Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809 to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00343 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809 Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 June 1776 Pagination: 6p.+addr. + docket 37.2 cm. x 23.2 cm. Order a Copy
Responds very late to Knox's two previous letters because he is busy. Briefly outlines his daily routine. Gives an account of the recent plans, activities, and capture of the privateer Hero, captained by James Tracy, while pursuing a prize of transport vessels near Cape Ann, Massachusetts. Continues with discussion of Nathaniel Tracy's efforts to have the prisoners exchanged and the injuries sustained by the forty member crew. Discusses raising a company of soldiers in Boston. He is helping the cause without joining the Continental Army because his parents do not want him to leave. He will manage the company and seeks Knox's advice. Discusses an unchallenged British gunship laying in Nantasket Road. Explains details of and problems associated with recent activities led by General Benjamin Lincoln against British vessels at Long Island in Boston Harbor. The British vessels were discomfited and no Continental soldiers were lost. Reports plans to build batteries around Boston Harbor. The last page contains an account of very recent naval engagements with British ships that arrived not knowing the British fleet had already left and the assistance rendered by privateers from Connecticut. Jackson was colonel of the 16th Massachusetts regiment from 1777 to 1779 and commanded the 9th or Boston regiment from 1779 to 1782. After the Revolution, he commanded the 4th Massachusetts regiment, and was major-general of Massachusetts militia from 1792 to 1796. Very detailed letter.
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