Henry Knox
1st United States Secretary of War
In office September 12, 1789 – December 31, 1794
President	George Washington
Preceded by	None
Succeeded by	Timothy Pickering
Born	July 25, 1750(1750-07-25) Boston, Massachusetts, British America
Died	October 25, 1806 (aged 56) near Thomaston, Maine, U.S.
Nationality	British (at birth) American (at death)
Spouse	Lucy Flucker
Profession	Bookseller, Soldier

Henry Knox (July 25, 1750 – October 25, 1806) was an American bookseller from Boston who became the chief artillery officer of the Continental Army and later the nation's first Secretary of War. 1881 Young Persons Cyclopedia of Persons and Places This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ... The Secretary of War was a member of the United States Presidents Cabinet, beginning with George Washingtons administration. ... is the 255th day of the year (256th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1789 (MDCCLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday of the 11-day slower Julian calendar). ... is the 365th day of the year (366th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1794 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... George Washington (February 22, 1732 – December 14, 1799)[1] led Americas Continental Army to victory over Britain in the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), and in 1789 was elected the first President of the United States of America. ... Portrait of U.S. Secretary of State Timothy Pickering Timothy Pickering (July 17, 1745 – January 29, 1829) was the third United States Secretary of State, serving in that office from 1795 to 1800 under Presidents George Washington and John Adams. ... is the 206th day of the year (207th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1750 (MDCCL) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday [1] of the 11-day slower Julian calendar). ... Boston redirects here. ... British America may refer to: British North America, former British possessions in North America north of the United States, eventually consolidating into Canada British overseas territories in the Americas; also see British West Indies This is a disambiguation page: a list of articles associated with the same title. ... is the 298th day of the year (299th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1806 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... Thomaston (CDP), Maine Thomaston (town), Maine South Thomaston, Maine This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... For other uses of terms redirecting here, see US (disambiguation), USA (disambiguation), and United States (disambiguation) Motto In God We Trust(since 1956) (From Many, One; Latin, traditional) Anthem The Star-Spangled Banner Capital Washington, D.C. Largest city New York City National language English (de facto)1 Demonym American... Categories: Bookstores | Stub ... This article is about a military rank. ... is the 206th day of the year (207th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1750 (MDCCL) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday [1] of the 11-day slower Julian calendar). ... is the 298th day of the year (299th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1806 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... Categories: Bookstores | Stub ... Boston redirects here. ... For other uses, see Artillery (disambiguation). ... Illustration depicting uniforms and weapons used during the 1779 to 1783 period of the American Revolution by showing four soldiers standing in an informal group General George Washington, was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army on June 15, 1775. ... The Secretary of War was a member of the United States Presidents Cabinet, beginning with George Washingtons administration. ...

Early life and marriage

Knox was born in Boston to parents of Scots-Irish origin, William Knox and Mary (nee Campbell). His father was a ship's captain who died in 1759 in part due to mental stress arising from financial trouble. Henry left school at the age of 12 and became a clerk in a bookstore to support his mother. He later opened his own bookshop, the London Book Store, in Boston. Largely self-educated, he began to concentrate on military subjects, particularly artillery. Knox joined a local military company at eighteen, was present at the Boston Massacre, and joined the Boston Grenadier Corps in 1772.^[1] Scots-Irish (also called Ulster Scots) is a Scottish ethnic group that historically resided in Ireland which ultimately traces its roots back to settlers from Scotland, and to a lesser extent, England. ... Engraving by Paul Revere The Boston Massacre refers to an incident involving the deaths of five civilians at the hands of British troops on March 5, 1770, the legal aftermath of which helped spark the rebellion in some of the British colonies in America which culminated in the American Revolution. ...

Henry married Lucy Fluker (1756–1824), the daughter of Boston Loyalists, on June 16, 1774. In spite of separations due to his military service, they remained a devoted couple for the rest of his life, and carried on an extensive correspondence. Since the couple fled Boston in 1775, she remained essentially homeless throughout the Revolutionary War. Her parents left with the British during their withdrawal from Boston after the success of George Washington’s army on Dorchester Heights, which ironically hinged upon Knox’s cannons. She never saw them again. 1756 was a leap year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... 1824 was a leap year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... is the 167th day of the year (168th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Chesma Column in Tsarskoe Selo, commemorating the end of the Russo-Turkish War. ... This article is about military actions only. ... George Washington (February 22, 1732 – December 14, 1799)[1] led Americas Continental Army to victory over Britain in the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), and in 1789 was elected the first President of the United States of America. ...

Military career

Knox supported the American rebels, the Sons of Liberty, and was present at the Boston Massacre. He volunteered as a member of the Boston Grenadier Corps in 1772 and served under General Artemas Ward at the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775. Being a member of the Army of Observation, Henry met and impressed General George Washington when he took command. Knox offered his services to Washington, who had him commissioned a Colonel and gave him command of the Continental Regiment of Artillery.^[1] Washington and Knox soon became good friends. This article discusses the early American patriot group. ... Engraving by Paul Revere The Boston Massacre refers to an incident involving the deaths of five civilians at the hands of British troops on March 5, 1770, the legal aftermath of which helped spark the rebellion in some of the British colonies in America which culminated in the American Revolution. ... Artemas Ward (November 26, 1727 – October 28, 1800) was an American Major General in the American Revolutionary War and a Congressman from Massachusetts. ... For a list of numerous places and things that are named after this battle, see Bunker Hill. ... George Washington (February 22, 1732 – December 14, 1799)[1] led Americas Continental Army to victory over Britain in the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), and in 1789 was elected the first President of the United States of America. ... For other uses, see Colonel (disambiguation). ...

As the Siege of Boston continued, he suggested that the cannon recently captured at Fort Ticonderoga could have a decisive impact. Washington put him in charge of an expedition to retrieve them.^[1] His force brought them by ox-drawn sled south along the west bank of the Hudson River from Fort Ticonderoga to Albany, then where they crossed the Hudson and then continued east through The Berkshires and finally to Boston. There are 56 identical plaques on the trail from Fort Ticonderoga to Cambridge, Massachusetts denoting the approximately 56 day length of the journey. Knox and his men averaged approximately 5 ⅜ miles per day, completing the 300 mile trip in 56 days, between December 5, 1775, and January 24, 1776. The Cannon Train was composed of fifty-nine cannon and mortars, and weighed a total of 60 tons. Upon their arrival in Cambridge, when Washington's army took the Heights of Dorchester, the cannons were placed in a heavily fortified position overlooking Boston from which they threatened the British fleet in the harbor. As a result, the British were forced to withdraw to Halifax on March 17, 1776.^[1] After the siege was lifted, Knox undertook the construction and improvement of defenses in Connecticut and Rhode Island to prepare for the British return. He rejoined the main army later during their withdrawal from New York and across New Jersey. Combatants New England militia, Continental Army Great Britain Commanders Artemas Ward, George Washington Thomas Gage, William Howe Strength 17,000 The Siege of Boston (April 19, 1775 – March 17, 1776) was the opening phase of the American Revolutionary War, in which New England militiamen—and then the Continental Army—surrounded... Fort Ticonderoga is a large 18th century fort built at a strategically important narrows in Lake Champlain where a short traverse gives access to the north end of Lake George in the state of New York, USA. The fort controlled both commonly used trade routes between the English-controlled Hudson... The Hudson River, called Muh-he-kun-ne-tuk in Mahican or as the Lenape Native Americans called it in Unami, Muhheakantuck, is a river that runs through the eastern portion of New York State and, along its southern terminus, demarcates the border between the states of New York and... Fort Ticonderoga is a large 18th century fort built at a strategically important narrows in Lake Champlain where a short traverse gives access to the north end of Lake George in the state of New York, USA. The fort controlled both commonly used trade routes between the English-controlled Hudson... For other uses, see Albany. ... Berkshire region of Massachusetts The Berkshires (pronounced as or ) is a region located in Western Massachusetts (with portions located in the adjacent states of Vermont, New York, and Connecticut). ... Boston redirects here. ... Location in Middlesex County in Massachusetts Coordinates: , Country State County Middlesex Settled 1630 Incorporated 1636 Government  - Type Mayor-City Council  - Mayor Kenneth Reeves (D) Area  - Total 7. ... is the 339th day of the year (340th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1775 (MDCCLXXV) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Thursday of the 11-day slower Julian calendar). ... is the 24th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... For other uses, see 1776 (disambiguation). ... Combatants Continental Army Great Britain Commanders George Washington William Howe The Fortification of Dorchester Heights was a decisive action early in the American Revolutionary War, which led to the British evacuation of Boston, ending the ongoing siege of Boston. ... The City of Halifax (1841-1996) was the capital of the province of Nova Scotia, and the largest city in Atlantic Canada. ... is the 76th day of the year (77th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For other uses, see 1776 (disambiguation). ... Official language(s) none (de facto English) Capital Hartford Largest city Bridgeport[2] Largest metro area Hartford Metro Area[3] Area  Ranked 48th in the US  - Total 5,543[4] sq mi (14,356 km²)  - Width 70 miles (113 km)  - Length 110 miles (177 km)  - % water 12. ... This article is about the U.S. State. ... This article is about the state. ... This article is about the U.S. state. ...

Henry Knox in the Washington Administration, by James Harvy Young, 1873. From the earlier Gilbert Stuart painting.

During the Battle of Trenton, Colonel Knox was in charge of Washington's crossing of the Delaware River.^[1] Though hampered by ice and cold, with John Glover's Marbleheaders (14th Continental Regiment) manning the boats, he got the attack force of men, horses, and artillery across the river without loss. Following the battle, he returned the same force, along with hundreds of prisoners, captured supplies, and all the boats, back across river by the afternoon of December 26. Knox was promoted to brigadier general for this accomplishment, and Chief of Artillery.^[1] Image File history File links HENRY_KNOX_OIL.png‎ – US Army Center for Military History James Harvey Young (1830–1918) was born in Salem, Massachusetts, and studied architecture before opening a studio in Boston. ... Image File history File links HENRY_KNOX_OIL.png‎ – US Army Center for Military History James Harvey Young (1830–1918) was born in Salem, Massachusetts, and studied architecture before opening a studio in Boston. ... Belligerents Continental Army a Hessian Brigade Commanders George Washington Johann Rall† Strength 2,400 18 guns [1] 1,400 6 guns [2] Casualties and losses 2 dead, On the march 4 wounded 23 dead, 92 wounded, 913 captured The Battle of Trenton was a battle which took place on December... John Glover (November 5, 1732 – January 30, 1797) was an American fisherman, merchant, and military leader from Marblehead, Massachusetts, who served as a brigadier general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. ... The 14th Continental Regiment also known as The Marblehead Regiment was rasied as a Massachusetts milita regiment on April 23, 1775 at Marblehead, Massachusetts under the command of John Glover. ... is the 360th day of the year (361st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... A Brigadier General, or one-star general, is the lowest rank of general officer in the United States and some other countries, ranking just above Colonel and just below Major General. ...

Knox stayed with the Main Army throughout most of the active war, and saw further action at Princeton, Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth, and Yorktown.^[1] In 1777, while the Army was in winter quarters at Morristown, New Jersey, he returned to Massachusetts to improve the Army's artillery capability. He raised an additional battalion and established the Springfield Armory before his return in the spring. That arsenal remained a valuable source of weapons and ammunition for the rest of the war. In early 1780 he was a member of the court-martial of Major John André.^[1] Knox made several other trips to the Northern states as Washington's representative to increase the flow of men and supplies to the army. Combatants United States Kingdom of Great Britain Commanders George Washington, Hugh Mercer†, John Haslet† Charles Mawhood Strength 4,600 1,200 (Rearguard of main force) Casualties 46 killed c. ... Combatants United States Great Britain Commanders George Washington William Howe Strength 10,600 (8,000 present) 17,000 (6,000 present) Casualties 1,200-1,300 casualties 93 killed 488 wounded 6 missing The Battle of Brandywine was a battle of the Philadelphia campaign of the American Revolutionary War fought... Combatants United States Kingdom of Great Britain Commanders George Washington William Howe Strength 11,700 8,000 Casualties 152 killed, 521 wounded, 400 captured 71 killed, 450 wounded, 14 missing The Battle of Germantown was a battle in the Philadelphia campaign of the American Revolutionary War fought on October 4... Combatants United States of America Great Britain Commanders George Washington Sir Henry Clinton Strength 11,000 10,000 Casualties 69 killed, 37 died of heat-stroke 160 wounded 95 missing Total: 361 65 killed 59 died of heat-stroke 170 wounded 50 captured 14 missing Total: 358 The Battle of... Belligerents United States Kingdom of France Great Britain German Mercenaries Commanders George Washington Jean-Baptiste de Rochambeau François de Grasse Charles Cornwallis # Charles O’Hara # Strength 19,300 soldiers (10,800 French 8,500 Americans) 24 French warships 375 guns (see below) 7,500 240 guns Casualties and losses... Nickname: Location of Morris County in New Jersey; Inset: Location of Morristown in Morris County Coordinates: , Country State County Morris Founded 1715 Incorporated April 6, 1865 Government  - Type Council-Manager  - Mayor Donald Cresitello (D; term ends December 31, 2009. ... This is an article about the US Government Arsenal. ... 1780 was a leap year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ... A court-martial (plural courts-martial) is a military court that determines punishments for members of the military subject to military law. ... Major John André John André (May 2, 1750 - October 2, 1780) was a British officer hanged as a spy during the American Revolutionary War for an incident in which he assisted Benedict Arnolds attempted surrender of the fort at West Point, New York to the British. ...

After Yorktown, Knox was promoted to major general. In 1782 he was given command of the post at West Point.^[1] In 1783 he was one of the founders of the Society of the Cincinnati,^[1] and led the American forces into New York City as the British withdrew. He stood next to Washington during his farewell on December 4 at Fraunces Tavern. After Washington retired, Knox served as the senior officer of the Continental Army from December 1783 until he left it in June 1784.^[1] Insignia of a United States Air Force Major General German Generalmajor Insignia Major General is a military rank used in many countries. ... West Point painting West Point is a federal military base (and a census-designated place) located in the Town of Highlands in Orange County, New York. ... Seal of the Society of the Cincinnati The General Society of the Cincinnati is a historic association in the United States and France with limited and strict membership requirements. ... New York, New York and NYC redirect here. ... is the 338th day of the year (339th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The current Fraunces Tavern restaurant on Pearl Street in lower Manhattan 1. ... George Washington (February 22, 1732 – December 14, 1799)[1] led Americas Continental Army to victory over Britain in the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), and in 1789 was elected the first President of the United States of America. ...

Secretary of War

Henry Knox

The Continental Congress made Knox Secretary of War under the Articles of Confederation on March 8, 1785. He held that position without interruption until September 12, 1789, when he assumed the same duties as the Secretary of War in Washington's first Cabinet. 1881 Young Persons Cyclopedia of Persons and Places This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ... 1881 Young Persons Cyclopedia of Persons and Places This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ... The Continental Congress was the first national government of the United States. ... The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, commonly known as the Articles of Confederation, was the first governing document, or constitution, of the United States of America. ... is the 67th day of the year (68th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1785 was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ... is the 255th day of the year (256th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1789 (MDCCLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday of the 11-day slower Julian calendar). ...

As secretary, Knox urged and presided over the creation of a regular Navy, was responsible for Indian policy and a plan for a national militia, and created a series of coastal fortifications. In 1789 President Washington urged Knox to send a bill to congress, to purchase Native lands for ~$20,000. This was a far cheaper price to pay than to once again battle the natives. He attempted to stop the eventual destruction of Native Americans by having the United States recognize them as a separate country, more specifically, "foreign entities." The bill made it possible for only the federal government to control native lands, rather than the states administering territories. The natives were now considered foreigners, and forced to cooperate or leave. ^[1] He oversaw the inclusion of the Springfield Armory as one of two national facilities. In 1791, Congress, acting on a detailed proposal from Knox, created the short-lived Legion of the United States. USN redirects here. ... Lebanese Kataeb militia The term Militia is commonly used today to refer to a military force composed of ordinary [1] citizens to provide defense, emergency, law enforcement, or paramilitary service, and those engaged in such activity, without being paid a regular salary or committed to a fixed term of service. ... The Legion of the United States was a reorganization and extension of the United States Army in 1791 under the command of General Mad Anthony Wayne. ...

On 1795-01-02, Knox left the government and returned to his home at Thomaston, Maine to devote himself to caring for his growing family. He was succeeded as Secretary of War by Timothy Pickering. 1795 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... is the 2nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Thomaston (CDP), Maine Thomaston (town), Maine South Thomaston, Maine This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... Portrait of U.S. Secretary of State Timothy Pickering Timothy Pickering (July 17, 1745 – January 29, 1829) was the third United States Secretary of State, serving in that office from 1795 to 1800 under Presidents George Washington and John Adams. ...

Later life

Knox settled his family at Montpelier, an estate near Thomaston, Maine. He spent the rest of his life engaged in cattle farming, ship building and brick making. Although he had left national service, he represented his new community in the Massachusetts General Assembly (Maine then being part of Massachusetts). He also was industrious in lumbering, ship building, stock raising, and brick manufacturing.^[1] In 1806, while visiting a friend in Union, Maine, he swallowed a chicken bone which punctured his intestine. He died of an infection (peritonitis) three days later on October 25, 1806 and was buried in Thomaston. Thomaston (CDP), Maine Thomaston (town), Maine South Thomaston, Maine This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... Union is a town located in Knox County, Maine. ... is the 298th day of the year (299th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1806 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ...

Many incidents in Knox's career attest to his character. As one example, when he and Lucy were forced to leave Boston in 1775, his home was used to house British officers who looted his bookstore. In spite of personal financial hardships, he managed to make the last payment of 1,000 pounds to Longman Printers in London to cover the price of a shipment of books that he never received.

Two separate American forts, Fort Knox (Kentucky), and Fort Knox (Maine) were named after him. Knox Hall [1] at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, home of the Field Artillery Center and Field Artillery School, is also named after him. A Knox County has been named for him in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas. Knoxville, Tennessee, is also named for him. This article is about United States Army post. ... Official language(s) English[1] Capital Frankfort Largest city Louisville Area  Ranked 37th  - Total 40,444 sq mi (104,749 km²)  - Width 140 miles (225 km)  - Length 379 miles (610 km)  - % water 1. ... Knox County is a county located in the state of Illinois. ... Knox County is a county located in the state of Indiana. ... Knox County is a county located in the state of Kentucky. ... Knox County is a county located in the state of Maine. ... Knox County is a county located in the state of Missouri. ... Knox County is a county located in the state of Nebraska. ... Knox County is a county located in the state of Ohio. ... Knox County is a county in the U.S. state of Tennessee. ... Knox County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. ... Knoxville redirects here. ...

References

• North Callahan, Henry Knox: General Washington's General. New York: A. S. Barnes and Co., 1958. ISBN 0-15-216435-9.

North Callahan (August 7, 1908-December 28, 2004) was an American historian and scholar. ... Alred Smith Barnes (born January 28, 1817 in New Haven, Connecticut; died February 17, 1888 in Brooklyn, New York) was an American publisher. ...

Notes

1. ^ ^{a b c d e f g h i j k l m} Bell, William Gardner; COMMANDING GENERALS AND CHIEFS OF STAFF: 1775-2005; Portraits & Biographical Sketches of the United States Army's Senior Officer: 1983, CENTER OF MILITARY HISTORY; UNITED STATES ARMY; WASHINGTON, D.C.:p. 54
   ISBN 0–16–072376–0

External links

• His Montpelier Home Museum
• The Historical Society of The Somerset Hills Vanderveer House
• The Jacobus Vanderveer House Official Website
• The Knox Cannon Trail
• Find-A-Grave profile for Henry Knox
• US Army Armor Center, Fort Knox, KY
• Fort Knox Morale, Welfare, and Recreation

v • d • e United States Secretaries of War

Knox • Pickering • McHenry • Dexter • Dearborn • Eustis • Armstrong • Monroe • W. H. Crawford • Calhoun • Barbour • P. B. Porter • Eaton • Cass • Poinsett • Bell • Spencer • J. M. Porter • Wilkins • Marcy • G. W. Crawford • Conrad • J. Davis • Floyd • Holt • S. Cameron • Stanton • Schofield • Rawlins • Belknap • A. Taft • J. Cameron • McCrary • Ramsey • Lincoln • Endicott • Proctor • Elkins • Lamont • Alger • Root • W. H. Taft • Wright • Dickinson • Stimson • Garrison • Baker • Weeks • D. F. Davis • Good • Hurley • Dern • Woodring • Stimson • Patterson • Royall

v • d • e Cabinet of President George Washington (1789-1797)
Vice President	John Adams (1789-1797)
Secretary of State	Thomas Jefferson (1789-1793) • Edmund Randolph (1794-1795) • Timothy Pickering (1795-1797)
Secretary of the Treasury	Alexander Hamilton (1789-1795) • Oliver Wolcott, Jr. (1795-1797)
Secretary of War	Henry Knox (1789-1794) • Timothy Pickering (1795-1795) • James McHenry (1796-1797)
Attorney General	Edmund Randolph (1789-1794) • William Bradford (1794-1795) • Charles Lee (1795-1797)