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Stevens, Ebenezer (1751-1823) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00270 Author/Creator: Stevens, Ebenezer (1751-1823) Place Written: Keene, New Hampshire Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 April 1776 Pagination: 2p.+addr. 23.6 cm. x 18.1 cm. Order a Copy

Stevens writes Knox to update him on activities during his march to Crown Point, New York. Reports difficulties in transporting ordnance and stores because of broken carts, the scarcity of food for the pack animals, and "Cattle very low in flesh." Indicates that "the Country people are very Spirited in Giving their Assistance." The road has been reported to be difficult and by some accounts impassable, but Stevens affirms his determination to fulfill his orders. Stevens was on his way to reinforce the siege of Quebec, which ultimately failed. Crown Point was fortified during the summer of 1776 in anticipation of a British attack and was lost to the British in October of that year. Stevens was then a captain in Knox's regiment of artillery.

[draft]
Hon. Capt Ebr Stevens Keene April 7th 1776
Sir
I Take this opportunity to Acquaint you with the success we have met with since our March from the Camp - we have had a very Fatiguing Jobb in Gitting our Ordinance, Stores, & c Through the Country as hay and Provender is very scarce & cattle very Low in Flesh, & it is with the utmost Difficulty that we have go thus far; But I'm in hopes of having a sufficient supply with Less Difficulty than what I have hither to meet with, the Country people are very spirited in Giving their Assistance in forwarding us on our Marches - I am Informed that the Road is very Bad from No 4 to Crown point, and said by some to be Impassable, But I am Determined to Press forward Agreable to my Orders and spare no pains in the Execution thereof - we have [illegible] several carts on the Road, which has Greatly Retarded Our March - we Expect to be at No4 the 9th Instant if Nothing Befalls us. -
we are all in good spirits and hope so to Remain
The Gentlemen officers give their submissive Compliments to your Honour -
& every other officer who may think it worth their while to Enquire after them -
from your Honours most obedient
& Humble
Servant
Ebenezer Stevens Capt
of Artillery

[address leaf]
Colo
Henry Knox to be
Left at the Post office
at
Cambridge
this with
[Care]

Stevens, Ebenezer, 1751-1823
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

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