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Knox, William, 1756-1795 to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01296 Author/Creator: Knox, William, 1756-1795 Place Written: D'Orient, France Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 November 1781 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; Height: 22.7 cm, Width: 18.7 cm Order a Copy

Written by William Knox to his brother Brigadier General Henry Knox, who was at Washington's headquarters. Writes from France after a pleasant and short 21 day voyage from Boston. Is astonished by their speed of travel. Says he did not suffer from seasickness and that his little complaints were relieved by the voyage. Tells a convoluted story about meeting a British captain in a brigantine east of Newfoundland who was "castaway" from his merchant ship. Reports on the birth of the Dauphin and the excitement caused by the recent victories in America, but says the former is the greater event in France. Says the English fleet is in England, with 24 ships of the French fleet at Brest. Expects to leave for Brest on 29 November and then to Paris.

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