Shaw, Samuel (1754-1794) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01364 Author/Creator: Shaw, Samuel (1754-1794) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 March 1782 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 19.5 x 15.4 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Major Shaw, Knox's former aide-de-camp, to Brigadier General Knox. Says he was mistaken when he told Knox the lower house of the Massachusetts legislature has passed an act for payment of notes for 1782 for officers and soldiers who still remained in the service. Tells how they decided against the measure. Feels himself lucky as he had already disposed of his notes. Sends this letter by General Benjamin Lincoln, whose stay in Boston started "much speculation. Whether New York or Canada is the object of the ensuing campaign is not fully determined, though the knowing ones seem to incline to the latter." Does not know if Massachusetts will be able to supply what is asked of it. Says that "If it is so difficult, after having captured a whole army and freed a considerable part of the Country, to raise the supplies now called for, what would have been the case had the matter been reversed and we played a losing game?" Also says "On application to the Minister of War respecting the marquees, I could obtain an order for one only - it is the large one, and will be finished agreeable to your directions. Gen. L. can inform you of the reasons which induced the minister to decline giving an order for the other two." Discusses receiving a draft "on a certain great man" from Dr. Shippen. Says in a postscript that "poor Preston" is being attacked in the usual manner at 11 o'clock by George Minot, a young lawyer.
[Excerpts:]
...some sagacious members had the penetration to point out the absurdity of ordering the Treasurer to pay monies, at a time when there was not a penny in his possession, and the expected supplies had long since been appropriated. This has had a pernicious effect on our notes...
...I don't know whether the State will be able to comply with the Requisition for there is a great deal of growling about it, and the people in general swear there is not enough coin among them as is demanded for the present year...
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