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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to William Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00734 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Fredericksburgh, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 24 October 1778 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 20.8 x 17.2 cm. Order a Copy

Written at Fredericksburgh. Location from docket. Knox informs his brother that the British sent a detachment of 7000-8000 men from New York. Predicts the men were sent to the West Indies, but "others again suppose for Carolina." Mentions a fleet of ships, possibly British, and the Comte D'Estaing. Notes, "I write you this that if there are no other Demonstrations than the ships of War-not to be alarm'd." Reports that more British may embark from New York, assuming they will travel to Europe, Halifax, Nova Scotia, and the West Indies. In a post script, relates that the left wing of the Continental Army has moved as far as the Connecticut River.

[draft]
Camp 24th October 1778
Dear Brother
The Enemy have such a large Detachment from New York consisting of 7 or 8000 men. We know not certainly where it is bound but suppose for the West Indies. others again suppose for Carolina but the sail is most probable.
But let the troops be bound Where they may it is probable the fleet of [illegible] to be consisting of 15 Sail of the line will steer for [illegible] bay to [illegible] count DEstaing. I write you this [2] That if there are no other Demonstrations than the ships of War - not to be alarm'd,
This Information from NYork It appears the Enemy are on the Eve of Another Embarkation which if it should turn out so they are going totally to evacuate New york, some to Europe some to Halifax and some to the West Indies
I am Dear Brother
HKnox
We all well & recd yours of the 14th [3] the left wing of the Amry has mov'd as far as Connecticut River (Hartford) it consists of 6 Brigades[.]
[address leaf]
Mr William Knox
Boston
To be left at Genl
Heaths who will
be so kind to
send it
[docket]
Genl Knox Oct 24.
1778. Fredricksburg

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Knox, William, 1756-1795
Estaing, Charles Henri, comte d', 1729-1794

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