Collection Search

to Mary Blackman

Writes to his mother that his living situation is good at present as they are quartered in a tavern. Asks "...have you any coperheads there if you have you can consider them worse than the rebels for they are seting fear in the Soldiers rear."

GLC02159.12

to Mary Blackman

Written from Knight Hospital. Informs Mary that her son Francis is getting better.

GLC02159.15

to Lile Miller

GLC02155.127

to Michael Miller

GLC02155.162

to Michael Miller

GLC02155.164

to Michael Miller

GLC02155.190

to Son (Michael Miller)

GLC02155.195

to his cousin Lill

GLC02156.17

to his cousin Lill

GLC02156.19

to mother

GLC02157.27

to mother

Written at Bayou Vermilion

GLC02157.34

to mother

GLC02157.42

to mother

GLC02157.60

Constitution and Bylaws of Warren Temple of Honor

Undated.

GLC02157.75

to Ira Andrews

He explains his financial situation, making particular references to his happiness at being out of debt. He also mentions the value of the State commissioner system which helps him deposit his money.

GLC02158.02

to Ira Andrews

He discusses walking on the Second Battle of Bull Run battlefield 15 months after the battle. He describes it as "sad since the hoggs have Rooted the dead Bodays from thare graves and thare boens lay on the top of the ground in grave numbers." He...

GLC02158.20

to Lucy Knox

Assures her that their separation will not be as long as she fears, that they will soon be together again, and that he loves her deeply. Explains why he must stay at war and away from her, saying: "My obedience in this point interrupts our happiness...

GLC02437.00490

Order of march to Trenton

Orders for surprise attack on British forces at Trenton. On Christmas morning Washington made his famous crossing of the Delaware, and prepared for a surprise attack on Trenton. These orders lay out the various roles of the different sections of...

GLC02437.00495

to Lucy Knox

Expresses his love for Lucy, but says that the love of his country must keep them apart for now. Discusses the Battle of Trenton (26 December 1776) in depth. Starts by stating that Lucy must "have heard of our success on the morning of the 26th...

GLC02437.00497

to Lucy Knox

Asks if she has received his previous letter (GLC02437.00511). Details the fighting from 2 January onward. Discusses the American retreat from Trenton, for which the artillery provided cover, Washington's decision to next attack Princeton where...

GLC02437.00514

to Lucy Knox

Expresses his love for her and his sadness at being forced to part again. Mentions his travel plans as well. After months apart the couple was finally able to see each other when Washington sent Knox to Boston to recruit men and examine artillery...

GLC02437.00544

to Henry Knox

Colonel Crane has been authorized to give twenty pounds as a bounty to those he enlists in the regimental artillery. But Boston is offering a town bounty of fifty pounds for anyone who joins the local army, and this is making recruiting very...

GLC02437.00550

to William Knox

Says that since William's happiness is important to him, he will not prevent his brother from joining the army once William has completed certain essential family business. Arranges for William to pick up his baggage from various spots in New...

GLC02437.00556

to Henry Knox

Reassures his brother of his affection for him. Has received a trunk for Henry from Jonathan Ingersol, and will write him. Informs Knox that he will try to obtain silk stockings for him and that George Washington's coat has been charged to his...

GLC02437.00563

to Henry Knox [incomplete]

Colonel Jackson discusses military details, noting that "the Court," (referring to the Court of Massachusetts) has ordered the draft of every seventh man from towns that have not met enlistment quotas. Has persuaded the court to allow drafted men to...

GLC02437.00591

to Henry Knox

Colonel Jackson writes "by way of Peekskill" [New York]. Reports that a Massachusetts state cruiser has taken two British transport ships bound for New York with Hessians on board. Of the Hessians, writes "it is said they show'd the greatest joy...

GLC02437.00610

to Henry Knox

Replies to a letter from Henry from 21 June, in which Knox discussed British movement in detail. Agrees with Knox, that the British in the New York/New Jersey area will "form a junction with the Nothern [sic] Army." Worries that General George...

GLC02437.00621

to Henry Knox

Discusses the Continental evacuation of Ticonderoga: "My God, what a Stroke we have met with in Loss of Ticonderoga- after all the trouble, pains, & expense the Continent has been at in Fortifyg [sic] that Post, to think we should be obliged to give...

GLC02437.00624

to Henry Knox

Colonel Jackson declares, "The loss of Ticonderoga is a very severe stroke, we shall expereance [sic] the misfortune of it as long as the War lasts- there is no one circumstance take'n place this War that has affected the minds of the People so much...

GLC02437.00628

to Henry Knox

Reports a scare regarding a fleet of 150 ships in the [Massachusetts] Bay. Describes how Bostonians were thrown into confusion, thinking the fleet consisted of British troops from New York. Speaks of the evacuation of Boston: "altho' the Alarm came...

GLC02437.00633

to George Washington

Offers Washington his sentiments "upon the advisability of a Winter Campaign and practicability of an attack upon Philadelphia with the aid of a considerable body of Militia asembled [sic] at an appointed time and place ... I think a Winters Campaign...

GLC02437.00671

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Previous catalog record noted that this is a copy. Knox had planned to travel to New England by way of Albany, New York, so he could see Lincoln and Benedict Arnold, but his late departure will prevent him from taking that route....

GLC02437.00691

to Henry Knox

Compliments Knox on the "generalship" of the evacuation of Long Island and New York. Offers his opinions of the activities in New York and the role of the British navy. Also mentions the loss at Long Island's negative effect on morale. Also...

GLC02437.00458

Return of the Artillery Company of the State of New York commanded by Alexander Hamilton

Signed in text in the third person in the title ("Alexander Hamilton"). Lists numbers of men of various rank present in varying capacities.

Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.00468

to William Knox

Discusses their correspondence. Comments on General Philip Schuyler's planned resignation. Discusses expectations for an attack on Fort Ticonderoga and the plans of General Horatio Gates in relation to Schuyler's impending resignation. Sends his...

GLC02437.00470

to Lucy Knox

Mentions problems with the post. Discusses the Battle of White Plains. Notes his belief that the British are planning to attempt a decisive attack. Thinks she should spend the winter in Boston and if she agrees he will send William Knox to escort...

GLC02437.00479

to Henry Knox

Discusses Knox infrequent correspondence and attributes it to him being "in one of the most active Situations in the whole army." Is happy to hear Knox is getting over an illness. Mentions Knox becoming increasingly fat. Discusses the scarcity and...

GLC02437.00482

to Henry Knox

Asks Knox for a response to a separate letter. Informs Knox that "Congress has ordered some Iron field pieces to be cast." Wishes to know the "state of our furnace at N York," so he can decide if the cannon should be cast there. Also wishes Knox...

GLC02437.00506

to Henry Knox

States that he and two other officers have smallpox, and asks if Knox can forward them "hard money" for "the Common Necessaries." Letter is dated 1776, but should be dated 1777. On the second page of the letteer is an unsigned Lucy Knox autograph...

GLC02437.00512

to Henry Knox

Recommends a young officer named Ebenezer Finley to Knox's artillery corps Finley is "intimately acquainted with those branches of knowledge with are connected with the Science of war." Is currently a third lieutenant in another artillery group, but...

GLC02437.00525

[Invoice of payments from Henry Knox to Jotham Drury]

Lists cash paid by Knox to Drury in order to pay soldiers. Dates are listed for each payment, which total nine hundred and eighty dollars.

GLC02437.00528

[Appointment of James Mackinson to First Lieutenant] [Fragment]

Partially printed document appointing James Mackinson a first Lieutenant. Attested by Charles Thomson as secretary. The top of the document, which contained Mackinson's name, has been lost. The name is found on the docket.

GLC02437.00529

[Receipts for coats and duffle]

States that Murphy received a coat and two and a half yards white duffle for ordnance, and that Hill received a coat and four yards white duffle. Each has signed their name next to the goods they received. Murphy's name is spelled Murffey, and he...

GLC02437.00537

[Description of an artillery laboratory]

Plans for an artillery laboratory with "room for 60 men to work," store rooms, "an air furnace," shops for fifty carpenters, forty smiths, twenty wheel makers, as well as tin men and harness makers, "in all about 200 artificers." Plans also call for...

GLC02437.00542

to Lucy Knox

Later copy. Has enclosed a letter for "the heavenly Miss DeBlois," a friend of Lucy's, which he wishes Lucy to pass on to her. Has also sent a trunk of gowns to Lucy's house via Mr. Colburn, intended for Miss DeBlois. Also asks Lucy to report to...

GLC02437.00543

to Alexander McDougall

Has procured a large amount of shot from Ogden, the owner of a local iron works. Asks McDougall to procure a vessel from the quartermaster at Peekskill on which to send the shot to Albany, where it is badly needed by General Schuyler at Ticonderoga...

GLC02437.00551

to Henry Knox

Badly misses Henry and hopes to hear from him, her only comfort being her young baby, Lucy Flucker Knox. Hopes that he cries when thinking of her hardships. Reports that William Knox, who she calls Billy, has set out for Newburg, in order to...

GLC02437.00553

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...

GLC02437.00558

[Promissory note to William Knox]

Promissory note created by Henry Knox for payment of thirty dollars to William Knox by Ephraim Bartlett. Signed by Bartlett and countersigned by Charles Knowles. Docket in the hand of Henry Knox, who has added an autograph endorsement signed on verso...

GLC02437.00569

to William Knox [incomplete]

Answers Williams questions from a previous letter. First says his effects are stored in Springfield. Next discusses the lease on his store. Advises William on what clothes and other goods he will need to procure for Henry. Lastly says that he...

GLC02437.00571

to Henry Knox

Says he has received orders "from the Council of this State to march my Independent Company Immediately to Providence." Rhode Island needs these men for defense until 2,000 militiamen can be raised, and Jackson worries that without him his men would...

GLC02437.00574

to Henry Knox

Misses Henry, her husband. Gives details of her recent bout with smallpox, noting "I have more than two hundred of them- twenty in my face..." Notes that their daughter, Lucy, has one pox. Discusses the difficulty of hiring men and boys for...

GLC02437.00582

to Lucy Knox

Informs Lucy that Mr. Edes of Boston will soon be leaving Morristown. Looks forward to receiving more letters from Lucy. Text loss on both pages due to paper loss and repair.

GLC02437.00585

to Lucy Knox [incomplete]

Informs Lucy that she has full possession of his heart. Expresses relief that her case of smallpox has improved. Discusses Mr. Bowdoin, possibly a man hired to help Lucy upon the departure of a previous servant or assistant, Mr. Bolling. Discusses...

GLC02437.00586

to John Adams

Later copy. Knox writes to Adams, the Massachusetts representative to Continental Congress. Mentions obtaining cannon cast from the furnace at Salisbury, Massachusetts. Discusses a failed attempt by Colonel Stewart, aide-de-camp to General...

GLC02437.00590

Imported into New Hampshire In the Mercury and Amphitrite from France

Lists items carried in on the ships Mercury and Amphitrite, including flints, cannon, grape shot, powder, and other ordnance stores and arms. The entry for 15 June 1781 notes that "sundry ordnance stores shipped by [Mr.] or [Wm.] Laurens.

GLC02437.00603

to Lucy Knox

Written in Camp Middlebrook. Writes, "I am well and love you infinitely." Complains of the heat, hoping he has hinted enough so that Lucy will send his summer clothes. Mentions a skirmish with the enemy 31 May in which ten men were "cut to pieces...

GLC02437.00607

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...

GLC02437.00609

to Henry Knox

Apologizes for not writing Knox sooner. Reports that he sent Knox wine the previous Sunday. Writes, "I think it impossible my Dear Friend that our Country can be so ungratefull as to put a foreigner over your Head but should they be so foolish &...

GLC02437.00613

to Henry Knox

Opens with, "Did my Harry let the 23rd of this month pass by unnoticed or did it occur to his mind that it was the anniversary of his wedding day..." Reflects upon her happiness when they were first married, and states, "instead of spending our...

GLC02437.00619

to Theodore Parsons

Later copy. Reports on the Continental evacuation of Ticonderoga: "As to the particulars of the retreat of the Army, I am not at present able to communicate,- thus much as to myself I can say, that I have lost all my Baggage of every kind except...

GLC02437.00623

to Henry Knox

Worries that her letters might fall into enemy hands. Reports that she and their daughter, Lucy, are in good health. Beseeches Henry to send for her. Notes that she has forwarded "six or seven letters" to Henry.

GLC02437.00651

[Record of wages received from Samuel Shaw by Mary Lary]

Shaw, Knox's aide-de-camp, pays Lary "for two months wages while in Genl Knox's Family and six dollars in full for washing Mr. Wm Knoxs cloathes." Lary signs again, certifying receipt of six dollars for washing Captain Treat's clothes. Signed twice...

GLC02437.00659

to Lucy Knox

Recently received the first letter from Lucy in a month. Writes, "The [authors?] of this War, on the British side receive my maledictions which hardly square with the forgiveness recommended in the Gospel, but yet my dearest Love I cheerfully...

GLC02437.00663

to Lucy Knox

Franks, aide-de-camp for General Benedict Arnold, replies on behalf of Arnold to a letter from Lucy Knox. Notes that Arnold's indisposition prevented him from answering Lucy Knox's "Billet," and comments on Arnold's recovery (Arnold suffered from a...

GLC02437.00673

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...

GLC02437.00698

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...

GLC02437.00709

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...

GLC02437.00712

John Hoff Memoranda for Col: Knox

Autograph endorsement signed on verso by Henry Knox, written from Mt. Washington, [New York] dated 6 October 1776, requests that Lieutenant Samuel Treat be granted passage over King's Bridge. John Hoff's memoranda explains the content and...

GLC02437.00463

[Clothing receipts]

Four receipts for coats, white swanskin (a kind of material) and shoes, signed by Keyes, Thomas Frothingham, John Oliver, Joseph Eayres and Nathaniel Bowen. (All served under Henry Knox.) Notes supplies received at Mount Washington from Isaiah...

GLC02437.00467

to William Knox

Expresses disappointment with not receiving a letter from William, but writes this letter for both William and Henry Jackson. Discusses being recalled from New Jersey in response to sightings of British ships. Tells William to not give credit to...

GLC02437.00472

to Lucy Knox

Regrets that he must send her to Boston, but hopes to see her and Peter soon, if his duties allow. Notes British movements on Long Island. Comments on the tactical ineptitude displayed by both sides: "The manoeuvres of the enemy are so complicated...

GLC02437.00487

to Henry Knox

Dated November 1776; date of 17 November inferred from content. Reports that Fort Washington has been captured by the British, and that the Americans have "lost" between 2,000 to 3,000 soldiers. The American generals, including Washington, Palmer...

GLC02437.00488

to Lucy Knox

Informs her of the loss of Fort Washington and 1,500 men. "This is the most severe stroke we have received during the war as to the number of men." Writes that he is very upset over the terrible defeat, but has not lost hope.

GLC02437.00489

[Draft of an opinion for General George Washington]

"From the time which has elapsed since Genl Howe disappeared from the Capes, it may be fairly and certainly deduce'd that he has gone very far either to the Southward or eastward... and it may be concluded with the same probability that neither...

GLC02437.00637

to Henry Knox

Praises the American victory in the recent the Battle of Bennington. Notes that General [Benjamin] Lincoln's aide-de-camp sent an account of the British killed, wounded, and missing at Bennington, which amounted to 1,000. Reports that Henry's wife...

GLC02437.00641

A copy of Three Acts of Congress in favor of Silas Talbot

Title from docket. Includes acts for 10 October 1777, 14 November 1778, and 17 September 1779. The first act promotes Talbot to Major for his attempt to set fire to a British ship "and that he be recommended to General Washington for employment...

GLC02437.00656

to George Washington

Penned by Samuel Shaw, with post-script in Knox's hand. Knox answers the question: "... whether it would be advisable to attack the enemies redoubts and the City of Philadelphia by way of storm ... " Knox writes, "I exceedingly lament my want of...

GLC02437.00667

to Henry Knox

Colonel Jackson writes, "Are you dead or alive- one post after another, and not a line from you-its a Mo since I saw your hand writi'g." Describes his attempts to enlist soldiers. Asks if George Washington would approve if he enlists British...

GLC02437.00668

[Military advice for George Washington]

Written from Artillery Park of Great Valley (Valley Forge), Pennsylvania. Knox discusses the necessity of recruiting more men. Argues that New York City is of greater importance to the British than any other place due to its accessibility by way of...

GLC02437.00683

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...

GLC02437.00707

to George Washington

Document in Samuel Shaw's hand, and signed by Shaw for Knox, giving Knox's opinion on several questions posed by Washington. Writes, "...it would be a most criminal degree of madness to hazard a general action at this time with the enemy, as by it we...

GLC02437.00711

to Henry Knox

Indicates that he is sending Knox ordnance and apologizes for the delay caused by wagon availability. Also explains his lack of manpower. If Knox sees General James Reed first, asks that he explain Cheever's inability to comply with a request to...

GLC02437.00464

to Henry Knox

Laments the loss of Bergen Point, New Jersey, as well as any other easy victory by the British because it lifts their spirits and emboldens them. It also discourages the Americans. Wants there to be no more works built that cannot be properly...

GLC02437.00474

to William Knox

Rants about not receiving any letters from Knox. Discusses in detail the "fatal Catastrophe of our Navy," commanded by Benedict Arnold, on Lake Champlain, as well as subsequent activities around Crown Point and Fort Ticonderoga, including the...

GLC02437.00477

to Lucy Knox

Comments on their problems corresponding and reaffirms his love for her. Indicates that the British have stopped pursuing them and their intentions are unknown. Denounces British and Hessian plundering. Describes the Scottish (Highlanders) as the...

GLC02437.00484

to Charles Knowles

Orders Knowles to Philadelphia to get "accounts of the Regmt from General Mifflins [store] & the Quarter master Generals whilst under the direction of Colo Moylan," and then return quickly to Knox. Written four days after the American victory at...

GLC02437.00498

A Calculation of Ordnance, and Ordnance Stores wanted for the Army of the Northern Department made by order of the Hnble. Major Genl. Schuyler

Listings of the quantity and types of cannon desired by the Northern Department, and the amount of shot desired for each. Also a list other needed war-time provisions. A note explains that if the specified objects cannot be sent, then at least the...

GLC02437.00499

to Henry Knox and Lucy Knox

An invitation from General Greene and his wife to dinner.

GLC02437.00501

An account of Cash paid at Sundry Times to my Compy

An account for 179 pounds paid in advance to men of his company "At Sundry Times."

GLC02437.00504

[Timeline of Prisoner Exchange Activities]

Later copy. Listing dates on which important events occurred relating to prisoner exchanges between American and British forces. Entries detail various plans for prisoner exchange. Also specify who is authorized to exchange prisoners and the...

GLC02437.00508

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he put Lucy Knox and Mrs. Pollard up in his house when they could not find anywhere else to stay in New Haven. He did not know them, but had heard Knox himself was honourable, so let the women stay for a month while he was away....

GLC02437.00510

to William Knox

Explains that his letters may be short, but he still loves his brother. Feels God has favourably turned "the tide of our affair." Knows that war is hard, and has prepared himself for losses either "public or personal." Hopes to hear from William...

GLC02437.00515

to Lucy Knox

States that his other recent letter, probably GLC02437.00514, is not full of sentiment because its contents is of public importance and she might wish to show the letter to others. Says that, while there love is public, the full expressions of it...

GLC02437.00516

to William Knox

Promises Knox he will deliver letters to various people for him. Expresses his happiness on hearing that Knox had safely made the trip to Boston. Worries about Mrs. Knox, and comments on Knox's philosophy that "What is is best."

GLC02437.00523

[Invoice of payments to Henry Knox from the Unites States] [incomplete]

List of payments made to Knox by the United States between November 1775 and January 1777. Includes dates payments were made, what they were for, how much they were for, and who actually gave the money to Knox. Figures include pay for Knox and his...

GLC02437.00527

to Joseph Hoff

Orders Hoff to deliver to Colonel Stewart an order for "ten tons Grape Shot mostly the larger with some small." Sent to Hoff at Hibernia Furnace, New Jersey. Docket states that the document is a copy.

GLC02437.00532

to Ezekiel Cheever

Asks Cheever to deliver "three coats & fifteen yards white duffle" to Lieutenant James Hall. Docket states that "three Coats & six yds of W Duffell" were received. Endorsed by Jonathan Terry on verso.

GLC02437.00536

[Receipt for a coat and duffle]

States that Noyes received one "Regimental coat" and two and a half yards of white duffle.

GLC02437.00539

[Receipt for a coat]

States that one coat was received from Ordnance for Alexander Clark. Niles signs for it and writes that he will be accountable for it.

GLC02437.00547