6 May 1782

Lamb, John, 1735-1800

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from Burlington, likely in New Jersey. Explains to Knox that per his instructions, they have performed some experiments comparing English and French howitzers. They have concluded that French howitzers will be useless unless they have specially-cast shells created for them, because the amount of powder they can hold is different from the amount English howitzers can hold. Has included some samples. Extends his compliments to Mrs. Knox and to Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide-de-camp.

GLC02437.01411

4 June 1782

Lamb, John, 1735-1800

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relates that per Knox's instructions, he brought all the howitzers and field pieces to Burlington, and finds them in very bad shape. He is having them inspected and repaired immediately. Wrote to Colonel [Timothy] Pickering to ask him to obtain horses and wagons for moving the ordnance, but Pickering replied that he had no money and they would have to hire horses and wagons when they need them. Lamb "anticipate[s] the difficulties, we shall meet with, in transporting the ordnance, and stores."

GLC02437.01438

19 June 1782

Lamb, John, 1735-1800

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he has, pursuant to Knox's instructions, sent Captain [William] Stevens to Secretary at War [Benjamin] Lincoln with a section of a howitzer shell and a request that Lincoln order Mr. [John Jacob] Faesch to produce the number of shells Knox requested. Lamb also asked General Lincoln to give Captain Stevens an order to the Financier for enough money to "defray his expences," but Lincoln said he did not need to go to the Financier until the shells were cast. Also relates that Captain Patten mentioned a machine in Springfield "for cutting Elevating-Screws" and asks Knox to order…

GLC02437.01457

4 July 1782

Lamb, John, 1735-1800

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Comments that he only received Knox's most recent two letters the night before, which accounts for his late reply. Writes, "I have (previous to your directions) made appreciation to the Qr. Mr. Genl. [Quartermaster General] for the necessary number of Horses, and waggons, to move us on the shorter notice. In consequence of your Letter, of the 14th ultimo, I have ordered Mr. Frothingham, to move with the Conductors, as soon as possible." Sends compliments to Mrs. Knox and Samuel Shaw.

GLC02437.01476

11 July 1782

Lamb, John, 1735-1800

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relates that the present letter will be given to Knox by Mr. [Richard] Frothingham. Writes, "I yesterday received a Letter from Mr. [likely Samuel] Hodgdon, informing me the Shells at Mr. [John Jacob] Faesch's Works, are Cast. - and, that Genl [Benjamin] Lincoln requests, Capt. [William] Stevens may be sent, with a Party of Men to prove them - In consequence of this information, I have sent Capt. Stevens, to Philadelphia, to settle with Genl Lincoln, the mode of subsisting himself, and Party, while on this Service. We have no News here, except a report that the Enemy have evacuated…

GLC02437.01482

20 July 1782

Lamb, John, 1735-1800

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that has noted Knox's previous letter, which indicates that artificers are working hard on wagons and tumbrils. However, "At the same time, I am sorry to inform you, that, they will fall far short of your expectations, in this particular owing to the great portion of time which has been taken up, in making the necessary repairs of the carriages, of those Pieces, that were brought from Philadelphia, to this place, many of which were in a wretched state." Writes that he is "chagrined" to find that a Lieutenant Fisk has resigned to avoid a Court Martial. Adds that the bearer of the…

GLC02437.01495

9 October 1782

Lamb, John, 1735-1800

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes, "Agreable to your request, I call'd on Mr. Billings to see what progress he had made in his work - I find that, he has prepared one of the Cannon, and has traced the device - as the border is to be Engraved, it requires much time to prepare the Cannon properly for the reception of the design. - He means to give such part of the gun, as will be exposed to view, when mounted, a very fine polish, which will add greatly to its appearance. He cannot yet determine when he will be able to compleat the work; But promises to undertake nothing else, till they are done. I flatter myself that…

GLC02437.01655

June 16, 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Marquis de Lafayette

Knox references "several" letters he received from Lafayette. Says his brother William is indebted to Lafayette for all the kindness shown to him. William asked that it be acknowledged. Goes on to say "America is infinitely indebted to you for your assistance, in the moment of her deepest distress, and from thence up to the present auspicious period - She recognizes the favors she has received with an unbounded attachment to you." Says he will personally remember "the pleasures of your friendship with the ardor of a lover." Says Lafayette's godson Harry will be taught the same. Believes the…

GLC02437.02166

23 August 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Written by General Knox to his brother William. References William's letters of 7 April 1783 and 13 June 1783. Says he received a letter from Messrs. Smith and Sears (see GLC02437.02229) that they received William's shipment, but that they have had a hard time selling the goods. Hopes William arrives in America soon as he wants his advice on purchasing property. Says New York will be given back to the Americans in six weeks and believes the remainder of the army will then be disbanded. Reports that the peace is glorious, but that the officers have not been paid what they deserve. Makes…

GLC02437.02410

15 October 1783

Lamb, John, 1735-1800

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Request for Knox to register him in order that he may settle his accounts and draw subsistance.

GLC02437.02658

February 11, 1784

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Authorizes William, his brother, to conduct business on his behalf if he dies. Reports that he has been at Boston with his family for about three weeks. Relates details of the discharge of most of the Continental Army, noting that roughly five hundred soldiers plus artillery remain as a temporary measure to serve until Congress makes further regulation. Discusses business affairs extensively. Mentions the metal "argent," or silver, and asks William to procure articles such as "dining and tea table equipage... coffee teapots, sugar pots & horns & casters..." if he finds argent to…

GLC02437.02950

14 December 1784

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Expresses relief and joy regarding William's recent recovery from an episode of mental illness. Relates that he and his family plan to move from Dorchester to rent John Singleton Copley's house in Boston. Discusses family news, mentioning his children Lucy, Harry, Marcus, and Julia. Encloses a letter to a friend of his mother-in-law in London (letter not included).

GLC02437.03076

December 16, 1784

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

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Lafayette reports to Knox that he will be leaving the United States from New York. Regrets that his situation renders him unable to see Knox in Boston before leaving. Expresses happiness on the birth of Knox's child. He has heard that Knox will probably be asked to serve in a ministerial post and might not have time to watch over his son's education in Boston. He hopes Knox will think about sending his son to France to study. Was happy to see that Congress was numerous and hopes they will do good. Will try to see Knox's brother William when he arrives in Europe.

GLC02437.03078

February 9, 1785

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

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Lafayette says since he recently arrived in Versailles that he has little news to report. He wants to let Knox know he is well though. Encloses a "Half official letter to Mr. Jay" (possibly GLC02437.03095). Says it is not to be printed.

GLC02437.03096

May 11, 1785

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

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Lafayette hopes this letter finds Knox in New York arranging for his duties as Secretary of War. Rejoices in Knox's selection as "the patriot and the soldier are nobly united in your person." Says Knox can write to him as a friend or as secretary of war. Lafayette goes on to say he might be a "useful tool in some expeditions," but that he should keep quiet about it. Says he had a chance to write John Jay a few words on "the affair of Longchamps, a journey I intend taking to be back in October, and a whale oil proposal, in consequence of what you told me at Boston, which is all what I could…

GLC02437.03144

June 12, 1785

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

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Previously thought Knox's brother William had returned to America, but he recently received news that he had been confined in a house in London since January because he was "disordered in His Head." Reports William is better and "in a few weeks will be able to go out, which he very much desires." Says he wanted to go to London upon hearing the news, but thought better of it as his travels would no doubt be noticed by many and might cause unseemly news about William to get in the newspapers. He sent a trusted family member instead, who has made sure William received proper care. He hopes that…

GLC02437.03155

September 17, 1785

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Marquis de Lafayette

References Lafayette's letters of May and June 1785. Says "I had the unhappiness previous to the receipt of your benevolent letter of June to be fully informed of my Brothers insanity." Goes on to say he recovered his health and reason. Says he has proof of this through William's letters and reports from other friends. Reports that William is now in London and will soon sail for Boston. In reference to Lafayette's assistance, tells him to moderate his kindness or he will be oppressed by his goodness. He would like to send his son, Harry, to France to study under Lafayette, but says the boy is…

GLC02437.03196

6 November 1785

Kollock, Shepard, 1750-1839

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes, "On my quitting the army, you was so polite as to offer me a Certificate, manifesting that I quit the same with a fair character, but it being neglected on my part until this time, and it now might be of service to me, as a Candidate for Congress printing, would thank you for such Certificate per Bearer, and the favour will be soon acknowledged."

GLC02437.03214

March 1786

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

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Lafayette asks that his regards be sent to William Knox, Alexander Hamilton, and all his friends. Says "My little Anecdote I send as it was given to me, but I will take farther informations at the Naval office Upon Every Circumstances."

GLC02437.03256

August 1, 1786

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

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Lafayette says a letter of recommendation was requested by Madame Gregorie, who has claims to present to the General Court in Massachusetts. Thought the best way to help her was to introduce her to Knox "who can better than Any Body Advise Her How to act, and give Her Accounts of the frontier where she says she has some property." The docket says Gregorie was the claimant of Mount Desert Island in the District of Maine.

GLC02437.03289

February 13, 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Marquis de Lafayette

Provides an account of Shays' Rebellion in Massachusetts. Claims the "discontents in Massachusetts" were "speedily and effectually suppressed." Says these discontents were immersed in "Opinions which perhaps were necessarily diseminated previous to and during the revolution [which] seem to produce effects materially different from which they were intended." Discusses the debts, factions, and "the recourse to arms" of the farmers of Hampshire, Berkshire, and Worcester counties. Discusses the government's reluctance to resort to bloodshed in suppressing the rebellion, which consisted of 2,000…

GLC02437.03451

May 5, 1787

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

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Letter provides a detailed update on French politics during the build-up to the French Revolution. Says he is busy in the Assembly of the Notables and has had little time to write. Says his recent letter to Alexander Hamilton will inform Knox of circumstances in the Assembly up until Easter. Wants Knox to inform Hamilton that he does not need to keep a motion he sent to him secret as the newspapers have published it in France. Says Michel Bouvard de Fourqueux, who succeeded Charles Alexandre de Calonne, could not last long (de Calonne had been ousted as minister of finance after suggesting…

GLC02437.03542

October 15, 1787

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

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Lafayette says this letter will be delivered by the new French minister to America, Count de Moustier. Thinks he is "well calculated on Every Account to please the people of America." Also wants to bring to Lucy Knox's attention the Countess de Bréhan, the count's sister-in-law, who is joining him. Says he has written an official letter to John Jay and a private one to Alexander Hamilton on the subject. Encloses new regulations for a board of war (not included). Thanks him for his last friendly letter. Postscript introduces the son of Mr. Dupont, who has impressed several of the ministers of…

GLC02437.03674

December 14, 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Marquis de Lafayette

Knox says he has not heard from Lafayette in some time. Mentions that he wrote on the constitutional convention by the last packet. Reports on states that have called ratifying conventions to approve or reject the constitution. Has doubts specifically about Virginia and New York. Says Rhode Island has "too many schemes of convenience" to approve it. But says "it is highly probable that it will be adopted in the course of the year 1788 by nine states and more." Says he is anxious about rumors of war between France and England. Reports that those in the know claim the event is "inevitable."…

GLC02437.03726

December 26, 1787

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

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Says the Chevalier de Lambert is the bearer of this letter. Claims that de Lambert had previously gone to America with letters from him, had served in the Continental Army and is entitled to a share of the lands set aside for veterans. Says de Lambert wants to be a farmer in the back settlement. Hopes Knox will offer advice and patronage.

GLC02437.03741