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Carrington, Edward, 1749-1810 to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01330 Author/Creator: Carrington, Edward, 1749-1810 Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Manuscript letter signed Date: January 10, 1782 Pagination: 7 p. : address : docket ; Height: 27 cm, Width: 21.3 cm Order a Copy

Discusses problems related to the transportation of military stores from Yorktown to Westham or Richmond, Virginia. Comments that he and his associates are bound in their ability to carry out orders because the state government of Virginia refuses to help. Mentions the resignation of Thomas Nelson as governor and the election of Benjamin Harrison. Has managed to set up the stores near Westham, close to the river so as to be able to ship them by boat in case of danger, but fears that in an invasion or attack they still may not be able to protect them. Mentions the arrival of an independent Commissary of Military Stores, Captain [Nathaniel] Irish, instructed to report only to General Nathanael Greene. Refers to a letter he enclosed from Davis (Colonel William Davies, Commissioner of War in Virginia; see GLC02437.01324 and GLC02437.01325) about the impossibility of moving the stores by vessel. Makes a case for New London as a final destination for the stores, arguing that it is geographically well-situated and there are many artificers there who are sympathetic to their cause. Mentions Benedict Arnold, Thomas Jones, as well as Mr. Morris (likely Robert Morris, financier) who he will visit in Philadelphia to discuss procuring supplies.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Carrington, Edward, 1749-1810
Harrison, Benjamin, 1726-1791
Nelson, Thomas Jr., 1738-1789
Arnold, Benedict, 1741-1801
Morris, Robert, 1734-1806
Greene, Nathanael, 1742-1786
Davies, William, fl. 1781-1782
Jones, Thomas, fl. 1777-1782
Irish, Nathaniel, 1737-1816

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