Sears, Isaac (1730-1786) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01306 Author/Creator: Sears, Isaac (1730-1786) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 December 1781 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 25.5 x 19.9 cm. Order a Copy
Declares "we are very happy in this part of the Country at the glorious campaign our army has had this last summer," and says the people in his region are hoping for a peace. Comments that he is sorry to hear of General George Washington's loss of his stepson, Mr. John Parke Custis. Mentions several vessels that have been captured by the enemy: Captains Magge and Grenwell were both taken. Informs Knox that he lost money through the loss of cargo on these ships; Sears has about 230 pounds of Knox's money. Encourages Knox to invest this money in a small vessel Captain Magge will command. Relates that his wife and family are in good health and hopes his wife and family are well, and congratulates him on the recent birth of Knox's son, who he styles the "young Prince."
Boston Decm. 17th 1781
Dear Sir
I received your favours of the 14th & 29th Nov. & we are very happy in this part of the Country at the glorious Campaign our army has had this last Sumer. it may bring about a Pece [sic], which the greatest part of the people I believe this way, wishes for, it is my oppinion we are not ready for a pece, I [inserted: wish] Cannady may fall into our hands before it - I am sorry that our great & good General should [strikeout] meet with the great loss of his dear Mr Custis, after the glorious Campaign, I hope it will soon ware of - Capn Magge & Capn Grenwell are both taken the latter was Captured near the [Shelland], & the Brigg Amsterdam within about ten hours of Boston I am heartily sorry for your great loss in them two vessel, they wood if arrived safe maid very great voyages the Brigg [Buca] & Hariot though a small vessel had to great amount on freight besides owners goods, [2] the Capn had the [Pickering] his good, he wood not take tea in on freight, Capn Magge Cargo cost, sterling about ?20000 your Prospect from the Brigg Amsterdam was great till she fell into the hands of the enemy, and now you have left in my hand about £230 - which I wish to interest you in a vessel that Capn Magge is to Command after he [inserted: has] maid a short voyage in a small sloop that he is going in I should laid your money out in her but cou'd not purches [sic] any part for you, she being in the hand, of several - I observe your intentions drawing on me for the ballence, if you do it will meet with due honor but wish Cou'd do without it - Mrs Sears and all my family are in good Health . I hope this may meet you & your dear Mrs Knox well and the happ'y delivery of the young Prince, Mrs Sears Joines me in best respects to your good self and Mrs Knox
Your Affectionate Hbt Serv't
Isaac Sears
[address leaf]
The Honorable
Major General Knox
Philadelphia
[docket]
From Colonel Sears
17 Decm 1782.
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