Lamb, John (1735-1800) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01132 Author/Creator: Lamb, John (1735-1800) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 August 1781 Pagination: 1 p. ; 18.7 x 15.8 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Colonel Lamb to Brigadier General Knox. Accuses Colonel John Crane of defrauding solders under his command of their pay. Says many of the Crane's officers have accused him of these crimes. Says Lieutenant Colonel Stevens has publicly accused him and informed Crane of the names of other officers. Refuses to do duty with Crane until he exonerates himself from the charge. Says Crane needs to "appear before the world" and deny the charges.
[draft]
Park of Artillery, 14.th Aug.st 1781
Dear General,
As cheating the Soldier of his wages, (which is oftentimes earned, at the price of his blood) is not only highly criminal but has a tendency to excite a spirit of Mutiny and Desertion, and may be attended with the most fatal, and extensive mischief. And as many of Colonel Cranes's Officers, have repeatedly charged him, in the most public manner, with defrauding some of the men of his Regiment. And L.t Colonel Stevens has informed him of the same and has given him the names, of some of the Officers who have made so free with his Character, I am constrained to refuse doing duty with him 'till he exonerates himself from so foul a charge. - If he is innocent it is necessary (for the honor of himself, and the Corps) that he should appear so [inserted: to] the World. And the Officers who have unjustly charged him, with such criminality, called to a severe account, for aspersing his Character.
I am,
With every Sentiment of Respect
Dear General
Your Obd.t Humble Servant
John Lamb
Brig.r General Knox.
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