Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to William Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00717 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: White Plains, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 August 1778 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 20 x 15.8 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses previous correspondence between the two, noting he always acknowledges letters received from William. Mentions a military operation planned against Newport to take place in conjunction with the arrival of a French fleet led by the Comte D'Estaing. Relates that his wife and daughter, both named Lucy, are with him in White Plains. Notes that Admiral Lord Richard Howe, in Sandy Hook, New Jersey "lays... with his small fleet ardently wishing for such a reinforcement as may enable him to look Monsr. Le Com[text loss]te in the face- but I hope he will be disappointed." Requests William to send him a large [hat?].
[draft]
Camp White Plains 4th Augt 1778
My dear Brother
I received your kind favor of the 23d July. You say you have written a number of others. I always acknowledge all that I received beside the above I received a note inclosing a newspaper informing me that you had written more largely by Colo Armand which I have not yet receivd or the [Essence] of Lemmons which you kindly sent
You will before this know the intended operation against Newport in conjunction with Monsor LeCompte D'Estaing. I hope it will succeed and further hope you will not be seized with the rage Militaire to be concern'd [2] in it which might prove destructive to both our interests. Both Lucy's are here and well and both sincerely give their love to you - little Lucy grows a beautiful child both in looks and behaviour.
Lord Howe lays at the Hook with his small fleet ardently wishing for such a reinforcement as may enable him to look Monsor Le Comte in the face - but I hope he will be disappointed.
I wrote you a long letter last post and hope for your full answer to it.
You inclose to me the [3] newspapers with a monstrous expence I wish the [printers] to enclose them to me in the common manner with a piece of cover paper slit open and then they pay little or no postage but I wish them to be sent constantly.
The [sashim] of the Hat you sent me was quite antiquated. I beg you to send me another and let it be as large as the Corset size worn, and let it be speedily -
I am my dear Brother
Your affectionate
HKnox
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