding more quickly. Writes, "But as I am now in arrest you and all the Army will hear from me through the channel of Mr Loudons partner. I shall not enter into a detail of the...

GLC02437.01341

to Henry Knox

Writes to ask for Knox's permission to obtain two barrels of salt pork. Explains that due to the approaching cold weather, the river will soon be impassble, so he decided to undertake some navigation while it was still possible. Approached Mr....

GLC02437.01737

to Henry Knox

Writes, "I received your favor of this day. I shall be ready to sett off from this, on Tuesday next, if the weather is fair, and all other arrangements are compleated, which dont depend on me. I suppose Col [John] Brooks will bring over the...

GLC02437.01743

to Henry Knox

Written by General McDougall to Major General Knox. Says that Colonel Brooks has no doubt reached him before this letter, but hopes to give an update to events in Congress since. Says "Nothing has since been done by Congress on the Subject of our...

GLC02437.01933

to Henry Knox

Written by General McDougall to Major General Knox. McDougall was a member of a committee sent by the officers to lobby for half-pay pensions to Congress. Mentions that only Georgia is not represented at this point and there were divisions on the...

GLC02437.02005

to Henry Knox

Written by General McDougall to General Knox. Writes from Highlands, New York. Says that the latest news from Massachusetts is that they will not support a "speedy relief to the Army from Continental Funds." Says the state senate supports Congress's...

GLC02437.02326

to Benjamin Lincoln

Written and signed for Knox by Major Samuel Shaw. Says the bearer of this letter, Mr. Peck, was in a company of artillery artificers under Captain Post. Says that this unit was raised for 2 years and is therefore excluded from any allowance for the...

GLC02437.02404

to Henry Knox

Asks Knox to order a belt for his broadsword as his "Lads" lost the one he had, and a pistol, since one of his was stolen. Also asks Knox to order pistol cartridges. In a postscript asks for some twine, for he is "an old saylor" who "some times...

GLC02437.02433

[Request for provisions]

Request for twenty pounds of beef and one gallon of rum for Henry Knox and his family. Addressed to Mr. [Robert] Bell, with the docket signed by Jacob Johnson.

GLC02437.02486

to Henry Knox

Written by General McDougall to General Knox. Says he will visit with Knox to finalize spending accounts of the officers. Says he has "written to Mr. Gaine in the most perfect secrecy, to print thirteen thousand Copies, of the Commander in Chief's...

GLC02437.02512

to Henry Knox

Asks Knox over for a visit to discuss the army. Mentions that if the fireworks will be going off at West Point, he can take part of the company off Knox's hands. Discusses preparations to host a large group of visitors including the Minister of...

GLC02437.02563

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Discusses the lack of funds for supplies and the large expenses incurred due to lack of stores. Plans to apply for more aid to see if "I cannot obtain the same compensation as those who have gone before me. Certainly I have expended as...

GLC02437.02592

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

to Benjamin Lincoln

Discusses an addition to his monthly allowance. Mentions how his pay compares unfavorably to that of other generals, such as [Alexander] McDougall and [William] Heath. Asks Lincoln to discuss the issue with Mr. Morris, likely Robert Morris, the...

GLC02437.02764

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...

GLC02437.02791

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Expresses disappointment that General Lincoln will not be ready to sail as soon as Knox anticipated. Adds that commissioners are waiting for them at Halifax, Nova Scotia. About the urgent voyage, writes "We ought to determine upon the...

GLC02437.03042

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Writes, "You must probably have been informed of being chosen with Mr Partridge and myself to examine the encroachments of the british on the eastern line of this State, and to endeavor to form some compromise with the Penobscot Indians...

GLC02437.03047

to Henry Knox [in French]

Recently arrived in London. Offers his regards to Mrs. Knox and other acquaintances. In a post script, notes that he has not forgotten the dictionary.

GLC02437.03098

to Benjamin Lincoln

Writes that he is fully impressed with how busy Lincoln is (Lincoln was preparing to lead a regiment to face off against the Shays insurgents), but hopes that he would not mind giving him news of the battles in Massachusetts when possible. Writes,...

GLC02437.03419

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Written from the "War Office," likely in New York City. Writes that the bearer, Major [William] North, "will inform you of an intended disposition of some of the federal troops for the protection of the stores of the United States at...

GLC02437.03446