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Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 to Lucy Knox [incomplete]

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00652 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 Place Written: Pottsgrove, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter Date: 24 September 1777 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; Height: 32 cm, Width: 19.4 cm Order a Copy

Reports that in a previous letter to Lucy, he gave an account of the Battle of Brandywine. Relates that his army came in sight of the enemy, when a pouring rain ruined their cartridges. Describes how his army followed the British from across the Schuylkill River, and the British eluded them, intending to enter Philadelphia: "They have declin'd to combat our army and have taken possession of the prize for which we both contended." Reports that American Generals [Anthony] Wayne and [William] Smallwood were attacked on 20 September (later known as the Battle of Paoli or the Paoli Massacre). Comments on the American soldiers' lack of shelter and supplies, which "they endured with the perseverance and patience of Good Soldiers." Of losing Philadelphia, writes, "I consider the loss of Philadelphia as only temporary to be recovered when expedient..." Notes that the British will need to start shipping to and from Philadelphia in order to maintain their hold on the city. Reports that his brother William endures the hardships of this campaign surprisingly well.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824
Smallwood, William, 1732-1792
Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796

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