Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00382 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 July 1776 Pagination: 3 p. : address ; 33.9 x 21 cm. Order a Copy
Reports no news from Boston and a feeling of security there. Explains that all news from New York comes from the bi-weekly post deliveries. They keep hoping to hear "something grand from you[r] quarter." General George Washington's call for troops from Boston to go to New York has made the people alarmed, but Jackson sees it in a positive light because it will compel the raising of more local troops to replace those leaving. Smallpox will prevent some troops from marching for New York. Mentions that Colonel John Glover's men will march to New York. Reports that the Declaration of Independence was read from the balcony of the State House on the morning of the day of this letter's writing. Tells a story about how Judge James Bodwin requested that Jackson's newly formed company appear in arms for the reading, but they were unprepared. Then Bodwin asked the company to come to the Council Chamber and drink to America. Expresses hopes to be with Knox before "the grand battle." Recommends Lucy come to Boston to contract a light case of smallpox, so she will be inoculated. Comments on his parents' poor health.
[draft]
Boston 18th July 1776
Dear Harry
I recd: your very agreable Letter of the 11th Int: Last night - We have no news here only what comes from your way if it was not for the Post come'g in twice a week and out expectations keep up from post to post of hear'g something Grand from you quarter, we might as well be underground for there is nothing go'g forward here. We seem to think we are in as great state of Security as if the Enemy was in the East India - I mean this as the Opinion of vast numbers amongst us - But since the General has order'd all the Troop from here they begin to be Alarm'd - and I think upon the Whole it will be of Service in the end - for while these Troop lay here we thought our selves very secure - and now we must raise more men to supply there Plase - which I think will be add'g so many more Troops to the common Stock - I have a high Idea of the Militia - but the more men we get into the service the Better - Two Regent: are to march from here to Morros - the other two great numbers of them have got the small pox and will not be ready this some time. I think it is a pity - Colo. Gover's are to march from Beverly a Saturday I am glad they are like to do same duty at Last
[2] This day at 12 oClock the Declaration of Independence is to be Read out of the Balcony of the State House - This morning the High Sheriff wait'd on [illegible] a desire from Honbl: James Bodwin Esq that our Company might be under armes at the time it was to be read - I accordingly waited on his honor - and to my great mortification was oblige'd to tell me were not fit to turn out - I think it would have been a very fine opportunity for our first appearance - for the Independent Company to have turn'd out at the Declaration of Independence - you will know the first Imprestion is all ways the most Lasting although we did not form this Company for the Parade - yet Parade is the pleasing - another thing we have not got our Uniform yet - Therefore I beg'd to be excuse'd which was grand - but he desir'd the whole Company would attend the Council Chamber to drink the K I like to have wrote King damn him - to drink the States of America - I have some secret hopes of being with you before you'll have the grand battle - I wish Lucy was here to have the Small pox I wish you would Rewarde her to come here and have it you cant think Low lights they have it there no body can find with it every body goes about the Business as if [3] nothing was the matter with them they have two or three Pimples Break out and the call the Small pox, if it is, I am sure it is a different sort from what it was when you and I had it - I believe they will find a method not to have it all by and by - my Father and mother are in a poor state of health they grow old and brake fast I am afraid wether they will stay much long here - they desire to be remember'd to you in Last
your friend
Henry Jackson
Thursday noon
To Colo Henry Knox
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