Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to George Washington
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.02019 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 March 1783 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 33.6 x 21.5 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Major General Knox to General Washington. Reports to Washington that he had to relieve the company of artillery under Captain Lieutenant Ephraim Fenno at Kings Ferry, due to problems with ordnance returns. Replaced Fenno's unit with the company of Colonel John Lamb now under the orders of Captain Fleming. Says if Washington wants a commander responsible directly to him, he recommends Fleming as qualified. Says Fenno was relieved because of an unexplained return which noted 18 damaged barrels of powder. Also, Fenno did not explain why two soldiers in his company left ordnance "loose and open." Wants Fenno to stand before a court of inquiry. Knox's retained draft.
[draft]
Sir
I have found it necessary to relieve the Company of artillery under the command of Captain Liut Fenno stationed at Kings ferry, and shall [strikeout] replace it with [struck: Captain Fleming] [inserted: another] Company [inserted: from Colonel Lambs] under the order of Captain Fleming in whom may be placed the most entire confidence.
The mode of doing duty [strikeout] at Kings ferry by which the commanding officers are changed every fortnight will be urged by Capt Lt Fenno as the cause of the losses which have happened. If your Excellency [strikeout] should think proper to have a commanding officer who should be responsible [inserted: to you] for the security and preservation of Every thing concerning the Garrisons I would take the liberty to recommend Captain Fleming as one every way qualified for that purpose, and would answer for this that he would punctually obey any instructions that you should be pleased to give
[2] I am obliged to relieve Captain Liut Fenno, by a circumstance in a late return which he leaves unexplained which is 18 barrels of powder damaged [strikeout] He ought to have informed the time when & how it became so - And for sending me the return of all the ordnance & Stores [struck: opened by a soldier] [inserted: of the two Garrisons] loose and open by a Soldier of his company. In these two circumstances truly he must answer before a court of enquiry [struck: as a bond in the first instance] or a court martial
I have the honor to be with
the greatest respect
Your most obedent
Servant
HKnox
His Excellency General Washington
[docket]
To
His Exly Gen Washington
23 March 1783.
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