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

26 October 1777

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

General Washington writes to Knox, Chief of Artillery for the Continental Army. Informs Knox he will soon be called to a council of War, and will be asked his opinion on several issues: whether the Continental Army should engage in a general attack against the British; if not, what stance the army should take; where Continental troops should be stationed in reference to the British occupation of Philadelphia; how to prevent the British from drawing supplies from the city during the winter, etc.

GLC02437.09370

10 February 1781

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

General Washington writes a letter marked "private" to Knox, Chief of Artillery for the Continental Army. Recently consulted the Count de Rochambeau, a French General, and through France's aid, the Continental Army may be able to gain naval superiority in the war. Notes that the Continental Army should begin preparing for the siege of New York. Though applications have been made to the Court of France, it is not possible to ascertain if the French will agree to furnish the arms requested. Estimates the Continental force to be at 20,000 men. Requests that Knox plan for two attacks:…

GLC02437.09372

12 September 1782

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Will soon inform Knox "whether the field pieces or royal Howitzers, will be most acceptable to Count de Rochambeau." Also tells Knox that a certain inscription should be in Latin and says Captain Doughty is "appointed fort Major of West point & its Dependencies." Written at "Head Quarters." Docketed by Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide.

GLC02437.09379

March 27, 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Enclosing a summary of documents recently sent to him by the Marquis de Lafayette. Also notes that a Congressman has assured him that the army is in fine shape. Letter written at "Head Quarters." Docketed in Knox's hand.

GLC02437.09383

21 April 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Due to an announcement of the cessation of hostilities (between the United States and Great Britain) Washington instructs Knox to permit any citizens of New York or the United States to pass and repass his post (West Point) with vessels, boats, or water craft.

GLC02437.09385

17 August 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Emphasizes the priority of garrisoning the posts which will soon be ceded to the United States from the British in the "Western Waters," (referring to the Great Lakes region, specifically the posts at Oswego and Niagara, in present-day Western New York). Instructs Knox on the specifics of this preparation, including the transfer of artillery, stores, and ammunition. Notes that some articles may be taken from stores on the Mohawk River. Issues further instructions on detaching artillerists and light infantry to the region.

GLC02437.09389

8 October 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports receiving a letter from Knox, delivered by Captain Shaw (possibly Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide-de-camp). Informs Knox, commanding at West Point, he has been impatiently waiting for Congress to decide the number of troops to be stationed at West Point during the winter. Relates that some members of Congress seem reluctant to lessen the present force while the British remain in the United States. Intends to send orders to Colonel [Timothy] Pickering, Quarter Master General, to extend winter provisions for the supply of 2500-3000 men. Notes that Shaw has gone to Philadelphia. Docketed in…

GLC02437.09392

23 October 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes, "The arrival of the Definitive Treaty and the evacuation of New York- have been so long delayed as to interfere very materially with our arrangements for the Celebration of Peace..." Has decided that the celebration will be deferred until the British leave New York. Was informed by Sir Guy Carleton that the British will completely evacuate New York in November 1783. Instructs Knox to confer with New York Governor George Clinton, and to take possession of New York City as soon as the British evacuate. Transmits a copy of a Proclamation of Congress of 18 October 1783 for the…

GLC02437.09394

2 November 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Notes that a previous reply he had written to Knox was stolen from the post office, along with other copies of letters sent to Colonel Varick (Richard Varick was Washington's recording secretary). Discusses military specifics regarding the soldiers in charge of providing wood for the garrison, the retirement of officers, and the provision of winter clothing for the troops. Relates that Sir Guy Carleton, Commander in Chief of British forces, informed him through a Mr. Parker of his intention to evacuate New York City in November. Instructs Knox to confer with New York Governor George…

GLC02437.09395

28 October 1776

Stringer, Samuel, 1725-?

Autograph document

Title: [Listing of American and British vessels engaged in the Battle of Valcour]

A list of the "Fleet of the United States that were engaged…" followed by a list of "The Enemies Fleet engaged…." The lists include number and type of vessels, and their number and type of guns. The American list includes the names of the two schooners: "Royal Savage" and "Liberty, taken from Skene" [a reference to Philip Skene, a Tory from whom the Liberty had earlier been taken]. Originally enclosed with GLC02437.00477.

GLC02437.09538

October 1781

Map

Title: [Map of Yorktown, Virginia]

Drawn map of Yorktown, Virginia. Shows roads, rivers, and other land markings, but not fortifications. With Cornwallis autograph note written across the front: "you will deliver the town immediately." Likely created by the British right before the October 1781 siege by the Americans.

GLC02437.10669