Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to William Knox
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
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. Order a Copy
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.
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.
[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]
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.