8 October 1781

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Chastises her husband for not writing. Asks Henry when she will see him and why he has not written. The Continental Army was then involved in the siege of Yorktown.

GLC02437.01214

22 March 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Explains that due to miscommunication with General Sir Henry Clinton, he is being detained in New Jersey. Had set out from Philadelphia toward Elizabeth, New Jersey, to attend a meeting of commissioners, but Clinton sent word to Philadelphia which arrived after he left. Clinton's letter postponed the meeting to 20 April, and when Knox finally received word, he wrote to Clinton to ask that due to "the exceeding inconveniences inflicted," he move the appointment up. Relates that they will now meet in Elizabeth on 28 April, but says this will detain them a week at least. Writes that he…

GLC02437.01372

10 April 1782

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Has received letter from Knox, which to her "unspeakable mortification" relates that he will be away from her for several days longer. Apologizes for not writing frequently, but explains that she constantly expected his return. Also mentions that other events and causes have prevented her from writing but says she will explain further in person. Writes, "I have received a long letter from our brother Wm [William Knox] and one from Mr. Williams both of which I should have forwarded could I have imagined you would have staid so long, William was well and in good spirits." Relates that their…

GLC02437.01383

1782

King, Rufus, 1755-1827

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks for his help in obtaining an extract of a letter. Dated added later in pencil. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.08156

15 December 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Misses his wife, and addresses her anxieties in his absence. Writes, "No prospect of ambition or Interest could possibly keep me from you. nothing but a most sacred attachment to the much injured rights of my Country." Comments that the British capture of General Charles Lee is a severe blow to American forces. Hopes the British presence at Newport, Rhode Island will require his service in New England. Addresses the letter to Lucy in New Haven or, if she is not there, Boston.

GLC02437.09540

26 August 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Thanks Lucy for her recent letter, and assures her that although his letters are shorter than hers, it is not from lack of love. Acknowledges receipt of ducks, chickens, and cheese. Writes, "The want of that refinement which you seem to speak of is or will be the Salvation of America, for refinement of Manners introduces corruption and venality. I grant you that most people are in a degree corrupt..." Compares corruption in "young" and "old" states. Refers to the "wickedry" of the British, noting "I had rather revert to the barbarism of the original nations of this Land, than have any…

GLC02437.10006

3-8 June 1777

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Laments Henry's absence, noting he has been gone for three months exactly. Relates that their daughter, Lucy, is well and beautiful despite "five pitts of the small pox in her face." Comments on Henry's loss, possibly of clothes, noting that she will attempt to procure more cambric (a cotton fabric) for him. Mentions the sale of Knox's horses. Relates that she wanted to sell them separately, but Knox's brother William did not wish to do so. Remarks, "...you had better make me your future agent- I'll assure you I am quite a woman of business." Begins writing again 4 June. Plans to send…

GLC02437.10452

26 July 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Written near Morristown, New Jersey. Laments his absence from Lucy. Writes "...had it not been for this cursed war I should have been one of the happi[est] of the human race as it is I am bound by every principle of honor and moral attachment to stand by the Country while I can do it any service- the instant I am convinc'd that I cannot I will retire from public to private life..." Assures her that his absence is not due to lack of love. Addresses her concerns for future financial stability. Discusses business matters, mentioning his friend Harry (Henry Jackson). Urges her to agree to…

GLC02437.10453

15 October 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Written from camp 24 miles from Philadelphia. Sends this letter by Captain Randall, who had "the misfortune to be again made a prisoner after being slightly wounded in 7 or 8 places." Asks why she has not mentioned a gold watch he sent, worrying that the watch has been lost or stolen. Addresses Lucy's concerns regarding their future provision, assuring her to trust God. Reports that Continental defense along the Delaware River has hampered British shipping to and from Philadelphia: "If the enemy cannot get their shipping up Philadelphia is one of the most ineligible places in the world…

GLC02437.10455

25 September 1781

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document signed

Title: [Mr. Jones will apply to Mr. Frothingham and receive five hundred Arms & bayonets].

Instructions indicating that a Mr. [Thomas] Jones will collect ordnance and transport it to Williamsburg, Virginia. Closes by saying "This order will be executed instantly." The arms were for a Virginia regiment commanded by Major General Baron Steuben. The Continental Army was then preparing for the siege of Yorktown.

GLC02437.01190

21 November 1781

Jones, Thomas, fl. 1777-1782

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Cannot yet send the stores left in his charge because he has so far been unable to obtain fatigue men to help haul them. He will not be able to take a survey of the stores until he gets to Richmond. Fears he will not be able to remove them this winter, though he is on his way to Richmond to get help from Capt. Singleton. Writes, "Rest assured Sir as soon as I can get an exact acct of the stores that it shall be forwarded by the first Conveyance." Refers to a Mr. Parvin (possibly Matthew Parvin) who has also been trying to acquire men. Reports that after Knox left, Col. Harrison passed…

GLC02437.01294

January 14, 1782

Jones, Thomas, fl. 1777-1782

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Encloses (not present) a return of military stores for the stores that have been transported from York to Manchester, Virginia. Relates that two sloop-loads of stores are still in York, but that they are working to obtain those and deliver them to Captain Nathaniel Irish, the Deputy Commissary General of Military Stores, who was recently sent from Philadelphia by the Board of War. Declares that Colonel Edward Carrington has been essential to the accomplishing of the task. Begs his assistance in obtaining money to finish the transport and obtain supplies. Asks if Knox will write to General…

GLC02437.01334

January 21, 1779

Powars & Willis (Boston, Mass.), 1776-1801

Newspaper

Title: The Independent chronicle. And the universal advertiser. [Vol. 11, no. [illegible]]

Inscribed by Reverend J. Twain with a note, perhaps in his hand: "Contentall mony. How is it is to be called in May 20 1777 & April 11. 1778. 15 000 000 & 6 million for 15 years." Front page publishes a letter to Lord Chatham of which the author is unknown and ends at the top of page two with the words "to be continued." Includes news of British troops in Georgia and Florida, war plans of King George III, Washington's thoughts on prisoner exchange, and a letter signed by Thomas Paine.

GLC08796

August 1777

Henry, David, 1710-1792

Magazine

Title: The Gentleman's magazine. [August 1777]

Excerpt of the magazine, including pages 354- 404. Contains several letters pertaining to Generals George Washington and William Howe (British) discussing the exchange of prisoners. Includes various letters to Urban, the editor, pertaining to Granville Sharp's "Tract on the Law of Nature," Edmund Smith's translation of Longinus, the invention of reflecting quadrants, and medical issues, among various other topics. Printed by David Henry at St. John's Gate, in London.

GLC08865

2 November 1778

Edes, Benjamin, 1732-1803

Newspaper

Title: Boston gazette and country journal. [No. 1262 (November 2, 1778)]

Discusses a book on government, liberty, and tyranny by pastor Isaac Backus. Contains Articles of Capitulation concerning Francois Claude Amour (the Marquis de Bouille). Mentions General Horatio Gates's arrival in Hartford, Connecticut. Refers to a large issue of counterfeit bills circulating in New York, describing specific characteristics of the counterfeits. Includes various advertisements. Contains several references to the lottery.

GLC08790

21 August 1781

Claypoole, David C., fl. 1757-1849

Newspaper

Title: Pennsylvania packet or the general advertiser. [Vol. 10, no. 771 (August 21, 1781)]

Contains reports of activities of the British army near Camden, South Carolina. Refers to the actions of American General Nathanael Greene, British General Charles Cornwallis, and Lord Francis Hastings-Rawdon. Includes a petition of the West India Planters and Merchants to King George III. Contains reports on the activities of various privateers, notices of sale, and advertisements.

GLC08802

9 August 1781

Willis, Nathaniel, 1755-1831

Newspaper

Title: Independent chronicle and the universal advertiser. [Vol. 13, no. 903 (August 9, 1781)]

Signed by [William?] Dame. Discusses the war against Great Britain. Contains a report on the progress of the Continental Army near Williamsburg, Virginia written as a letter by the Marquis de Lafayette. Lafayette describes events of the Battle of Green Spring, mentioning the actions of American General Anthony Wayne and British General Charles Cornwallis. Includes reports on a meeting between "the Ambassadors from the several belligerent powers, and of the armed neutrality" in May 1781 at Vienna, Austria. Includes reports on the activities of various privateers. Contains advertisements…

GLC08823

22 December 1777

Fleming, Robert, ?-1779

Newspaper

Title: Edinburgh evening courant. [December 22, 1777]

Contains a speech by William Pitt, the Earl of Chatham, an influential British statesman. Includes Boston resolves pertaining to the quartering of Burgoyne and the Convention Army. In his speech to the House of Lords, Pitt declares: "My Lords, I content, that we have not, nor can procure any force sufficient to subdue America. It is monstrous to think of it. There are several noble Lords present well acquainted with military affairs. I call upon any one of them to rise and pledge himself, that the military force now within the kingdom is adequate to its defence; or that any possible force…

GLC08825

August 1776

Henry, David, 1710-1792

Magazine

Title: The Gentleman's magazine

Excerpt of the magazine that includes pages 337-388. The Declaration of Independence is printed on p. 361-362. On p. 377 there is the continuation of an account of the proceedings of the American colonists. The beginning of the article is not present. Other articles concern Parliament, eclipses, book reviews, and additional items of interest. Magazine credited to Sylvanus Urban, printed by David Henry.

GLC08863

January 1, 1781

Pendleton, Edmund, 1721-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Madison

The letter discusses successes of American arms in the South and recruiting in Virginia. Mentions: Colonel Sumter, Colonel Tarleton, Colonel Washington, military recruiting, and American victories.

GLC00099.058

August 6, 1781

Pendleton, Edmund, 1721-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Madison

The letter includes military and political content. The letter discusses the war in Virginia and the Carolinas, news of Washington coming south, and news of the Yorktown campaign. Also mentions: British fleet, York, VA, possibly Gloucester, VA, York River, Marquis de Lafayette, Baltimore, MD, General Greene, and military rumors.

GLC00099.074

September 10, 1781

Pendleton, Edmund, 1721-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Madison

The letter describes the situation at Yorktown, the arrival of the French fleet and troops, fleet actions, and the Virginia military. Also mentions Lord Cornwallis, Marquis de Lafayette, the war in Virginia. Edmund Pendleton discusses the anticipated arrival of George Washington and the capture of Lord Rawdon.

GLC00099.076

August 19, 1782

Pendleton, Edmund, 1721-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Madison

The letter discusses the progress of peace negotiations, his nephew's missing enslaved person, Anthony Wayne and Indian Wars, American independence and restitution. Also mentions: General Carleton, General Washington, Paris, France, and Admiral Rodney.

GLC00099.094

October 17, 1780

Pendleton, Edmund, 1721-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Madison

Discusses the war in Charlotte and Salisbury, North Carolina, and Benedict Arnold's treasonous act. Mentions Colonel Sumter, Colonel Tarleton, and General Gates.

GLC00099.050

October 23, 1780

Pendleton, Edmund, 1721-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Madison re: military preparations in Virginia, the French

Military preparations in Virginia, the French, parole question. Edmund Pendleton has the second digit of the day overwritten and blurred. Also mentions Governor Gadsden, possibly Parole [?], and France as Allies.

GLC00099.051