12 July 1794

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to David Cobb

Discusses an upcoming trip to Boston, Massachusetts and expresses that "I am anxious that you should [go to] the [Marne ?] with me." Goes on to mention a "Pichgreu," stating "[w]hat a flabigasting he has given the Emperor and his satelites." Watermarked "J Watt & C Patent Copying/Sold by J Woodmason/London." Letterpress copy.

GLC02437.10311

21 June - 19 August 1746

Adams, Jonathan, fl. 1746

Document signed

Title: [Certificate]

Partially printed document with subsequent information written in by hand. Certifies that Jonathan Adams is enlisted in the infantry under John Terry's command, which will be sent to Canada.

GLC02437.08916

circa 26 June 1746

Waldo, Samuel, 1695-1759

Manuscript document

Title: [Estimate]

Estimate of expenses for an expedition to Cape Breton and for any payments owed from Samuel Waldo's service at Louisbourg.

GLC02437.08918

30 July-14 August 1746

Bron, Benjamin fl. 1746

Document signed

Title: [Certificate]

Partially printed document with subsequent information written in by hand. Certifies that Benjamin Bron is enlisted in the infantry under George Gerrish's command, which will be sent to Canada. Also verified, signed and dated by Joseph Wadsworth, 14 August 1746.

GLC02437.08924

19 August 1746

Abram, Andrew, fl. 1746

Document signed

Title: [Certificate]

Partially printed document with subsequent information written in by hand. Certifies that Andrew Abram is enlisted in the infantry under John Terry's command, which will be sent to Canada. Also verified, signed and dated by John Harwood, 14 August 1746. Includes a signature from Richard Lane.

GLC02437.08926

20 October 1746

Waldo, Samuel, 1695-1759

Manuscript document

Title: [Court case]

Appears to be a petition. Consists of expenses and reserve pay for his efforts in the expedition against Cape Breton and the siege of Louisburg. Documents includes copied signatures of a number of people, including a Mr. Hutchinson, Sir William Pepperrell, a Peter Warren and William Shirley.

GLC02437.08932

31 October 1746

Shirley, William, 1694-1771

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Samuel Waldo

Discusses an expedition into Canada and various officers who could lead such an expedition. Lower right hand corner of the 3rd page is missing.

GLC02437.08934

14 December 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Andrew Billings

Discusses cannon Major Billings recently engraved. Remarks that he has received news that Billings did a good job engraving the cannons. Gives Billings instructions regarding delivery and billing of the cannon.

GLC02437.10068

circa 26 October 1781

Frothingham, Richard, 1748-1819

Manuscript document

Title: [Return of Ordnance & Military Stores Taken at York & Gloucester in Virginia by the Surrender of the British Army]

This is a copy, in the hand of Samuel Shaw, of a "Return of Ordnance & Military Stores Taken at York & Gloucester in Virginia by the Surrender of the British Army," which Washington enclosed in his letter to Congress of October 27-29, 1781. (See Papers of the Continental Congress, NARA M247, Item 152, Vol. 10, pp. 336+. Note that their copy appears to be missing the final page(s). An additional copy, transcribed by Congress, is in the Papers as well.) Based on the content of Washington's letter, an October 26th draft of which is in the George Washington Papers at the Library of…

GLC02437.10031

17 April 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: [Suggestions to George Washington regarding maintenance and expansion of the United States military]

Knox offers his opinions regarding military matters and national security following the anticipated peace between the United States and Great Britain. Suggests maintaining a strong militia, noting "Every method should be devised to make the profession of arms honorable..." Recommends annual exhibitions of war to be attended by "first men of the community," stating that, "To an enlightened people arguments are unnecessary to enforce a truth so obvious. This is the moment to form habits which shall give a lustre to the American character." Advocates universal distribution of arms in America…

GLC02437.10107

April 1788

Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834

Manuscript

Title: to George Washington

Discusses the politics of Europe, including conflicts with the Turks. States that the Turks have "numerous flocks of armed men - their Cavalry, which in the first shock, is not despicable, has it is said, surrounded three thousand of the Austrians and cut of their Heads, as is usual among them - they also had a successful Skirmish against the Russians - but there is no doubts of the advantages which such disciplined armies as those of the allied empires will have our a banditti of men who are totally Stranger to discipline, military knowledge, and rational calculations…." Discusses the news…

GLC02437.10213

2 October 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Washington

Knox, Commander at West Point, reports that he did not receive Washington's two most recent dispatches. Plans to continue to "discharge the invalids and those whose times of service may shortly expire." Requires Washington's instructions regarding preparing the barracks [at West Point] for 3,000 men for the winter. Remarks, "The british unreasonably protract the evacuation of New York. They appear to be ready either to go or stay as shall be most condusive [sic] to their views." Major [Sebastian] Bauman, recently in New York, reported that the British "would not get away untill December…

GLC02437.10155

December 11, 1785

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses trade between Indians and the British stationed on the American side of the territorial line (in the Northwest Territory). Reports criticism of the Society of the Cincinnati, including a pamphlet, Considerations sur l'ordre de Cincinnatus, by Honoré Gabriel Riqueti, comte de Mirabeau. Refers to limestone previously discussed with Knox in relation to Washington's construction projects. Sends his best wishes to Knox, his wife Lucy, and their family.

GLC02437.09408

26 December 1786

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Lamenting Shays' Rebellion, writes "I feel, my dear Genl. Knox, infinitely more than I can express to you, for the disorders which have arisen in these States. Good God! who besides a tory could have foreseen, or a Briton predicted them!" Alludes to "combustibles in every State, which a spark might set fire to." Notes that Virginia is (at the moment) calm, but worries over disputes regarding navigation of the Mississippi. Discusses an amendment to the existing Constitution regarding paper emissions and military certificates. Expresses sadness regarding the recent death of General…

GLC02437.09409

27 April 1787

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Transmits a copy of an excerpt from a letter (see GLC 02437.03338) sent by Mr. Jefferson (Thomas Jefferson). Notes that the excerpt pertains to a translation of the article "Cincinnati," from the Encyclopedie Methodique, and reflects the way the French view the Society of the Cincinnati. Since Washington cannot read French, he has to rely on Jefferson's comments on the article, and has asked "a gentleman who lives in my family" to prepare a translation he encloses [not present]. Allows Knox to decide how to present the topic of the article to the Society of the Cincinnati.

GLC02437.09413

January 10, 1788

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses which states are ratifying the Constitution, and predicts its success. Notes "The determination of New York, of all others, seems most problematical; and yet, I can hardly entertain an idea that she will be disposed to stand alone..." Wonders whether a dispute between France and England will result in war. Predicts that if war does erupt, the United States will participate, since the current government does not have the power to restrain the people. Sends his and Martha's congratulations to Henry and his wife Lucy on the birth of a son, whom they have named George. In a post…

GLC02437.09415

February 5, 1788

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses regret that "the important question" Massachusetts is deliberating "stands on such precarious ground" (referring to ratification of the Constitution; Massachusetts ratified 6 February 1788). Predicts that Virginia will choose to ratify, but admits he does not have the most recent or accurate information (Virginia ratified 26 June 1788). Declares Holland's case pitiable (possibly referring to the Triple Alliance of 1788). Notes that navigation of the Potomac has been stopped for five weeks. Sends his and Martha's good wishes to Knox and his wife Lucy. In a postscript, asks the…

GLC02437.09416

24 September 1792

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for information he previously sent within his private letters. Mentions Mr. [George] Hammond (the first British envoy to the United States), Mr. [John] Penn (former colonial governor), and Andrew Allen (former colonial attorney general; Washington mistakenly writes Andrew Hamilton). Asks how Allen is being treated "by the Officers of the state Government (particularly the Govr) _ Mr. Morris &ca?" (likely referring to Governor Thomas Mifflin and U.S. Senator Robert Morris), noting that Allen is one of the obnoxious characters in Pennsylvania. Relates that his nephew is…

GLC02437.09426

14 June 1793

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Marked "private" by George Washington at the top of page one. Addressed to The Secretary of War (Knox). Comments that a ship has arrived from New Orleans, carrying several Ohio residents. Asserts that the United States Government should be informed of the Spanish force in the Floridas in case a dispute should arise between the two nations. Asks Knox to interrogate the Ohio residents separately, in an unsuspected manner, to gain information on the Spanish ports in Florida.

GLC02437.09427

5 April 1794

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses General Israel Chapin's negotiations with the Six Nations (possibly referring to the Canandaigua Treaty of 1794). Notes that the Treaty should take place apart from British agents and spies.

GLC02437.09428

September 20, 1795

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Washington recently received a letter from Knox "with great pleasure." He comments on Knox's home in Maine (Knox retired to his estate, Montpelier, in 1795, located near the St. George River in Thomaston, Maine). Mentions the "Treaty with Great Britain," referring to the Jay Treaty, signed by Washington in August 1795. He refers to public opinion of the Treaty. Discusses the details of providing for George Washington Lafayette (son of the Marquis de Lafayette and the President's godson). Relates that he has arranged for Lafayette to be cared for by Senator George Cabot and entered in the…

GLC02437.09430

16 July 1798

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox [incomplete]

Declares that it is in vain "to look for ease & happiness in a world of trouble," noting that the call of his country has persuaded him to participate in public service (Washington accepted command of the army in 1798, but did not assume an active role). Indicates that he does not want to jeopardize his good reputation by a poor performance at his post. Indicates he placed Knox among the people "on whom I wish to lean," with Alexander Hamilton and Charles Cotesworth Pinckney. Notes that Hamilton will be second in command of the new army. Commends Pinckney's character as an "active,…

GLC02437.09432

circa 1790

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript document

Title: [Drafts of secret articles in a treaty between the United States and the Creek Nation]

A working manuscript that has been corrected by Knox probably intended for George Washington. Consists of several secret articles pertaining to the proposed treaty; in each case, "secret" has been struck. One article grants trading rights in United States ports. If the Spanish obstruct Creek commerce, promises to transport Creek goods through United States territory until the obstruction is removed, as long as the goods do not exceed 60,000 dollars in worth. Another article appoints Alexander McGillivray, Chief of the Creek Nation, as Brigadier General in the United States Army with 1,200…

GLC02437.09459

28 May 1781

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the possible evacuation of New York and various issues regarding supplies. Requests an estimate of articles needed for Knox's department and asks Knox to attend to supplies needed by General Clinton and Captain Moodie. "I have only to request that you will be pleased to make all the necessary Estimates of Articles wanted in your Department, and also put the whole business for the Operation (so far as is within your reach) in the best train of execution, which our embarrassed circumstances will possibly admit." Washington's signature clipped out. Docketed by Henry Knox.

GLC02437.09355

9 September 1782

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Proposes use of prisoners as armorers, discusses trial of Sergeant Spinoza [Spinosa] for treason, requests help organizing the Department of the Commissary of Military Stores and wonders if "it be possible to get the field pieces directed to be presented to the Count de Rochambeau, engraved with the proper inscriptions here - or must the Secretary at War endeavour to have it done in Philadela." Written at "Head Quarters." Washington's signature clipped.

GLC02437.09358