Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Henry Jackson
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00617 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New Jersey Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 June 1777 Pagination: 6 p. ; 32.2 x 19.8 cm. Order a Copy
Written at Camp Middlebrook. Replies to an earlier request from Colonel Jackson to enlist Hessians from a captured British ship: "I have not mentioned to the General your request to be permitted to enlist some of [the Hessians], it is so repugnant to the good of the service and your own reputation..." Discusses General William Howe's recent movements, and General John Sullivan's Continental force in Princeton, New Jersey. Is confused by the movements of the British. Assumed they intended to march to Philadelphia, but they instead fortified their position at Middlebrook, New Jersey. Notes that "Mr. Howe, instead of marching to Philadelphia found himself almost blockaded in an open flat County." If Howe had attempted to march on Philadelphia, Knox asserts he "should probably had twenty five thousand or thirty thousand militia upon his back..." Describes Howe's retreat, at one a.m. the morning of 19 June. While Howe plundered on his way, he was intermittently followed and attacked by American militia. Predicts Howe to attack on the North River (the Hudson). Reports that General John Burgoyne is active near Fort Ticonderoga, "and Genl Howe must make an attempt or push for a junction." Notes that the enemy, by all appearances, is leaving New Jersey.
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