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 #: GLC02437.00730 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 11 October 1778 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 32.5 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
Written at Fredericksburgh. Reports that the British are still in New York City, and many British sailors are sick ashore. Of British commissioners, writes, "The Commissioners have Issued another Proclamation & manifesto. This they declare shall be the last & if it makes no impression on the hard hearted people of America they shall return and report the ill success of their Mission. These people have the same kind of insolence about them that a [young man rake] has who debauches his friends daughter and then offers a considerable sum as [hush?] money." In a post script, notes the enclosure of the proclamation and manifesto (not included).
[draft]
Camp Fredericksburg 11th October 1778
My dear Brother
I received no letter by the post from you - I make no conclusions on the matter - you know my sentiments very well - The Enemy are not yet gone from New York and I suppose will not [illegible] time in November. They have a very considerable number of sailors on shore who are very sick. The Commissioners have Issued another Proclamation & manifesto. This they declare shall be the last & if it makes no impression on the hard hearted people of America they shall return and report the ill success of their mission -
These people have the same kind of insolence about them that a young rich rake has [2] who debauches his friends daughter and then offers a considerable sum as hush money -
As they seem to lay great stress on Congress not being sufficiently authorized by the different assemblies to make treaties with foreign powers and to refuse to treat with them. I hope the different assemblies will in appointed manner express their entire approbation of the proceedings of Congress on these heads - It is absolutely necessary to prevent the Calamnies of the Tories and disaffected among ourselves -
Give my love to Mrs Jarvis and all other friends - both Lucy & you are well - write me often
Adieu my dear friend
H Knox
I inclose you in a rough paper the Proclamation & manifesto -
Mr -
[address leaf]
Mr William Knox
Boston
[docket]
Genl Knox
11th oct 1778
Fredericksburg
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.