Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to William Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00203 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Watertown, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 25 September 1775 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 31.6 cm. x 20.3 cm. Order a Copy
Mentions making daily excursions to Cambridge. Reports that General Charles Lee said William could easily get a commission, and Knox will discuss it further with George Washington and Horatio Gates. Knox wants William to join the artillery. Discusses the British troops' ineffectual cannon shot against the American works at Roxbury on 23 September 1775. Asks William to send one of the Watertown newspapers to Edward Parry, Esq. Some of the text on the original is faded.
GLC02437.00204 is a more legible handwritten copy.
[draft]
Watertown Sept 25 1775
Dear Billey
We have been about here ever since we came down that is we have made Mr Pelhams our head Quarters & I every day have made excursions to Cambridge - Last Friday Lucy din'd a[t] General Washingtons - I have mention'd you to Genl Lee who tells me there will be no difficulty in [getting] you a Commission[.] I shall further mention it to Genl Washington & Genl Gates - the Artillery is the Corps which I would most wish you to be in - and will endever to effect it - I shall go to Roxbury to day - last Saturday Let it be remember'd to the honor & skill of the British troops that they fir'd one hundred & 4 Cannon shot at Workes at not a great distance than half point blank shot & did what why scrach'd a mans face the splinters of a rail fence - I have had the pleasure of dodging these heretofore engines of terror with good success - nor am I [illegible] afraid they will [text loss] direct by the hand [text loss] shall go god willing some time the latter end of this week to Salem Danvers Newbury port &c. I perhaps return home the latter end of next Week - I beg you will inclose one of the Watertown papers to Ed. Parry Esq at [Sturbridge] I write him Word that I shall send him In the future both Watertown & Cambridge papers - which Mr Thomas will send to him - Lucy gives her love to you
I am Dr [Sir]
Your Affectionate
HKnox
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