Shaw, Samuel (1754-1794) to Henry Knox

My Dear General,

I am happy in having it in my power to inform you of the safe arrival of your Brother in France, after a passage of 23 days. This information comes by a vessel in at Salem or Beverly which sailed two days after the Frigate's arrival in which your brother took his passage. There are no letters from him, owing perhaps to his not being acquainted with the intended departure of this vessel. A letter from Jona Williams (I think of the 27th Nov) says the Frigate brought them the first intelligence of the surrender of Cornwallis, which was re -
cei
[2] ceived with the most heartfelt satisfaction by our good Allies and it was expected would be productive of the greatest good consequences. We now begin to look out for some accounts from England as they must necessarily have been acquainted in a few days after with this interesting event.
The legislature of this State met eight days ago and still continue seting. The Governor has made them a sensible speech, and it is said they intend applying themselves in good earnest to comply with the requisitions before them. It is the general sentiment, that now is the time to support our illustrious Commander, and by a proper exertion, put in his power to finish what
has
[3] has been so gloriously begun.
- The business of paying the troops belonging to the state for their services in 80, will also be completed this session, and certificates issue from the treasury accordingly. When this is done I shall lose no time in obtaining what is due to you in that way. I am sorry to say these certificates, or indeed any other government securities, will be little better to us, than so much blank paper. I have not during my stay in Town been able to raise a single dollar on all the notes which I hither to received. Nothing has as yet been done respecting those which are payable next March, nor can I learn that any thing will be done at present.
Mr.
[4] Mr. Frothingham, who came to Town a fortnight ago, informs me that you proposed to soon to shift your quarters to Burlington. I hope you will find them agreeable an in a social circle there be fully compensated for the want of any amusements Philadelphia can afford. For my own part this [inserted: place] affords me but few. I go to all public places and see as much company as I wish to - but still I seem a stranger here - and were it not that my studies, French and the Mathematics, engage a very large portion of my attention, Time would lag along very heavily.
We have had reports here that a new arrangement of the Army had been proposed, but that it had fallen through, as his Excellency would not give his
as - [5]
assent to a measure which would turn a number of poor tho' deserving officers pennyless upon an inhospitable world. A very cogent reason for his refusal - and it is to be regretted that the Country cannot, or will not, by fulfilling past engagements, have it in their power to adopt so essential a piece of a oeconomy.
I thank you, my dear Sir, for your letter of the 7th which owing to my being a few miles from Town, did not reach me in season for the last frost. I am much concerned for the issue of your affair - for if Congress refuse you that justice [strikeout] you have a right to, they might inevitably deprive their Country of an officer, whose services have been and might again be exceedingly usefully to her.
I
[6] I wish when I write again I may be so happy as to transmit to Mrs. Knox and yourself letters from a brother who is so deservedly dear to you. The next arrival from France will no[t] doubt give me an opportunity.
Adieu, my dear General
believe me ever yours
S. Shaw
Boston,
31 Jany. 1782.

Hon. Gen. Knox.
[address leaf]
Hon. Gen. Knox
Philadelphia.
P Post.
[docket]
From
Major Shaw 31 January
1782