Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 to George Washington
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.10138 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 September 1783 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 34.7 x 23.2 cm. Order a Copy
Knox, Commander at West Point, writes, "I cannot refrain from communicating the joy I feel, and the pleasure manifested by the officers in general, upon the noble testimony of gratitude exhibited by Congress in their resolve concerning the equestrian statue..." Requests information regarding an officers' petition to Congress in which officers would be granted lands in place of their back pay. Assures Washington, "Were the prayer of the petition to be granted, the officers in a very few years would make the swift settlement on the frontiers, and form a strong barrier against the barbarians..." Suggests the creation of the office of master general of ordnance, noting that the current Minister of War (Benjamin Lincoln, Secretary at War) does not predict the appointment of a successor to his post. Asserts that the master general of ordnance would "...reside near Congress to execute such orders as they should think proper for the dignity or security of the republick." Expresses his wish for Washington to keep this letter in confidence. Notes that if he were appointed as master general of ordnance, he would give the post his "zealous assistance." His wife Lucy sends her respectful regards to Martha Washington. Knox's retained draft.
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