The Andrew Knox papers are comprised of six letters from Knox to his wife Sarah, written between July 31, 1862, and October 2, 1864. The letters convey rare and perceptive details about his locations and equipment, as well as deep affection for his wife and infant. In his letter of July 31, 1862, Knox described his pride in his regiment’s accomplishments after receiving accolades from Gen. George McClellan. In the next letter in the collection, dated August 3, 1864, and written from Union Headquarters in City Point, Virginia, Knox mentioned a nearby prison with 600 Confederate soldiers and a ride on a tugboat, on which he had “a pleasant little sail.”
Knox seemingly took a great interest in his equipment and wrote a detailed description of it for his wife: “The 13 inch mortar I have charge of is on a car made especially for it to be fired from. The mortar is a big thing. I weighs 17,185 # without the bed, and throws a shell when loaded weighing 230 #” (August 5, 1854).
Knox also speculated about strategy and future movements, as in his September 19, 1864, letter: “In regard to the expected battle down here, I do not think there will be any serious one for a long time unless the enemy makes the attack… My own observations lead me to think we will hold these lines for a long time. Many forts of a permanent nature are being made along the whole front. And the front lines are being retired in the rear of the forts in many places” (September 19, 1864).
Andrew Knox was born in England in 1835, and settled in Danbury, Connecticut, sometime before 1860. In that year, he married an 18-year-old named Sarah. Knox was working as a painter when the Civil War broke out, and in April 1861, he was mustered into Company E, 1st Connecticut Volunteers, served his term of three months, and received an honorable discharge. He re-enlisted and was mustered into Company B, 1st Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery on May 12, 1862, at the rank of second lieutenant, but was promoted to first lieutenant 11 days later.
Along with his regiment, Knox participated in the battles of Yorktown, Gaines’ Mill, Hanover Courthouse, Malvern Hill, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg. He survived the war and returned to Danbury, where he continued to work as a painter. By 1880, James and Sarah had six children living at home.