Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to William Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00472 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 October 1776 Pagination: 2 p. ; 31.9 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
Expresses disappointment with not receiving a letter from William, but writes this letter for both William and Henry Jackson. Discusses being recalled from New Jersey in response to sightings of British ships. Tells William to not give credit to reports that an American garrison has been taken, because it has not be verified. Comments on cannons he is getting for Henry Jackson to be mounted on a privateer. Mentions that Lucy Knox and their daughter visited briefly. Composed at Mount Washington.
[draft]
Mount Washington Octr 10 1776
My dear Billey
Altho I received no letter from you by a number of lying posts as they are call'd yet I write to you in preference to my much belovd friend Harry, in as much as I have written to him a number of times without writing you - and as I have not time to write two Letters - Yesterday I was about 20 miles in the Jersies and was recall'd from some matters of consequence upon which I was sent by General Washington, from the Report of a Cannonade - which provd to be those two ships of 44 Guns and one small one of 16 - and 6 tenders had pass'd thru our Cheveaux de frize which from Report was thought to be impossible, the event of this matter is uncertain, & what their design is - All the Lumber and timber, for our Barracks Come down by this Medium, there is none of this provided yet, it must distress us in this point of view - whether their design [2] is more extensive & they mean this as a prelude to sending up more Vessells or troops is not yet known - You will hear a Report they have taken our [illegible] - this is not Certain therefore give no Credit to it - tell Harry the Cannon I mean to get must of [illegible] pleases be put into a privateer - of a [illegible] 6 or 8 equal parts & that General Greene him & me are to be three of these parts, the Guns shall be ready very soon - write me thou Young Scoundrel or
I am Your aff
HKnox
Your sister & baby which is the finest I ever saw - has been to see me and went back for NHaven the day before yesterday -
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