12 July 1782

Crane, John, 1744-1805

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that they have in their stores a number of "wide Horseman's belts," and many officers from the Infantry want to split the belts and "make two for their pouches." Is not sure whether Knox had another use for them so declined to give permission until he asked Knox.

GLC02437.01484

22 March 1782

Cutting, John Browne, fl. 1782-1797

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thoughts on various topics of the day, including the ways people understand the war and military strategy; shifting American perceptions of the war, especially those of people in Massachusetts; financial problems and supply shortages; squabbles among political leadership; the structure of the new government; taxes; and religion. Congratulates Knox on the arrival of his new son, musing, "Pray what kind of features has the late additional young gentleman? Do they indicate peace or war? Has his brow the military scowl of defiance, or do smiles of pacification expand in rosy dimples? If an…

GLC02437.01374

28 October 1781

Custine, Adam Philip, Count de, 1740-1793

Autograph document signed

Title: to Henry Knox [Request for supplies].

Signed in text. Asks Knox to exchange three drums and provide a fourth, and exchange cartridge boxes also. Also mentions that the Major [François-Louis Teissèdre de] Fleury "paid his respects to the general." Colonel Custine led the Régiment de Saintonge, which was selected in 1780 by the Count de Rochambeau to participate in the French expeditionary force to America that aided in the siege of Yorktown.

GLC02437.01268

22 April 1782

Bond, George, fl. 1779-1783

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Resolution of Congress respecting rations of officers]

Extract of the minutes of Congress on a resolution involving "rations, subsistance or allowances to officers" over and above their pay. The rates in the resolution are to go into effect on 1 May. Lists number of rations per day and dollars per month allotted to each rank. Transmitted and signed by Deputy Secretary Bond.

GLC02437.01396

24 July 1782

Jackson, William, 1759-1828

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Resolution of Congress repealing all previous resolutions involving the Department of Commissary General of Military Stores]

Extract from the minutes of Congress on the resolution that repealed all previous resolutions on the Department of Commissary General of Military Stores. The minutes were recorded in the War Office and signed by Jackson as Assistant Secretary of War. States that the Secretary of War is from time to time to appoint a Commissary of Military Stores who will be subject to his orders and given a salary of 1000 dollars per year. The Secretary of War is also given authority to appoint as many officers he finds necessary to run the department. Was possibly enclosed with GLC02437.01504. Docket about…

GLC02437.01501

3 September 1782

United States. Continental Congress.

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Congressional resolution 3 September 1782]

Signed by Charles Thomson, Secretary of the Continental Congress. Location inferred from location of Continental Congress in 1782. Outlines a Congressional resolution detailing the pay and rations of officials in the Department of Commissary of Military Stores. Describes how much pay and rations the Field Commissary of Military Stores, the Deputy Field Commissaries, and the Conductors and Clerks, will each receive. Also outlines how many of each officer there will be, and where they will be stationed, including West Point, Fort Pitt, and the Southern Army. Indicates that the appointments…

GLC02437.01566

3 September 1782

United States. Continental Congress.

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Resolution of Continental Congress]

Signed by Charles Thomson, Secretary of the Continental Congress. Location inferred from location of Continental Congress in 1782. Very similar to GLC02437.01566. Outlines a Congressional resolution detailing the pay and rations of officials in the Department of Commissary of Military Stores. Describes how much pay and rations the Field Commissary of Military Stores, the Deputy Field Commissaries, and the Conductors and Clerks, will each receive. Also outlines how many of each officer there will be, and where they will be stationed, including West Point, Fort Pitt, and the Southern Army…

GLC02437.01569

10 October 1783

Clark, S., fl. 1783

Autograph document signed

Title: Return of clothing wanted in the Connecticut Regiment

Lists items by type and amount. Includes hats, shirts, and blankets.

GLC02437.02634

16 October 1783

James, fl. 1777-1783

Autograph document signed

Title: [Report regarding a new agent for the 1st Connecticut Regiment]

Reports that "The Subscriber is now residing at Mandevillls home, and is employed in filling the Cloathing and pay-Accts of the late, first Connt. Regiment." Noted as written at Mandevills.

GLC02437.02666

15 May 1784

Mifflin, Thomas, 1744-1800

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Noted as a copy of GLC02437.02998. 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. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.02999

24-25 August 1786

United States. Congress of the Confederation.

Manuscript document

Title: [Congressional resolutions]

Copy, in the hand of War Department secretary Robert Pemberton, of three Congressional resolutions. The first resolution, dated 24 August, is based on the report of a committee to whom were referred two letters on the Moravian Indians, one of which was written by Lieutenant Colonel [Josiah] Harmar to Secretary at War [Henry] Knox. Resolution states that Knox give orders to Harmar to inform the Moravian Indians that Congress is happy to hear of their arrival at Cayahoga, and that they will protect the Indians at their settlements on the Muskingum. Specifies an amount of Indian corn Harmar is…

GLC02437.03296

6 March 1787

Ward, Artemas, 1727-1800

Manuscript document

Title: [Resolution]

Copy of a Massachusetts state resolution concerning money matters for raising "six hundred and sixty men as ordered by the aforesaid resolve, and for the pay[,] cloathing, & subsistence of the said men: Provided that the said sum shall not exceed Five thousand pounds." The 660 men had been requisitioned by Congress as the state's share of a force to be raised to quell Shays' Rebellion. This resolution calls for paying part of the troops' expenses from a tax levied to pay off the state's share of war debts in support of the national government. Those taxes helped pave the way for Shays'…

GLC02437.03484

20 July 1782

Lamb, John, 1735-1800

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that has noted Knox's previous letter, which indicates that artificers are working hard on wagons and tumbrils. However, "At the same time, I am sorry to inform you, that, they will fall far short of your expectations, in this particular owing to the great portion of time which has been taken up, in making the necessary repairs of the carriages, of those Pieces, that were brought from Philadelphia, to this place, many of which were in a wretched state." Writes that he is "chagrined" to find that a Lieutenant Fisk has resigned to avoid a Court Martial. Adds that the bearer of the…

GLC02437.01495

10 October 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to William Knox

Gives William instructions regarding the delivery of clothing to several posts (William is managing affairs in the War Office during Henry's absence). Also includes a draft note (on the same page), presumably for William to transmit to Captain Savage.

GLC02437.03992

16 November 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses routine War Office affairs and preparations for John Pratt's march to Fort Pitt. Comments on Ebenezer Hazard's assurances that a contract would be renewed to guarantee regular postal service. Forwarded some letters from Henry to Winthrop Sargent, Secretary of the Northwest Territory. Discusses the coordination of supplies, namely cartouch boxes, for the trip. Mentions Pratt, John Stagg, and [Samuel] Hodgdon. Covers other military matters, referring to Captains Savage and [Henry] Burbeck. Remarks on a visit of the Count de Moustier, French minister to the United States, and his…

GLC02437.04030

9 November 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports news of the War Office (William was managing affairs there in Henry's absence). Discusses Lieutenant John Pratt's planned march to Fort Pitt. Refers to [Samuel] Hodgdon's organization of wagons for transporting clothing. Admits that he granted Pratt another month's pay when Pratt pressured him; Pratt also obtained a month's pay to "four old soldiers" under his command. Notes that he has been housebound due to a recent illness (a cold accompanied by a swollen face), but he is able to work at home. Philip Audebert, War Office clerk, "attends constantly" at the War Office. Lists…

GLC02437.04028

12 November 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William, managing affairs at the War Office in Henry's absence, reports on military matters. Mentions Lieutenant [John] Pratt , [John] Stagg, Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth and others involved with the logistics of organizing Pratt's march to Fort Pitt. Discusses clothing, wagons, and horses readied for the march. Comments on Ensign Luce, who was to join Lieutenant Pratt on his march to Fort Pitt: "The only trouble was with Luce, who was arrested for debt by a variety of people at Brunswick where he has a pretty bad name... indeed he is a bad bargain to the U States." Discusses the daughter…

GLC02437.04031

9 October 1789

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Since Henry Knox is returning to Boston soon, William states that "I shall be rather particular in stating to you the objects, which require your return as soon as possible, or for you to give such directions respecting them as can be done only by you." Goes on to discusses various issues in the War Department, such as an upcoming march by a Lieutenant [possibly John] Pratt and his company, the lack of clothing for troops, and financial business pertaining to General [Josiah] Harmar, Major [John Francis] Hamtramck, and troops in western Pennsylvania. Also touches on the financial…

GLC02437.04384

7 April 1791

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William had previously sent a packet to Knox that included "Paynes [Thomas Paine] pamphlet in answer to Burke on the french revolution." William tells his brother, "therefore the present is only to enclose you the papers since then, by which you will see from the debates in the English House of Lords and Commons and the preparations making, that Great Britain is about incurring a few more millions of debt, and (if the Empress should prove inflexible which in all probability she will) plunging the greater part of Europe into a War by sea and land - However distressing to humanity such an event…

GLC02437.04907

30 August 1781

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Disappointed that his brother did not write him an "authentic account of Lord Cornwallis' situation in Virginia." Believes Cornwallis will surrender soon. Is planning a business trip to Europe and discusses fundraising. His last remittance to merchants in Amsterdam was forwarded through Captain Edward Davis, but the $450 sterling was lost when Davis was captured and carried to Halifax. Discusses the state of exchange, the slim chances for profit, and various aspects of his business. Comments on the arrival of John Laurens in Boston, who had returned from France with supplies and money.

GLC02437.01159

10 September 1781

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lieutenant Thorp

Sends Thorp on an urgent trip to Baltimore to obtain supplies from General Mordecai Gist and Major Sebastian Bauman, whom he has written instruction to (see GLC02437.01178 and .01179). He is to embark with Bauman and proceed to the operation with him, referring to the upcoming siege of Yorktown.

GLC02437.01180

12 August 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports on military matters regarding troop movements in Pennsylvania and at West Point. Describes an incident regarding a deserter from Lieutenant Kersey's troops, and payment of a reward for capturing and imprisoning the deserter. Relates that shoes and shirts were sent to West Point. Also mentions the formation of a congressional committee.

GLC02437.03960

2 September 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William, attending business in Henry's absence, transmits two letters from Lucy Knox (possibly GLC02437.03976 and GLC02437.03979). Notes that Congress recently addressed the question of its permanent location. Six states were in favor of New York, while four were in favor of Philadelphia, "so the question was lost as seven states are necessary for the decision." Discusses military matters: Royal Flint's clothing contract with [the War Department?]; Joseph Howell's appointment as Commissioner of Army Accounts; correspondence with Arthur St. Clair and Josiah Harmar; business with William…

GLC02437.03980

21 October 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports War Office business. Discusses Lieutenant Pratt's recruits and his orders to march to Fort Pitt. Refers to matters in the Northwest Territory, clothing inspection and packing, and a [Congressional] committee's inspection of the War Department. Of the inspection and resulting report, writes, "I do not think it looks unfavorably to you- but which with defference [sic] to their great wisdom might I think as well have been left undone, as it acquaints the world with secrets, which should have been less extensively known." Reports that Robert Morris is in town, and the "Old Congress"…

GLC02437.04010

28 October 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William, managing War Office business in Henry's absence, reports on gathering clothing for an impending march to Fort Pitt: Captain Price arrived in the morning; Mr. Stagg has begun inspecting and packing 400 uniforms; Samuel Hodgdon organized wagons for transporting the clothing, etc. Refers to Lieutenant John Pratt (who will lead troops to Fort Pitt). Comments on his illness: "...I had a face like a pudding- and more pain than I know what to do with... my face is swelling while I am writing-"

GLC02437.04017