Collection Search

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that a shipment of supplies has arrived and that others are expecting him to procure additional supplies to feed the riding horses, though this is not part of his duty. Asks Knox to clarify the matter and explains his delay in sending...

GLC02437.02750

to Timothy Pickering

Discusses the term of service for men responsible for the upkeep of the roads and obtaining firewood.

GLC02437.02751

to Timothy Pickering

Two parts. First part discusses obtaining wood for New York City if the enemy leaves. Second part on verso discusses transporting cannon from Poughkeepsie. Both noted as copies.

GLC02437.02753

to Timothy Pickering

Writes in full, "Since I saw you I have concluded to march the 1st & 4th Massachusetts regiments the day after tomorrow, I wish you to come down pretty early tomorrow to make the necessary arrangements."

GLC02437.02775

to Timothy Pickering or Major Campbell

Requests that Pickering come to West Point to deal with the transportation of the officers baggage.

GLC02437.02853

to Timothy Pickering

Knox informs Pickering, Quartermaster General, that the contract for obtaining provisions for West Point has expired without definite renewal. Knox therefore ordered a large amount of provisions on the account of the United States. Instructs...

GLC02437.02877

to Timothy Pickering

Knox writes to Pickering, Quartermaster General: "The officers in this vicinity, being discharged in the middle of an inclement season, without pay and in some instances without the subsistence money for the last month, are in general destitute of...

GLC02437.02894

to Henry Knox

Pickering, Quartermaster General, transmits a certified copy of a receipt related to Captain [Coggeshall's] and a delivery of cannon to Colonel Cobb. In a post script, asks about medicines to be sent to New York for sale. Asks if Doctor [John]...

GLC02437.02913

to Henry Knox

Pickering, Quartermaster General, discusses the details of transporting officers and their luggage from West Point (many of the discharged soldiers had difficulty arranging transportation home). Mentions the transport of Knox's luggage to Boston.

GLC02437.02927

to Henry Knox

Pickering, Quartermaster General, asks Knox to write an official request to justify the allowance Pickering granted for the transportation of discharged officers' baggage (after they were discharged, many officers had difficulty traveling home). In...

GLC02437.02939

to Timothy Pickering

Encloses a list of "officers who now retire upon the reduction of the corps here..." (not included). Asks Pickering, Quartermaster General, to arrange for the officers' transportation.

GLC02437.03015

to Henry Knox

Writes, "I do myself the honor to enclose you copies of a conveyance respecting Colonel [likely Robert] Troup's commutations, by which it will appear that I made two difficulties in granting it- The first (and only one now remaining) that his...

GLC02437.03213

to Thomas Phillips

Has received his letter. Has "applied personally to the collector of the customs who says that there are so many" previous applicants to the department that there is "no probability of your obtaining any place." Does not have any openings at his...

GLC02437.03459

to Henry Knox

Discusses the sentiments of the people of Virginia as well as the state Assembly and Senate in regards to the Constitution. "The People of this state appear to be principally in favor of the constitution: but I think that a great part of the...

GLC02437.03678

to Henry Knox

Gives information about events in Virginia related to ratifying the Constitution. Encloses an act [not present] "now adopted by the legislature," about calling a convention. States that, "the policy of the state is against the constitution and the...

GLC02437.03703

to Henry Knox

Discusses the delegates' agreement to pay British debts but only if the other states ratify a similar provision. Writes that "Mr. Henry in his harangue respecting this question attacked the constitution of the Union in the strongest terms and...

GLC02437.03707

to Thomas Phillips

Informs Phillips that Governor [George] Clinton is in Poughkeepsie, New York, and will not return for several months, so Knox cannot apply to him on Phillips's behalf. Sends two crowns, although he wishes he could send more.

GLC02437.03752

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that a mutual acquaintance, David Ford, will be travelling to New York to see him and discuss "his prospects of discharging" Mr. [possible James] Webber's money. Reports that it "will be in his powers soon to give you upwards of five...

GLC02437.04662

to Henry Knox

Writes he "was not as successfull in my jaunt as I expected." Says Knox should, however, expect five hundred dollars via "Mrs. Crookes" and more later to come. Written at Delaware Works, located in what is now Morrisville, Pennsylvania, near...

GLC02437.04821

to Henry Knox

Expresses his gratitude to Knox for introducing him to his Boston connections. He has enjoyed the kind hospitality. Writes, "I want not to know your Business; But tell me only how I can serve you either by lying or cheating or [text loss] for you...

GLC02437.04851

to Henry Knox

Says he wrote to William Constable. Found out from a letter from Constable written to another person, that "He suspected that Jackson, and I, had a purchase in contemplation - how he discovered this, I do not know?" In his letter, Constable stated...

GLC02437.05010

to Henry Knox

Ogden says "some person, a Country man of yours," stopped by to give their compliments to him, but he was absent. Adds that "old Thomas" took the message but forgot the name of the visitor. The acquaintance is on his way to Philadelphia. Ogden asks...

GLC02437.05037

to Henry Knox

Wants Knox to forward an enclosed letter to William Knox (not included). Has been considering the proposals Knox made to him and he is at a loss of how to decide. Is also at a loss "for the very extraordinary refusal of the concerned." Believes...

GLC02437.05096

to Henry Knox

Provides new information that he received on good authority about how a Mr. P. gave information to a merchant company in England that the ports at Niagara and Detroit would be taken by the United States. Briefly mentions how this information...

GLC02437.05312

to Henry Knox

Explains that Knox was supposed to receive information on the Indians but may not have, due to a postal error. Instead he is writing to discuss it with him. Mentions that "Brandt, and the Chiefs of the Six Nations, will meet you in Philadelphia"...

GLC02437.05326

to Henry Knox

Reports that he heard, from Captain Williamson, that the "Seneca Chiefs would not be down; in consequence of Kirklands refusing to provide them with sleighs." Wanted to give Knox this information, as Williamson is now in Philadelphia.

GLC02437.05329

to Henry Knox

Wrote Knox this morning from New York, but has heard news of several misfortunes on his way to Newark, so wanted to write again. Reports that many of their business associates, including Mr. [Walter] Livingston and Mr. [Richard] Platt, are in...

GLC02437.05408

to James Watson

Writes that he sent a letter to Watson, expecting him to be in New York; however, he has learned Watson is in Philadelphia, so he is writing to him there. Asks Watson to lay out for him a sum of money that Ogden suddenly owes in Philadelphia, and...

GLC02437.05428

to Henry Knox

Requests a meeting with Knox to discuss the military. Writes, "Col. Pickering presents his compliments to General Knox, and begs to be informed when it would be convenient to indulge Colonel P. with a long conversation on the military establishment...

GLC02437.06317

to Henry Knox

States that Paul Rever has his howitzers ready to bore and asks if they should be proved. Pickering feels this might be a waste of ammunition and asks for Knox's opinion. Noted as written at the War Office.

GLC02437.06357

to Henry Knox

Forwards a letter and informs Knox of various governmental events, including the signing of the resolutions by the democratic society of Philadelphia, as well as Jay's treaty and John Jay's negotiations with Great Britain. Noted as written at the War...

GLC02437.06468

to Timothy Pickering

Writes that he received Pickering's letter in which he learned he was appointed head of a committee to negotiate the boundary between Maine and Canada. Declares that while he is grateful for the faith the President places in him, he must decline the...

GLC02437.06706

to Henry Knox

Asks Knox if he would be interested in appointing an aide-de-camp.

GLC02437.07161

to Samuel Phillips

Notifies Phillips of "gross mistakes" on the survey conducted north of the Waldo patent in Maine. Requests a new survey be completed and for Phillip to notify Knox when the survey takes place.

GLC02437.07511

to Timothy Pickering

Knox requests [horses] from Pickering, Quartermaster General. Knox possibly writes from West Point. Notes that the duties at his location require horses and forage. In the right margin, writes, "at present we are totally without."

GLC02437.10044

to Timothy Pickering

Knox possibly writes from West Point to Pickering, Quartermaster General. Mostly illegible, but Knox appears to be discussing construction of artillery barracks on Constitution Island.

GLC02437.10049

to Timothy Pickering

General Knox writes to Pickering, Quartermaster General of the Army. Requests money to repair redoubts in the West Point vicinity. Notes that Major Villefranche, engineer at West Point, supports Knox's opinion that the redoubts are in need of...

GLC02437.10086

to Timothy Pickering

Major General Knox writes to Colonel Pickering, Quartermaster General. Discusses a chain, possibly the great chain that stretched across the Hudson River near West Point to prevent British ships from sailing upriver. Writes "From the information of...

GLC02437.10135

to Timothy Pickering

Signed "HK." Writes to Colonel Pickering about the transportation of wood. Mentions sending a regiment to Connecticut. Discusses the place where wood can be obtained with the greatest facility. There will be a regiment of men wintering at West...

GLC02437.10167

to Timothy Pickering

Informs Colonel Pickering there will be a sergeant and twelve men to cut wood for the department to send to Newbury and that "time grows more and more precious daily." Mentions that he has received complaints about soldiers cutting wood without...

GLC02437.10170

to Timothy Pickering

Talks about the on-coming winter and the scarcity of wood. Asks Colonel Pickering if it is possible to increase the means of supply to the garrison. Has directed the 4th Massachusetts to occupy the huts as winter quarters. Watermarked with three...

GLC02437.10174

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Written by Brigadier General Knox to General Lincoln. Says he was concerned for him, but hopes he is safe at Head of Elk, Maryland. Tells him to "pray take care of the trophies and carry them triumphantly into rome." Reports from Mount...

GLC02437.01288

to Benjamin Lincoln

Explains his recommendations and opinions on key issues regarding the "ensuing campaign" in and around New York. Relates that upon asking General George Washington when to be prepared to march his troops, General Washington claimed to be out of touch...

GLC02437.01426

to Henry Knox

Written from the "War Office." Informs Knox that Mr. [John Jacob] Faesch has begun casting shells for them, and that Captain [William] Stevens "must immediately go there to prove the shells." Tells Knox to provide Stevens with instructions for how...

GLC02437.01481

to Benjamin Lincoln

Writes to Lincoln, the Secretary at War, to ask his opinion on various subjects surrounding artillery stores for future campaigns. Various topics include shells being cast for French howitzers by Mr. [John Jacob] Faesch, preparation of shot and...

GLC02437.01510

to Benjamin Lincoln

Writes in response to Lincoln's letter of 20 August. Declares, "I am sorry Mr. [Robert] Morris cannot pay for any shells for the french [8?] inch howitzers, as they without shells much be useless after all the time and money which has been expended...

GLC02437.01604

to Benjamin Lincoln

Writes that as he has been charged with being the commander of West Point, he must, with General George Washington, determine any changes or additions to West Point "as may tend to give it that solid strength which the nature of the service may...

GLC02437.01760

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Written by Major General Knox to Secretary of War Lincoln. Congratulates Lincoln on the "glorious termination of our struggles." References Lincoln's letter of 22 February. Agrees with Lincoln on "the efficacy of the funds you mention...

GLC02437.01972

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy of GLC02437.02009. References his letter from "a few days past." Says that letter mentioned a meeting of officers called for by a paper circulating around camp. Says "The meeting was had yesterday, and the General will forward the...

GLC02437.02007

to Henry Knox

Gives recommendations for arranging the artillery for the siege of Yorktown. Discusses the establishment of the first parallel for the investment and fears a delay in operations. Speculates that one in four shots from the Continental Army will hit...

GLC02437.01213

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Duplicate of GLC02437.01309. Writes to respond to General Benjamin Lincoln's request of his opinon on where to store 4,000 barrels of public powder now in Boston. Declares that West Point is so important that they should do everything...

GLC02437.01308

to Benjamin Lincoln

Mentions that among the stores taken from the enemy at the battle of Yorktown are "a number of copper hoops that had been attached to the casks of powder consumed during the siege, which according to the customs of War invariably appertain to the...

GLC02437.01312

to Benjamin Lincoln

Marked "copy." Writes in response to receiving from Lincoln a proposal by Colonel Timothy Pickering to send the artificers from the Park of Artillery to General Nathanael Greene's Southern Army. Writes that this proposal was made "without a...

GLC02437.01326

to Benjamin Lincoln

Discusses the deficiency of supplies in the ordnance. Comments on the amount of horses necessary for the wagons in the field. Also discusses the supplies necessary for the ordnance, including cannon, howitzers, and ammunition, and the amount of...

GLC02437.01337

to Henry Knox

Writes to inform Knox of Knox's appointment to Major General, and describes the details of his appointment.

GLC02437.01382

to Benjamin Lincoln

Lists several items needed by the artificers at Burlington [New Jersey], including one ton of iron, the dimensions of which to be given by Captain [Thomas] Patten to Mr. [Samuel] Hodgdon, "iron to cover the ammunition waggons and tumbrills," and "8...

GLC02437.01398

to Benjamin Lincoln

Writes to General Lincoln, the Secretary at War, to inform him of the recent acquisition of ordnance from the enemy, obtained with the help of France. Explains that the articles obtained are in bad repair but are in high demand, so recommends a Mr...

GLC02437.01399

to Benjamin Lincoln

Discusses the importance of establishing laboratories for artillery stores in the field. Comments on the work being performed by officers and enlisted men, as well as the pay scale they receive.

GLC02437.01413

to Benjamin Lincoln

Writes to General Lincoln, the Secretary at War, on behalf of Captain Jeremiah Freeman, an officer of Artillery who is attached to an independent company. He is trying to obtain fair pay through Congress's resolve, but because of his attachment to...

GLC02437.01414

to Benjamin Lincoln

Writes again about problems he is having with laboratories and the Commissary, Mr. [Richard] Frothingham. Emphasizes the need for some payment, especially for the officers: "a little money now would be of much more service than a great deal in...

GLC02437.01419

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Written by Major General Knox to Secretary of War Lincoln. Arrived in Newburgh three days earlier. Was at West Point "with the officers of the Army and find them generally much discontented." Says the problems revolve around the issuing...

GLC02437.01432

to Henry Knox

Writes, "Since my return my dear Sir I have found great difficulty in renewing our obligation at the bank I have at last by ye [the?] aid of our mutual friend Mr. Osgood obtained a farther credit (by giving a new obligation & paying the interest) of...

GLC02437.01469

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Marked "Private." Letter from Major General Knox to Secretary of War Lincoln. Reports that the Massachusetts line has determined to apply to the state for its backpay. Says "It would be useless to detail the reasons why such a settlement...

GLC02437.01473

to Benjamin Lincoln

Marked "copy." Writes, "The bearer of this is a Mr. [Burnet] who is connected with some person who contracted in 1779 for [Cartridge] boxes. I do not remember exactly the circumstances, but generally that Mr. Ruddock was directed by the board of...

GLC02437.01485

to Henry Knox

Written by Secretary of War Lincoln to Major General Knox. Letter seems to be about personal finances. References a letter he sent "some days since" on money due to the bank. Says he has found an unexpected difficulty to renew the note. Reports that...

GLC02437.01487

to Benjamin Lincoln

Written by Major General Knox to Secretary of War Lincoln. Marked both "Private" and "Copy." Mentions writing to Lincoln on 13 July, which acknowledged Lincoln's letter of 29 June. Was in the hope of being able to remit to him the money that was sent...

GLC02437.01489

to Henry Knox

Marked "private." Writes that he has sold a bill for Knox and that the matter is settled because it has been deposited. With Lincoln's free frank.

GLC02437.01500

to Henry Knox

Written from the War Office. Has enclosed a resolve (possibly GLC02437.01501) regarding the Department of Commissary of Military Stores, and "shall be much obliged by your opinion what will be necessary in the department of field commissary of...

GLC02437.01504

to Henry Knox

Written from the "War Office." In response to Knox's letter of 31 July (see GLC02437.01510), advises Knox to settle the matter of which shells and shots each metalworker in their employ, Mr. [John Jacob] Faesch and a Mr. Whiting, should cast....

GLC02437.01517

to Benjamin Lincoln

Discusses changes in the number and arrangement of field commissaries, quartermasters, and conductors. Comments on the usefulness of the Deputy Commissary of Military Stores at West Point, especially regarding distribution of artillery materials...

GLC02437.01518

to Henry Knox

Marked "private." Informs Knox that since writing his public letter, he has waited on Mr. [Robert] Morris to acquire the sums necessary to buy cartridge boxes but he has "not obtained it or even an encouragement that [he] may soon expect it." Hopes...

GLC02437.01519

to Henry Knox

Marked "Private." Written by Lincoln as Secretary of War to Major General Knox. Says Congress has appointed a committee to create a catalog of books they need for themselves and various departments. Wants to know what he thinks will be the fall out...

GLC02437.01522

to Benjamin Lincoln

Written by Major General Knox to Secretary of War Lincoln. References 2 private letters from 7 and 10 August. Says he cannot furnish him estimates. Says he read over his last public letter (which was on the issue of soldiers pensions at half pay) to...

GLC02437.01532

to Benjamin Lincoln

Written and signed for Knox in the hand of Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide-de-camp. Lists the appointments to the department of military stores after it has been restructured by resolves of Congress of 3 September 1782. Writes: "In consequence of the...

GLC02437.01673

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Writes that Major Villefrance, who will deliver the letter, hopes to receive a promotion. He has not been promoted since he joined the service in 1777. Writes that he has been very successful as Commanding Engineer and is highly...

GLC02437.01744

to Benjamin Lincoln

Written and signed for Knox in the hand of Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide de camp. To Secretary of War Lincoln. Says with the confirmation of peace the artillery artificers are worried about disbanding before hearing from Congress about a payment...

GLC02437.02074

to Benjamin Lincoln

Discusses the establishment of the Society of the Cincinnati and mentions a proposed constitution, which is not included. States that "[t]he intention [for creating the society] is pure, and uncorrupted by any sinister design - The sole objects the...

GLC02437.02131

to Benjamin Lincoln

Gives an account of his advancement in the army and his wages as a way to show the unfair methods of payment of the soldiers and the lack of an organized system to deal with soldiers' wages.

GLC02437.02144

to Benjamin Lincoln

Written and signed for Knox in the hand of Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide de camp. Discusses the pay for army artificers about to be furloughed, and their entitlement to arms.

GLC02437.02150

to Benjamin Lincoln

Written by Major General Knox to Secretary of War Lincoln. Writes respecting the arsenal and magazines to let Lincoln know that his orders are "impracticable" to execute. Reminds Lincoln that he is the President of the Massachusetts branch of the...

GLC02437.02291

to Henry Knox

Written by Secretary of War Lincoln to Major General Knox. References Knox's letter of 15 July, which referred to a plan for an arsenal [at West Point?]. Reports that as the official peace treaty has now arrived, they may not have the help of "the...

GLC02437.02319

to Henry Knox

Discusses the commutation of Captain Patten's pay. Hopes Patten will signify to Congress his acceptance of it. Marked as private.

GLC02437.02372

to Henry Knox

Request for Knox to deliver "for the use of the Indian tribes, five hundred pounds of powder - one thousand pound, of lead and one thousand flints - " Noted as written at the War Office.

GLC02437.02649

to Henry Knox

Asks Knox to deliver "as many of the inclosed brevets as are officers with you to recover them - The others for Massachusetts I wish you would forward by the next post ..." Noted as sent via "Public Service." Free frank signed by Benjamin Lincoln.

GLC02437.02746

to Henry Knox

Encloses "as near a copy as I could make of our address to the Indians," possibly referring to a recent address he and Knox made to the Penobscots in present-day Maine. Discusses copying documents related to former Governor [Thomas] Pownall's...

GLC02437.03060

to Henry Knox

Writes a brief report on the status of Shays and his troops. Refers Knox to several letters he has enclosed, in order to get a fuller picture of the story. However, as he has very little time, writes that he must wait till the next opportunity to...

GLC02437.03426

to Henry Knox

Writes in full, "As I have not had time to write to you fully on the subject of our movements & the state of matters in this part of the country I have caused copies to be made out of such papers as will give you the best information on these points...

GLC02437.03444

to Henry Knox

Reports on the disbanding and scattering of the members of Shays' force, and explains that they are in pursuit of Shays, but "with little hope however of overtaking him." Describes how he chose to rearrange the troops in Hampshire and Worcester and...

GLC02437.03456

to Henry Knox

Requests Knox to read and send a document (not included) to the governor concerning the mood of the people. Writes that "His people, as I am informed, are getting mad, [Ours] have been so for some time since the rage is abating."

GLC02437.03463

to Henry Knox

Discusses the convention (referring to the upcoming Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia) and his views of the people's ideas of changes Congress would bring about. "I have not the most distant idea that the people would adopt any...

GLC02437.03476

to Henry Knox

Transmits a letter pertaining to a Major Baylies to be forwarded to John Jacob Faesch. Writes, "I have no private news- I need not add that I love you." Presents his regards to Lucy and the Knox children.

GLC02437.03888

to Henry Knox

Writes that he wrote to the President to discuss the possibility of working for the new government. Explains a dramatic property loss he experienced while fighting in the war. Declares that he did not approach Knox on the subject because he felt...

GLC02437.04226

to Henry Knox

Discusses the President's appointments to the judiciary branch. Mentions the possibility of a Mr. [likely John] Lowell being nominated for the Supreme Court, and provides his opinions on that appointment.

GLC02437.04293

to Henry Knox

Writes a response to Knox's proposed plan for regulating the militia and gives his opinion that it has "great merit" and "if cordially embraced it would make ours the strongest militia in the world." But believes the people of Massachusetts will not...

GLC02437.04509

to Henry Knox

Received Knox's letter of 19 April 1791. Comments on "young Mr. [William] Balch" and calls him, "a wild citizen, yet I think he has many qualifications which will recommend him as an officer - He very well knows that he cannot sport with his...

GLC02437.04933

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that their son Henry Jackson Knox is doing well and that he was not allowed to go to Boston since Henry Jackson would not be there to supervise. He is advancing well in his studies. Also recommends Mr. James Henry Langier for a clerk's...

GLC02437.05758

to Henry Knox

Copy of a letter from Benjamin Lincoln in Knox's hand, dated 15 January 1795. Letter congratulates Knox on his retirement and his "escape from an office, which did not give you [bread], and more, that Malice, and design have been fully checked by the...

GLC02437.06308

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he has signed the inclosed notes (not included).

GLC02437.07163

[Memorandum]

Certifies an agreement between Lincoln and Henry Knox concerning a brigantine and cargo.

GLC02437.07181

to Henry Knox

Lincoln encloses papers related to the agreement made with Thomas Winthrop "in the appointment of appraisers in Robt Houston Esqr. George Ulmer Esquire Mr. Charles Vaughan and Docr. Samuel Coleman." Lincoln says nothing is needed from Knox now until...

GLC02437.07470