16 August 1778

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Knox writes to his brother, William: "I write... to inform you of our Welfare- no news- we are waiting most impatiently for some from Rhode Island" (there was a military operation planned against Newport to take place in conjunction with the arrival of a French fleet led by the Comte D'Estaing). Chastises William for sending newspapers "bal'd up in all the form of a Letter and paying as much postage ... " Requests that William write frequently.

GLC02437.00719

24 August 1778

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Acknowledges receipt of a letter William wrote 14 August 1778. Notes that his wife Lucy would also reply to William, but Shaw has not provided her with pens (possibly referring to his aide-de-camp, Samuel Shaw). Refers to a naval battle near Newport, Rhode Island between the fleets of the Comte D'Estaing and British General William Howe. Mentions the violent storm that thwarted the battle, noting that the success of American General John Sullivan, on land in Rhode Island, depends largely on D'Estaing's success (there was no decisive winner in the naval battle, and after the storm D'Estaing…

GLC02437.00720

31 August 1778

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Again chastises William for his "neglect in writing." Refers to the naval battle between the Comte D'Estaing and British General William Howe's fleet near Newport, Rhode Island. Observes that D'Estaing's departure for Boston will oblige American General John Sullivan to end his attack of Aquidneck Island. Comments that General Henry Clinton is on his way to reinforce the British at Rhode Island. Suggests that Lord John Byron, also sent to reinforce Howe, may give Howe's fleet superiority over Sullivan (Howe received no help from Byron, whose fleet had been damaged in a gale). Gives…

GLC02437.00721

21 April 1778

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Location from docket. Asks his brother William, in Boston, why he has not recently written. Declares, "My God this War will go near to ruin me, they are making their Fortunes & I am losing one, however a good intention and a good Conclusion will I hope support & comfort me." Wishes he had a chaise instead of a phaeton (Knox had previously corresponded with his brother regarding the sale of his wife Lucy's phaeton). Reports that Great Britain intends to offer terms of conciliation "to place us where we were in the Year 1763." Mentions a speech by Lord North, Prime Minister of…

GLC02437.00697

29 April 1778

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Writes to his brother, asking why William has not recently written. Mentions a recovered debt and an unspecified petition to be presented to Continental Congress. Inquires as to the fitting out of The General Arnold, a ship, and mentions the loss of The Hero. Expresses disappointment that his friend Harry, possibly Colonel Henry Jackson, has not arrived at Valley Forge. Regarding Jackson, remarks, "...I suppose his fat sides are so sore that he is unable to travel with any rapidity." Writes, "Our army is improving discipline and increasing in numbers every day, but this ought by no means…

GLC02437.00698

27 May 1778

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Knox informs his brother that his wife and daughter, both named Lucy, arrived recently at Valley Forge. Notes that General [Benedict] Arnold accompanied Lucy from New Haven, Connecticut. Notes that his guests may not be able to enjoy their accommodations at camp for very much longer, "the Enemy being on the eve of evacuating Philadelphia." Asserts the British are expected to travel to New York before sailing to the West Indies. Questions why William has not written to him sooner, and discusses a debt handled by William in Boston. In closing, writes, "I shall write you a History of the…

GLC02437.00706

3 June 1778

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Discusses matters of business William is tending to in Boston, including a debt and a petition. Writes, "The Enemy have not yet evacuated Philadelphia but we are in hourly expectation of that event. The whole army is under marching orders as soon as they leave the City." Expects the British to assemble their force at New York City. Reports that Lucy "and the baby" are both well, referring to his wife, and possibly to their two-year-old daughter, also named Lucy. Relates that he has seen "Harry," possibly Colonel Henry Jackson.

GLC02437.00708

10 June 1778

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Reports that British Commissioners William Eden, First Baron Auckland, Frederick Howard, Earl of Carlisle, and Governor George Johnstone are meeting in Philadelphia to discuss conciliation with America. Declares, "Any offers they may make but of Independence, or a total withdraw of their Armies & Navies will be fruitless- I believe they will not make these offers ... " Asks where the soldiers from Massachusetts are, noting that Massachusetts' quotas of men have not arrived at Valley Forge.

GLC02437.00709

June 16, 1778

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Knox writes his brother a brief message: "The Enemy are expected to evacuate Philadelphia tonight- the Two Lucy's are well" (referring to his wife and daughter, both named Lucy).

GLC02437.00710

2 July 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: [Letter authorizing Major Samuel Shaw to borrow money]

Written and signed for General Knox in a secretarial hand. Certifies that Major Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide-de-camp, is authorized to borrow one thousand Spanish milled dollars (also known as Spanish dollars) on behalf of General Knox and his wife. The loan is to be repaid by General Knox in twelve or eighteen months with interest.

GLC02437.02224

27 July 1779

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph manuscript

Title: [Knox's working draft of opinion delivered to his Excellency General Washington]

Knox answers the question of "the position that it will be proper for our Army to take, on the Question whether any and what offensive measures can with propriety be pursued at present, and of the line of Conduct necessary for us to pursue under the circumstances ... " Asserts that the caution of the British suggests they are expecting reinforcements. Discusses strategic positioning and the possibility of enemy movement along the Hudson River. Mentions Verplanck's Point. In closing, writes, "Unless the Enemy receive a large reinforcement their operations will be pretty much [confind?]...…

GLC02437.00778

30 September 1779

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document signed

Title: to George Washington

Working draft of Knox's report to George Washington. Describes British fortifications at Stony Point and Verplanck, New York. Advises Washington regarding the feasibility of attacking British posts in the area. Docket reads, "Knox to Washington No. 4" with final page adding a report on West Point.

GLC02437.00784

May 21, 1779

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Henry Knox recaps a letter he recently sent to William, in which he urged William to sail directly to Amsterdam instead of stopping in France. He mentions letters of introduction he previously sent for William's voyage to Europe, noting he will also ask the Baron von Steuben for introductory letters. He requests William to send a list of the persons to whom Baron Johann De Kalb's letters of introduction were addressed. Relates that the Winslow sisters will travel to Boston within a fortnight. Comments on the recovery of Lucy, his wife, from a recent illness. He instructs William to ship his…

GLC02437.00763

4 June 1779

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Reports that Continental troops are moving toward the British on the North (Hudson) River. Discusses William's upcoming voyage, a mercantile venture to Holland. Declares, "From the high Spirits of our troops, their discipline, and equipments, I think if we come into contact with the Enemy we shall at least do justice to ourselves and Country whatever may be the Event." Mentions Lucy Knox and their daughters (Lucy and Julia). Notes that the Winslow sisters have not yet left for Boston.

GLC02437.00768

14 June 1779

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Sends his wishes for her improved health. Reports that the enemy in his area have made no new movements. Relates news of General Benjamin Lincoln's victory against the British in South Carolina (Lincoln engaged the British as they retreated from a siege of Charleston, South Carolina). Declares "God Grant it to be time as it will have a very principal influence in happily terminating the War." Relates that his brother William wrote from Hartford, Connecticut, stating he was able to procure bills of exchange, and expects to sail [for Holland] within three weeks. Sends his love to Lucy's…

GLC02437.00769

29 June 1779

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Laments at length that he can not be with his wife and family (both Lucy and their infant daughter, Julia, are extremely sick). Has reason to believe the British have traveled down the river (the Hudson). Remarks that Continental posts near New Windsor are fortified well enough to discourage a British attack. Speculates that the British will try to draw Continental troops away from the more well-fortified areas. Reports that his brother, William may have sailed the previous Thursday [for Holland]. Contains some text loss due to a large central hole. Also contains extensive repair.

GLC02437.00771

5 August 1779

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: Commissions received from the Board of War

Unsigned retained copy in Samuel Shaw's hand. A note states that the creator encloses a commission for Lieutenant Porter by order of Henry Knox. Relates that a Mr. Savage declined his commission, and will continue in the regiment to which he already belongs. Lists six commissions received from the Board of War 5 August 1779, and four from 11 August 1779, including that of John Mosely (possibly John Moseley, refer to GLC02437.0776).

GLC02437.00779

8 August 1779

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Requests that Lucy write to him and inform him of her health. Recently sent a letter to her through Major Bauman (Sebastian Bauman). Hopes "to be so far informd [sic] of the Enemies intentions and designs, as to determine to have you nearer to me than at the present- I still entertain that hope though I am possess'd of no more materials than at that time to form a judgement." Expresses his wishes at length for a time when they no longer have to be separated. Reports that William, his brother, should have recently sailed (for Holland), but the departure of four British warships from New…

GLC02437.00780

28 September 1779

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Letter

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Expresses happiness in hearing of the British evacuation of South Carolina, which Knox attributes to Lincoln's attack on the British in the Battle of Stono Ferry, 20 June 1779, (there is evidence that the British had previous plans to evacuate the area). Informs Lincoln that some British troops are currently embarking from New York. Writes, "The Enemy as well in Europe as in America seemed to have formed some very high hopes of obtaining all South Carolina the present Campaign. The chagrin at the failure will be proportionate. The European intelligence is extremely flattering…

GLC02437.00783

circa June 1779

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Possibly written from Middlebrook (present-day Bound Brook, New Jersey). Henry previously wrote to Mr. [Joseph?] Peirce discussing how a clause in the Confiscation Act would affect his debt. Remarks, "I have received no answer from him and confess I feel a deal of anxiety on the subject." Asks William to speak to Peirce. Writes, "The whole Army have moved up to this place to cover the almost infinitely important Forts in the highlands- which we do in so effectual a manner that were the Enemy much stronger than they are I should be in no pain for the safety of the forts." Reports that the…

GLC02437.00792

7 January 1780

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: Ammunition and apparatus necessary for the following ordnance

Written in the clerical hand of Samuel Shaw, and signed by him for Knox. Lists cannons and corresponding ammunition. Date from docket.

GLC02437.00796

1779

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 1779.

Includes two charts. The first indicates, "MArch 9th 1779 Congress resolved that the Infantry of these States for the next campaign, be composed of 80 battalions." Lists states and corresponding quotas and required troops for 1779. Lists numbers of men furnished, separated by Continental troops and militia. Includes total number of Continental troops and militia. Second chart contains an estimate of militia employed in addition to those cited in the first chart. Part of Knox's May 10, 1790 report to Congress. See also GLC02437.10586, .10466, .10468 and .10010.

GLC02437.10475

July 15, 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Mentions that he wrote to Henry Jackson about the British ships that sailed up the Hudson on 12 July 1776 and their engagement with artillery. Describes an attempt by General William Howe to have a letter delivered seeking a truce, which was rejected because it was addressed to Mr. Washington instead of General Washington. In a reference to the Declaration of Independence, the messenger claimed the letter was of a civil matter, not a military one. He expects the message to be brought again, which it was. Asks William to give the wife of Thomas Seward twenty dollars and to inform her that…

GLC02437.00378

15 July 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph note signed

Title: to William Knox

Requests that his brother pay ten dollars to Thomas Henley or order that amount withdrawn. A note from Henley on the bottom indicates that the money should be paid to Samuel Conant and the docket identifies the note as an "Order in favor of Mr. Conant."

GLC02437.00380

24 July 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Alexander Hamilton

Later copy. Knox sent Hamilton the latest information on what is now known as the Huddy-Asgill Affair.

GLC02437.01499