Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00475 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 October 1776 Pagination: 2 p. : address ; 31.7 x 19.2 cm. Order a Copy
He is anxious for news, which has not come in twelve days. He is also worried about the upcoming December because there are rumors that few in the old army will reenlist. Discusses possible solutions. Mrs. Johnson, the wife of Captain Lieutenant John Johnson, who was taken prisoner at the Battle of Long Island, was glad to receive a letter from Knox. Thinks it wise for Lucy Knox to stay in Boston for the winter. Inquires about a Mr. Cheever (possibly Ezekiel Cheever), who was possibly wounded.
[draft]
Boston Octo. 14th 1776
My good Friend,
Since the Fly'g Post have been established we can not get any new's from the Camp it is now 12 day's since we have had any Acct. of your situation, we are anxiously consern'd for you & instead of have'g two regular Acct: every week, we dont have one - what it is owe'g to we dont know, they must be neglectsome where - We have not the least new's here. no Prizes since I wrote you. really nothing. all seem to be froze up (as to news) - Harry I am much distress'd for our Situation next Decmr: it is said here, very few of the Old Army will Inlist again, if this is the Case, what will become of us, must you disperce and let them [illegible] the Country & do what they Please - I pray god, not, I hope the Generall will send for every man in the Country thats able to bare arm's & there keep them, till a proper number are Inlisted, before he will give up one Inch of ground more, if the Men will not Inlist we must all take our turn's 6 Mo. and 6 Mo. not keep send'g men for 2 Mo. for by the time they get to Camp it's time to go home [2] tomorrow I set out for Providence if you should not have a line from me till the last of the week, I Pray you will not omit write'g me if any thing should turn up - All friends here are well, numbers enquire after you every Post, I am please'd to find you wrote Johnston's Wife it gave her a great [illegible] of Satisfaction - My Regards to Lucy, I think it will much best for her to spend the winter here - It must be vastly more Convenient for her here than nay where in the Country - What is become of my Old Friend Mr Cheevis, I beg you to remember me to him, can he Laugh, how does he make out, I am dear
Harry, your Sincerely
Henry Jackson
[address leaf]
To
Collo: Harry Knox
at
Head Quarters
near
New York
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