Alexander, William (1726-1783) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01653 Author/Creator: Alexander, William (1726-1783) Place Written: Albany, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 9 October 1782 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 33.7 x 20.4 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to disclose the cargo on Captain [Garrit] Rykeman's sloop. Ship carries the boards from "a long building which was of no use but to harbour allmost all the Bell dames [pssibly camp followers] in this department"; provides measurements of the boards and hopes Knox can put them to better use. Ship also carries two prisoners of war, which "we cannot prudently exchange, indeed the Enemy have no claim on them, and we dare not discharge them, they will do very well to carry- stone & mortar to the new magazines." He would like to know when Knox will be ready to receive the military stores, "that they might go at the Same time with Capt. [possibly Thomas] Seward's camp." Sends respects to Mrs. Knox and reports that his daughter has "Just presented us with a fine Boy." Lastly adds that John Swans, a deserter from Colonel [perhaps Rufus] Putnam's regiment, is also on board the sloop.
[draft]
Albany Octobr 9. 1782.
Dear Sir
I now send you the Boards and Scantling of a long building which was of no use but to harbour allmost all the Bell dames in this department; I hope you will see it converted to a Better use; there is about 100 feet in length and at 20 in breadth of it. Also by the same sloop Capt Rykemans are embarked two prisoners of War, such as we cannot prudently exchange, indeed the Enemy have no claim on them, and we dare not discharge them, they will do very well to Carry - Stone & Mortar to the new magazines.
I should be glad to know that you are ready to receive the Military Stores; that they might go at the Same time with Capt Seward's Comp.
My best Respects wait on Mrs. Knox & family, my datr Kate has Just presented us with a fine Boy.
John Swans a deserter from Col Putnams Regiment goes with same Sloop. I am
your Most Humble Servt
Major General Knox, Stirling,
send me News
[docket]
From
Lord Stirling
9 Octo 1782.
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