George Washington Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-15-02-0432

From George Washington to Henry Knox, 9 April 1794

To Henry Knox

[Philadelphia] April 9th 1794.

Sir,

In reply to your letter of yesterday, I observe, that to fortify Annapolis is, in my judgment, a very proper measure. But I do not see that the Executive of the U. States can take any steps towards it until the result of the motion, now pending in the House of Representatives, be known.1

It is my desire that you would examine carefully the Speeches which have been made in this City, & elsewhere, to the Tribes of Indians now in amity with us that unfulfilled promises (if any) may be complied with.2

I desire also, that the requisites of such laws as have passed this Session (not already in execution) within the purview of the Department of War, may be reported to me, that directions may issue accordingly.3

Go: Washington

ALS (letterpress copy), DLC:GW; LB, DLC:GW.

1On 8 April, the House of Representatives ordered that “a committee be appointed to bring in a bill to fortify the city of Annapolis,” and on 9 May, GW approved “An Act supplementary to ‘An Act to provide for the Defence of certain Ports and Harbors in the United States,’” which provided for the fortification of the “port and harbor of the city of Annapolis” (Annals of Congress description begins Joseph Gales, Sr., comp. The Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of the United States; with an Appendix, Containing Important State Papers and Public Documents, and All the Laws of a Public Nature. 42 vols. Washington, D.C., 1834–56. description ends , 3d Cong., 1st sess., 563; Stat description begins Richard Peters, ed. The Public Statutes at Large of the United States of America, from the Organization of the Government in 1789, to March 3, 1845 . . .. 8 vols. Boston, 1845-67. description ends . 1:367).

2Any written reply from Knox on this subject has not been identified.

3For the relevant laws, see “An Act to provide for the Defence of certain Ports and Harbors in the United States,” 20 March; “An Act to provide a Naval Armament, 27 March; and “An Act to provide for the erecting and repairing of Arsenals and Magazines, and for other purposes,” 2 April (Stat description begins Richard Peters, ed. The Public Statutes at Large of the United States of America, from the Organization of the Government in 1789, to March 3, 1845 . . .. 8 vols. Boston, 1845-67. description ends . 1:345–46, 350, 352). For Knox’s response to this request, see his letters to GW of 10 April and 5 June (DLC:GW).

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