Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to George Washington
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00871 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: s.l. Type: Manuscript document signed Date: 5 January 1781 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 32.2 x 20.3 cm. Order a Copy
Lists ordnance and military stores necessary for the campaign of 1781 according to type and number needed. Also includes a list of artillery necessary for a siege and a note concerning the making and cost of gun carriages. Written in a Park of Artillery. Written and signed for Knox by Samuel Shaw.
Ordnance and Military Stores necessary for the campaign of 1781.
- Muskets of the latest and most approved construction in Europe, complete with iron ramrods, bayonets, scabbards and belts - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 25000
- Gun worms - brushes and wires - and screw drivers - of each species - - - - - - - - - - 30000
Cartridge boxes it is presumed may be easily made in America.
- Flints of the best kind - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 250000
Swords for the non commissioned officers of the artillery and infantry, short cut and thrust good blades, with black belts - - - - - - - steel mounted 1800
- - - - yellow do 200
Ditto for the officers; of a superior sort with decent belts - steel mounted 1800
- - - - yellow do 200
Dragoon swords, of a good quality,
steel mounted - 1000
Ditto for officers - do - 200
Pistols, for light dragoons - pairs - 1000
Ditto, for [struck: the] officers, of a better post - prs 200
Blue silk for regimental colors }
yard wide } yd s 600
Lead
[2] Lead - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - pounds - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 600,000.
Powder -
For the musket or infantry service - barrells of 100 pounds each} 1500
For the service of the artillery barrels 4500
Flannel for the cartridges of the
field artillery - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -yards 2000
Artillery proper for a siege.
6 13 inch mortars}
30 24 pounders}
20 18 [do] -} These may be brass or iron - There being but little difference in the weight
of battering cannon of these calibres. If iron, the metal ought to be excellent.
Brass} 20 8 inch
Howitzers} [struck: 4 - 10 inch]
The above calibres supposed to be English measure.
The carriages made in America are equal to any imported, but it will take much time to make them. The first cost of the carriages in Europe, exclusive of the freight, will be as much as the cost of iron cannon and mortars. If the cannon are to be used the ensuing campaign,
they
[3] they ought to be mounted on travelling carriages - if not, a great expence will be saved by not importing the carriages. It would be unnecessary to import garrison carriages or implements. - It would be equally unnecessary to import shot or shells, as they are made in America to great perfection.
H Knox
Brig.r Genl Artillery
Park of Artillery
5 January 1781.
His Excellency
General Washington.
[docket]
Estimate of sundry
stores wanted for the
ensuing campaign.
Made to his Excy Gen.
Washington.
5 Jany 1781.
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