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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC02437.02218 |
| From Archive Folder | The Henry Knox Papers [0060] 1-15 July 1783 |
| Title | Henry Knox to Jean Baptiste Gouvion expressing his affection and esteem for Gouvion |
| Date | 1 July 1783 |
| Author | Knox, Henry (1750-1806) |
| Recipient | Gouvion, Jean-Baptiste |
| Document Type | Military document; Correspondence |
| Content Description | Written by Major General Knox to Colonel Gouvion. Says he was "mortified" that Gouvion did not call on him before leaving. Claims that despite the snub, he "cannot restrain my affection and esteem for you." Asks to be remembered with "pure love," as he will remember him. Wants to hear from him after he arrives in Europe "and you will make me happy" |
| Subjects | Revolutionary War Revolutionary War General Military History France Global History and Civics Friendship |
| Place written | West Point, New York |
| Theme | 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 |
| Related documents | Letter from Jean Baptiste Gouvion to Henry Knox about his time in America with Knox and the French Army |
| Transcript | Show/hide Download PDF |