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

18 July 1778

Palfrey, William, 1741-1780

Manuscript document signed

Title: [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

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

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

31 July 1778

Brimmer, Martin, 1742-1804

Manuscript document

Title: [Account between General Henry Knox and Jackson Tracy & Tracy]

Signed by Brimmer on behalf of Jonathan Jackson, Nathaniel Tracy, and John Tracy. Knox pays for sugar and repairs of the Hero, a frigate.

GLC02437.10457

17 August 1778

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph document signed

Title: [John Jackson's account from 12 May- 17 August 1778]

John Jackson's account, partially in his hand and partially in the hand of Henry Knox's aide Samuel Shaw, for goods purchased on behalf of , and services performed for, Henry Knox. Signed by both Jackson and Shaw. Covers Jackson's account with Henry Knox, "part of which time Genl. Arnolds Family lived with Genl Knox..." Notes differentiation between [New] "York" money, Pennsylvania currency, and dollars. Items Jackson purchased include eggs, fowls, ducks, shoes, butter, etc. Includes charges made for washing, and loans to Knox.

GLC02437.10458

3 June 1778

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Shaw, Henry Knox's aide-de-camp, apologizes for the delay in sending a box owned by William. Reports that the army plans to leave Valley Forge, and Henry Knox is unwilling "to leave any thing of his in this d-n'd State." Refers to military and political matters, noting that England ("John Bull") would leave America if it could do so decently. Comments that "La Francois" intends to speculate pretty deeply in American politics." Remarks that British papers emphasize the advantage America could gain by constitutionally uniting with England, yet the British also highlight the difference…

GLC02437.00707

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

28 April 1778

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Manuscript document

Title: [Receipt for four hundred dollars received from Samuel Shaw]

Receipt to Charles Knowles, and signed by him. Pertains to General Henry Knox's account.

GLC02437.00699

30 April 1778

Nicolas, Lewis, 1717-1807

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Colonel Nicola writes, "I lately took the liberty to trouble you with some remedies for the imperfections of shells, presuming you would rather be at the trouble to read ten useless schemes than run the hazard of loosing one good one I again trespass on your time with the inclosed & shall be happy if I can in any shape contribute a mite to the benefit of the American cause."

GLC02437.00700

1777

Nicolas, Lewis, 1717-1807

Autograph manuscript

Title: Some remarks on Mr. Ressons observations on the uncertainty in throwing shells & attempts to remedy the defects that occasion this uncertainty

Technical treatise on various aspects of shells, including the casting of shells using the mold of an iron pot, fuse cases, defects in mortars, the size of powder grains, and other details. A separate page, number nine, is a drawing illustrating shell molds with an explanation for the figures on page eight. Measurements for page nine: 21.1 x 16.4 cm. Docket in Samuel Shaw's hand.

GLC02437.00701

circa 1777-1778

Nicolas, Lewis, 1717-1807

Autograph manuscript

Title: [Discussion of small cannon]

Discusses the observations of Maurice de Saxe on small cannon in his book Mes Réveries. Page two offers descriptions of figures sketched on page five, which are accomplished drawings of rifles and cannon mounts. On pages three and four, Nicola argues the advantages of the weapon he describes.

GLC02437.00703

circa 1777-1778

Nicolas, Lewis, 1717-1807

Autograph manuscript

Title: [Observations regarding the firing of artillery] [in French]

"Observations sur les causes qui derangement les portees des bombes, & sur les attentions qu'il faut avoir pour les tirer avec succes."

GLC02437.00705

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

7 January 1778

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript document

Title: Instructions for visiting the hospital

Headquarters, Valley Forge. "The Commander in Chief being informed that many disorders and irregularities have taken place at the Hospitals and in some the sick are not tended with due care thinks it necessary that each Hospital should be visited by a prudent and careful Field Officer, who should govern himself by the following rules.… He is to examine critically whether the sick are well taken care of, and if in his opinion there be any fault or neglect in their management to report the same to the director Gen of the Hospitals or… if a remedy be not applied in a reasonable time, then to…

GLC09246

12 August 1782

Trumbull, Jonathan Jr., fl. 1782

Autograph document

Title: [Invitation from General Washington to Colonel Vose]

An invitation from General George Washington to Colonel vose to bring six officers of his regiment to dine on the next day. Trumbull served as Washington's secretary from 1781 through 1783.

GLC09338.12

6 July 1775

Hall, Samuel, 1740-1807

Newspaper

Title: New England Chronicle: or the Essex Gazette

New England Chronicle: or the Essex Gazette, with the news: "Cambridge, July 6. Last Sabbath came to Town from Philadelphia, his Excellency George Washington, Esq; appointed, by the Continental Congress, General and Commander in Chief of the American Forces, and was received with every Testimony of Respect due to a Gentleman of his real Worth and elevated Dignity… The Continental Congress have also appointed the Hon. Artemas Ward, Charles Lee, Philip Schuyler, and Israel Putnam…Major-Generals, and Horatio Gates…Adjutant-general, of the American Army." Prints also "The Address of the…

GLC09377