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to Charles

He describes cooking in camp and speculates that Hooker is moving the army out to keep the Confederates from sending reinforcements to Vicksburg.

GLC04189.38

to Elizabeth Smith and family

He received his box. Last night, troops crossed below Fredericksburg found the city well fortified. His regiment has also moved from their old camp and may see action soon.

GLC04189.39

to Elizabeth Smith

Describes the move from Falmouth to his current position on the battlefield. He writes of his units performance in the battle and notes "the old troops say it was the hardest Battle so far they was ever in..."

GLC04189.40

to Elizabeth Smith and family

The army has retreated back to their old camp. Describes Stonewall Jackson's maneuver which forced them to retreat. He discusses losses to the regiment and lists the names of friends who were killed or wounded. He writes that he had been in battle...

GLC04189.41

to Elizabeth Smith and family

The regiment has moved near General French's headquarters. They earned the nickname the "bloody 12th." General French sent orders to retreat three times before the regiment finally obeyed. Discusses comrades wounded in the battle.

GLC04189.43

to Elizabeth Smith

He believes the unit may be ordered back to Ellicotts Mills to guard the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Most of the men in the regiment have nine month enlistments that will be ending soon. Nine month men are called "Lincoln's pets."

GLC04189.44

to Charles

Page 1 addressed to Charles. The regiment is under marching orders. Rumor has it that the Rebels have crossed the Rappahannock near Culpeper Court House and intend to invade Maryland. [Page 2: "Well my Old Duck" [Elizabeth] signed "Dave Smith the...

GLC04189.45

to Elizabeth Smith

The regiment is under marching orders, probably to Maryland or Pennsylvania. He hopes to hear good news from Vicksburg.

GLC04189.46

to Henry Knox

Discusses their correspondence and speculates that not all their letters reach each other. Discusses the recent British victories in taking Long Island and New York. Had hoped the victories would induce the British into an ill-planned and...

GLC02437.00476

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

to Lucy Knox

Discusses how important his correspondence with Lucy is and how much it hurts him to urge her to go farther away from him (first to New Haven then to Boston). Speculates on a possible British strategy to extend their conquest into New Jersey, which...

GLC02437.00485

to Lucy Knox

Regrets that he must send her to Boston, but hopes to see her and Peter soon, if his duties allow. Notes British movements on Long Island. Comments on the tactical ineptitude displayed by both sides: "The manoeuvres of the enemy are so complicated...

GLC02437.00487

to Henry Knox

Dated November 1776; date of 17 November inferred from content. Reports that Fort Washington has been captured by the British, and that the Americans have "lost" between 2,000 to 3,000 soldiers. The American generals, including Washington, Palmer...

GLC02437.00488

to Lucy Knox

Informs her of the loss of Fort Washington and 1,500 men. "This is the most severe stroke we have received during the war as to the number of men." Writes that he is very upset over the terrible defeat, but has not lost hope.

GLC02437.00489

to Lucy Knox

Assures her that their separation will not be as long as she fears, that they will soon be together again, and that he loves her deeply. Explains why he must stay at war and away from her, saying: "My obedience in this point interrupts our happiness...

GLC02437.00490

Order of march to Trenton

Orders for surprise attack on British forces at Trenton. On Christmas morning Washington made his famous crossing of the Delaware, and prepared for a surprise attack on Trenton. These orders lay out the various roles of the different sections of...

GLC02437.00495

Washington, Martha.

With pencil inscription on verso: "Martha Washigton." Vignette bust portrait. Photograph from engraving. White mount

GLC06391.10

Washington, George.

Vignette bust portrait. Photograph from engraving. White mount.

GLC06391.11

to Henry Knox

Laments the loss of Bergen Point, New Jersey, as well as any other easy victory by the British because it lifts their spirits and emboldens them. It also discourages the Americans. Wants there to be no more works built that cannot be properly...

GLC02437.00474

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 William Knox

Rants about not receiving any letters from Knox. Discusses in detail the "fatal Catastrophe of our Navy," commanded by Benedict Arnold, on Lake Champlain, as well as subsequent activities around Crown Point and Fort Ticonderoga, including the...

GLC02437.00477

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

to Lucy Knox

Mentions problems with the post. Discusses the Battle of White Plains. Notes his belief that the British are planning to attempt a decisive attack. Thinks she should spend the winter in Boston and if she agrees he will send William Knox to escort...

GLC02437.00479

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 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