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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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28 August 1777

Knox, Lucy Flucker (ca. 1756-1824)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reprimands Henry for not writing sooner. Notes that she sent a letter to Henry with Captain Randall. Asks Henry to intervene on behalf of Captain Bliss regarding an unspecified matter. Writes, "It is very strange that you mention nothing to me of a strange letter I sent you from the pretended Dutchess addressed to his excellency- I do not like to be treated so..." Notes that "your man Jacksons wife" is displeased by hearing nothing from him. Reports that she and their "little girl," Lucy, are doing well.

GLC02437.00642

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

15 September 1777

Jackson, Henry (1747-1809)

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Would have written to Knox sooner, but was obliged to attend the execution of a man who had deserted from his regiment. Writes, "...he was Shot at the Bottom of the Common, it is supprise'g how the people minds are alter'd about this matter from what it was when the British Troops were here- every one cry'g out a deserter ought to die..." Mentions a British naval prize taken by a privateer and brought to Newburyport, Massachusetts. Describes a matter between the Tartar, an American ship, and a twenty-gun British ship.

GLC02437.00649

18 September 1777

Jackson, Henry (1747-1809)

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson declares, "...I am sure if we exert ourselves to the Southward & Northward as we ought to do that this Campaign will nearly bring the War to a Close, and establish our Independence." Reports he has heard news that Generals Horatio Gates, Benjamin Lincoln, and Benedict Arnold intend to attack British General John Burgoyne's army (near Saratoga, New York).

GLC02437.00650

3 October 1777

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Jackson

Reports that nothing has changed since 23 September, when he previously wrote, and that the British still have possession of Philadelphia. Relates that the Delaware frigate was recently lost to the British. Recently received militia reinforcement. Has received news from the north (possibly referring to the Battle of Freeman's Farm, 19 September 1777). Regarding the reports, comments: "...if this news should be followed by the probable consequences We may yet conclude the Campaign if not the War most happily..."

GLC02437.00653

3 November 1777

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Knox worries because Lucy has not recently written to him. Reports receipt of a letter from "Harry," (Colonel Henry Jackson, also in Boston). Expresses discontent regarding the high price of goods Jackson reported in Boston. Refers to the "glorious event to the northward," John Burgoyne's surrender at Saratoga, New York.

GLC02437.00662

27 November 1777

Jackson, Henry (1747-1809)

Autograph letter

Title: 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 General John Burgoyne's men, who are marching through on their way to embark for England following the British defeat at Saratoga. Argues that since Burgoyne's men are neither prisoners nor deserters, he should be able to recruit them. Hopes to obtain a set of bayonet belts based on the English pattern.

GLC02437.00668

2 December 1777

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Writes, "In short my Lucy no man on earth seperated [sic] from All that he holds Dear on earth has ever suffer'd more than I have suffer'd in being absent from you whom I hold dearer than every other object..." Defends his love for her, because "in one moment of inadventure you have written which will long be the source of unhappiness to me." Expects to be able to set out for Congress when the army goes into winter quarters, and intends to be in Boston (Lucy's location) in one month.

GLC02437.00670

3 December 1777

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Expresses his love for her as a follow up to a letter from the previous day. Writes, " ... is there nothing in this world that would satisfy [Lucy] but deserting the camp in which I am engag'd and render my self eternally infamous ... by resigning at the time my Country may stand in need of my little assistance- God forbid." Feels sympathy for her loneliness, mentioning the absence of her family (as Loyalists, they had moved to England). Hopes to see her in about a month.

GLC02437.00672

April 1778 - August 1778

Header Record

Title: Reciept fragments [Decimalized .01-.02]

Two small receipt fragments. One with the signature of Henry Jackson, Colonel, the other possibly a fragment from an account book or letter.

GLC01450.054

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.

GLC02437.00698

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

August 1778

Jackson, Henry (1747-1809)

Signature

Title: [Henry Jackson signature clipped from document]

Small fragment of paper clipped from a larger document with the words "July & Augt" and Jackson's signature.

GLC01450.054.01

13 June 1779

Gates, Horatio (1728-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Jackson

Written by Major General Gates as commander of the Eastern Department to Colonel Jackson as commander of one of the "16 Additional Continental Regiments" raised at large after December 1776. Each regiment was named for its Colonel, with Jackson's being renamed the 16th Massachusetts in January 1781. Warns of British embarkation in Newport. Approves of Jackson's apprehension of "The Conventioner." Says he is secured and will be treated "as he Deserves." References receiving letter of news of enemy movement off Point Judith. Large tears repaired.

GLC01412.29

13 November circa 1780-1789

Jackson, Henry (1747-1809)

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Receipt]

Lists items bought by William Knox from a Nathaniel [Byd. Lyd ?]. Items include pillows and pillowcases, rugs, beds, and other bedding.

GLC02437.08593

20 May 1781

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Recently arrived in Wethersfield with Generals George Washington and Duportail to meet General Rochambeau and Admiral Louis Jacques comte de Barras de Saint-Laurant to discuss "matters of great consequence." Expresses relief regarding William's management of an unspecified debt. Hopes for the safety of the Amsterdam, a ship. Comments on his distress regarding the depreciation of paper currency, asking William to procure "hard money" if he can.

GLC02437.00953

25 August 1781

Jackson, Henry (1747-1809)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses unhappiness with his post because of the limited action and requests a transfer should an opening occur. He has also mentioned this desire to Colonel David Cobb, formerly Jackson's second in command. Mentions tentative plans to visit Lucy, Knox's wife. Knox's response written in Philadelphia Pennsylvania appears on the verso. General George Washington ordered General Benjamin Lincoln to lead the American Army south to invest Yorktown, and Jackson is ordered to join him. Verso is a Henry Knox autograph letter signed dated 30 August 1781 to Colonel John Lamb.

GLC02437.01157

14 December 1781

Williams, Jonathan (1750-1815)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Happy to receive news of Lord Cornwallis's surrender: "The Effect this reverse of Fortune has on the british Government is similar to what we often see in a man mad with Rage - Vengeance, Death Destruction foams at his mouth although he has not strength enough left to manage his weapon." Discusses the perspectives of the British King and Lords of Commons and their attitudes toward the American victory. Talks about Major Franks's arrival in Nantes and his acquaintance with Knox.

GLC02437.01304

2 January 1783

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Moylan

Writes to John Moylan, the Clothier General, that the "troops in this department are reduced to one regiment of Infantry of 500 rank and file, and one corps of artillery." Has enclosed a return of the articles necessary to clothe the men for the year. Asks him to procure these items and send them to West Point, to Colonel H. [likely Henry] Jackson for the infantry and to Major [Sebastian] Bauman for the artillery. Also discusses the structure and size of the departments; may be referring to the commissary department.

GLC02437.01789

28 February 1782

Jackson, Henry (1747-1809)

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox [incomplete]

Discusses various topics of the day, including his own illness, the execution of a soldier for desertion and the trial of another for forgery, the capture of Lord Cornwallis and his army, and his movements with the military over the last several months. Mentions that Generals William Heath and Alexander McDougall have had a misunderstanding, and a court is being convened to try McDougall, with William Alexander Lord Stirling as President and Jackson himself as a member of the court; lists the other members of the court on page eight. Also asks when the soldiers will be paid.

GLC02437.01360

17 June 1782

Jackson, Henry (1747-1809)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes, "Colo. [John] Greaton the commanding officer of the 3 Massachusetts Brigade has marched with his Regiment to relieve the Ports at Dobbs Ferry, Stony, and Verplanks point, since which I have received information that the Brigade is without a conductor, or any person to receive & deliver arms, ammunition &c. Mr.

GLC02437.01455

1782 August 2

Heath, William (1737-1814)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Colonel Henry Jackson

The recipient is inferred from contenets of the letter. Informs Col. Jackson that he has just received the New York newspaper with an enclosed letter of intelligence from him. States that he will send the letter and newspaper to the Commander in Chief.

GLC01412.63.04

5 October 1782

Tilghman, Tench (1744-1786)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Written from Head Quarters. No addressee is listed, but likely written to Henry Knox. Writes that "Mr. Cornell and Mr. Wadsworth have commenced a treaty, which I hope will terminate in the latter's taking up the Contracts of the whole Army - Mr.

GLC02437.01646

circa 1783

Manuscript document

Title: [Financial document of the Society of Cincinnati, State of Massachusetts]

Lists various expenses, including "cash paid by Marquis de Lafayette for orders presented the French officers", and to L'Enfant for ribbons.

GLC04379.16

12 February 1783

Jackson, Henry (1747-1809)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he will be passing through Knox's garrison with his own regiment and asks for Knox's advice concerning traveling down a river. Also tells Knox that "Col. Frank Barber of the Jersey Line was yesterday afternoon Kille'd [sic] dead on the spot, by the fall of a tree as he was going home to diner [sic] his horse was kill'd also." Noted as written at Huts.

GLC02437.01913

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