Knox, William (1756-1795) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00567 Author/Creator: Knox, William (1756-1795) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 April 1777 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 30.5 x 18.3 cm. Order a Copy
Informs Henry that "the attachment on the house is completed." Discusses other details regarding the house, but is somewhat unclear. Seems to be saying that Mr. Hitchburn still owes Knox 2,000 pounds for the house, which it appears that he has purchased. Mr. Hitchburn is also discussed, along with the house, in GLC02437.00565. Asks Henry if Mr Rea should paint any saddle clothes for him, states he has not yet procured a silk handkerchief, and cannot find Mr. Garey's promissory note. Notes that the brig Cabot was captured by the British ship HMS Millford. In March the Cabot was engaged by the Milford outside Boston and chased North to Novia Scotia, where the crew abandoned the ship and escaped unharmed. The ship became the first Continental naval ship captured by the British. William also says that Pollard has informed him 1000 men have left to fight in the south. The quills and other items he purchased have arrived and are already selling well.
[draft]
Boston April 7th 1777
My dearest Friend
I have a few circumstances to inform you of which are as follows
Mrs. Knox by your earnestly frequently mentioning the affair relative to the attachment of [inserted: the] house in your Letters desir'd [strikeout] Mr. Hichburn to have its [fixed] accordingly he desired me to make out an [illegible] against Mr. F. - for the sum which was missing with regulated advanced of this state which made it amount to L5000 [illegible] the sum missing being as near L2000 according to the best of my judgement as I have frequently heard you say that you left in Boston about L3000. I [strikeout] as I am knowing to what remain'd [struck: remain'd] when arriv'd in Town. the attachment or house has taken place. & Mr. Hichborn don't doubt but you will recover the whole sum by Law - which will be mighty pretty affair.
Mr. R a tells me you did not positively say then you were in Town that you would have him paint you any saddle clothes or if you did he did not understand you so given forgets what kind you were talking of & therefore [2] beggs to know in what way you would wish to have them painted that he may do them for you as soon as possible.
I have not been able as yet to procure you a blk silk handkerchief but hope by the return of your Brigade Major to send you one.
I have rummag'd over all the paper's but cant find Mr. Carey of [illegible] note of hand, & therefore suppos'd it to [inserted: have] been [illegible] I shall write to him however not telling this circumstance, if he is not an Honest Man he may cheat you out of the sum which L16 or 17 with a tolerable fare,
We have lost a continental Brigg can the [Cabot] taken be the Milford Pollard. tells me that 4000 Men have march'd for Ticonderoga & the [forward] since Genl Heath took the Command
That [illegible] which I inform'd you off the same time ago has safe arriv'd & sells off very fast. I am waiting with much anxiety for answers to the several Letters which I have lately wrote you as they concern my entering the service more or less in the [intrerim]
I am dear Harry
Your Unalterably
Affectionate Brother
Wm Knox
Genl. Knox
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