Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Benjamin Lincoln
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00888 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New Windsor, New York Type: Manuscript letter Date: 13 February 1781 Pagination: 3 p. ; 23 x 18.8 cm. Order a Copy
Later copy. Discusses the status of troops throughout the New England states and a victory at Cowpens, South Carolina.
[Draft]
New Windsor 13 February 1781
My dear Sir
I am afraid you may have thought me in attention by not writing by Major Clarkson, but he will tell you that he was to have dine with me on a certain day at which time I was to have given him a letter, but the crossing the river being one of the precarious things of this world he was obliged to embrace the first favorable moment for a passage which he did without my letter.
The measures which Massachusetts have adopted for their troops are applauded by the General, and all the officers and soldiers with the utmost strength of expression. It is expected the troops when they receive the shiners will celebrate the praises of their respective states with great vigor.
The assembly of Rhode Island having assembled and adjourned previous to my return did not adopt similar measures to Massachusetts & New Hampshire, although, it was the ardent wish of the Governor who pledged him [2] self to me as far as his situation admitted to adopt the same plan. That State determined to pay the officers and soldiers of their line one quarter part of the depreciation due to them in hard money immediately, and to make up the deficiency of clothing.
Connecticut did nothing notwithstanding the utmost exertions of the patriotic Governor for that purpose when I first applauded to the Governor he had no doubt that he should be able to effect every thing requested by means of his Council. This Council consisted of a certain number to whom are delegated in case of exigence the powers of the Legislature during its recess When the Council met they were clear as to the propriety of doing something - but they wished first to see what Massachusetts would do before they determined upon anything final. Things were in this situation upon my return to that State. Frequent meetings of the Council, but without effect because they had no certain information of the doings of Massachusetts. However the Governor was determined to call them once more, and if [3] they did not adopt similar measures to the other states, he would instantly call the Assembly when he was of opinion a conformity of measures would be rendered certain.
I most sincerely [felicitate] you on the unexpected and very providential victory obtained by Genl. Morgan over Tarelton at the Cow Pens near Broads River in South Carolina of the Enemy upwards of 100 killed in the field - more than 200 wounded, and 29 commissioned & more than 500 more commissioned officers and privates made prisoners, all their baggage &
wagons and two pieces of Artillery and 800 strand of arms
This important event happening at the critical moment of our distresses at the South will have the most important consequences even to confining the Enemy to Charles Town.
If my paper were longer I should scribble more but I must close
I am my dear Sir
Your affectionate friend
HKnox
Genl Lincoln
[docket]
Lincoln from Knox
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.