1To George Washington from Henry Knox, 3 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
I received your Excellency’s favor of the 29th directing a suspension of the troops and stores destined for the Western Posts. The light Infantry company which came from the Lines have returned, & I directed that the clothing drawn by them and the Artillery men to be redelivered to the Clothier. There are certain french refugees in this vicinity under the direction of a Major Merlet, who have...
2To George Washington from Henry Knox, 27 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
last evening I wrote to your Excellency per express, transmitting the information by Captain Farley, of the ill success of the Baron Steubens mission. By which it appears that it will be impracticable, to take possession of the posts at the Westward this fall. I requested your final orders concerning the detachment, and artillery, at this place, which are prepared for that service. I now...
3To George Washington from Henry Knox, 26 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Captain Farley has this instant arrived here. The baron is at Saratoga and will be down in a few days. He has not been able to effect any thing with General Haldimand who he met at Chamblee. he would not upon any pretence admit the Baron, to visit the posts, nor would he enter into any agreement upon the subject. He added that if the definitive treaty was even signed he could not relinquish...
4To George Washington from Henry Knox, 15 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is a state of the ordnance at the Northern posts. Your Excellency will be able to judge whether any can be taken from thence to be carried forward, and from which place. Upon a consideration of the importance of Niagara, perhaps it may not be adviseable to have fewer cannon than twelve, of different sizes, and six mortars and howitzers. These would form two or three respectable...
5To George Washington from Henry Knox, 29 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
The remainder of the 3d Mas. regiment Amounting to about 256 cannot be in readiness to march untill this afternoon. Being part of the late 8th they were to be organized, and they were destitute of articles essential to their march. Captain Cogswell commands them. The troops who have marched have not their compliment of field officers. Colonels M. Jackson and Vose have never joined at this...
6To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 25 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency having referred to our consideration the claim of Mr Robert Hoakesly to the goods found in his store at York town in Virginia, and by a board of General Officers held on the 24th of October 1781, adjudged to be forfeited—beg leave to report. That having read and considered the memorial of Mr Hoakesly—the proceedings of the board above mentioned, and the depositions of Mr...
7To George Washington from Henry Knox, 25 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
Pattersons brigade and Sprouts regiment will be in readiness to march this afternoon, and will halt at the Furnace of Dean this night. Two peices of artillery will be at Stoney point in order to commence their march from thence tomorrow morning. part of one of General Pattersons regiments has not yet joined from the Lines & it will be difficult to make up the Deficiency. The Connecticut...
8To George Washington from Henry Knox, 23 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty of to inform your Excellcy that the brigade of Generals Patterson and Greatons arrived at nine oClock at this post—The first brigade are encamped upon the place the red house—The 2d regiment of the 2d brigade are gone into the old barracks and into the barrack at Genl Clinton’s Battalion The 4 plain are encamped with It is proposed to place the New-Hampshire horses upon...
9To George Washington from Henry Knox, 10 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
Agreeable to a General Order of the 8 June 1783 for the Inspection of the Officers of the Invalid Corps the board beg leave to make the following Report. Captain John McGowen Aged 44 years of the 4 pensilvania Regiment, entered the service in October 1775. and transfered to the Invalids in Spring 1781. in consequence of a variety of complaints which disqualified him for active Service. The...
10To George Washington from Henry Knox, 8 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday the Secretary at War gave me the instructions, of which the enclosed is a copy. I am unable at present to determine how far it will be practicable to carry his orders into execution with the three years men, as we shall have no artificers, nor any other assistance, but what we shall derive from them I will however have the necessary estimates prepared and submitted to your...
11To George Washington from Henry Knox, 19 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from Colonel Sprout of this day containing information of the extraordinary conduct of a Mr Honniwell. If upon an enquiry the facts should appear as stated to Colonel Sprouts, The justice and dignity of America are deeply concerned that such an atrocious violation of the Laws of nations, should be punished with exemplary vigor. I have the honor to be with great respect...
12To George Washington from Henry Knox, 14 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Soldiers of the Regiments of this Garrison have been tolerably quiet untill last night, when the behaviour of most or all of the regiments was totally repugnant to discipline, and in many instances highly mutinous. The Officers exerted themselves to keep the men in their Barracks, which they finally effected and secured some of the most violent. The rioters appeared to have no particular...
13To George Washington from Henry Knox, 17 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
The first principle of the security of the United States must rest and consist in a hardy militia, in whom the ideas of freedom and a generous love of their Country shall be inherent. These upon every invasion will form the advanced guard of defence; and if the war should continue a sufficient number must be selected, under the discipline of a regular army, to oppose the invaders. It ought to...
14To George Washington from Henry Knox, 16 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I think it necessary to inform your Excellency that there is a general uneasiness among the New-Commissioned officers of the Connecticut Line grounded principally upon the inequality of the rewards to the officers and Soldiers. They say the rewards ought to be in a strict proportion, and if the officers receive five years pay as a reward for services the same rule ought to extend to them,...
15To George Washington from Henry Knox, 4 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
Under the idea of the certainty of peace, I submit it to Your Excellency whether it will be proper to issue any more ammunition to the troops. The situation of the army precludes the probability of an attack. A few hours, even supposing the possibility of a demand, would obtain a supply from this post. I have been induced to these reflections by a return for the first Massachusetts’ brigade,...
16To George Washington from Henry Knox, 28 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I rejoice with you my dear friend and General, with glorious issue of your warfare how rich must be your sensations at this moment! May the God long continue you to see the progression of peace and happiness which has been obtained under your auspices. happy day for America! I am my dear General with the greatest warmth & sincerity Your affectionate MHi : Henry Knox Papers.
17To George Washington from Henry Knox, 27 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
In compliance with your Excellencys instructions of 12th Feby last having carefully considered the nature and tendency of Courtsmartial in general, and the duties of a Judge Advocate in particular, we beg leave to give it as our opinion, that as Courts martial are bound to administer justice according to the dictates of their consciences, and to the best of their understandings in cases where...
18To George Washington from Henry Knox, 23 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have found it necessary to relieve the Company of Artillery under the Command of Capn Lt Fenno stationed at Kings ferry, and shall replace it with another Company from Colonel Lambs Regiment, under the orders of Captain Fleming, in whom may be placed the most entire confidence. The mode of doing duty at Kings ferry, by which the Commanding Officers are charged every fortnight, will be urged...
19To George Washington from Henry Knox, 11 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I should have been at Head quarters this morning agreably to Your Excellencys request by Major Shaw, but there is so much ice in the river as to prevent all passing by water. If the State of the river will admit tomorrow I shall wait on your Excellcy I beleive no person, will go from West point in consequence of the extraordinary notification and address forwarded by Colonl Crane. I am my dear...
20To George Washington from Henry Knox, 27 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I received your Excellency’s letter respecting the loss of the stores at the posts at King’s ferry. I take the liberty to enclose the report of Capt. Lieut. Fenno, of artillery, on that subject. I should have transmitted it to your Excellency when I first received it, but I was in hopes that something further might have been discovered. I have sent him the lock and key, and ordered the quarter...
21To George Washington from Henry Knox, 5 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
Agreeably to your Excellency’s request I enclose the estimate required in your favor of the 1st instant. I am sorry it is out of my power to render it in the manner you wished. But my not having any general returns of stores from the War Office prevents my stating, in a summary view, the difference of the estimate from what is in possession of the Continent. I am, with the highest degree of...
22To George Washington from Henry Knox, 13 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
Lieut. Colonel Johnson of Colonel Swift’s regiment is very sollicitous to have leave of absence for twelve or fourteen days. His family is large, and are in distress upon account of the short crops of grain in the vicinity of their . Major Smith is with the regiment. If your Excllcy should find it proper to grant him this indulgence it would releive the anxiety of a deserving officer. I have...
23To George Washington from Henry Knox, 17 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
last evening I received your Excellencys favor respecting a sleigh, and inclosing the paroles and countersigns to the 22d instant. The sleigh shall be put in train immediately and finished with all possible expedition. The painting I am apprehensive will take the most time. From enquiry it appears that the most approved method of making the sliders, is to have them about six inches curved in...
24To George Washington from Henry Knox, 3 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have this instant received your note of this date. every thing here was in perfect readiness. The necessary appartus, and provisions embarked, and the party waiting at the Wharf, for orders to step unto their boats to Verplanks. every thing without suspicion. If the orginal design, should be still persisted in, I beg I may notice at least the day before it is to be executed, least a hurry of...
25To George Washington from Henry Knox, 23 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
The officer of Artillery stationed at Kings ferry has informed me that the night before last, one side of the redoubt at Verplanks point, gave way, and was entirely levelled with the ground, being the effects of the violent storm. As it is not under my orders I have not done any thing concerning it. Major Villefranche is too busy here to be able to attend to its repair. I have the honor to be...
26To George Washington from Henry Knox, 12 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
As soon as your Excellency shall have established a general system of signals, from the posts below to head quarters, I will thank you for a copy. The only circumstance I know at present relating to signals, is, That I have a small guard at the beacon upon Butter Hill, but without any orders whatever. There is another from the Invalids, upon a Hill on the east side of the river. I beg your...
27To George Washington from Henry Knox, 10 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
Agreeably to your Excellency’s orders, I have examined into the case of Luther Pamela, and I find it to stand thus. He was originally engaged in Baldwin’s regiment of artificers, in the character of a shoemaker. It has in times past been customary to inlist persons of that discription to serve as harness makers. I believe it is not disputed that he signed an inlisting paper for the war. His...
28To George Washington from Henry Knox, 10 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
I received your Excellency’s favor of yesterday, respecting the 4th Connecticut regiment cuting and laying in wood for the hospital. General Huntington informs me that the arrangement with respect to their officers is entirely completed, and that nothing remains to be done previous to drafting the men, but to inspect them in their present state, which is to be done on the 13th after which they...
29To George Washington from Henry Knox, 9 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to state to your Excellency the case of Charles Treat, and Aaron Swetland. These persons were originally engaged as clerks in Colo. Baldwins Regt of Artificers with the pay of Serjeants. When the Regiment was reduced and the men transferred to Captain Pattens company of Artilly Artificers, I directed that these Men should act as Conductors, intending if they were competent to the...
30To George Washington from Henry Knox, 14 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
Annexed is a state of the barracks exclusive of that in Fort Clinton. Certainly a greater number than in this calculation were stowed in them last Winter, and in addition sixteen officers were crowded in almost every room. With the barrack we are now erecting for the officers, the number contained in the calculation and their officers will be conveniently accommodated. I have the honor to be,...
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...
41To George Washington from Henry Knox, 7 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I received your Excellency’s favor of the 5th instant, respecting the repairs of arms in the Army. The respective brigades have hitherto executed by their own armourers the common repairs; and when the business was industriously pursued, they have been nearly able to keep the arms in order. This is still, under present circumstances, the only possible mode to be adopted, for there is not one...
42To George Washington from Henry Knox, 3 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have seen your Excellencys favor of this date directed to General McDougall, and myself. For my own part I can have no objections to any service your Excellency shall think proper to employ me in, and I know of nothing to prevent my being in readiness to meet the Gentlemen from the Enemy, by the 16th or 18th instant. There will be some arrangements necessary on our side with respect to the...
43To George Washington from Henry Knox, 2 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is a state of the case of a Mr Corney. Gen. McDougall speaks well of him, as a person of honor, although opposed to us. It appears to me that this place is rather improper for him, except he is to be kept for a long time. I beg your Excellency’s immediate directions concerning it . I am, with great respect, Your Excellency’s most obedt servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
44To George Washington from Henry Knox, 17 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Enclos’d is my opinion, which I transmitted to the secretary at War, respecting the number of persons, to be employed in the field Commissarys department. This is upon the supposition that the brigade conductors are to be reduced, and their duty executed by the brigade Quarter Masters. main Army—one field Commissary, and two Conductors or clerks. West point—a deputy field Commissary and two...
45To George Washington from Henry Knox, 31 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
The General officers who were directed by your Excellency to view the most proper place on West point, to erect a magazine, desired me to report, That it is their opinion that the hollow, west of Fort Clinton, under all circumstances, is the best place for that purpose. I have the honor to be sir with the greatest Respect Your Excellencys most obedient Servant DLC : Papers of George Washington.
46To George Washington from Henry Knox, 30 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
Estimate of horses and oxen, necessary to remove the Park of Artillery and its appendages from Burlington. For the regiment 9 by Forage 1 Waggon Master 1 Laboratory 4 Artificiers 6 21 waggons Travelling Forges 4
47To George Washington from Henry Knox, 9 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
Deeply impressed with the importance of West Point to the existence of the United States, I have, with the approbation of your Excellency, endeavored, from its earliest state as a fortification, to have it and its dependences as amply furnished with cannon and military Stores of all Kinds as could possibly be spared from other uses. But after every exertion for this purpose, there still...
48To George Washington from Henry Knox, 14 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Excellencys favor of the 4th instant. The Artillery men and Artificers at Burlington are at Work, preparing things in their respective departments, and will be ready as far as respects their Work to begin their march whenever your Excellency thinks proper to order after the 1st of June. Having arranged matters here, I shall go to Burlington today, and stay there three or...
49To George Washington from Henry Knox, 21 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
As it is probable that our report of this date may after having been transmitted to Congress come before the public eye, we have thought it best to give in a distinct letter the information which it may be unnecessary or improper to publish. Your Excellency will perceive that we had no proper oppo rt unity of bringing forward distinctly the affair of Mr Laurens. By pushing it abruptly into...
50To George Washington from Henry Knox, 21 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I received your Excellency’s letter of the 10th instant, enclosing an extract of Governor Harrison’s letter of the 23d March, respecting the brass cannon belonging to the State of Virginia. I should instantly have written to General Lincoln, requesting that he would put the matter in a train of execution, but that I every day expected to set out for Philadelphia, where I could explain to him...