14 November 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 that at times I think they have as little knowledge in the art of war as their opponents." Discusses the strength of both armies, and prepares for a siege of Fort Washington. Has heard that the King of Portugal has declared war on the colonies.

GLC02437.00487

18 November 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

1 November 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 attempt a decisive attack. The Continental Army will try to avoid any general battle in which they lack "most advantageous terms."

GLC02437.00478

1 November 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 her.

GLC02437.00479

6 November 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 seems to be retiring, but it might be a feint. If the British head to New Jersey or Philadelphia, Knox must follow. Discusses the battle in White Plains. Mentions problems with the post.

GLC02437.00481

8 November 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Comments on their problems corresponding and reaffirms his love for her. Indicates that the British have stopped pursuing them and their intentions are unknown. Denounces British and Hessian plundering. Describes the Scottish (Highlanders) as the most civil group in the enemy's army, perhaps because they see a commonality with the Americans. Affirms honor of the American efforts to be free. Lists the information about a brigade under General Alexander Leslie that was recently intercepted, including 152 dead.

GLC02437.00484

22 November 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 for the present in order to secure it more effectually." Writes that the British have arrived near Fort Lee, and expects they will attack it soon. Reports that the Continental Congress has not taken care of his artillery unit. Hopes to see her in four weeks, assuming the British move to winter quarters. Expects that his brother will be with…

GLC02437.00490

25 December 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document

Title: 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 the American army. General Stevens will command the lead group, supported by some of Knox's artillery men. General Greene will command the second group, supported by a number of Knox's cannon. Delineates the various specific jobs of each unit. Includes hand drawn map on verso of Trenton. The pencil map shows the plan of Trenton, the roads and…

GLC02437.00495

28 December 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Expresses his love for Lucy, but says that the love of his country must keep them apart for now. Discusses the Battle of Trenton (26 December 1776) in depth. Starts by stating that Lucy must "have heard of our success on the morning of the 26th instant against the enemy." Describes how before the attack, they were forced to retire to the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware and that "preservation of Philadelphia was a matter exceedingly precarious - The Force of the enemy three or four times as large as ours." Notes that Hessian troops, German mercenaries, were defending Trenton. Describes…

GLC02437.00497

8 December 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

States that the army has been forced to flee, and the Americans are currently "making a stand on the side of the Delaware toward Philadelphia." Hopes to soon face the enemy again. Expresses his love for her, and continues to advise her to travel to Boston with his brother. Composed at Trenton Ferry. In three days the Americans will cross the Delaware as they continue to dodge the British, only to recross on Christmas Day in order to launch a surprise attack on the British.

GLC02437.00494

30 December 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Charles Knowles

Orders Knowles to Philadelphia to get "accounts of the Regmt from General Mifflins [store] & the Quarter master Generals whilst under the direction of Colo Moylan," and then return quickly to Knox. Written four days after the American victory at Trenton and four days before their victory at Princeton. On verso is a Henry Knox autograph document, circa 30 December 1776, comprising a list of distances between various New Jersey towns. This information would have been extremely useful for plotting troop movements and organizing scouting parties.

GLC02437.00498

1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: Statement of the troops furnished by the following States, taken from actual returns of the army for the year 1776.

Lists numbers of both Continental Army soldiers and militia furnished by the states of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia for the year 1776. Also includes a conjectural estimate of militia employed in several states. Part of Knox's May 10, 1790 report to Congress. See also GLC02437.10586, .10466, .10468 and .10475.

GLC02437.10010

6 September 1780

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document

Title: [Continental Army War Council minutes]

Minutes of a council of war held by Washington with his generals on 6 September 1780 at Camp Bergen County. Discusses the effects of a blockade in Rhode Island Harbor by the British fleet on the amount of supplies and the issue of raising troops as the term for the men currently serving is due to expire. Bergen County, New Jersey.

GLC02437.00838

9 September 1780

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: An opinion delivered to His Excellency General George Washington

Knox answers Washington's queries from his 6 September 1780 council of war (refer to GLC02437.00838). Discusses the siege of New York and how the lack of supplies and stores is affecting their campaign. Knox's retained draft.

GLC02437.00840

23 July 1780

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph note signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

A short note telling Lucy that she can come see him. Written at Camp Precaness

GLC02437.00829

18 June 1778

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: to George Washington

Document in Samuel Shaw's hand, and signed by Shaw for Knox, giving Knox's opinion on several questions posed by Washington. Writes, "...it would be a most criminal degree of madness to hazard a general action at this time with the enemy, as by it we might lose every advantage which a three years war, combined with many fortunate circumstances, have given to America." Suggests the Continental Army remain at Valley Forge until the British completely evacuate Philadelphia. Does not advise a detachment to be sent to reinforce Continental troops in New Jersey. Gives advice for securing the…

GLC02437.00711

29 June 1778

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Lucy Knox

Describes the Battle of Monmouth (28 June 1778) in detail. As the British marched away from Philadelphia toward Shrewsbury, New Jersey, Continental troops under General [Charles] Lee attacked the British rear. In the ensuing battle, "My brave Lads behaved with their usual intrepidity & the Army give the Corps of Artillery their full proportion of the Glory of the day. Indeed upon the whole it is very splendid- the Capital Army of Britain defeated, and oblig'd to retreat before the Americans who they despise so much." Estimates the number of British casualties to be three times the…

GLC02437.00713

3 July 1778

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Relates that the British are moving toward Sandy Hook, New Jersey. Reports the details of the Battle of Monmouth, mentioning Generals Charles Lee and George Washington. Writes, "The Corps of Artillery have their full proportion of the Glory of the day. His Excellency the General has done them & me the honor to notice us in General orders in very pointed & flattering terms.- Indeed I was highly delighted with their coolness, bravery, and good Conduct." Estimates the British have lost a thousand men between the Battle of Monmouth and other skirmishes.

GLC02437.00714

5 July 1778

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Informs his brother that he wrote a previous letter discussing the Battle of Monmouth (refer to GLC02437.00714). Writes, "I had particular reasons for not writing you a circumstantial [account] as General Lee who commanded the advanced parties has been accus'd of disobedience of orders in not attacking the Enemy and for retreating from before them- he is now on his trial upon the charges." Encloses a duplicate account of what he previously wrote on the battle and asks William not to publish it, noting that George Washington's letter to Congress will carry the "most true and just account."…

GLC02437.00715

2 September 1778

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: [Henry Knox's responses to questions posed by George Washington]

Later copy. Knox considers whether or not the greater part of the Continental Army should move east to reinforce troops in Newport, Rhode Island and Boston, Massachusetts. Suggests lending assistance if American General John Sullivan's troops are captured. Suggests leaving a force in the Hudson River Highlands comparable to the size of the British force in New York. Advises against an attack on New York. Remarks that obtaining bread will be difficult for the troops moving east.

GLC02437.00722

2 September 1778

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: [Henry Knox's replies to questions posed by George Washington]

In Shaw's hand, and signed for Knox by Shaw. Knox replies in detail to Washington's question, whether an eastward movement of the greater part of the Continental Army would be feasible. Knox writes, "I cannot see the propriety of such a measure at present, or that it would be warranted from the state of information which your Excellency gave to the Council last evening." Discusses the factors involved, including the strength of the French and British fleets near Newport, Rhode Island, and the status of American General John Sullivan's operation in Rhode Island. Considers the likelihood of…

GLC02437.00723

2 September 1778

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph manuscript signed

Title: [Henry Knox's responses to questions posed by George Washington]

Knox's original working draft. Knox responds to General Washington's questions regarding eastward movement of the Continental Army to reinforce troops in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

GLC02437.00724

25 June 1778

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Reports that the British left Philadelphia. He and Lucy went into the city, but had to leave because it "stunk so abominably." Notes that the American and British armies are twenty miles apart, at Princeton and Allentown respectively. Comments on the great number of deserters in the British army. Writes, "if General Actions had no other consequences than merely the kill'd and wounded, we should attack them in 24 hours, but the fate of posterity and not the illusive [sic] [brilliancy] of military Glory govern's our [Fabian] Commander, the Man under God to whom America owes her present…

GLC02437.00712

4 August 1778

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Discusses previous correspondence between the two, noting he always acknowledges letters received from William. Mentions a military operation planned against Newport to take place in conjunction with the arrival of a French fleet led by the Comte D'Estaing. Relates that his wife and daughter, both named Lucy, are with him in White Plains. Notes that Admiral Lord Richard Howe, in Sandy Hook, New Jersey "lays... with his small fleet ardently wishing for such a reinforcement as may enable him to look Monsr. Le Com[text loss]te in the face- but I hope he will be disappointed." Requests…

GLC02437.00717

13 August 1778

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Chastises William, his brother, for not writing more frequently. Mentions a military operation planned against Newport to take place in conjunction with the arrival of a French fleet led by the Comte D'Estaing. Instructs William to inform [James] Bowdoin's family that John Temple, British Consul General, has arrived at New York. Reports that a fire in New York City has destroyed between 80 and 100 houses. Encloses some letters for Colonel Sears in Newport. Regarding the planned military and naval operation, writes, "I hope sincerely that Rhode Island may fall into our hands first. The…

GLC02437.00718