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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.
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Transcript
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Show/hide Download PDF [draft] Dear Harry Boston July 10 1777 I have rec:d your favor's of the 14th: 29th & 2d Int. for wh: am very much oblige to you for the very particular Acc:t you give of the movement of the Enemy - I think with you, that their only object this Campaign, will be to form a junction with the Northern Army, that manoeuver of their's in advancing their Army from Brunswick, to Sumer Set Court House, in order to secure their Baggage & ce I think was as good a [piece] of Generalship as my Lord How has exhibited since he first land'd on Long Island - I really believed Genl Washington & most of our Genl Officer, suppos'd that when Mr How first began his march he intend'd for Philadelphia - when at the same time he had not an Idea of it I am afraid Genl Washington does not get good intelligence from them, I think every risque ought to be run to gain the very best information of their intention/ Numbers & cce From the Acc:t we have from Ticonderoga, I am fearfull with respect to that Post - it is report'd here we have but [2] but 3,000 effective men there - which if this be true, I am affraid we shall [illegible] that important Post - I pray God this may not be the case - for I [view] it as the most capital Post on the Continent - while we hold that Post we shall have many of the Indian's in our favor - as soon as lost they will act against us - these devil's will, let their Friendship be what it may - will allways take up the hatches on the strongest side - Let mr How get [illegible] of Philadelphia, Albany & Ticonderoga I hope this would not discourage us. I think it would help us in some measure it would Brake up all our dam'd money makers, who are making their Fortunes, on the ruin of their Country - in short my dear friend our Lawfull money, is no so good as O Tenor was before there time - every young Gentleman that goes in the army must be ruin'd, as to his Pay, it will not find him grogg - there is my Officers that have been out [recrutg] it has [3] it has cost them near a years Pay - all that they are allow:d is 81[lmy] for every man they inlist - to my knowledge they often expen'd 4 or 5 doll:s on a man to get him & after all the dam'd raskel's have [illegible] to come the next day & inlist, & you'll never see them afterwards - this is the way numbers serve us - Recruit'g goes on butt dull - I have recruit'd, 19 Sergt: 17 [drems] & [Fifes] - & 91 Privates - my officers are very attentive & no men could be more industerous in Recrut'g than they are Collo Lee has got about 70 Men - Henley but few - I suppose you have heard Bill [Tuda] is Coll.o Henley Leut Collo Harry I have 2 Captain's vacant in my Reg:t in [List] I want to fill up with the Best of men - men that have seen some service - if you know of any that you think would answer I wish you to let me know - Fryday last the anniversary of Independence, was Celebrated here - Doct Gordon Preach'd a sermon on the [illegible] [4] occasion - Collo Hatch turn'd out the militia. Majr Hichbourn the Independent Company - and (Genl I like to have said I mean Collo Craft's a detachment of artillery - at 1206 the whole march down into Congress, Street - I asure you they made a fine appearance at 1 O Clock - Fort Hill open'd the Ball & all the Forts & Ship'g in harbour fired 13 rounds - Collo Craft drew up on the right of the Militia with 2 Brass field pieces - cast here - he also fired 13 Round the militia & Majr Hichbourn & [Volley] thus end'd the fore noon - in the Eve'g Collo Crafts incampment was illumenated - (he has got 4 or 5 [sant's] picht'd on the founder House [wall]) this is call'd Collo Crafts incampment - from which he threw a number of rockets & shell's - the shells were thrown very well - thus end'd the day - yesterday a Prize arriv'd at marble head with 200 Hh:o of Jamaican Rum - there of my not writing by the last Post - was my not being in Town - yours sincerely HJ -
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