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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC02437.00631 |
| From Archive Folder | The Henry Knox Papers [0017] May-August 1777 |
| Title | Henry Jackson to Henry Knox on British movements |
| Date | 31 July 1777 |
| Author | Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) |
| Recipient | Knox, Henry |
| Document Type | Correspondence; Military document |
| Content Description | Reports that Lucy Knox, Henry's wife, left for Newbury Port (possibly Massachusetts), the previous Monday. Mentions an express from General [Israel] Putnam to General [William] Heath, in which Putnam attested the British sailed from the Hook (possibly Paulus Hook, New Jersey), but did not know where they were bound. General George Washington assumed they are bound for Philadelphia, but a letter from General [Alexander] McDougal to Colonel Sears in Boston states they may be sailing toward Boston. Notes that Sears's behavior, including his intention to flee Boston, has "fright'd all the old women in Town." Does not think the British will come to Boston, but instead expects them to sail up the North River (the Hudson), and attempt to lure Washington over the Delaware River. Reports on the capture and recapture of the Fox, a frigate. Complains of the difficulty of recruiting for his regiment. As in previous letters, expresses his wish that George Washington would write a letter to the State of Massachusetts to encourage assistance (possibly a draft). Expresses his disappointment that Knox might resign: "the greatest inducement of my go'g into the Army was because you was in it." |
| Subjects | Navy Revolutionary War Revolutionary War General Military Law Marriage Global History and Civics President Privateering Maritime Continental Army Recruitment Conscription |
| People | Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) Putnam, Israel (1718-1790) Heath, William (1737-1814) Washington, George (1732-1799) Coudray, Phillippe du (1738-1777) McDougall, Alexander (1732-1786) Knox, Lucy Flucker (1756-1824) |
| Place written | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Theme | The American Revolution; Women in American History; Foreign Affairs; Naval & Maritime |
| Sub-collection | The Henry Knox Papers |
| Additional Information | Knox was almost displaced of his position in charge of artillery by [Phillippe Du Coudray] (sources disagree on the spelling), secured by Silas Deane, the American Minister to France. Knox planned to resign from the military altogether if Du Coudray was appointed. Washington supported Knox, and Du Coudray was permitted to join the troops under Washington as a volunteer before drowning in September 1777. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |
| Transcript | Show/hide Download PDF |