19 August 1781

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lieutenant [M.] Wetzell

Orders Wetzell to take his two howitzers to West Point to coordinate with Colonel John Crane. Crane is to then transport the cannon to the West side of Kings Ferry, where Colonel John Lamb will receive them. Knox stipulates, "Not a moments delay to be made in the execution of this order."

GLC02437.01140

19 August 1781

Barras, Paul, vicomte de (1755-1829)

Printed document signed

Title: [Certificate of pay] [In French]

Partially printed certificate to pay Valnais, Joseph Dupas de Valnais, a French consul. Signed by the Comte de Barras, and [Graucheau], major of the squadron under Barras. On verso, Valnais signs a note, transferring the money to William Knox. Possibly serves as reimbursement for provisions and supplies for Barras's squadron.

GLC02437.01141

19 August 1781

Barras, Paul, vicomte de (1755-1829)

Printed document signed

Title: [Certificate of pay] [In French]

Partially printed certificate to pay Valnais, Joseph Dupas de Valnais, a French consul. Signed by the Comte de Barras, and [Graucheau], major of the squadron under Barras. On verso, Valnais signs a note, transferring the money to William Knox. Serves as reimbursement for provisions and supplies for Barras's squadron.

GLC02437.01142

19 August 1781

Barras, Paul, vicomte de (1755-1829)

Printed document signed

Title: [Certificate of pay] [In French]

Partially printed certificate to pay [Joseph Dupas de] Valnais, a French consul. Signed by the Comte de Barras, and [Graucheau], major of the squadron under Barras. On verso, Valnais signs a note, transferring the money to William Knox. Serves as reimbursement for provisions and supplies for Barras's squadron.

GLC02437.01143

20 August 1781

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph document

Title: to John Ruddock

Knox orders Ruddock, a commissary at Fishkill, to deliver artillery to Captain Burbeck. The list includes artillery and other ordnance and stores.

GLC02437.01144

20 August 1781

Bauman, Sebastian (1739-1803)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Shaw

An angry letter written by Major Bauman, commander of artillery at West Point, to Major Shaw, aide-de-camp to Brigadier General Henry Knox. Says "You will please to inform the general that it is moral[ly] impossible for me to join the party at New Windsor to morrow, agreeable to the promptery orders I Received, Except it is meant to destroy me, and what little I have left in this ungrateful Service." In an earlier letter, Knox gave permission to Bauman to take a few days to deal with family matters, and this letter seems to be a backlash against the revoking of that permission. Bauman...

GLC02437.01145

20 August 1781

Shaw, Samuel (1754-1794)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sebastian Bauman

Written by Major Shaw as aide-de-camp to Brigadier General Henry Knox to Major Bauman. Says that "Immediately on receipt of this letter Gen Knox desires you to set out in order to meet him at this place." Tells him to provide himself with clothes for a command of considerable length of time. Says Knox is very anxious for his arrival, which should be before sunset tonight. GLC02437.01145 is Bauman's response to this letter.

GLC02437.01146

20 August 1781

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Hugh Hughes

Informs Colonel Hughes, Deputy Quartermaster of Military Stores (or any of his deputies at Fishkill), that harness makers formerly of Colonel Baldwin's regiment are to join Captain [Thomas] Patten's company "for peculiar public reasons." The company will march from New Windsor the following day. Says he will be "answerable for the measure, to the commander in chief and Colonel Pickering." Knox signs a note on the bottom of the page, indicating "Roman Hazard" should be ordered to join them at New Windsor as soon as possible.

GLC02437.01147

20 August 1781

Smith, Reuben (fl. 1770-1781)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Smith, a town leader in Litchfield, Connecticut (he was Litchfield County Treasurer 1779-1780, but it could not be ascertained if he continued in that position into 1781), to Brigadier General Knox. References Knox's letter of 3 August 1781. Mentions that when he told Knox about "certain transactions" of a Mr. [William] Richards, which "appeared to me very reprehensible," that he had no intentions of becoming a prosecutor in the case. Just told Knox because he thought Mr. Richards was under his control. Smith was concerned about going forward with the inquiry if Richards...

GLC02437.01148

20 August 1781

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph document signed

Title: to Thomas Frothingham

Knox orders Frothingham, a deputy commissary of military stores, to "repair instantly to West Point," to transport stores to the West side of Kings Ferry by the following morning, where they will be received by Richard Frothingham, principal field commissary of military stores. General Alexander McDougall will assist if needed.

GLC02437.01149

21 August 1781

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sebastian Bauman

Written by Brigadier General Knox to Major Bauman of the 2nd Regiment of Artillery. Orders Bauman to take command of the companies of artillery when he reaches "this place." Tells him to march his units through Smith's Clove(?), Ringwood, & Curtis's Tavern on Pompton Plains and that he will then receive further directions. Wants him to start his marches early in the morning and that he needs to reach Curtis's Tavern by the day after tomorrow. Seems to be ordering him to impress any teams of animals he needs along the way, but if there are any magistrates around, to do it through them (the...

GLC02437.01150

22 August 1781

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Crane

Written by Brigadier General Knox to Colonel Crane. Signed twice by Knox, once on page 9 and once on page 10. Handing over command of the artillery on the Hudson River to Crane as he is about to leave the theatre (for Yorktown.) Gives Crane a sense of his duties in the region, explains the importance of West Point, and provides information on the state of repair of artillery pieces and stores in the area. Says the sick soldiers of Colonel Lamb's regiment are to join him at West Point until further orders. Tells him to make sure General Heath is kept abreast of events. Samuel Shaw has added...

GLC02437.01151

22 August 1781

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Seward

Written by Brigadier General Knox to Captain Seward. Orders Seward to proceed to New Windsor and to bring all the garrison carriages for 18 pounders. Says if there are not 10 there, he is to take some of the French 18 pounder carriages that Colonel Crane had placed on a ship lying off New Windsor. Also wants 3 carriages for English 24 pounders. Needs them to be at Verplanck's Point by tomorrow. Says General McDougall will assist him in this mission with men and boats. Captain Mitchell will also help him. Expresses confidence in Seward's ability carry out the mission.

GLC02437.01152

22 August 1781

Knox, William (1756-1795)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References Henry's letter of 8 August 1781. Updates Henry on news he has heard. Says the French fleet was to have left Newport the day before to connect up with the Compte De Grasse, who is supposed to be nearing the continent with more French ships. Says a ship was captured going from Charleston for England with letters from Colonel Balfour, which gives information relating to British plans for operations in the South. Balfour supposedly said "General Greene has exhibited such talents, as to take advantage of any opening given him by the King's Army." Balfour also supposedly said South...

GLC02437.01153

23 August 1781

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sebastian Bauman

Written from camp at Kings Ferry, New York. Tells Major Bauman that the party stores under his command are to halt at Potts Mill. Indicates that Colonel Olney's regiment will guard Bauman's charge, possibly a misidentification of Captain Stephen Olney. Bauman must obtain provisions from their nearest place of public availability. Provisions were needed for the campaign against Yorktown. Bauman commanded an artillery corps that was a part of Colonel John Lamb's Second Regiment of Continental Artillery. Lamb's regiment was part of Knox's Artillery Brigade. Knox had recently appointed...

GLC02437.01154

24 August 1781

Richards, William (fl. 1781)

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Likely related to the accusations against a Mr. Richards by Reuben Smith in GLC02437.01148. Thanks Knox for his "repeated instances of Politeness shown to me from time to time, in a particular manor, for espousing my character, when it was most injuriously and enviously attacked by the tongue of slander and designing Villains, who wou'd fondly destroy and blast the character and reputation of any man, who appears in the character of a gentleman, especially a Continental Officer, if not an inhabitant of their Town of State." Expresses anger at those who do not provide adequate provisions for...

GLC02437.01155

25 August 1781

Bauman, Sebastian (1739-1803)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Response to Knox's 23 August 1781 letter (GLC02437.01154). Bauman arrived at the Curtis House, near Potts Mill, where Knox ordered him to halt. Reports that the ground has been "marked out for the left wing of the French line." Requests further instructions on where to move. Bauman commanded an artillery corps that was a part of Colonel John Lamb's Second Regiment of Continental Artillery. Lamb's regiment was part of Knox's Artillery Brigade. Knox had recently appointed Bauman to his post. Bauman was on his way to assist in the siege of Yorktown. Written at Curtises Tavern.

GLC02437.01158

30 August 1781

Knox, William (1756-1795)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Disappointed that his brother did not write him an "authentic account of Lord Cornwallis' situation in Virginia." Believes Cornwallis will surrender soon. Is planning a business trip to Europe and discusses fundraising. His last remittance to merchants in Amsterdam was forwarded through Captain Edward Davis, but the $450 sterling was lost when Davis was captured and carried to Halifax. Discusses the state of exchange, the slim chances for profit, and various aspects of his business. Comments on the arrival of John Laurens in Boston, who had returned from France with supplies and money.

GLC02437.01159

31 August 1781

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Manuscript document

Title: [Stores requested for the Southern expedition].

List of supplies requested from the Board of War and Ordnance for the siege of Yorktown. Accompanied letter (GLC02437.01160). The Board of War and Ordnance was responsible for supplying troops in the field. In Samuel Shaw's hand and signed by him for Knox.

GLC02437.01161

31 August 1781

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Manuscript document

Title: Ordnance and Stores requested from the Board of War & Ordnance.

Lists supplies and their quantities requested on several days in August 1781. The supplies were needed for the upcoming siege of Yorktown. In Samuel Shaw's hand.

GLC02437.01162

31 August 1781

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Manuscript document

Title: Deficiencies of the Ordnance and Stores requested from the Board of War & Ordnance.

Lists supplies and their quantities requested on several days in August 1781, but not obtained. The supplies were needed for the upcoming siege of Yorktown. In Samuel Shaw's hand.

GLC02437.01163

6 September 1781

Knox, William (1756-1795)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions Lucy Knox's trip up the Hudson River and hearing that General Knox passed New Windsor, New York with Governor George Clinton on his way to meet Lucy. Comments on a naval battle off the coast of Boston between the French frigate Magicianne and the more heavily armed British ship Assurance. Inquires if a Mr. Diricks was ever a Colonel in the Continental Army. Discusses the arrival of a French frigate called the Diligent, along with news that the Spanish and French have attempted "the Reduction of Gibralter" and that they have brought a new type of ship that floats higher in the water...

GLC02437.01167

7 September 1781

Hodgdon, Samuel (1745-1824)

Manuscript document signed

Title: Invoice of Ordnance & Military Stores forwarded to the Southern Army.

Addressed to Richard Frothingham, Esq. The ordnance listed was for the siege of Yorktown, which began later that month. Hodgdon was the commissary general of military stores. This was Henry Knox's copy, docketed by Samuel Shaw.

GLC02437.01168

7 September 1781

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sebastian Bauman

Orders Major Bauman to obtain cannons left in Baltimore by the Marquis de Lafayette, as well as some other ordnance and supplies. They were needed for the "intended operation," referring to the upcoming siege of Yorktown. Bauman commanded an artillery corps that was a part of Colonel John Lamb's Second Regiment of Continental Artillery and had been recently appointed to his post by Knox.

GLC02437.01169

7 September 1781

O'Hannan, A.B. (fl. 1781)

Manuscript document

Title: A General return of military Stores State [of] Virginia.

Chart enumerating various types of ordnance held in Irvins Store, Charlottesville, Staunton, New London, Richmond and West Ham. The ordnance was needed for the siege of Yorktown, which began later that month. O'Hannan's name is signed in a clerical hand.

GLC02437.01171

7 September 1781

Shaw, Samuel (1754-1794)

Autograph document

Title: Ordnance & Stores Sent from Philadelphia by Mr. Hodgdon.

Lists supplies and quantities sent. The ordnance was for the siege of Yorktown, which began later that month. Mr. Hodgdon was Samuel Hodgdon, the commissary general of military stores. List accompanied letter (GLC02437.01173).

GLC02437.01172

8 September 1781

Hodgdon, Samuel (1745-1824)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Sends a sheet listing ordnance sent for the southern operation, referring to the upcoming siege of Yorktown. Colonel John Lamb will deliver the enclosed spirit levels. Explains some of the munitions information. Samuel Hodgdon was the commissary general of military stores. Account of Ordance stores accompanied the letter (GLC02437.01172).

GLC02437.01173

9 September 1781

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Board of War and Ordnance

Reports that almost all the stores are embarked at Head of Elk, Maryland. He has not yet received a full account of ordnance sent from Philadelphia from Samuel Hodgdon, the commissary general of military stores, so he does not know if the Board's directions have been fulfilled. Knox will ensure full compliance. The supplies were needed for the upcoming siege of Yorktown.

GLC02437.01175

9 September 1781

Parvin, Matthew (fl. 1781)

Autograph document signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Prepared by Matthew Parvin, designated as "Cr. M. Stores." "Invoice of Military Stores not Embarked at Elk Landing. Lists quantities of ordnance. Supplies were being embarked at Elk Head, Maryland to support the upcoming siege of Yorktown.

GLC02437.01176

9 September 1781

Frothingham, Richard (1748-1819)

Autograph document signed

Title: Account of Military stores receiv'd from Philadelphia & forwarded to the Head of Elk.

Directed to Henry Knox. Lists quantities of ordnance. Supplies were being embarked at Elk Head, Maryland to support the upcoming siege of Yorktown.

GLC02437.01177

10 September 1781

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sebastian Bauman

Discusses obtaining needed supplies, and even though this falls outside the scope of his department Knox asserts that "in these times one must do more than mere duty." He hopes Major Bauman has succeeded and that he has embarked. Knox is sending an artificer officer named Mr. Thorp to obtain some ordnance items from General Mordecai Gist in Baltimore and to join Bauman on the upcoming operation. The items are urgently needed, and Knox has already been disappointed in obtaining them from Philadelphia. Bauman commanded an artillery corps that was a part of Colonel John Lamb's Second Regiment...

GLC02437.01178

10 September 1781

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mordecai Gist

Informs General Gist that he is sending an artificer officer named Mr. Thorp to him in Baltimore to obtain supplies. The items are urgently needed, and Knox has already been disappointed in obtaining them from Philadelphia. He hopes Major Sebastian Bauman has "proceeded in his matters." Knox was preparing for the siege of Yorktown.

GLC02437.01179

10 September 1781

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lieutenant Thorp

Sends Thorp on an urgent trip to Baltimore to obtain supplies from General Mordecai Gist and Major Sebastian Bauman, whom he has written instruction to (see GLC02437.01178 and .01179). He is to embark with Bauman and proceed to the operation with him, referring to the upcoming siege of Yorktown.

GLC02437.01180

11 September 1781

Gist, Mordecai (1743-1792)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Response to Knox's letter (GLC02437.01179). Reports that Mr. Thorp has arrived and describes the ordnance he will receive. Also comments on how Major Sebastian Bauman is responding to Knox's recent directives (see GLC02437.01178). The Continental Army was preparing for the upcoming siege of Yorktown.

GLC02437.01181

11 September 1781

Bauman, Sebastian (1739-1803)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that General Mordecai Gist received permission from Governor of Maryland Thomas S. Lee to take the cannons Knox was seeking. Bauman is attempting to get vessels to transport troops as well as other supplies. Mr. Thorp has arrived and answers to Knox's questions about supplies (see GLC02437.01178) will be forthcoming. Jokes in a post script: "I have but six hands, so assist me in the business you have sent me on!" The Continental Army was preparing for the upcoming siege of Yorktown.

GLC02437.01182

12 September 1781

Bauman, Sebastian (1739-1803)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Tells Knox that this letter will be delivered by a Lieutenant Ford, who will also deliver ordnance and information about available ships. Describes his activities fulfilling Knox's orders to obtain ordnance and shipping vessels. Mentions using shot and shells as ballast for a ship with French troops. Indicates that General Mordecai Gist was angry that the gun powder, possibly from Frederick, Maryland, had not arrived yet. Citing financial troubles, Bauman reports that "the people here seem Exceedingly slow in forwarding the Services." Discusses problems with and plans for embarking with...

GLC02437.01183

12 September 1781

Bauman, Sebastian (1739-1803)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that they have enough planks, but there has been an objection by Major Bauman and Mr. Thorp to the plans of General Mordecai Gist and the French generals to cut the planks and transport them with the troops. The planks were part of the supplies needed for the siege of Yorktown.

GLC02437.01184

20 September 1781

Knox, William (1756-1795)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Response to 4 September 1781 letter (GLC02437.01165). Discusses their financial situation, "which undoubtedly are in such a train as to require the strictest attention to Oeconomy." William has sold some goods to prepare for his business trip to Europe. Comments that "It would have been particularly agreeable if you could have received part of what the public are indebted to you." Mentions that the allocation of the cash from the loan John Laurens obtained from France has not been negotiated yet. Discusses the arrival of a shipment of tea, the arrival of the Amsterdam, and one of Knox's...

GLC02437.01185

21 September 1781

Jones, Thomas (fl. 1777-1782)

Autograph document signed

Title: Return of all Continental spare ordnance and Military Stores in the field, and the Waggons which contain them.

Chart enumerating various types of ordnance held with three units under the charge of the Marquis de Lafayette. The stores listed "are exclusive of those which Complete the pieces annex'd to the Brigades, with the Park, & in the hands of the men of the Light Infantry." The ordnance was needed for the siege of Yorktown, which began later that month. Jones was a Deputy Field Commissary of Military Stores under Colonel Edward Carrington.

GLC02437.01186

22 September 1781

Carrington, Edward (1749-1810)

Autograph document signed

Title: A General Return of the American Artillery & Stores Appropriated thereto with the Army in Virginia.

Chart enumerating various types of ordnance held with units under the charge of Captain Coleman, Captain Savage, Lieutenant Ingersal, Captain Duffey, and Captain Ferguson. Carrington commanded the 4th Artillery Regiment and was one of the chief assistants to Henry Knox at the Battle of Yorktown. The ordnance listed was needed for the siege of Yorktown, which began later that month.

GLC02437.01187

23 September 1781

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Board of War & Ordnance

Believes that the provisions of shot and shells will be inadequate for the siege of Yorktown. Requests additional ordnance be sent to Head of Elk, Maryland. Asks that Samuel Hodgdon, the commissary general of military stores, be ordered to superintend the transport. Signed twice, once at close of letter and once after postscript.

GLC02437.01188

25 September 1781

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph document signed

Title: [Mr. Jones will apply to Mr. Frothingham and receive five hundred Arms & bayonets].

Instructions indicating that a Mr. [Thomas] Jones will collect ordnance and transport it to Williamsburg, Virginia. Closes by saying "This order will be executed instantly." The arms were for a Virginia regiment commanded by Major General Baron Steuben. The Continental Army was then preparing for the siege of Yorktown.

GLC02437.01190

26 September 1781

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph document

Title: Invoice of Ordnance & Stores Shipp'd on board Sundry Vessels at Elk Landing.

The first six pages in Knox's hand enumerate military stores for use in the siege of Yorktown embarked on fifty-three ships at Head of Elk, Maryland. The names of the ships and captains are recorded with marginal annotations, dated 26 September 1781 in the hand of Samuel Shaw, regarding non arrival of some ships. The "Ranger" in noted as presumed lost. The last three pages in the hand of Samuel Shaw are separated from the first six; the two parts are marked with the reference code VII-75 and VII -76, respectively.

GLC02437.01191

26 September 1781

Shaw, Samuel (1754-1794)

Autograph document

Title: Ordnance & Stores from Head of Elk & Baltimore arrived in James River.

Lists quantities of artillery supplies that had arrived and ships with supplies that had not yet arrived. The ordnance was for the siege of Yorktown. The last page is separated from the first two; the two parts are marked with the reference code VII-77 and VII -78, respectively. Henry Knox's copy.

GLC02437.01192

27 September 1781

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Hunter

In regard to an order of iron, Knox asks Hunter to send as much iron as he has produced to James River, along with other items of ordnance. The supplies were needed urgently. The Continental Army was then preparing for the siege of Yorktown.

GLC02437.01193

28 September 1781

Lamb, John (1735-1800)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Colonel Lamb asserts that Trebell's Landing is the best place to disembark the ordnance for the siege of Yorktown and requests men for the task. Reports that the return of stores Knox requested is impossible because Colonel Stevens (possibly Ebenezer Stevens, who was Colonel in Lamb's regiment) did not make an account of the stores on the vessels. Informs Knox that Captain Duncan has arrived with howitzers and carriages.

GLC02437.01194

27 September 1781

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Manuscript letter

Title: [Order for Captain Pryor]

Orders Pryor to collect and bring ordnance belonging to the state of Virginia to the "point of operation" for the siege of Yorktown. Pryor is to request assistance from the Governor of Virginia Thomas Nelson, Jr. Written in Samuel Shaw's hand and signed for Knox by Shaw.

GLC02437.01195

28 September 1781

Knox, William (1756-1795)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses plans for traveling to Europe, ships to take, and his effort to raise money. Also discusses what is happening at the port in Boston, mentioning specific ships, captains, armaments, and visitors. Mentions merchant activities, following up on his previous letter (GLC02437.01186) and announces that the sale of cargo on the Amsterdam has made Henry a profit. Comments on the large amount of public money owed to Henry. Discusses European business accounts. Speculates on the consequences of peace with Britain. Relates story of British Admiral Clyde Parker's battle with the Dutch off...

GLC02437.01196

29 September 1781

Peters, Richard (ca. 1743-1828)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Orders Knox to send ordnance to General Nathanael Greene, who was "extremely destitute of Musket Ammunition." The Continental Army began to invest the British works for the siege of Yorktown the day before. Peters was the Secretary of the Board of War & Ordnance.

GLC02437.01197

30 September 1781

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Manuscript letter

Title: to Thomas Shild

Orders Shild, captain of the schooner Betsy, to load his vessels with oak planks on the eastern shore of Maryland. Describes the planks as essential supplies for the siege of Yorktown. Authorizes the impressment of materials and procurement of assistance. Written in the hand of Samuel Shaw with a vertical addition in Knox's hand.

GLC02437.01200