Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to William Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00698 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Valley Forge, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 29 April 1778 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 23.7 x 19.4 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to his brother, asking why William has not recently written. Mentions a recovered debt and an unspecified petition to be presented to Continental Congress. Inquires as to the fitting out of The General Arnold, a ship, and mentions the loss of The Hero. Expresses disappointment that his friend Harry, possibly Colonel Henry Jackson, has not arrived at Valley Forge. Regarding Jackson, remarks, "...I suppose his fat sides are so sore that he is unable to travel with any rapidity." Writes, "Our army is improving discipline and increasing in numbers every day, but this ought by no means to retard the recruits which the different states are bound by every principle of Justice & regard to themselves to send." Place written taken from docketing.
[draft]
Camp 29th April 1778.
Dear Billy
I have not received a single Line from you since I left Boston nor have I any reason to believe you have written one. I do not conceive the meaning of it. I hope however you will mend in this particular as I have written several to you.
I am happy to hear that Mr Hichborn has recover'd the debt hope you will take such effectual methods as will leave no doubt on the matter. I wish to know exceedingly how the affair of the petition goes pray don't neglect the Assistance of Mr Hancock, Doctor Gardner, Colo Dawes and Deacon Davis and every other Gentleman who are willing to send a helping hand.
Endeavor to raise as much money as you can on the security of these matters and put into [2] just how you think best - how goes on the General Arnold? Is she yet fitted out? has Mr Tracy yet received a Confirmed of the suppos'd loss of the hero. I have no pleasing foreboding of her Fate. I wish you to write me concerning every thing provided it is by a safe opportunity. Circumstances must govern in this affair.
I have not received any newspapers of Powers and Willis & Gills since I came here I beg you to pay them if any thing is due and have the papers sent on regularly to me -
I am much surpriz'd that my friend Harry is not yet arriv'd, but I suppose his fat sides are so sore that he is unable to travel with any rapidity.
Our army is improving in discipline and increasing in numbers every day, but this ought by no means to retard the recruits which the different states are bound by every principle of Justice & [3] regard to themselves to send
Give my Love to Doctor Gardner & all others who think me worth enquiring after and believe me to be with a sincere
Affection Your HKnox
[address leaf]
Mr William Knox
Boston
[docket]
General Knox
Valley Forge
April 29th 1778
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