Collection Search

[Knox's retained copy of a letter from John Jay to Lieutenant Colonel Silas Talbot]

Jay, President of Congress, writes "The Bravery & Spirit of enterprize you have on frequent occasions displayed in the service of your Country justly entitle you to the honour done you by the enclosed Act of Congress of the 17th Inst."

GLC02437.00782

to William Knox

Written to William Knox at Amsterdam. Reports that he asked his uncle about the "chest, cask, & some loose furrs which you desire to be shipped for Amsterdam." Notes that some of the items were sold because they were damaged, and Knox may draw the...

GLC02437.00786

to William Knox

De Neufville, of the Amsterdam firm De Neufville & Son, writes to William Knox in London. Reports that since Knox left [Amsterdam], "we have no material news." Apparently discusses business ventures. Refers to mutual acquaintances, including...

GLC02437.00787

[Certificate for Benjamin Gorton's appointment as Conductor of Military Stores in Hodgdon's department]

Hodgdon, Commissary [General] of Military Stores, writes from Succasunna Plains, certifying Gorton's appointment. Also signed by John Ruddock, who served as Deputy Quartermaster of Stores at Fishkill, New York. Includes a note on the bottom of...

GLC02437.00789

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

[Promissory note]

Dunham promises to pay Samuel Shaw, aide-de-camp to Henry Knox, $2,860.60. Shaw signs on verso 18 March 1780, noting, "Please to pay within to Capt. Finley." Shaw also signs 29 June 1780, with a note that states "Please to pay the within to the...

GLC02437.00797

to Peter Anspach

Written by Samuel Shaw, and signed by him for Knox. Knox replies to a letter from Anspach, Paymaster to the Quartermaster General's Department (GLC02437.00801). Finds no error in his account with the Quartermaster besides one omission of credit...

GLC02437.00804

to William Knox

Discusses an upcoming visit from William Knox and gives thanks for an offer to take care of some business. Writes concerning further business ventures. Author of the letter possibly Leendert de Neufville, most likely related to the de Neufvilles of...

GLC02437.00807

[Return of Shells Shot & Powder in Possession of the Continents & the Places where they are deposited, composed with an Estimate of those presented to the Committee of Congress with the Army - 27th June 1780 for sixty Days Service. ]

Lists number of shells and powder requested and their deficiencies by size and place. Includes an explanation of the numbers in Knox's hand at the end. Noted as a copy, "one presented to the Commander in chief, and one transmitted to the board of...

GLC02437.00814

[List of stores from 1780]

Later copy. Lists artillery supplies and stores by date. Date written in pencil.

GLC02437.00841

An Estimate of arms, accountrements and ammunition requisite for an army of 30,000 men, in an active campaign, The dificiences are calculated in specie at six shillings to the dollar, after the rate the articles could have been purchased in 1774.

Lists supplies for men on active campaign by type, number required, number supposedly available, the difference and value. Written at a Park of Artillery. Document is not signed but is written in the hand of Samuel Shaw.

GLC02437.00843

to Benjamin Lincoln.

Later copy. Discusses the exchange of prisoners and that it is still in progess and also mentions the petition of the New England officers for better wages and other benefits. Informs General Lincoln of Cornwallis' movements in the South, mainly...

GLC02437.00852

to William Knox

Advises his brother William for supposed improper behavior on his arrival in Boston. Writes that Lucy is unhappy with the news about her family and mentions the dangerous conditions of the roads. Refers to an incident where mail was stolen and then...

GLC02437.00857

to William Knox

Congratulates William Knox on returning from Europe safely and allaying the fears of Henry and Lucy Knox. Relates the latest military affairs, such as the surrender of Charleston to the British. Mentions that Henry expects William to spend some...

GLC02437.00858

to William Knox

Welcomes his brother William home and makes plans to have him come for a visit. Also discusses the transportation of goods back home from overseas.

GLC02437.00859

to William Knox

Discusses setting up military headquarters at New Windsor. Notes which state troops are where, difficult conditions (troops "panicked with hunger") and that the army is forced to rely upon nature to provide material for shelter, clothing and...

GLC02437.00862

to Henry Knox.

Informs Knox that the Board of War has created a new position, the Deputy Field Commissary of Military Stores for the Southern Army. The Board wishes him to let a Mr. Thomas Jones know that they have appointed him to the position and to have Knox...

GLC02437.00872

Return of Ordnance in the forts at Dorchester Heights belonging to the State of Massachusetts

Lists artillery by type.

GLC02437.00876

[Recommendation for the discharge of Adam Burger, an artillery artificer]

Captain Patten recommends Burger, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for an honorable discharge. Notes that Burger enlisted 20 February 1777. Directed to Brigadier General Henry Knox.

GLC02437.00923

[Recommendation for the discharge of Francis Miller, an artillery artificer]

Captain Patten recommends Miller, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for an honorable discharge. Notes that Miller enlisted 27 May 1777. Directed to Brigadier General Henry Knox.

GLC02437.00926

[Recommendation for the discharge of Mr. Engle, master blacksmith for the artillery artificers]

Captain Patten recommends Engle, of Reading, Pennsylvania, for an honorable discharge. Notes that Engle enlisted 15 February 1777. Directed to Brigadier General Henry Knox.

GLC02437.00927

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Complains about Lincoln not writing to him. Describes in great detail the battles between General Nathanael Greene and Lord Cornwallis at Guilford Court House, North Carolina, 15 March 1781. "Gen. Greene fought upon the best principles...

GLC02437.00934

A return of arms at New Windsor, West Point, and Fishkill, 8th May 1781

Lists good arms with and without bayonets. Directed to Brigadier General Henry Knox.

GLC02437.00946

[Recommendation for the transfer of Lieutenant Timothy Mix to the Corps of Invalids]

Mix hopes to be transferred to the Corps of Invalids or to the Laboratory at Springfield, Massachusetts "by reason of the Wound he received... " Directed to General Henry Knox. Samuel Shaw, Henry Knox's aide-de-camp, authorizes on behalf of Knox...

GLC02437.00959

[A rough estimate of the number of teams which will be wanting to transport cannon and stores]

Includes estimates for transport from: Providence, Rhode Island to Fishkill, New York; Boston, Massachusetts to [Claverack], New York; and from Springfield, Massachusetts to Claverack. Signed by Knox directed to Colonel Timothy Pickering.

GLC02437.00961

Return of arms and cartridge boxes at New Windsor West Point & Fishkill

Possibly created at New Windsor. Lists good and damaged muskets and cartridge boxes. Frothingham signs as Field Commissary of Military Stores.

GLC02437.00967

[Ordnance return for Captain Vose's company]

Notes that Vose's company is attached to General "Hows" division; "How" possibly refers to Robert Howe. Docket written in the hand of Samuel Shaw, Henry Knox's aide-de-camp.

GLC02437.00977

to Henry Knox

William writes to his brother, Brigadier General Henry Knox, stationed at New Windsor, New York. William, who oversaw much of Henry's personal and financial business, confirms receipt of three months of Henry's pay. Discusses currency and exchange...

GLC02437.00983

to Henry Knox

Colonel Swift informs Knox that his 2nd Connecticut Brigade "are destitute of a conductor of military stores and are much imbarrased [sic] for want of one..." Suggests Sergeant Amos Kellogg for the position. Docketed by Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide....

GLC02437.01031

to Henry Knox

Colonel Pickering, Quartermaster General, reports that the Jersey line have not yet arrived (at Phillipsburgh) but are encamped nearby. Complains of his inability to obtain sufficient numbers of horses. Written at Phillipsburgh, New York (present...

GLC02437.01052

[Articles received shipped from Providence, Rhode Island to the State of Connecticut]

Lists items received by Ralph Pomeroy, Quartermaster for Connecticut, including harnesses, ropes, shot, and others. Docketed by Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide.

GLC02437.01083

to William Knox

Has not recently received any letters from William, his brother. Reports that Continental troops in the vicinity reconnoitered at Kings Bridge to estimate where the British are most vulnerable: "The result of our discoveries was a full conviction...

GLC02437.01084

to Henry Knox

Asks Knox for a certificate documenting the time he served as Deputy Commissary of Military Stores (19 May 1777- 2 July 1779).

GLC02437.01104

Return of ordnance & part of the military stores on hand at Philadelphia Augt. 4, 1781

Consists of a return of artillery ammunition and supplies on hand at Philadelphia and of "Muskets &c delivered for the use of the undermention'd states & Troops" from 1 January to 4 August 1781. Signed by Hodgdon, Commissary General of Military...

GLC02437.01115

to Henry Knox

Encloses a return (not included) for "drums & fife wanting in [his] Detachment." Date inferred from GLC02437.01119. File copy in Knox's hand of letter received from Scammell.

GLC02437.01118

to Henry Knox

Written by Major Bauman, the commander of artillery at West Point, to Brigadier General Knox. Says Lieutenant Colonel Popkins has arrived to replace him and asks to be transfered to relieve his "lazy habit, according to the predominant Custom of West...

GLC02437.01126

to John Lamb

Written at camp near Dobbs Ferry. Gives specific orders for mobilization of Lamb's regiment, and apparently the entire artillery park. Indicates they should cross the Hudson River at Kings Ferry. Closing and signature in the hand of Samuel Shaw.

GLC02437.01139

to Henry Knox

Written by Smith, a town leader in Litchfield, Connecticut (he was Litchfield County Treasurer 1779-1780, but it could not be ascertained if he continued in that position into 1781), to Brigadier General Knox. References Knox's letter of 3 August...

GLC02437.01148

to Sebastian Bauman

Written from camp at Kings Ferry, New York. Tells Major Bauman that the party stores under his command are to halt at Potts Mill. Indicates that Colonel Olney's regiment will guard Bauman's charge, possibly a misidentification of Captain Stephen...

GLC02437.01154

Account of Military stores receiv'd from Philadelphia & forwarded to the Head of Elk.

Directed to Henry Knox. Lists quantities of ordnance. Supplies were being embarked at Elk Head, Maryland to support the upcoming siege of Yorktown.

GLC02437.01177

to Henry Knox

Response to Knox's letter (GLC02437.01179). Reports that Mr. Thorp has arrived and describes the ordnance he will receive. Also comments on how Major Sebastian Bauman is responding to Knox's recent directives (see GLC02437.01178). The Continental...

GLC02437.01181

to Henry Knox

Tells Knox that this letter will be delivered by a Lieutenant Ford, who will also deliver ordnance and information about available ships. Describes his activities fulfilling Knox's orders to obtain ordnance and shipping vessels. Mentions using shot...

GLC02437.01183

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...

GLC02437.00714

[Knox's opinion given to George Washington on questions such as detaching part of the main army toward Boston and keeping Continental troops in a "collected state" during winter]

Retained copy of GLC02437.00732, a response to GLC02437.00731. Refer to the draft of this document, GLC02437.00732, for complete scope and content. In Samuel Shaw's hand. Place of writing is inferred from copy at GLC02437.00732.

GLC02437.00733

to George Washington

Sends Washington the "volume of pamphlets belonging Governor [Jonathan] Trumbull." For several days, Knox has retained the pamphlet written by Governor Pownall and hopes to be able to browse through the volume again when Washington is finished...

GLC02437.00800

to William Knox

Discusses the hiring of a new servant and asks his brother William to look for someone "rather small in stature" among other qualitfications. Makes reference to the "affair of Tarleton & Sumpter."

GLC02437.00870

to the Board of War and Ordnance

In Samuel Shaw's hand, and signed by Shaw for Knox. "I have received instructions from His Excellency the Commander in Chief to make application to your honorable board for the Ordnance in operation against New York, agreeably to the estimate before...

GLC02437.00962

[Receipt for rations]

Also signed by John Kelley Smith, Adjutant in Colonel Edward Wigglesworth's Regiment. Palfrey signs on 18 July, verifying the issue of rations. Kelley signs 20 August 1778 approving a payment made to Thomas Smart.

GLC02437.00716

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...

GLC02437.00717

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]...

GLC02437.00718

to William Knox

Asks William, his brother, for news of the location of William Howe's fleet. Apparently speaking of the British, writes "It is improper for a person in any Station to speak thus were it to be divulged but I do not believe there ever was a set of men...

GLC02437.00726

to William Knox

Written at Fredericksburgh. Comments, "You appear a little testy that I did not inform you the Enemy were going to Boston. Indeed I never believed it except a combination of unfortunate circumstances should impress an Idea of the kind on their...

GLC02437.00727

to William Knox

Written at Fredericksburgh. Comments on the arrival of (the privateer) General Arnold's prize. Thinks the British will leave the United States to secure their possessions elsewhere, noting that an attempt to capture the French fleet at Boston rests...

GLC02437.00728

to William Knox

Written at Fredericksburgh. Reports that a large detachment of British troops sailed recently, and by all accounts are bound for the West Indies or Europe. Writes, "The Enemy in New York are still preparing for a further Embarkation, if it takes...

GLC02437.00735

to Silas Talbot

Knox's retained copy of a letter from Laurens, President of Congress. Laurens congratulates Talbot and his men for taking the schooner Pigot, and on behalf of Congress grants Talbot a commission as lieutenant colonel in the Continental Army. Copy...

GLC02437.00737

to Samuel Shaw

Lists goods to be sent to Shaw for the Knox family, noting the location of the articles and when they will be sent. Includes a breakfast table, sheets, pillow cases, candle sticks, and other household items.

GLC02437.00740

No. 2: Ordnance and stores received during the year 1779

Lists articles for 90 men, including officers. Includes muskets, bayonets, lead, flints, and gun slings, among other items.

GLC02437.00744

to William Knox

Is in Philadelphia to suggest new ordnance regulations to a [Congressional?] committee. Of the military, writes, "We are in great want of Lead- The board of War have desir'd me to write to Boston to inquire which quantity can be gotten there and at...

GLC02437.00748

to William Knox

Discusses the revival of the General Arnold, a ship that wrecked in December 1778. Knox had some investment in the ship, and remarks "it would be worth while to... get as much in her as will be prudent to risque," possibly referring to loading the...

GLC02437.00751

to William Knox

Asks William, his brother, to pay Mr. French a sum owed by Knox. Discusses the procurement of cloth for coats. Reports that his wife bore a daughter, whom they named Julia, the previous Sunday. Expresses happiness, though they had wished for a son...

GLC02437.00755

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...

GLC02437.00763

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...

GLC02437.00779

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...

GLC02437.00780

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...

GLC02437.00783

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...

GLC02437.00792

Sundry Articles wanted for the operations of the Present Campaign

Lists items [howitzers, powder, shells, mortar, etc.] requested and their amounts. Knox's retained copy, docketed in Shaw's hand.

GLC02437.00819

[Detailed listing of articles in the Rhode Island department to be held in readiness for transportation by Major Perkins of the artillery - Selected for his return of stores dated Providence 12 March last]

Written in Shaw's hand. Lists guns and other artillery material by gun weight and includes numbers of each item.

GLC02437.00821

Summary return of all the men employed in the service of the artillery and corps of the engineers...

Lists number of men by rank and profession.

GLC02437.00826

A Return of Shells, shot and powder in possession of the United States and the Quantities of each deficient for the Service of the present Campaign, for Sixty days firing

Lists shells by gun size along with the quantity and number deficient. Also includes total cost of the shells only. Written at the War and Ordinace Office.

GLC02437.00830

to Charles Cox

Kennedy hopes that the despite the current situation between England and America, they can remain allies. Also states that perhaps England and America will be "exemplars" to the rest of the world of less despotic political systems.

GLC02437.00831

Proof of Powder, tried on the Plan at West Point in June & July 1780, with a 5 ½ Inch Royal and a 24 Pound Ball

Lists amount of powder used and the range of the ball in feet and yards when shot.

GLC02437.00832

to Ezekiel Cheever

Signed by Shaw for Knox. Details a list of artillery items to send to Fishkill, New York as soon as possible.

GLC02437.00834

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he has concluded some business settlement for him, perhaps including ordering a sword.

GLC02437.00839

Resolutions of Congress, making provision or allowance to wounded, supernumerary or other officers of the American Army, under various contingencies

Assorted resolutions providing for the livelihood of wounded soldiers, such as receiving a pension throughout his life upon losing a limb. Noted that this copy was written by Shaw.

GLC02437.00860

A Return of Ordinances & Stores in Garrison at Fort Schuyler Jany. 1st 1781

Lists ordnance by caliber and type of shot. Noted as being from the garrison at Fort Schuyler.

GLC02437.00869

to Samuel Shaw

Lists the accounts of pay for Nathaniel Barber, John Adams, Samuel Lord and John Austin and asks Shaw to send a certificate so that they can "receive from this Common Wealth, the depreciation thereon."

GLC02437.00879

A Return of Ordinance & Military Stores In Garrison at Fort Schuyler with ye. Alterations Since Last

A detailed list of supplies and stores according to caliber and type. Written at Fort Schuyler, Utica, New York.

GLC02437.00881

[Certificate]

Certificate verifying the appointment of William Pennington as a Lieutenant of the Second regiment of Artillery. Written at a Park of Artillery.

GLC02437.00883

General Return of Ordnance and Stores Now onhand in the Rhode Island Department.

Lists artillery, ammuntion, supplies and stores by condition, type and number.

GLC02437.00885

to the Board of War

Discusses a situation with Pennsylvania soldiers concerning their term of service. See GLC02437.00899 for a letter written by Richard Peters, on behalf of the War Department, responding to Knox's letter. Possibly incomplete.

GLC02437.00887

to the Board of War

Discusses artillery and stores in Pennsylvania and the situation regarding the term of service for the enlisted men of Pennsylvania.

GLC02437.00897

to Henry Knox

Responds to Knox's previously written letter to the War Office on 13 February 1781(see GLC02437.0887). Discusses the status and new command of troops.

GLC02437.00899

[Discharge of Francis Lovett with note by Shaw on verso]

Certifying Lovett's discharge from the "Company of Artillery Artificers."

GLC02437.00904

to William Knox

Begins by listing the ships comprising the French fleet (possibly François de Grasse's): three 74-gun, three 64-gun, one 44-gun, two frigates, and one armed ship. States that he is happy to be seeing his brother William soon and asks for William to...

GLC02437.00910

[Recommendation for the discharge of John Diddy, an artillery artificer]

Captain Patten recommends Diddy, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for an honorable discharge. Notes that Diddy enlisted 21 March 1777. Directed to Brigadier General Henry Knox.

GLC02437.00919

[Recommendation for the discharge of James Bruce, an artillery artificer]

Captain Patten recommends Bruce, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for an honorable discharge. Notes that Bruce enlisted 26 April 1777. Directed to Brigadier General Henry Knox.

GLC02437.00921

[Recommendation for the discharge of William Austin, an artillery artificer]

Captain Patten recommends Austin, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for an honorable discharge. Notes that Austin enlisted 14 April 1777. Directed to Brigadier General Henry Knox.

GLC02437.00924

For Brigr. Genl. Knox in account with Samuel Hodgdon

Contains account information from 1780 and 1781. Hodgdon signs as Deputy Commissary of Military Stores. Contains a note written by Peter Anspach, Paymaster to the Quartermaster General's Department. Anspach writes from Newburgh, New York, 15 May...

GLC02437.00930

[Certifies that Thomas Randall commanded an independent company in the corps of artillery as captain from 1 January 1777 - 1 May 1779]

In Samuel Shaw's hand, and signed by Shaw for Knox. Attests that Randall, from Boston, Massachusetts, has not received "the provision of pay, clothing or allowance for the depreciation of pay, granted by the respective states to officers of equal...

GLC02437.00947

to Marquis de Lafayette

Captain Savage attests that Peter de [Lemay] of his detachment has served as a matross in the 3rd Regiment of Artillery for three years. Recommends him for discharge. This document apparently served as a register of provision orders; there are...

GLC02437.00955

Stores to be forwarded from Pennsylvania

Contains a detailed list of stores, including ordnance, turpentine, hammers, copper ladles, aprons, and wire, among other items. Docket, written and signed for Knox in the hand of Samuel Shaw, notes creation at "Park of Artillery."

GLC02437.00960

[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...

GLC02437.00778

An Opinion delivered 23rd May 1780 to His Excellency General Washington.

Title from docket. Details his opinions and analysis on military strategy and tactics in response to George Washington's questions. First discusses provisions, stating they "are the main savings of an army, and unless they are in perfect order...

GLC02437.00809

[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...

GLC02437.00838

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

to George Washington

Knox's analysis and recommendations to Washington on the military situation for the next campaign, in terms of artillery and ammunitions supply and other military stores. Knox's working draft. Closing and signature are in the hand of Samuel Shaw.

GLC02437.00886

to Colonel [Tench] Tilghman

Shaw, General Henry Knox's aide, writes to Tilghman, George Washington's aide. Reports that the bearer of this note, Lt. Williams, has been robbed of all of his clothes and needs to obtain an order from the clothing store to replace his lost items....

GLC02437.00937

[Certifies that Lewis Garanger entered the Army of the United States in late 1778 as a captain]

Appears to be a draft. Attests that Garanger was a Captain of the French Bombardiers before he joined the Continental Army. George Washington granted him permission to return to France when he could not obtain active service. "Captain Garanger has...

GLC02437.00943

to William Knox

Informs his brother William that the business of the meeting held in Wethersfield between Generals George Washington and Rochambeau did not finish until the morning of 25 May. Rochambeau left 24 May. Knox expects to arrive at New Windsor, New York...

GLC02437.00954

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...

GLC02437.00720