Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00443 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 9 September 1776 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 20.3 x 16.2 cm. Order a Copy
Laments the loss at the Battle of Long Island because they lost the territory, had to abandon military stores and artillery pieces, and lost access to the good farms and livestock on the island. Others in Boston think the loss was of little consequence. Hopes to keep Manhattan and thinks it possible. Reports hearing that nine prizes containing rum and sugar from the West Indies have been captured by privateers and brought to Newport, Rhode Island and Plymouth, Massachusetts. Seeks a response to his inquiry about getting guns to outfit a ship (see GLC02437.00436). Explains that Mr. Spears wants Knox to act quickly to have Captain Lieutenant John Johnston, who was captured at Long Island, exchanged.
[draft]
Dear Harry Boston Sept 9. 76
I suppose the reason of your not writing was ow'g to your being in great confution - I think the give'g up Long Island must be a great loss to us, not only los'g the Island but it is imposable but what we must have Left a vast quantity of our military store's and heavey Artil'y on the Island which must have fell into there hands - not only this - when I think what an amazing track of Land of 140 miles with very fine Farms and plenty of Cattle and Provisians and evy necessary of Life and 50.000 Inhabitants in high is on that Island. I can't be think it must be a very very - great loss to us - tho' some people here think it but of little consequence -
[2] I hope and Pray we may be able to keep Possestion of Nyork and there make a formadable resistance which I think we may be able to , as our whole force is together - We have nothing new here, it is report'd this mor'g that there is 9 Prize's got in New port Providence and Plymouth all from the west India Load'd with Rum and Sugar - The Ship goes on very well - wish you would write me what you think can be done about the Gun's - Mr Spear's desire you'll will get Liet: Johnston exchang'd as soon as Possable and if you will write me word when your like to exchange him - he will come with a Carrage adn fetch him home if he is not able to do duty - his friend are in great trouble about him - my good Parents are very anxious about you - god Bless you my good friend
Henry Jackson
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