Lamb, John (1735-1800) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01354 Author/Creator: Lamb, John (1735-1800) Place Written: Burlington, New Jersey Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 February 1782 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 21.8 x 16.7 cm. Order a Copy
Written from Burlington, likely in New Jersey. Writes that he was "informed by the Pay-Master that the Financier intended the officers should receive two months Pay, in certain Notes, payable on the 1st of August next." He and the other officers agreed that "our receiving Pay of any kind in which the Soldiers do not share, will have a tendency, to sour their minds, still more, - and, may involve consequences not only fatal to those who command them, but the Public." Is ready to travel to New York state and hopes to stop in Poughkeepsie and convince the legislature there to recruit new soldiers and advance some money to those already in their employ.
[draft]
Burlington 14.th Febry. 1782
Dear General,
Having been informed by the Pay - Master, that, the Financier intended, the Officers should receive, two Months Pay, in certain Notes, payable on the 1.st of August next; - I immediately communicated the same, to the Officers of the Regiment; who are all of them, in sentiment with me, that our receiving Pay (of any kind) in which the soldiers do not share, will have a tendency, to sour their minds, still more; - And, may involve consequences, not only fatal to those who Command them, but the Public. - For this reason, they have unanimously agreed, to decline receiving the Notes; - of which, I have this Morning, informed General Washington in a Letter, which, goes per the bearer.
I intend setting out on Monday next, for the State of New York - And as the Legislature will be convened, at the time I reach Poughkeepsie, I flatter myself, I shall be able to
[(Next)]
[2] to convince them, of the absolute necessity of Recruiting the Regiment. - And, advancing some Money, to keep the soldiers (now in their service) in good humour.
If you have any Commands, to the Northward, I shall be extremely happy to be favored with them.
Please to present my Respectful Compliments to M.rs Knox - And believe me to be, with every Sentiment of the most perfect Respect -
Dear General,
Your Obdt Servant
John Lamb
Brig.r Genl. Knox
[address]
Hon.ble
Brigadier General Knox
Philadelphia
Favor'd per
L.t [Wetfell].
[docket]
From Col. Lamb
14 Feby 1782.
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