Knox, William (1756-1795) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00578 Author/Creator: Knox, William (1756-1795) Place Written: Providence, Rhode Island Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 24 April 1777 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 22.9 x 18.9 cm. Order a Copy
Expects Henry will disapprove the most recent actions of the unit he is serving in. Says he did not wish to participate himself, but did so when his colonel said that not to would forever sully his name. Is living "in the stile of soldiers, lodging on the floor...eating out of Wooden Bowls, Gallanting with the Ladies." His unit is remaining with General Spencer, keeping sentry over his person. Finds sentry duty good for "Humour or...variety." Despite these obstacles is still committed to joining the army and has left many recently purchased goods behind. Hopes Lucy and her daughter are doing well since their inoculation and greatly desires to join Henry in New Jersey.
[draft]
"…We live intirely in the Stile of Soldiers lodging on the Floor which from use has become tolerably soft eating out of Wooden Bowls Gallanting the Ladies and in every other respect [unitrmt]
General Spencer in his great goodness sees fit to keep us at this place, he says for the service we will be in being [illegible] for [2] for discipline to the Troops that are expected here every moment, and to guard his person, he professes to be much pleas'd with our [Spirit] and - We [illegible] a Sergearnts guard call'd the General Gerard, out of which [Friday's] are planted at this door and relieved evry two hours, I have had one turn already and expect to have another on Saturday it may answer for a [five] days by putting it on the loose of Humour or [seale] of Variety.
It don't effect my entering the service but very little as I have put in the hands of Mr. Bowes…
Mrs. Knox and my little niece were about taking the finall [illegible] when I left Boston I have not heard a word from them but intend writing to her today which I hope will produce a letter…."
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