Waters, Josiah (fl. 1776-1794) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00249 Author/Creator: Waters, Josiah (fl. 1776-1794) Place Written: Windham, Connecticut Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 February 1776 Pagination: 1 p. + addr. + docket. 31 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Congratulates Knox on a safe return from Fort Ticonderoga, where he was retrieving artillery pieces for the Continental Army in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Has had trouble obtaining books on military fortification and asks Knox, who had been a bookseller in Boston, if he could find some. Asks Knox to inform him of what maneuvers are being planned against the British, and promises it will "be most sacredly kept." Mentions that the saltpeter (a compound used in gunpowder) works are proceeding rapidly.
[draft]
Windham 10th February 1776
My Dear Sir
I most sincerely congratulate you, on your safe return from the Northward this I should have done personally had my buisness permitted me to leave Roxbury after your arrival before setting out for home -
It really gives me pleasure that you performed the buisness so expeditiously not only as it may be very beneficial to the public but also render you [inserted: still] more deserving their esteem, believe me Harry, the happiness of my friends is to me, nearly as my own.
I have been endeavoring by sending to York & c to obtain Mullars Practical Fortification, his Artillery & Playdles Field Fortification, but have been disappointed you'll much oblige me by favoring me with all or either of them - Mr Gray who resides with Collo Trumball has frequent opportunitys to Windham, and will forward me whatever you may please to send I hope at least to receive a line -
I am anxious to know what is expected at camp some capital maneuver I judge is near at hand, pray inform me when it may be expected, as it would be pleasing to me to be present, should my buisness possibly permit it - The Saltpetre works go on rapidly I've lately engaged in some of them, but do not mean hereby to bury myself from public service, on the contrary I shall be ready to perform the same whenever I can render it acceptable - Make my best respects acceptable to M.rs Knox & believe me to be very sincerely your Friend & c
Josi Waters Junr
Collo Henry Knox
[left margin]
The least intimation of what is expected shall be most sacredly kept
[docket]
Mr Josiah Waters
Windham 10 Feby
1776 -
[address leaf]
Henry Knox Esq.r
In
Cambridge
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