Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to William Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00336 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 9 June 1776 Pagination: 2 p. : address: docket ; 21 x 16.6 cm. Order a Copy
Reiterates the request for money he made in his last letter (see GLC02437.00328). Mentions that Lucy is well, but their newborn is ill from teething. Discusses recent misfortunes from the invasion of Canada. Mentions the 8th Regiment quartered in Detroit heading towards Montreal with a party of Indians. Comments on the activities of Major Henry Sherburne, Colonel John Paterson, and General Benedict Arnold, and a six day truce forced on the British. Mentions that the army was stricken with small pox and General John Thomas was likely to die from them. Chastises William for not writing more often and keeping him updated on activities in Boston. Later that month, British forces in Canada were reinforced and the Americans were forced to retreat. Thomas had died from small pox on 2 June 1776. This letter to William was sent to Peter Knox, who evidently forwarded it to William Knox.
[draft]
New York June 9th 1776 -
Dear Billey
I wrote you by last Mondays post for some cash - which I hope you will send enclos'd in a Letter the instant you receive it - I said £50 at least but I would have you send as much moreas you find Convenient - Your sister is well but her babe ill owing to cutting her teeth - There is very little news here - There has been more misfortunes in Canada - the 8th Regt which was quarterd at Detroit have with a party of Indians come down within a few miles of Montreal where they have taken a New hampshire Regt Commanded by Col Beadle also a reinforcement of 150 men under Major Sherburne of Col Pattersons Regt. - Genl Arnold had with about 900 or 1000 push'd the enemy to an Island, upon which the enemy sent him a flag of truce proposing [2] an exchange of prisoners immediately as it was with the utmost difficulty the saves could be restrained from murdering them - a truce was concluded for six days which was to end the 3d of June - Mr Carrol & Mr Chase have that day arrived here & have gone off for Philadelphia - they say there must have been an action as the enemy could not retreat - & probabily [sic] Arnold may have taken or defeated them - Genl Thomas like to die of the small pox which all our northward army must have either by Innoculation or the natural way - I am very angry with you for not writing to me every post & opportunity - I should thump you if I could lay my hands upon you[.] write me the news & all the great & little politicks of the Town - every thing about Boston & my Country must be interesting[.] remember me to all friends - I am almost hurried [illegible phrase]
I am your
Affectionate Brother
HKnox
[address leaf]
Mr Peter Knox
[docket]
Letter from Collo Knox
June 9th. 1776.
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