Henry Knox to William Knox Discussing the Effect the War is Having on His Fortune, 21 April 1778 PDF Download

Author: Henry Knox
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Location from docket. Asks his brother William, in Boston, why he has not recently written. Declares, My God this War will go near to ruin me, they are making their Fortunes & I am losing one, however a good intention and a good Conclusion will I hope support & comfort me. Wishes he had a chaise instead of a phaeton (Knox had previously corresponded with his brother regarding the sale of his wife Lucy's phaeton). Reports that Great Britain intends to offer terms of conciliation to place us where we were in the Year 1763. Mentions a speech by Lord North, Prime Minister of Great Britain, in which North proposed peace as preferable to any other method ... he said he had been deceived he never thought the natural force of America to be so great ... Has sent drafts of two bills to General Hancock (possibly General Ebenezer Hancock, brother of John Hancock). Could not obtain a copy of an unspecified speech.

Author: Henry Knox
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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.

Author: Henry Knox
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Written at Fredericksburgh. Reports that the British are still in New York City, and many British sailors are sick ashore. Of British commissioners, writes, The Commissioners have Issued another Proclamation & manifesto. This they declare shall be the last & if it makes no impression on the hard hearted people of America they shall return and report the ill success of their Mission. These people have the same kind of insolence about them that a [young man rake] has who debauches his friends daughter and then offers a considerable sum as [hush?] money. In a post script, notes the enclosure of the proclamation and manifesto (not included).

Author: William Knox
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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.

Author: Henry Knox
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Discusses matters of business William is tending to in Boston, including a debt and a petition. Writes, The Enemy have not yet evacuated Philadelphia but we are in hourly expectation of that event. The whole army is under marching orders as soon as they leave the City. Expects the British to assemble their force at New York City. Reports that Lucy and the baby are both well, referring to his wife, and possibly to their two-year-old daughter, also named Lucy. Relates that he has seen Harry, possibly Colonel Henry Jackson.

Author: Henry Knox
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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?].

Author: Henry Knox
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Explains that his letters may be short, but he still loves his brother. Feels God has favorably turned the tide of our affair. Knows that war is hard, and has prepared himself for losses either public or personal. Hopes to hear from William more often, though admits the mail is difficult. Thinks that Lucy should sell the horses if she winters in Boston. Dated 1776, but written 1777.

Author: Henry Knox
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Asks William, his brother, for news of the location of William Howe's fleet. Apparently speaking of the British, writes It is improper for a person in any Station to speak thus were it to be divulged but I do not believe there ever was a set of men so perfectly disqualified by a total & profound ignorance of every thing that might to constitute the Characters of Leaders of an Army to conquest- poor people they must evacuate the Continent or they will be entirely undone- I beg you not to imagine that by deprecation of their abilities I mean to exalt our own. God forbid- I shall say nothing about it or about it But only this, that we never set ourselves up as great Military men. Comments on the British presence at New York, noting that some think the British will follow the French fleet led by the Count D'Estaing. Does not think the British will attempt to take Boston. Remarks that the security of British possessions elsewhere demands their departure from North America. Relates that his wife, Lucy, is ill. Requests a bushel of pickled peppers from a Mrs. [Stutson?].

Author: Henry Knox
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Reports that British Commissioners William Eden, First Baron Auckland, Frederick Howard, Earl of Carlisle, and Governor George Johnstone are meeting in Philadelphia to discuss conciliation with America. Declares, Any offers they may make but of Independence, or a total withdraw of their Armies & Navies will be fruitless- I believe they will not make these offers ... Asks where the soldiers from Massachusetts are, noting that Massachusetts' quotas of men have not arrived at Valley Forge.

Author: Henry Knox
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Discusses the revival of the General Arnold, a ship that wrecked in December 1778. Knox had some investment in the ship, and remarks it would be worth while to... get as much in her as will be prudent to risque, possibly referring to loading the Arnold with cargo. Reports that the British attempted to surprise General William Maxwell's brigade but were forced to retreat. Relates that his recent business in Philadelphia consisted of improving regulation of the ordnance department. Notes I undoubtedly might have at first stipulated for some pecuniary advantages for myself, but... I do not approve of money obtained in the publick service, it does not appear to me in a War like ours to be right. Describes a recent celebration held to celebrate the alliance between France and America. Remarks that there were about seventy ladies ... We danced all night.