31To George Washington from Henry Knox, 11 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
I beg your Excellency’s indulgence for a few moments, while I just state my ideas respecting the poor unfortunate invalid regiment, which ideas are the result of compassionate sensations, combined with what I conceive to be the good of the service. I have, in every shape I could devise, endeavored to make the few who are here serviceable in some degree, but without producing any adequate...
32To George Washington from William Heath, 29 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
In pursuance of your Excellencys Commission and Instructions to us, we proceeded to Tappan on the 25th instant; where we were met by Lieut. General Campbell and the Honorable Mr Elliot, Commissioners on the part of General Sir Guy Carleton. The next Morning we interchanged Copies of our respective powers, and adjourned to the followg Day. On perusal of the powers vested in the Commissioners of...
33To George Washington from Henry Knox, 22 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday There arrived at this place twenty two women & Children, who have been sent by the Enemy from Canada to Vermont. The forwarded there to Albany, my lord stirling has sent them down the Country, with a view, of them having an oppertunity of going to Philadelphia on the way to their respective homes. These unhappy people, were inhabitants of the frontiers of Virginia and Pennsylvania....
34To George Washington from Henry Knox, 16 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Machin is desirous of going to Philadelphia for a few days, to transact some business relative to the recruiting service for this state. If his absence for a short time will not interfere with his trial, and your Excellency has no objection, I would recommend him for the indulgence requested. I have the honor to be most respectfully Your Excellencys very hum. servt DLC : Papers of George...
35To George Washington from Henry Knox, 16 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose a representation of Major Villefranche, the engineer of these posts, respecting the magazine ordered to be erected on Constitution Island. Your Excellency will observe that it is impossible, in the present advanced season, with the masons only in prospect, to effect to much of the building as to be of any material service. If it should be continued, the labor...
36To George Washington from Henry Knox, 16 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
Agreeable to your Excellency’s request, I have the honor to enclose the nomination of the persons who appear to me to be proper to compose the department of field commissary. I hope it may meet your Excellencys approbation. I am conscious of no other motive in recommending any, under a view of the circumstances attending them, than a wish to retain those who may best promote the service. I am,...
37To George Washington from Henry Knox, 15 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I communicated to Major Villefranche your Excellency’s idea of making rafts to float the fire wood up to this place. He is confident that the mode will answer, provided great care is taken not to make them too large in the first instance, and that they be pretty well secured by Winter . The foundations of the rafts to be the dry timber mentioned, or hemlock. He says, that great part of the...
38To George Washington from Henry Knox, 11 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I cannot omit, informing your Excellency, of the conduct of the Contractors, in issuing provisions to this Garrison. It appears very extraordinary, and yet it has been practiced since the 20th of July. When I first received the information, I supposed it must have originated in a mistake, but upon examining Mr Forsyth, the issuing Commissary here, he says the probability of a mistake on the...
39To George Washington from Henry Knox, 10 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I thank your Excellency for your opinion with respect to the German Armourers, I did not know that a Post was to be kept up at Newburgh, I think they can with great propriety be employed there under the care of some faithful, Superintendant—I will write immediately to the Minister of War on the subject. I shall have the honor in a few days to transmit to your Excellency the names of the...
40To George Washington from Henry Knox, 10 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the unhappiness my dear General to inform you of the departure of my precious infant, your Godson. In the deep mystery in which all human events is involved the Supreme Being has been pleased to prevent his expanding innocence, ripening to such perfection as to be a blessing to his parents and connecting when by their advanced Years they may find every comfort necessary to sweeten Life...