Collection Search

to Henry Knox

Reports that "little Morris" (presumably his son) suffered no ill effects from a recent fall. States that everyone is glad to hear that President Washington has recovered from his illness. Paraphrases Don Quixote: "As Sancho told the Don, He must...

GLC02437.04614

to Henry Knox

Ogden writes Secretary of War Knox to report that four Cherokee Indians traveled to Canada via the West Indies to "procure my Lord Dorchester's permission for the western and northern Indians to join them, and the Southern Indians in the war against...

GLC02437.04682

to Timothy Pickering

Discusses the need to "make a vigorous campaign against the Indians" of Ohio. According to Knox, the Quartermaster in the frontier will now be under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Commander. Says it is the desire of President George Washington...

GLC02437.04867

to Henry Knox

Written from the "Department of State." Pickering informs Knox of his appointment by President George Washington to a commission to determine the Eastern boundary of the United States on the St. Croix River in Maine [as stipulated by Jay's Treaty of...

GLC02437.06694

to Timothy Pickering

In answer to Pickering's letter (see GLC02437.01351), encloses an estimate of the wagons necessary for the artillery in the ensuing campaign. Declares that he sees no problem with using oxen to pull ammunition wagons. Nominates Mr. Turner, a wagon...

GLC02437.01352

to Timothy Pickering

Encloses a return of wagons and horses necessary to prepare the corps of artillery and the artificers in Burlington. Remarks that as these items might be necessary at the shortest notice, he hopes that Colonel Pickering will issue orders that the...

GLC02437.01421

to Henry Knox

Discusses the transportation of supplies from a building at Fishkill being taken down. Writes to inform Pickering that he asked "the officer commanding the fatigue party to see that the lumber was put under the care of a sentry," in case Pickering...

GLC02437.01534

to Timothy Pickering

Mentions that Captain [John] Lillie told him that Pickering visited to ask about some old cannon and to ask whether there were any damaged shells that he might want fixed and returned. Writes that the cannon should be examined and that the damaged 5...

GLC02437.01538

to Henry Knox

Asks that he deliver the damaged shells at West Point to Mr. Daniel Carthy, Quarter Master at West Point.

GLC02437.01541

to Henry Knox

Writes, "I sent to Mr. [Daniel] Carthy a note this morning directing him to apply to you for a crew for a boat which Carthy was to have ready for me. The movement of the army to-morrow, which I must attend, will require that I be able to move with...

GLC02437.01549

to Henry Knox

Written from Camp Verplank's Point, present-day Verplanck, New York. Writes, "The French army is at hand, and the fifth waggon will be ready to cross the river on Saturday. Among other things we want strong ropes to drag the carriages in and out of...

GLC02437.01598

to Henry Knox

Written at Camp Verplank's Point, present-day Verplanck, New York. Mentions that the Brigade of Light Infantry and the Corps of Light Dragoons need traveling forges and that it is not in his power to supply them. Writes, "The park being arrived I...

GLC02437.01609

to Henry Knox

Written from Camp Verplank's Point, present-day Verplanck, New York. Thinks "it will be practicable to support the number of horses you mention as requisite for the duty at West Point. At present the number of horses actually there is twenty two...

GLC02437.01614

to Timothy Pickering

Writes that time is passing and he does not have any new artificers to help construct the new barracks to house the infantry. Colonel [John] Crane's party is stationed in the woods, and will want teams (he may be referring to oxen) to "begin to draw...

GLC02437.01640

to Henry Knox

Written by Colonel Pickering as Quartermaster General to Major General Knox. Reports that Major Cogswell will have 2 good teams sent today to haul the frame for the barrack at Constitution Island. Says 4 more teams will be added as soon as they...

GLC02437.01645

to Timothy Pickering

Writes that he does not have enough teams and artificers yet at West Point. Asks Pickering to work on obtaining them and reports that he has assigned Mr. [Daniel] Carthy to help.

GLC02437.01648

to Henry Knox

Written from Verplank's Point, present-day Verplanck, New York. In response to recent letters from Knox (see GLC02437.01640 and GLC02437.01648), Colonel Pickering, the Quartermaster General, writes, "When the mind is eager in the pursuit of any...

GLC02437.01675

to Henry Knox

Signature has been clipped, but author Colonel Timothy Pickering is mentioned in the docket. Writes, "Agreeably to our mutual determination when last I had the pleasure of seeing you, I am content to receive Mr. Moses Dean again into my department...

GLC02437.01699

to Timothy Pickering

Writes that Sergeant [Moses] Dean will be transfered to Colonel Pickering's regiment from 5 November, as he requested (see GLC02437.01699). Mentions that Major Campbell will "make you acquainted with our difficulties respecting teams." Describes...

GLC02437.01705

to John Pierce

Written and signed for Knox by his aide Samuel Shaw.
States a payment of $141 74/91 to the United States government.

GLC02437.01854

to Henry Knox

Written by Quartermaster General Colonel Pickering to Major General Knox. References Knox's letter of 29 January, which was about collecting wood for firewood and bomb proofs at West Point. Says it appears to be impracticable. Knox said that 48 yoke...

GLC02437.01875

to Henry Knox

Discusses the possible use of two gun-boats for the "wood service." Describes that they are, as of yet, not fit for use as they "have very little rigging & no sails, except square-sails just sufficient to enable them to move with the wind & tide in...

GLC02437.01970

to Henry Knox

Forwards a list of items ordered from Philadelphia and informs Knox that the wagon carrying the items should arrive at any day.

GLC02437.02088

to Henry Knox

Discusses the rations and clothing given to bargemen in the Army and requests better conditions for them. Pickering explains that the men of the Newburgh packet feel that they should have the same benefits as that of the crew on the commander-in...

GLC02437.02112

to Timothy Pickering

In response to an earlier letter from Pickering (see GLC02437.02112), Knox suggests they jointly apply for extra pay for the barge crew rather than extra clothing.

GLC02437.02114

to Henry Knox

Asks on behalf of other quarter masters what they should do with spare ammunition as the "brigades in this vicinity are dissolved and dissolving." "On public service" written on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.02152

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox of the movement of a group of boats from West Point headed for Newburgh, New York, that stopped in New Windsor along the way. Also writes to Knox about the weather in regards to a departure time and exposing the men to the heat.

GLC02437.02169

to Henry Knox

Discusses the maintenance of "the great chain" and whether the military should sell it, as they are in need of funds at the moment.

GLC02437.02481

to Henry Knox

Asks Knox to hire more wagoners to "drive the teams which are transporting wood."

GLC02437.02610

to Henry Knox

Believes that a guard at Newburgh is not necessary. Mentions that men have been dispatched to secure the public wood at New Windsor and discusses the details of that. Needs to refill the wood supply at Newburgh and states a sergeant and 12 men will...

GLC02437.02662

to Timothy Pickering

Discusses the issue of providing firewood for various forts along the Hudson, specifically Stony and Verplanck's Point. Asks if it is possible for those two places to obtain their own wood from the surrounding areas. Retained copy prepared for Knox...

GLC02437.02663

to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for sending wood to Verplanck's and Stony Points. "Public service" written on address leaf with no signature. Docketed by Knox.

GLC02437.02671

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox of a violent storm that knocked down tents for the wood cutters. Mentions sending people to Kings Ferry to look for wood and thanks Knox for granting them permission to cut wood in the surrounding area.

GLC02437.02689

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that due to poor weather, he had to break up several teams of men who were transporting wood to New Windsor and that he increased their pay as compensation.

GLC02437.02704

to Henry Knox

States that Mr. Denniston has applied to him for boards but that he is unable to purchase any. Plans on pulling down buildings at Wappings [Wappingers] Creek to use for board. Teams will haul the wood to the Point [West Point]. Mentions in the...

GLC02437.02725

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox of the wastefulness of the guard and servants who are watching over General William Howe's quarters.

GLC02437.02743

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 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