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William writes to his brother, Brigadier General Henry Knox, stationed at New Windsor, New York. William, who oversaw much of Henry's personal and financial business, confirms receipt of three months of Henry's pay. Discusses currency and exchange in detail. Forwards Henry his account with the state (not included), noting that the state has "considered you as entitled to 25pcent more than an officer of equal rank in the Infantry." Discusses books he bought in Europe, possibly to sell in Knox's bookstore. Reports that the Brutus, a privateer, captured a British prize on course from Gibraltar to England. The privateer contained diamonds and "a Number of Jews" who reported "all their fraternity were leaving Gibraltar, as well as many others with all their effects, in consequence they say of the Engsh. having been beat in that Quarter, and their expectation of the Garrison falling into the hands of the Spaniards..." Comments on the success of General Nathanael Greene, leading troops in the southern United States. Sends his love to his sister-in-law and the children.
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Transcript
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Show/hide Download PDF [draft] My Dear Friend and Brother I cannot omit so good an opportunity of writing you, as the present by our Worthy Friend the Colo he is so obliging as to take charge of the Cash I have lately recd on your account from the state, as part of the three Months pay of the year 80. I informed you in my last pr General Glover that the mode of payment was one half in Hard, and the half in New Emission at the nominal sum the real value of the latter to be adjusted at some future period, your proportion for the services of three Months at the rate of Forty - six pounds seventeen & 6d as Officer of Artillery has been paid me after the manner above mentioned the whole amount £140.12.6, the one half was received in Dollars, which I have exchanged for gold of different Denominations a memorandum of the [table] is inclosed [sic] with the Money, the Paper part I do not send you as you informed me it was difficult to put it with you. I have not yet found any opportunity of exchanging it for hard, if I should ever at the rate of four for one I shall embrace it. I now forward you, your Account [illegible] with the State, as it exactly stands on the Books of the Committee, in which you will find that in your depreciation Notes, & on every other occasion they have considered you as entitled to 25 p cent more than an officer of equal rank in the Infantry. In looking over some French books and pamphlets, which I bought when in Europe, De Roussel's list of the French Army was among them, and as from appearances at present it may be render'd of some use and amusement to you I beg your acceptance of it. Coll Jackson from his Waggon being filled entirely with the things of his own was not able to take on the Quintle of [Fish], but as Coll [illegible] will be on in nearly or quite at the same time it [2] it will be the same thing. The Brutus a Privateer ship from Salem, has taken on a late Cruise nine prizes, one of which was from Gibraltar bound to England, she was exceedly rich entertaining all the Diamonds, Jewells & specie of a Number of Jews to a very great amounts. The Jews who were also taken, report that all their fraternity were leaving Gibraltar, as well as many others with all their effects, in consequence they say of the Engsh having been beat in that Quarter, and their expectation of the Garrison falling into the hands of the Spaniards, this report however does not carry the air of probability with it if we believe the accounts of it having been so amply secured lately. Six of the French Transports sailed from [hence] to Newport on Saturday last, under Convoy of the Hermoine & L'Astree' Frigates, we are anxious to hear of their safe arrival as there are reports of the English Fleet being off that Harbour. I finally congratulate you on the success of General Greene Army in the Southern Quarter, our Affairs begin to wear a better aspect that they have hitherto done, it is the most valuable part of our Continent, and if we [inserted: are] so happy as to succeed there, the other parts have very little to apprehend. What is your opinion of the intentions of the Convention at Vienna? is it probable that France & Spain will ever agree to a peace in which America is not the concerned? My love to My Sister, Mrs Smith has promised to have a [Feresa] made for her, after a fashionable pattern which she has recd. from Europe, when it is finish'd it shall be forwarded by some careful conveyance: Colo Jackson will take on two [fanns] if he can stow [inserted: em] with any safety, in his Portmanteau Kiss Lucy & Harry for me. I am my Dr Brother Yr Affectionately WKnox. Brigd. Genl Knox - [address] Brigadier General Knox. Head Quarters. New Windsor Favor'd by Col Jackson} [docket] From Mr William Knox 26 June 1781.
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