Collections : [University of Michigan William L. Clements Library]

Account of work and costs. Includes work performed at a Quaker meetinghouse, building a coffin, working on a dam, making furniture, "mending & painting a Cradle," and various construction jobs.

Accounts of books, "115 History's," bought from Robert Aitken (1735-1802) and to whom they were sold, including to various Quakers. Notes payments received from Quakers and other individuals for books.

Receipt for wages in the House of Burgesses and for Commissioners "to settle the Militia Acct." Signed by Andrew Lewis (1720-1781), William Fleming (1729-1795), Champion Travis, Robert Nicholson on behalf of James Mercer (1736-1793), and Jacob Bruce on behalf of James Holt. Includes two additional partial signatures for a commissioner and a doorkeeper.

Order to pay Jona[than] Lester £8.15.5 for building gun carriages at Norwick, ordered by the Governor and Council of Safety. Verso: Tom Lester DS; Hartford, Connecticut, January 4, 1776. Acknowledging receipt of £8.15.5 from the Treasurer.

Signed subscription list for establishing a school at West Springfield. Signed by the founding subscribers with the number of each signers children written next to each name. "We the subscribers sensible of the necessity of the Education of youths & being desirous of promoting a school for such purpose promise... to pay the sums severally affix'd to our names... to be paid unto some capable school dame for her Instruction in such school at the rate of five shillings lawfull money per week..." Includes a note on the verso, "a Subscribtion for Mrs Granger to keep Shool."

Has been staying with Dr. Tillotson, "who is just sitting out for the Northern Department." Discusses the "late Medical Arrangement establish'd by Congress," and the lower pay slated for the "Apothecary General to the several Departments" than for "a Senior Surgeon in the Hospital." Notes the difficulties facing the Apothecary General, especially "under the present situation of affairs." Discusses his efforts since the last campaign to procure "every valuable Drugg I cou'd lay my hands on, and compounding for the first Supply of our new Army." Was disheartened by Dr. Smith being appointed "Continental Druggist" but was placated when he was appointed Apothecary General of the Middle Department.

Benjamin Greenleaf, "Judge of the Probater of Wills, &c.," appoints Josiah Little as guardian of George Sawyer.

Crozer, Knowles' guardian, advises him on love and courtship, grooming, behavior, and friendship. Warns him that "first love, fixed perhaps only on desire, will Vanish in the fruition & instead of delight may leave a Loathing Cloy." Hopes to act as guardian to Knowles' siblings, but knows his sister currently objects. Advises him on how to nurture a good relationship with his sister.

Sending specimens of evergreen. "...every Occur[r]ence In the Natural World is capable of Some Moral Improvement I here transcribe by Mrs Belknaps Desire some Verses written on a Similar Occasion." Includes verse, "On Gathering a Basket of evergreens, December 15, 1775"

"At the very beginning of the present War I apprehended that the making of fire Arms & of every useful Article of Manufacture were essentially necessary for the well being of the State." Disappointed that he has not received encouragement or assistance. Outfitted the army with guns on demand and has produced more arms, but carries a considerable debt to his workers and has not been paid. Advises on actions to take for the state's arms. With proper aid could also outfit the army with woolen goods.