Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Lucy Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00632 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 August 1777 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 21 x 15.8 cm. Order a Copy
Reports, "The enemy have manoevr'd us to this place... and after all gave us the slip... this is now the third day of their departure with a fine a wind as ever blew to carry them to New York and so up the North River [the Hudson]-- this must be their great object, and however appearances may have been against it- I could never account why it was not done- Thank God our force there is pretty respectable, and if they can hold out only till we get there... our forces will all be put in motion that way." Emphasizes that General George Washington could not have acted otherwise, for had he not moved to Philadelphia, the British would have taken the city. Predicts Howe's force is smaller than previously imagined based on the British General's hasty departure. Apologizes for the brevity of this letter.
Philadelphia 2 Augt 1777
My dearest Love
The enemy have manoevr'd us to this place, and after all left us in the lurch - They appear'd within the capes, came to anchor, put out their Buoys or guides, and after all gave us the slip the very day we came down here. This is now the third day of their departure with as fine a wind as ever blew to carry them to New York and so up the North River - this must be their great object, and however Appearances may have been against it - I could never account why it was not done - Thank God [2] our forces there is pretty respectable, and if they can hold out only till we get there - they will I hope pay for it - I believe I shall set out post tomorrow morning for that place, our forces will all be put in motion that way - I am most heartily vex'd that he has such a superiority - But of this I am certain our dear General could not have acted otherwise than he has done - had he not have come this way the enemy would most certainly have taken this place - A mighty triumph for Mr Howe, to run away from our army - This in my opinion is almost proof positive that his army is not so large as it has been commonly suppos'd - [3] I shall set out in two hours for Germantown where our troops are - Mr. Gibbs will deliver you this Letter which I am sure you will excuse when you consider the hurly Burly of the times - I will write you an exceeding long letter to make up for the deficiency of this -
Give my Love to Harry - [struck: and] Mr & Mrs Jarvis and all other friends
- I shall write you by the [Hurry] post
Adieu my Love
HKnox
[address leaf]
M.rs Knox -
Boston
favord by Mr Gibbs -
[docket]
Aug. /77
HKnox to Wife
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