Isaacs, Ralph (1741-1799) to Lucy Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00581 Author/Creator: Isaacs, Ralph (1741-1799) Place Written: Wallingford, Connecticut Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 April 1777 Pagination: 2 p. ; 32.1 cm. x 21.9 cm. Order a Copy
Writes that his health has improved, and his wife is recovering from smallpox. Details the Battle of Ridgefield (27 April 1777) and the British actions leading up to it. Says British troops landed near Norwalk, marched to Danbury, and there destroyed Continental stores. Then relates how General Wooster and his men fought the British with "justice and bravery," but Wooster received a wound that he thinks may prove fatal. Next the British engaged General Arnold's forces, with both sides suffering heavy losses, his friend doctor Attwater of New Hampshire among them. Pierpont Edwards and "several New Haven gentlman" are missing and may be prisoners. The British troops escaped by boat, but he tells Lucy "Had our people been well commanded it is said the Kings Troops would have all been destroyed." Sends his best to the family and Mrs. Pollard. The battle of Ridgefield was fought on 27 April 1777. General Tryon had brought his British forces to Danburry expecting to be warmly greeted by loyalists. When he realized that the Americans were not welcoming he turned to retreat by boat. General Wooster attacked him and slowed his retreat, giving Benedict Arnold's forces enough time to engage the British. Though the Americans did not defeat the British in battle, the British were forced to retreat.
David Wooster was a Major-General of Connecticut Troops. He died 2 May 1777 from wounds received at Ridgefield 27 April 1777.
Mrs. Pollard was the wife of Jonathan Pollard who owned the store next to Henry Knox's bookshop.
[draft]
Ever since I had the pleasure of seeing you at New Haven I have been [] my health and am now happy to tell you that I am perfectly recovered and allmost [] My Age - was it not for the Sound of War and the disagreeable situation I am in which is known to you. Ere this I should have seen you in the Twon of Boston. Mrs Isaacs is at Branford on our Mount and so far as the Good things of the world can contribute to make Her Happy - She is. But One thing is still wanting. You know how to [] her in [] of. She was more than happy in [] your kind letter and would before this acknowledged the Rect. but has been in the smallpox with Her whole family who are thanks to God all well at this time. I suppose Boston is now a Round of Pleasure as the King I hear is at the Head if I may venture to Speak against divignitys it would have reflected much more to His Honour to have continued in this Part of the Country where the Horid [Sore] has [opent] and God has permitted your Enemys to make an Excursion Twenty Miles in the Country much to their advantage. They Landed Four Miles this side of Norwalk last Fryday evening
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