Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to William Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00715 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New Brunswick, New Jersey Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 July 1778 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 32.2 x 19.3 cm. Order a Copy
Informs his brother that he wrote a previous letter discussing the Battle of Monmouth (refer to GLC02437.00714). Writes, "I had particular reasons for not writing you a circumstantial [account] as General Lee who commanded the advanced parties has been accus'd of disobedience of orders in not attacking the Enemy and for retreating from before them- he is now on his trial upon the charges." Encloses a duplicate account of what he previously wrote on the battle and asks William not to publish it, noting that George Washington's letter to Congress will carry the "most true and just account." Asks William to procure two Newfoundland dogs for another person whose name is illegible. Reports that on the previous day, George Washington gathered the army in two lines (that were two miles long) to celebrate Independence Day. Writes, "The reputation and the Credit acquired [text loss] Artillery in the battle of Monmouth will do them & me lasting honor." Plans to see Lucy and their daughter, also named Lucy, the following day. Comments that when he and his wife went to Philadelphia after the British evacuation, the stench of the city prevented them from staying longer.
Camp at Brunswick 5th July 1778
My dear Brother
I wrote you yesterday by a person who rides post for one of the NEngland regiments a general account of the action of monmouth on the 28th ultimo. I had particular reasons for not writing you a circumstantial one as General Lee who commanded the advancd parties has been accus'd of disobedience of orders in not attacking the Enemy and for retreating from before them - he is now on his trial upon these charges. I shall make no observations or comments on this matter for I am ignorant of some circumstances and have not sufficiently investigated others. I most sincerely wish the circumstances had never taken place.
I inclose you nearly a duplicate narrative of that sent yesterday. I wish you not to suffer it to be publishd altho you may permit friends to see it as the Letter to [struck: Genl] General Washington to Congress [2] Congress will undoubtedly contain the most true & just account.
The Army marches in three division from this place to Kings Ferry on the North River, one to day another tomorrow & another next day. I pray you not to forget the 10 Gallons lime juice or shrub I wrote you for some time ago and I beg you to apply to Mr Jarvis or yourself [inserted: to] to see about it to get two Young Newfoundland Dogs of the true genuine breed. I have promis'd the Major to procure them for him and he is at me every hour about them - My reputation is [unarm'd] in this matter therefore I beseech you not to fail to send them on the first opportunity.
His Excellency [struck: We] Yesterday drew up the Army in two lines reaching 2 Miles [Lon[g]] and [fird] a feu de joiye to celebrate the Anniversary of the declaration of the independence of the US.
The reputation and credit [3] acquird [text loss] Artillery in the battle of Monmouth will do them & me lasting honor.
My Lucy and her baby are at Mr Lotts, I shall set out for them to morrow, and go with her ahead of the Army. Philadelphia Stank so extremely that she declined staying there on any terms whatever.
I expected to have received a Letter from you by the post but was much disappointed. I beg you to write me by the post & send the Newspapers as [well] by that Conveyance.
Give my Love to Colo Sears & Lady Mr Jarvis and [Lukey], Doctor Garding and my other worthy friends. Write me about private affairs
I am my dear Brother
Your truly affectionate
friend & Brother
HKnox
Mr William Knox
[address leaf]
Mr William Knox
Boston
post
[docket]
General Knox
5th July 1778
Brunswick
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