4 March 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the arrival of mutual friends, Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan, in New York City. Shares the Swans' gratitude for the warm welcome Knox and his wife Lucy are showing them. Mentions steps he has taken to fill orders for military supplies, such as clothing for soldiers. Continues with military matters concerning the stationing of men throughout Massachusetts, as well as his attempts to recruit men. Also discusses his fears about Congress disbanding his regiment. Relates the appointment of delegates for the Federal Convention, including Francis Dana, Nathaniel Gorham, Caleb Strong, Rufus…

GLC02437.03482

11 March 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the sale of the "Eastern lands." Relates the membership of the committee chosen to represent Massachusetts at the Society of the Cincinnati meeting in May (members include General [Rufus] Putnam and Doctor [William] Eustis). Mentions petitioning the General Court of Massachusetts for funds to support the troops and provide uniforms. Asks about specifics concerning the uniforms, such as whether or not swords should be hung at the waist or from the shoulder, what officer rank should have each style of epaulette, or this length or amount of bullion fringe. Includes a small sketch of…

GLC02437.03489

14 March 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses his efforts to secure clothing for the troops. Mentions that alterations will need to be made to the knapsacks. Wants to procure "new bayonet belts to wear over the shoulder, this will be a great addition to the appearance of the Men."

GLC02437.03492

18 March 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses uniforms and informs Knox that "I intend my Regiment shall be the best Cloathed [sic] and as perfectly Uniform as any that has ever been in the American Army, or indeed any other Army - " Mentions that Colonel Hull has written to Knox regarding his rank (see GLC02437.03493) and calls him a "Charming fellow." Discusses problems of rank with his ensigns as they do not have an actual rank, but would like one. Feels he will be able to recruit the state quota with help from the government. Wants colours for his regiment, asks Knox for the device to make them so he can execute them.…

GLC02437.03494

25 March 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions a letter Knox sent him concerning Colonel Hull. Writes about obtaining cloth to cloath the men raised by the state. Informs him that at the last meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati, General R. Putman, Major N. Rice and Dr. Eustis were chosen as delegates, and 13 others were chosen as a grand Committee to instruct the delegates. Also mentions the election for the Massachusetts governorship. "Politicks runs high for Governor and Lt Governor as you will observe by the papers - it is generally believed that Mr. Hancock will be chosen - tomorrow [week?] will determine the question -…

GLC02437.03501

8 April 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expects the clothing for his men the next day and writes that "I pass'd yesterday at the Castle, [most likely Castle Island] & Inspected my Recruits, they are a fine body of Men, & want nothing but their Clothing to make them perfectly happy - " Hopes Knox will be able to influence Congress not to disband any of the troops, "Congress certainly will not disband any of the Troops without consulting the Secretary at War - I therefore flatter myself you will make such arrangements as to continue me in service..." States that [Nathaniel] Gorham is violently opposed to any troops being…

GLC02437.03514

14 April 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses his relief that Congress has not finalized their decision to disband the troops and states "I am in hopes they will alter their present intention of disbanding them - my heart - my soul - my present & future happiness is more connected in this business, than in any other situation in which I have ever been placed - in my own account it will be death to me - " He is most anxious about his officers, who he calls, "the gentlest & most ambitious Corps of Officers." States he will continue his exertions to clothe the men despite the possible disbanding and discusses applying for…

GLC02437.03521

8 May 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Lists the elected representatives for "the town," likely Boston. Informs that the making of the hats for two artillery companies will be delayed due to a fire. This will delay the marching of the two companies for a few days.

GLC02437.03546

22 June 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that the final note is in Nourse or Hillegas's office (Jackson sold $10,000 worth of Knox's notes without his permission and attempted to retrieve them at Knox's request). Expresses hope that New Hampshire will adopt the Constitution (New Hampshire in fact ratified the Constitution 21 June 1788). Reports that the General Court of Massachusetts (the Massachusetts legislature) will remain adjourned until September 1788 at which time, he hopes, they will be able to give "orders to the people to choose the members for the General Government." Obtained a resolve from the General…

GLC02437.03909

February 12, 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes a friendly letter on a variety of topics. First, mentions that [Samuel] Shaw has set sail for the East and wishes him God's blessing. Hopes that he return safely to his friends and is richly rewarded; hopes that a Mr. S. does not disturb Shaw with his "overbearing temper." Goes on to discuss some business concerns, including a visit to Mr. [possibly Joshua] Loring. Wishes Knox and his family will, as promised, come to visit in the spring. Says that the Winslows are excited for the visit. Explains that he is "so tired of this world," and if Knox and his family were to move to the…

GLC02437.03242

12 November 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes primarily about his efforts to recruit a regiment in the Boston area. Sad to hear that the rank of Colonel Hull could not be altered, because now he is convinced Hull will not serve, and the military will lose a valuable officer. Will see him tomorrow and try to convince him. Visited the Castle a few days ago and found that he can, very cheaply, find barracks with room enough to quarter 200 men and if necessary can find 150 more. Will try to fill it up as recruits come in. Emphasizes the difficulty of recruiting more officers, as he has no money. Has offered companies to twenty…

GLC02437.03335

22 December 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that Colonel [possibly James] Swan will deliver six pair of white silk hose for Knox, which Jackson had ordered from overseas through a Mr. Debloise for his own use. Had ordered twelve pairs, but only kept six, "as that will be a sufficient supply for me, since I have [commenced] a soldier & shall wear boots more than shoes." Writes that they are top quality, and have just come off the ship. Adds, "If you should have a supply, and are not in want of them, return them to me, - I have had several applications, from over sized men, for [part] or all of them."

GLC02437.03387

December 31, 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Provides an account of the recent actions of Shays and his followers: the previous Tuesday, they prevented the Court at Springfield from sitting. The Court will meet in Worcester on 23 January. He and General [Benjamin] Lincoln are recruiting troops and preparing the militia. Also extensively discusses the clothing, supplies, and provisions needed for the troops.

GLC02437.03398

7 January 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Happy to hear that Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan arrived safely. Their friends in Boston were concerned about their trip due to the weather. Asks Knox to present his compliments to the Swans, and to tell them that their family in Boston is doing well. Reports that the government is making preparations to support the sitting of the Court at Worcester on 23 January. General [Benjamin] Lincoln will be commanding 4000 militia men, including six artillery companies, beginning on 20 January. If the insurgents do not appear, the plan is to use the militia to find the insurgents and bring them to…

GLC02437.03407

January 14, 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Was upset to receive no letter from Knox by the last post. Expected an answer to his last letter in which he asked about clothing and uniforms for his recruits. Writes that if he was furnished with the uniform and had Knox's permission, he feels he would have been able to procure enough money to clothe all the men he has enlisted, which amounts to more than 100. Discusses the money already procured against the insurgents, but is convinced the insurgents will never appear to fight against the new government forces. Has enclosed a letter from Miss Snelling for Knox to deliver (not present…

GLC02437.03416

February 11, 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received his last letter and delivered the enclosures appropriately. Sends regards to Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan, and reports that their family is well. Writes that the Rebellion is nearly at an end. Has enclosed newspapers to provide an "authentick & particular" account of the fate of Mr. [Daniel] Shays and his "banditti" as well as of the success of their friend General [Benjamin] Lincoln. Reports that the Legislature has voted to raise troops to protect the state and capture any rebels they find, and the Legislature is offering a bounty to encourage men to enlist. Is concerned that…

GLC02437.03450

16 November 1783

Hull, William, 1753-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses his regret that his order of overalls for the Light Infantry cannot be fulfilled, but insists on breeches for those who "joined from the 5th Regt. [as they] did not draw Breeches when they received their other cloathing [sic], and now being entirely destitute, they may be furnished with Breeches to place them on a level with the other part of the company, and the other companies in the corps." Also discusses plans for a meeting on 20 November, and refers to the attendance of General [George] Washington, General [possibly Lewis] Morris, the Governor and others. Docket in the hand…

GLC02437.02784

10 October 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Howe

Knox acknowledges receipt of Howe's "elegant present of a cloak and Helmet, from the iles in the pacific Ocean."

GLC02437.04747

18 November 1834

Johnson, Francis W., 1799-1884

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Account of Major Harman Runnell]

Lists expenses related to room, board, and clothing. A note at the bottom indicates that Johnson accepted payment.

GLC06623.12

30 July 1782

Smallwood, William, 1732-1792

Autograph letter

Title: to George Washington

Indicates that he is sending recruitment-related reports (not included) and discusses difficulties recruiting soldiers. Lists the reasons that soldiers will not join: worries about pay and depreciation, efforts to defend Chesapeake Bay, lazy officers, and poor conditions including lack of food, clothes and shelter for the recruits. Comments that "The treatment, naked and wretched situation of those in service, the abject distress and total neglect of disabled and disbanded soldiers... rendered desertion very prevalent." Complains of delays in fulfilling his requests for provisions and…

GLC06506

4 and 7 December 1776

Whipple, William, 1730-1785

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Langdon

Written by Whipple, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, as a New Hampshire Congressman to Langdon as agent for Continental prizes in New Hampshire. First two pages are a letter from 4 December 1776 and is signed "W Whipple" and the third page is a letter from 7 December 1776 initialed "WW." 4 December: previously wrote that the navy will add another ship of 74 guns to be built in New Hampshire. Says he will send the dimensions in a few days and the builders are to make their own drafts. Says the carpenters who built the "Raleigh" will do a good a job as any. Langdon is to…

GLC06519

7 November 1776

Whipple, William, 1730-1785

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Langdon

Docketed by Langdon on verso. Reporting on the difficulties supplying the army and navy, military plans, and the mood in Congress. Mentions a shipment of guns with defects. Comments on officer promotions. Mentions the Marine Committee's answer to a letter from the Committee of Providence. Mentions the petition of an officer to be "Releavd," which he describes as a "Petition for a Public Body to break their own Genl: Rules." He doubts it will pass but states that he will render assistance. Discusses clothing the troops, who he finds "in good spirit" though "almost naked." Doubts the…

GLC06692

30 June 1783

Wheaton, Joseph, 1755-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: [Letter to officers defending himself against accusations]

Written by Lieutenant Wheaton of the Rhode Island Battalion. Long letter describing his service in the army and denouncing the accusations made in "envy" against him. Says he has been in the army close to eight years and has not seen his family. Says the accusations stem from events in August 1782 when he was left in command of 2 companies and the garrison at Saratoga, New York. Says that a Lt. Pratt sent him "insulting and mutinous answers" to an order for him to sign the morning reports and attend to the duties of commanding officer. Claims he did nothing until General Baron Von Steuben…

GLC02437.02204

circa September 1783

Pratt, William, fl. 1779-1783

Manuscript document

Title: [Testimony and observations of Lieutenant Pratt]

Lieutenant William Pratt's testimony for the trial of Lieutenant Wheaton. Accuses Wheaton of shirking his duty and of arresting him without due cause. According to Pratt, despite being the commanding officer, Wheaton had tried to pass command to Pratt, and had Pratt arrested when he refused. Other charges include "Issuing an order totally unmilitary & ordering Lieut [Greenman?] in arrest for disobedience of it; compelling a soldier who was under his command last winter to give him two pair of boots & one pair of shoes, without compensation; pedling [sic] out goods to the soldiers…

GLC02437.02597

3 March 1784

Doughty, John, 1754-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Major Doughty encloses the last return (possibly GLC02437.10578) of the corps of artillery (Doughty took command of the artillery at West Point after the suspension of Sebastian Bauman which resulted from a disagreement with William Hull, commandant of West Point). Declares, "It is no small misfortune to our little Corps, that on its first formation it should be embarrassed with trifling squabbles about duty, & perhaps had our Commandant diverted himself of his knowledge of foreign services, & attended to the practice of his own, much trouble might have been prevented..." Criticizes…

GLC02437.02970