Nicolas, Lewis, 1717-1807 to Samuel Shaw

Document contains two letters: one, written at Fishkill, New York, to Shaw from Nicola, dated 21 November 1782, and Shaw's autograph signed reply to Nicola, written at West Point, New York, dated 22 November, 1782. In Nicola's letter, he writes that he expects that after the stores are moved, beginning next Saturday, the garrison will be removed from the Fishkill area. Writes that there is an "old log provost [perhaps a prison] surrounded with a decayed stockade" among the public buildings which has not been used in awhile. Writes that he would like permission to pull the building down before the garrison leaves, and store the timber in "a place of security." Though little of the timber will be of use, believes the inhabitants of the neighborhood will carry the logs off for their own use if the troops do not remove it. Asks Shaw for Knox's permission to do this, and sends regards to him and Mrs. Knox. In Shaw's reply, on the blank 2nd leaf, he writes that Knox approves of the plan, provided the building is made of logs only, and that the materials can be used for no other purpose, "of which Col. [likely Hugh] Hughes (or his adjutant) will be the judge." Shaw agrees with the plan also.