William Knox to Henry Knox on Naval Movements and Family Matters, 6 September 1781

William Knox to Henry Knox on Naval Movements and Family Matters, 6 September 1781
Author: William Knox
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1781
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Mentions Lucy Knox's trip up the Hudson River and hearing that General Knox passed New Windsor, New York with Governor George Clinton on his way to meet Lucy. Comments on a naval battle off the coast of Boston between the French frigate Magicianne and the more heavily armed British ship Assurance. Inquires if a Mr. Diricks was ever a Colonel in the Continental Army. Discusses the arrival of a French frigate called the Diligent, along with news that the Spanish and French have attempted the Reduction of Gibralter and that they have brought a new type of ship that floats higher in the water. Comments that the officer from the frigate, who has brought part of the loan negotiated by John Laurens, did not seem to know that there is such a place as Holland or...the Vienna Congress. Reports that a mutual friend named Mrs. Tarois is ill and S. Winslow, Henry's cousin, has married.

William Knox to Henry Knox about the Coming Campaign, 18 July 1781

William Knox to Henry Knox about the Coming Campaign, 18 July 1781
Author: William Knox
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1781
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Refers to an ensuing campaign and the potential for disposing of the British fleet. Remarks on the prevalence of British ships in the Boston harbor and adjacent waters. Reports that the House of Lee and Jones lost a ship to the British, consequently losing a total of 15,000. Reports that the merchants of Boston persuaded the Governor (John Hancock, Governor of Massachusetts) to ask the French Admiral (the Comte de Barras) for protection, but he said that American privateers had been engaging his men and tempting them to desert, thus he could not assist the merchants with a fleet. The merchants in turn threatened to dicountenance the engaging French Sailors aboard their vessell[s] in order to persuade the Comte to assist them. Discusses new monetary emission, reporting ... the very small proportion of specie that is circulating renders business peculiarly dull ... Refers to an account between Mr. Winslow and [Henry] Knox.

Henry Knox to William Knox about Meeting French Generals, 20 May 1781

Henry Knox to William Knox about Meeting French Generals, 20 May 1781
Author: Henry Knox
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1781
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Recently arrived in Wethersfield with Generals George Washington and Duportail to meet General Rochambeau and Admiral Louis Jacques comte de Barras de Saint-Laurant to discuss matters of great consequence. Expresses relief regarding William's management of an unspecified debt. Hopes for the safety of the Amsterdam, a ship. Comments on his distress regarding the depreciation of paper currency, asking William to procure hard money if he can. Adds that he will be paid as a Brigadier of Infantry, and asks William to look into the matter of his pay and send a copy of the award. In a post script, asks William to tell Harry [Henry Jackson] he must come on by the 1st of June or he will be black ball'd.

William Knox to Henry Knox about Arrangements Following His Departure for Europe, 29 October 1781

William Knox to Henry Knox about Arrangements Following His Departure for Europe, 29 October 1781
Author: William Knox
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1781
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ISBN:

He is leaving for Europe tomorrow on a French frigate commanded by Count de Grasse. Remarks that in his haste the contents of this letter are only things of greatest importance. Discusses leaving his store with Joshua Loring, arranging for a Mr. Pierce to serve as Henry's attorney and leaving important papers with him. William does not know how long his trip will last, but his plans will be affected by the prospects for peace. Mentions business plans to transport hemp and iron. Comments on his funds for the trip, how he raised them, and expected costs. He will be happy to be able to deliver the news of the surrender of Cornwallis at the Battle of Yorktown to acquaintances in Europe. See also GLC02437.01277.

William Knox to Henry Knox Discussing Military, Business and Family News, 4 October 1781

William Knox to Henry Knox Discussing Military, Business and Family News, 4 October 1781
Author: William Knox
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1781
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ISBN:

Discusses news of the siege of Yorktown, mentioning the activities of the Marquis de La Fayette and naval engagements between French Admiral Compte de Grasse and British Admiral Thomas Graves. Reports that Congress has received indications of the capture of Lord Cornwallis, but faulty intelligence from the past has made them skeptical. Discusses his upcoming business trip to Europe and seeks his brother's approval. Explains his sale of stock to finance the trip and plans to travel by French frigate. Explains his plans in case ships with cargo he owns arrive in Boston after his departure. Comments on the dearth of letters from Lucy to him and others in Boston. Mentions news of family and friends. Reports that local merchants are going to give a dinner for the Marquis de Gergerous.

A Letter from Henry Knox to William Knox on Family and War News, 5 August 1781

A Letter from Henry Knox to William Knox on Family and War News, 5 August 1781
Author: Henry Knox
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1781
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Written at camp near Dobbs Ferry by Brigadier General Knox to his brother William Knox. References William's letter of 25 July 1781. Says he wrote last week and hopes he has received the letter as the post office has been unreliable. It seems that someone in Lucy Knox's family is dying, but Henry says he will not tell her because she will be afflicted by it beyond moderation. Says her family in England will want to know of this information, and wants to be informed when a Mrs. Winslow will sail for Plymouth, so he can write to Lucy's sisters and mother. Says the destruction of paper money will damage the cause. Says the stoppage [of paper money] will create a distress here[.] I am pretty certain it will be temporary. I shall consider it as the dawn of returning honesty and industry. Says they have enough troops to defend themselves, but not to undertake an offensive campaign. References Major General Nathanael Greene's siege at Ninety Six in South Carolina. Says Greene could not storm the position, but that the siege forced the enemy to abandon the position and retire to Charleston. Claims that Twice General Greene has fought General Actions [at Guilford Courthouse and Hobkirk Hill] was defeated completely and yet reaped all the consequences of victory. Says the British probably have control of Plymouth, Virginia, Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia. Says the American and French armies are in the most perfect harmony.

William Knox to Henry Knox on War News and Various Aspects of Business, 30 August 1781

William Knox to Henry Knox on War News and Various Aspects of Business, 30 August 1781
Author: William Knox
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1781
Genre:
ISBN:

Disappointed that his brother did not write him an authentic account of Lord Cornwallis' situation in Virginia. Believes Cornwallis will surrender soon. Is planning a business trip to Europe and discusses fundraising. His last remittance to merchants in Amsterdam was forwarded through Captain Edward Davis, but the [dollar sign] 450 sterling was lost when Davis was captured and carried to Halifax. Discusses the state of exchange, the slim chances for profit, and various aspects of his business. Comments on the arrival of John Laurens in Boston, who had returned from France with supplies and money.