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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC02437.03023 |
| From Archive Folder | The Henry Knox Papers [0072] April-July 1784 |
| Title | Henry Knox to Jean Baptiste Gouvion discussing military business |
| Date | 2 July 1784 |
| Author | Knox, Henry (1750-1806) |
| Recipient | Gouvion, Jean-Baptiste |
| Document Type | Military document; Correspondence |
| Content Description | Discusses public perception of the Society of the Cincinnati in France. Informs Gouvion of the reduction of the Continental Army, with only one remaining company commanded by John Doughty at West Point. Introduces and recommends Mr. Tracy, the bearer of this letter. |
| Subjects | Society of the Cincinnati Revolutionary War General Global History and Civics Fraternal Organization Military History Continental Army West Point (US Military Academy) Letter of Introduction or Recommendation France |
| People | Gouvion, Jean-Baptiste (1747-1792) Knox, Henry (1750-1806) |
| Place written | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Theme | Government & Politics; Foreign Affairs; The American Revolution |
| Sub-collection | The Henry Knox Papers |
| Additional Information | Gouvion was one of the four French military engineers sent to America upon the request of Congress (the others being Duportail, La Rodière, and de Laumoy). He entered the Continental Army on 8 July 1777 as a major. In November 1777 was given the rank of lieutenant colonel. Along with Duportail, he planned and executed the fortifications at West Point. He also built the redoubt at Verplancks Point. He participated in the Battle of Yorktown, was breveted a colonel in November 1781, and retired from the army in October 1783. Although his service was considered exemplary, little is actually known of his activities in America (see Boatner, Encyclopedia of the American Revolution). |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |