Draft of Knox's Responses to Questions Regarding an Attack on the British at Philadelphia, Approximately 27-29 October 1777 PDF Download
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Author: Henry Knox
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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.
Author: Henry Knox
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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.
Author: Henry Knox
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Languages : en
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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.
Author: Henry Knox
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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.
Author: Henry Knox
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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.
Author: Henry Knox
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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.
Author: Henry Knox
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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.
Author: Henry Knox
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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...
Author: Henry Knox
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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.
Author: Henry Knox
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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.
Author: Henry Knox
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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.
