To George Washington from Henry Knox, 10 October 1794
From Henry Knox
Philadelphia Octr 10. 1794
Sir
Brigadier General Bloomfield is of opinion that by the 12th he shall be able to march with about 400 men from Trenton, this would make up the whole number who have marched from New Jersey 1700. The remainder hes is of opinion may not be collected until a fortnight owing to the defect of the militia Laws1—I beleive General Freelinghausens volunteers have not turned out so well as he expected.2
The downfal of Roberspieres party seems to be authenticated. These revolutions of the leaders must palsy the efforts of the nation. I shall hope for a line from you to day. I am most respectfully Your Obedient Servant
H. Knox
ALS, DLC:GW; LB, DLC:GW.
1. New Jersey Brig. Gen. Joseph Bloomfield had taken command of the troops rendezvousing at Trenton on 8 Sept. (The Diary; or, Evening Register [New York], 11 Sept.). Bloomfield had left Trenton by 14 Oct., when Knox wrote Maj. William Parrett, then commanding in the city, to “arrest the march of all the Jersey Militia … who had not crossed the Delaware on the twelfth” (The Philadelphia Gazette and Universal Daily Advertiser, 17 Oct.).
2. Frederick Frelinghuysen was a major general commanding the New Jersey volunteers for the Whiskey Insurrection campaign. On this date, in “consequence of orders from the President of the United States,” he issued an order from Norristown, Pa., to “countermand the march” of all volunteers “who shall not be able to cross the Delaware before the 12th inst.” (Gazette of the United States and Daily Evening Advertiser [Philadelphia], 13 Oct.).