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to Elizabeth Smith

He believes the unit may be ordered back to Ellicotts Mills to guard the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Most of the men in the regiment have nine month enlistments that will be ending soon. Nine month men are called "Lincoln's pets."

GLC04189.44

to Charles

Page 1 addressed to Charles. The regiment is under marching orders. Rumor has it that the Rebels have crossed the Rappahannock near Culpeper Court House and intend to invade Maryland. [Page 2: "Well my Old Duck" [Elizabeth] signed "Dave Smith the...

GLC04189.45

to Elizabeth Smith

The regiment is under marching orders, probably to Maryland or Pennsylvania. He hopes to hear good news from Vicksburg.

GLC04189.46

to Henry Knox

Discusses their correspondence and speculates that not all their letters reach each other. Discusses the recent British victories in taking Long Island and New York. Had hoped the victories would induce the British into an ill-planned and...

GLC02437.00476

William Knox

Was worried to hear from Henry Jackson that William had gone aboard a ship going to confront the British ship the Mifford. Notes that after pursuing the Continental Army to White Plains, the British have turned back toward New York and Knox...

GLC02437.00483

to Lucy Knox

Discusses how important his correspondence with Lucy is and how much it hurts him to urge her to go farther away from him (first to New Haven then to Boston). Speculates on a possible British strategy to extend their conquest into New Jersey, which...

GLC02437.00485

to Lucy Knox

Regrets that he must send her to Boston, but hopes to see her and Peter soon, if his duties allow. Notes British movements on Long Island. Comments on the tactical ineptitude displayed by both sides: "The manoeuvres of the enemy are so complicated...

GLC02437.00487

to Henry Knox

Dated November 1776; date of 17 November inferred from content. Reports that Fort Washington has been captured by the British, and that the Americans have "lost" between 2,000 to 3,000 soldiers. The American generals, including Washington, Palmer...

GLC02437.00488

to Lucy Knox

Informs her of the loss of Fort Washington and 1,500 men. "This is the most severe stroke we have received during the war as to the number of men." Writes that he is very upset over the terrible defeat, but has not lost hope.

GLC02437.00489

to Lucy Knox

Assures her that their separation will not be as long as she fears, that they will soon be together again, and that he loves her deeply. Explains why he must stay at war and away from her, saying: "My obedience in this point interrupts our happiness...

GLC02437.00490