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25 March 1777
Gordon, William (1728-1807)
to Catharine Macaulay
Seeks her help writing a history of the Revolution. Planned a contemporaneous account of the Revolution, which he claims is authorized by Washington.
GLC01791.01
11 June 1785
Luxe George (fl. 1785)
He refers to the Campaign of 1776 as "the most glorious epoch of this command." He praises Washington extensively in battle and as a national leader. He will research details on the Revolution for her.
GLC01794.18
24 August 1775
Warren, Mercy Otis (1728-1814)
Refers to the present dangerous affairs due to British barbarity. Alludes to "the Bravery of the peasants of Lexington." Describes the investment of a colonial army led by Washington and the beginnings of a representative government in Massachusetts...
GLC01800.02
7 July 1775
Knox, Henry (1750-1806)
to Lucy Knox
Longs to see her, but must be of service to his country. Sends her copies of the addresses made in Congress and directed to generals George Washington and Charles Lee (not included).
GLC02437.00197
11 July 1775
Comments affectionately about writing to Lucy often. Reports that he goes to Roxbury and Cambridge in the mornings and returns to Watertown in the evenings, offering support to Captain Michael Jackson's company. Plans to visit her soon, but feels...
GLC02437.00199
10 August 1775
Affectionately laments their separation. Mentions that Generals George Washington and Charles Lee inquired about her. Comments on an encounter with navy prisoners. Discusses the "regulars" making a "fine prize" of 2000 sheep and 150 heads of...
GLC02437.00200
5 January 1776
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...
GLC02437.00237
1 February 1776
Washington, George (1732-1799)
Lucy Knox and Henry Knox
Invitation to dinner, from George and Martha Washington.
GLC02437.00247
24 April 1776
Writes that he curses "the man who first brought on this war only because it separates me from my Love." Mentions that he has received instructions from George Washington to inspect and fortify the local harbor in order to make it safe for...
GLC02437.00276
1 July 1776
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...
GLC02437.00356
15 July 1776
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...
GLC02437.00375
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...
GLC02437.00378
18 July 1776
Jackson, Henry (1747-1809)
to Henry Knox
Reports no news from Boston and a feeling of security there. Explains that all news from New York comes from the bi-weekly post deliveries. They keep hoping to hear "something grand from you[r] quarter." General George Washington's call for troops...
GLC02437.00382
22 July 1776
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...
GLC02437.00385
21 July 1776
Thanks her for writing and remarks that "Religion and virtue dictated every line" of her last letter. Discusses death from a religious perspective. Informs Lucy that this letter will be delivered by Elbridge Gerry, a member of the Continental...
GLC02437.00387
7 September 1776
Indicates that military activities in New York are disrupting the mail. Thanks her for the kindness of her last letter. Reports little activities since the retreat in the Battle of Long Island. Criticizes the promotions that have been made because...
GLC02437.00442
7 November 1776
William Knox
Was worried to hear from Henry Jackson that William had gone aboard a ship going to confront the British ship the Mifford. Notes that after pursuing the Continental Army to White Plains, the British have turned back toward New York and Knox...
GLC02437.00483
28 December 1776
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
6 March 1777
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
3 April 1777
Knox, Lucy Flucker (ca. 1756-1824)
Says she and Mr. [Benjamin] Hichborn have completed "the affair of the house" for 5,500 pounds. Says the transaction pains her, though is sure her father will approve once he knows the circumstances. Is worried, however, that others may see Henry...
GLC02437.00565
13 April 1777
Hopes Henry is thinking of her. Says that she is being inoculated for smallpox, but that a rash on her arm has slowed the process and led the doctor to give her more mercury. Worries about her health but says their daughter is doing quite well....
GLC02437.00572
26 May 1777
Laments her lonely situation, noting that a recent visitor brought her news of Henry, but no letter from him. Envies the wives of generals able to travel with their husbands: "happy Mrs. Washington happy Mrs Gates in short I do not recollect an...
GLC02437.00602
17 July 1777
Mentions the capture of the Fox, a British frigate. Apparently, the Fox was retaken by the British, but this news is uncorroborated. Colonel Jackson expects to be called in to pay Knox's contribution to a privateer. Suggests that Henry persuade...
GLC02437.00626
24 August 1777
Comments on General John Stark and the Battle of Bennington ( 16 August 1777): "I don't think all History from Adam to this day, can produce such an instance, which an unequal number of raw undisciplind militia, have attack'd a Superor number of well...
GLC02437.00639
10 January 1779
Discusses recent trouble with the post, his estate (William handled many business matters in Knox's absence), and a petition. Possibly referring to his own estate, expresses relief that William has chosen Joseph Peirce as an agent. Requests that...
GLC02437.00745
29 September 1781
Notes the "very kind reception from the good Lady of this place" [Martha Washington]. Gives news about their daughter Lucy, who is staying in Philadelphia. Colonel Clement Biddle and his wife will see her each Sunday. Pertinent correspondence will...
GLC02437.01199
1 October 1781
Responds to his wife's letter dated 29 September 1781 (GLC02437.01200). Discusses investing Yorktown and General Cornwallis' evacuation of his outer works the day before writing this letter. Discusses the Continental Army's prospects to "impress our...
GLC02437.01203
16 October 1781
Writes that Martha Washington and Nellie Calvert Custis received letters from their husbands letting them know how they are and what is happening in the war. Chastises Henry for not writing. She misses their daughter Lucy, who was living in...
GLC02437.01230
19 October 1781
Announces that "a glorious moment for America" has arrived, Lord Cornwallis has surrendered at the Battle of Yorktown. Discusses how General Washington refused Cornwallis' request that Britons and Germans be sent back to their countries prior to his...
GLC02437.01244
23 October 1781
Has heard from Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth that Lord Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown had occurred, or would shortly. She has received his letter of 16 October 1781 and is awaiting the next, which Knox wrote on 19 October 1781 (see GLC02437.01231...
GLC02437.01257
31 October 1781
Received Lucy's letter via Martha Washington and is glad to hear his daughter is in good spirits. Hopes to see her in ten days. He has to prepare to transport ordnance in the aftermath of the siege of Yorktown. Mentions that the French army will...
GLC02437.01277
11 November 1781
to Clement Biddle
Thanks him and Mrs. Biddle for their kindness to Mrs. Knox and their young daughter while in Philadelphia. Comments that Biddle's knowledge of his orders during the siege will excuse his inability to write frequently. Stresses his interest in...
GLC02437.01287
12 December 1781
to Nathanael Greene
Since arriving in Philadelphia, has tried to gather a party of about 30 artificers to give to Greene. Discusses Mrs. Greene's trip with their son George Washington Greene to visit Greene at the "high hills of Santee" (the Santee River in South...
GLC02437.01303
14 April 1782
Greene, Nathanael (1742-1786)
Written by Major General Greene to Major General Knox. References two letters from Knox. Congratulates him on the birth of his son. Asks how his godson is. In reference to the godchild says, "Such a set of responsers I believe never happened before...
GLC02437.01388
7 June 1782
Hamilton, Alexander (1757-1804)
Later copy of letter from Alexander Hamilton to Henry Knox in GLC02437.01442, for which a transcript is available. Written by Hamilton after he left the Army to Major General Knox. Letter details Hamilton's opinions against retaliation for the...
GLC02437.01444
16 September 1777-16 October 1777
Knox, William (1756-1795)
Knox's army diary [incomplete]
Mostly deals with movements of the army around Philadelphia in September and October 1777, around the time of the Battle of Germantown. On September 19 says "Intelligence recd. of the enemys pushing for Philadelphia the army cross'd the Schylkill."...
GLC02437.08417
22 June 1769
[Land bond to increase acreage at Mount Vernon]
Cosigned by Robert Alexander. Washington refers to himself in the third person seven times. Alexander wants to sell 300 acres of Maryland land his wife inherited from her father to George Washington. Washington hoped to exchange the plot with Thomas...
GLC00479
5 April 1778
to Thomas Wharton, Jr.
Forwards a letter from Mrs. Mary Pemberton to Wharton, President of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania. Pemberton had requested a passport for wagons with supplies for her husband, Israel Pemberton, and other Philadelphia Quakers exiled...
GLC00639.31
5 September 1781
Transmits a box and map (not included), asking Knox to commit them to a person in whom he can confide. Notes that Knox should go by water to Christiana (possibly Delaware). Gives his compliments to Knox's wife, Lucy, hoping that she will spend some...
GLC02437.09399
3 October 1780
Hand, Edward (1744-1802)
to Kitty Hand
Writes to his wife that he hopes he can alleviate her distressing situation soon. Informs her of the treason of Benedict Arnold and the hanging of the British spy, John Andre. "A few days ago Gen Arnold detected in his views of Betraying the...
GLC00189
21 August 1766
Wesley, John (1703-1791)
to Miss Avison
Encourages her in her faith and gives her practical advice on how to increase it. With a side note: "Do not measure the length of your letter by that of mine, I have a thousand avocations."
GLC00496.111
26 December 1774
to James Mercer
Written by Washington a month after the adjournment of the first Continental Congress to Mercer as a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. Informs Mercer of the cost of purchases made for him in Frederick, Maryland including £29 for a slave...
GLC06335
1775-1776
Aitken, Robert (1735-1802)
The Pennsylvania magazine, or, American monthly museum.
Nearly complete run, edited in part by Thomas Paine. Total of 13 issues from January to December 1775 (12 issues plus one supplement), January 1776, February 1776 (incomplete with facsimile cover) and March 1776. Two additional issues for April...
GLC06466
29 December 1780
Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de (1757-1834)
to Richard Meade
Discusses selection of an American envoy being sent to France. Congress had decided to send an envoy extraordinary to France to secure a loan and improve supply shipments. Lafayette tried to help Alexander Hamilton attain this post, but failed....
GLC03647
21 January 1778
Rooke, William (fl. 1777-1778)
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...
GLC03881.03
1780/09/06
Pass for Elizabeth De Lancey, Ann De Lancey, & Henry Izard [B. Arnold related]
GLC04010
March 1778
Perkins, Jane (fl. 1778)
[Receipt for Jane Perkins]
Receipt for Jane Perkins from the town of Newburyport, for "Boarding & Nursing John Kinney a soldier in the Army of the United States." Kinney died while in her care. Perkins signs with her mark, stating she has received payment.
GLC01450.460.08
13 July 1782
Pollock, W. (fl. 1782)
[Certifying cash lent and not repaid]
Certifies that Hannah Franklin lent money in February 1772 to be repaid, that never was. Signed by Pollock as Justice of the Peace.
GLC01450.518.06
24 May 1775
Lawton, Robert (fl. 1775)
to Joseph Clarke
Informs his father that he attempted to send the barrel of flour he previously requested, but that ship masters refused to transport the flour because "Capt. Wallace stops the least Trifle of Provision that is sent up the River." Writes that he...
GLC01450.561
6 August 1776
Barrel, Rebekah (b. 1749)
to William Barrell
Writes to her husband, William Barrel, in New York, a soldier in "Capt. Jacob's Company in Colon. Baily's" regiment. Sweetly expresses her desire to be reunited with him after his six months of service. Discusses making clothes for him. A letter...
GLC01450.563
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