Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00647 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter Date: 4 September 1777 Pagination: 3 p. : address ; 32.4 x 20.5 cm. Order a Copy
Expresses surprise that the Continental Army has no knowledge of British General William Howe's location. Thinks it's possible, but unlikely, Howe intends to sail for Boston. Comments on the Battle of Bennington and the performance of General John Stark: "Genl Starks Action I think view'g every circumstance stands first in the American War... before this the Enemy were Ravage'g, butcherg and Scalp'g all before them, not a prisoner fell in there Land but was Tomhawk't to Death- now all is quiet with them & we hear nothing of their Scalp'g & c." Relates that [Burgoyne] has possibly retracted back to Ticonderoga, and ponders why Howe would leave Burgoyne isolated. Reports that a naval prize bound for New York from Liverpool, England, was taken at Boston 3 September, and papers on board suggest the British "look upon the affair to be up with us." Saw in one London paper a paragraph he had written to Knox the previous March in a letter. Asks Knox to speak to "the General" (George Washington) regarding his officers' commissions. Reports that he has not recruited many men recently, and his regiment consists of 160 men. Asks Henry to give his regards to "Bill," Henry's brother William Knox.
[draft]
Boston Sept: 4 1777
dear Harry
Your favor of the 20 Ulto: I recd: & am much surprised that How can't be found what he is after must be a mistery to all the world - I find by your letter you think it is provable he is come this way - I do not think he is, for we have had a number of Vessells arriv'd here within this few day and not one brings the least acct. of him - I expect you'll know more of him by this -
Our affair's to the No: ward are in a fine situation - Genl: Stark's Action I think (view'g every circumstance) stand's first in the American War - at least, there is no one Action, that will be attend'd with more happy consequence's - before this the Enemy were Ravage'g butchery and scalp'g all before them, not a prisoner fell in there hand but was, Tomhawk't to Death - now all is quiet with them, &c we hear nothing of there Scalp'g &cc nor of any more proclamation's from Mr. B. we have a fly'g report that Mr: Burge. has retreat'd back to Ticonderoga - wh: I hope is not the case - for there is a great body of Militia from New hamshire [2] and this state - which if they could get in Burgoyne's rear - & the Continental Troops in his Front - I think Mr B would have a pretty time of it - and on this situation I would send him back his proclamation - where he says 'it is only give'g stretch to my Power - and I command this part of the world' - poor delud'd Man - how far Genl. How can answer it to his Lord's & master's for leav'g Mr B in this situation, I don't' know - I suppose they will call Generalship -
Yesterday was brought into this harbour a fine prize ship - from Liverpool, bound to New York - She has on board 1,000 Hhds: Salt - & a quantity of English good's - She mount'd 12-4 pounders & 30 Men - she beat off two privateer Schooner's from this Town - but Capt. Fisk in the Massachusetts Brig belong'g to this state came up Just afterwards, after exchange a few shot with the Brig - she struck - she has brought a number of London New Paper's & by the Accts: in them they look upon the affair to be up with us - this Campaign will [3] finish the war - there is private Letters on board her - order'g her to sell her cargo in New York - and then to proceed to Philadelphia and taken in a Load of Tobacco - order'g not to give a great price for it, as they are sure it will soon be very cheap - as there must be great quantity's on the Continent - poor devils it make's me laugh - the whole Nation is dupe'd - I saw in one of the London papers, a paragraph of a Letter I wrote you last March - give'g you an Acct: of a French Ship arri'g at Boston with 12,000 stand's of arms Blankets &cc allso the Ship with the Brass Cannon & severall other pieces of New's -
I wish you would speak to the General with respect to my officers Commissions their a great many of them uneasy - I wish I had them on many Accounts - I don't recruit any Men now - hope I shall after the Militia returns - I have in my Regt: includ'g drums Fifes Sergt: Corps: & Private - about 160 Men - I have more than Lee & Hanly together - I am dear Harry
Your Friend
remember me to Bill'o
[address leaf]
Brigr: Genl: Knox
at
Genl: Washington's
Head Quarters
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