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to Henry Knox
13 June 1783
Knox, William, 1756-1795
Discusses business in Europe and his hopes of expanding trade. Mentions the cost of labour in America as compared to that in Europe.
GLC02437.02160
14 June 1783
Lillie, John, 1755-1801
Written by Captain Lillie, an aide-de-camp to General Knox, to Major General Knox. Hopes he will not give Knox displeasure while informing him that he is going to Virginia with General Benjamin Lincoln. Says Lincoln promised to inform him and make it...
GLC02437.02162
to David Humphreys
23 June 1783
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Signed for Knox and written in the hand of Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide-de-camp. Discusses the exchange of Captain Winthrop Sargent with Captain Samuel Shaw in the Massachusetts Artillery. Sargent had not been able to attend a meeting of officers (see...
GLC02437.02178
Petition of Inhabitants to have Captain Taylor continue on the South redoubts
24 June 1783
Height, Silvanus, fl. 1783
Signed by Height and four other individuals. Request from the inhabitants of the south Redoubts that Captain [Othniel] Taylor remain in command of the area since "the people in this Quarter [have lived] in the greatest Harmony and friendship with...
GLC02437.02180
[Provision return]
7 March 1783
Cheesman, Joseph, fl. 1783
Provision return for a mason. Countersigned by Samuel Shaw.
GLC02437.01988
[Army Rations issued to Detachments]
1 April 1783
Batten, Thomas, fl. 1783
Countersigned by Samuel Shaw with a note on verso from George Groom. Lists men by Regiment with rations issued.
GLC02437.02053
Draft of a society to be formed by the American officers & to be called "the Cincinnati"
15 April 1783
Document itself not signed, but docket has Knox's signature. This is a draft document describing the purpose and administrative organization of the officer's fraternal organization that became the Society of the Cincinnati. Says the Society was...
GLC02437.02090
to Peter Taulman
March 28, 1783
Discusses charges brought by Taulman against Deputy Judge Advocate Cogswel and informs Taulman that he will have to consult with General George Washington regarding the situation.
GLC02437.02035
16 April 1783
Hay, Udney, fl. 1776-1806
About Washington's permission to allow volunteers to rebuild Udney's house after a fire. After Quartermaster Udney Hay's house (the historic "Clinton House") and possessions were destroyed by fire, Washington authorized volunteer officers to rebuild...
GLC02437.02095
to Ebenezer Sprout
19 May 1783
Written by Major General Knox to Colonel Sprout. References Sprout's letter of 19 May. This letter told of the "extraordinary conduct of Mr. Honniwell" Knox says "Such conduct may renew again all the horrors of War." "Mr. Honniwell" refers to Israel...
GLC02437.02125
Trumbull, Jonathan, Jr., 1740-1809
Jonathan Trumbull Jr., as Washington's secretary, requests that Knox and General Huntington attend a dinner with General Washington the next day and then select the best ground for the celebration of peace. Noted as written at Head Quarters.
GLC02437.02127
25 June 1783
Humphreys, David, 1752-1818
Written by General Washington's aide-de-camp Colonel Humphreys to Major General Knox. Says Washington is pleased with the arrangements Knox has made. Asks that the party from the lines follow in the manner he proposed. Tells him General Howe (Robert...
GLC02437.02183
to Andrew Billings
28 June 1783
Written by Major General Knox to Captain Major Billings. Says that General Washington directed him to forward two cannons to Billings to be engraved in a similar fashion to the cannon done for Count De Rochambeau (see GLC02437.02198). These cannons...
GLC02437.02199
29 June 1783
Written by Jonathan Trumbull Jr., General Washington's secretary. Responds on behalf of Washington to Knox's previous letter regarding the [3rd Massachusetts] being without their compliment of field officers (see letter GLC02437.02202). Writes...
GLC02437.02203
[Extra issues of Rations]
8 March 1783
Patten, Thomas, fl. 1777-1785
Lists men by company with issued rations. Countersigned by Samuel Shaw with an endorsement signed by Dudley Mercer. Date and place writ from note.
GLC02437.01969
2 March 1783
Parker, Daniel, 1782-1846
Informs Knox that they have "received information that Liquors have been sold to the Troops in the Garrison of W'Point, by our agents, in such manner as tends to the Disorder of that Garrison ... " States that they will attend to the matter and give...
GLC02437.01971
to Alexander McDougall
3 March 1783
Discusses with McDougall the possible result of his mission, informing him that everyone is anxious for it and continues to deplore the lack of a strong Congress.
GLC02437.01975
to Benjamin Lincoln
Praises the artificers and men of the artillery for their work throughout the war and discusses their sentiments in regards to commissions and pay, which they feel is unfair under the current system.
GLC02437.01976
[An estimate of paint & oil]
Estimates the amount of paint and oil for the ordnance department and lists the different types and colors needed. Body of text is written in Knox's hand. Closing and Knox's signature is written in the hand of Samuel Shaw.
GLC02437.01978
[Request for extra rations]
5 March 1783
Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794
Request for a week's worth of provisions. Includes a note on the verso from a Paul [Ramsey ?].
GLC02437.01985
6 March 1783
Return for one man. Countersigned by Samuel Shaw with a note from Hubbard [Burrows ?].
GLC02437.01986
[Army rations issued to Engineer's Department]
March 9, 1783 circa
Document specifying the number of persons, days, and rations issued for the engineers at West Point from 1 March to 8 March. A total of 16 persons (from the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Connecticut Regiments and the 3rd Artillery - as well as 1 hired mason)...
GLC02437.01991
15 March 1783
McDougall, Alexander, 1732-1786
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
16 March 1783
Stevens, Ebenezer, 1751-1823
Requests a leave of absence for several men from his company.
GLC02437.02011
to Mr. Forsyth
17 March 1783
Copeland, Asa, fl. 1781-1783
Countersigned by Henry Knox's aide, John Lillie. Request for ten days' worth of provisions for a man from the Invalid Corps. Includes a note on verso signed with Joseph Freeman's mark.
GLC02437.02013
[Provision return for Captain Thomas Patten's company]
circa March 24, 1783
Return for rations of Captain Thomas Patten's Company of Artillery Artificers belonging to the Ordnance Department. 65 sergeants and privates received 1 1/2 rations per day from 21 March to 24 March for a total of 407 rations delivered (this included...
GLC02437.02016
to Hawes
March 1783
List of rations issued. Rations total 4,155.
GLC02437.02049
Provisions issued for Major General Henry Knox and his family in March1783
March 31, 1783
Lists provisions and amounts.
GLC02437.02051
[Receipt for rations]
5 April 1783
Cavley, Jonathan, fl. 1783
Issues ninety rations for a New York regiment.
GLC02437.02063
[Army Rations issued to the Artificers and Engineer's Department]
Countersigned by John Lillie with a note on verso from Jacob Wight. Lists men by regiment with issued rations. Date and place writ from note.
GLC02437.02069
April 8, 1783
Letter written by William Knox to his brother Major General Knox. Makes several witty references to the length of time between their communications. Mentions the peace and says "most people here particular those in commerce are happy at it, those who...
GLC02437.02073
[Provision return for Artillery Artificers]
9 April 1783
Lists men by rank with issued rations. Countersigned by John Lillie with a note from Dudley Mercer.
GLC02437.02077
[Army rations issued to the Water Guard]
10 April 1783
Mitchel, John, fl. 1783
Return for the provisions provided for nine men belonging to the Water Guard for two days under the command of Captain Pray(?). Signed by "Comd John Mitchel." Countersigned by John Lillie, aide de camp, that the rations were issued. Mitchel (or...
GLC02437.02079
[Copy of Knox's draft on the formation of the Society of the Cincinnati]
April 15, 1783 circa
Later copy of GLC02437.02090, which is the original. This copy is easier to read than the original. Says the Society was created to perpetuate "the remembrance of this great event [victory in the Revolution], as the mutual friendships which have been...
GLC02437.02089
[Provision return for a mason hired by the engineering department]
April 17, 1783 circa
Return for the rations of a mason employed by the engineering department from 9 April to 17 April. A total of 12 rations were issued for the eight days. Signed by Superintendent Joseph Cheesman and countersigned by General Knox's aide-de-camp Major...
GLC02437.02100
[Army Rations issued to Artificers]
25 April 1783
Lists men by company with issued rations. Countersigned by Samuel Shaw with a note from Dudley Mercer.
GLC02437.02115
17 April 1783
Lists men by department with issued rations. Countersigned by John Lillie with a note from Jacob Wight. Date from note.
GLC02437.02119
[Constitution of the Society of Cincinnati]
circa June 19, 1783
Society of the Cincinnati, 1783-?
Knox's copy of the Constitution of the Society of the Cincinnati. Knox has docketed on the first page saying "Cincinnati Constitution of &c." This document consists of the minutes of the 10 May 1783 meeting regarding proposals to establish the...
GLC02437.02122
[Order to deliver soap for Knox's family]
11 May 1783
Order issued to Mr. Forsyth the commissary of issues by Lillie as an aide-de-camp to an unknown officer asking that four pounds of soap be delivered for the use of Knox's family.
GLC02437.02124
[Receipt for rum]
20 May 1783
Request for one quart of rum for General Henry Knox's boatmen.
GLC02437.02128
[Two part document relating to Alexander Stewart's account regarding horses]
24-28 May 1783
Stewart, Alexander, fl. 1776-1783
First part written by Alexander Stewart to John Lillie discussing how some horses are to be picked up later than expected and how Stewart is unable to care for them until that time due to a lack of proper feed. Second part lists the expenses for...
GLC02437.02132
to Baron von Steuben
Discusses enclosed copies of a document [not present] regarding the establishment of the Society of the Cincinnati and asks von Steuben to forward them to the officers.
GLC02437.02138
[Army rations issued to George Finlayson]
6 June 1783
Jonathan Trumbull Jr. issues provisions for Finlayson of the Maryland line who has been recently discharged from service. Includes a note on the verso from Finlayson stating his receipt of the provisions.
GLC02437.02149
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
7 June 1783
Pickering, Timothy, 1745-1829
Asks on behalf of other quarter masters what they should do with spare ammunition as the "brigades in this vicinity are dissolved and dissolving." "On public service" written on address leaf with no signature.
GLC02437.02152
8 June 1783
Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809
Discusses sending out notices for the Society of the Cincinnati and mentions setting up to vote for officer positions.
GLC02437.02154
Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810
Written by Secretary of War Lincoln to Major General Knox. Says he will probably go to Virginia on public business in a few days. Says he was so impressed with Captain "Lilly" (Jonathan Lillie, Knox's aide-de-camp) on his trip from West Point, New...
GLC02437.02161
18 June 1783
Informs Knox of the movement of a group of boats from West Point headed for Newburgh, New York, that stopped in New Windsor along the way. Also writes to Knox about the weather in regards to a departure time and exposing the men to the heat.
GLC02437.02169
to John Paterson
22 June 1783
Reply to a request made by General John Paterson for the use of an area of land by West Point. States that that particular space is at his disposal, though General John Greaton will also be arriving, and in that case, both generals should agree on...
GLC02437.02172
Informs Knox that there "is an Error in the Arrangement of Officers in the Mass.tts. Corps of Artillery ... [and that] the Commander in Chief directs me to refer the matter to you .. in case there has been a mistake, it may be rectified; and that a...
GLC02437.02173
Crane, John, 1744-1805
Duplicate of GLC02437.02175. Discusses orders for officers to hand in returns in a timely manner concerning the "number of Officers ... and privates who will remain in service from the different corps at this post ... " Explains the return was...
GLC02437.02174
Duplicate of GLC02437.02174. Discusses orders for officers to hand in returns in a timely manner concerning the "number of Officers ... and privates who will remain in service from the different corps at this post ... " Explains the return was...
GLC02437.02175
[Captain Lieutenant Johnson's permission to take military stores]
Major General Henry Knox says that Captain Lieutenant Johnson will apply to the commissary for two 6 pounders and the harnesses to transport them. Also, he is to be given 75 rounds of shot and "25 Case fixed with Flannel." Wants the quartermaster to...
GLC02437.02187
to Captain Brewster
27 June 1783
General Knox requests a loan from Captain Brewster in the amount of one thousand dollars for the term of one year.
GLC02437.02193
[Letter to officers defending himself against accusations]
30 June 1783
Wheaton, Joseph, 1755-1828
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...
GLC02437.02204
June 1783
Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820
Written by Captain Sargent to Major General Knox. Says that Colonel Crane has omitted his name on the return of Massachusetts artillerymen as a captain for reasons and authority he is ignorant of. Hopes Knox can attend to it in a proper way....
GLC02437.02207
[Note of provisions received for Knox's family]
Return written for General Henry Knox by Major Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide-de-camp. Lists items received from James Forsyth, Commissary of Issues at West Point, during the month of June 1783 for Knox's family. The list includes: 196 pounds of flour, 205...
GLC02437.02209
7 July 1783
Doughty, John, 1754-1826
A provision return for a soldier belonging to the third Massachusetts regiment on command in Dobb's Ferry. Noted: "By Order of Genl Knox [Henry Knox]." The docket is signed by James Gibsen.
GLC02437.02213
1 July 1783
Malcom, William, fl. 1776-1783
Written by Colonel Malcom to Major General Knox. Says a Mr. Peacock will be presenting this letter and that he was formerly a subaltern in his regiment, who acquitted himself with courage. He is a refugee from New York, although he was one of the...
GLC02437.02217
[Congressional resolution on half-pay]
22 March 1783
United States. Continental Congress.
Resolution of the United States Continental Congress on half-pay commutation signed by Charles Thomson as Secretary of Congress. Instead of half-pay, the officers were given five years full pay in money or securities on 6 percent annual interest...
GLC02437.02017
to George Washington
Written by Major General Knox to General Washington. Contains florid congratulations to Washington over peace. Says "how sublime must be your sensations at this moment!" Claims it is a "happy day for America!" Retained copy.
GLC02437.02034
Writes in response to Knox 's letter about Thomas Coffin (see GLC02437.02087). Humphreys encloses a passport for Coffin (not present), given by Washington, on the stipulation that Governor John Hancock has also given permission for Coffin to travel...
GLC02437.02091
Discusses the earnings of commissioned officers and the feelings of uneasiness among noncommissioned officers due to unequal payment. Suggests discharging noncommissioned officers as soon as possible under the pretext that it is being done so that...
GLC02437.02092
5 July 1783
Bauman, Sebastian, 1739-1803
Major Bauman of the artillery corps asks General Washington to discharge four older German men under Bauman's command. Says that the Board of Inspectors of Invalids told him to go to Washington as the men did not "come under the description of men...
GLC02437.02241
to William Heath
22 August 1783
Written and signed in a secretarial hand for General Knox by his aide-de-camp Major Samuel Shaw. References Heath's letter of 7 August. Says with respect to John Shaw he can only extend his furlough as only the commander in chief can offer a...
GLC02437.02405
31 August 1783
Written by Colonel Pickering as Quartermaster General to Major General Knox. References receiving Knox's letter of 31 August, which enclosed two letters from George Washington (not included here). Will forward the one for Colonel Willet.
GLC02437.02445
[Instructions on how to run a Court martial]
4 March 1783
Outlines rules and regulations on how to run a fair and just Court Martial. Includes a precept stating "No quotations from law authorities to be admitted in a court martial, as they would tend to involve the proceedings in endless perplexities &...
GLC02437.01982
Requests Captain Hawes to "furnish for the use of the Artillery as many buttons as General Knox shall report to you are required for that Corps." Noted as written at the War Office. Originally enclosed with GLC02437.02047.
GLC02437.02046
[Certificate]
25 May 1783
Certifies that a Captain-Lieutenant [Cornelius] Swartwout received $600 for recruiting. Noted as a copy.
GLC02437.02134
16 June 1783
Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828
Discusses the purchase of a house in Brookline, Massachusetts and mentions a Mr. Flucker, possibly in conjuction to the Waldo Patent, a tract of land that is in present day Maine.
GLC02437.02167
[Account of vouchers]
26 June 1783
Lists of sums. Date added later in pencil.
GLC02437.02190
North, William, 1755-1836
A provision return for four men belonging to Baron Steuben's barge. Three of the men were from the 2nd Massachusetts and one from the 1st Massachusetts regiment. Noted and signed by Samuel Shaw, Henry Knox's aide-de-camp, on page one: "-sixteen...
GLC02437.02214
2 July 1783
Antill, Edward, 1742-1789
Requests that the bearer of the letter, Joseph Dyer, and two other men (John Lenen and James Kendall) be given enough provisions to return home on furlough. Explains that the men are from Boston and that Dyer is a man "distinguished with honor and...
GLC02437.02222
to John Popkin
Written by Major General Knox to Lieutenant Colonel Popkin. References Popkin's letter of 19 June 1783. Says as the army is about to be disbanded the complainants "have been advised to another mode by the Judge advocate, you will consider the...
GLC02437.02226
[Provision return of rations issued to light infantry]
3 July 1783 circa
Provision return for 12 men of the light infantry commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Hull for 3 days from 1 July to 3 July. A total of 36 rations were issued. This document was signed by S. Spring, a quartermaster, and Major Shaw, Knox's aide-de-camp...
GLC02437.02227
[Provision return for miners and sappers]
8 July 1783 circa
Bushnell, David, 1740-1826
Provision return for non-commissioned officers and privates belonging to the corps of sappers and miners for rations issued 5-8 July. 16 non-commissioned officers and privates drew a total of 68 rations over 4 days. Document is signed by Captain D...
GLC02437.02238
[Provision return for army rations issued]
6 July 1783 circa
Blake, Edward, fl. 1753-1800
Signed by Edward Blake, a quartermaster with the artillery, and countersigned by Major Samuel Shaw as Knox's aide-de-camp. Provision return for rations issued to one man, one woman and two children from 1-6 July. A total of 18 rations were issued...
GLC02437.02244
9 July 1783
Fairlie, James, 1757-1830
Countersigned by Samuel Shaw, aide-de-camp to General Henry Knox. Orders provisions for one sergeant and seven men belonging to General von Steuben's barge. A docket note regarding rations is signed by John Prescott.
GLC02437.02255
to Colonel Hugh Maxwell
10 July 1783
A brief letter commenting on a report given to him by a field officer on the disorderly condition of the men of the 3rd regiment. He attributes the men's shoddy appearance to a recent long and severe march.
GLC02437.02262
[Army expenses of various regiments]
22 November 1778
Contains instructions to Mr. Richards to deliver articles and collect receipts for them. The receipts are included on the following pages. Written at or near Fredericksburg (present-day Patterson, New York).
GLC02437.02263
[Certificate of service for Florence Crowley]
12 July 1783
Written and signed for Knox in the hand of Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide-de-camp. Certifies that retiring Lieutenant Florence Crowley served in the Corps of Artillery under General Knox from 1777 to 1783. Praises Crowley for being an "attentive, brave...
GLC02437.02268
13 July 1783
Wright, fl. 1783
Signed by Lieutenant Wright. Countersigned by Samuel Shaw, aide-de-camp to General Henry Knox. Provision returns for three men employed in the Ordinance Department and two women, for a total of 26 rations.
GLC02437.02270
[Order to supply rations to Edward Tobin]
14 July 1783
Order of 25 rations to Edward Tobin, soldier in the Invalid Regiment discharged and on his way to Cherry Valley, New York. The order of 25 rations also includes Tobin's wife and child.
GLC02437.02272
[Order to supply rations to Peter McCoy]
Order of eleven rations for Peter McCoy, soldier in the Invalid Regiment discharged and on his way to Boston, Massachusetts. Countersigned by Samuel Shaw, aide-de-Camp to General Henry Knox.
GLC02437.02273
[Orders to supply rations to Sgt. Smith]
Order of four rations for Sergeant Smith of the Invalid Regiment, discharged and on his way to Stratford, Connecticut.
GLC02437.02284
15 July 1783
Gouvion, Jean Baptiste, 1747-1792
Written by Colonel Gouvion, a French engineering officer, to Major General Knox, in reply to Knox's letter at GLC02437.02218. Says when he left the army he received letters of some importance that kept him from going through West Point. Says if he...
GLC02437.02290
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
17 July 1783
Provision return for one man of the late 2nd Connecticut Regiment. He was issued 10 rations for 10 days. Signed by R. Sanderson as a quartermaster and Colonel H. Luith(?). Also signed by Major Shaw as Knox's aide-de-camp. Docket signed by an Ezekiel...
GLC02437.02295
[Provision return for a man employed in the Ordinance Dept.]
18 July 1783
Wright, J., fl. 1783
A provision return for one man employed by the Ordinance Department, 4th Massachusetts Regiment, Captain Blanchard's Company. A total of three rations are to be provided commencing 18 July 1783 to 20 July 1783. The order is also signed by Samuel...
GLC02437.02302
Provision return
20 July 1783
Provision return for one sergeant and six privates from 21 July to 26 July 1783. The men were given a total of 63 rations for six days. A signed docket confirms receipt of the contractors in New York and New Jersey. The return is signed by an aide...
GLC02437.02307
Provision return for non-commissioned officers and privates belonging to the Corps of Sappers and Miners. A total of 68 rations for four days was provided to the officers and privates. The docket acknowledging receipt is signed by Sergeant J...
GLC02437.02309
[Provision return for army Rations issued]
24 July 1783 circa
Signed by Edward Blake, quartermaster of the Massachusetts Artillery, Captain Jonathan Crane of the artillery, and Major Shaw as an aide-de-camp to General Knox. Provision return for rations issued to two men discharged from the Massachusetts...
GLC02437.02322
25 July 1783
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
Provision return for three men from Lieutenant Wright's company of artificers in the ordinance department as well as two women from 25-28 July. The five people were issued 26 rations over the four days. Signed by Lieutenant Wright and countersigned...
GLC02437.02327
27 July 1783
Allen, N.C., fl. 1782
Provision return for one man belonging to Captain Bushnell's Company of Sappers and Miners. The return is signed by Captain N.C. Allen, Train Guard and Colonel John Crane. A docket acknowledging receipt of the contractors of New York and New Jersey...
GLC02437.02334
31 July 1783
Hawes, William, fl. 1781-1783
Discusses problems with paying the troops.
GLC02437.02346
[Request for rations]
7 August 1783
Walker, Benjamin, 1753-1818
Request for provisions for a Canadian soldier. Docket signed with a mark by Joseph Sharatin[?].
GLC02437.02371
1 August 1783
Return for men discharged from the Massachusetts artillery. Countersigned by Samuel Shaw with the docket signed by Silas Barber.
GLC02437.02380
[Return for goods]
12 August 1783
Return for various goods such as flour and tallow for the Massachusetts artillery for the purpose of inspection. Countersigned by John Callender and John Lillie with the docket signed by W. Bayliss, a quartermaster sergeant.
GLC02437.02381
General Knox in account with United States
14 August 1783
Lists Knox's transactions with the government for various periods, from June 1780 to November 1781. Includes expenses for Knox and his aide-de-camp in journeys from camp at Springfield, New Jersey to Pennsylvania, 20-25 June 1780, journey from Head...
GLC02437.02386
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