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to Lucy Knox

Written in Camp Middlebrook. Writes, "I am well and love you infinitely." Complains of the heat, hoping he has hinted enough so that Lucy will send his summer clothes. Mentions a skirmish with the enemy 31 May in which ten men were "cut to pieces...

GLC02437.00607

to Henry Knox

Comments on his recent sickness, noting that "by riding out often, eating no animal food, & by drinking nothing of a spiritous kind... I have been sensibly losing flesh to a great degree." Complains of the high prices charged for books he is...

GLC02437.00609

to Henry Knox

Apologizes for not writing Knox sooner. Reports that he sent Knox wine the previous Sunday. Writes, "I think it impossible my Dear Friend that our Country can be so ungratefull as to put a foreigner over your Head but should they be so foolish &...

GLC02437.00613

to Henry Knox

Opens with, "Did my Harry let the 23rd of this month pass by unnoticed or did it occur to his mind that it was the anniversary of his wedding day..." Reflects upon her happiness when they were first married, and states, "instead of spending our...

GLC02437.00619

to Theodore Parsons

Later copy. Reports on the Continental evacuation of Ticonderoga: "As to the particulars of the retreat of the Army, I am not at present able to communicate,- thus much as to myself I can say, that I have lost all my Baggage of every kind except...

GLC02437.00623

to Henry Knox

Worries that her letters might fall into enemy hands. Reports that she and their daughter, Lucy, are in good health. Beseeches Henry to send for her. Notes that she has forwarded "six or seven letters" to Henry.

GLC02437.00651

[Record of wages received from Samuel Shaw by Mary Lary]

Shaw, Knox's aide-de-camp, pays Lary "for two months wages while in Genl Knox's Family and six dollars in full for washing Mr. Wm Knoxs cloathes." Lary signs again, certifying receipt of six dollars for washing Captain Treat's clothes. Signed twice...

GLC02437.00659

to Lucy Knox

Recently received the first letter from Lucy in a month. Writes, "The [authors?] of this War, on the British side receive my maledictions which hardly square with the forgiveness recommended in the Gospel, but yet my dearest Love I cheerfully...

GLC02437.00663

to Lucy Knox

Franks, aide-de-camp for General Benedict Arnold, replies on behalf of Arnold to a letter from Lucy Knox. Notes that Arnold's indisposition prevented him from answering Lucy Knox's "Billet," and comments on Arnold's recovery (Arnold suffered from a...

GLC02437.00673

to William Knox

Writes to his brother, asking why William has not recently written. Mentions a recovered debt and an unspecified petition to be presented to Continental Congress. Inquires as to the fitting out of The General Arnold, a ship, and mentions the loss...

GLC02437.00698

to William Knox

Reports that British Commissioners William Eden, First Baron Auckland, Frederick Howard, Earl of Carlisle, and Governor George Johnstone are meeting in Philadelphia to discuss conciliation with America. Declares, "Any offers they may make but of...

GLC02437.00709

to William Knox

Reports that the British left Philadelphia. He and Lucy went into the city, but had to leave because it "stunk so abominably." Notes that the American and British armies are twenty miles apart, at Princeton and Allentown respectively. Comments on...

GLC02437.00712

John Hoff Memoranda for Col: Knox

Autograph endorsement signed on verso by Henry Knox, written from Mt. Washington, [New York] dated 6 October 1776, requests that Lieutenant Samuel Treat be granted passage over King's Bridge. John Hoff's memoranda explains the content and...

GLC02437.00463

[Clothing receipts]

Four receipts for coats, white swanskin (a kind of material) and shoes, signed by Keyes, Thomas Frothingham, John Oliver, Joseph Eayres and Nathaniel Bowen. (All served under Henry Knox.) Notes supplies received at Mount Washington from Isaiah...

GLC02437.00467

to William Knox

Expresses disappointment with not receiving a letter from William, but writes this letter for both William and Henry Jackson. Discusses being recalled from New Jersey in response to sightings of British ships. Tells William to not give credit to...

GLC02437.00472

to Lucy Knox

Regrets that he must send her to Boston, but hopes to see her and Peter soon, if his duties allow. Notes British movements on Long Island. Comments on the tactical ineptitude displayed by both sides: "The manoeuvres of the enemy are so complicated...

GLC02437.00487

to Henry Knox

Dated November 1776; date of 17 November inferred from content. Reports that Fort Washington has been captured by the British, and that the Americans have "lost" between 2,000 to 3,000 soldiers. The American generals, including Washington, Palmer...

GLC02437.00488

to Lucy Knox

Informs her of the loss of Fort Washington and 1,500 men. "This is the most severe stroke we have received during the war as to the number of men." Writes that he is very upset over the terrible defeat, but has not lost hope.

GLC02437.00489

[Draft of an opinion for General George Washington]

"From the time which has elapsed since Genl Howe disappeared from the Capes, it may be fairly and certainly deduce'd that he has gone very far either to the Southward or eastward... and it may be concluded with the same probability that neither...

GLC02437.00637

to Henry Knox

Praises the American victory in the recent the Battle of Bennington. Notes that General [Benjamin] Lincoln's aide-de-camp sent an account of the British killed, wounded, and missing at Bennington, which amounted to 1,000. Reports that Henry's wife...

GLC02437.00641

A copy of Three Acts of Congress in favor of Silas Talbot

Title from docket. Includes acts for 10 October 1777, 14 November 1778, and 17 September 1779. The first act promotes Talbot to Major for his attempt to set fire to a British ship "and that he be recommended to General Washington for employment...

GLC02437.00656

to George Washington

Penned by Samuel Shaw, with post-script in Knox's hand. Knox answers the question: "... whether it would be advisable to attack the enemies redoubts and the City of Philadelphia by way of storm ... " Knox writes, "I exceedingly lament my want of...

GLC02437.00667

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...

GLC02437.00668

[Military advice for George Washington]

Written from Artillery Park of Great Valley (Valley Forge), Pennsylvania. Knox discusses the necessity of recruiting more men. Argues that New York City is of greater importance to the British than any other place due to its accessibility by way of...

GLC02437.00683

to William Knox

Shaw, Henry Knox's aide-de-camp, apologizes for the delay in sending a box owned by William. Reports that the army plans to leave Valley Forge, and Henry Knox is unwilling "to leave any thing of his in this d-n'd State." Refers to military and...

GLC02437.00707

to George Washington

Document in Samuel Shaw's hand, and signed by Shaw for Knox, giving Knox's opinion on several questions posed by Washington. Writes, "...it would be a most criminal degree of madness to hazard a general action at this time with the enemy, as by it we...

GLC02437.00711

to Henry Knox

Indicates that he is sending Knox ordnance and apologizes for the delay caused by wagon availability. Also explains his lack of manpower. If Knox sees General James Reed first, asks that he explain Cheever's inability to comply with a request to...

GLC02437.00464

to Henry Knox

Laments the loss of Bergen Point, New Jersey, as well as any other easy victory by the British because it lifts their spirits and emboldens them. It also discourages the Americans. Wants there to be no more works built that cannot be properly...

GLC02437.00474

to William Knox

Rants about not receiving any letters from Knox. Discusses in detail the "fatal Catastrophe of our Navy," commanded by Benedict Arnold, on Lake Champlain, as well as subsequent activities around Crown Point and Fort Ticonderoga, including the...

GLC02437.00477

to Lucy Knox

Comments on their problems corresponding and reaffirms his love for her. Indicates that the British have stopped pursuing them and their intentions are unknown. Denounces British and Hessian plundering. Describes the Scottish (Highlanders) as the...

GLC02437.00484

to Charles Knowles

Orders Knowles to Philadelphia to get "accounts of the Regmt from General Mifflins [store] & the Quarter master Generals whilst under the direction of Colo Moylan," and then return quickly to Knox. Written four days after the American victory at...

GLC02437.00498

A Calculation of Ordnance, and Ordnance Stores wanted for the Army of the Northern Department made by order of the Hnble. Major Genl. Schuyler

Listings of the quantity and types of cannon desired by the Northern Department, and the amount of shot desired for each. Also a list other needed war-time provisions. A note explains that if the specified objects cannot be sent, then at least the...

GLC02437.00499

to Henry Knox and Lucy Knox

An invitation from General Greene and his wife to dinner.

GLC02437.00501

An account of Cash paid at Sundry Times to my Compy

An account for 179 pounds paid in advance to men of his company "At Sundry Times."

GLC02437.00504

[Timeline of Prisoner Exchange Activities]

Later copy. Listing dates on which important events occurred relating to prisoner exchanges between American and British forces. Entries detail various plans for prisoner exchange. Also specify who is authorized to exchange prisoners and the...

GLC02437.00508

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he put Lucy Knox and Mrs. Pollard up in his house when they could not find anywhere else to stay in New Haven. He did not know them, but had heard Knox himself was honourable, so let the women stay for a month while he was away....

GLC02437.00510

to William Knox

Explains that his letters may be short, but he still loves his brother. Feels God has favourably turned "the tide of our affair." Knows that war is hard, and has prepared himself for losses either "public or personal." Hopes to hear from William...

GLC02437.00515

to Lucy Knox

States that his other recent letter, probably GLC02437.00514, is not full of sentiment because its contents is of public importance and she might wish to show the letter to others. Says that, while there love is public, the full expressions of it...

GLC02437.00516

to William Knox

Promises Knox he will deliver letters to various people for him. Expresses his happiness on hearing that Knox had safely made the trip to Boston. Worries about Mrs. Knox, and comments on Knox's philosophy that "What is is best."

GLC02437.00523

[Invoice of payments to Henry Knox from the Unites States] [incomplete]

List of payments made to Knox by the United States between November 1775 and January 1777. Includes dates payments were made, what they were for, how much they were for, and who actually gave the money to Knox. Figures include pay for Knox and his...

GLC02437.00527

to Joseph Hoff

Orders Hoff to deliver to Colonel Stewart an order for "ten tons Grape Shot mostly the larger with some small." Sent to Hoff at Hibernia Furnace, New Jersey. Docket states that the document is a copy.

GLC02437.00532

to Ezekiel Cheever

Asks Cheever to deliver "three coats & fifteen yards white duffle" to Lieutenant James Hall. Docket states that "three Coats & six yds of W Duffell" were received. Endorsed by Jonathan Terry on verso.

GLC02437.00536

[Receipt for a coat and duffle]

States that Noyes received one "Regimental coat" and two and a half yards of white duffle.

GLC02437.00539

[Receipt for a coat]

States that one coat was received from Ordnance for Alexander Clark. Niles signs for it and writes that he will be accountable for it.

GLC02437.00547

to Lucy Knox

Arrived last evening after a long trip. The roads past Hartford were so bad that "the Slay" and much of the baggage had to be abandoned. Has heard a report that at Spanktown, modern day Rahway, "our people" killed and wounded five hundred of the...

GLC02437.00549

to Henry Knox

Reports "News Glorious News" that a French ship loaded with artillery and arms for the Americans landed at Portsmouth last week. Also carried French officers "well recommended by Doct. Franklin" and an account stating that a similar ship will soon...

GLC02437.00554

to Lucy Knox

Loves her and thinks of her constantly. Thinks America will soon rise and Britain fall. Sees the recent arrival of arms as a positive sign from above. Feels the war has lost all virtue. If not for her he think he would not have the will to live....

GLC02437.00560

[Receipt from Henry Knox to Thomas Mifflin]

Account for 2,463 pounds 9 shillings 11 pence owed by Knox to Mifflin.

GLC02437.00568

to Lucy Knox

Says that he always writes "by the post" and wishes she would do the same "as it is now conducted with some regularity." Hopes that her inoculation works, and that both she and their daughter not "have too many or too few" pocks. Wishes Lucy could...

GLC02437.00576

to Lucy Knox

The Americans "are getting strong" while "the enemy by all accounts...must be very imbecile." Hopes she is recovering from the smallpox inoculation, and sends his love to her and their daughter.

GLC02437.00577

[Account of goods for Henry Knox by order of Captain Lieutenant Treat]

Signed by Sweers, commissary of military stores in Philadelphia, who notes that the contents were received in full from Treat. Lists water biscuits, green tea, and other items.

GLC02437.00594

Arrangement and present strength [incomplete]

Lists Major Generals, Brigadier Generals, and colonels in New Jersey. Lists Major Generals Green (Nathanael Greene), John Sullivan, [Adam] Stephen, [Benjamin] Lincoln, and "Ld. Sterling," (William Alexander). May be incomplete. Possibly created by...

GLC02437.00596

Instruments made for the artillery by Mr. John Lamb

Title from docket in Knox's hand. Mentions "callippors" (artillery calipers), quadrants, and scales.

GLC02437.00597

[Invoice of items bought by Jonathan Hasting at London book store]

Includes five thousand quills, seals, wafers, and loggerheads. Knox's business was called the "London Book Store."

GLC02437.00606

to Henry Knox

Discusses the possibly appointment of French officer Philippe Tronson du Coudray in charge of artillery (Knox's post). Writes "...I think the circumstance of having a foreign officer, who neither speaks our language nor can possibly be acquainted...

GLC02437.00615

to Lucy Knox

Begins with expressions of his love for Lucy, his wife. Describes his devotion to his country, the only thing that keeps him from Lucy. Discusses possible enemy movement and location. Praises his troops. Writes, "With the blessing of Heaven I...

GLC02437.00616

to Henry Jackson

Written at Camp Middlebrook. Replies to an earlier request from Colonel Jackson to enlist Hessians from a captured British ship: "I have not mentioned to the General your request to be permitted to enlist some of [the Hessians], it is so repugnant...

GLC02437.00617

to Henry Knox

Knox's wife Lucy writes, "... I am resolved nothing shall prevent my coming to you early in September but your positive refusal, in which case, I will try to be as indifferent as I shall then think you are." Reports that Knox's brother William is on...

GLC02437.00625

to Henry Knox

Reprimands Henry for not writing sooner. Notes that she sent a letter to Henry with Captain Randall. Asks Henry to intervene on behalf of Captain Bliss regarding an unspecified matter. Writes, "It is very strange that you mention nothing to me of...

GLC02437.00642

to Henry Knox

Notes that Captain Randall is not leaving as soon as she expected, thus she can add more lines to her letter, a continuation of GLC02437.00642. Writes, "I forgot to tell you how much I am mortified at having received an epistle from you wrote upon...

GLC02437.00643

to Lucy Knox

Written at "Camp near Schuylkill." Opens with various declarations of how he misses her, including "War nor none of its concomitant Horrors is sufficient to put my Lucy from my mind..." Reports of a recent engagement with the enemy, the Battle of...

GLC02437.00648

to Lucy Knox

Written from Artillery Park Camp, 25 miles from Philadelphia. Notes that he would have written more details earlier, but "the success of the enterprise depended upon secrecy...." Gives an account of the Battle of Germantown (4 October 1777), in...

GLC02437.00655

to Horatio Gates

Later copy. Copied 23 May 1860 for Joseph Willard, Esq., by George [H.?] Moore. Stewart, aide-de-camp to General Gates, offers an account of the Battle of Germantown. Mentions Generals Anthony Wayne, John Sullivan, Nathanael Greene, Edward Stevens...

GLC02437.00657

to Lucy Knox

Discusses the attack by Hessian Colonel Count Carl von Donop against a redoubt at Red Bank, the site of Fort Mercer, along the Delaware River below Camden, New Jersey. Notes that Colonel Greene, from Rhode Island, defended the redoubt, and even...

GLC02437.00661

to Lucy Knox

Expresses his love for Lucy. Describes the British capture of Fort Mifflin, on the Delaware River near Philadelphia. Relates that Mifflin withstood fire for fifty days. Laments the loss of Captain Treat (Samuel Treat), who was hit by a cannonball...

GLC02437.00665

to Lucy Knox

Knox writes, "I am unhappy to the last degree that you should suppose in the least that my affection for you is diminish [sic]- my God knows how much I suffer for your sake how much anxiety I go thro this you may rely upon my dearest Love that I have...

GLC02437.00666

[drafts of rough minutes delivered to Doctor Ramsey who is writing the history of the late war & who furnished to me his Sketches & Materials for that purpose. May '86]

Later copy of Knox's notes which he delivered to Doctor David Ramsay to use as reference for his book, History of the American Revolution. Note at top states, "(Inclosed) Notes and explanations of Doctor Ramsay's history respecting the campaign 1777...

GLC02437.00680

Articles issued in the Year 1778

Lists items such as muskets, cartridges, quills, broad swords, and bayonets, among others. Indicates the names of some 600 men receiving the articles, including officers. Marked "No. 6" at the top of page one.

GLC02437.00685

[Receipt for a horse]

Receipt to Henry Emmanuel Lotterloh, signed by him. "Received of Samuel Shaw... a horse suitable for an Express, in lieu of which I have given him permission to take one for a Batt Horse from Benja Hadden, which... Hadden says was valued last June...

GLC02437.00689

to Henry Knox

Colonel Nicola writes, "I lately took the liberty to trouble you with some remedies for the imperfections of shells, presuming you would rather be at the trouble to read ten useless schemes than run the hazard of loosing one good one I again trespass...

GLC02437.00700

to William Knox

Mentions making daily excursions to Cambridge. Reports that General Charles Lee said William could easily get a commission, and Knox will discuss it further with George Washington and Horatio Gates. Knox wants William to join the artillery...

GLC02437.00203

to Gouverneur Morris

A letter of introduction for Henry Knox. Asks that Morris "make New York as agreeable to [Knox] as the circumstances of the times will admit." Also asks if there were any letters from "our friend Penn." Moylan was a soldier and officer in the...

GLC02437.00210

to George Washington

A highly detailed letter in which Knox reports on his efforts to obtain ordnance in New York City for the Continental Army in Cambridge. Discusses similar, unsuccessful activities in regard to the activities of a man named Colonel Read, and his...

GLC02437.00212

to Lucy Knox

A brief note to tell his wife that he has arrived near Fort Ticonderoga and is in good health. Comments that the battery is waiting for him, in reference to his orders from George Washington to inspect artillery seized from the British earlier that...

GLC02437.00214

to the Respective Committees of Inspection of the Several Towns on the Road Between Hartford and Cambridge

Also signed by Samuel Wadsworth and George Smith, all on behalf of the Committee of Inspection for the Town of Hartford. Indicates that the bearer of this letter will have two brass artillery pieces to be delivered to George Washington in Cambridge...

GLC02437.00250

to Henry Knox

Transmits a letter originally to George Washington from a committee of the Continental Congress (not included) and asks Knox to go to New London, Connecticut to comply with its orders to work on its fortification and harbor. Requests a report after...

GLC02437.00274

to Edward Burbeck

Responds to Captain Edward Burbeck's letter regarding Lieutenant John Edes' plans to leave the Continental Army (see GLC02437.00301). Knox does not object but must wait for George Washington to return from Philadelphia before a discharge can be...

GLC02437.00331

to William Knox

Chastises William for not writing more. Discusses the recent Tory plot to either capture or assassinate George Washington and the subsequent hanging of a member of the General's Guard named John Rickey, a misidentification of Thomas Hickey, the only...

GLC02437.00356

to Lucy Knox

Indicates that he found an indentured servant, Thomas Eliot, for Lucy (see Lucy's request for one in GLC02437.00383) and has purchased three years of his labor. Mentions that Captain Sebastian Bauman's family "have gone into the Jersies" and asks...

GLC02437.00385

to Henry Knox

Upon the direction of George Washington, provides a letter of introduction for a Mr. Belton, who was recommended by a member of the Continental Congress, to make "some experiments on the Enemies Ships." Requests that Knox assist Belton, give him...

GLC02437.00399

to Henry Knox

Responds to a letter in which Knox described a meeting between George Washington and an adjutant general from the British army seeking to deliver a letter and negotiate a truce (the story was written to Lucy in GLC02437.00385). Claims that the...

GLC02437.00400

to Lucy Knox

Expresses thanks for their ability to communicate while separated and is looking forward to their future together. Philosophically expresses hopes that reason and religion will someday dictate man's actions. Writes that he "will make a very family...

GLC02437.00419

to Henry Knox

He has heard that his son, John Callender, was either killed or wounded and taken prisoner in the Battle of Long Island. If a prisoner, [which he was], Eliezer seeks Knox's aid in getting his son released. John Callender was later exchanged and...

GLC02437.00441

to Henry Knox

In response to Knox seeking a commission as colonel, Adams writes that he is "rejoiced to learn that you have at last determined to take a more important share than you have done hitherto in the conduct of our military matters." Explains that he has...

GLC02437.00208

to Henry Knox

Reports that the boat with letters and provisions sent by Henry arrived yesterday. Explains how a boat William was riding to Sabbath Day Point in sank close to the shore, making the artillery on board and the vessel salvageable. Captain Johnson also...

GLC02437.00219

to William Knox

Brief note pertaining to items Waldo had obtained or attempted to obtain for Knox. Closes with "As I was in the Beginning so I now am and ever shall be."

GLC02437.00229

[Plan for setting fire to British ships in Boston Harbor]

Affirms the practicability of laying siege to Boston Harbor, landing soldiers in the town of Boston, and setting fire to British shipping. Provides a lengthy list of military preparations and plans for the siege, For a map of the plans see GLC02437...

GLC02437.00231

[Resolution on the election of military officers by Congress]

Resolution pertaining to when more than one person is elected to the same rank on the same day. Notes that the Congress then went on to elect field officers for the battalion ordered to be raised in Pennsylvania. Another note indicates that this...

GLC02437.00236

to Henry Knox

Certifies that a Lieutenant Gray "has rode Cannon Seven Miles." Refers to the artillery transport from Fort Ticonderoga to Cambridge, Massachusetts that Knox was overseeing. Contemporary secretarial signature.

GLC02437.00241

to Henry Knox

Instructs Knox to withhold four pounds from the pay of a matross in his regiment named Henry Irvington. The money had previously been advanced to Irvington. Putnam was one of the original major generals appointed by the Continental Congress.

GLC02437.00262

to Lucy Knox

Comments on a fatiguing two day, sixty-four mile journey from Newport, Rhode Island, to Norwich, Connecticut. Indicates that he will stay in Norwich until all the stores are embarked for New York. Mentions that he will make a trip to New London...

GLC02437.00275

to Thomas Pierce

Brief account from Colonel Knox to Captain Pierce for money paid for blankets from February to April of 1776. Also notes cash received by Colonel William Burbeck and Major John Crane.

GLC02437.00277

to Horatio Gates

Reports information received from Lieutenant Colonel Peter Gansevoort and other officers returning from the siege of Quebec about the ordnance and stores available in American encampments near Quebec. There is none to speak of, with the exception of...

GLC02437.00278

A Compleat Account of Money Re'd. of Cor'l. Henry Knox and Monney Paid Away To Officer and Men

Lists money received on four dates by Colonel Knox, Colonel William Burbeck, and Major John Crane, and consequently distributed to officers and soldiers in Knox's artillery regiment. Morton was a captain in Knox's artillery regiment. Docketed by...

GLC02437.00281

[Invoice for soldier payment and clothing purchases for men in Henry Knox's artillery regiment]

Actual title: "Collo. Henry Knox in Accott. with Capt. Dimond Morton." Records money distributed to pay members of the regiment and to purchase clothing. Docket possibly in Knox's hand.

GLC02437.00290

[Henry Knox in account with Captain Edward Crafts]

Records cash received from Major John Crane in February and March 1776 and mentions the purchase of clothing. Crafts was a captain in Knox's artillery regiment.

GLC02437.00298

to Henry Knox

Apologizes for disturbing Knox with this letter, refers to Knox as his benefactor, and insists that he writes out of necessity. Describes his impromtu joining of the campaign on the recent march from Massachusetts to New York, his lack of money, and...

GLC02437.00299

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that Lieutenant John Edes plans to leave his post to join the Provincial Service. Edes is on his way to ask Knox for a discharge. Burbeck wants Edes to return to duty and fears the consequences if officers just decide to leave. Also...

GLC02437.00301

to John Werdie

Receipt for pay issued to Captain Archibald McAllister.

GLC02437.00313

to Henry Knox

Captain Burbeck's company collectively write to their commander to inform him of their ill treatment and poor conditions at Fort Montgomery. They seek relief from duty there. Knox had detached Burbeck's company to assist in the campaign against...

GLC02437.00316