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.

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).

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
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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 of News about the War, 18 October 1781

William Knox to Henry Knox of News about the War, 18 October 1781
Author: William Knox
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Total Pages: 0
Release: 1781
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Has not heard from his brother in almost six weeks. News of the operation against Yorktown from General George Washington included the destruction of three of Lord Cornwallis redoubts and a formal demand for surrender, along with Cornwallis' rejection of it. Speculates that defeating Cornwallis will not be easy for the Allied Army, but Fall he must. Rumors of unsuccessful British activity against General Nathanael Greene near Charleston. Offers high praise for Greene as a potential successor for Washington. Mentions the deaths of 300 soldiers and officers among Colonel William Washington's cavalry. Also mentions the success of General John Stark at Skenesboro. Discusses his plans to travel to Europe on business on a French frigate. Joshua Loring will take over his bookstore. Mentions selling some books and making other preparations for departure.

William Knox to Henry Knox about Business in New York, 21 August 1788

William Knox to Henry Knox about Business in New York, 21 August 1788
Author: William Knox
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Total Pages: 0
Release: 1788
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Reports on business in New York during Henry's absence. Forwards letters that arrived in the morning by packet. Two are to Lucy Knox from her sister. Another letter, apparently a duplicate of previous correspondence, is addressed to Knox from Samuel Shaw. In this letter, Shaw seems offended with R[obert] Morris... Also received correspondence from his friend James Webber asserting that William owes Webber money. Sent Arthur St. Clair, General Josiah Harmar, and others recent resolves of Congress. Encloses letters from Delaware Works (possibly from Samuel Ogden) for Knox. Reports that commissioners have gone to Albany to negotiate a treaty with the Indians, writing ...it is now Currently said in Town & believed there will be none- as the Indians have adopted the Idea of going to the Ohio treaty.

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
Publisher:
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 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.