Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Lucy Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00487 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: North Castle, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 November 1776 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 31.7. x 19.3 cm. Order a Copy
Regrets that he must send her to Boston, but hopes to see her and Peter soon, if his duties allow. Notes British movements on Long Island. Comments on the tactical ineptitude displayed by both sides: "The manoeuvres of the enemy are so complicated that at times I think they have as little knowledge in the art of war as their opponents." Discusses the strength of both armies, and prepares for a siege of Fort Washington. Has heard that the King of Portugal has declared war on the colonies.
[draft]
Camp [struck: near] [inserted: in] North Castle [struck: illegible] [inserted: near] White Plains
Novr 14 1776
My dearest hope
I received your Letter by a Mr Allen for which my dear accept my sincerest thanks - you think it hard that I should wish you to go to Boston at so great a distance from you - I regret it exceedingly & am sorry for the cruel necessity which forces me to it - I have some hopes tho' Indeed they are but faint of seeing you soon - I am not master of my time & consequently have it not in my power either to fulfil my wishes or promises to you with respect to the six Weeks - The manoevres of the enemy are so complicated that at times I think they have as little knowledge on the art of war as their opponents - sure I am that nothing but our [illegible] bad positioning have sav'd us - the enemy could not comprehend them - therefore they struck terror - My Love wants to know the news - Why all the Southern & some of the Northern troops [2] are gone to the Jersies in order to stop the supposed progress of Mr Howe towards Philadelphia - Genl Lee commands here an army of 15,000 in order to look at or fight any part of the enemies who may attempt to storm Fort Washington or besiege it - The enemy have retird to the heights about Kings-Bridge the same that we occupied when you were at Genl Heaths - They seem to be in a consternation about something, some bad news from abroad - This said they are going to embark 15000 men, but to [text loss] is uncertain - If they suffer the Campaign to end so Adeiu the must bid an eternal Adieu to America - If there is a possibility of my seeing you I will write for you to meet me some place about one days ride from where you are - I have written to Peter to come for you I wish to see him also - if I should be so happy as to get Leave to come to you - You must bring your dear Little image with you - I am exceedingly affected with what you write about Mr Isaacs I have the most grateful sentiments [3] of his [struck: kind] Civility to you - if he still Lives present My Respects to him - if not - Condole with Mrs Isaacs for me - Mr Pollard is gone to Peekskill about 30 miles from this to the highlands this will be the last letter I shall be able to write by the post as he is to go for the future to the Jersies [text loss] afraid will not stop here - I expect every minute to hear I shall be orderd to the Jersies or Philadelphia about the regulation of the new artillery - whether I shall Continue in this service depends entirely upon the footing they intend to put it upon - if it is Respectable I will if it is not Respectable I will not - [text loss] have heard that the might king [text loss] of Portugal has declard war against us - I want to go to Boston to fix out a privateer to take some half [illegible] from them - I love you & shall continue to do so untill I march from this earth
Adieu my Love pray
For Your Affectionate
Harry Knox
[address leaf]
2
Mrs Lucy Knox
N Haven
[docket]
Nov 76
Genl to
Mrs K.
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