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circa August 1776
Knox, Henry (1750-1806)
Disposition of Troops at New York
Lists major generals Israel Putnam and John Sullivan and the brigadier generals immediately under them.
GLC02437.00415
15 August 1776
to Lucy Knox
Expresses thanks for their ability to communicate while separated and is looking forward to their future together. Philosophically expresses hopes that reason and religion will someday dictate man's actions. Writes that he "will make a very family...
GLC02437.00419
23 September 1776
to William Knox
Discusses corresponding with his brother. Describes the artillery department in the Continental Army as one of the busiest, and the reason he cannot write as frequently as would prefer to. Gives his analysis and opinions of recent events...
GLC02437.00451
May 1786
A Sketch of a defense of General Washingtons System of the Campaign of 1776, at New York and its Vicinity
Sweeping account of the early events of the American Revolution intended to defend the strategy George Washington took when the British drove the Americans from New York in 1776. Draft copy with many editorial alterations. Title from docket, which...
GLC02437.00460
10 October 1776
Expresses disappointment with not receiving a letter from William, but writes this letter for both William and Henry Jackson. Discusses being recalled from New Jersey in response to sightings of British ships. Tells William to not give credit to...
GLC02437.00472
20 October 1776
Knox, William (1756-1795)
to Henry Knox
Discusses their correspondence and speculates that not all their letters reach each other. Discusses the recent British victories in taking Long Island and New York. Had hoped the victories would induce the British into an ill-planned and...
GLC02437.00476
7 November 1776
William Knox
Was worried to hear from Henry Jackson that William had gone aboard a ship going to confront the British ship the Mifford. Notes that after pursuing the Continental Army to White Plains, the British have turned back toward New York and Knox...
GLC02437.00483
10 November 1776
Discusses how important his correspondence with Lucy is and how much it hurts him to urge her to go farther away from him (first to New Haven then to Boston). Speculates on a possible British strategy to extend their conquest into New Jersey, which...
GLC02437.00485
14 November 1776
Regrets that he must send her to Boston, but hopes to see her and Peter soon, if his duties allow. Notes British movements on Long Island. Comments on the tactical ineptitude displayed by both sides: "The manoeuvres of the enemy are so complicated...
GLC02437.00487
17 November 1776
Greene, Nathanael (1742-1786)
Dated November 1776; date of 17 November inferred from content. Reports that Fort Washington has been captured by the British, and that the Americans have "lost" between 2,000 to 3,000 soldiers. The American generals, including Washington, Palmer...
GLC02437.00488
18 November 1776
Informs her of the loss of Fort Washington and 1,500 men. "This is the most severe stroke we have received during the war as to the number of men." Writes that he is very upset over the terrible defeat, but has not lost hope.
GLC02437.00489
22 November 1776
Assures her that their separation will not be as long as she fears, that they will soon be together again, and that he loves her deeply. Explains why he must stay at war and away from her, saying: "My obedience in this point interrupts our happiness...
GLC02437.00490
25 December 1776
Order of march to Trenton
Orders for surprise attack on British forces at Trenton. On Christmas morning Washington made his famous crossing of the Delaware, and prepared for a surprise attack on Trenton. These orders lay out the various roles of the different sections of...
GLC02437.00495
28 December 1776
Expresses his love for Lucy, but says that the love of his country must keep them apart for now. Discusses the Battle of Trenton (26 December 1776) in depth. Starts by stating that Lucy must "have heard of our success on the morning of the 26th...
GLC02437.00497
7 January 1777
Asks if she has received his previous letter (GLC02437.00511). Details the fighting from 2 January onward. Discusses the American retreat from Trenton, for which the artillery provided cover, Washington's decision to next attack Princeton where...
GLC02437.00514
20 March 1777
Mentions his plan to "enter the Service" once he raises a certain sum, which he is confident he will have soon. He has bought two hundred pounds worth of quills, paper, and similar articles from Newburry, and thinks they will be easy to turn a...
GLC02437.00555
23 March 1777
Says that since William's happiness is important to him, he will not prevent his brother from joining the army once William has completed certain essential family business. Arranges for William to pick up his baggage from various spots in New...
GLC02437.00556
1 April 1777
Jackson, Henry (1747-1809)
Received Knox's letter via Captain Shaw, and was pleased by Knox's good spirits. Hopes to defeat the British, but worries about the lack of manpower, hearing that Washington only has 4,000 men. "If this is the case you must expect a whipping very...
GLC02437.00561
Reassures his brother of his affection for him. Has received a trunk for Henry from Jonathan Ingersol, and will write him. Informs Knox that he will try to obtain silk stockings for him and that George Washington's coat has been charged to his...
GLC02437.00563
3 April 1777
Knox, Lucy Flucker (ca. 1756-1824)
Says she and Mr. [Benjamin] Hichborn have completed "the affair of the house" for 5,500 pounds. Says the transaction pains her, though is sure her father will approve once he knows the circumstances. Is worried, however, that others may see Henry...
GLC02437.00565
13 April 1777
Hopes Henry is thinking of her. Says that she is being inoculated for smallpox, but that a rash on her arm has slowed the process and led the doctor to give her more mercury. Worries about her health but says their daughter is doing quite well....
GLC02437.00572
27 May 1777
Gives details of marching with an unspecified company, and discusses his recent service at Providence, Rhode Island. Refers to a recent election of representatives, possibly in Boston, Massachusetts. Writes, "My good friend, we are in a very bad...
GLC02437.00604
8 June 1777
Colonel Jackson writes "by way of Peekskill" [New York]. Reports that a Massachusetts state cruiser has taken two British transport ships bound for New York with Hessians on board. Of the Hessians, writes "it is said they show'd the greatest joy...
GLC02437.00610
10 July 1777
Replies to a letter from Henry from 21 June, in which Knox discussed British movement in detail. Agrees with Knox, that the British in the New York/New Jersey area will "form a junction with the Nothern [sic] Army." Worries that General George...
GLC02437.00621
13 July 1777
Knox writes, "the shortness of your two last letters were not very agreable [sic] to me..." Discusses the Battle of Ticonderoga (2-6 July 1777): "We have received... news of the evacuation of Ticonderoga pregnant in my opinion with the most...
GLC02437.00622
14 July 1777
Discusses the Continental evacuation of Ticonderoga: "My God, what a Stroke we have met with in Loss of Ticonderoga- after all the trouble, pains, & expense the Continent has been at in Fortifyg [sic] that Post, to think we should be obliged to give...
GLC02437.00624
17 July 1777
Mentions the capture of the Fox, a British frigate. Apparently, the Fox was retaken by the British, but this news is uncorroborated. Colonel Jackson expects to be called in to pay Knox's contribution to a privateer. Suggests that Henry persuade...
GLC02437.00626
19 July 1777
Colonel Jackson asks, "What think you of the loss of Ticonderoga, it is in general believ'd here, that that Fortress was sold to the enemy- as for my part, I shall suspend my Judgement till I can hear more of the particulars." Discusses recent news...
GLC02437.00627
23 July 1777
Colonel Jackson declares, "The loss of Ticonderoga is a very severe stroke, we shall expereance [sic] the misfortune of it as long as the War lasts- there is no one circumstance take'n place this War that has affected the minds of the People so much...
GLC02437.00628
31 July 1777
Reports that Lucy Knox, Henry's wife, left for Newbury Port (possibly Massachusetts), the previous Monday. Mentions an express from General [Israel] Putnam to General [William] Heath, in which Putnam attested the British sailed from the Hook...
GLC02437.00631
2 August 1777
Reports, "The enemy have manoevr'd us to this place... and after all gave us the slip... this is now the third day of their departure with a fine a wind as ever blew to carry them to New York and so up the North River [the Hudson]-- this must be...
GLC02437.00632
7 August 1777
Reports a scare regarding a fleet of 150 ships in the [Massachusetts] Bay. Describes how Bostonians were thrown into confusion, thinking the fleet consisted of British troops from New York. Speaks of the evacuation of Boston: "altho' the Alarm came...
GLC02437.00633
13 August 1777
Predicts that British General William Howe intends to sail for the North River (the Hudson) to connect with [General John Burgoyne's] army: "The North River is, & must be their object- I think the whole of Genl Howe's conduct, must show his weakness-...
GLC02437.00636
20 August 1777
[Draft of an opinion for General George Washington]
"From the time which has elapsed since Genl Howe disappeared from the Capes, it may be fairly and certainly deduce'd that he has gone very far either to the Southward or eastward... and it may be concluded with the same probability that neither...
GLC02437.00637
24 August 1777
Comments on General John Stark and the Battle of Bennington ( 16 August 1777): "I don't think all History from Adam to this day, can produce such an instance, which an unequal number of raw undisciplind militia, have attack'd a Superor number of well...
GLC02437.00639
25 August 1777
Written at "Derby, 7 Miles below Philadelphia" (possibly Darby, Pennsylvania). Reports that his troops had begun to march to the North River (the Hudson), but received a dispatch that British General William Howe was in the Chesapeake Bay. Believes...
GLC02437.00640
27 August 1777
Praises the American victory in the recent the Battle of Bennington. Notes that General [Benjamin] Lincoln's aide-de-camp sent an account of the British killed, wounded, and missing at Bennington, which amounted to 1,000. Reports that Henry's wife...
GLC02437.00641
4 September 1777
Expresses surprise that the Continental Army has no knowledge of British General William Howe's location. Thinks it's possible, but unlikely, Howe intends to sail for Boston. Comments on the Battle of Bennington and the performance of General John...
GLC02437.00647
18 September 1777
Jackson declares, "...I am sure if we exert ourselves to the Southward & Northward as we ought to do that this Campaign will nearly bring the War to a Close, and establish our Independence." Reports he has heard news that Generals Horatio Gates...
GLC02437.00650
10 October 1777 - 17 September 1779
Unknown
A copy of Three Acts of Congress in favor of Silas Talbot
Title from docket. Includes acts for 10 October 1777, 14 November 1778, and 17 September 1779. The first act promotes Talbot to Major for his attempt to set fire to a British ship "and that he be recommended to General Washington for employment...
GLC02437.00656
circa 27-29 October 1777
[Response to queries from Headquarters]
In the hand of Samuel Shaw. Knox expresses his opinion against a general attack on the British. Writes, "It requires the best discipline, the firmest spirit, and good officers, to storm works or to make an impression on British troops. Not that I...
GLC02437.00660
26 November 1777
to George Washington
Penned by Samuel Shaw, with post-script in Knox's hand. Knox answers the question: "... whether it would be advisable to attack the enemies redoubts and the City of Philadelphia by way of storm ... " Knox writes, "I exceedingly lament my want of...
GLC02437.00667
27 November 1777
Colonel Jackson writes, "Are you dead or alive- one post after another, and not a line from you-its a Mo since I saw your hand writi'g." Describes his attempts to enlist soldiers. Asks if George Washington would approve if he enlists British...
GLC02437.00668
1 December 1777
Offers his opinion as to "the position proper for Winter Quarters." Argues that winter quarters are "indispensably necessary" for Continental troops. Suggests that quarters be established at a distance from the British (who occupy Philadelphia)....
GLC02437.00669
[Draft of Knox's responses to questions regarding an attack on the British at Philadelphia]
"My sentiments are against a general attack of the enemy strongly posted as they are except upon the clearest principles of superior numbers to counterballance their superior discipline. I am fully of the opinion that we have no experience of our...
GLC02437.00676
3 January 1778
[Military advice for George Washington]
Written from Artillery Park of Great Valley (Valley Forge), Pennsylvania. Knox discusses the necessity of recruiting more men. Argues that New York City is of greater importance to the British than any other place due to its accessibility by way of...
GLC02437.00683
3 June 1778
Shaw, Samuel (1754-1794)
Shaw, Henry Knox's aide-de-camp, apologizes for the delay in sending a box owned by William. Reports that the army plans to leave Valley Forge, and Henry Knox is unwilling "to leave any thing of his in this d-n'd State." Refers to military and...
GLC02437.00707
18 June 1778
Document in Samuel Shaw's hand, and signed by Shaw for Knox, giving Knox's opinion on several questions posed by Washington. Writes, "...it would be a most criminal degree of madness to hazard a general action at this time with the enemy, as by it we...
GLC02437.00711
29 June 1778
Describes the Battle of Monmouth (28 June 1778) in detail. As the British marched away from Philadelphia toward Shrewsbury, New Jersey, Continental troops under General [Charles] Lee attacked the British rear. In the ensuing battle, "My brave Lads...
GLC02437.00713
3 July 1778
Relates that the British are moving toward Sandy Hook, New Jersey. Reports the details of the Battle of Monmouth, mentioning Generals Charles Lee and George Washington. Writes, "The Corps of Artillery have their full proportion of the Glory of the...
GLC02437.00714
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