Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to William Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01174 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Head of Elk, Maryland Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 8 September 1781 Pagination: 1 p. + addr. + docket Order a Copy
Reports to his brother that the army has gathered with all its stores in Head of Elk, Maryland and will proceed to the Chesapeake in three days. He is optimistic about the upcoming siege of Yorktown: "I shall hope to inform you in 15 days that we have had Cornwallis completely invested." He is also confident in the assistance of the French Admiral de Grasse, whose job it was to secure the mouth of the York River. Mentions that his wife Lucy Knox is in Philadelphia with their daughter.
Head of Elk River 8th Septr 1781
I rob my business of one moment to inform you that our army is here and will with all its stores proceed down the Chesapeak in three days. Our prospects are good and I shall hope to inform you in 15 days that we have Lord Cornwallis completely invested - The Count de Grasses Squadron is a noble one, and will prevent the enemy's escape by [strikeout] [inserted: Water]. I hope we shall do it by Land - Lucy leaves her daughter in Philadelphia & in a five or six days will set out for Virginia to reside with Mrs Washington - Adieu my dear friend.
HKnox
Mr William Knox
[address]
Mr William Knox
Merchant
Boston
to post
[docket]
HKnox Head Elk
8 Sept 1781.
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