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Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to William Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00727 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 28 September 1778 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 20.4 x 16.4 cm. Order a Copy

Written at Fredericksburgh. Comments, "You appear a little testy that I did not inform you the Enemy were going to Boston. Indeed I never believed it except a combination of unfortunate circumstances should impress an Idea of the kind on their minds... I think you may very freely make purchases and rely upon it that the Enemy will not come to Boston this Year- not even the tempting object of the french fleet will be a sufficient inducement. I believe from present appearances that the Enemy are about to evacuate the Continent." Also mentions the escape of General John Sullivan's forces in Rhode Island (Sullivan's forces avoided being captured by the British). Refers to an unspecified petition brought before the House of Representatives. Mentions that Lucy, his wife, is recovering from a recent illness.

Knox's mention of the "French fleet" at Boston refers to the fleet led by the Comte D'Estaing, who planned a naval attack against the British at Newport, Rhode Island. When D'Estaing met British General Howe's fleet, a storm erupted, and D'Estaing had to depart for Boston for repairs.

[draft]

Camp Fredericksburg 28th Septr 1778

My dear Brother
You appear a little testy that I did not inform you the Enemy were going to Boston. Indeed I never believed it except a combination of unfortunate circumstances should impress an Idea of the kind on their minds. I wrote you before what I suppos'd these unfortunate circumstances were. By Sullivans escape they cannot now exist. I think you may very freely make purchases and rely upon [2] it that the Enemy will not come to Boston this Year - not even the tempting object of the French fleet will be a sufficient inducement
I believe from present appearances that the Enemy are about to Evacuate the Continent. ten days more will determine this matter - We have mov'd up to this place not from fear of the enemy but to be arm'd at all points - The possession of Count D'Estaings fleet is a possible object and in the opinion of some gentleman [3] who are wiser than I am a probable one - It is absolutely necessary to guard the passage on the river to secure our existence if the Enemy moves Eastward. These are two reasons which induced us to move - and a third was the want of For[text loss: age] our Horses was emaciated we went Where there was plenty [illegible] [them]
Prosecute the matter of the petition before the House of Reps and let me know its progress & Consequences - Lucy is better and the baby is celestial
H Knox

[address leaf]
Mr William Knox
Boston

[docket]
Genl Knox 28th
Septr. 1778
Fredericksburg
Important
News

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Knox, William, 1756-1795
Estaing, Charles Henri, comte d', 1729-1794
Sullivan, John, 1740-1795
Howe, William, 1729-1814
Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

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