Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00631 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter Date: 31 July 1777 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 31.2 x 20.1 cm. Order a Copy
Reports that Lucy Knox, Henry's wife, left for Newbury Port (possibly Massachusetts), the previous Monday. Mentions an express from General [Israel] Putnam to General [William] Heath, in which Putnam attested the British sailed from the Hook (possibly Paulus Hook, New Jersey), but did not know where they were bound. General George Washington assumed they are bound for Philadelphia, but a letter from General [Alexander] McDougal to Colonel Sears in Boston states they may be sailing toward Boston. Notes that Sears's behavior, including his intention to flee Boston, has "fright'd all the old women in Town." Does not think the British will come to Boston, but instead expects them to sail up the North River (the Hudson), and attempt to lure Washington over the Delaware River. Reports on the capture and recapture of the Fox, a frigate. Complains of the difficulty of recruiting for his regiment. As in previous letters, expresses his wish that George Washington would write a letter to the State of Massachusetts to encourage assistance (possibly a draft). Expresses his disappointment that Knox might resign: "the greatest inducement of my go'g into the Army was because you was in it."
Knox was almost displaced of his position in charge of artillery by [Phillippe Du Coudray] (sources disagree on the spelling), secured by Silas Deane, the American Minister to France. Knox planned to resign from the military altogether if Du Coudray was appointed. Washington supported Knox, and Du Coudray was permitted to join the troops under Washington as a volunteer before drowning in September 1777.
[draft]
Boston July 31, 1777
My dear Harry
yours of the 19th I recd - I think you are rather severe on me. for my [suspetions] with respect to the gen:l not get:g good intelligence of the design's of the enemy -
Last Monday M.rs Knox sat out for Newbury Port in Company w:h Mr: Pascal Smith & Wife - had it not have been for the affairs of my Reg:t should have wait'd on her myself. little Lucy is at M:rs Sear's, I saw her yesterday, she was well, and much pleas'd with her new mamma -
An express arriv'd here yesterday from Gen.l Putnam to Gen:l Heath inform'g the enemy had fail'd from the Hook, but where bound could not say - that Gen:l Washington suppos'd to Philadelphia & had order'd the disposition of the army accordingly - Coll.o Sears rec.d a Letter from Gen:l McDouggall that the enemy were certainly coming here. Coll.o S - alarm'd the whole town with his Letter - after he had got them well by the east - he began to pack up his thing's in order to move out of town - this poor creature fright'd all the old women in Town - I wish he had remaind in Ny & not come here - I dont [2] I dont think they will ever come here, its not an object worth their attention at this time - I am full in the faith they will attempt the North river - and their put'g out to sea is only a decoy to get General Washington over the delaware - & for them to slip up the north river - I hope the Gen.l will not be draw'd into any trap by them -
The acct: of Capt Manley being taken remains uncertain - The Privateer Ship Hero - saild from Newbury last week - we have no acct. of the Ship Tartar, nor do we expect to yet - as she is orderd to send all Prizes to France - a few days ago I recd: a Letter from our friend Jona Williams who beg'd to be remmember'd to you -
- Recruit'g go's on slow - I wish the gen.l would write a thunder'g Letter to this State to raise our three Reg:ts if something is not done soon - Coll.o Lee & Henley are determin'd to resign - I have been inform'd you intend to leave the army at the end of this Campaign - if you do intend it, I wish you to inform me for the greatest inducement of my go'g into [3] the army was because you was in it - if you quit - I shall not tarry in the service - I beg you to write me if you have come to any such determination - my regards to the Major I expect he will write me
The post is go'g - I am dear Harry for
ever your
Friend
To Genl Knox
[docket]
Letter from Coll.o
Jackson Boston
July 31st 1777
[address leaf]
To
Brig:r Gen:l Knox
Gen.l at Washington's
Head Quarters
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