Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 to George Washington

A highly detailed letter in which Knox reports on his efforts to obtain ordnance in New York City for the Continental Army in Cambridge. Discusses similar, unsuccessful activities in regard to the activities of a man named Colonel Read, and his problems with the committee sitting during the recess of the Second Continental Congress, possibly the Second Provincial Congress, which met in New York in late 1775 or the Committee of Safety. Reports Colonel Alexander McDougall's promise to exert his influence on the committee and have them send munitions to Cambridge immediately. Seeks permission to have McDougall arrange for some artillery pieces to be cast at a New York foundry. Informs Washington that he will leave for Fort Ticonderoga the following day, and expresses worries about the size of artillery he will be able to transport. Relays detailed news from Robert Livingston about the easy American victory at Montreal on 13 November 1775 that Knox believes has not reached Washington yet. Asks Washington to order Lieutenant Colonel William Burbeck to build carriages for the new artillery pieces. Has sketch of an unnamed fort on verso. Knox's retained working draft.