Jarvis, Samuel G. (fl. 1777-1794) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00613 Author/Creator: Jarvis, Samuel G. (fl. 1777-1794) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 19 June 1777 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 22.7 x 18.9 cm. Order a Copy
Apologizes for not writing Knox sooner. Reports that he sent Knox wine the previous Sunday. Writes, "I think it impossible my Dear Friend that our Country can be so ungratefull as to put a foreigner over your Head but should they be so foolish & unjust you have Friends at Home that will study to make your life happy... if we are to be directed by Frenchmen, fare well Liberty..."
Knox was almost displaced of his position in charge of artillery by a Frenchman named [Philippe Tronson du Coudray] (sources disagree on the spelling), secured by Silas Deane, the American Minister to France. Washington supported Knox, and Du Coudray was permitted to join the troops under Washington as a volunteer. Coudray drowned in September 1777.
[draft]
"…I think it Impossible my Dear Friend that our Country can be so ungratefull as to put a foreigner over your Head [2] but should they be so foolish and unjust you have Friends at Name that will study to make your life happy - I shall Immediately sett about getting my accounts settle'd and will have them Ready whenever they shall be called for - Dear Harry your letter has affected me [illegible]; for I think your leaving the service will be attended with disagreeable Consequences not upon your account for I am sensible you will be happy out of it - but upon my Country's Account; if we are to be directed by Frenchmen [illegible] be Liberty"
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