Henry Jackson to Henry Knox on military tactics and the growth of militia in Massachusetts - American History 1493-1945 - Adam Matthew Digital

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Field name	Value
Collection Reference Number	GLC02437.00650
From Archive Folder	The Henry Knox Papers [0018] September-December 1777
Title	Henry Jackson to Henry Knox on military tactics and the growth of militia in Massachusetts
Date	18 September 1777
Author	Jackson, Henry (1747-1809)
Recipient	Knox, Henry
Document Type	Correspondence; Military document
Content Description	Jackson declares, "...I am sure if we exert ourselves to the Southward & Northward as we ought to do that this Campaign will nearly bring the War to a Close, and establish our Independence." Reports he has heard news that Generals Horatio Gates, Benjamin Lincoln, and Benedict Arnold intend to attack British General John Burgoyne's army (near Saratoga, New York). Discusses growth of militia in the State of Massachusetts, noting "...its said there is the finest body of militia now in the field that wer [sic] ever known..." Mentions that some towns, being unable to raise enough voluntary militia, pay men to join the militia.
Subjects	Battle of Saratoga Freedom and Independence Revolutionary War Revolutionary War General Military History Global History and Civics Militia Soldier's Pay Battle Recruitment
People	Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) Arnold, Benedict (1741-1801) Burgoyne, John (1722-1792) Gates, Horatio (cb. 1727-1806) Lincoln, Benjamin (1733-1810) Burgoyne, John (1722-1792)
Place written	Boston, Massachusetts
Theme	The American Revolution; Foreign Affairs
Sub-collection	The Henry Knox Papers
Additional Information	On 19 September 1777, Gates attacked Burgoyne in the Battle of Freeman's Farm, or First Battle of Saratoga.
Copyright	The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Module	Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859
Transcript	Show/hide Download PDF Boston Sept: 18. 1777 Dr. Harry Before this reach's you I think you must have done something for the honor of America and I am sure if we exert ourselves to the Southward & Northward as we ought to do that this campaign will nearly bring the War to a Close, and establish our independence. The Affairs to the Northward are in a fine way and from every cercomstance [sic] I am sure we shall give them a drubing - A Gentleman came to town last Night from Albany which he left 4 days ago - he say's when [inserted: he] left albany an express arriv'd there, from Genl Gates - give'g an acct that he was advancing towards the enemy in [inserted: 3] divisions - Genl Lincoln on the right Genl Arnold on the Left, and Genl Gates in the Center - that they were within 4 miles of Genl Burgoyne's Main Army - that Genl Gates's whole Army consisted of at least 14,000 men - all were Cloth'd well arm'd plenty of Provisions & in high spirits - Genl Gates is determined to attack them let the consequence be what it may, & I pray God he may come off Victorious - [2] Harry I assure there is a great alteration for the better in the Spirits of the New England States - all the Militia in the Backparts of this State have turn'd to a man - the best Farmers have turn'd out & gone into the ranks, its said there is the finest body of Militia man now in field that ever was known - but the near you come to the sea ports the more backward are the Militia - - The Towns in this State that have not got their quota of men for the Continental Army - are giving £100 - [LMY]: to any man that will go - some Town's have given 500 dollars to each man to go for their Town - this a fact - No News, nor Prizes arrived since I wrote you - Your Friend [address leaf] To Brigr : Genl: Knox at Genl : Washington's Head Quarters post

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