Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to William Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00792 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: circa June 1779 Pagination: 3 p. : address ; 31.4 x 19.1 cm. Order a Copy
Possibly written from Middlebrook (present-day Bound Brook, New Jersey). Henry previously wrote to Mr. [Joseph?] Peirce discussing how a clause in the Confiscation Act would affect his debt. Remarks, "I have received no answer from him and confess I feel a deal of anxiety on the subject." Asks William to speak to Peirce. Writes, "The whole Army have moved up to this place to cover the almost infinitely important Forts in the highlands- which we do in so effectual a manner that were the Enemy much stronger than they are I should be in no pain for the safety of the forts." Reports that the enemy are securely positioned at Kings Ferry, New York. Declares, "The Enemy expect reinforcements and we with the blessing of Heaven expect to battle their united efforts. This Campaign will probably be the great Crisis of America, if she exerts herself in proportion to the magnitude of the object in view She will obtain it & be happy." Refers to good news from Charleston, South Carolina. Encloses the news "as printed in Charlestown." Notes that the Winslow sister have been with his wife, Lucy, at Knox's house in Pluckemin, New Jersey.
Circa date based on Knox's location, his description of the location of the British, and the previous assessment of author Noah Brooks (1830-1903). Knox's reference to Charleston, South Carolina may refer to the British retreat from Charleston, resulting from General Benjamin Lincoln's approach.
[Draft]
I wrote to Mr Peirce sometime ago, that I was afraid that the Clause in the Confiscation Bill which provided that all debts contracted after 19th April 75 should not be paid would affect my debt that was recover'd. I have received no answer from him and Congress I feel a deal of anxiety on the subject. I wish you would speak to him on the Matter and write me word. nor have I heard what has become of the petition that was presented last March at [illegible] -
The whole Army have moved up to this place to cover the almost infinitely important Forts in the highlands - which we do in so effectual a manner that were the Enemy much Stronger than they are I should be in no pain for the safety of the posts. The Enemy have established themselves so securely at Kings Ferry That we [2] shall not be able to dispossess them at present. perhaps a future and more important operation may involve the posts at Kings Ferry in its fall. The Enemy expect reinforcements and we with the blessing of Heaven expect to baffle their united efforts - This Campaign will probably be the great Crisis of America, if she exerts herself in proportion to the magnitude of the object in view she will obtain it & be happy. If not -
We expect every thing from the discipline and goodness of our troops, but probably we shall want some assistance from our [brethern] [sic]
We are highly elated by the news from Charlestown S. Carolina which in general we believe to be true as it comes by a number of different routes - I inclose you the substance as printed in Charlestown
I have left Mrs Knox in the House at Pluckemin where we have been all Winter - She was on the recovery & able to ride out - Miss Eliza & Sally Winslow were with her.
I am my Dear Brother
Your affectionate friend
HKnox
Pray is the amount you m[ention] of Bills of Exchange [illegible] or [text loss]
Mr William Knox.
[address leaf]
Mr William Knox
Merchant
Boston
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