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Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00628 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter Date: 23 July 1777 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 31.4 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Colonel Jackson declares, "The loss of Ticonderoga is a very severe stroke, we shall expereance [sic] the misfortune of it as long as the War lasts- there is no one circumstance take'n place this War that has affected the minds of the People so much as this- and there is not one that can acct for its being given up in the maner [sic] it was- not one single Gun fired from us..." Wonders how General [Arthur] St. Clair will explain his conduct after the American loss of Ticonderoga. Hopes General George Washington will become aware of General William Howe's plans. Expects Howe to move up the North River (the Hudson), and has received information that many British soldiers are sick. Discusses the capture and recapture of the Fox, a British frigate. Expresses gratitude for his appointment as Knox's agent. Cannot recruit enough men to join his regiment, and asks for assistance from Knox and "his Excellency the Genl," (George Washington). Text loss on page three.

[draft]
Boston July 23 1777
Dr Harry
Yours of 13th I recd. and return you my thanks - you mention you have not recd: a line from me by the two last Posts, I have never omitted write'g but one Post, & then I was out of Town, -
The loss of Ticonderoga is a very severe stroke. we shall expereance the misfortune of it as long as the War last's - there is no one circumstance take'n place this war that has affected the mind of the People so much as this - and there is not one that can acct: for it's being given up in the maner it was - not one single gun fire'd, from us, nor one Battery open'd on it, by the Enemy how to acct: for this, I can not, but shall waite to hear what Genl. St. Clair will have to say for his conduct -
I wish Genl: How would move some where - that Genl. Washington may know what How is a go'g about, for my part I have not the least doubt, but he is go'g up [2] the North River, yet I believe he lay's under some difficulty about the matter or he would have mov'd before this - I believe [illegible] want of man - and is affraid of the North river - a Gentleman arriv'd here a few day's ago from New York. he say's they are very sickly - they have at least 5,000 sick - if this is true we can very easy Acct: for there lay'g still - yesterday arrive'd here and was put on board the Guard ship, the Officers of the Fox Frigate, the officers behave'd very well - they say Capt. Manly behav'd like a Hero - & fought his ship with great Judgement & Bravery and the officer all say, they have been treat'd with the greatest Politeness & Gentility, by Capt: McNeal ever since they have been taken - The Fox is certainly retaken and arriv'd at Halifax - one of the Manlys Lieuts: was put in Master of her and he has wrote a Letter to his wife in this Town give'g acct: of his being retaken - it's fear'd Manly is allso taken - but it [3] remains uncertain yet - I wish you would write me, what necessary's I shall want to equip my self for the Camp -
I am much Oblige to your for the Honor you have confer'd on me by appoint'g me your agent, you may rest asur'd I will do every thing in my Power for your Interest - I wish you would speak to his Excellency the Genl: & desire him to [text loss] the Genl. Court here a very [text loss] Letter, desire'g them to fill Lee's [text loss] & my Regt. unless he do's they w[text loss] fill them - & one word from the [illegible] better than 100 Petitions from us [text loss] state has 4,000 men to raise to [text loss] 15 Battalions - and they appear [text loss] many of their propo[r]tion as any state on the Continent - I wish the Genl. would write them it would have a very good affect I assure you - my Complyments to Majr. Knox -- I expect he'll write me -
your Old
Friend
[address leaf]
Brigr. Genl. Knox
at
Genl: Washington's
Headquarters
[docket]
Letter from Collo.
Heny Jackson 23 July
1777.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809
St. Clair, Arthur, 1734-1818
Washington, George, 1732-1799
Howe, William, 1729-1814

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