Peters, Richard (ca. 1743-1828) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00899 Author/Creator: Peters, Richard (ca. 1743-1828) Place Written: New Windsor, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 February 1781 Pagination: 2 p. ; 22.8 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
Responds to Knox's previously written letter to the War Office on 13 February 1781(see GLC02437.0887). Discusses the status and new command of troops.
Peters was the Secretary of the Board of War. The position later became Commissioner of the Board of War.
[draft]
War Office Feby 21. 1781
Sir
The Board have been honored with your Letter of the 13th inst. They had no Doubt of the Construction put on the Words Three Years or during the War operating this the Line & as the Matter is now situated the soldiers of the whole Army will probably desire to share the Advantages the Precedent which seems to be established holds not to them. The Men of the Regiment of Artificers under the Predicament will be most probably discharged & therefore it will be out of our Power to comply with your Request as to the Detachment you require unless the Posts at Carlisle & Springfield are nearly drained of the Artificers who will be left after the Three Year Men are gone. We have reported to Congress that the New Comd Officers & Men of Col Baldwin's Regiment shall be put under your Directions that Regiment being about to be broke up, probably with your Care & the knowledge of the officers these People may [2] be made useful & we wish this among others Reasons because it is the only Expedient we can think of for present Assistance.
We are Sir
your very obedt Servants
Richard Peters
By order
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