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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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Pages

9 September 1775- 16 February 1776

Unknown

Manuscript document

Title: [Orderly book of British troops in Boston]

Contains detailed orders, passwords, information on supplies and behavior, and court martials, among various other topics. Possibly the orderly book of Generals William Howe and Henry Clinton.

GLC04427

5 January 1776

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter

Title: to Lucy Knox

Laments not being able to return to Lucy when he had hoped to. Praises Lucy at length and reaffirms his love for her. Notes that this is only the fourth letter he has been able to write to her in the two months they have been apart, and explains why his letter of 5 December 1775 was so short (see GLC02437.00215). Comments on the weather and the lack of snow, which impeded his plans to transport artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Cambridge, Massachusetts. Mentions that his brother William Knox is now at Lake George preparing the sleds for the transport. Describes his travels.

GLC02437.00237

6 January 1776-4 September 1777

Howe, William (1729-1814)

Manuscript document

Title: [British adjutant's orderly book]

Orderly book of British Commander-in-Chief William Howe, oblong quarto, in the handwriting of six or seven soldier-clerks. Details daily orders, official memoranda, court martials, provisions, directives on the control of civilians, embarkations and landings of troops, and more. Among the historic events described are the siege and evacuation of Boston (from 5 March 1776 for 20 pages) and the execution of Nathan Hale (22 September 1776) who is unnamed.

GLC05983

20 June 1776 - 30 July 1776

Howe, Richard Howe, Earl (1726-1799)

Manuscript document

Title: Official French copy of Benjamin Franklin-Richard Howe letters [in French]

First letter dated 20 June 1776, written aboard the Eagle off of Sandy Hook, New Jersey, is from Admiral Richard Howe to Benjamin Franklin. Encloses official dispatches (not present) outlining his mission of peace with the colonies. Mentions in his postscript that his brother, General William Howe, will act as a fellow peace commissioner. Franklin replies on 30 July 1776 from Philadelphia. Refuses the offers of a pardon in the case of the colonies' surrender, as outlined in the official documents referred to by Howe.

GLC01670

26 June 1776

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Reiterates his message from a 24 June 1776 letter (see GLC02437.00345) that Mr. Jackson will show William his letter, possibly referring to Henry Jackson who wrote to Knox with military news on 17 June 1776 (see GLC02437.00343). Also relays a report that General William Howe is on his way to New York with British forces. Knox indicates that they are prepared and states that it will be their own fault if they do not give the British a reception that does "honor to America." Discusses personal finances and mentions that Lucy Knox will write to William.

GLC02437.00352

1776/07/

Washington, George (1732-1799)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [Benjamin Franklin] re: belated peace initiatives of the Howe brothers

A cryptic but important letter written in the same month as the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, as commander in chief, in response to Franklin's letters. Possibly a draft since Washington has left the day and a name blank, but soon or shortly after July 30, when Franklin's response to Howe was delivered.

GLC01588

1 July 1776

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Chastises William for not writing more. Discusses the recent Tory plot to either capture or assassinate George Washington and the subsequent hanging of a member of the General's Guard named John Rickey, a misidentification of Thomas Hickey, the only person hanged for the conspiracy. Discusses General William Howe's position at Sandy Hook with 130 ships and his ability to strike the city in about three hours.

GLC02437.00356

15 July 1776

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Responds to a letter from Lucy in which she remonstrated Henry over their recent separation in which she left New York and went to Connecticut. Henry is "both grieved an angry" because Lucy blames Henry for her inconveniences even though it is in her "power instantly to remedy them." Moreover, if she does not like it there, it is within her power to go elsewhere. Warns her against anyone contradicting his advice.

GLC02437.00375

15 July 1776

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Mentions that he wrote to Henry Jackson about the British ships that sailed up the Hudson on 12 July 1776 and their engagement with artillery. Describes an attempt by General William Howe to have a letter delivered seeking a truce, which was rejected because it was addressed to Mr. Washington instead of General Washington. In a reference to the Declaration of Independence, the messenger claimed the letter was of a civil matter, not a military one. He expects the message to be brought again, which it was.

GLC02437.00378

22 July 1776

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Indicates that he found an indentured servant, Thomas Eliot, for Lucy (see Lucy's request for one in GLC02437.00383) and has purchased three years of his labor. Mentions that Captain Sebastian Bauman's family "have gone into the Jersies" and asks why she inquired about them. Comments on Lucy's loyalist family. Tells the story of a formal visit of adjutant general of General William Howe's army in which he attempted to deliver a letter addressed to George Washington Esqr.

GLC02437.00385

27 July 1776

Knox, William (1756-1795)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Comments on Lucy's baby daughter's improving health. Discusses the possibility of purchasing two "[corsetts] with bells" for Lucy. Promises to send her tea. He has little hope for a truce, commenting that Lord William Howe will seek a settlement "at the point of a Bayonet." Reports news from England that foreign troops are on route to America. Speculates on the possibility of treaty obligations between Britain and Portugal forcing British troops to be shifted away from America to support Portugal.

GLC02437.00396

19 August 1776

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Discusses corresponding with his wife. Discusses domestic issues like food, clothing, and money, and a sick servant. Asks Lucy to assist Mrs. Jonathan Pollard, who is in need of money. Comments on firing on the Phoenix and other British vessels sailing up the Hudson river and receiving return fire. He expects General William Howe to attack at any time. Discusses Sarah Mifflin, the wife of Brigadier General Thomas Mifflin, as the only lady among the army. Tells Lucy to measure his affection but his letters' content, not their length.

GLC02437.00421

23 August 1776

Howe, William (1729-1814)

Broadside

Title: A Proclamation: [appeal to Loyalists for amnesty and support]

With manuscript notes and calculations on verso

GLC00179

21 October 1776

Watson, Brook (1735-1807)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joshua Mauger

Watson, a merchant and British soldier, informs Mauger that he will remain in Canada until 10 November 1776. Mentions Captains Douglas and Abbott. Reports that in October, "the Two Little Inland Fleets first met each other about 10 o Clock in the Morning on Lake Champlain ... " States that the Continental Fleet contained 11 vessels. Relates that a Continental schooner, Royal Savage, was driven ashore and burnt according to the orders of British General Guy Carleton. States that American ships fled from the British fleet before finally escaping to Fort Ticonderoga.

GLC03902.019

6 November 1776

Knox, Lucy Flucker (ca. 1756-1824)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses her poor health, explains why she did not write for three posts, and laments their separation. Seeks verification of a rumor that General William Howe met the same fate as General John Burgoyne. Letter dated below signature as 6 November. Year inferred from content.

GLC02437.00480

circa 1776-1777

Ellery, William (1727-1820)

Autograph manuscript

Title: [Journal of William Ellery's journey from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Dighton, Massachusetts]

Signed "W.E." Discusses his travels and expenses through eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, southern New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Contains descriptions of Moravian settlements near Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; imprisoned Tories at Newton, New Jersey; room and board at Fishkill, New York; and news of General William Howe's evacuation of New York. William Whipple accompanied him on his trip.

GLC00107.01

18 March 1777

Howe, William (1729-1814)

Broadside

Title: Proclamation re: protection of property

British broadside meant to encourage renewed allegiance to the crown in New York and New Jersey.

GLC00178

6 April 1777

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Loves her and acknowledges her letter. Tries to assuage her fears about the war, smallpox, and his distance from her. Assures her that "General Howe is not driving us thro' the Jersies into Pennsylvania." Discusses the character and rank of the recently arrived French officers. Says France will not enter the war, but will trade, "and will defend that Commerce by force." Is confident that Britain will try to disrupt this trade.

GLC02437.00566

24 April 1777

Tudor, William (1750-1819)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Signed with initials. Informs Knox that a French ship arrived the previous Sunday at Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Notes that the ship carried 52 brass cannons, 10,000 cannon shot, and 9000 grenade shells, among other military supplies. Comments on other ships, including two taken as prizes with provisions for General How (British General William Howe).

GLC02437.09544

30 April 1777

Loring, Joshua (1744-1789)

Document signed

Title: [Permit for prisoner exchange]

Co-signed by General Sir William Howe and his aide-de-camp N. Rose. Permit issued by Joshua Loring, British Commissioner of Prisoners, giving permission to William Taylor to facilitate an exchange of American prisoners Richard McKnight and Thomas Little for British prisoners Peter Campbell and Charles Harrison in Monmouth County, New Jersey. Note on verso says George Washington sanctions the exchange of prisoners.

GLC01412.28

4 May 1777

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter

Title: 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 the British burning of Danbury, Connecticut, which took place in April 1777. Notes that the loss of stores in Danbury "was very amply made up in the store ship lately taken and carried into Dartmouth." Discusses the possible intentions of British General William Howe, and whether he is bound for Philadelphia or the Hudson River.

GLC02437.00586

20 May 1777

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Year and day cited, but no month. Month inferred based on content. Recently visited posts in the Highlands (New York) with General Nathanael Greene. Notes that "Mr. Wm. continues yet quiet in his quarters, but we have still reason to think he intends to evacuate the Jersies, tho' our information is not very perfect as I believe he has pretty much the act of keeping his intentions secret." Has not received new information regarding British General John Burgoyne's intentions to travel toward Boston. Hopes for a successful campaign during the upcoming summer.

GLC02437.00679

21 June 1777

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Jackson

Written at Camp Middlebrook. Replies to an earlier request from Colonel Jackson to enlist Hessians from a captured British ship: "I have not mentioned to the General your request to be permitted to enlist some of [the Hessians], it is so repugnant to the good of the service and your own reputation..." Discusses General William Howe's recent movements, and General John Sullivan's Continental force in Princeton, New Jersey. Is confused by the movements of the British.

GLC02437.00617

7 July 1777

Parsons, Samuel Holden (1737-1789)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Mumford

Written by Major General Parsons to Mumford, a Groton, Connecticut merchant. Says recent events are moving so fast that it they are the product of "a more prolific Brain than I find myself possesd of." Says while the nation is full of news he has little of it to share. Says it is not news that the British have left New Jersey and are concentrating at Staten Island and that it is anyone's guess what their destination will be.

GLC00496.075.01

10 July 1777

Jackson, Henry (1747-1809)

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 Washington had misleading information, believing William Howe intended to march to Philadelphia (Howe did not march to Philadelphia; refer to Knox's letter to Jackson from 21 June).

GLC02437.00621

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