Lamb, John, 1735-1800 to Henry Knox
Order a pdf of this item here.
A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01753 Author/Creator: Lamb, John, 1735-1800 Place Written: Newburgh, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 20 December 1782 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; Height: 33.6 cm, Width: 22.1 cm Order a Copy
Written by Colonel Lamb to Major General Knox. Is angry about complications with his leave of absence. Says he thought his friends would help him procure the proper documentation to prove his rank, but they disappointed him. Says he has since looked into the matter and believes in the justice of his "pretentions." Says that a recent report by the Board of General Officers was wrong in its interpretation of General Washington's general order allowing state commissioned officers into the Continental Army on the same date as their state commissions. Claims it is a "mistake." As he previously complained to Congress, is concerned that applying to General Washington will be interpreted by Congress as a "want of confidence in their honor and justice." Wants Knox's advice on how to proceed. Says he needs time away from the army to deal with his private concerns, which are in disarray after he spent so much time in Philadelphia on General Robert Howe's court martial case last winter. Wants the furlough to be able to purchase the farm of the late Mr. Menzies of Fredericksburgh, New York with his certificates. The matter is before the New York legislature and he wants to be there as they meet about it.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.