Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.10189 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 November 1783 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 35.4 x 23.2 cm.

Summary of Content: Knox gives Jackson orders regarding taking control of King's Bridge, New York as the British evacuate their troops. Informs Jackson that the first and fourth Massachusetts regiments "have been directed to march this day for King's Bridge" where they will join the Light Infantry commanded by Colonel Hull. As the senior officer, Jackson is to lead the corps which will take command "of the British posts of New York, long Island, &c." Expects the British to evacuate posts "on the north end of York Island" by 21 November, and the City 22 November. Advises Jackson that if anything happens to prevent the British from evacuating as scheduled, "you, will apply to His Excellency Governor Clinton, and make such arrangements with him, as you may mutually think proper, for taking possession of and securing the safety of the city." Watermarked

Background Information: On 24 July 1780, "Jackson’s Additional Continental Regiment" was officially designated the 16th Massachusetts Regiment. Although this unit was disbanded in 1781, Jackson remained in service until 1784 and commanded the last remaining ...regiment in the Continental Army. Colonel Hull is probably William Hull, a lieutenant colonel, who participated in the battles of White Plains, Trenton, Princeton, Stillwater, Saratoga, Fort Stanwix, Monmouth, and Stony Point. He was recognized by George Washington and the Continental Congress for his service. Clinton was the first (and longest-serving) Governor of New York, serving from 1777 to 1795, and Vice President of the United States under Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.
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Full Transcript: [draft]
Westpoint 16 Novr

My dear Sir The 1st and 4th Massachusetts regiments, and a detachment of Artillery, have been directed to march [struck: by diff] this day for Kings Bridge ...at which place are the Light Infantry commanded by Lt Colonel Hull. As senior officer you will command these corps, which are destined to take possession of the [struck: Enemy] British posts, of New York, long Island &c. [struck: You will endeavor to leave] Upon [struck: their arrival at Kings bridge, you will endeavor to place them as]
You will canton the troops in the nearest places to Kings bridge [inserted: in which you can find cover for them] extending from Phillips[burg] West Chester, so that they may with facility unite at Kings bridge either [inserted: in] the evening of the 20th, or by six in the morning of the 21st, at which period the british troops [struck: will] [inserted: propose to] evactuate their posts on the northend of York Island, and the city on the day following
You will make such a disposition of the line of march as you may think most
proper and military - a small detachment [struck: must] [inserted: will] probably [struck: will] be left in West chester, [struck: and for those who may be the] [line strikeout] [2] Another detachment of a company, of at least 50, must be in readiness to go over to long Island [inserted: on the 20th Major Campbell must provide boats for that purpose both of these may be of the illegible illegible] - You will appoint an officer to act as your brigade Major during [struck: this comman] continuance of the command.
I propose [inserted: myself] to be at Kings bridge on the 19th or 20th If any
[struck: unfor] unforeseen event should happen to prevent it, you, will apply to [struck: Govern] His Excellency Governer Clinton, and make such arrangements with him, as you may mutually think proper, for taking possession of and [struck: preserving] [inserted: securing] he safety of the City.
I am my Dear sir
Your humble
Servant
HKnox

Brigadier Genl H. JacksonSee More

People: Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809
Hull, William, 1753-1825
Clinton, George, 1739-1812

Historical Era: The New Nation, 1783-1815

Subjects: Military HistoryRevolutionary WarRevolutionary War GeneralContinental ArmyGlobal History and CivicsForeign Affairs

Sub Era: Creating a New Government

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