Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00466 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 October 1776 Pagination: 2 p. : address ; 31.7 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
Explains why he has not written recently. Reacts to Knox's account of Major Thomas Henley's death in a failed surprise attack against the British on Randall's Island. Notes that he has published accounts Knox requested. Indicates that Bostonians are "much alarm'd, about the burn'g, hang'g & cut'g the throats of some of our people..." Discusses the appointments, resignations, and selection of several officers. Reports the capture of a British vessel with light horse on board.
[draft]
Boston Octor. 2 1776
Dear Harry
I have omitted writing you Severall times by the new regulated Flying Post, owe'g to my not know'g the time it set off - I shall for the futer [sic] endeavor to write you evry Post & every particular that turns up from time to time - I have recd: yours, given Acct. of Poor Henley. I think the Army has meet with a great loss in loose'g him. if he had a lived I dare say he would have cut [illegible] or an Officer - I have Publish'd in this day Paper what you desire - The People here are much Alarm'd, about the burning hang'g & Cut'g the Throats of some of our People - there is Severall Letter's come by the Post that gives the same Acct: of the matter - which makes People believe the truth of it - Collo. Henry Bromfield has excpt'd of the Commad of the Regt: in this Town - Collo. Davies has Resign;d, Mr. May has resignd except as 2d Major - This Day the different wards meet to Choose there Officer - 1 Capt. & 2 Leut. [2] I believe there will be the Devil to Pay The Fly'g Post set's off in ten minutes from this - Therefore must brake off my good Father & Mother send the regards to you - & I believe they both Pray for you evry day -
I am your Sincerely
H Jackson
Since I have seald up my Letter & sent it to the Office We have Just recd. Acct. from the Eastward that Capt. Sowter in an Arm'd Brig belong'g to this State, has taken a Large Ship from England bound to New York with Light Horse on board what number there is on board cant say - it is a fact - I have seen & talk'd with the man who Left the above Ship in, Townsend, are [at?] our harbour at the Eastward
Your HJ
[address leaf]
To
Collo. Henry Knox
at
Head Quarters
near
New York
post
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