Revolutionary War general (1750–1806) who was the first United States Secretary of War. He established the Continental Army's first school for artillery and officer training, a facility that served as the precursor to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. Revolutionary War-era ALS signed “Knox,” one page, 8.5 x 3.75, no date [circa mid-1776]. Handwritten letter to Captain Thomas Knowlton, in full: “Upon searching for your commission I have now recollected to have left it with one for myself and one or two others in my desk in Boston. I shall return there the next month when I will transmit it to you.” In very good to fine condition, with scattered light foxing, light edge staining, and minor loss to the lower right corner.
Thomas W. Knowlton (1740–1776) was an American patriot who served in the French and Indian War and was a colonel during the American Revolution. Knowlton is considered America's first Intelligence professional, and his unit, Knowlton's Rangers, gathered intelligence during the early Revolutionary War. Knowlton's Rangers have since deemed America's first official spies and the first organized American elite troops. Knowlton was killed in action at the Battle of Harlem Heights at the age of 35.
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