Knox, William (1756-1795) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00449 Author/Creator: Knox, William (1756-1795) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 September 1776 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 31.8 x 19.3 cm. Order a Copy
Congratulates his brother on his escape from New York. Notes that many in Boston are "much pleas'd" with the retreat. Tells the version of events in New York he has heard but eagerly awaits details from Henry. Notes hearing that Benedict Arnold returned safely to Fort Ticonderoga, after hearing earlier that he had lost his fleet. Discusses extending "civilities" to Doctor Samuel Stringer, who had done the same when William and Henry were in Albany and Fort George obtaining artillery pieces for the siege of Boston, on his visit to Boston. Mentions business and privateering activities.
[draft]
Boston 23d. Septr 1776 -
Dear Harry
We have heard of your retreat from new York, but dont know very well what to conclude from that manoevre but in general are the people here seem to be most pleas'd with it - dear Harry permit a Brothr to congratulate you on your very fortunate I mean providential escape. as Im inform'd that General Putnam commanded the rear of the army which consisted of near two [Brigades] in which you were with That the enemy landed Ten Thousand in the City before you had scarcely got out of it and that it was owing to your great activity and keeping just on the edge of the North River that you didn't all Fall into their hands.. I have this acct. from Mumford who says he had from a at Stous From New York, or Kings Bridge we have the most vague & undigested accots. of your proceedings which afflicts us not a little. this said we have defeated five Thousand taken two or three Standards or Coloring and 3. or 4. Field pieces that landed up the north River about the same time you retreated from NYork
I have not had any Lettr. from Mrs. Knox since that week in which I had two
[2] We wait with the greatest impatience to hear particularly from you - a report circulated here last week that Genl. now Admiral Arnold had lost all his fleet since which we have had the pleasure of hearing its safe return to Tyconderoga - I am very happy in having it in my power in some measure to return those civilities which we receiv'd from Doctr. Stringer in Albany and Fort George he is has been in Town near a Week purchasing Medicine for the Northern Army he has succeeded extremely well having fortunately fell in with Mr. Paseal Smith who had lately a Vessel from Holland with 3.4.Thousand pounds of LMoney's worth on bd - we have nothing new here except 2 vessells from Grenada taken one at Providence and the other is not this side the light Houses both loaded with Sugar and Rum - last Week I paid the Collo all the money I had except what I mention to you I had of hard Cash and my small Change which amounted to 80 Lt for which I took his Receipt - Wishing you all happiness and a safe Return to Yr. Friends
[Best] Yr Affectionate
Brothr.
WmKnox
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