51From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 4 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
By a letter this moment arrived from General McDougall dated two OClock yesterday, the enemy were advancing in force towards The Continental Village. The other part of their army on the West side were to move the same day to invest the Fort. On reconsideration, as some heavy cannon in our future operations may become essential, if you can possibly procure a sufficiency of horses to carry those...
52From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, [30 January 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
I send you sundry papers respecting the Ordnance department. The General requests you will prepare your observations on them and be ready to meet The Committee and himself tomorrow forenoon. As he is going out of town on Monday and will have no time to spare, He begs you will be ready at the time mentioned. Will you be at home to day at 2 oClock? Mr. Garanger plagues me to accompany him to...
53Instructions to Colonel Henry Knox, 10 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
as it is more than probable (unless Genl Howe should throw his whole force into the Jerseys & bend his Course towards Philadelphia) that there will Scarce be a junction of our Troops again this Season; it may be well for you to Consider of a proper partition of the Field Artillery, Artillerists and Stores for each Service, and delay no time in the arrangement and dispatch of those destined for...
54From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, [25 July 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
The General is anxious to receive you observations on the letter sent you yesterday from General Gates so soon as possible, that he may dispatch an express waiting for an answer. Yr. Most Obed ser ALS , MS Division, New York Public Library. Major General Horatio Gates’s letter to Washington (dated July 18, 1779), which deals with questions concerning the management of the arsenal at...
55From George Washington to Henry Knox, 8 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
As the 4th Connect. Regt, under the expectation of being soon drafted into the other Regts, is not now employed in hutting, or any other public duties; it is my wish, that this Corps may be occupied in cutting & laying in Wood for the Hospital on the east side of the River. The importance of this business is so great & so obvious, that I scarely need express the earnestness of my desire, that...
56From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 14 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have for some time past most earnestly expected you, to arrange matters in the Artillery department which has in a manner lain still since you went away. I have prevailed upon Colo. Proctor, tho he is under positive orders from the State of Pennsylvania to return to Philada, to stay till you come back. I beg you will endeavour to bring forward as many of the Artillery Men, intended for this...
57From 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...
58Tench Tilghman to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 16 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency desires you will inform him as shortly and with as much accuracy as possible what number of battering Cannon you have mounted in the park and at the different Arsenals with their Calibres and whether there are any and what number not yet mounted, which might be got ready if wanted. We have not a word of News. I am yrs &c. ADfS , DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . In a...
59From George Washington to Henry Knox, 24 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
In order to facilitate and expedite the communication between the Post of Dobbs Ferry and Head Quarters (which must be kept up principally by Runners) I have to request you will give Orders for forwarding expeditiously by a trusty Non Commissd Officer or Soldier as far as Kings Ferry (where the senior Officer has Instructions on the subject) all Dispatches from Head Quarters to Dobbs Ferry—and...
60From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 21 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I wrote to you the 15th desiring you to have the Arms in Massachusets and New Hampshire collected and a Return made to me as soon as possible. I find by letters from General Heath that Arms have lately arrived in several Vessels from France, I beg they may be immediately sent to the different Arsenals and put in order. We shall want a considerable number in the Spring when the Levies come into...
61From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 12 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you have the last General Return of Ordnance and Military Stores which I have recd from the Board of War; of which You will take a Copy. There appears to me a very great deficiency of many Articles, particularly of small Arms, powder and Lead. But you will be pleased to examine it critically and report to me what are in your opinion wanting that I may lay the estimate, without loss of...
62From George Washington to Henry Knox, 5 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
The arms of the army are daily getting out of repair with out any possibility of remedying it there are no travelling forges here and if there were I am informed they could not be set at work for want of some Articles which are absolutely necessary such as Borax salt &c. can any of the Armourers and necessary materials be spared from West Point to come here with some travelling Forges and...
63From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 29 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have no doubt but that in the new appointment of Artillery Officers, you thought of Mr Machin in the manner he deserves—however, as he is now here, and has heard nothing from you on this Subject, I cannot help reminding you of him, as he appears from observation, and information, to be a person of Merit. He has also mentioned something to me respecting his pay, which you will cause to be...
64From George Washington to Henry Knox, 13 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
In answer to the several points contained in your private letter of yesterday I have to observe—that I shall not be able finally to adjust a system of Signals, until I have seen Governor Clinton, which I expect will be in a few days—in the mean time I would have the Guards continued at the Beacons, as at present. The Rockets you propose to have made will be necessary. As to the Guard of...
65From George Washington to Henry Knox, 30 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
You are too well acquainted with my opinion of certain characters in this State—especially one whom I am told is now an attendant on you at Elizabeth Town—to need a repetition of it at this time; but I wish it were possible for you to guard your Colleague against the arts, & the disadvantages which certainly will result from a free intercourse of Sentiments with the person I allude to, on...
66From 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...
67From George Washington to Henry Knox, 17 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favors of the 16th Inst. Things being circumstanced as they are, I consent to the work upon the Magazine being stopped, and the Workmen employed upon the Barracks in the Garrison. I shall inform the Secretary at War, who seemed to have the completion of the Magazine much at heart, of the reasons which have hindered us from proceeding. I shall approve your nomination of...
68From George Washington to Henry Knox, 3 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
As Mr Corne was ignorant of the Regulations respecting Flags when he came out, he may be permitted to Return with the other Prisoners. You will please therefore to send them with a Serjeant and the enclosed Letter to Colonel Canfield who commands at Stanford. I am Dear Sir Your very hum. Servt MHi : Henry Knox Papers.
69From 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...
70From 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...
71From 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...
72From 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.
73From George Washington to Henry Knox, 29 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Upon considering the state of facts reported in your Letter of the 26th I think it expedient that a stop should be put to the movement of the Troops & Stores which were destined for the Western Posts; You will be pleased to give directions accordingly and to transmit the Letter herewith to the Quartr Mastr Genll as it relates to the same subject. I am dear sir with the greatest regard Your...
74George 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.
75George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 12 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] July 12, 1779 . Urges Knox to send all available arms to Army and to apply to Board of War for a further supply. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
76From George Washington to Henry Knox, 15 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
When the Party arrived yesterday with the Sleigh, I was engaged with Mr Howell—before I was at liberty they had left this—This is my apology for not writing to you yesterday. I have now to thank you for the Sleigh, which I think very handsome—convenient—& well executed. Shall I thank you for giving the Master Workman a couple of Guineas, to be laid out in liquor for those who have been engaged...
77From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 5 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
The army is now crossing the Mountain to take post on the upper communication. It will be unsafe for you to move on through the clove. You will therefore be pleased to file off by the road from Morris town toward Sussex so as to proceed on by the upper route from Sussex to New Windsor, till you join the army. This is meant as a general direction. You will inform yourself more particularly of...
78From 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...
79From George Washington to Henry Knox, 17 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Annexed you have extracts from a letter of the 12th, from the Secretary at War, relating to the proposed arrangement of the office of Feild Commissary of Military Stores. It being a matter intimately connected with your department, I would be glad of your opinion, and that as early as possible, that I may frame my answer without loss of time. That we may make a regulation, as nearly as may be,...
80Orders to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 16 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
The honorable Continental Congress having resolv’d to establish Magazines, Laboratories, and Founderies for casting brass Cannon, in the State of Pennsylvania, and in New England, and having invested me with power to effect the same—I have directed Lieutenant Colonel Flower Commissary of Military Stores to repair to York Town and Philadelphia in the State of Pennsylvania and put the various...
81From George Washington to Henry Knox, 25 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
It was some time since Reported to me that sundry Artillery-Stores had been stolen from the Magazines at Kings ferry—The last Officer who was Relieved also reports “A barrell of Powder stolen owing to the deficiency of the Magazine.” I wish some inquiry to be made of the Offr, commandg the Artillery into this repeated loss of Stores that measures may be taken to prevent it. I am Dr Sir Your...
82From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, [25 June 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
A party of the enemy’s horse with about 1000 infantry are said to be at Pines bridge. Possibly the stores at New Millford may be the object. The General requests you will send a proper person to see what progress may have been made in removing them and to complete the removal. I have the honor to be Your most Obed ser ALS , Mr. Otto Madlener, Hubbard Woods, Illinois; ADfS , George Washington...
83From 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.
84From 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...
85From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 27 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I herewith transmit you an extract of a letter from the board of war of the 24th inst.; by which you will perceive, that the factory at Philadelphia turns out 60 or 70 cartridge boxes per day; and that the armory is in a situation to enter upon the repairs of arms. You will be pleased to have the old cartridge boxes now in store, and those returned on the distribution of new ones sent forward...
86Orders and Instructions for Colonel Henry Knox, 3 April 1776 (Washington Papers)
It being of the Utmost Importance to the Publick Service, that the Main Body of The Regiment of Artillery, together with The Field Cannon, Ammunition, Stores &c., should as speedily as possible be Assembled at New York, I have thought proper to give you The following Orders, and Instructions. The Legislature of this Colony, having determined to Assemble three Hundred Teams, upon the Common in...
87XIII. 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 ;...
88From George Washington to Henry Knox, 8 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
In answer to the question which has been proposed, whether the Music are entitled to fire Arms, under the Resolution of Congress of the 23d of April. I am to give it as my opinion they are not; but that they should be allowed to take their Drums & Fifes, which is the mode that has been adopted respecting the Music who have been furloughed from this Cantonment. I am Dear Sir With great regard...
89From 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,...
90From George Washington to Henry Knox, 16 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Your Ideas of the Ordnance that would be proper for the Garrisons of Niagara and Oswego accord very fully with my own—but, ere the arrival of the definitive Treaty, the season will be so far advanced, and we shall then have so many difficulties to encounter before we can establish ourselves at those Posts; that I think we must be contented for the winter with two Howitzers at each; and such a...
91From George Washington to Henry Knox, 3 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
On a further consideration of what I had in contemplation, I have determined to postpone the matter till tomorr ow —perhaps I may put it of altogether—In either case, it is my earnest wish that not a tittle respecting it may transpire. I am Sincerely and Affectionately Yr MHi : Henry Knox Papers.
92From David Humphreys to Henry Knox, 25 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am directed to acquaint you, that the General has just recd Dispatches from Philadelphia, by which it appears the necessity still exists for marching the Detachment as expeditiously as may be, the contents will be communicated to you by His Excellency tomorrow. I have the honor to be Sir &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
93XIX. 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...
94From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 9 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
A few days ago I recd a Letter from Genl Schuyler, in which he requests that Colo. Lamb may be immediately sent up to Ticonderoga to regulate the Ordnance department in that Quarter against the next Campaign. As I do not know how far Colo. Lamb’s going up, may break in upon any arrangements that you may have made, I will not give you a positive order to send him, only wishing it may be done if...
95Instructions to Colonel Henry Knox, 16 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
You are immediately to examine into the state of the Artillery of this army & take an account of the Cannon, Mortars, Shels, Lead & ammunition that are wanting; When you have done that, you are to proceed in the most expeditious manner to New York; There apply to the president of the provincial Congress, and learn of him, whether Col. Reed did any thing, or left any orders—respecting these...
96From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 23 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
For the more speedy assembling of the Militia upon an emergency, I have agreed with the Feild Officers in this and the next County to erect Beacons upon the most conspicuous Hills, the firing of which shall be signals for them to repair to their different Alarm Posts—You will be pleased to have one erected upon the Mountain in the Rear of Pluckemin, upon the place that shall seem most visible...
97From David Humphreys to Henry Knox, 25 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency commands me to inform you he approves of the Arrangements you have made, & would have the party from the Lines follow in the manner you propose. General Howe will meet the Detachment in the Clove tomorrow Morng. No Express or Information hath arrived from Philadelphia since you left Head Quarters last Evening—I have the Honor to be &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
98George 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.
99From 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...
100From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General Henry Knox, [24 July 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
I have communicated your letter to The General. He thinks Col Harrison’s regiment not intitled to a ⟨part⟩ of the present supply. I inclose you by the General’s order a letter from General Gates, with sundry papers respe⟨cti⟩ng powder Springfield &c. on which yo⟨ur opi⟩nion is requested. The question is—W⟨hat is t⟩o be done? Col Nixon sent to Springfield ⟨to be in⟩ charge of the Massachusettes...