Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794 to Henry Knox

Written by Major Shaw, Knox's former aide-de-camp, to Brigadier General Knox. Letter expresses the touchiness Revolutionary officers had about rank. Says no word on Knox's promotion is to be had. Hopes "The period, however, cannot be remote when Congress must decide - and either do you justice or dispense with your further services." Goes on to express dismay at Knox not receiving the promotion. References the letter he sent on 5 March as well as another he sent a week earlier. Says since his 5 March letter he has been able to reach a settlement with Massachusetts for his pay for 1780. Claims he is owed £820.19.20 for his services as head of the ordnance department from 18 February 1779. Reports that certificates for this amount, plus interest from 1 January 1781 have been issued. Says the certificates are not as good as specie and sell for only 2/3rds their face value. Says "This I conceive to be owing, not so much to a distrust of public credit, as to the extreme scarcity of money - merchants in this town having given in the course of the winter from 5 to 8 percent for a month's loan. Under these circumstances, it is impossible to dispose of your certificates to your advantage, or take up any money on their security." Says he will leave Boston to rejoin him in 10 days. Says his sister died a fortnight ago, leaving behind a husband and 6 children. Laments her death.