1861-1865

Smith, David V.M., 1823-1863

Letter

Title: to Elizabeth Smith

He expects to be in the army for quite some time but hopes to come home to visit. He will say no more about the "shop affair" since he can do nothing about it. Undated letter fragment.

GLC04189.09

May 30, 1863

Smith, David V.M., 1823-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 soldier."] He received four months back pay and expects to receive two more months worth. The letter contains an account of his expenditures. Scrap to Charles: The regiment is on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad near Fairfax Court House.

GLC04189.45

22 November 1781

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Had wanted to write earlier but was afraid a letter might not reach him. Informs Knox that his brother William left for France on the 20th. Before he left, Knox's brother William left Peirce various papers and "empower'd me to transact his affairs in his absence, at the same time wished me to inform you thereof." Promises to forward letters he has since received from William. Discusses the surrender of Cornwallis: "The taking of Lord Cornwallis's Army is an event of prodigious magnitude, such as may produce a peace at a much earlier period than the most sanguine could expect." Discusses…

GLC02437.01295

4 March 1782

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Peirce to Brigadier General Knox. Peirce seems to be sending along information on lands that Knox has an interest in in Massachusetts (including Maine). Says he could not get "ye petition" brought forward this session. Says the Committee for the Sale of Absentee Estates in Cumberland County has told a court that the estate of Mr. F (possibly Henry's father-in-law, Flucker) has been rendered insolvent. Says the estate will be sold quickly. Says there is worry that creditors will have to pay taxes on abandoned land, even though it is not theirs. Says he has tried to get a decision…

GLC02437.01361

31 July 1783

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References several of Knox's letters, the last one from 4 July 1783 which had pamphlets to distribute. Says they have been printed, along with General Washington's letter, and distributed. Says Washington's letter has been in some of the newspapers. Gives reasons why some people are for and against the officers receiving compensation. Some say that officers who joined the war late should not get equal compensation of those who joined the war earlier. Says people who live on the coast are more likely to support compensation while those in the country are generally against it. Says it appears "…

GLC02437.02351

December 1, 1783

Ogden, Samuel, 1746-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Wants to know when General George Washington will be in town so he can pay his respects before Washington returns to Virginia. States that the treatment of Loyalists in New York City is much to the honor of the U.S. military and nation as a whole, though since Britain renounced all claims to its American colonies, the Loyalists should now feel bound to the new American government.

GLC02437.02815

12 August 1781

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: [Instructions for Lieutenant Price, Captain Patten, John Ruddock, and Thomas Frothingham]

Shaw, aide for Henry Knox, transmits orders for Knox. All orders are issued 12 August. Orders Lieutenant [William] Price, at the New Windsor laboratory, to deliver tin to Captain Bushnell; orders Captain [Thomas] Patten, at New Windsor, to obtain tin for Bushnell through the "tinman"; orders Ruddock, deputy commissary of military stores at Fishkill, and Thomas Frothingham, deputy commissary of military stores at West Point, to obtain gun locks for Bushnell.

GLC02437.01128

January 28, 1782

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the Excise Act and the response of New England Towns and ports. Mentions problems with currency and payments, and argues, "Our Legislative & Executive Bodies seem to be by far too large for so young a State - they swallow up an immense Sum of money, which might be better approximated to pay the army." Comments on local merchant vessels and mentions he has received word about the vessel Knox's brother William is on. Congratulates Knox and his wife on the birth of their son, and adds that since his own last letter Mrs. Peirce has had a baby boy as well, and that both are…

GLC02437.01342

1 April 1782

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to discuss a new lime-burning agreement negotiated in Boston by Mr. Wheaton. Notes the risk incurred by Wheaton since he is so close to Penobscot, a Tory stronghold. Discusses a recent illness, and the quartering of Major Strauss's company at his house. Comments on the value of "depreciation notes" and "consolidating notes" in Knox's finances. See GLC02437.01404 and GLC02437.01406 for related information.

GLC02437.01380

23 May 1782

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Manuscript document signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions a letter he received from Knox via a Mr. Allen, which he delivered to the Governor [John Hancock, possibly GLC02437.01408] but has not yet heard anything back. Adds that according to those he spoke to, a Mr. W [possibly Isaac Winslow; see the above GLC] is unlikely to be able to return home by any public means. Describes several business ventures he is handling for Knox, including the purchase of a lime rock farm and the sale of several items left with him by Knox's brother, William. Lists the amount of Knox's money he has obtained through the sales. Lastly, in a post script,…

GLC02437.01428

24 June 1782

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Peirce to Major General Knox. References Knox's letter of 12 June. Says he did not take care of the business with Mr. Hurd until this morning and that he received from him an 80 dollar note of Mr. [Robert?] Morris. Says that Knox can now draw on him for the money. Says he has not yet received money owed to his brother [William Knox?]. Says no news from Boston, but that "We have had great doings here on the birth of a Dauphin of France." Also reports that "The Chevalier S.[?] Breck, made a grand Entertain[ment] & his house and Gardens were beautifully illuminated, and by far…

GLC02437.01465

18 July 1782

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes, "I had the pleasure of once to your Letter of 3rd inst. and mentioning what you desired to Mr. Dawes, who will use his influence in every good measure to move the Massachusetts Line." Adds that he has enclosed a letter from Knox's brother, William. The letter had recently arrived by ship from France and landed at the port at Newbury. There are apparently more goods on the ship for Knox but they haven't been retrieved yet.

GLC02437.01494

9 October 1782

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a variety of business concerns with Knox regarding Knox's investments with the Government, and asks for his opinion on how to handle certain matters. Mentions that he and Colonel Hatch are planning to send to Knox possessions of his brother William Knox's, which have been in the possession of Mr. [Joshua] Loring while William has been in Europe. Relates that the appraisers living on a limerock farm that Knox is interested in are having difficulty conducting their appraisal due to the presence of the enemy. Discusses the recent death of a Treasurer Gardner and the candidates who…

GLC02437.01654

24 October 1782

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Peirce to Major General Knox. References Knox's letter of 8 October. Consoles Knox on the death of his boy. Says "Alas Deaths Shafts fly thick. no less than five of my little ones have fallen by his relentless hand." Mentions a small box he wants to send and asks if Colonel Brooks has room on one of his wagons. Tells him "At present I cannot think of any other method to accomplish the desires of the Gentleman you mention, than for his brother to petition the Governor & Council, or the Genl Court, if that will not do it." Says the gentleman called on him about it and after a…

GLC02437.01678

9 December 1782

Paterson, John, 1744-1808

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from "Camp." Writes that agreeable to the wishes of the Committee, he has been trying to get "Capt. Pemberton to transcribe our address." Captain Pemberton has been too busy with his own work, so he has asked Colonel Cortlandt, and though he keeps requesting the finished transcript, Colonel Cortlandt has not yet been "able to procure a fair Transcript." Has enclosed a copy of the transcript but as soon as the other copy is complete and he has it signed, he will send it to Knox. Apologizes for the delay and says, "It is not owing to any neglect on my part that this business has…

GLC02437.01734

13 December 1782

Paterson, John, 1744-1808

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he has received his most recent letter accompanying the address to Congress, and will comply with Knox's request to have it signed by the committee members and then pass it on to Colonel [John] Brooks, who will be leaving for West Point tomorrow. Will also pay close attention to Knox's other requests.

GLC02437.01741

6 January 1783

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses sending a box to General Knox, a farm Knox may wish to purchase, and the need for raising money to pay the Army.

GLC02437.01805

January 15, 1783

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Peirce to Major General Knox. It seems that Knox was making inquiries for property involving his Loyalist in-law's confiscated estates. Says he has seen Mr. Imman and Mr. Rowe and that the former said he would take 3,000 pounds for his farm at Cambridge(?). Says Imman's wife has a farm called Brush Hill about 9 miles from Boston, consisting of 200 acres for 2,700 pounds. Claims Brush Hill has "an elegant House[,] out house & every thing convenient for a Gentleman. - a Farm House &c." Says that she also has a farm advertised in the newspapers called "Bailies farm," which is…

GLC02437.01835

February 15, 1783

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Peirce to Major General Knox. References Knox's letter of 31 January. This is a follow up on Peirce's letter at GLC02437.01835. Says Mr Rowe has finally given a price of £3600 for the Belcher farm - one third due up front, one third in six months, and the last third in twelve months. Did not speak to Rowe about Knox's government securities as he wanted to know his opinion on the price first. Says a Gavin Brown has lately returned from England with news that Lucy's father was doing well as of last July. Brown saw Mr. Flucker walking down James Street with Treasurer Gray. Says Mr.…

GLC02437.01921

20 April 1783

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

A letter commenting on Knox's personal finances, especially the disposition of government notes. Peirce references Knox's letter of 3 April. Mentions consolidating old notes and registering new ones. Says his brother William did not consign any goods to him, nor to Colonel Sears. Says "I rejoice with you that Peace is again likely to visit our Country - The Contest has been severe, - but it has been short - It has been indeed Glorious - in eight years to effect so great a revolution is more than most sanguine at the commencement could have expected." Says Boston Harbor has appeared "dismal…

GLC02437.02106

29 April - 20 May 1783

Peirce, Isaac, 1722-1811

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Peirce notes that his son, Hardy Peirce, "Lost his Life at Fort Lee while you Sir was Colo. of the Regiment viz Novr 5th 1776." Requests Knox for help in obtaining his late son's pay and rations. Knox's reply on verso, dated 20 May 1783, is written and signed for Knox in the hand of Samuel Shaw. States he will take care of it and that "[i]t will not be long before a complete settlement of all accounts relating to the Army is to take place ... " and that Stewart will get "full satisfaction."

GLC02437.02117

16 June 1783

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the purchase of a house in Brookline, Massachusetts and mentions a Mr. Flucker, possibly in conjuction to the Waldo Patent, a tract of land that is in present day Maine.

GLC02437.02167

22 June 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Paterson

Reply to a request made by General John Paterson for the use of an area of land by West Point. States that that particular space is at his disposal, though General John Greaton will also be arriving, and in that case, both generals should agree on who should stay in this area and who should go to Constitution Island.

GLC02437.02172

25 June 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Paterson

Written by General Knox to General Paterson. Says he received a letter from headquarters that stated the need for the troops to press on. Hopes Paterson will reach Ringwood, New Jersey tomorrow night. Sent this note so that he would not "retard your march in the morning."

GLC02437.02184

26 June 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to John Paterson

Written and signed for Knox by Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide-de-camp. Informs General Paterson that Knox has sent him three hundred pairs of shoes for his troops. Writes that other companies have been instructed to follow Paterson as soon as they arrive. See GLC02437.02189, the receipt for the shoes.

GLC02437.02191