Hastings, Jonathan (1738-1804) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00486 Author/Creator: Hastings, Jonathan (1738-1804) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 November 1776 Pagination: 1 p. ; 23.8 x 19.2 cm. Order a Copy
Agrees that Boston men show "indifference" to joining the army. States his willingness to "resign my commission to the Post Master General" as long as he can join Knox as an "aid de Camp." Tells Knox "to be with you & share your Dangers is my sincere Desire." Congratulates Knox "on the capture of many prizes," especially the capture of a ship from Scotland to New York carrying "7,000 shirts ready made, 11,000 hair stockings, & 17,000 pairs shoes, besides many other articles in great demand for the army." The invoice on board the ship states the goods are worth "25,000 sterling."
[draft]
Boston 13 Novr. 1776
My Dr Sir-
Just Complaint is made of the Indifference the Young Gentlemen of this Town Shew in
entering the army. You know my present employment obliges me to be punctual or Resign my
Commission to the Post Master General. The latter is my Choice if in the new arrangement of the
army or before, you will secure me the Birth of an aid de Camp. My being more intimately
acquainted with you and your being a New England=Man is the reason of my writing you, and I
flatter myself that by getting your Influence my Wishes will be gratified: However if they
cannot, I must be content, tho' to be with you and share your Dangers is my sincere Desire.
I have the Pleasure to congratulate you on the Capture of many Prizes, but more
especially on a very capital one now coming up, taken by two Continental Crusers viz: Capts
Tucker and Skinner. She is from Scotchland bound to New York - has on board 7,000 Shirts
ready made, 11,000 hair Stockings, and 17,000 pair Shoes besides many other articles in great
demand for the army. You may judge of her worth by the Foot of Invoice wch is 25,000 starting
first cost in Scotchland - Please to let me know concerning what I have intimated above, in the
mean time I remain
with Respect, Sire, your very huml Servant
Jonathan Hastings Junr
Coll Henry Knox
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