Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to George Washington
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01394 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Basking Ridge, New Jersey Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 April 1782 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 32.3 x 20.5 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses Washington's negotiation with the state of Virginia to obtain cannon from them for the United States. Writes that he would have written to General Benjamin Lincoln earlier to discuss what to do with the cannon, but thought he would be leaving soon from Elizabeth Town and could explain better in person; he did not expect such a long delay. Also comments on the upcoming campaign and the ideal size and placement of artillery weapons, and refers to Colonel John Crane.
Baskenridge 21 April 1782
Sir
I [struck: ha] received your Excellencys letter of the 10th instant [struck: containing] [inserted: enclosing] an extract of Governor Harrisons Letter of the 23 March respecting the [struck: 23 March] brass Cannon belonging to the State of Virginia. I should instantly have written to General Lincoln requesting that he would put the matter in a train of execution, but that I every day expected to set out for Philadelphia where I could explain to him with much greater [struck: ease] [inserted: precision] the nature of the [inserted: propos'd exchange] [struck: transaction] than by letter. Although my departure has been [struck: unreasonably] protracted much beyond my expectation, I shall [struck: however] endeavor [inserted: illegible] [any] my arrival, to push the business, so as to make up for lost time. I am not certain, but I believe that the difference between the price of [struck: metal] the same number of pounds of metal in a small cannon is much greater than in a large one. If carriages are to be [inserted in the left hand margin: added to the] field peices the [struck: difference use] [inserted: disproportion] will be [strikeout] [struck: indeed] great. if there should be no carriages the field peices will be of no service to the states.]
I shall stay at Philadelphia and Burlington only so long as to adjust matters for the Campaign which I shall probably effect [2] so as to be at New Windsor previous to [inserted: or by] the 15th [inserted and struck: or 20th] of next month. I wish to have [struck: from] your Excellency directions concerning [inserted: the time & route] & Lands & regiment [struck: at Burlington] shall march. [struck: this in a consideration If you should] I think the 20th of [struck: next month] May, would be [struck: as long] the utmost period, they ought to remain, provided we have an [struck: northern] operation on Hudsons river - I propose that such parts of the Work which may at that time be unfinished [struck: by illegible] and which will compensate the expence, shall be [transported] to New Windsor.
[struck: I have the honor]
[struck: I instructed Colonel]
Early in the Winter, I instructed Colonel Crane in the strongest terms, to have every thing [struck: in the] respecting the siege artillery put in the best order possible and to make [struck: large] [inserted: full] provision of timber, iron &c for [strikeout] [inserted: the construction] and repairing a great number of large carriages. This has been done he informs me in a degree, tho not so extensively as I could wish, or that the service will probably demand. The business at Elizabeth town has unavoidably interfer'd with the [struck: business] [inserted: duties] of my departments, but I hope by proper exertions to have all things ready for service, by the time, they will [strikeout] [inserted: caled for]. I [3] I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellencys most obedient Servant
HKnox
His Excellency }
General Washington.. }
[docket]
To
His Exy Gen. Washington
21 April 1782
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