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Greenleaf, Joseph (1720-1810) to George Washington

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00207 Author/Creator: Greenleaf, Joseph (1720-1810) Place Written: Watertown, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 October 1775 Pagination: 1p. : address : docket ; 19.5 x 15.5 cm.

Summary of Content: Docketed by George Washington. Forwards Knox a plan (not included) given to Greenleaf "by a country gentleman." He concludes that Knox could make the best use of it, commenting that "if it affords any good hints they will be improved by you for the public good." On verso, there is a brief notation believed to be in George Washington's hand: "200 Tons Hay /10,000 Cords W."

Background Information: Greenleaf, a Boston printer and publisher, was a member of the committee "for establishing post offices and post riders." In 1776 he became chairman of the Massachusetts Committee of Safety.

Full Transcript: [draft]
Watertown Octr. 23d. 1775
Sr
The inclosed plan was presented to me by a country gentleman to make such use of as I should think best. I know no better ...use I can make of it than to present it to yr. excellency being assured that if it affords any good hints they will be improved by you for the public good. -
I am
Sr. your huml. Servt.
Joseph Greenleaf
[address leaf]
To
His excellency
Genr. Washington
Cambridge
[docket]
200 Tons Hay
10,000 Cords W.
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People: Greenleaf, Joseph, 1720-1810
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Historical Era: American Revolution, 1763-1783

Subjects: Military HistoryRevolutionary WarPresidentArtilleryMilitary SuppliesContinental ArmySiege of Boston

Sub Era: The War for Independence

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