Smith, Reuben (fl. 1770-1781) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01148 Author/Creator: Smith, Reuben (fl. 1770-1781) Place Written: Litchfield, Connecticut Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 20 August 1781 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 31.1 x 18.8 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Smith, a town leader in Litchfield, Connecticut (he was Litchfield County Treasurer 1779-1780, but it could not be ascertained if he continued in that position into 1781), to Brigadier General Knox. References Knox's letter of 3 August 1781. Mentions that when he told Knox about "certain transactions" of a Mr. [William] Richards, which "appeared to me very reprehensible," that he had no intentions of becoming a prosecutor in the case. Just told Knox because he thought Mr. Richards was under his control. Smith was concerned about going forward with the inquiry if Richards "must suffer Capitally." Knox told Smith he did not want any further inquiry other than a "just & true account of all the public stores which he ever had in charge, and made to respond [to] the Damages wherein he fail'd, and be dismiss'd from any further Service, as I believ'd him to have been an unprofitable Servant." Smith claims this can be done without a court martial.
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