Knox, Henry (1750-1806) William Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00483 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: White Plains, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 November 1776 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 20.4. x 15.8 cm. Order a Copy
Was worried to hear from Henry Jackson that William had gone aboard a ship going to confront the British ship the Mifford. Notes that after pursuing the Continental Army to White Plains, the British have turned back toward New York and Knox speculates that they intend to besiege Fort Washington and then pass to New Jersey and possible Philadelphia. Believes Fort Washington could withstand a two or three month siege. Notes that the Hessians and the British "plunder all before them." Instructs William to pick Lucy Knox up from New Haven, Connecticut, if she wants to winter in Boston. A note on the verso states "It is absurd to suppose a man of Mr. Howe's character gone into winter Qtrs already."
[draft]
Camp near White plains Novr 7 1776
Dear Peter Billey I mean
I wrote to Harry Yesterday as it was his turn, Mr McFaden the person who was to have carried it goes not till today so that I have an opportunity of writing to you for whom notwithstanding, the ludicrous address above I have an exceding great affection - Mr Jackson gave me an alarm for he told me you had gone on board Capt McNeils Ship with a kind of probability of having an engagement with the Milford - I am eas'd of my fears by observing in the last Boston papers an account of the Ship arriving in Boston - The enemy [left] us Yesterday and have retired to wards York we suppose with the dble design of attacking or beseigeing Fort [2] Fort Washington, and passing over to the Jer[s]ies and perhaps of winking at Philadelphia - how true these Conjectures may be time will show our Garrison at Mount Washington is Respectable consisting of nearly 1800 men, a strong post against a storm and with experienced officers who understood the attack and defence of places I think it might stand two or three months seige - This is apeice of intelligence which you may depend upon - they the Hessians and British troops plunder all before them - the highlanders very little - I have written to Mrs Knox about your leaving to New Haven for her I wish her to winter in Boston - and if she writes for you to come and by your word do without further advice from me - Give my love to those who think me a subject worth of enquiry I am yr affec
HKnox
[3] It is absurd to suppose a man of Mr Howes Character gone into Winter Qrs Already
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