Faesch, John Jacob (1729-1799) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01707 Author/Creator: Faesch, John Jacob (1729-1799) Place Written: Mount Hope, New Jersey Type: Manuscript letter signed Date: 11 November 1782 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 32.7 x 19.6 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to inform Knox that he has completed all the shells he was commissioned to create, according to their agreement. Mentions that Captain [possibly William] Stevens has arrived and will build a fence around shot and shells and then take his men to West Point. Declares that he has received a note from Captain de Haacke and Lieutenant Heldring, who have arrived in New York and would like to pay him a visit at Dobbs Ferry. He has set aside time to see them and mentions that they had both been prisoners of war. Relates that the officer at Dobbs Ferry will not "allow any person coming with Flaggs, to go on Shore, without particular leave from His Excellency," so he would like Knox to get permission from General George Washington to allow them ashore. Suggests that they arrange to meet at Tappan, since Mrs. Faesch will be with him. Also relates that Captain de Haacke has two brothers who have not seen him in ten years, so he has sent a letter to invite them to the visit; in case the letter does not reach them, he has sent a copy to Knox, and asked Knox to forward it to Colonel Wadsworth at his earliest convenience. Sends his regards to Mrs. Knox. Receipt of letter written on the address leaf is in another hand.
[draft]
Dear General
I have now finished all the shells and shott according to Agreement, and
the Certificate from Capt Stevens; - The Furnace at Pompton went about Two Weeks, the [Invall] came all down, & was obliged to Blow out, and I had to make most all that he Agreed for -
Capt Stevens is to make a good strong Fence round all the shott & shells we have here as soon as this is done, he sets of [sic] with his Men for West Point -
A few days ago, I recieved a Letter from Two Gentlemen, Officers in the Regt of Waldeck now in New York, their Names are Capt. De Haacke & Lieut. Helding, that they should be glad to see me at Dobses Ferry if I would appoint a Time to be there, suppose they are going home; - I should be glad to see them & have Appointed the second Day of next month to meet them at that Place - Those Two Officers was taken in seventy six near Springfield and sent up as Prisoners to this Place; -
Being Inform'd that the Commanding
Officer
[2] Officer at Dobses Ferry don't allow any person coming with Flaggs, to go on shore, without having particular Leave from His Excellency, My going there will be of no service, - May I therefore take that Liberty, to ask you to speak with His Excellency, that I may get Permission to let them come on shore to a place where we might spend some Hours together, could it be at Tappan, should like it better, as Mrs Faesch intends to go with me; - The above mentioned Capt de Haacke has Two Brothers in the Reg.t Deux [Ponts] - I know they have not seen Him this Ten year's, I have given them therefore Notice by the Last Post, to be there at the Appointed Time & they will be very anxious to see Him; and for fear they should not recieve my Letter I inclose a Duplicate with Another Letter to Col Wadsworth, which I begg the favour to forward by first opportunity -
I am in Hopes through the Generals Influence His Excellency will give Permission & the General will be so kind & send it by the Next Post - I shall set off for Philadelphia Tomorrow or else would have done myself the Pleasure of Waiting on the
Genl
General on that Account -
Mrs Faesch joins me in respectful Compliments to you & your good Lady - I remain with great Regard
Dear General
Your Most Obed.t Humld Sert
John Jacob Faesch
Mount Hope
11th Nov.r 1782
The Honorable
Major Genl Knox -
[address leaf]
The Honble
Major General Knox
Mr. Hetiltas
West Point
[docket]
From John Jacob Faesch Esq
11 Novr 1782
[receipt]
answered 17th Nov.
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