Peirce, Joseph (1745-1828) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01295 Author/Creator: Peirce, Joseph (1745-1828) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 November 1781 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 31.1 x 20.2 cm. Order a Copy
Had wanted to write earlier but was afraid a letter might not reach him. Informs Knox that his brother William left for France on the 20th. Before he left, Knox's brother William left Peirce various papers and "empower'd me to transact his affairs in his absence, at the same time wished me to inform you thereof." Promises to forward letters he has since received from William. Discusses the surrender of Cornwallis: "The taking of Lord Cornwallis's Army is an event of prodigious magnitude, such as may produce a peace at a much earlier period than the most sanguine could expect." Discusses the siege at York and the humiliation of the British. Mentions General John Burgoyne and General Benjamin Lincoln. Includes a long list of items William Knox left in his care and discusses William's business ventures in Europe.
[draft] [partial]
Boston Nov.r 22d 1781
My dear friend,
I should have written you before but the uncertainty of the letters reaching your hands led me to defer, 'till I supposed you might be returning to the Vicinity of Hudsons River. I have now to inform you, tho' it may not be new, that your brother left this place on the 28th Ult: with a fair wind for France, in the frigate [Engeagent], previous to his departure he deposited with me sundry papers &c and empower'd me to transact his affairs in his absence, at the same time wished me to inform you thereof, as perhaps he might not have time to write you fully, I have since rec.d two letters for him that I shall forward in a packet by a french ship that will sail from hence in about ten days -
The taking of Lord Cornwallis's Army is an event of prodigious magnitude, such as may produce a peace at a much earlier period than the most sanguine could expect - I hope you will suffer his lordship to take Genl Burgoyne by the hand in the house of Commons I would go a great way to [Hear] that Gen.l display on this occasion - If great fatigue did not prevent you must have enjoy'd great pleasure in the regular siege of York, and in the prospect which every exertion opened - Cased Colours - hard [terms] for the Brittish, how humiliating to them, and how pleasing to Gen.l Lincoln who once felt that Chagrin, but his Philosophy 'tis probable to me did not suffer his countenance to betray the feelings of his heart in one case nor the other.
[2]
…
Brigs Becky & Harriet - and the Amsterdam letter of them are taken, as you must have heard, and for which I am extremely sorry on your acct. as well as on my own. The first was carried into England, the other into Penobscut. Nothing material has yet occur'd about your petition - I am from the intimation y.r brother gave me, led to hope that we shall have the pleasure of seeing you [3] this winter, perhaps your presence may give force to it, - I have lately recd. Letter from the Commiss. for selling absentees Lands in the County of York informing of their intentions to [inserted: sell] [Mr Fs] property I shall acquaint them with yr: demands &c
My most respectfull Compt to Mrs Knox &c
I am
Sir Your Friend Hble Servt
Joseph Peirce
Brigr. Genl Knox
[address]
Brigr: General Knox
Commanding the Artillery of the
United States
Head Quarters of Gen.l
Post/ Washingtons Army
[docketed on first page]
From [struck: Genl] Mr Peirce
22 Nov 1781.
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