Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00725 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: White Plains, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 6 September 1778 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 22.9 x 18.8 cm.

Summary of Content: Has received news that a fleet has blocked the port of Boston. Notes that Admiral Parker (possibly Sir Hyde Parker) has arrived at "the Hook" with several ships ("the Hook" may refer to Sandy Hook, New Jersey, or another point in New Jersey near New York City). Reports that General [Nathanael] Greene praised the service of Knox's friend "Harry" [Henry Jackson]. Comments on other military matters, including a proposed duel between General Horatio Gates and James Wilkinson, who served under Gates. Remarks on the court martial of General Charles Lee for his conduct at the Battle of Monmouth.

Background Information: The duel between Gates and Wilkinson stemmed from the Thomas Conway Cabal. Conway, a French officer, was promoted in the Revolutionary army against the advice of General George Washington. He ...advocated the replacement of Washington by General Horatio Gates, and his plot, the Conway Cabal, was eventually exposed, forcing his resignation.See More

Full Transcript: [draft]
White plains 6th September 1778
Dear Brother
We hear the fleet has block'd up the port - Boston[.] this will not Continue long. - admiral Parker has arrivd at the ...Hook with the Conqueror, Royal oak, Bedford, Sutler, Tame, and Grafton - 5 are 76 and one 60 - The Cornwall and Monmouth both 76 have joind Lord How exclusive of the above - the Affair of Rhode Island has ended happily all things concerned. our friend Harry General Greene writes his Excellency and me, has acquired much honor[.]
Lucy has been unwell 5 days but I hope is getting better - little Lucy is in fine health and spirits - Genl Gates fought in a duel with Mr Wilkinson, Genl Gates pistols would not give fire but flash'd twice - Wilkinsons force gave fire but the balls did not take effect - Genl Lee it is said is sentencd by the Court Martial to be Suspended for one year but the Congress have not yet approv'd the sentence - We hear the Independent Company judging for themselves went off from Rhode Island the day before the action - [illegible] fell from his horse & is much bruis'd - I have told all the news important & non important [illegible] on great having yours
Affectionate
HKnox
[address leaf]
Mr William Knox
Boston
[docket]
Gen [text loss]
White Plains 6 Sept
1778. [illegible]See More

People: Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Knox, William, 1756-1795
Alexander, William, 1726-1783
Lee, Charles, 1732-1782
Howe, William Howe, Viscount, 1729-1814
Greene, Nathanael, 1742-1786
Gates, Horatio, 1728-1806
Parker, Hyde, 1739-1807
Wilkinson, James, 1757-1825
Conway, Thomas, 1735-1800

Historical Era: American Revolution, 1763-1783

Subjects: NavyBattle of MonmouthRevolutionary WarRevolutionary War GeneralMilitary HistoryGlobal History and US Foreign PolicyGlobal History and US Foreign PolicyContinental ArmyDuelMilitary LawBattleConway CabalCorruption and Scandal

Sub Era: The War for Independence

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