Henry Knox to William Knox Requesting that William Write More Frequently, 16 August 1778

Henry Knox to William Knox Requesting that William Write More Frequently, 16 August 1778
Author: Henry Knox
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Release: 1778
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Knox writes to his brother, William: I write... to inform you of our Welfare- no news- we are waiting most impatiently for some from Rhode Island (there was a military operation planned against Newport to take place in conjunction with the arrival of a French fleet led by the Comte D'Estaing). Chastises William for sending newspapers bal'd up in all the form of a Letter and paying as much postage ... Requests that William write frequently.

Henry Knox to William Knox on Military and Naval Operations, 13 August 1778

Henry Knox to William Knox on Military and Naval Operations, 13 August 1778
Author: Henry Knox
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Release: 1778
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Chastises William, his brother, for not writing more frequently. Mentions a military operation planned against Newport to take place in conjunction with the arrival of a French fleet led by the Comte D'Estaing. Instructs William to inform [James] Bowdoin's family that John Temple, British Consul General, has arrived at New York. Reports that a fire in New York City has destroyed between 80 and 100 houses. Encloses some letters for Colonel Sears in Newport. Regarding the planned military and naval operation, writes, I hope sincerely that Rhode Island may fall into our hands first. The Events at Newport will determine the further operations of the Army. Relates that his wife Lucy received a letter from her brother, possibly Thomas Flucker, informing her of the family's welfare (the Fluckers, as Loyalists, left America for England during the Revolutionary War). A note on page four discusses correspondence between Mrs. [Knox?] and Mr. Smith.

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 Discussing a Military Operation and the Time He is Spending with His Family, 4 August 1778

Henry Knox to William Knox Discussing a Military Operation and the Time He is Spending with His Family, 4 August 1778
Author: Henry Knox
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Release: 1778
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Discusses previous correspondence between the two, noting he always acknowledges letters received from William. Mentions a military operation planned against Newport to take place in conjunction with the arrival of a French fleet led by the Comte D'Estaing. Relates that his wife and daughter, both named Lucy, are with him in White Plains. Notes that Admiral Lord Richard Howe, in Sandy Hook, New Jersey lays... with his small fleet ardently wishing for such a reinforcement as may enable him to look Monsr. Le Com[text loss]te in the face- but I hope he will be disappointed. Requests William to send him a large [hat?].

Henry Knox to William Knox on Matters Regarding the Navy, 24 August 1778

Henry Knox to William Knox on Matters Regarding the Navy, 24 August 1778
Author: Henry Knox
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Release: 1778
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Acknowledges receipt of a letter William wrote 14 August 1778. Notes that his wife Lucy would also reply to William, but Shaw has not provided her with pens (possibly referring to his aide-de-camp, Samuel Shaw). Refers to a naval battle near Newport, Rhode Island between the fleets of the Comte D'Estaing and British General William Howe. Mentions the violent storm that thwarted the battle, noting that the success of American General John Sullivan, on land in Rhode Island, depends largely on D'Estaing's success (there was no decisive winner in the naval battle, and after the storm D'Estaing sailed for Boston). Reports that British Admiral Augustus Keppel has taken two French frigates. Discusses other matters pertaining to the navy. In closing, remarks, As I wrote you before our operations will depend in a good measure on the success or non success of the Rhode Island affair ...

Henry Knox to William Knox Giving Him Instructions If There is an Attack on Boston, 31 August 1778

Henry Knox to William Knox Giving Him Instructions If There is an Attack on Boston, 31 August 1778
Author: Henry Knox
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Release: 1778
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Again chastises William for his neglect in writing. Refers to the naval battle between the Comte D'Estaing and British General William Howe's fleet near Newport, Rhode Island. Observes that D'Estaing's departure for Boston will oblige American General John Sullivan to end his attack of Aquidneck Island. Comments that General Henry Clinton is on his way to reinforce the British at Rhode Island. Suggests that Lord John Byron, also sent to reinforce Howe, may give Howe's fleet superiority over Sullivan (Howe received no help from Byron, whose fleet had been damaged in a gale). Gives William instructions should Howe, Byron, and Clinton attempt to attack Boston, urging him to keep his conjectures secret. Some text loss on page three. In a post script, mentions his daughter and wife, both named Lucy.

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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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.

Henry Knox to William Knox Regarding British Movements, 24 October 1778

Henry Knox to William Knox Regarding British Movements, 24 October 1778
Author: Henry Knox
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Release: 1778
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Written at Fredericksburgh. Location from docket. Knox informs his brother that the British sent a detachment of 7000-8000 men from New York. Predicts the men were sent to the West Indies, but others again suppose for Carolina. Mentions a fleet of ships, possibly British, and the Comte D'Estaing. Notes, I write you this that if there are no other Demonstrations than the ships of War-not to be alarm'd. Reports that more British may embark from New York, assuming they will travel to Europe, Halifax, Nova Scotia, and the West Indies. In a post script, relates that the left wing of the Continental Army has moved as far as the Connecticut River.

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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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 about Money and the Revolution, 9 June 1776

Henry Knox to William Knox about Money and the Revolution, 9 June 1776
Author: Henry Knox
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Total Pages: 0
Release: 1776
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Reiterates the request for money he made in his last letter (see GLC02437.00328). Mentions that Lucy is well, but their newborn is ill from teething. Discusses recent misfortunes from the invasion of Canada. Mentions the 8th Regiment quartered in Detroit heading towards Montreal with a party of Indians. Comments on the activities of Major Henry Sherburne, Colonel John Paterson, and General Benedict Arnold, and a six day truce forced on the British. Mentions that the army was stricken with smallpox and General John Thomas was likely to die from it. Chastises William for not writing more often and keeping him updated on activities in Boston. Later that month, British forces in Canada were reinforced and the Americans were forced to retreat. Thomas had died from smallpox on 2 June 1776. This letter to William was sent to Peter Knox, who evidently forwarded it to William Knox.