William Knox to Henry Knox Discussing Finances and the War, and Speculating on what Peace Might Mean for Business, 28 September 1781

William Knox to Henry Knox Discussing Finances and the War, and Speculating on what Peace Might Mean for Business, 28 September 1781
Author: William Knox
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Total Pages: 0
Release: 1781
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Discusses plans for traveling to Europe, ships to take, and his effort to raise money. Also discusses what is happening at the port in Boston, mentioning specific ships, captains, armaments, and visitors. Mentions merchant activities, following up on his previous letter (GLC02437.01186), and announces that the sale of cargo on the Amsterdam has made Henry a profit. Comments on the large amount of public money owed to Henry. Discusses European business accounts. Speculates on the consequences of peace with Britain. Relates story of British Admiral Clyde Parker's battle with the Dutch off Dogger Bank, which occurred in August of 1781. Comments on Dutch support and recognition of American Independence. Connecticut Governor Jonathan Trumbull reported the British return to New York after a severe naval loss to the Compte de Grasse.

William Knox to Henry Knox Discussing Their Precarious Financial State, 20 September 1781

William Knox to Henry Knox Discussing Their Precarious Financial State, 20 September 1781
Author: William Knox
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Total Pages: 0
Release: 1781
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Response to 4 September 1781 letter (GLC02437.01165). Discusses their financial situation, which undoubtedly are in such a train as to require the strictest attention to Oeconomy. William has sold some goods to prepare for his business trip to Europe. Comments that It would have been particularly agreeable if you could have received part of what the public are indebted to you. Mentions that the allocation of the cash from the loan John Laurens obtained from France has not been negotiated yet. Discusses the arrival of a shipment of tea, the arrival of the Amsterdam, and one of Knox's accounts. Suggests a potential real estate deal. Comments on the importance of letters of introduction or support from well known people. Hopes there is peace by spring; it will be good for business. Mentions health problems. The Continental Army was then preparing for the siege of Yorktown.

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
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Total Pages: 0
Release: 1781
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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.

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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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.

William Knox to Henry Knox about Money, Health and War News, 27 June 1781

William Knox to Henry Knox about Money, Health and War News, 27 June 1781
Author: William Knox
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Total Pages: 0
Release: 1781
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Informs his brother, Brigadier General Henry Knox, he has received a sum of money [for Henry] from Colonel Henry Jackson. Discusses currency and depreciation. Reports that Colonel Sears will likely not be able to join Knox in attempting to regain New York from the British . Reports on recent problems with digestion, headaches, and weakness of Nerves. Sends his regards to his sister -in-law.

Henry Knox to William Knox Discussing the Forthcoming Siege of Yorktown and Family Matters, 4 September 1781

Henry Knox to William Knox Discussing the Forthcoming Siege of Yorktown and Family Matters, 4 September 1781
Author: Henry Knox
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1781
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Tells his brother that an object is now developed and known to be Lord Cornwallis, and alludes to the forthcoming siege of Yorktown: our measures are such that if the respective parts harmonize, we hope to do something handsome... The military maneuver will disrupt General Knox's family life because he has to leave for Virginia. Discusses a personal financial issue.

Henry Knox to William Knox with Family News and Discusses the War and Politics, 20 July 1781

Henry Knox to William Knox with Family News and Discusses the War and Politics, 20 July 1781
Author: Henry Knox
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Total Pages: 0
Release: 1781
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Thanks William for money he recently sent. Reports that Lucy Knox and their children have gone up the Hudson River on a visit. Discusses his hopes for an end to the Revolutionary War, writing I sincerely pray God that the War may be ended this campaign that public and private felicity may be again restored. Discusses British movement in the South, noting, Our affairs to the Southward have an agreeable aspect and convince us although the Enemy may establish posts, they cannot conquer the Country. Criticizes what he calls vile water-gruel governments which have taken place in most of the States... Praises Massachusetts, stating The same tone, sentiment, & exertion, pervading all the States would indisputably render this the last Campaign. Reports that the British recently sent ships up the Hudson River to sabotage Continental communication but were unsuccessful. Promises to write as often as possible, though the post follows a circuitous route. Written at Philipsburgh, New York (present-day Sleepy Hollow).

William Knox to Henry Knox Discussing Financial and Business Plans, 8 July 1779

William Knox to Henry Knox Discussing Financial and Business Plans, 8 July 1779
Author: William Knox
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1779
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Makes financial plans before embarking for Holland on a business venture. Encloses an inventory of the stock on hand, which amounts nearly to as much sterling as it did upon my taking it after returning from the Army ... Informs Knox he has only one outstanding debt, and William cannot locate the person with the account (William was in charge of much of Knox's business while Knox served in the military). Declares, ... we are nearly six hundred pounds... richer than we were when I left the army, which I think it doing tolerably well considering the Capitol we had to begin with ... Intends to send Knox a list of furniture that arrived for him from Marlborough, [Massachusetts]. Reports that his voyage has been delayed until the end of the Penobscot Expedition. Has heard, from Samuel Adams, of a ship leaving immediately for Europe bearing dispatches of Revolutionary affairs in Charleston, South Carolina. Thanks Knox for letters of introduction Knox procured for his brother's trip to Europe, including letters from Baron von Steuben. Reports on British movements in the east, including their establishment of little Indian Houses with all kinds of trinkets, as a temptation for the Indians to join them for twenty miles from Penobscot.

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
Publisher:
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.

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.