What I Did For A Living

Over the course of my life, I did some different things to make a living. When I was twenty years old, I began a business as a bookseller. I named my bookstore the London Book Store. Unfortunately, that business would not last for long. After the battles of Lexington and Concord, I abandoned my job as a bookseller and quickly joined the army at Cambridge. For many years to come, I was a soldier who fought alongside my good friend George Washington. Later on, in 1785, I was appointed secretary of war and had that job for 11 long and arduous years. Although that was a great job, my measly salary was not good enough to support my family. After I gave up being secretary of war, I took on some other challenging jobs, such as ship-building, cattle-raising, and brick-making. I also devoted some of my time to serving my state in the General Court as well as the Governor's council. It was very fun having all of those different jobs because each of them was fun and challenging in its own way. Having many different occupations can truly prepare a man for anything that life can throw at him!

My Foe

Many people have asked me the question "who is your enemy?" Whenever anyone asked me that question, I would respond with two words, "the British." The reason for the British being my enemies is that they would not give my nation what it deserved, freedom. The British people would put taxes on everything from paper to tea. Second of all, the British were greedy. All they cared about was getting more and more money from the colonists and people in the colonies they discovered. The king already had enough money to live as happily as he wanted too, but no, he just keeps asking for more and more. The taxes were not cheap ether. Many people including me, had to give up many things that they loved to do, like drink tea in the afternoons, because the taxes were outrageously high! That is why I joined the army, to fight for my nation and for what I wanted, and to fight the British!

Five Interesting Facts About Myself

(I am the second person from the left.)
For anyone that does not know me too well, here are some interesting facts about myself. Once, I was almost removed from my position in charge of artillery by a Frenchman named Duconderoy. Duconderoy interviewed my good friend George Washington and then headed straight to the Congress. Washington wrote a letter to the Congress on my behalf. I will never forget what Washington wrote in that letter. "General Knox, who has deservedly acquired the character of one of the most valuable officers in the service, and who combating almost innumerable difficulties in the department he fills has placed the artillery upon a footing that does him the greatest honor; he, I am persuaded, would consider himself injured by an appointment superseding his command, and would not think at liberty to continue in the service. Should such an event take place in the present state of things, there would be too much reason to apprehend a train of ills, such as might confuse and unhinge the current department." Also, many people know that I was the first secretary of war, but do you know how and when I became the first secretary of war? I was elected secretary of war by the Congress in 1785. Then, in 1789, I was appointed secretary of war in President George Washington’s new cabinet. After many years of serving my country as secretary of war, I wrote a letter to President Washington, saying that I wanted to resign. "After having served my country nearly twenty years, the greatest portion of which under your immediate auspices, it is with extreme reluctance, that I find myself constrained to withdraw from so honorable a station. But the natural and powerful claims of a numerous family will no longer permit me to neglect their essential interest. In whatever situation I shall be, I shall recollect your confidence and kindness with all the power and purity of affection, of which a grateful heart is susceptible." A Postmaster General named Timothy Picking was appointed the new secretary of war on January 2, 1795. Being secretary of war was truly an amazing job, but the salary that I earned was not high enough to support my family.

How I Met My Death

It was a sad day in 1806. That was the day that I died and left behind my friends and my nation. I died by accidentally swallowing a chicken bone, which gave me internal inflammation. I wish that I could have had more than one life, to help my nation and enjoy good times with all of my valued friends. When I was found dead, I was buried in Thomastown. Hopefully, the world will be able to maintain the state of peace it is in for a long time.

The Origins of My Fame

There are certain reasons for my fame. One of the places that my fame came from was my friendship with George Washington. The second reason for my fame was that I was the first secretary of war. It was a very important job. I was chosen to be the first secretary of war because of my vast knowledge on artillery.

My Role In Building Our Nation

I assisted in building the nation we live in today. During my time as a soldier, I met and befriended George Washington. Washington and I became very good friends over the years that we served the army together. When Washington realized that our forces needed artillery, he asked me what I thought we should do. I told him that we should use cannon from Fort Ticonderoga, and he agreed. During the March of 1776, Washington seized Dorchester Height, the key to enter Boston, and I placed the cannon there. British General Howe, realizing the threat of being bombarded by our cannon, retreated with his troops from the city. The next day, the city of Boston was entered by triumphant Americans. After Washington captured Boston, I made sure that Rhode Island and Connecticut were properly defended for the British. I also helped our nation later on too.

My Birth

I, Henry Knox, was born on July 25th, 1750. I was born to the North Ireland pioneers William Knox and Mary Campbell. I was born in the wonderful land of Boston, Massachusetts, with eight siblings.