Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to William Knox

[draft]
Camp 21s April 1778 -
My dear Brother
I have not received a single Line from you since I left Boston - what can be the reason[?] I fully expected it by the post last evening but not a word. I beg you would mend in this respect and let those hear from you who love you. how goes the matter - badly I am afraid - I wish it had been in my power to have put ten thousand Pounds into your hands then I shall have had some hopes at present I have none. My God this War will go near to ruin me. others are making their Fortunes & I am losing one. however a good intention and a good Conscience will I hope support & comfort me - have you yet presented the petition and have you seen Hichborn about the matters of the debt - push them both my dear friend for much will depend on their succeeding. Lucy will I suppose set out about the tenth of May. I wish it was possible to get [2] a post Chaise instead of the Phaeton - I suppose our friend Harry will be here in a few days by whom I shall hear much news -
Great Britain intend to offer terms of Concilliation to place us where we were in the Year 1763. Commissioners are coming out for that purpose with ample powers to treat with Congress or any body of men representing the people[.] Lord north for the 16th February made a most extraordinary Speech, in which he declar'd, he proposed peace as preferable to any other method. - he said there were only three steps to be taken - 1st to raise new levies and prosecute the War still more vigorously. 2d To withdraw the troops and Navy from America - [3] Treat with the Americans.
The first was almost too expensive and the event uncertain - The Second was to [illegible] acknowledge the Independence of America - the Third he thought was most eligible. - he said he had been deceived he never thought the natural Force of America to be so great ___ experience here taught him - That he was fully convinced that the British force was equal if not superior in number to the Americans
That he thought the [3] last Campaign would have been decisive, but the event show'd the contrary.
he thought after that General Howe had taken possession of Philadelphia that he would have brought the Americans to a General Action and total ruin there but he was [deceived] he would prefer peace now, altho' he was sure by continuing the War three years more to entirely Subjugate America - and much more - I have sent to General Hancock the Draughts of two Bills[.] I suppose they will be publish'd. I cou'd not procure the Speech, there was only one Copy came out and the Genl intends to send that to [illegible] Congress - I hope america will have the wisdom and spirit enough to treat with dignity which cannot be done but with a supreme [illegible]
I have written to Lucy to [illegible] halt the [illegible] with her it will do much better here than both with you
Write me often and give my Love to all who are deserving of it
I am Dear Billy Your affectionate
HKnox
[address leaf]
Mr William Knox
Boston.
[docket]
Genl. Knox
Valley Forge 21st
April 1778.