Download or read book Draft of Knox s Responses to Questions Regarding an Attack on the British at Philadelphia Approximately 27 29 October 1777 written by Henry Knox and published by . This book was released on 1777 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: My sentiments are against a general attack of the enemy strongly posted as they are except upon the clearest principles of superior numbers to counterballance their superior discipline. I am fully of the opinion that we have no experience of our troops that will justify the supposition of their being able to storm redoubts defended by British troops... Argues that the possible advantage gained by the Continental Army in taking Philadelphia will not equal the cost. Prepared for George Washington in response to his queries of 26 October 1777. See GLC02437.00660 for a draft in Shaw's hand.
Download or read book Henry Knox s Response to Queries from Headquarters on Military Matters Approximately 27 29 October 1777 written by Henry Knox and published by . This book was released on 1777 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the hand of Samuel Shaw. Knox expresses his opinion against a general attack on the British. Writes, It requires the best discipline, the firmest spirit, and good officers, to storm works or to make an impression on British troops. Not that I suppose the Europeans will make better soldiers than the Americans, but that habitual discipline to which they are used and in which all their officers are initiated gives them a superiority over us, which nothing but a similar discipline or superior numbers can counterbalance. Discusses the division in Continental troops between northern (against Burgoyne in New York) and southern campaigns (near Philadelphia). Refers to the possibility of uniting American troops. Suggests that Reading, Pennsylvania serve as the site for a large cantonment. Covers other military matters including, deserters, promotions, and offices. Prepared for George Washington in response to his queries of 26 October 1777. See GLC02437.00676 for a draft in Knox's hand.
Download or read book Henry Knox to George Washington on War Tactics and His Opposition to an Attack Against the British at Philadelphia 26 November 1777 written by Henry Knox and published by . This book was released on 1777 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Penned by Samuel Shaw, with post-script in Knox's hand. Knox answers the question: ... whether it would be advisable to attack the enemies redoubts and the City of Philadelphia by way of storm ... Knox writes, I exceedingly lament my want of ability and experience to fill properly the important station in which I am, and am more particularly distressed when such important questions are referred to my decision as those which your Excellency gave us in charge the last evening. The happiness or misery of the People of America may be the consequences of a right or erroneous judgment. Admits that America's military knowledge and skill does not equal that of Great Britain. Notes that some mens' desire for military fame has eclipsed their original intentions for entering the war. Deplores Washington's critics. Discusses America's depreciated currency. Explains his reasons for strongly opposing an attack against the British at Philadelphia. Instead, asserts that Continental forces should fortify winter quarters at Germantown, Pennsylvania. Proposes that with quarters fortified, they can invite an attack along enemy lines. If the British accept the attack and win, the Americans will be able to retreat to fortified quarters. If the British decline the attack, Knox argues Continental forces may be assured of their superior strength. Under text of page 6, place of writing, date and address added by Knox, with his autograph manuscript additions on page 7. The signature was added later, and does not appear to be in Knox's hand.
Download or read book Knox s Working Draft of Opinion Delivered to His Excellency General Washington 27 July 1779 written by Henry Knox and published by . This book was released on 1779 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Knox answers the question of the position that it will be proper for our Army to take, on the Question whether any and what offensive measures can with propriety be pursued at present, and of the line of Conduct necessary for us to pursue under the circumstances ... Asserts that the caution of the British suggests they are expecting reinforcements. Discusses strategic positioning and the possibility of enemy movement along the Hudson River. Mentions Verplanck's Point. In closing, writes, Unless the Enemy receive a large reinforcement their operations will be pretty much [confind?]... this River, [Connecticut] & New Jersey, will probably be the Theatre for this Campaign. Declares that the protection of the Hudson River should be the Continental Army's first priority, while protecting Connecticut and New Jersey should be their second. Expects that a French fleet may also confine British operations. Title and date from docket. Pages one-four are separate from pages five-seven. Pages five-seven were previously housed separately, and a pencil note on page five discusses archival history. The note is signed by John S. H. Fogg 25 March 1879.
Download or read book Draft of a Letter to George Washington from Henry Knox Regarding Possible British Troop Movements from Detroit Approximately 29 August 1790 written by Henry Knox and published by . This book was released on 1790 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This appears to be a preliminary draft of Knox's 29 August 1790 letter to George Washington (in the GW Papers at the Library of Congress) responding to Washington's secret communication of 27 August. In that communication, sent to the members of his Cabinet, Washington asked for opinions as to the proper response to take if the British asked for permission to travel across U.S. territory, from Detroit to the Mississippi, in order to attack Spanish posts. See 02437.08217 for Knox's first draft. See also GLC02437.04709 and GLC02437.08216 for related drafts.
Download or read book Henry Knox to Lucy Knox on War News 29 October 1777 written by Henry Knox and published by . This book was released on 1777 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Discusses the attack by Hessian Colonel Count Carl von Donop against a redoubt at Red Bank, the site of Fort Mercer, along the Delaware River below Camden, New Jersey. Notes that Colonel Greene, from Rhode Island, defended the redoubt, and even wounded Count Donop. Also describes the British attack on Fort Mifflin, in Philadelphia. Writes, if the enemy do not get possession of the river they cannot stay in Philadelphia with any ease- their convoys will be liable to be cut off & they blockaded... Reports that Billey, his brother William Knox, is doing well.
Download or read book Henry Knox to Henry Jackson Discussing the British Possession of Philadelphia 3 October 1777 written by Henry Knox and published by . This book was released on 1777 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Reports that nothing has changed since 23 September, when he previously wrote, and that the British still have possession of Philadelphia. Relates that the Delaware frigate was recently lost to the British. Recently received militia reinforcement. Has received news from the north (possibly referring to the Battle of Freeman's Farm, 19 September 1777). Regarding the reports, comments: ...if this news should be followed by the probable consequences We may yet conclude the Campaign if not the War most happily...
Download or read book Working Draft of Knox s Opinion Given to George Washington on Questions Such as Detaching Part of the Main Army Toward Boston and Keeping Continental Troops in a Collected State During Winter 19 October 1778 written by Henry Knox and published by . This book was released on 1778 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Knox's working draft. Is a response to GLC02437.00731 and draft of GLC02437.00733. Regarding the question of sending part of the army to Boston, writes [the topic] was so fully discussed at the time it was propos'd and the conclusion drawn that it would be unnecessary to say any thing further on the subject... Argues that during the winter the army should be held in as collected a state as possible. Notes that the only argument against gathering the army in one location will be the difficulty of obtaining supplies and provisions. Advises against dividing the army into cantonments. Addresses the procurement of forage and provisions for the army during winter. Docketed by Samuel Shaw.
Download or read book Henry Knox s Responses to Questions Posed by George Washington Regarding the Movements of the Continental Army 2 September 1778 written by Henry Knox and published by . This book was released on 1778 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Later copy. Knox considers whether or not the greater part of the Continental Army should move east to reinforce troops in Newport, Rhode Island and Boston, Massachusetts. Suggests lending assistance if American General John Sullivan's troops are captured. Suggests leaving a force in the Hudson River Highlands comparable to the size of the British force in New York. Advises against an attack on New York. Remarks that obtaining bread will be difficult for the troops moving east.
Download or read book Preliminary Draft of Letter from Henry Knox to George Washington Offering Advice on British Request to Move Troops Through US to Attack Spanish 29 August 1790 written by Henry Knox and published by . This book was released on 1790 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This appears to be a preliminary draft of Knox's 29 August 1790 letter to George Washington (in the GW Papers at the Library of Congress) responding to Washington's secret communication of 27 August. In that communication, sent to the members of his Cabinet, Washington asked for opinions as to the proper response to take if the British asked for permission to travel across U.S. territory, from Detroit to the Mississippi, in order to attack Spanish posts. See GLC02437.08216, GLC02437.08217, and 2437.09449 for related drafts.
Download or read book Henry Knox s Replies to Questions Posed by George Washington on Whether an Eastward Movement of the Continental Army Would be Feasible Original Working Draft 2 September 1778 written by Henry Knox and published by . This book was released on 1778 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Knox's original working draft. Knox responds to General Washington's questions regarding eastward movement of the Continental Army to reinforce troops in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Download or read book Henry Knox to Lucy Knox about Enemy Shipping and Wintering at Philadelphia 15 October 1777 written by Henry Knox and published by . This book was released on 1777 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Written from camp 24 miles from Philadelphia. Sends this letter by Captain Randall, who had the misfortune to be again made a prisoner after being slightly wounded in 7 or 8 places. Asks why she has not mentioned a gold watch he sent, worrying that the watch has been lost or stolen. Addresses Lucy's concerns regarding their future provision, assuring her to trust God. Reports that Continental defense along the Delaware River has hampered British shipping to and from Philadelphia: If the enemy cannot get their shipping up Philadelphia is one of the most ineligible places in the world for an army... Relates that the Continental Army hopes to spend winter in Philadelphia. Discusses the recent American loss at Fort Montgomery, New York. Expresses optimism, convinced of the kindness of providence towards us [America]... Complains he has not received a letter from friends in Boston recently.
Download or read book Henry Knox s Replies to Questions Posed by George Washington on Whether an Eastward Movement of the Continental Army Would be Feasible 2 September 1778 written by Henry Knox and published by . This book was released on 1778 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In Shaw's hand, and signed for Knox by Shaw. Knox replies in detail to Washington's question, whether an eastward movement of the greater part of the Continental Army would be feasible. Knox writes, I cannot see the propriety of such a measure at present, or that it would be warranted from the state of information which your Excellency gave to the Council last evening. Discusses the factors involved, including the strength of the French and British fleets near Newport, Rhode Island, and the status of American General John Sullivan's operation in Rhode Island. Considers the likelihood of British movement toward Boston. Supposes the British may conduct operations against Providence, Rhode Island. Suggests that a relatively strong force be left in the Hudson River Highlands if the Continental Army should move east. Advises against an attack on New York City, noting that the British have sufficient strength to successfully defend themselves. Argues that obtaining bread will be the greatest difficulty in supplying provisions to the Continental Army during an eastward movement. Duplicate of GLC02437.00724.
Download or read book Knox s Army Diary incomplete 16 September 16 October 1777 written by William Knox and published by . This book was released on 1777 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Mostly deals with movements of the army around Philadelphia in September and October 1777, around the time of the Battle of Germantown. On September 19 says Intelligence recd. of the enemys pushing for Philadelphia the army cross'd the Schylkill. On 20 September, makes reference to General Anthony Wayne being attacked at night and states that General William Smallwood joined Wayne. Makes reference to George Washington riding reconnaissance with a group of officers on 30 September. Makes reference to moving toward Germantown on 3 and 4 October and describes the battle there. Makes reference to generals Agnew, Grant, and Kniphausen being killed and to General Nash being wounded with a cannon ball through his thigh. Speaks of retreat and aftermath of battle. Mentions hearing General Sullivan's aide-de-camp John White was fatally wounded in the battle. White left behind a pregnant wife. Also says that Sullivan lost another aide-de-camp, Major Sherburne. Mentions a court of inquiry looking into the actions of General Sullivan in the affair of Staten Island on 11 October. Says Sullivan is acquitted on 12 October. On that same day references a letter from General Parsons reporting on the loss of Fort Montgomery. Diary has frayed edges, leading to some text loss. Is bound into what appears to be a 19th century sheet of paper as a protective cover.
Download or read book Letter to Lucy Knox from Henry Knox on British Movement and the American Soldiers Lack of Shelter and Supplies incomplete 24 September 1777 written by Henry Knox and published by . This book was released on 1777 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.
Download or read book Knox s Opinion Given to George Washington on Questions Such as Detaching Part of the Main Army Toward Boston and Keeping Continental Troops in a Collected State During Winter 19 October 1778 written by Henry Knox and published by . This book was released on 1778 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Retained copy of GLC02437.00732, a response to GLC02437.00731. Refer to the draft of this document, GLC02437.00732, for complete scope and content. In Samuel Shaw's hand. Place of writing is inferred from copy at GLC02437.00732.
Download or read book Working Draft of Knox s Report to George Washington 30 September 1779 written by Henry Knox and published by . This book was released on 1779 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Working draft of Knox's report to George Washington. Describes British fortifications at Stony Point and Verplanck, New York. Advises Washington regarding the feasibility of attacking British posts in the area. Docket reads, Knox to Washington No. 4 with final page adding a report on West Point.
