Henry Knox to William Knox on Military Matters Including News that a Fleet Has Blocked the Port of Boston, 6 September 1778

Henry Knox to William Knox on Military Matters Including News that a Fleet Has Blocked the Port of Boston, 6 September 1778
Author: Henry Knox
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Total Pages: 0
Release: 1778
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Has received news that a fleet has blocked the port of Boston. Notes that Admiral Parker (possibly Sir Hyde Parker) has arrived at the Hook with several ships (the Hook may refer to Sandy Hook, New Jersey, or another point in New Jersey near New York City). Reports that General [Nathanael] Greene praised the service of Knox's friend Harry [Henry Jackson]. Comments on other military matters, including a proposed duel between General Horatio Gates and James Wilkinson, who served under Gates. Remarks on the court martial of General Charles Lee for his conduct at the Battle of Monmouth.

Henry Knox to William Knox on Military Matters, 28 September 1778

Henry Knox to William Knox on Military Matters, 28 September 1778
Author: Henry Knox
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Total Pages: 0
Release: 1778
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Written at Fredericksburg. Comments, You appear a little testy that I did not inform you the Enemy were going to Boston. Indeed I never believed it except a combination of unfortunate circumstances should impress an Idea of the kind on their minds... I think you may very freely make purchases and rely upon it that the Enemy will not come to Boston this Year- not even the tempting object of the french fleet will be a sufficient inducement. I believe from present appearances that the Enemy are about to evacuate the Continent. Also mentions the escape of General John Sullivan's forces in Rhode Island (Sullivan's forces avoided being captured by the British). Refers to an unspecified petition brought before the House of Representatives. Mentions that Lucy, his wife, is recovering from a recent illness.

Henry Knox to William Knox on Military and Business Matters, 5 October 1778

Henry Knox to William Knox on Military and Business Matters, 5 October 1778
Author: Henry Knox
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Total Pages: 0
Release: 1778
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Written at Fredericksburgh. Comments on the arrival of (the privateer) General Arnold's prize. Thinks the British will leave the United States to secure their possessions elsewhere, noting that an attempt to capture the French fleet at Boston rests on too many uncertainties for the British. Recently received news that the French captured the island of Dominica, which Knox refers to as Dominico. Also reports that France sent 4,000 men to take Jamaica. Comments that the British have taken cattle and forage in New Jersey, and surprised [Colonel George] Baylor's regiment, wounding Baylor (this battle is referred to as the Baylor Massacre, 28 September 1778). Writes, But should the Enemy contrary to my reasonings, conjectures & conclusions be so insane as to push to Boston, you may rely I shall give you the earliest notice- But rest easy on this head. Discusses a business matter handled by William related to Henry's mortgage and estate. Also mentions an unspecified petition. Contains several notes written in a different hand throughout text. Minor text loss from seal. Mentions that Lucy and her baby, possibly their daughter Lucy, are both well. On page four, Knox reports that General Benjamin Lincoln will soon take command in Charleston South Carolina.

William Knox to Henry Knox about Military Actions and the Mustering of Militia, 24 July 1776

William Knox to Henry Knox about Military Actions and the Mustering of Militia, 24 July 1776
Author: William Knox
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Total Pages: 0
Release: 1776
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Discusses a British ship that was captured near an American fort at Nantasket, Massachusetts. The vessel had come from Ireland to support General William Howe's army and had mistakenly thought the British were still in Boston. Tells a detailed story about how the Committee of Correspondence and Safety ordered every man between sixteen and sixty to gather with full military accoutrements and drafted thirty-two of them to join the invasion of Canada. Many men ran away but the draft was eventually made by offering larger bounties. The debacle caused some to call for the removal of John Brown, the chairman of the Committee. Also discusses the activities of his company, commanded by Henry Jackson, at the event. Notes that there is no other news, business has been slow, and that the town has been made exceedingly dull with the smallpox.

Henry Knox to William Knox Regarding Business Matters, Military Affairs and Their Family, 3 June 1776

Henry Knox to William Knox Regarding Business Matters, Military Affairs and Their Family, 3 June 1776
Author: Henry Knox
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Total Pages: 0
Release: 1776
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Says that he received William's account of plundered stock from British troops [the British had left many supplies in Boston when they evacuated in March 1776]. Discusses notes that must be paid that pertain to personal business. Asks William to send him money to buy a carriage, so that Lucy Knox can leave New York quickly if there is danger. Also asks him to send uniform buttons mentioned in a previous letter (see GLC02437.00275). Wants William to keep him informed on what is done with the confiscated Tory estates. Requests a copy of Edes and Gill's Monday newspaper.

Henry Knox to William Knox on Military, Business and Family Matters, 16 November 1778

Henry Knox to William Knox on Military, Business and Family Matters, 16 November 1778
Author: Henry Knox
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Release: 1778
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Requests that William obtain items for Lucy Knox, his wife. Asks that he send the articles so Lucy may receive them by mid-January. Requests green tea and raisons. Discusses the procurement of goods, and gives William advice on business matters. Agrees to help Sally and Betsey Winslow reach Boston, noting the distressing circumstance will be how they will be able to subsist when there... their mother in Law is going to England & they will be left friendless and without protection- Reports that the British have not completely evacuated New York, but two fleets recently embarked. Predicts one fleet sailed for Europe, and the other for the West Indies. The last fleet is preparing to sail, and consists of nearly all the vessels in New York. Expects the Continental Army to have winter quarters in New Jersey. Written at Fredericksburg (present-day Patterson, New York).

Henry Knox to William Knox about William's Actions and War News, 7 November 1776

Henry Knox to William Knox about William's Actions and War News, 7 November 1776
Author: Henry Knox
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1776
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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 speculates that they intend to besiege Fort Washington and then pass to New Jersey and possibly Philadelphia. Believes Fort Washington could withstand a two or three month siege. Notes that the Hessians and the British plunder all before them. Instructs William to pick Lucy Knox up from New Haven, Connecticut, if she wants to winter in Boston. A note on the verso states It is absurd to suppose a man of Mr. Howe's character gone into winter Qtrs already.

Henry Knox to William Knox on Military Movements, Business and Family, 4 June 1779

Henry Knox to William Knox on Military Movements, Business and Family, 4 June 1779
Author: Henry Knox
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1779
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Reports that Continental troops are moving toward the British on the North (Hudson) River. Discusses William's upcoming voyage, a mercantile venture to Holland. Declares, From the high Spirits of our troops, their discipline, and equipments, I think if we come into contact with the Enemy we shall at least do justice to ourselves and Country whatever may be the Event. Mentions Lucy Knox and their daughters (Lucy and Julia). Notes that the Winslow sisters have not yet left for Boston.

William Knox to Henry Knox about War News, Or Lack Of, 15 September 1776

William Knox to Henry Knox about War News, Or Lack Of, 15 September 1776
Author: William Knox
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1776
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Complains that Henry has not written to him recently and explains how he has received information from Lucy Knox and Mrs. Jonathan Pollard. Claims that they do not have many good sources for the news in Boston. Indicates that a British ship called the Mifford is seizing any vessel that comes near it in the bay. Mentions plans to mobilize troops from Connecticut. Notes that Benjamin Franklin, Edward Rutledge, and John Adams were being sent by Congress to meet with William Howe, a peace conference that later proved unsuccessful. Mentions reports of a battle on Lake Champlain. Business has improved in Boston. Notes that it is his twentieth birthday.