Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 70,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World to soldiers’ letters from World War II and Vietnam. Explore primary sources, visit exhibitions in person or online, or bring your class on a field trip.

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13 July 1777

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Knox writes, "the shortness of your two last letters were not very agreable [sic] to me..." Discusses the Battle of Ticonderoga (2-6 July 1777): "We have received... news of the evacuation of Ticonderoga pregnant in my opinion with the most disagreable [sic] consequences of any thing during the War..." Mentions Generals John Burgoyne (British), Arthur St. Clair (American), and Philip Schuyler (American). Refers to a wagon of supplies Lucy sent to him.

GLC02437.00622

23 July 1777

Jackson, Henry (1747-1809)

Autograph letter

Title: 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 as this- and there is not one that can acct for its being given up in the maner [sic] it was- not one single Gun fired from us..." Wonders how General [Arthur] St. Clair will explain his conduct after the American loss of Ticonderoga. Hopes General George Washington will become aware of General William Howe's plans.

GLC02437.00628

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).

GLC02437.10453

30 July 1777

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Follows British General William Howe while trying to determine if Howe intends on moving toward Philadelphia with his troops. Notes that he is within 32 miles of Philadelphia, and writes, "I am in hopes my business will call me there having never been in that corrupt place..." Wonders as to Howe's hesitation, joking that it is impossible Howe would be afraid of "our ragamuffin army." Criticizes Howe, noting "the first principle of an invader ought to be to destroy the army of his opponents...

GLC02437.00630

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 August 1777

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Reports, "The enemy have manoevr'd us to this place... and after all gave us the slip... this is now the third day of their departure with a fine a wind as ever blew to carry them to New York and so up the North River [the Hudson]-- this must be their great object, and however appearances may have been against it- I could never account why it was not done- Thank God our force there is pretty respectable, and if they can hold out only till we get there...

GLC02437.00632

5 August 1777

Morris, Robert (1734-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Whipple

Morris, a Continental Congressman, discusses naval affairs with Whipple, chairman of the Congressional Marine Committee. Refers to a recent motion in Congress authorizing the Marine Committee to halt the construction of several ships of war. Since the motion was carried, relates that a stop will be put on the construction of a ship in the Connecticut River. Refers to Mr. Shaw (possibly Nathaniel Shaw, a Connecticut shipowner, merchant, and Continental agent) and Captain Chew (possibly Samuel Chew).

GLC06532

12 August 1777

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Written in camp twenty miles from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Expresses his happiness that Lucy has spent time in Newburyport, Massachusetts: "The Gentlemen there with whom I am acquainted, are in my opinion some of the most virtuous public spirited, patriots on the Continent." Reports that British General William Howe might be sailing toward the Chesapeake Bay. Disbelieves the Chesapeake is Howe's target. Asserts instead that Howe intends to sail for the North River (the Hudson) or Philadelphia. Discusses Howe's movements and comments on the extremely hot weather.

GLC02437.00635

13 August 1777

Jackson, Henry (1747-1809)

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Predicts that British General William Howe intends to sail for the North River (the Hudson) to connect with [General John Burgoyne's] army: "The North River is, & must be their object- I think the whole of Genl Howe's conduct, must show his weakness- therefore a Junction of the two Armies, is what he will try for & all he can expect this campaine [sic]..." Reports that a ship, the Hero, arrived in Boston to acquire crew, and will sail 14 or 15 August. Notes that the brevity of this letter results from an extremely painful headache.

GLC02437.00636

20 August 1777

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph document

Title: [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 Philadelphia or the North river is the immediate object of his destination." Discusses William Howe's possible movements.

GLC02437.00637

25 August 1777

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Written at "Derby, 7 Miles below Philadelphia" (possibly Darby, Pennsylvania). Reports that his troops had begun to march to the North River (the Hudson), but received a dispatch that British General William Howe was in the Chesapeake Bay. Believes Philadelphia to be Howe's target, and predicts he will approach Philadelphia via the Delaware River, not the Chesapeake Bay. Reports that American troops marched through Philadelphia 24 August: "their excellent appearance...

GLC02437.00640

28 August 1777

Gates, Horatio (1728-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Reports to Continental General Lincoln about receiving a letter from George Washington concerning his (untrue) opinion that British Commander William Howe had gone to South Carolina, and adds his own hopes that New York will soon be in American possession. Mentions British General John Burgoyne (not named) is losing Canadians and Indians. Expects that Benedict Arnold will join with his division and " ...

GLC05564

4 September 1777

Jackson, Henry (1747-1809)

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses surprise that the Continental Army has no knowledge of British General William Howe's location. Thinks it's possible, but unlikely, Howe intends to sail for Boston. Comments on the Battle of Bennington and the performance of General John Stark: "Genl Starks Action I think view'g every circumstance stands first in the American War...

GLC02437.00647

23 October 1777

Parsons, Samuel Holden (1737-1789)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Mumford

Written by General Parsons to Mumford as a merchant in Groton, Connecticut. Says he has doubtlessly heard of the Convention between General Gates and General Burgoyne. The Convention delineated the terms of surrender for General Burgoyne. Mentions the action at the Battle of Germantown on 4 October 1777. Explains that due to fog, the battle with General William Howe ended prematurely. Says the Americans were close to victory before the fog settled on the field. Mentions casualties of generals. Says General Clinton embarked before he could attack.

GLC00496.075.04

3 December 1777

Parker, W. (fl. 1777)

Newspaper

Title: General advertiser and morning intelligencer. [No. 337 (December 3, 1777)]

Reprints the "whole of the London Gazette Extraordinary," of 2 December 1777 which includes a letter of British General William Howe to Lord George Germain dated 10 October 1777 at Germantown concerning events in the Revolutionary War. Includes a list of wounded and killed at the Battle of Brandywine, 11 September 1777 and Germantown, 4 October 1777. Also prints extracts of letters from Sir Henry Clinton to William Howe. Stamped with half-penny tax on first page lower right corner.

GLC08717

22 December 1777

Fleming, Robert (d. 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.

GLC08825

27 December 1777

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Written at Camp Great Valley [Valley Forge]. Relates that he has not set out for Boston, Lucy's location, due to urgent public business. Writes, "I should most certainly see you this winter if within the compass of human possibility but it will most assuredly be much better for my own satisfaction that I should have the honor of doing public business ... " Notes that George Washington hopes to wait for the arrival of an unspecified committee, and Knox hopes to be able to leave after the committee meets.

GLC02437.00675

21 January 1778

Rooke, William (fl. 1777-1778)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Dorothy Rooke

Writes to his sister, stating that he hopes an unspecified person (possibly Henry Rooke) has returned from America to England. Refers to battle between Generals William Howe and George Washington. Mentions confusing reports he has received concerning the battle. Discusses the possibility of Washington having been taken as a prisoner, and America's loss of troops during the battle. Discusses his travels through Italy viewing artistic masterpieces, including those of Correggio.

GLC03881.03

20 March 1778

Howe, William (1729-1814)

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Appointment of Gabriel DeWebber [DeVeber] to Major Commandant of the New Jersey Volunteers]

Countersigned by Robert Mackenzie, Paymaster General of Provincial Forces raised for His Majesty's service. Loyalist appointment signed during General Howe's occupation of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Includes paper seal.

GLC01450.536

23 March 1778

Lee, Francis Lightfoot (1734-1797)

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Patrick Henry

Co-signed by Banister and free franked in his name. Requests that Congress send new troops to camp without delay. Warns that the Continental army is weak and that it is likely the British will attempt an attack before reinforcements come. Also urgently requests supplies. Writes that he has heard that the British troops in Rhode Island have set out to join General William Howe. States that if this is true, " ...

GLC04807

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.

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.

GLC02437.00721

6 September 1778

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Has received news that a fleet has blocked the port of Boston. Notes that Admiral Parker (possibly Sir Hyde Parker) has arrived at "the Hook" with several ships ("the Hook" may refer to Sandy Hook, New Jersey, or another point in New Jersey near New York City). Reports that General [Nathanael] Greene praised the service of Knox's friend "Harry" [Henry Jackson]. Comments on other military matters, including a proposed duel between General Horatio Gates and James Wilkinson, who served under Gates.

GLC02437.00725

14 September 1778

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 so perfectly disqualified by a total & profound ignorance of every thing that might to constitute the Characters of Leaders of an Army to conquest- poor people they must evacuate the Continent or they will be entirely undone- I beg you not to imagine that by deprecation of their abilities I mean to exalt our own.

GLC02437.00726

28 September 1778

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 minds... I think you may very freely make purchases and rely upon it that the Enemy will not come to Boston this Year- not even the tempting object of the french fleet will be a sufficient inducement.

GLC02437.00727

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