Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Jean Baptiste Gouvion
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03023 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 July 1784 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 31.3 x 19.3 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses public perception of the Society of the Cincinnati in France. Informs Gouvion of the reduction of the Continental Army, with only one remaining company commanded by John Doughty at West Point. Introduces and recommends Mr. Tracy, the bearer of this letter.
Gouvion was one of the four French military engineers sent to America upon the request of Congress (the others being Duportail, La Rodière, and de Laumoy). He entered the Continental Army on 8 July 1777 as a major. In November 1777 was given the rank of lieutenant colonel. Along with Duportail, he planned and executed the fortifications at West Point. He also built the redoubt at Verplancks Point. He participated in the Battle of Yorktown, was breveted a colonel in November 1781, and retired from the army in October 1783. Although his service was considered exemplary, little is actually known of his activities in America (see Boatner, Encyclopedia of the American Revolution).
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