Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to John Hancock
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00620 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Middlebrook, New Jersey Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 July 1777 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 32.3 x 19.6 cm. Order a Copy
Knox writes to Hancock, President of Continental Congress. Asks if [Phillippe] du Coudray has been appointed to command the artillery. Declares, "I wish to know of Congress whether this information be true, if it is, I beg the favor of a permission to Retire, and that a proper certificate for that purpose be sent me immediately."
Knox was almost displaced of his position in charge of artillery by [du Coudray], 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]
Camp Middlebrook 1 July 1777
Sir
From the information I have received I am induced to believe that Congress has appointed a Mr. du Coudray a French gentleman to the Command of the Artillery
I wish to know of Congress whether this information be true, if it is, I beg the favor of a permission to Retire, and that a proper certificate for that purpose be Sent me immediately
I am Sir Your
Most Hble Servt
Henry Knox
Honorable John Hancock Esqr.
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