Henry Knox to George Washington on War Tactics and His Opposition to an Attack Against the British at Philadelphia, 26 November 1777 PDF Download
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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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Languages : en
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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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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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Offers Washington his sentiments upon the advisability of a Winter Campaign and practicability of an attack upon Philadelphia with the aid of a considerable body of Militia asembled [sic] at an appointed time and place ... I think a Winters Campaign under the present circumstances will be the inevitable destruction if not of the Liberties of the Country yet of the present Army ... Gives his reasons for arguing against a winter campaign, including the Continental Army's lack of suitable clothing, the strength of the British fortified at Philadelphia, and the uncertainty of gathering enough militia to make the endeavor possible. Instead, advises for the army to rest in winter quarters and attack the British in the spring.
Author: George Washington
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General Washington writes to Knox, Chief of Artillery for the Continental Army. Informs Knox he will soon be called to a council of War, and will be asked his opinion on several issues: whether the Continental Army should engage in a general attack against the British; if not, what stance the army should take; where Continental troops should be stationed in reference to the British occupation of Philadelphia; how to prevent the British from drawing supplies from the city during the winter, etc.
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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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.
Author: Henry Knox
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Reports, The enemy have manoevr'd us to this place... and after all gave us the slip... this is now the third day of their departure with a fine a wind as ever blew to carry them to New York and so up the North River [the Hudson]-- this must be their great object, and however appearances may have been against it- I could never account why it was not done- Thank God our force there is pretty respectable, and if they can hold out only till we get there... our forces will all be put in motion that way. Emphasizes that General George Washington could not have acted otherwise, for had he not moved to Philadelphia, the British would have taken the city. Predicts Howe's force is smaller than previously imagined based on the British General's hasty departure. Apologizes for the brevity of this letter.
Author: Henry Knox
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Knox, Commander at West Point, confirms receipt of a letter from Washington in which Washington ordered a suspension of the troops and stores destined to the Western posts. Reports that there are French refugees in the vicinity of West Point under the direction of a Major Merlet, who have drawn about one hundred rations to day for men women and children. Relates that Major [Caleb] Gibbs and the Second Massachusetts Regiment will arrive at West Point the same day this letter is written (Gibbs had traveled with his detachment to Philadelphia). Knox's retained draft.
Author: Henry Knox
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Written in the hand of Samuel Shaw, and signed by him for Knox'. Knox advises against sending troops from the northern Continental force to the southward ... supposing the events at Charlestown [Charleston, South Carolina] to prove unfortunate. Writes, The great number of negroes and disaffected people in North and South Carolina will always render the conquest of that country comparatively easy with the more northern parts of the continent... But I cannot think it obligatory on Your Excellency to detach any troops at present from your small army; especially as you will be necessitated to garrison West Point with parts of it... Asserts that maintenance of the Hudson River posts should take precedence over other military concerns. Comments on the possible outcomes of a British attack on West Point. Writes, The enemy by being in possession of the water, have it amply in their power to distress and harass us; but it would be highly imprudent and unwise in us to divide our force so as to be incapable of making opposition in any place... I think therefore it would be rather improper at present to detach any troops because the situation of the force under Your Excellency relative to that of the enemy in New York would not permit it- Argues that the militia in North and South Carolina should turn out to assist the Continental Army.
Author: Henry Knox
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Document in Samuel Shaw's hand, and signed by Shaw for Knox, giving Knox's opinion on several questions posed by Washington. Writes, ...it would be a most criminal degree of madness to hazard a general action at this time with the enemy, as by it we might lose every advantage which a three years war, combined with many fortunate circumstances, have given to America. Suggests the Continental Army remain at Valley Forge until the British completely evacuate Philadelphia. Does not advise a detachment to be sent to reinforce Continental troops in New Jersey. Gives advice for securing the sick and stores if the Continental Army should have to immediately evacuate their position at Valley Forge.
