Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 to George Washington

Relates the story of Aaron Swetland and Charles Treat, who had been clerks in Colonel [possibly Jeduthan] Baldwin's regiment of artificers at the pay grade of Sergeant. When the regiment was reduced, they were transferred to Captain [Thomas] Patten's company of artillery artificers. Knox ordered that they should act as conductors, and if they performed well, would be kept on in that capacity. They have done well, but "the reduction of the Commissary of military Stores department renders it is impossible to provide for them in that line." Adds, "Had they actually received appointments of conductors they would have been discharged, but as they are held under their original enlisting I do not think myself authorized to discharge them from the service. Having been in situation for near eighteen months, in which they have been highly entrusted, and imbibed the habits of Gentlemen they think it a great hardship to be obliged now to return to Pattens company especially as they are not artificers and there is no employment for them in the absurd capacidy in which they were enlisted." Believes they should be discharged, as they were "assured of promotion on their good behavior and the new arrangement of the department of military Stores is the only reason why they are not appointed conductors." Asks for Washington's opinion.