Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to William Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00718 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: White Plains, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 August 1778 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 21.3 x 17 cm. Order a Copy
Chastises William, his brother, for not writing more frequently. 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. Instructs William to inform [James] Bowdoin's family that John Temple, British Consul General, has arrived at New York. Reports that a fire in New York City has destroyed between 80 and 100 houses. Encloses some letters for Colonel Sears in Newport. Regarding the planned military and naval operation, writes, "I hope sincerely that Rhode Island may fall into our hands first. The Events at Newport will determine the further operations of the Army." Relates that his wife Lucy received a letter from her brother, possibly Thomas Flucker, informing her of the family's welfare (the Fluckers, as Loyalists, left America for England during the Revolutionary War). A note on page four discusses correspondence between Mrs. [Knox?] and Mr. Smith.
Bowdoin served as Governor of Massachusetts 1785-1787. According to Library of Congress records, Temple was Bowdoin's son-in-law.
[draft]
Camp at White Plains 13th Aug 1778
My dear Brother
It is some time since I had the pleasure to receive a letter from you, owing either to your disinclination or want of opportunity. I beg you to reflect by your own feelings how irksome it is not to hear from you so dear friends as we are. I have so often mentiond this matter to you that I am in despair with respect to your ammendment however if possible I pray you to effect it.
As you are much nearer than we are to Newport you [2] you will know some of the operations there than I can inform you.
If Mr. Bowdoin's family be in Town inform them of the arrival of Mr John Temple, Lady and Family at New York.
There has been a most tremendous fire in that City destroying between 80 and 100 houses in the most beautiful part of the Town
I inclose you some Letters for Colo Sears he being at Newport.
The fleet from New York has saild in quest LeCompte D'Estaing it is said reinforced by some of Admiral Bryons Squadron, you may [3] therefore soon expect to hear of some contest between them. I hope sincerely that Rhode Island may fall into our hands first.
The Event at Newport will determine the further operations of this Army.
Lucy and her daughter are well, she lately has received a letter from her Brother at Antigua, who informs her of the Welfare of the family, who with Mrs. and Mr Urquhart and Mr Waldo, live at Brompton Row Park London -
I am Dear Billey yours affectionately
HKnox
[4] Mrs Knox desires you to inform Mr Smith that she would have written several Letters to her had she not been unwell.
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