8 May 1777

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written at "Sewal's Point," evidently Sewall's Point, in Brookline, Massachusetts. Their daughter, Lucy, has small pox, and "the poor little soul- is covered from head to foot with it- she has upwards of eaighty [sic] on her sweet face..." Relates that Billy (Knox's brother William) has returned from Providence, Rhode Island. General [Henry] Jackson will begin recruiting troops soon, and General [William] Heath informed Lucy that an order has been issued for Jackson's troops to remain in Boston. Remarks, "the people in Boston are all mad moving out as fast as possible, for fear of genl…

GLC02437.10012

4 September 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses surprise that the Continental Army has no knowledge of British General William Howe's location. Thinks it's possible, but unlikely, Howe intends to sail for Boston. Comments on the Battle of Bennington and the performance of General John Stark: "Genl Starks Action I think view'g every circumstance stands first in the American War... before this the Enemy were Ravage'g, butcherg and Scalp'g all before them, not a prisoner fell in there Land but was Tomhawk't to Death- now all is quiet with them & we hear nothing of their Scalp'g & c." Relates that [Burgoyne] has possibly…

GLC02437.00647

18 September 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson declares, "...I am sure if we exert ourselves to the Southward & Northward as we ought to do that this Campaign will nearly bring the War to a Close, and establish our Independence." Reports he has heard news that Generals Horatio Gates, Benjamin Lincoln, and Benedict Arnold intend to attack British General John Burgoyne's army (near Saratoga, New York). Discusses growth of militia in the State of Massachusetts, noting "...its said there is the finest body of militia now in the field that wer [sic] ever known..." Mentions that some towns, being unable to raise enough voluntary…

GLC02437.00650

10 October 1777 - 17 September 1779

Manuscript document

Title: 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 agreeable to his Rank." The second act commends Talbot on his capture of the Pigot, a schooner, presenting Talbot with the Commission of Lieutenant Colonel. The third act, on the motion of [Henry] Laurens, commissions Talbot as Captain in the United States Navy.

GLC02437.00656

circa 27-29 October 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: [Response to queries from Headquarters]

In the hand of Samuel Shaw. Knox expresses his opinion against a general attack on the British. Writes, "It requires the best discipline, the firmest spirit, and good officers, to storm works or to make an impression on British troops. Not that I suppose the Europeans will make better soldiers than the Americans, but that habitual discipline to which they are used and in which all their officers are initiated gives them a superiority over us, which nothing but a similar discipline or superior numbers can counterbalance." Discusses the division in Continental troops between northern (…

GLC02437.00660

26 November 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: 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 ability and experience to fill properly the important station in which I am, and am more particularly distressed when such important questions are referred to my decision as those which your Excellency gave us in charge the last evening. The happiness or misery of the People of America may be the consequences of a right or erroneous judgement."…

GLC02437.00667

27 November 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: 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 General John Burgoyne's men, who are marching through on their way to embark for England following the British defeat at Saratoga. Argues that since Burgoyne's men are neither prisoners nor deserters, he should be able to recruit them. Hopes to obtain a set of bayonet belts based on the English pattern. Reports he will not be able to make it to camp…

GLC02437.00668

1 December 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to George Washington

Offers his opinion as to "the position proper for Winter Quarters." Argues that winter quarters are "indispensably necessary" for Continental troops. Suggests that quarters be established at a distance from the British (who occupy Philadelphia). Writes, "Could a place be found about 30 miles distant from & North or NW of Philadelphia in which it was possible to quarter the troops I should prefer it to a greater distance, or different direction as by it we should be able to cover a greater extent of Country than by taking post at Wilmington ... " Hopes to establish winter quarters in…

GLC02437.00669

3 December 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Washington

Offers Washington his sentiments "upon the advisability of a Winter Campaign and practicability of an attack upon Philadelphia with the aid of a considerable body of Militia asembled [sic] at an appointed time and place ... I think a Winters Campaign under the present circumstances will be the inevitable destruction if not of the Liberties of the Country yet of the present Army ... " Gives his reasons for arguing against a winter campaign, including the Continental Army's lack of suitable clothing, the strength of the British fortified at Philadelphia, and the uncertainty of gathering enough…

GLC02437.00671

1862

Johnson, Fry, & Co., fl. 1825-1873

Engraving

Title: [Print of George Clinton]

Depicts General George Clinton standing next to a bayonet, cannon, and cannon balls. Another soldier stands in the background, with his back to Clinton. The backdrop appears to portray the Hudson River Valley. A printed notation states "From the original painting by Chappel in the possession of the publishers."

GLC01450.623.02

13 April 1783

Barry, John, 1745-1803

Autograph document signed

Title: [Certificate of discharge for Jonathan Mury]

Barry, Captain of the frigate Alliance, states that Mury served on board the ship 6 December 1781- 13 April 1783. Discharges Mury, stating that he is eligible for prize money. Contains several dockets.

GLC01450.655.01

28 August 1777

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 a strange letter I sent you from the pretended Dutchess addressed to his excellency- I do not like to be treated so..." Notes that "your man Jacksons wife" is displeased by hearing nothing from him. Reports that she and their "little girl," Lucy, are doing well.

GLC02437.00642

28 August 1777

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 the second of this month wherein you take no notice of it being your Lucys birth day- such apparent trifles are not overlooked by persons who tenderly Love- but it was the hurry of business it was not it could not be want of affection." Gives an account of the celebration in Boston following "advantage gained at the Northward," possibly the Battle…

GLC02437.00643

February 1777- August 1777

Manuscript document

Title: [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 document is missing.

GLC02437.00644

15 March 1781

Reed, Jacob Jr., 1755-1838

Manuscript document signed

Title: [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 of the men listed dispute their enlistment.

GLC02437.00645

1 September 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Reports that the British have landed at Head of Elk, Maryland (present day Elkton), twenty miles from Knox's location. Writes, "...we shall remain here a few days and if they will not come to us we shall go to them... it is suppos'd the enemy intend for Philadelphia if so they will meet with a stout opposition." Relates he is serving on a Court Martial. In closing, writes "my soul is intimately connected with yours."

GLC02437.00646

13 September 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 Brandywine (11 September 1777), declaring "...we were oblig'd to retire, after very considerable slaughter of the enemy... if they advance we shall fight them again before they get possession of Philadelphia but of this they will be cautious- my corps did me great honor they behav'd like men..." Encloses an account (not present) he sent to the…

GLC02437.00648

15 September 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: 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 what it was when the British Troops were here- every one cry'g out a deserter ought to die..." Mentions a British naval prize taken by a privateer and brought to Newburyport, Massachusetts. Describes a matter between the Tartar, an American ship, and a twenty-gun British ship. Expects news from the Northward (northern New York), where American…

GLC02437.00649

18 September 1777

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

24 September 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Lucy Knox [incomplete]

Reports that in a previous letter to Lucy, he gave an account of the Battle of Brandywine. Relates that his army came in sight of the enemy, when a pouring rain ruined their cartridges. Describes how his army followed the British from across the Schuylkill River, and the British eluded them, intending to enter Philadelphia: "They have declin'd to combat our army and have taken possession of the prize for which we both contended." Reports that American Generals [Anthony] Wayne and [William] Smallwood were attacked on 20 September (later known as the Battle of Paoli or the Paoli Massacre).…

GLC02437.00652

3 October 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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. Has received news from the north (possibly referring to the Battle of Freeman's Farm, 19 September 1777). Regarding the reports, comments: "...if this news should be followed by the probable consequences We may yet conclude the Campaign if not the War most happily..."

GLC02437.00653

16 September 1777 - 16 October 1777

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Manuscript document

Title: [Account of the campaign of September and October 1777]

Later copy. Possibly created by William Knox, General Henry Knox's brother. Contains a report of the 20 September Battle of Paoli. Mentions Generals Knox, Green (possibly Nathanael Greene), and Alexander McDougall. In an entry for 28 September, records the receipt of favorable news from the north (referring to the Battle of Freeman's Farm). Mentions Generals John Burgoyne (British), Horatio Gates, and Benedict Arnold. An entry for 30 September states, "Very cold nights, having no blankets." Gives an account of the 4 October Battle of Germantown, reporting that General Francis Nash was…

GLC02437.00654

6 October 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 which "a fog which was but moderate at first became so thick from the Continental firing of cannon... that it absolutely became impossible to see..." Despite the conditions, reports, "Our troops are in prodigious spirits at being able to drive nearly the whole collective force of the enemy so far-" Relates that his brother, William Knox, "behaved…

GLC02437.00655

12 October 1777

Stewart, Walter, 1756-1796

Letter

Title: 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, and Alexander McDougall. Writes, "...everything appeared in our favour when the unfortunate retreat took place, which cannot yet be accounted for; it is left on General Stevens, who certainly gave the Orders to the left wing." Reports that Stevens has been suspended, and a court of inquiry, with Lord Stirling (William Alexander) presiding, is…

GLC02437.00657

29 September 1777-18 October 1779

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph document

Title: [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