Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to William Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00413 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 August 1776 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 31.7 x 18.8 cm. Order a Copy
Comments on their correspondence habits. Asks William to inform the wife of James Lovell that her husband would be released from the British in a prisoner exchange. Discusses British forces amassing in New York and preparing for an attack. Discusses the gravity of the situation at length. States "I shrink and tremble at the Importance of our present conduct."
[draft] [partial]
… Indeed my letters should be longer and a good deal more legible had I time to bestow upon them but that is not the case. I wish you would inform Mrs. Lovell that Mr. Lovell is to be exchang'd for Major Skeine now at Hartford and Genl Howe has wrote for him to Hallifax at which place he is, and from where he is to be brought here for an Exchange - the manner was settled last Friday in a letter brought from Genl Howe to Genl Washington
The Enemy arrive fast, we have now more than 200 sail in full view and more expected every hour tho they will make a late Campaign it is to be expected they will make a vigorous one -- in that their every thing depends upon their being successful and I [make] no doubt they will exert nerve to ensure [2] it, why your Company must have Cut [illegible] [leisure] surrounded by the Irrated multitude swearing blood Hostility against you, [struck: on a dill] a situation not to be desired - I shrink and tremble at the Importance of our [struck: mea] present conduct - the weight absolute with out alleviation & perhaps [portenly] on the shoulders of the present army - an Army I am sorry to say it not sufficiently numerous to resist the formidable attacks which will probably be made - and yet there are a great number of worthy choice men who are determin'd to risk every thing in support [strikeout] of the sacred cause - but by the [wounds] of the weak indolent inactive loose mode of thinking prevalent among our people they are not seconded with that ardor that could be wish'd. Six gallies on Saturday attack'd the Ships up the river and came off second Best today they attack again - and on tomorrow I supppose
I am Dear Billey
Yours affectionately
H Knox
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