Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Benjamin Lincoln
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00691 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Poughkeepsie, New York Type: Manuscript letter Date: 18 January 1778 Pagination: 3 p. ; 22.9 x 18.8 cm. Order a Copy
Later copy. Previous catalog record noted that this is a copy. Knox had planned to travel to New England by way of Albany, New York, so he could see Lincoln and Benedict Arnold, but his late departure will prevent him from taking that route. Comments on Lincoln's recovery (his leg was badly injured during the Saratoga campaign in 1777). Congratulates Lincoln on the victory at Saratoga, New York: "The success with which your exertions have been crowned, and the ample security it affords at present to this and the neighboring states must be a pleasing reflection in your pain and confinement." Relates that George Washington has ordered him (Knox) to transfer cannons from Albany, New York to Pennsylvania. Remarks that George Clinton, Governor of New York, suggested to Knox that the cannons be transported by water after the ice melts. Notes that if Lincoln is not well enough to travel to Boston in six weeks, Knox will travel through Albany to see him.
[draft]
[This letter appears to be a copy]
Poughkeepsie 18 Jany 1778
Lincoln
from
Knox
My dear Sir
I fully intended to have done myself the pleasure to have gone by the way of Albany to New England on purpose to have seen you and Genl. Arnold, but the late season at which I set out from camp will prevent: It gives me great happiness to hear that your wound is in the fairest way of recovery.
The success with which your exertions have been crowned, and the ample security it affords at present to this and the neighbouring states must be a pleasing reflection in your pain and confinement - We at the southward are quite put out of Countenance, by the brilliancy of your success, not that any exertions have been wanting on the part of the army, but at least we ought to have had equal numbers with our opponent, which was not the case.
His Excellency the General [2] has ordered me to send on to Pennsylvania all of the canon now at Albany, except such as will be wanting for the army, which may operate on the river the next Campaign.
I have consulted with Governor Clinton on the best mode of transportation who aggress with me that it would be best to let them remain at Albany, until the Ice shall break up, and then bring them down to New Windsor by water, & from there convey them across the Country to Pennsylvania. by this means the expense of a hundred miles transportation by land will be saved and the canon be early enough for the demand.
I have heard the canon & stores were to be sent to Springfield which would be highly improper under the present intentions, and orders of his Excellency - as it would make the difference in the expense of two hundred miles besides the risqué of getting them late on account of the bad roads. I shall thank you Sir to give orders about this matter. I think it would be highly expedient to send all the damaged arms to Springfield which cannot be repaired at [3] Albany, and the sooner it was done the better I shall [illegible] directions there to have them done immediately
I am my dear Sir with
great affection your most humble
Servant
HKnox
If you should not be so well as to go to Boston in six weeks I shall return by the way of Albany to see you.
directed to Lincoln at Albany
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