Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 to George Washington

Knox, Commander at West Point, transmits a weekly return of troops to Washington, Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. Discusses illness among soldiers in the West Point vicinity: "The troops having been uncommonly sickly for this place, and a malignant putrid fever being among their disorders, I have fixed upon the barrack at Constitution Island as an hospital..." Discharged and furloughed some patients from the hospital at New Windsor, under the care of surgeon William Eustis. Reports, "We have had cold unpleasant weather since commencement of the present month... [the troops] have only the remains of the thin under cloathes which they purchased in the spring." Regarding the uncertain date of discharge of troops following the recent signing of the Treaty of Paris (3 September 1783), Knox remarks, "The officers in general are exceedingly anxious to have some final arrangements made... It is apparent from the foul, illiberal Spirit manifested by many parts of Connecticut, that their hands are outstretched against their officers. I mention these matters not with which to accelerate arrangements which might in some measure depend upon the British evacuating New York, but merely to share the anxiety of the officers... I am apprehensive that the preparations which have been made at this post to celebrate peace have been made in vain..."