Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to William Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00726 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: White Plains, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 September 1778 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 32.8 x 20.8 cm. Order a Copy
Asks William, his brother, for news of the location of William Howe's fleet. Apparently speaking of the British, writes "It is improper for a person in any Station to speak thus were it to be divulged but I do not believe there ever was a set of men so perfectly disqualified by a total & profound ignorance of every thing that might to constitute the Characters of Leaders of an Army to conquest- poor people they must evacuate the Continent or they will be entirely undone- I beg you not to imagine that by deprecation of their abilities I mean to exalt our own. God forbid- I shall say nothing about it or about it But only this, that we never set ourselves up as great Military men." Comments on the British presence at New York, noting that some think the British will follow the French fleet led by the Count D'Estaing. Does not think the British will attempt to take Boston. Remarks that the security of British possessions elsewhere demands their departure from North America. Relates that his wife, Lucy, is ill. Requests a bushel of pickled peppers from a Mrs. [Stutson?].
[draft]
Camp White Plains 14th Septr 1778
Dear Brother
I received yours viz Colonel Laurens and am much oblig'd to you for the information contain'd in it. We have heard nothing from Boston. since we wish to know where Lord Howe is at it might be come due to the designs of the Enemy. Tho' as to dangerous designs they have none I am persuaded never had except to themselves. It is improper for a person in any Station to speak thus were it to be divulged but I do not believe there ever was a set of men so perfectly disqualified by a total [&] profound ignorance of every thing that might constitute the Character of Leaders of an Army to conquest - poor people they must evacuate the Continent or they will be entirely undone - I beg you not to imagine that by depreciation of their Abilities I mean to exalt our own God forbid -
I shall say nothing about it or about it But [2] only this That we never set ourselves up as great military men.
Every intelligence from New York indicates a movement from that place but whether it will be an Embarkation or forward movement against the army is at present uncertain - Some people suppose they mean a transfer of the seat of War to the Eastward and that Count D' Estaing's fleet is an object of so much brilliancy as to attract their attention and wishes - You know my reasoning on this subject in a former Letter. If Sullivan's Army had been captured it might have happened but as the event has been I think the Enemy will not attempt Boston this year.
I believe they are about to quit the Continent and perhaps only waiting for their last orders to effect it. This is the only rational [3] plan they have left. Their own security & the security of all their distant possessions demand a measure of this kind. Almost all the veterans belonging to them are in America apercarious [sic] footing - They now have the superiority in the seas nothing to obstruct them - so much for public matters -
My Lucy has been very ill for several days past. A great part of the [tex tloss] in bed. We are now flattered with the [text loss] of her getting better immediately. She begs you to apply to Mrs Hutson and get her to pickle a bushel of peppers for her - its not too late if so a like quantity of any other pickles - to be sure let there be some cucumbers - little Lucy is well -
Adieu my dear friend
H Knox
[address leaf]
Mr William Knox
Boston
[docket]
Genl Knox 14th Septr
White Plains 1778
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