Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 [Military advice for George Washington]

Written from Artillery Park of Great Valley (Valley Forge), Pennsylvania. Knox discusses the necessity of recruiting more men. Argues that New York City is of greater importance to the British than any other place due to its accessibility by way of water. Writes, "The disagreeable circumstances to which the loss of New York would reduce the Enemy operate so strongly on my mind, that were the numbers there fully ascertained, their works of defence & ca so as to render the Success of a Coup de Main probable, I should most readily give my opinion to open the Campaign by an attack upon that place..." Suggests the British would leave Philadelphia to help fortify New York if an attack were made upon New York City. Emphasizes the role of militia, maneuvers, magazines, hospitals, quarter masters and commissaries in strengthening the Continental Army. In reference to commissaries and stores, writes, "We have found by experience in this course of this campaign that a [fill] of Rum would support the men through every difficulty." In Samuel Shaw's hand, including signed docket. Signed for Knox by Shaw.