Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00610 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter Date: 8 June 1777 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 22.7 x 18.6 cm. Order a Copy
Colonel Jackson writes "by way of Peekskill" [New York]. Reports that a Massachusetts state cruiser has taken two British transport ships bound for New York with Hessians on board. Of the Hessians, writes "it is said they show'd the greatest joy when our people board'd the Ship." Refers to another cruiser bound for Quebec with dry goods and blankets. Writes, "I wish to know if it would be agreeable to the generall that I may Inlist some of [the Hessians] in my Regt."
[draft]
Boston, June 8. 1777
My good friend
I have this moment head [sic] of an opportunity [inserted: to] write by the way of [Peekskill] - I embrace the opportunity to inform you that. One of our State Crusier's has taken two [inserted: Transport] ships from England. bound to New York, with Hessians on board. One of the Ships is arriv'd at the Eastward with 82 of them - the other is not yet arriv'd but expect to hear of her arrival every hour - The Hessians on their first being taken mounte'd guard over there Officer, and Swore they would not be retaken - it is said they show'd the greatest Joy, [strikeout] when our people board'd the Ship - there was 600 Hessians Sail'd in Company with them and this was all that was com'g out - they [2] they had been out only 6 days; at the time they were taken - and it expect'd we shall take the whole of them, as there was two of our Priveteers Brigd in Confort on the Coast - There Cruiser, have also sent into Salem yesterday. a Large [Snow] from England bound to Quebec. Load with dry Goods & cc for the Army there. She has 4,000 Blankets on board - a Large quantity of woolen goods - I as the Hessians are Expecte'd up here - I wish to know if it would be agreeable to the generals, that I may Inlist some of them in my Regt - may health & happiness, ever attend you is
the sincere pray of your Old
Friend
PS what I have wrote is a fact - you may report to any Body}
To Genl. Knox
[Address]
Brigadier Genl. Knox
At
General Washingtons
Head Quarters
Fav.o by
Capt. Tuckerman
[Docket]
Colo Harry Jackson
Boston 8th June 1777 -
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