Osgood, Samuel, 1748-1813 to Henry Knox

Written by Osgood as a Continental Congressmen from Massachusetts to Major General Knox. References Knox's letter of 2 November. After reading it says he "began to repent that I had wrote you with Respect to the System for the Adjutant Genl. Department." Feels honored that Knox was willing to be candid about what he felt were the reasons for the Massachusetts legislature denying half-pay pensions to army officers. It seems that a letter Osgood wrote to Lowell, a member of the legislative committee considering the pension issue, was harmful to the officer's cause. Says "I am extremely sorry that I ever wrote that Letter; which was never intended for the public Eye." Says it was written to a friend and that it was not written with the accuracy and attention it deserved. Claims "If I us'd the Word 'excessive' I think the Tenor of my Letter will fully show in what Sense I us'd it." Describes his use of the word "excessive" in relation to officers who only served 1 or 2 years. Says he has worked to convince members of Congress to recommend that states individually satisfy the pensions, but that an officer who served 7-8 years has "disqualified himself for private Business." Goes on to say "I have little Idea of Roman Virtue contented with a few Acres. - But my dear Friend, what can a Person have suffered in one or two years by mere Absence from private Business?" Says he simply wants a distinction made.