Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to the Board of War and Ordnance
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00986 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New Windsor, New York Type: Manuscript letter Date: 27 June 1781 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 33.3 x 21 cm. Order a Copy
In Samuel Shaw's hand, signed by Shaw for Henry Knox. Discusses loans of cannon, powder, and other supplies from various states, to be gathered in his vicinity. Docket, also written by Shaw, indicates the letter was sent by General [Ezekiel] Cornell.
New Windsor, 27 June 1781
Gentlemen,
I have the honor to acknowledge your favor mentioning that you had received my letter of the 3d instant requesting the ordnance and stores from Pennsylvania . . - . since which I have heard nothing further.
I have the pleasure to inform the board, that the states of Massachusetts and Rhode Island have readily complied with the requisitions for the loan of cannon, and have given such effectual assistance in the transportation of them, and the Continental stores directed, as to ensure the arrival of them on this river early in next month. Massachusetts have agreed to lend one hundred barrels of powder only - The determinations of Connecticut with respect to the loan of this article have not been received - Genl Cornell, from the assistance which he afforded at Springfield, has it amply in his power to give a detail of its stores that may be expected from therin. Our prospects from the Eastward are good, and I flatter myself we shall not be disappointed in any great Degree from Pennsylvania. Powder is the article of which we are the most deficient. I hope that all that can be possibly provided in Pennsylvania or Maryland will be forwarded.
I earnestly request that all the articles for composition, and the implements for the laboratory, cartridge paper, empty cartridges, ropes, [2] ropes &ca may be forwarded, as soon as possible, by the upper route.
The powder to be forwarded by the same route to this place, well secured from injury by bad weather, and under a proper guard. The first division of which to be at this place by the 20th next month, and the succeeding divisions to arrive at three or four days distance from one another.
The heavy cannon, to be at King's Ferry by the above time.
The shot, shells, and forty tons of the largest fine grape to be held in readiness to be transported by the 25th of next month.
A particular application will be made to New Jersey, by his Excellency the Commander in Chief, to transport the shot and shells from the furnaces in that state to the points of operation.
I shall be obliged by an information from your honorable board, respecting these matters, as soon as it can possibly be given.
I have the honor to be
Gen
HKnox
The Hon
Board of War & Ordnance.
[docket]
To The Board of War & Ordnance
27th June 1781
Sent by Gen. Cornell.
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