Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00438 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 September 1776 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 32 x 19.2 cm. Order a Copy
Reacts to news of the Battle of Long Island, hopes the loss serve as a learning experience rather than discouraging one, and laments the loss of Lord Stirling and General John Sullivan, who were captured. No news from Boston. "Lt. Johnston" was Captain Lt. John Johnston, captured at Long Island (see GLC02437.00443).
[draft]
Boston. Sept 5 1776
Dear Harry
Yours of the 28th I rec:d and am much oblige to you for the very particular Acc:t you gave of the action on Long Island - I think it must have been a very sever Action - vastly more so than that on Bunker's Hill - By the severall Acct Recd. here, am affraid they have gain'd a great advantage over [ours] - hope our Army will not be discourage'd by this but wish it may be a lesson to them to be doubly watchfull & not be [surprise'd] on there Post's. and I think a few of these skirmish's (if we an't too great a Looser's) will be of great service to our Officers & men - And in a very short time I have no doubt they learn us to beat them in what way they please - It gives me the greatest satisfaction possable to hear that our Officers & men behave'd so exceeding well - I am very sorry we have lost two such brave men as Ld Sterling & Jn Sullivan (by the best Rect: they behave'd like son's of America - ) we must expect to lose Officer's & men too - & the Bravest are more like to fall than others -
turn over
[2] I am sorry for Lt Johnston there is severall [Acc] that speak very highly of him - I shew his father [Spear] that part of the Letter refer'd to him - his Wife look's to lay in every day & he thought Prudent not mention it to her - Before this you must have had a generall Action - Pray Harry write me every Particular. We have no new's here - all Peace & quietness - may that God who has carry'd you through many dangers, still preserve & protect you, and cover your head in the day of Battle is sincere Pray of your asur'd friend & well wisher
my good parents give Henry Jackson
there best regards, to you -
- they often sigh for you
PS Beau. Bill would have wrote you, as there's no new's would not put you to the expense of postage - will write you the next post -
[docket]
Boston Sept 28
Jackson
[address leaf]
To
Collo H:y Knox
In
New York
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