Later copy. Knox writes to Adams, the Massachusetts representative to Continental Congress. Mentions obtaining cannon cast from the furnace at Salisbury, Massachusetts. Discusses a failed attempt by Colonel Stewart, aide-de-camp to General [Horatio] Gates, to obtain cannon for Ticonderoga, New York. Notes that Congress disapproved of the cannon price, thus Ticonderoga remains without the cannon. Writes, I sincerely wish that the spirit of enterprise may animate our army; but you well know, my Dear Sir, during the winter past and the most part of the spring, we have had no army to be animated. The time may shortly arrive when I hope we shall receive your approbation in this way. Argues for the establishment of United States currency. Mentions the Bank of England and discusses the worth of paper money compared to specie.

Responds to Knox's letter (see GLC02437.00403) to tell him that he did not meet with the founder making the cannons Knox wrote about, but another member of the Continental Congress did. Reports that the congress is also making efforts to mine copper in New Jersey. Discusses the possibility of sending Knox some information about five ships, probably seized vessels. Agrees that Massachusetts should supply the army with more officers, since they supply so many soldiers. Adams continues to discuss the need to promote Massachusetts officers and raises additional artillery concerns in a letter to Henry Knox, dated 25 August 1776 (GLC02437.00424).

Apologizes for responding so late to Adams' letter of 11 November 1775 (see GLC002437.00208). Discusses military books and the difficulty of obtaining them in America, and recommends books useful to different departments in the army. Comments on the importance of the war and the cause of American freedom with vehement support: Such Opportunities as the present do no[t] turn up often in the course of human events--the happiness or misery of a great proportion of the human race is at stake. This was Knox's retained working draft; the sent copy (now in the Adams Papers at the Massachusetts Historical Society) is dated May 16th.

Later copy of the original. Notifies Adams' that a founder named Mr. Byers is on his way to Philadelphia to make cannons for the artillery. Seeks Adams' support. Also emphasizes the importance of working copper mines in New Jersey. Adams was then a member of the Continental Congress.

Later copy. Responds to Adams' (see GLC02437.00416) and discusses the urgent need to obtain copper from mines in New Jersey in order to cast canons. Joins Adams in lamenting the lack of officers from Massachusetts in the Continental Army, but also considers there to be a dearth of qualified candidates. Discusses recruiting and training good officers' rely not only on gentlemen but also on local talent. Suggests Colonel John Glover for possible promotion. Discusses raising an army and re-enlistment at length. Warns Adams that a bounty of [Dollar sign]25-[Dollar sign]36 or 100-150 acres of land is necessary to recruit and hold soldiers at next enlistment. Focuses on the associated expenses and recommends pay increases. Discusses the impending British attack on New York, anticipating it will come through Long Island and predicting victory for the Americans. Believes a direct attack on Manhattan would be ruinous to the British forces.

Later copy of GLC02437.01252. A detailed account of the siege of Yorktown. Affirms the correctness of Adams' ideas about a need to conduct a major attack against the British in the southern states. Announces the recent surrender of Lord Cornwallis at the Battle of Yorktown. Explains the harmonious concurrence of circumstances that made the victory possible, mentioning the fleet from the West Indies commanded by Admiral Compte de Grasse, the American and French troops marching down from the Hudson River, and a fleet from Rhode Island under the command of Compte de Barras. Provides a chronological explanation of the Allied forces' actions against Yorktown between 27 September 1781 and 19 October 1781. Comments on the terms of surrender, ordnance confiscated, and strategic benefits of the victory. Also discusses the talent of General Nathanael Greene, the harmony between troops, the French fleet, the state of West Point, and the European trip his brother William Knox is taking.

Document in Knox's hand, signed by Mosely twice. His first signature indicates receipt of payment from Knox for transporting two cannons from Westfield to Worcester. His second signature confirms receipt of payment for a mistake in the calculation of three cannon transported by John Mosely ...