Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to William Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00889 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New Windsor, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 February 1781 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 32.3 x 20.2 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses a meeting with the French army and navy and General Daniel Morgan's victory over General Banastre Tarleton, "the Kill-Devil of Cornwallis's Army," at the battle of Cowpens, South Carolina, 17 January 1781.
[Draft]
New Windsor 13 February 1781
My dear friend & Brother
In the short note I wrote you by Colonel Armand on the 5th instant, I did not acknowledge your two favors received in my absence of the 3 and 11th January
I arriv'd here on the 3d instant being from Boston eight days, three of which the visit to Newport cost me - I was received with very flattering marks of respect by General Rochambeau & all the officers of the French Army & Navy. I found my little family well - Harry had been inoculated and was on the point of breaking out upon my arrival- he has since [illegible] charmingly and now is in the last stage of it but past any danger.
The Waggen yesterday arriv'd on the other side of the river after having past through
much tribulation [2] Major Shaw has gone to see about it to day - There has been no passing the river with horses for 8 or 10 days
I am happy in congratulating you on the glorious victory gain'd by General Morgan in the South, on the 17th Ultimo over more than a 1000 british troops under the command of Colonel Tarelton The Kill-Devil of Cornwallis's Army- 100 of the enemy were kill'd on the spot - more than 200 wounded - and upwards of 500 made prisoners, among whom are officers - 2 pieces of brass Artillery, 800 arms 35 Waggens and all the baggage of the column which was designe'd to penetrate into North Carolina & therefore were well stor'd with every thing - The Enemies force consisted of Tareltons legion, the 1st battalion of the [3] 7th regiment - the 7th regiment & line other regiment whose number does not occur.
It is presum'd this affair will have the most happy consequences - our affairs in the south
were on the utmost point or verge of annihilation - If this affair has the same instant and extensive consequences as Trenton, the Enemy will be driven into Charles town before May next
We all send our sincerest affection to you
Adieu my dear
Brother
H Knox
Mr William Knox
[address leaf]
Mr William Knox
Boston
Favor'd by Colo Perkins
[docket]
Brigd Genl Knox
:New Windsor 13th Feby
1781
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