Varick transcript, DLC:GW.

Adj. Gen. Alexander Scammell’s orderly book entry for this date includes the following additional general orders: “Lord stirlings Division furnishes the Main Guard tomorrow” (orderly book, 17 Oct. 1779–22 March 1780, DNA: RG 93, Orderly Books, 1775–1783, vol. 33).

On this date, Brig. Gen. Henry Knox wrote to GW’s aide-de-camp Tench Tilghman from “Park Artillery” [Morristown, N.J.]: “In the return which I yesterday shewed his Excellency, of the Cannon, and Stores at Easton, I find there are but 12—8 Inch shells—I wish to know, whether I shall have the proper number, (about two hundred) brought from Philadelphia, or West point, It will I believe take more time to procure them from the former, than the latter place, but if on their arrival here, they should not be us’d, they will be so far on their way, to West point; to which place, I wish more to be sent, to make up the complement of that Garrison. but, if we should bring them to this place from West point, and not use them, the transportation will be double without any good effect. I shall be obligd by his Excellency’s directions on the subject” (DLC:GW).

GW’s secretary Robert Hanson Harrison replied to Knox the following day: “Your Letter of Yesterday which was just now received has been presented to His Excellency. The General approves your reasoning and thinks it will be best for the shells to be brought from Philadelphia” (DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 29219).