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to William Knox

Mentions problems with the post. Explains why the Continental Army had retreated in the Battle of White Plains (28 October 1776). Notes that military intelligence gathered from British prisoners and deserters suggests the British are planning to...

GLC02437.00478

[Account from Jonathan Pollard to Henry Knox]

Account for money owed Pollard for goods including flint, postage, and rum. Details of the account identical to GLC02437.00492.

GLC02437.00491

[Account from Jonathan Pollard to Henry Knox]

Account for money owed Pollard for goods including flint, postage, and rum. Details of the account identical to GLC02437.00491.

GLC02437.00492

Return of Cloathing Drawn before the first of Jany. for the Use of the new Inlisted Men in Capt Foster's Company in Col. Henry Knox's Regt. of Artillery

A list of clothing and its value, including shoes, gloves cloth, a waistcoat

GLC02437.00507

Brigadier General Knox's account of Clothing

Contains accounts for amount of money Knox spent on various items of clothing from 1777-1779. Items include fabric, shoes, coats, shirts, etc. Many of the items listed are for other officers under Knox's command. Annotations made as late as 1783...

GLC02437.00513

[Copy of a receipt for pay of Captain Stephen Badlam's company]

Receipt for cash paid to Stephen Badlam, consisting of one hundred eighteen pounds twelve schillings to pay his company for the month and one pound eight schillings and two pence due General Mifflin for clothing. States that this document is a copy...

GLC02437.00530

[Request for coat]

Requests one coat for Sergeant Petty. Written to "the Conductor of Artillery at Fishkills." Written at Fort Constitution. Endorsed on verso by Abiel Pettie.

GLC02437.00538

[Record of payments]

States that Jeremiah Niles and Henry Burbeck have been paid for time served in 1776. Verso is signed by Thomas Proctor. Likely written at Fishkill, New York, where these men were stationed at the time.

GLC02437.00548

to Henry Knox

Thanks him for his letter, which Samuel Shaw delivered. When she had not heard from him for two posts she began to worry. She loves him more than ever, and will send the goods he requested in his previous letter. Details her plans to be inoculated...

GLC02437.00562

to Lucy Knox

Loves her and acknowledges her letter. Tries to assuage her fears about the war, smallpox, and his distance from her. Assures her that "General Howe is not driving us thro' the Jersies into Pennsylvania." Discusses the character and rank of the...

GLC02437.00566

to Lucy Knox

Expresses his love for her. Thinks Crane will soon have success in recruiting men. Feels "America trifles too much with the high matters in which she is engag'd - an infinity of happiness or misery depends upon the success or non-success of the...

GLC02437.00573

to Henry Knox

Dr. Gardner informs Knox that both his wife and daughter have been successfully inoculated against smallpox, and are feeling well again. Also a French ship has just arrived with 58 cannons, as well as shot, powder, clothing, blankets and tents....

GLC02437.00579

to Lucy Knox

Writes that his health has improved, and his wife is recovering from smallpox. Details the Battle of Ridgefield (27 April 1777) and the British actions leading up to it. Says British troops landed near Norwalk, marched to Danbury, and there...

GLC02437.00581

to Nicholas Eveleigh

Reports that ships loaded with arms have arrived from France. Notes that Lord Cornwallis nearly captured General Benjamin Lincoln, but Lincoln's party escaped. Mentions the capture of Captain Flahaven on 20 April (Knox writes "Flahaen"). Comments...

GLC02437.00587

to Henry Knox

Colonel Henry Jackson recommends Captain Mullens, who carries this letter to Knox. Reports that Mullens is "an Irish gentleman & has been in the French Service for 20 years." Notes that Mullens seeks an appointment, and if he does not receive such...

GLC02437.00588

to Henry Knox

Reports that he has not recently written to Henry, his brother, due to a "violent inflamation of my blood, which threw itself into my arms & hands in such a manner as to deprive me of the use of them for some days..." Discusses raising a sum of...

GLC02437.00592

to William Knox

To his brother, writes, "It is so long a time since I've had the pleasure of a Line from you that did I not hear it from others I should suppose that you had paid Natures last tribute..."

GLC02437.00595

to Henry Knox

Colonel Jackson writes to Brigadier General Knox in Morristown, New Jersey. Chides Knox for not writing to him through the last post. Comments that Boston will choose representatives the same day he writes. Expresses relief that Henry's wife, Lucy...

GLC02437.00600

to Lucy Knox

Knox writes to his wife, Lucy, in Boston. Discusses previous correspondence, including a letter from "Billey," referring to his brother William Knox. Asks Lucy to look after General St. Clair's daughter, who will be traveling to Boston, noting that...

GLC02437.00601

to Henry Knox

Lucy writes a love letter to her husband: "Is it possible, is there a dawn of hope, may I expect to be again blessed with him who forms a part of my very soul, whose presence I esteem the greatest good that this world can afford." Dreads that...

GLC02437.00614

to Lucy Knox

Written at Camp Middlebrook. Knox writes, "Pity it is that lovers so exceedingly attached to each other as we are should be separated by the horrors of War." Discusses Lord Sterling's movement at Amboy (Perth Amboy, New Jersey) and Westfield, New...

GLC02437.00618

to John Hancock

Knox writes to Hancock, President of Continental Congress. Asks if [Phillippe] du Coudray has been appointed to command the artillery. Declares, "I wish to know of Congress whether this information be true, if it is, I beg the favor of a permission...

GLC02437.00620

[George Measam's invoice]

Lists accounts with several officers. Includes the account of a transaction with James Mease, Clothier General, located in Philadelphia. A note at the bottom of the page indicates that Measam removed to Springfield, Massachusetts in 1778. Top of...

GLC02437.00644

to Henry Knox

Would have written to Knox sooner, but was obliged to attend the execution of a man who had deserted from his regiment. Writes, "...he was Shot at the Bottom of the Common, it is supprise'g how the people minds are alter'd about this matter from...

GLC02437.00649

to Henry Jackson

Reports that nothing has changed since 23 September, when he previously wrote, and that the British still have possession of Philadelphia. Relates that the Delaware frigate was recently lost to the British. Recently received militia reinforcement....

GLC02437.00653

[Memo of payments for General Nathanael Greene, relative to camp expenses]

Among others items, lists chickens, milk, butter, onions, potatoes, and a black horse. On verso, contains what may be a partial address to General Henry Knox.

GLC02437.00658

to Lucy Knox

Knox worries because Lucy has not recently written to him. Reports receipt of a letter from "Harry," (Colonel Henry Jackson, also in Boston). Expresses discontent regarding the high price of goods Jackson reported in Boston. Refers to the...

GLC02437.00662

to Thomas Flucker

Written at St. Dunstan's Hill. Latham, apparently a merchant, promises to send sherry to Flucker in Knightsbridge, London. Also apologizes for his previous blunder in the transaction. Docket in Shaw's hand.

GLC02437.00664

to Lucy Knox

Expresses his love for her as a follow up to a letter from the previous day. Writes, " ... is there nothing in this world that would satisfy [Lucy] but deserting the camp in which I am engag'd and render my self eternally infamous ... by resigning...

GLC02437.00672

[Proof of British powder]

Written at Turtle Bay near New York. Chart recording the result of proofing [testing] of British powder and powder captured by the British. Includes names of prizes from which powder was taken and the capturing vessels. Signed twice by William...

GLC02437.00674

[Account of spirits delivered for the use of General Knox]

Jones, Department Commissary General of Issues, lists account information from October-December 1777. In a note to Thomas Wiley, Assistant Commissary of Issues, Jones discusses Knox's account and liquor delivered to the troops. Possibly created in...

GLC02437.00688

[Journal of Congress]

Lists payment for the post of commissary general, deputy, conductors, and clerks. Recorded as "Journals of Congress- Vol. 4. Page 86." On verso, "Mr. James Giles" is written and struck.

GLC02437.00692

[Receipt for a horse]

Written at Camp Great Valley [Valley Forge, Pennsylvania], receipt to Samuel Williams and signed by him: "Recd. of Genl Knox by the Hands of Mr. James Gardner one Horse the property of the United States of America..."

GLC02437.00693

to William Knox

Location from docket. Asks his brother William, in Boston, why he has not recently written. Declares, "My God this War will go near to ruin me, they are making their Fortunes & I am losing one, however a good intention and a good Conclusion will I...

GLC02437.00697

[Receipt for four hundred dollars received from Samuel Shaw]

Receipt to Charles Knowles, and signed by him. Pertains to General Henry Knox's account.

GLC02437.00699

[Hints for the Improvement of the Artillery of the United States]

A report for the Continental Congress outlining specific recommendations to improve the organization, supply, and administration of the Continental Army's artillery. Composed at Harlem Heights in New York. Title from docket. Knox's retained copy...

GLC02437.00459

A Sketch of a defense of General Washingtons System of the Campaign of 1776, at New York and its Vicinity

Sweeping account of the early events of the American Revolution intended to defend the strategy George Washington took when the British drove the Americans from New York in 1776. Draft copy with many editorial alterations. Title from docket, which...

GLC02437.00460

to Henry Knox

Discusses the canons he was ordered to make. Work had stopped from lack of communication but was restarting, and Hoff seeks instructions on what to make. Also indicates that he has the opportunity to hire additional moulders, one of which was the...

GLC02437.00462

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he "is manufacturing gun powder for the Continental Congress" that is intended for George Washington. Sends samples to Knox and asks to be informed which will pass inspection. Signed in the third person in the text.

GLC02437.00469

[Receipt for 450 pounds/1,500 dollars and an account for clothing for Colonel Thomas Mifflin]

Delivered for Henry Knox by Samuel Treat. Composed at Mount Washington.

GLC02437.00471

William Knox

Was worried to hear from Henry Jackson that William had gone aboard a ship going to confront the British ship the Mifford. Notes that after pursuing the Continental Army to White Plains, the British have turned back toward New York and Knox...

GLC02437.00483

[List of artillery stores]

List various artillery supplies, such as powder, shells, shot, and fuses. Note on bottom of page states that he has just received the articles on the list "from Capt Dana at Bargin" and wishes to know what to do with them. Addressed to Knox at...

GLC02437.00503

to Henry Knox

Mentions his plan to "enter the Service" once he raises a certain sum, which he is confident he will have soon. He has bought two hundred pounds worth of quills, paper, and similar articles from Newburry, and thinks they will be easy to turn a...

GLC02437.00555

to Henry Knox

Relates to Henry what he has heard regarding the Battle of Bound Brook, New Jersey (13 April 1777). Notes that he knows "General Washington & yourself was not in the Battle but intended being at bound Brook the next day." Discusses raising a sum of...

GLC02437.00608

to Henry Knox

Reports that Lucy Knox, Henry's wife, left for Newbury Port (possibly Massachusetts), the previous Monday. Mentions an express from General [Israel] Putnam to General [William] Heath, in which Putnam attested the British sailed from the Hook...

GLC02437.00631

to Lucy Knox

Reports, "The enemy have manoevr'd us to this place... and after all gave us the slip... this is now the third day of their departure with a fine a wind as ever blew to carry them to New York and so up the North River [the Hudson]-- this must be...

GLC02437.00632

[Retained copy of an opinion delivered to General George Washington]

Offers opinions regarding fortification and manpower at Fort Island, Red Bank, and Billingsport. Created in Pennsylvania at Camp Sandy Run. Dated in another hand. Text is in the hand of William Knox.

GLC02437.00634

to Lucy Knox

Explains that he was disappointed to not receive a letter from Lucy by the most recent post and wonders if the difficulty of her journey to New Haven, Connecticut, prevented her writing. Reports via his brother, William Knox, that the people...

GLC02437.00394

to Henry Knox

Responds to Knox's letter (see GLC02437.00403) to tell him that he did not meet with the founder making the cannons Knox wrote about, but another member of the Continental Congress did. Reports that the congress is also making efforts to mine copper...

GLC02437.00416

to Henry Knox

Explains why he has not written recently. Reacts to Knox's account of Major Thomas Henley's death in a failed surprise attack against the British on Randall's Island. Notes that he has published accounts Knox requested. Indicates that Bostonians...

GLC02437.00466

to Henry Knox

He is anxious for news, which has not come in twelve days. He is also worried about the upcoming December because there are rumors that few in the old army will reenlist. Discusses possible solutions. Mrs. Johnson, the wife of Captain Lieutenant...

GLC02437.00475

to Henry Knox

Discusses her poor health, explains why she did not write for three posts, and laments their separation. Seeks verification of a rumor that General William Howe met the same fate as General John Burgoyne. Letter dated below signature as 6 November...

GLC02437.00480

to Henry Knox

Agrees that Boston men show "indifference" to joining the army. States his willingness to "resign my commission to the Post Master General" as long as he can join Knox as an "aid de Camp." Tells Knox "to be with you & share your Dangers is my...

GLC02437.00486

to William Knox

Speaks of the importance of friendship and the value of his friendship with Knox. Promises to purchase goods for Henry Knox. Inquires as to how the "independant company" is faring in Boston. States that he was drafted into the continental army but...

GLC02437.00493

An Account of Clothing drawn out of the Continental Store in December 1775 for the recruits of the year 1776 for Coll Knox's Regt

Lists dates and value of clothing drawn out. Signed by Dana as an Artillery Captain. Docket reads: "Drawn out of the Stores by Lt Wm Stevens."

GLC02437.00496

Account of Money delivered by Capt. Lt. Treat to the Officers of Artillery for recruiting, agreeable to their Receipts

An account of the money paid to officers in Knox's artillery regiment, totalling 7,145 dollars. States that the money came from General Knox.

GLC02437.00509

to William Knox

Discusses letters of his which have been lost in the mail. States he will be unable to come to Boston. Privately informs Knox "that I am heartily tired of the service, from Fatigue, or from Principle," and promises to provide more details later....

GLC02437.00524

Construction of a carriage for cannon which have their trunnions broken off [incomplete]

Drawing of a special carriage for a cannon, with the comment "A carriage for a Cannon if the trunnions be broken off. Many Cannon are mounted upon this construction at Boston." Trunnions are the knobs on both sides of a cannon that form the axis on...

GLC02437.00541

[Receipt for ordnance and duffel]

States that Clark received two and a half yards of white duffle and half a yard of "Ozenb" from ordnance store. "Ozenb" is short for Ozenbrig, another name for the fabric Osnaburg. Osnaburg was a coarse linen fabric first manufactured in Prussia...

GLC02437.00545

to John Ruddock

Requests that Ruddock "deliver the Bearer Ferdinand Van Sickles Belonging to Cap Thomas Sewards Company of Artillery One Regimental Coat and Charge him with the same." Sickells' and Ruddock's names are misspelled in the note.

GLC02437.00552

to Lucy Knox [incomplete]

The first page or pages of the letter are missing. Feels it is wrong that other officers were promoted over the more senior Benedict Arnold. Worries this action will push Arnold out of the service, and hopes it is remedied. The lack of a promotion...

GLC02437.00557

to Henry Knox

Informs Henry that "the attachment on the house is completed." Discusses other details regarding the house, but is somewhat unclear. Seems to be saying that Mr. Hitchburn still owes Knox 2,000 pounds for the house, which it appears that he has...

GLC02437.00567

to Henry Knox

Expresses her love for him. Says she was recently inoculated, just as William Knox left town. Expects more letters from him. Sends him "stocks" and plans to send more along with a waistcoat. Mentions that she wrote the letter "with a pen of my...

GLC02437.00575

to Henry Knox

Expects Henry will disapprove the most recent actions of the unit he is serving in. Says he did not wish to participate himself, but did so when his colonel said that not to would forever sully his name. Is living "in the stile of soldiers, lodging...

GLC02437.00578

to Lucy Knox

Reports that he is in Peekskill with General [Nathanael] Greene. Asks Lucy why she did not write to him in the last post, declaring, "I write you by every opportunity and expect the same from her who is far dearer to me than life..." Asks about her...

GLC02437.00593

to Henry Knox

Repeats news he mentioned in a letter from 8 June. Discusses the capture of several British ships with Hessians on board, and asks if he can enlist some of them for service. Comments on various ships, and mentions receiving money from Henry's...

GLC02437.00612

to Lucy Knox

Follows British General William Howe while trying to determine if Howe intends on moving toward Philadelphia with his troops. Notes that he is within 32 miles of Philadelphia, and writes, "I am in hopes my business will call me there having never...

GLC02437.00630

to Lucy Knox

Written in camp twenty miles from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Expresses his happiness that Lucy has spent time in Newburyport, Massachusetts: "The Gentlemen there with whom I am acquainted, are in my opinion some of the most virtuous public spirited...

GLC02437.00635

[Return of the men in Capt. Thomas T. Bliss's Company]

Lists men formerly belonging to the company of artillery commanded by the late Captain Hugg. Created at an artillery park, covering the period of the date of their enlistment to 1 September 1777, for the war. Signed by Captain Lieutenant Reed. Some...

GLC02437.00645

to Lucy Knox

Writes, "In short my Lucy no man on earth seperated [sic] from All that he holds Dear on earth has ever suffer'd more than I have suffer'd in being absent from you whom I hold dearer than every other object..." Defends his love for her, because "in...

GLC02437.00670

[Account of expenses and payments between Henry Knox and Jonathan Pollard]

Receipt signed by Pollard, possibly a quartermaster. Including pay for Dr. Nesbit and washer woman.

GLC02437.00695

Some remarks on Mr. Ressons observations on the uncertainty in throwing shells & attempts to remedy the defects that occasion this uncertainty

Technical treatise on various aspects of shells, including the casting of shells using the mold of an iron pot, fuse cases, defects in mortars, the size of powder grains, and other details. A separate page, number nine, is a drawing illustrating...

GLC02437.00701

[Discussion of small cannon]

Discusses the observations of Maurice de Saxe on small cannon in his book Mes Réveries. Page two offers descriptions of figures sketched on page five, which are accomplished drawings of rifles and cannon mounts. On pages three and four, Nicola...

GLC02437.00703

to William Knox

Knox writes his brother a brief message: "The Enemy are expected to evacuate Philadelphia tonight- the Two Lucy's are well" (referring to his wife and daughter, both named Lucy).

GLC02437.00710

to Henry Knox

Says she and Mr. [Benjamin] Hichborn have completed "the affair of the house" for 5,500 pounds. Says the transaction pains her, though is sure her father will approve once he knows the circumstances. Is worried, however, that others may see Henry...

GLC02437.00565

to Lucy Knox

Urges her to cheer up and look to the future: "Providence,...is [missing text] excellent rock to rest upon." Discusses overcoming recent ill health. Reiterates that he thinks she should spend the winter in Boston. Explains that the British army...

GLC02437.00481

to William Knox

Mentions that he wrote to Henry Jackson about the British ships that sailed up the Hudson on 12 July 1776 and their engagement with artillery. Describes an attempt by General William Howe to have a letter delivered seeking a truce, which was...

GLC02437.00378

to Lucy Knox

Reaffirms his love for his wife. Discusses smallpox and the possibility of Lucy going to Boston to be inoculated. Comments on various daily and domestic activities, like how he typically spends his time, with whom he dines, and what time he goes to...

GLC02437.00408

to William Knox

Comments on their correspondence habits. Asks William to inform the wife of James Lovell that her husband would be released from the British in a prisoner exchange. Discusses British forces amassing in New York and preparing for an attack....

GLC02437.00413

Disposition of Troops at New York

Lists major generals Israel Putnam and John Sullivan and the brigadier generals immediately under them.

GLC02437.00415

to Lucy Knox

Indicates that military activities in New York are disrupting the mail. Thanks her for the kindness of her last letter. Reports little activities since the retreat in the Battle of Long Island. Criticizes the promotions that have been made because...

GLC02437.00442

to William Knox

Explains that he has been extremely busy and has not been able to write. Notes that those "Rascally Hessians" took his baggage with most of things and asks that some cloth be sent to him. Written from Mount Washington (now Washington Heights) in...

GLC02437.00447

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that the British approach necessitates a change in location for casting brass cannons and indicates that an air furnace will be set up in Pennsylvania. Congress will still offer to employ Mr. Byers for the job if it can be done at a...

GLC02437.00379

to William Knox

Requests that his brother pay ten dollars to Thomas Henley or order that amount withdrawn. A note from Henley on the bottom indicates that the money should be paid to Samuel Conant and the docket identifies the note as an "Order in favor of Mr...

GLC02437.00380

to William Knox

Asks his brother to write to Lucy Knox more often. Gives various directions for business affairs. Asks about the smallpox going around in Massachusetts. Discusses General Charles Lee's recent victory over the British at Fort Moultrie in Charleston...

GLC02437.00386

[Captain William Dana's account for May, 1776]

Account of officer pay and bounties. Dana was a captain in Henry Knox's artillery regiment.

GLC02437.00390

[Supply list for officers in Henry Knox's artillery regiment]

Also signed by Fred Botticher, Florence Crowley, Samuel Sprague, Dimond Morton, Daniel Hodges, Daniel Preston, Jotham Horton, Samuel Shaw, and Jeremiah Freeman. Notes supplies received by officers from Jonathan Pollard, the quartermaster of Knox's...

GLC02437.00391

[Receipt for clothes for nine companies in Henry Knox's artillery regiment]

Signed in the text by Knox, who indicates that he paid John Marston 1,900 dollars, equal to 570 pounds lawful money, for the clothing. Lists the captains of the nine companies that received the clothing. Signed by John Marston.

GLC02437.00395

to Henry Knox

Rebukes Knox for calling him a lazy scoundrel for not writing at every post. Discusses privateering news from a man named Captain White in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and provides an account of ships and cargo seized. Notes that the privateering has...

GLC02437.00412

to William Knox

Directs his brother to pay Colonel David Mason sixty dollars. A note from Mason on the verso directs that the payment be made to Hannah Mason.

GLC02437.00417

to Lucy Knox

Discusses the retreat from Long Island, after the Battle of Long Island, and plans to defend Manhattan.

GLC02437.00435

to William Knox

Asks William to visit the wife of Captain Lieutenant John Johnson of Knox's artillery and tell her that her husband was wounded and taken prisoner, but is being taken care of. Also wants the wife of John Callender told that he was taken prisoner as...

GLC02437.00440

to Henry Knox

Applauds Knox's action against a British ship on the East River. Notes that they are receiving stock and inhabitants from Long Island. Expresses pleasure at General Nathanael Greene's recovery from an illness. Lists Bostonians recommended for...

GLC02437.00444

to Henry Knox

Congratulates his brother on his escape from New York. Notes that many in Boston are "much pleas'd" with the retreat. Tells the version of events in New York he has heard but eagerly awaits details from Henry. Notes hearing that Benedict Arnold...

GLC02437.00449

to Lucy Knox

Reaffirms his love for Lucy and apologizes for not being able to write a much as he would like. Writes angrily about the enemy who is forcing them apart but expresses optimism for a victory. The postmaster had moved twenty five miles north, making...

GLC02437.00450

to Henry Knox

Discusses a British ship that was captured near an American fort at Nantasket, Massachusetts. The vessel had come from Ireland to support General William Howe's army and had mistakenly thought the British were still in Boston. Tells a detailed...

GLC02437.00392

to Henry Knox

In response to her husbands recent illness, pleads with him to attend to his health. Worries about Henry's exposure to enemies. Thanks him for his expressions of love and comments on their baby's health. Requests updates on British activities....

GLC02437.00409

to Lucy Knox

Discusses his introduction to Mr. Livingston and Mr. King and their activities in the area. Comments on a rude letter from his brother, Henry Knox (see GLC02437.00398) and how he should respond. Notes that he will talk to the doctor about Lucy...

GLC02437.00410

to William Knox

Reports intelligence gathered from two British deserters on the size and plans of the British force gathering to attack New York.

GLC02437.00414

to Henry Knox

Fears potential British successes in New York and the consequences it would have on morale. Wants all available men in New England sent to defend New York so it is not lost for want of soldiers, as was the case with the invasion of Canada. Believes...

GLC02437.00420