From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 1 March 1781
To Brigadier General Henry Knox
Head Quarters [New Windsor] 1st March 1781
Dear Sir
Inclosed you have Capt. Moodies letter and returns of Artillery and Ordnance Stores at Fort schuyler, which you laid before me for my opinion.1
I do not think there is any occasion, at present, for [more]2 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 that post. If you think a larger Mortar than what they have will add to the security of it, you will send one up with the necessary attrail.3
The State of New York made a requisition a few days ago for a small supply of Ammunition, with which I promised to comply4—Be pleased therefore to send up six or eight Casks of Musket powder to Albany, and inform Genl Clinton for what purpose.5 I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt.
L, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, NNGL: Henry Knox Papers; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. Capt. Andrew Moodie’s letter, presumably addressed to Knox, and the returns have not been identified, but see GW to James Clinton, 28 February.
2. This word is supplied from the draft, which also is in Tilghman’s writing.
3. Attirail means “apparatus” or “gear” ().
5. No letter from Knox to Brig. Gen. James Clinton on this subject has been identified.