30 May 1934

Roosevelt, Franklin D. (Franklin Delano), 1882-1945

Typed document signed

Title: [Press release of speech delivered on Memorial Day at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania]

Signed at end as President. Speech mentions the Civil War Battle of Gettysburg and Valley Forge during the Revolutionary War. Stresses the importance of uniting the country. Gives particular attention to the part played by George Washington as Continental Commander-in-Chief, president of the Constitutional Convention, and President of the United States. Calls upon Americans to heal "ancient passions" and not to begrudge benefits to other regions and individuals. Marked "Confidential until Released," by Stephen Early, Assistant Secretary to the President.

GLC03352

29 December 1777

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Letter signed

Title: to New Hampshire re: asking for supplies, call to arms & poor state of army

Written in the hand of Robert Hanson Harrison. Washington appeals for clothing and supplies for his troops. Copies of this letter went to every state. Washington writes in part: "We had in Camp on the 23rd Instt. by a field report then taken, not less than 2898 men unfit for duty by reason of their being barefoot and otherwise naked." Fitzpatrick 10: 221-25 (based on the copy sent to Massachusetts).

GLC03706

21 March 1778

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Letter signed

Title: to Alexander McDougall

Introduction of French engineer, Colonel Louis des Hayes de la Radiere, who was to superintend fortifications on the North (Hudson) River. Washington appointed de la Radiere to oversee the construction of the Hudson's Highlands in late 1777, but a dispute with General Israel Putnam, commander at the Highlands, caused de la Radiere to return to Washington's camp. Putnam went on leave in March of 1778 and General McDougall assumed his command. Shortly thereafter, Washington sent de la Radiere back.

GLC04215

24 March 1778

Biddle, Clement, 1740-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Nathanael Greene

In response to a query from General Greene, Biddle discusses the resolves of Congress relating to the regulation of the Quarter Master General's Department and their relationship to his duties as Commissary General of Forage. Several edits suggest this may be a retained draft. Signed with initials. Written at Moorhall, the magazine at Valley Forge.

GLC04611

May 1778

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Whipple

A long letter from member of the Continental Congress (1776-1781, 1783-1785) and signer of the Declaration of Independence William Ellery to New Hampshire member of the Continental Congress (1776-1779) William Whipple which reprises events from the fall of 1777 to the present time and discusses British mistreatment of prisoners of war, morale and current events in the progress of the American Revolution. Notes that Howe was moving from Philadelphia; "I am just this moment informed that our army will halt this winter in Valley Forge." Addressed to Whipple in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Free-…

GLC07154

7 August 1791

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References Knox's letter of 24 June, which found him "in these back woods near the top of the Alleghany mountains." Tells Knox "I have long thought, with you, that your talents and disposition were not of a kind to be a very able manager in operations of interest & avarice; I cannot therefore form any great expectations of your success." Does not mean to disrespect him, but he has a cynical outlook because of his own situation as an "unsuccessfull merchant." Would like an appointment in the government, but he doesn't trust himself anymore. Asks why the public should trust him if he…

GLC02437.05111

15 October 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Written from camp 24 miles from Philadelphia. Sends this letter by Captain Randall, who had "the misfortune to be again made a prisoner after being slightly wounded in 7 or 8 places." Asks why she has not mentioned a gold watch he sent, worrying that the watch has been lost or stolen. Addresses Lucy's concerns regarding their future provision, assuring her to trust God. Reports that Continental defense along the Delaware River has hampered British shipping to and from Philadelphia: "If the enemy cannot get their shipping up Philadelphia is one of the most ineligible places in the world…

GLC02437.10455

July 6, 1781

Pendleton, Edmund, 1721-1803

Autograph letter

Title: to James Madison

,The letter describes Edmund Pendleton's flight to western Virginia to escape the British advance, including his stop at Madison's plantation (the first known time it is referred to as Montpelier), the course of the War in Virginia, and trade with Spain. Also mentions: Congress-Taxes, military rumors, paper money, and Virginia House of Delegates.

GLC00099.072

February 19, 1807

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Stedman

William Ellery writes that he received his last letter and had hoped Stedman would provide some political news but since Stedman is apathetic about politics, Ellery must read the newspapers. He asks who originated the suspension on Habeas Corpus and mentions that General James Wilkinson wants it suspended. He shares a recollection about Wilkinson at Valley Forge and his role in the Conway Cabal. Comments that he expected to have heard more about Aaron Burr's rebellion. Asks his opinion of Napoleon's blockade and states, "It seems to me that it will prevent our filling the Treasury as fast as…

GLC00298

1773-1783

Savage, Gideon, 1751-1833

Autograph manuscript

Title: [Revolutionary war journal & accounts]

On pages 55 to 65, there are brief daily entries from 1 June 1777 to 1 March 1778, a period in which Savage served as a Corporal of Artillery and Artificer for the Connecticut Continental Line in the Continental Army. These entries record troop movements, military engagements, news received, and the weather. Also refers to Savage's arrival at Valley Forge on 19 December 1777 and occasions he described as "still working at the generals Washington" on 9-10 January 1778 and 12 February 1778. Savage was a carpenter by trade, and he was possibly working on a log cabin Washington had built for…

GLC01450.013.01

1777-1778

Vanderslice, Henry, 1726-1797

Diary

Title: [Diary of Henry Vanderslice, wagon master in the Continental Army]

Daily entries detail Vanderslice's duties as wagon master and his travels with the army through Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Vanderslice reached encampment at Morristown, New Jersey in late March 1777. He writes about wagons and carters under his supervision, care of the horses, wages for carters, and supplies collected by the wagons for the army. Begins his duty on 31 March 1777 and is in charge of 12 wagons, 50 horses, and 12 carters, whose names he lists. Accounts for the travels of the wagons to various towns in New Jersey to collect goods and describes problems encountered along the…

GLC01450.018

January 24, 1778

Greene, Nathanael, 1742-1786

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Bromfield

Letter written from camp near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Letter of introduction for Abraham Lott, Esquire. Lott was from New York City but was living in New Jersey.

GLC01450.021

December 30, 1777

Clinton, George, 1739-1812

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Duane

Letter written by Clinton as Governor of New York and a Brigadier General in the Continental Army to Duane as a Continental Congressman. Recipient inferred from the reference to "Mrs. Duane" at the end of the letter. References Duane's letter from December 23, 1777. Says nothing of importance has happened at headquarters. Sends news of movement of Washington's army outside Philadelphia. Reports that British crossed the Schuylkill River and that some minor skirmishes have taken place. The British retreated to Philadelphia and Washington has gone to "Gulph" - near Valley Forge. He says "I…

GLC01412.21

August 14, 1778

Biddle, Clement, 1740-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Gibson

Biddle mentions leaving Valley Forge and indicates that he has sent payment for a (unspecified) debt.

GLC01412.16

May 1, 1778

Pecker, James, fl. 1768-1778

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his children

Pecker reports that he recently returned from the country, where he was confined for five weeks while sick, in addition to being sick for three weeks before that with small pox. He is now healthy again and sends love and good wishes to his family. Pecker was a surgeon serving in the 10th Massachusetts in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.

GLC01412.48

April 9, 1778

Greene, Nathanael, 1742-1786

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Clement Biddle

Greene mentions that he discussed his plan to amend Pennsylvania's wagon law with General George Washington, who suggested that the change might cause jealousy between the army and state. Closes the letter by mentioning the return of Lafayette, who wants his old quarters back. Greene, as the new Quartermaster General for the Continental Army, desired a change in the wagon laws as part of a larger effort to reorganize the transport operations. Commissary General Biddle had previously served as Greene's aide-de-camp.

GLC01637

February 21, 1778

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Realizes that supplies are badly needed in many locations, but wishes to transport supplies as little as possible. Also mentions how well Knox has performed as superintendent of his division. Washington's signature has been clipped out of the letter.

GLC02437.09353

26 October 1777

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

General Washington writes to Knox, Chief of Artillery for the Continental Army. Informs Knox he will soon be called to a council of War, and will be asked his opinion on several issues: whether the Continental Army should engage in a general attack against the British; if not, what stance the army should take; where Continental troops should be stationed in reference to the British occupation of Philadelphia; how to prevent the British from drawing supplies from the city during the winter, etc.

GLC02437.09370

March 20, 1779

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Gouverneur Morris

Washington acknowledges receiving the letter from Colonel George Morgan, and discussing "affairs to the westward." McIntosh, who had mortally wounded Button Gwinnett in a duel, commanded Fort Pitt from May 1778 until March 5, 1779. His subordinates Daniel Broadhead and Morgan complained of his conduct. Washington writes that residence with McIntosh at Valley Forge had impressed him and he hoped the Georgian would be disinterested in western disputes. He writes that command will go now to Brodhead and concludes (with a hint of exasperation) "with such means as are provided, I must labour" ("…

GLC00496.099

March 12, 1778

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Letter signed

Title: to George Clinton

With Clinton's docket and note in another hand on page 2. Washington says that the "army has been pretty well supplied" since previously asking for supplies. The letter also answers complaints about Israel Putnam's command on the Hudson River. Washington says the charges, which he has had from other persons, embarrassed him because they arose from "want of judgement [rather] then any real intention to do wrong."

GLC00639.30

December 16, 1777

Tyler, John Sr., 1747-1813

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Colonel

Comments on the undisciplined behavior of his correspondent's regiment in camp. He cannot discern "what plan the Genl. [George Washington] has" but believes "this maneuver is the most likely to produce neglect of duty." Would like himself and the other officers present to join the regiment; he believes that he could bring discipline to the regiment and promote health among those recently inoculated, possible for small pox. Reports that on December 12, 1777, the army was marching along the Schuylkill River in Pennsylvania. That evening they were completely "surprised to find the Enemy on the…

GLC01450.628

March 17, 1777

Butts, Thomas, fl. 1777

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his cousin

Butts is glad to be back in England, where thinking is not a crime worthy of tar and feathering. Butts left Gravesend, New York on the ship "Thomas" on July 17, 1776. Gives account of his attempted voyage to England. Says they had an uneventful journey until the 9th week, when they met a 70 ton sloop that easily caught up to them because of the bad sailing condition of the "Thomas." The sloop raised the Union Jack and said they were sailing from Virginia under the orders of Lord Dunmore to stop Americans from fishing on the banks. They wanted the Captain, a man named Bell, to take his boat…

GLC01450.613

27 November 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Colonel Jackson writes, "Are you dead or alive- one post after another, and not a line from you-its a Mo since I saw your hand writi'g." Describes his attempts to enlist soldiers. Asks if George Washington would approve if he enlists British General John Burgoyne's men, who are marching through on their way to embark for England following the British defeat at Saratoga. Argues that since Burgoyne's men are neither prisoners nor deserters, he should be able to recruit them. Hopes to obtain a set of bayonet belts based on the English pattern. Reports he will not be able to make it to camp…

GLC02437.00668

December 1, 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: 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). Writes, "Could a place be found about 30 miles distant from & North or NW of Philadelphia in which it was possible to quarter the troops I should prefer it to a greater distance, or different direction as by it we should be able to cover a greater extent of Country than by taking post at Wilmington ... " Hopes to establish winter quarters in…

GLC02437.00669

3 December 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Washington

Offers Washington his sentiments "upon the advisability of a Winter Campaign and practicability of an attack upon Philadelphia with the aid of a considerable body of Militia asembled [sic] at an appointed time and place ... I think a Winters Campaign under the present circumstances will be the inevitable destruction if not of the Liberties of the Country yet of the present Army ... " Gives his reasons for arguing against a winter campaign, including the Continental Army's lack of suitable clothing, the strength of the British fortified at Philadelphia, and the uncertainty of gathering enough…

GLC02437.00671