Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to George Washington
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00238 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Albany, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 January 1776 Pagination: 1p. 32.4 cm. x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
Explains delays in transporting the artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Cambridge, Massachusetts caused by the lack of snow on the ground and ice on the Hudson River. He realizes the importance of the transport and explains plans for moving forward. Also mentions that he has sent another list of the artillery being moved (not included). Knox's retained draft.
Albany Jany 5 1776
Sir
I did myself the honor to address your Excellency from Fort George on the 17. Ult - I then was in hopes that we should [inserted: have] been able to have had the Cannon at Cambridge [struck: before] [inserted: by] this, [inserted: time] the want of Snow detain'd us some days & now a [struck: creul] cruel thaw, [struck: which] hinders from Crossing Hudsons River which we are oblig'd to do four times from Lake George to this Town - the first severe [strikeout] night will make the Ice on the river sufficiently strong, 'till that happens the Cannon & mortars must remain where they are [struck: some] most of them at the different crossing places & some few here - these inevitable delays [struck: give me the] [inserted and struck: chagrin] [inserted: pain] [Me] [struck: in the keenest manner] [inserted and struck: most sensible] [inserted: exceedingly] as my mind is fully sensible of the [struck: utmost] importance of the greatest expedition in this Case - In eight or nine days after the first severe frost they will be at Springfield from which place we can get them easily transported Altho there should be no snow - but to that the roads are so excessively bad It now will be necessary - We got over 4 more [able] fortified 12 pounders after my last to your excellency - I send a duplicate of the List for fear of miscarriage of the [struck: other] [inserted: first], General Schuyler has been exceedingly assidious In this matter, as to myself my utmost endevers have been & still shall be [are] to forward them with the utmost dispatch
I have the honor to be
with the greatest Respect Your
Excellencys Most Obdt Hble Servt
HKnox
His Excellency Gen
Washington
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