Henry Jackson to Henry Knox Regarding British Movements, 10 July 1777

Henry Jackson to Henry Knox Regarding British Movements, 10 July 1777
Author: Henry Jackson
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Release: 1777
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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 Northern [sic] Army. Worries that General George Washington had misleading information, believing William Howe intended to march to Philadelphia (Howe did not march to Philadelphia; refer to Knox's letter to Jackson from 21 June). Expresses misgivings regarding the loyalty of Native Americans near Fort Ticonderoga: These devils will let their Friendship be what it may- will always take up the hatchet on the strongest side. Declares that if Howe captures Philadelphia, Albany, and Ticonderoga, it may help the Continental cause: it would Brake up all our dam'd money makers, who are making their Fortunes on the ruin of their Country. Complains of the poor pay for soldiers and officers in the Continental Army. Discusses his regiment. Gives details of an Independence Day celebration held the previous Friday. Reports that a maritime prize landed in Marblehead [Massachusetts] with Jamaican Rum.

Henry Jackson to Henry Knox on British Movements, 31 July 1777

Henry Jackson to Henry Knox on British Movements, 31 July 1777
Author: Henry Jackson
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Release: 1777
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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 (possibly Paulus Hook, New Jersey), but did not know where they were bound. General George Washington assumed they are bound for Philadelphia, but a letter from General [Alexander] McDougal to Colonel Sears in Boston states they may be sailing toward Boston. Notes that Sears's behavior, including his intention to flee Boston, has fright'd all the old women in Town. Does not think the British will come to Boston, but instead expects them to sail up the North River (the Hudson), and attempt to lure Washington over the Delaware River. Reports on the capture and recapture of the Fox, a frigate. Complains of the difficulty of recruiting for his regiment. As in previous letters, expresses his wish that George Washington would write a letter to the State of Massachusetts to encourage assistance (possibly a draft). Expresses his disappointment that Knox might resign: the greatest inducement of my go'g into the Army was because you was in it.

Henry Jackson to Henry Knox on British Movements and Recruitment, 4 September 1777

Henry Jackson to Henry Knox on British Movements and Recruitment, 4 September 1777
Author: Henry Jackson
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Release: 1777
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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 Stark: Genl Starks Action I think view'g every circumstance stands first in the American War... before this the Enemy were Ravage'g, butcherg and Scalp'g all before them, not a prisoner fell in there Land but was Tomhawk't to Death- now all is quiet with them & we hear nothing of their Scalp'g & c. Relates that [Burgoyne] has possibly retracted back to Ticonderoga, and ponders why Howe would leave Burgoyne isolated. Reports that a naval prize bound for New York from Liverpool, England, was taken at Boston 3 September, and papers on board suggest the British look upon the affair to be up with us. Saw in one London paper a paragraph he had written to Knox the previous March in a letter. Asks Knox to speak to the General (George Washington) regarding his officers' commissions. Reports that he has not recruited many men recently, and his regiment consists of 160 men. Asks Henry to give his regards to Bill, Henry's brother William Knox.

Henry Jackson to Henry Knox Discussing the Battle of Ticonderoga and News from France, 19 July 1777

Henry Jackson to Henry Knox Discussing the Battle of Ticonderoga and News from France, 19 July 1777
Author: Henry Jackson
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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 from France that all France is Arm'g their Fleet and Army... to assist America. Also notes that a private letter from Dr. [Benjamin] Franklin to a gentleman in America suggests that a War was inevertable, (possibly inevitable). Mentions the British recapture of their frigate the Fox, which had been taken by the Americans earlier. Notes that unless the court assists, he will not be able to fill his regiment. Asks about the affair of the Frenchman, declaring that if du Coudray is appointed the head of artillery. Declares that du Coudray is appointed in Knox's place, all the Majr Generals must resign.

Henry Jackson to Henry Knox Discussing the Loss of Ticonderoga, 23 July 1777

Henry Jackson to Henry Knox Discussing the Loss of Ticonderoga, 23 July 1777
Author: Henry Jackson
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Release: 1777
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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 as this- and there is not one that can acct for its being given up in the maner [sic] it was- not one single Gun fired from us... Wonders how General [Arthur] St. Clair will explain his conduct after the American loss of Ticonderoga. Hopes General George Washington will become aware of General William Howe's plans. Expects Howe to move up the North River (the Hudson), and has received information that many British soldiers are sick. Discusses the capture and recapture of the Fox, a British frigate. Expresses gratitude for his appointment as Knox's agent. Cannot recruit enough men to join his regiment, and asks for assistance from Knox and his Excellency the Genl, (George Washington). Text loss on page three.

Henry Knox to Henry Jackson on Recent Movements of British Troops, 21 June 1777

Henry Knox to Henry Jackson on Recent Movements of British Troops, 21 June 1777
Author: Henry Knox
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Release: 1777
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Lengthy letter written at Camp Middlebrook. Replies to an earlier request from Colonel Jackson to enlist Hessians from a captured British ship: I have not mentioned to the General your request to be permitted to enlist some of [the Hessians], it is so repugnant to the good of the service and your own reputation... Discusses General William Howe's recent movements, and General John Sullivan's Continental force in Princeton, New Jersey. Is confused by the movements of the British. Assumed they intended to march to Philadelphia, but they instead fortified their position at Middlebrook, New Jersey. Notes that Mr. Howe, instead of marching to Philadelphia found himself almost blockaded in an open flat County. If Howe had attempted to march on Philadelphia, Knox asserts he should probably had twenty five thousand or thirty thousand militia upon his back... Describes Howe's retreat, at one a.m. the morning of 19 June. While Howe plundered on his way, he was intermittently followed and attacked by American militia. Predicts Howe to attack on the North River (the Hudson). Reports that General John Burgoyne is active near Fort Ticonderoga, and Genl Howe must make an attempt or push for a junction. Notes that the enemy, by all appearances, is leaving New Jersey.

Henry Jackson to Henry Knox with War News, 1 April 1777

Henry Jackson to Henry Knox with War News, 1 April 1777
Author: Henry Jackson
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Release: 1777
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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 soon. Hears that there are only 1,200 men and no field officers at Fort Ticonderoga, that Indian skirmishes there have cost many American lives, and that Colonel Baldwin the Engineer was taken prisoner. Unless action is taken he fears this most important post on the Continent may be lost. Colonel Crane lost his struggle to be permitted to use the town bounty in recruiting men. Without the bounty he will lose fine men he could otherwise recruit. Nothing has been done about raising their three battalions, and the legislature says nothing will be done until fifteen other battalions are raised first. Thinks this point will never come, and wishes Washington would order these battalions raised quickly. Worries his young officers will leave if the situation remains stagnant. Has a number of boys learning the drum and fife, but nothing for them to do.

Henry Knox to Lucy Knox about His Absence, the War and British Movements and Deceptions, 26 July 1777

Henry Knox to Lucy Knox about His Absence, the War and British Movements and Deceptions, 26 July 1777
Author: Henry Knox
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Release: 1777
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Written near Morristown, New Jersey. Laments his absence from Lucy. Writes ...had it not been for this cursed war I should have been one of the happi[est] of the human race as it is I am bound by every principle of honor and moral attachment to stand by the Country while I can do it any service- the instant I am convinc'd that I cannot I will retire from public to private life... Assures her that his absence is not due to lack of love. Addresses her concerns for future financial stability. Discusses business matters, mentioning his friend Harry (Henry Jackson). Urges her to agree to sell their phaeton. Mentions the loss of Ty [Ticonderoga] and General Arthur St. Clair, a reference to St. Clair's recent retreat in the Battle of Ticonderoga. Speculates whether British General William Howe sails for Philadelphia or Boston. Mentions a letter from Howe to General John Burgoyne that was recently intercepted by Continental forces. Howe informed Burgoyne that the expedition up the North River (the Hudson) has been abandoned in favor of a British operation against Boston. Knox notes, this letter was designed to fall in our hands in order to deceive- we suppose he will be at Philadelphia near as soon as we-

Henry Jackson to Henry Knox Regarding the Plans of British General William Howe, 13 August 1777

Henry Jackson to Henry Knox Regarding the Plans of British General William Howe, 13 August 1777
Author: Henry Jackson
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Release: 1777
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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- therefore a Junction of the two Armies, is what he will try for & all he can expect this campaine [sic]... Reports that a ship, the Hero, arrived in Boston to acquire crew, and will sail 14 or 15 August. Notes that the brevity of this letter results from an extremely painful headache.

Henry Jackson to Henry Knox on Enlisting British Soldiers, 27 November 1777

Henry Jackson to Henry Knox on Enlisting British Soldiers, 27 November 1777
Author: Henry Jackson
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Release: 1777
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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 General John Burgoyne's men, who are marching through on their way to embark for England following the British defeat at Saratoga. Argues that since Burgoyne's men are neither prisoners nor deserters, he should be able to recruit them. Hopes to obtain a set of bayonet belts based on the English pattern. Reports he will not be able to make it to camp (where Knox is stationed outside of Philadelphia) until mid-January.