Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 to George Washington

GLC02437.00671

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GLC#
GLC02437.00671-View header record
Type
Letters
Date
December 3, 1777
Author/Creator
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Title
to George Washington
Place Written
Whitemarsh, Pennsylvania
Pagination
2 p. : docket ; Height: 33.1 cm, Width: 20.2 cm
Primary time period
American Revolution, 1763-1783
Sub-Era
The War for Independence

Offers Washington his sentiments "upon the advisability of a Winter Campaign and practicability of an attack upon Philadelphia with the aid of a considerable body of Militia asembled [sic] at an appointed time and place ... I think a Winters Campaign under the present circumstances will be the inevitable destruction if not of the Liberties of the Country yet of the present Army ... " Gives his reasons for arguing against a winter campaign, including the Continental Army's lack of suitable clothing, the strength of the British fortified at Philadelphia, and the uncertainty of gathering enough militia to make the endeavor possible. Instead, advises for the army to rest in winter quarters and attack the British in the spring.

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