Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00458 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 26 September 1776 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 31.9 x 19.2 cm. Order a Copy
Compliments Knox on the "generalship" of the evacuation of Long Island and New York. Offers his opinions of the activities in New York and the role of the British navy. Also mentions the loss at Long Island's negative effect on morale. Also comments on Knox's baggage stolen by the Hessians and the cowardice of some of the troops. Communicates that Mr. Spears wants Knox to pursue the exchange of Captain Lieutenant John Johnson, who was taken prisoner at Long Island (also see GLC02437.00440). Discusses correspondence problems. Reports that General Benjamin Lincoln is on his way to New York with 6,000 troops.
[draft]
Boston Sept: 26t 1776
My good friend
I recd: your's of the 2 Int: yesterday at the same time I recd: your very agreeble: favor of the 19th Int: which gave a very particular acct: which gave a very particular acct: of your Evacuate'g L Island & N York - I think they were both well Judge'd steeps & show a great peice of Generalship - as they ahd the command by Water and could throw there whole army on one particular spot. I dont see how it was Possible for us (even if we had double the number of men we had) to hold L Island for if they had defeat'd us our whole force on that Island must inevitable fall into there hands, as it would have been impossible for us to have retreat'd - In the same manner I vew [sic] NYork, for long Island Command'd NYork and there Batterys & Ship Could silence our Forts at the same time they would run up North river with there Transports and Land what number of men they please'd (Our men could not defend evry where -) between us and the County and then they would do what they pleas'd wh: us - We here were greatly Alarm'd at first when we heard you had left L Island and when the New's came, [2] that you had retreat'd from NYork, you can't think what an Effect it had on us, same was for Settle'g the matter upon the best terms, we could, others look't dull & melon colly and did not speak a word for a day or two, some was for the whole Province's March'g off for N York and disposes them at once, I assure you, if you had been here it would have made you Laugh to see how fright'd some of our [Services?] were Evry [sic] body now thinks it was all for the Best, as you can make a better stand where your [sic] are than In York, and I pray God you may make such a Stand where you are, that it is not possible for Earth or Hell to prevail against you - I heartely rejoice with you my friend in your narrow Escape from the Enemy - I also Sympathize with you in the loss of your baggage and where you will get any more I dont know - for there is nothing that you will want, to be sold here for love or money - I am much pleas'd that them troops who behav'd like such dam'd Poltron's (on Sunday) did not belong to this Province - I hope the General took particular notice of them, I mean to reprimand them for their Cowardice - But if any of them Troops were in Action on Monday I think Sunday, ought to be over look't, the best of Troops will run some times - [3] Mr Spear is very disireous you would get Capt: Johnston Exchange'd, & If you will write me word he will come & fetch him some - you mention in you[r] Letter of 19th that you have not recd: a line from me for some time - I have wrote you ever Post for this 2 Mo and my letters must be now in Post Office - this of the 19 is first I have rec'd from you for 3 weeks which I hope will never be the Case, General Lincoln set off yesterday with about 6,000 Men for Head Quarters if he has an opportunity he will cut a figure as a Generall - We have no New's none at all - Pray write me when you can - a line from you at this time will be very acceptable - God Protect and bless you my good friend -
Your H Jackson
PS - Mr E Price, J Gardner, N Bowes, O Smith, J Laughton, Collo. Dawes, all desire there regards to you -
[address leaf]
To
Collo: Hy: Knox
At
Head Quarter's
Near
New York
Post
[docket]
Henry Jackson
Sept 26 1776 -
Boston -
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