4 August 1776

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Discusses his introduction to Mr. Livingston and Mr. King and their activities in the area. Comments on a rude letter from his brother, Henry Knox (see GLC02437.00398) and how he should respond. Notes that he will talk to the doctor about Lucy coming to Boston for a smallpox inoculation. Wants to set up a regular correspondence. Gives news about a privateer and confirms earlier news about Lucy's family (see GLC02437.00396). Notes that he will send money and Henry Jackson will soon write. Give compliments from various acquaintances.

GLC02437.00410

25 August 1776

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Responds to his brother's news about British ships sailing up the Hudson river, reinforcements arriving for the Continental Army, and Henry's optimistic outlook on the impending battle. Relays news from the West Indies that the Dutch have refused to renew a treaty with Britain to not sell military supplies to Americans and to supply the British with Scotch regiments. Hostilities between the two are beginning. Describes naval skirmishes. Mentions that he has not received any letters from Lucy Knox. Comments on the poor treatment of Tories exiled from Boston to the country. Indicates that…

GLC02437.00425

25 August 1776

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Discusses why he did not introduce two of Lucy's acquaintances, Mr. Livingston and Mr. King, to the ladies Lucy mentioned. Indicates that any enemy ship in the bay is seizing every ship that comes near.

GLC02437.00426

29 August 1776

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Gives a detailed account of a town meeting in Boston's Old Brick Meeting House about smallpox, and a debate over the propriety of multiple office holding especially when it links civil and military authorities. [James] Otis and Major [Paul] Revere argued on opposing sides. Mentions that they read a letter addressed to Henry Jackson in order to hear the news. Discusses getting the buttons and cloth that Knox ordered.

GLC02437.00430

26 September 1776

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Celebrates Knox's "very surprizing deliverance from the hands of the Enemy." Criticizes the "Scandalous Flight of the Connecticut Militia," at the Battle of Long Island. Says that "General Washington himself has wrote to our [Council] & cast most severe reflections on their conduct." In response to Henry's letter from 19 September (see GLC02437.00447), he acknowledges that Henry's work and health have limited his writing and notes that he has obtained the epaulets Henry wanted but has not gotten the blue cloth yet.

GLC02437.00455

1 September 1776

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Applauds the detection of a German traitor named Ledwitz, who had been appointed a lieutenant colonel in the Continental Army. Discusses various orders for payment Henry made. Discusses the last two letters he received from Lucy Knox. Has heard that Halifax was burned down by 500 Indians led by Frank Shaw. Discusses need for guns for privateers in Boston and for Continental frigates. Discusses the comparative advantages of large versus small ships, because Henry Jackson is going to arrange for a vessel that Henry "shall be concern'd in." Notes that new regiments have been raised but are…

GLC02437.00431

15 September 1776

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Complains that Henry has not written to him recently and explains how he has received information from Lucy Knox and Mrs. Jonathan Pollard. Claims that they do not have many good sources for the news in Boston. Indicates that a British ship called the Mifford is seizing any vessel that comes near it in the bay. Mentions plans to mobilize troops from Connecticut. Notes that Benjamin Franklin, Edward Rutledge, and John Adams were being sent by Congress to meet with William Howe, a peace conference that later proved unsuccessful. Mentions reports of a battle on Lake Champlain. Business has…

GLC02437.00445

23 September 1776

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Congratulates his brother on his escape from New York. Notes that many in Boston are "much pleas'd" with the retreat. Tells the version of events in New York he has heard but eagerly awaits details from Henry. Notes hearing that Benedict Arnold returned safely to Fort Ticonderoga, after hearing earlier that he had lost his fleet. Discusses extending "civilities" to Doctor Samuel Stringer, who had done the same when William and Henry were in Albany and Fort George obtaining artillery pieces for the siege of Boston, on his visit to Boston. Mentions business and privateering activities.

GLC02437.00449

11 July 1776

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Gives his sister-in-law news of her friends in Halifax. Also gives news of Lucy's mother and father, who were separated from each other at the time. Indicates that Lucy's mother is well, although she is in a smaller house than she desires. Reports that many Tories in Halifax have not gone to England because they are confident that General William Howe will suppress the Continental Army. Reports that some Scotsman have gone to Quebec with their possessions. Discusses smallpox inoculation and local laws passed to prevent further outbreaks. Notes that two British ships have been captured by…

GLC02437.00368

14 December 1775

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that the boat with letters and provisions sent by Henry arrived yesterday. Explains how a boat William was riding to Sabbath Day Point in sank close to the shore, making the artillery on board and the vessel salvageable. Captain Johnson also arrived, and together with William sent a boat toward Lake George, but the ice will make it slow. William will ride a different scow up to Lake George. Asks Henry to pay Captain Johnson. Henry was then engaged in an operation to transport artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Cambridge, Massachusetts.

GLC02437.00219

16 September 1777-16 October 1777

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph document

Title: Knox's army diary [incomplete]

Mostly deals with movements of the army around Philadelphia in September and October 1777, around the time of the Battle of Germantown. On September 19 says "Intelligence recd. of the enemys pushing for Philadelphia the army cross'd the Schylkill." On 20 September, makes reference to General Anthony Wayne being attacked at night and states that General William Smallwood joined Wayne. Makes reference to George Washington riding reconnaissance with a group of officers on 30 September. Makes reference to moving toward Germantown on 3 and 4 October and describes the battle there. Makes…

GLC02437.08417

10 May 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Account between Henry and William Knox]

Includes charges for moving the War Office, the cost of four salmon, lumber, and other expenses.

GLC02437.03867

December 26, 1777-January 22, 1778

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph document signed

Title: [Journal]

Diary covers a variety of subjects, listed by date, including a report of General William Smallwood's capture of a British brig in Wilmington Delaware, local observations (including Moravian customs), the amount of snowfall, merchant shops, dining with Clinton, etc. Includes travels through Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York. Prior to setting out on this journey, William had been staying with his brother Henry Knox at the Valley Forge encampment. Year inferred from content.

GLC02437.08279

20 March 1777

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions his plan to "enter the Service" once he raises a certain sum, which he is confident he will have soon. He has bought two hundred pounds worth of quills, paper, and similar articles from Newburry, and thinks they will be easy to turn a profit on since they are scarce in Boston. William and Lucy Knox had reopened the bookshop that Henry had operated before the war, and tried to sell these items there. States that he ran into Joshua Wentworth of Portsmouth, who informed him of the arrival of a French vessel carrying a large cargo of arms for the Continental Army. French officers…

GLC02437.00555

25 March 1777

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Continues the discussion about raising money from his last letter, GLC02437.00555. Still believes that he will soon have raised the necessary funds, and will then be free to join the army. Hopes to receive the quills, wax, etc. that day. A French General has arrived and met with General Heath, and more French ships are expected. The General is most likely Phillipe Charles Jean Baptiste Tronson du Coudray.

GLC02437.00558

February 27, 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Wanted to be in Philadelphia by 1 March, but thinks it will more likely be 3 or 4 March now. Writes, "It is the general opinion here that a war will take place between England and France, several officers of the British Navy are here at present, they are hurrying home by the first vessels." Notes Mr. Macomb has been released from jail "upon the principles I lately mentioned to you." States Macomb's real estate is up for sale. Says no man "lives more at his ease" than Horatio Gates. Saw him at 3 dinner parties last week. Mentions that he "is a warm democrat; the Baron says he is a good…

GLC02437.05836

3 June 1777

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relates to Henry what he has heard regarding the Battle of Bound Brook, New Jersey (13 April 1777). Notes that he knows "General Washington & yourself was not in the Battle but intended being at bound Brook the next day." Discusses raising a sum of money and business matters, possibly related to his joining the army and to the bookstore he managed in Boston in Henry's absence. Also mentions Henry's share in the Newbury Privateer as demanded by Colonel Jackson (possibly Henry Jackson). Still awaits Henry's reply regarding his intentions to join the army.

GLC02437.00608

27 May 1777

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to Henry, his brother. Discusses unfounded accusations that he, William, [stole?] a pair of pistols from Edmund Randolph. Writes, "Now to come to the matter which ingrosses all my tho'ts, that of entring the army..." Discusses raising funds pertaining to a previous verbal agreement he made with Henry. Refers to business ventures (including investment in a privateer), a recent sale, and the Newbury Privateer. Appears to harbor intentions of joining Henry (then in Morristown, New Jersey).

GLC02437.00605

4 June 1777

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Comments on his recent sickness, noting that "by riding out often, eating no animal food, & by drinking nothing of a spiritous kind... I have been sensibly losing flesh to a great degree." Complains of the high prices charged for books he is procuring (William was in charge of Henry Knox's bookstore). Has had difficulty procuring saddle cloths for Henry. As in letters from 3 June and 27 May, William awaits approval to join Henry. William has raised enough money to cover his expenses, and hopes to travel to Henry's location in Morristown, New Jersey, with Colonel Crane (possibly John…

GLC02437.00609

12 June 1777

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Replies to his brother's "very affectionate but too short Epistle..." Has sold most of the stock of Henry's bookstore, which he operated in Henry's absence. Writes, "I would not justify your keeping the Store open longer than the time I mention if I were going to tarry here or anywhere else, as the profits would hardly pay the rent of the Store..." Awaits approval to join Henry in New Jersey.

GLC02437.00611

19 June 1777

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the possibly appointment of French officer Philippe Tronson du Coudray in charge of artillery (Knox's post). Writes "...I think the circumstance of having a foreign officer, who neither speaks our language nor can possibly be acquainted with our manners & customs with his being a foreigner must be a sufficient counterballance for every other inconvenience in not confirming his appointment to the Artillery." Expects Henry to leave the military if du Coudray receives the appointment. Will try to procure lemon juice for Henry. Promises, "I shall suspend my entring the Service…

GLC02437.00615

16 September 1777 - 16 October 1777

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Manuscript document

Title: [Account of the campaign of September and October 1777]

Later copy. Possibly created by William Knox, General Henry Knox's brother. Contains a report of the 20 September Battle of Paoli. Mentions Generals Knox, Green (possibly Nathanael Greene), and Alexander McDougall. In an entry for 28 September, records the receipt of favorable news from the north (referring to the Battle of Freeman's Farm). Mentions Generals John Burgoyne (British), Horatio Gates, and Benedict Arnold. An entry for 30 September states, "Very cold nights, having no blankets." Gives an account of the 4 October Battle of Germantown, reporting that General Francis Nash was…

GLC02437.00654

20 October 1776

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 unsuccessful attack. Discusses the transportation of lumber. Asks his brother if he believes British General William Howe will attempt to end the war decisively this winter, if he believes France will assist the colonies, if he thinks the Continental Congress is taking proper actions to form the army. Notes that he will relay information about artillery…

GLC02437.00476

8 July 1779

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Makes financial plans before embarking for Holland on a business venture. Encloses an inventory of "the stock on hand, which amounts nearly to as much sterling as it did upon my taking it after returning from the Army ... " Informs Knox he has only one outstanding debt, and William cannot locate the person with the account (William was in charge of much of Knox's business while Knox served in the military). Declares, " ... we are nearly six hundred pounds... richer than we were when I left the army, which I think it doing tolerably well considering the Capitol we had to begin with ... "…

GLC02437.00773

6 May 1782

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Written by William Knox to his sister-in-law Lucy Knox. Inquires of her health and jokingly calls her newborn son [Marcus Camillus] "the little Roman Stranger." Goes on to say that "I have a good will to be offended that you did not think William a good name enough for him." Says he wrote to friends in England for news of the Fluckers, but has received no answer. Says he should have already been back in America, but that changes in politics has made him postpone his trip. Says his French has improved and that he has made better connections as well. Says he spent the winter in Paris and that "…

GLC02437.01410