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Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828 to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01295 Author/Creator: Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828 Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 November 1781 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; Height: 31.1 cm, Width: 20.2 cm Order a Copy

Had wanted to write earlier but was afraid a letter might not reach him. Informs Knox that his brother William left for France on the 20th. Before he left, Knox's brother William left Peirce various papers and "empower'd me to transact his affairs in his absence, at the same time wished me to inform you thereof." Promises to forward letters he has since received from William. Discusses the surrender of Cornwallis: "The taking of Lord Cornwallis's Army is an event of prodigious magnitude, such as may produce a peace at a much earlier period than the most sanguine could expect." Discusses the siege at York and the humiliation of the British. Mentions General John Burgoyne and General Benjamin Lincoln. Includes a long list of items William Knox left in his care and discusses William's business ventures in Europe.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828
Knox, William, 1756-1795
Cornwallis, Charles Cornwallis, Marquis, 1738-1805
Burgoyne, John, 1722-1792
Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810

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