51George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 20 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, August 20, 1779. Instructs Knox to prepare a sufficient number of cannon ball and to write Board of War for powder. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
52From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 20 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received the reports from Major General McDougal Brigadier Du Portail and yourself of this date on the subject of the batteries cannon and ammunition necessary, for the defence of West Point. The motive there suggested concurs with others to make me desire there should be a speedy and ample supply of powder at this post and in the vicinity—We cannot now undertake any operations however...
53From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 22 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I inclose you a petition just put into my hand. You know the General’s idea is not to force the continuance of any man in the service longer than he can be detained consistently with the terms of his engagement; attempts of this kind in a service like ours do more harm than good. This I dare say corresponds with your sentiments; and if the petitioner is not really inlisted during the war, you...
54From John Adams to Henry Knox, 19 September 1779 (Adams Papers)
I have had the Honour of your Letter of the 4th of this Month, and I thank you for your obliging Congratulations on my Return, which gives me Happiness, whatever Passions or Reasonings produced it. You have Cause to thank Heaven, that the state of Europe is so favourable. It is Scarcely possible it should be more so. France is already elevated to the highest Degree of Reputation and England...
55From George Washington to Brig. Gen. Henry Knox, 10 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Brig. Gen. Henry Knox, 10 Nov. 1779 . A summary of this one-page letter reads: “Instructions relating to the Southern campaign” ( ABPC, American Book-Prices Current . New York, 1895–2004. 69:748).
56From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 12 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
From present appearances, and the Season of the Year, there is little reason to beleive, that a cooperation, with the French Admiral, can possibly take place. In consequence of this opinion, and to avoid as much as possible a further increase of expence, I have to request you to suspend such of your arrangements as were designed for this purpose, and which, unless this event were to take...
57From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 18 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
As the North Carolina Troops have orders to march immediately to the Southward, you will be pleased to direct the Company of Artillery belonging to that State to hold themselves in readiness to move with them —their route will hereafter be made known—And with respect to their pieces you will suffer them to carry them or not, as you see proper. I am Dr Sr Yr Mo. Obet servt P.s. Colo. Clark will...
58From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 23 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
The ordnance and ordnance stores necessary for Fort Arnold and its dependencies you will please to have allotted agreeably to a report made to me by yourself and General McDougall and Gen: du Portail. And where the artillery can be planted with propriety and safety on account of the unfinished state of the out works to have it done accordingly. The posts at Kings-ferry should be immediately...
59George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 8 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 8, 1779 . Instructs Knox to send artillery pieces and men to man them to the Southern Department. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress.
60From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 15 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment recd a letter from Colo. Hamilton. It is Lord Stirlings opinion that the quantity of Amunition sent with the peices may be perhaps insufficient, should they find the Houses possessed by the Enemy stronger than are expected. You will be pleased to send a further supply to Elizabeth Town without loss of time, that we may lose no advantage for want of it—The troops began to...
61From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, [30 January 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
The General ⟨consents to – –⟩ officers to recover your deserters and to reimburse their reasonable expences. He only makes two conditions, that you will send as few as possible & that they keep and exact and particular account of their expences. The sentence of The Court Marti⟨al⟩ will probably be determined tomorrow; it is too late for to day’s orders. I am ordered to return you the inclosed...
62From John Adams to Henry Knox, 28 February 1780 (Adams Papers)
Your Friend the Marquis, with whom I have sometimes had the Honour to drink your Health after that of General Washington, will deliver you this. His Love of Glory is not diminished, nor his affection for America, as you see by his Return. He has been indefatigable in endeavours to promote the Welfare and Comfort of our Army, as well as to support their Honour and Character, and has had success...
63From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 2 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Committee of Congress are instructed, among other matters, to enquire whether there is any thing defective in the Ordnance department, or whether any of the regulations at present in force may be amended or altered for the benefit of the service. I do not exactly know when they will take the Business up, but I would wish you to be revolving the matter in your mind, and preparing yourself...
64From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, [28 May 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
The General requests you to furnish two Grasshoppers and a company of Artillery to be attached to the New York Brigade which marches tomorrow morning toward Albany. GW John C. Fitzpatrick, ed., The Writings of George Washington (Washington, 1931–1944). , XVIII, 443, note 80. On the same day, Washington wrote Governor George Clinton: “In consequence of the intelligence from Your Excellency...
65From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, [4 June 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Gilliland, the most helpless mortal in the world, and the most ignorant of every thing he ought to know, represents that he has been two years without pay. He begs this line to you to have justice done him and seems even not to know to whom he ought to apply. In pity give him such information and advice as you can and at least enable him to have some idea of his own affairs & to give me...
66George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 21 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Springfield, New Jersey ] June 21, 1780 . Instructs Knox to transport the flour at Trenton, New Jersey, to New Windsor, New York. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
67From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 21 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
There is a large quantity of flour at Trenton which it is of the greatest importance should be forwarded with all possible expedition to the North River. The exigency is so pressing, that the ordinary means of transportation will not suffice, and it will probably be indispensable to have recourse to an impress of waggons. Relying on your judgment and activity I request you will proceed without...
68From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 26 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
It is highly necessary that an estimate should be formed of the quantity of Ordnance Stores necessary for the expected cooperation in its fullest extent, that by comparing it with the General Return of those on hand, we may be able to ascertain the deficiency, which I very much fear (notwithstanding the pressing call upon the Board of War & Ordnance last fall when Ct D’Estaing was expected for...
69From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, [9 July 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
We wish to know the number of heavy cannon we might bring into an operation against New York—already in the possession of The Continental distinguishing the Iron from the Brass. We are writing to The French General. Yr most Obed also the Mortars their different sizes. ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. These cannons were to be used for an attack on New York City, which Washington...
70George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 15 July 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Bergen County, New Jersey ] July 15, 1780 . Informs Knox that objective of siege is to be New York. Instructs Knox to bring forward all cannon and stores as quickly as possible. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
71From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 15 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
The period for commencing our operations is so near, that, not a moment is to be lost in bringing forward all the cannon and stores in our possession proper for a siege, and necessary for the service of the campaign—to the North river. New-York will be the object, with an army of 30,000 men, which you will receive in confidence. I request you will take immediate measures for the above purpose,...
72From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 17 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since I saw you I have reflected upon the request of the General Officers for permitting Genl McDougall to go to Philadelphia with their representation to Congress. His presence here, from his knowledge of Naval affairs, may be very important at this juncture but if his going to Phila. be thought essential by the Gentn I shall give my consent—I am—Dr Sir Yr Most obedt P.S. I shall expect his...
73From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, [22 July 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
The alliance is not come nor our arms, nor our powder. They probably will come with the second division we want to know what we can do in the meantime in the article of arms without those; will you send us immediately a memmorandum of what we have to your knowledge? Do you know whether the Eastern States can furnish any on loan and in what proportion. We must borrow of them and borrow of our...
74From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 28 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received Colo. Lamb’s Letter addressed to You, by which he desires You “to ask me, if ever Colo. Bigelow solicited me, to order a Court of Enquiry into his conduct at the attack on Quebec, on the 31st Decr 1775.[”] In Answer to this question I can only say that I recollect something passed between Colo. Bigelow & Myself a long time ago. I believe soon after he returned from Canada on...
75From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 31 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
By advices received this afternoon the Enemy have again made an incursio⟨n⟩ into this State and were in pretty considerable force before Fort Schuyler on the 27th. It is essential that a considerable number of Militia should march to relieve it, and Ammunition is wanted for them, which can not be supplied at Albany. You will therefore be pleased to direct the Commissary of Military Stores to...
76From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 3 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I wish to be informed, whether what Arms and Accoutrements you have on hand, together with those in the Magazines capable of being put in repair in three weeks; are sufficient to equip five thousand men, exclusive of the troops now on this ground, who are destitute and must be supplie⟨d⟩. If there are not Arms and Ac⟨co⟩utrements to this amount, I beg you will give me the best information you...
77From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, [17 October 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Garanger has returned from ⟨Philadelphia⟩ with a resolve of Congress ⟨that it⟩ cannot employ him. ⟨He⟩ writes me it was because ⟨there was⟩ no testimonial ⟨from the⟩ General or from you. ⟨I assume⟩ the Committee did not transmit your letter. I confess there seems to me something hard in this Gentleman’s case, to be rejected after having taken so much pains and lost so much time to put...
78George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 21 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey ] October 21, 1780 . Has permitted Captain Lewis Garanger to experiment with the artillery at West Point before recommending Garanger to Congress for appointment. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
79George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 22 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey ] November 22, 1780 . Orders Knox to prepare artillery to cover passage of troops across river. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
80XIII. George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 22 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
By twelve OClock on Friday you will have ready all such peices of your park as are most proper to annoy shipping and cover a body of troops across a River —A releif of Horses to accompany them will be desirable if they are to be had. Your usual punctuality assures me of the same in this instance. I am Dear Sir Your most obt humble Servt LS , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, ViRVal ; Df , DLC:GW ;...
81XIX. George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 24 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received Some Intelligence wch has induced me to lay aside the enterprize I had in view—you will be pleased therefore to suspend the Measures & orders you were to execute. I shall now turn my thoughts to Winter Quarters, & have sent for the Qr Mr to fix Matters for this purpose. I am Dr Sir Yrs &ca. ALS , NjMoHP . See Document XIII ; see also Document XVIII . For the dispersal of GW’s...
82From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 7 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will proceed, with the dispatches with which you are charged, to the Governors of the States of Connecticut—Rhode Island and Massachusetts and to the President of New Hampshire. You are acquainted with the subject of those dispatches, in which, the Gentlemen, to whom they are addressed, are referred to you for a more particular account of the situation of the Army—the causes of discontent...
83George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 9 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 9, 1781 . Commends Knox for measures taken to carry out instructions sent on January 7. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
84George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 10 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New Windsor, New York ] February 10, 1781 . Reports that conference between French and American commanders tentatively decided to make New York the focus of operations. Directs Knox to make necessary artillery preparations for cooperation with French. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
85George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 10 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 10, 1781 . Asks Knox to supply Captain Lewis Garanger with materials necessary for executing his experiments. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
86From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 10 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
In the conference between the Count De Rochambeau and myself, it was agreed, that if by the aid of our allies, we can have a naval superiority, through the next campaign, and an army of thirty thousand men (or double the force of the enemy [at New York] and its dependencies) early enough in the season to operate in that quarter, we ought to prefer it to every other object, as the most...
87From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 10 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
Mr De Granger has represented to me that his delay in executing the experiments prescribed to him proceeded from the want of the materials requisite for making them, the composition and prepartion of which, he wishes to undertake himself, as the justness of his experiments depends upon the goodness of his materials and the accuracy with which they are prepared, and as his reputation and...
88From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 1 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you have Capt. Moodies letter and returns of Artillery and Ordnance Stores at Fort schuyler, which you laid before me for my opinion. I do not think there is any occasion, at present, for [more] than the quantity of these Articles which have been heretofore kept there. You will therefore be pleased to examine the Returns and send up what you may find deficient of the usual quantity at...
89From George Washington to Henry Knox, 28 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
As you are perfectly acquainted with the Measures which have been concerted with the Count De Rochambeau, I have only to request that you will be pleased to make all the necessary Estimates of Articles wanted in your Department, and also put the whole business for the Operation (so far as is within your reach) in the best train of execution, which our embarrassed circumstances will possibly...
90From George Washington to Henry Knox, June 1781 (Washington Papers)
Having already communicated to you my intention to attempt to Surprize the Enemys Posts at the north end of York Island, & prepared you for the part I expect you to take in the conducting of it, I have now to desire That you will on next (under the most specious pretence that can be devise to conceal the real object) detach as many Officers and Men as with the aid of the Infantry they are to...
91From George Washington to Henry Knox, 8 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I enclose to you the application of the State of New Jersey for Ammunition, also General Cornell’s Letter informing what quantity may be expected from the Eastward, and request your opinion of the expediency of granting any to that State, and in that case how much? I wish also to be advised, what has been done respecting Plank for Platforms, and whether it will be necessary to have...
92From George Washington to Henry Knox, 28 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
The following is an extract of what I have just received from the Board of War in a letter of the 22d Inst. "The Board are unhappy to inform you that nothing is yet done in consequence of General Knox’s letter: immediately on the receipt of it they made the necessary estimates and applications to Congress for the following Sums—To the department of Military Stores £3794 Specie and for...
93From George Washington to Henry Knox, 2 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favor of the 29th ulto. The arrangement which you have made for the periods of transportation of the heavy Stores from Philada agrees perfectly with my Ideas of the matter, as I think we must be certainly able to determine ultimately upon our plan of operations, by the time they are to be in motion. An enterprize, which I have long had in contemplation, will be executed in the...
94From George Washington to Henry Knox, 7 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I wish to see you at Head Quarters as soon as possible—You can leave the Superintendence of the Laboratory preparations, without any Injury to the Care of your officers, & come on directly—I have received your Letter of 2d July—I shall consult with you on its Subject when you arrive. I am &a DLC : Papers of George Washington.
95From George Washington to Henry Knox, 5 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Be so good as to commit the Box & Map herewith sent to some person in whom you can confide—to go by water to Christiana. Present my Compliments to Mrs Knox, & repeat to her my wishes that she would spend her time at Mount Vernon—if it is convenient & agreeable to her to go to Virginia—I am very sincerely—Dr Sir Yr Obedt & Affecte Servt MHi : Henry Knox Papers.
96From John Jay to Henry Knox, 10 December 1781 (Jay Papers)
I thank you sincerely for your very friendly Letter of the 21 Oct r . last, which I had the Pleasure of recieving on the 7 th . Inst. I rejoice most cordially with you, and every other good American, in the important Event you communicate, and to which you had both the Honor and the Satisfaction of essentially contributing. General Washington has favored me with ^ copies of ^ the Articles of...
97From George Washington to Henry Knox, 11 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
Whereas a proposition was made by me on the 6th day of December last to General Sir Henry Clinton to the following effect "That Commissioners mutually appointed should meet at such time and place as might thereafter be agreed upon for the purposes of obviating all difficulties in exchanges—for liquidating the expenses of maintaining prisoners and for making solid arrangements for providing for...
98From George Washington to Henry Knox, 11 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
The powers of equal date herewith authorise you to proceed to Elizabeth Town in the State of New Jersey in order to meet Commissioners on the part of the enemy on Friday the 15th inst. for the purposes in the powers fully recited. You will consider the settlement of accounts, for the subsistence of Prisoners of all descriptions from the commencement of the War, to —obtaining payment or...
99From George Washington to Henry Knox, 13 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
Messrs are delegated by the Merchants of this City to apply a sum of Money which has been raised by subscription to the relief of the Marine Prisoners in New York belonging to the Port of Philad. They are directed to consult you upon the most proper and efficacious mode of answering the benevolent intentions of the subscribers—The Gentlemen do not propose going themselves into New York—The...
100From George Washington to Henry Knox, 14 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
I enclose to you, an Extract of a Letter of the 7th Inst. from Sir Henry Clinton, by which it appears, he had for certain reasons, thought proper to nominate different Persons for Commissioners from those he had first named; & that, he wished to postpone the time of the meeting untill the 10th of April; I have written to him respecting the inconveniences which will be occasiond by delaying the...