Washington, George (1732-1799) to the Board of War and Ordnance
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00898 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: New Windsor, New York Type: Manuscript letter Date: 19 February 1781 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 24.5 x 22.3 cm. Order a Copy
In the hand of, and composed by, Henry Knox on behalf of George Washington. Discusses order to prepare a battering train in Philadelphia concerning a secret mission.
The copy in the George Washington Papers at the Library of Congress is in the hand of Samuel Shaw.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
[Draft]
[struck: New Quarters] New Windsor 19 Feby 1781
Gentlemen
I have directed General Knox to have prepar'd at Philadelphia with as much expedition as possible a service battering train. he informs me that he shall send [struck: Col] Colo Stevens to [struck: Philadel] Philadelphia for this purpose - [struck: I request] [inserted: I beg the favor] that you will [struck: be] afford evry assistance to Lt Colonel Stevens which he means you may possess [struck: can] will [strikeout] admit according to kind [struck: directions] [inserted: orders] given [strikeout] by Genl Knox - [struck: In the inspection] [2] [struck: This matter must] be kept as secret [struck: as possible] -
The success of the expedition for which this apparatus is design'd [struck: will] may probably depend upon the secrecy [struck: with of the preparations in Philadelphia
I have the honor [struck: Gentlemen]
[struck: to be] To be your
most [struck: Obedient]
Humble Servant
The Honorable
The board War & Ordnance
[docket]
From
Gen Washington to the
Board of War -
19 Feby 1781.
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