Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to William Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00706 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Valley Forge, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 May 1778 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 33.5 x 20.4 cm. Order a Copy
Knox informs his brother that his wife and daughter, both named Lucy, arrived recently at Valley Forge. Notes that General [Benedict] Arnold accompanied Lucy from New Haven, Connecticut. Notes that his guests may not be able to enjoy their accommodations at camp for very much longer, "the Enemy being on the eve of evacuating Philadelphia." Asserts the British are expected to travel to New York before sailing to the West Indies. Questions why William has not written to him sooner, and discusses a debt handled by William in Boston. In closing, writes, "I shall write you a History of the evacuation of Philadelphia and probably of a Battle at Valley Forge for the Enemy threatens hard to fight bloodily before they depart."
[draft]
Camp Valley Forge 27th May 1778
My dear Brother.
I received your two Letters by Capt Perkins and by Lucy. Lucy arriv'd here this day [illegible] being 22 days on her Journey. Genl Arnold came in Company with her from New Haven and his horses were of no small service to her - both Lucys arriv'd in perfect Health and are situated in my Hut in the centre of the Park, and are perhaps better situated than any other Ladies in Camp - but they will not enjoy it long; the Enemy being on the eve of evacuating Philadelphia. all the sick, women, children, and prisoners being already on board ship, and the whole army ready to move at a moments warning. It is suppos'd that part of them will cross at Coopers ferry & push for South Amboy and cross over to Staten Island. New York will be the first destination; from there they will embark some of the troops for the West Indies.
We shall follow them to the [2] North River and act as circumstances shall resume - why did you not write me by the last post! I wish to hear from you by every opportunity - you will take such steps with respect to the debt recover'd as shall be advis'd to you by Mr Lowell or some able Lawyer - Advise me on the process of the position[.] I think with you that no steps had better to be taken with the debt untill some particular part of the estate be sold off. what is the reason I have not had my [illegible] sent on?
I shall write you a History of the evacuation of Philadelphia and perhaps of a Battle at Valley Forge, for the Enemy threaten hard to fight bloodily before they depart
I am Dear Billy
Your Affectionately
HKnox
Lucy's present [illegible] to you
[address leaf]
Mr William Knox
Boston
[docket]
General Knox
Valley Forge
May 27 1778.
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