Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00420 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 19 August 1776 Pagination: 2 p. : address ; 32.6 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
Fears potential British successes in New York and the consequences it would have on morale. Wants all available men in New England sent to defend New York so it is not lost for want of soldiers, as was the case with the invasion of Canada. Believes that the British value New York very highly and if the Americans lose it will be disastrous. Discusses a ship from St. Augustine, Florida, that was seized and the intelligence gathered from it. Would like Knox to get him some artillery pieces.
[draft]
Boston Augt: 19 1776
Dear Harry
I recd: your very kind favor of 12th Int: for which am much oblige to you - I feel very much concern'd for your situation at Nyork, am affraid they will atack you where you least expect them and if they by there good Generalship get Possestion of one of our Port's, am very fearfull that it will discourage our men in such a manner that they will be both to face them again - I wish every able body'd man in the 4 New England States was order'd Imeadiately to Nyork - if we should loose that City for the want of a few men (as we did Canada) I think we ought to be made slaves of all our day's and nothing would be too severe for us to suffer ever after - They look upon it as a very Important Post for them, and I dare say will not leave no stone unturn'd to get Possestion of it - I wish we were fully appris'd of the Importances of that Post, adn I am sure you would not want for men - If they get foothold there and there army at the Westward defeat ours - I am affraid it would be all over with us - I pray God that my not be the case - our Cause is good Therefore I trust in the Lord he is our King. he will save us - There was a Brig sent in here last Fryday. Taken by one of our Cruiser's she was bound from St: Augustine to England - there was onboard and Leut: sert: and 1 drummer of the 14th Regt: again home for to recruit - the Leut: was not here when [2] when the Rigt: was - the sert. and drummer was I had some talk with the drummer - he told me therein as but about 50 of the Rigt alive that was here - that they had but 90 men in the whole Rigt: -- that there was about 600 Regulars in St: Augustine - Wilson the Grenader was Kil'd at Virginia - A Privateer out of Dartmouth - has taken a Ship of Mr Thos. Boylstons bound from the West India to Newfoundland - that trade is prohibited by the Congress and I suppose Master Tom will loose his Ship - if so the Whole Continent will not be able to help him - Billy the Beau - shew me his Letter I observe what write comin'g a Privateer I will do my endeavor to get you conserned 200.0 in some good Vessell - I will write further next Post - I wish you could send me 6 or 8 - 4 or 6 pounders - I wish you well
from your friend
H Jackson
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