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Written at Fredericksburg. Comments, You appear a little testy that I did not inform you the Enemy were going to Boston. Indeed I never believed it except a combination of unfortunate circumstances should impress an Idea of the kind on their minds... I think you may very freely make purchases and rely upon it that the Enemy will not come to Boston this Year- not even the tempting object of the french fleet will be a sufficient inducement. I believe from present appearances that the Enemy are about to evacuate the Continent. Also mentions the escape of General John Sullivan's forces in Rhode Island (Sullivan's forces avoided being captured by the British). Refers to an unspecified petition brought before the House of Representatives. Mentions that Lucy, his wife, is recovering from a recent illness.
Written at Fredericksburgh. Comments on the arrival of (the privateer) General Arnold's prize. Thinks the British will leave the United States to secure their possessions elsewhere, noting that an attempt to capture the French fleet at Boston rests on too many uncertainties for the British. Recently received news that the French captured the island of Dominica, which Knox refers to as Dominico. Also reports that France sent 4,000 men to take Jamaica. Comments that the British have taken cattle and forage in New Jersey, and surprised [Colonel George] Baylor's regiment, wounding Baylor (this battle is referred to as the Baylor Massacre, 28 September 1778). Writes, But should the Enemy contrary to my reasonings, conjectures & conclusions be so insane as to push to Boston, you may rely I shall give you the earliest notice- But rest easy on this head. Discusses a business matter handled by William related to Henry's mortgage and estate. Also mentions an unspecified petition. Contains several notes written in a different hand throughout text. Minor text loss from seal. Mentions that Lucy and her baby, possibly their daughter Lucy, are both well. On page four, Knox reports that General Benjamin Lincoln will soon take command in Charleston South Carolina.
Has received news that a fleet has blocked the port of Boston. Notes that Admiral Parker (possibly Sir Hyde Parker) has arrived at the Hook with several ships (the Hook may refer to Sandy Hook, New Jersey, or another point in New Jersey near New York City). Reports that General [Nathanael] Greene praised the service of Knox's friend Harry [Henry Jackson]. Comments on other military matters, including a proposed duel between General Horatio Gates and James Wilkinson, who served under Gates. Remarks on the court martial of General Charles Lee for his conduct at the Battle of Monmouth.
Requests that William obtain items for Lucy Knox, his wife. Asks that he send the articles so Lucy may receive them by mid-January. Requests green tea and raisons. Discusses the procurement of goods, and gives William advice on business matters. Agrees to help Sally and Betsey Winslow reach Boston, noting the distressing circumstance will be how they will be able to subsist when there... their mother in Law is going to England & they will be left friendless and without protection- Reports that the British have not completely evacuated New York, but two fleets recently embarked. Predicts one fleet sailed for Europe, and the other for the West Indies. The last fleet is preparing to sail, and consists of nearly all the vessels in New York. Expects the Continental Army to have winter quarters in New Jersey. Written at Fredericksburg (present-day Patterson, New York).
William, attending business in Henry's absence, transmits two letters from Lucy Knox (possibly GLC02437.03976 and GLC02437.03979). Notes that Congress recently addressed the question of its permanent location. Six states were in favor of New York, while four were in favor of Philadelphia, so the question was lost as seven states are necessary for the decision. Discusses military matters: Royal Flint's clothing contract with [the War Department?]; Joseph Howell's appointment as Commissioner of Army Accounts; correspondence with Arthur St. Clair and Josiah Harmar; business with William Duer; Jeremiah Wadsworth's departure for Hartford, etc. Discusses news from Europe. Mentions ...the [British] prohibition of the wheat from this Country on account of the Hessian Fly. Notes that one of Henry's cows is missing and Caesar, possibly a slave or servant, has been searching for her.
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?].
Is in Philadelphia to suggest new ordnance regulations to a [Congressional?] committee. Of the military, writes, We are in great want of Lead- The board of War have desir'd me to write to Boston to inquire which quantity can be gotten there and at the neighboring towns and at what price- I wish you to make the inquiry- or rather to get some person to make it for you as the Gentleman speculators may suspect from your connection that you want it for the public and advance their friends in proportion... But let it be done I beseech you so cautiously that it may not be suspected to be for the public use... Comments on business concerning family and friends. Notes that Benedict Arnold is to be married to Peggy Shippen, of one of the first families in this place. Signs in the margin of page three.
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.
Discusses routine War Office affairs and preparations for John Pratt's march to Fort Pitt. Comments on Ebenezer Hazard's assurances that a contract would be renewed to guarantee regular postal service. Forwarded some letters from Henry to Winthrop Sargent, Secretary of the Northwest Territory. Discusses the coordination of supplies, namely cartouche boxes, for the trip. Mentions Pratt, John Stagg, and [Samuel] Hodgdon. Covers other military matters, referring to Captains Savage and [Henry] Burbeck. Remarks on a visit of the Count de Moustier, French minister to the United States, and his sister, Madame de Brehan, to General George Washington. Notes, Dupont tells me [he] was very much pleased with the Genl. and with Mount Vernon and spoke in terms of satisfaction for which he is not remarkable he passed three days at Mt. Vernon.
Discusses setting up military headquarters at New Windsor. Notes which state troops are where, difficult conditions (troops panicked with hunger) and that the army is forced to rely upon nature to provide material for shelter, clothing and supplies. Also mentions personal money matters.