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Would have written to Knox sooner, but was obliged to attend the execution of a man who had deserted from his regiment. Writes, ...he was Shot at the Bottom of the Common, it is supprise'g how the people minds are alter'd about this matter from what it was when the British Troops were here- every one cry'g out a deserter ought to die... Mentions a British naval prize taken by a privateer and brought to Newburyport, Massachusetts. Describes a matter between the Tartar, an American ship, and a twenty-gun British ship. Expects news from the Northward (northern New York), where American General Horatio Gates has 15,000 troops.
Replies to a letter from Henry from 21 June, in which Knox discussed British movement in detail. Agrees with Knox, that the British in the New York/New Jersey area will form a junction with the Northern [sic] Army. Worries that General George Washington had misleading information, believing William Howe intended to march to Philadelphia (Howe did not march to Philadelphia; refer to Knox's letter to Jackson from 21 June). Expresses misgivings regarding the loyalty of Native Americans near Fort Ticonderoga: These devils will let their Friendship be what it may- will always take up the hatchet on the strongest side. Declares that if Howe captures Philadelphia, Albany, and Ticonderoga, it may help the Continental cause: it would Brake up all our dam'd money makers, who are making their Fortunes on the ruin of their Country. Complains of the poor pay for soldiers and officers in the Continental Army. Discusses his regiment. Gives details of an Independence Day celebration held the previous Friday. Reports that a maritime prize landed in Marblehead [Massachusetts] with Jamaican Rum.
Colonel Jackson discusses military details, noting that the Court, (referring to the Court of Massachusetts) has ordered the draft of every seventh man from towns that have not met enlistment quotas. He has persuaded the court to allow drafted men to choose which regiment they will join. Notes that General George Washington has ordered him to send weekly reports of his (Jackson's) proceedings. Wants Knox to apply to George Washington to give an order on his behalf for arms and accoutrements. Asks Knox other military advice, noting, as I have never been in the Service I wish to be as regular as possible, in all my proceedings, & Shall be ambitious to enter the field with as much reputation as possible for your sake, as well as my own. GLC02437.00591 and GLC02437.09451 were originally one document.
Says he has received orders from the Council of this State to march my Independent Company Immediately to Providence. Rhode Island needs these men for defense until 2,000 militiamen can be raised, and Jackson worries that without him his men would not have gone. Also worries what will happen to his continental regiment while he is away, and hopes the general will not disapprove of his actions.
Jackson had said that Crane could not get his battalion through the court, but says now he has got every bounty allow'd him and will soon have a full regiment. Believes that Lee's, Henley's, and his regiment will never be filled by the Honorble Court. The court says it will only fill their battalion once it has filled fifteen others, and at the current pace this will never happen. Colonel Lee is on the verge of resigning, and the other officers are distraught. Wishes Knox to advise him on how to handle the situation.
Received Knox's letter via Captain Shaw, and was pleased by Knox's good spirits. Hopes to defeat the British, but worries about the lack of manpower, hearing that Washington only has 4,000 men. If this is the case you must expect a whipping very soon. Hears that there are only 1,200 men and no field officers at Fort Ticonderoga, that Indian skirmishes there have cost many American lives, and that Colonel Baldwin the Engineer was taken prisoner. Unless action is taken he fears this most important post on the Continent may be lost. Colonel Crane lost his struggle to be permitted to use the town bounty in recruiting men. Without the bounty he will lose fine men he could otherwise recruit. Nothing has been done about raising their three battalions, and the legislature says nothing will be done until fifteen other battalions are raised first. Thinks this point will never come, and wishes Washington would order these battalions raised quickly. Worries his young officers will leave if the situation remains stagnant. Has a number of boys learning the drum and fife, but nothing for them to do.
Colonel Jackson asks, What think you of the loss of Ticonderoga, it is in general believ'd here, that that Fortress was sold to the enemy- as for my part, I shall suspend my Judgement till I can hear more of the particulars. Discusses recent news from France that all France is Arm'g their Fleet and Army... to assist America. Also notes that a private letter from Dr. [Benjamin] Franklin to a gentleman in America suggests that a War was inevertable, (possibly inevitable). Mentions the British recapture of their frigate the Fox, which had been taken by the Americans earlier. Notes that unless the court assists, he will not be able to fill his regiment. Asks about the affair of the Frenchman, declaring that if du Coudray is appointed the head of artillery. Declares that du Coudray is appointed in Knox's place, all the Majr Generals must resign.
Colonel Jackson declares, The loss of Ticonderoga is a very severe stroke, we shall expereance [sic] the misfortune of it as long as the War lasts- there is no one circumstance take'n place this War that has affected the minds of the People so much as this- and there is not one that can acct for its being given up in the maner [sic] it was- not one single Gun fired from us... Wonders how General [Arthur] St. Clair will explain his conduct after the American loss of Ticonderoga. Hopes General George Washington will become aware of General William Howe's plans. Expects Howe to move up the North River (the Hudson), and has received information that many British soldiers are sick. Discusses the capture and recapture of the Fox, a British frigate. Expresses gratitude for his appointment as Knox's agent. Cannot recruit enough men to join his regiment, and asks for assistance from Knox and his Excellency the Genl, (George Washington). Text loss on page three.
Discusses various topics of the day, including his own illness, the execution of a soldier for desertion and the trial of another for forgery, the capture of Lord Cornwallis and his army, and his movements with the military over the last several months. Mentions that Generals William Heath and Alexander McDougall have had a misunderstanding, and a court is being convened to try McDougall, with William Alexander, Lord Stirling, as President and Jackson himself as a member of the court; lists the other members of the court on page eight. Also asks when the soldiers will be paid. Written from New Boston, which may be located in present-day Massachusetts or New Hampshire. Docketed in Knox's hand on page one. Missing the last pages.
Writes that Jackson must be anxious and surprised that he has not yet heard from Knox on the subject of clothing & rations. The fact is that I have been unable to give you any satisfaction on these points. Writes, Congress came to the determination of raising troops from the necessity of the case, and had the funds necessary to carry their resolutions into effect been at their command, every arrangement depending on the war department would ere now have been at least in a train of execution. But the funds indispensible [sic] for an energetic establishment have been to be provided. [...] I have been steadily of opinion that the public had better suffer all the injuries arising from a want of troops than to raise them without being able to provide for them completely in all respects. under this impression I have made some attempts to influence the rich in support of government, and the ensuing week will determine whether I have been as successful as I have believed. Has not had much success with the monied men of Boston. If Jackson had money, he would encourage him to begin recruitment. Discusses the size and cost of rations, as well as the arms and equipment he ordered for Jackson. Has also asked Mr. [Samuel] Hodgdon to send Jackson the equipment destined for New Hampshire; when that state decides to raise troops, Jackson can forward the equipment to them. Needs to pay taxes on his Falmouth lands and is having trouble raising the money, so asks if he may be able to borrow from Jackson; otherwise they might sell the land. Written and signed for Knox in a secretarial hand.