Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 to Lucy Knox
Order a pdf of this item here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00630 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 Place Written: New Hope, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 July 1777 Pagination: 3 p. : address ; Height: 32.2 cm, Width: 19.5 cm Order a Copy
Follows British General William Howe while trying to determine if Howe intends on moving toward Philadelphia with his troops. Notes that he is within 32 miles of Philadelphia, and writes, "I am in hopes my business will call me there having never been in that corrupt place..." Wonders as to Howe's hesitation, joking that it is impossible Howe would be afraid of "our ragamuffin army." Criticizes Howe, noting "the first principle of an invader ought to be to destroy the army of his opponents... if his army is not superior in the field he may as well take himself away..." Asserts that based on affairs in the north (possibly a reference to the American loss of Ticonderoga in early July), the British campaign in his location may turn from defensive to offensive. Expresses hope that military service will "render him admirable," referring to his brother William Knox.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.