Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Benjamin Lincoln
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01399 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 April 1782 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 22.6 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to General Lincoln, the Secretary at War, to inform him of the recent acquisition of ordnance from the enemy, obtained with the help of France. Explains that the articles obtained are in bad repair but are in high demand, so recommends a Mr. Byers, "who is at present under engagements" to the United States, to be employed to make as many mortars and howitzers as necessary from the materials. Knox will submit an estimate as to how many they might need.
[draft]
Philadelphia 30 April 1782
Sir
I have the honor to represent, to you that there are in possession of the United States many peices of [inserted: brass] ordnance, taken from the enemy, and [impated] [sic] from France, which in their present form are entirely useless, while the service is laboring under great inconvenience for want of others, [inserted: for] which, these, [struck: might] [inserted: would] [struck: in a] a great degree or [struck: altogether supply] furnish materials [struck: for making] [inserted and struck: to those which are deficient] [struck: those which are deficient]. Mr Byers who is at present under engagements to the united [is] States is [struck: capable] [inserted: competent] of casting [inserted: to great perfection] any Cannon or mortars, [inserted: or Howitzers.] which may be wanted. I take the liberty therefore to request that he may be employd in [2] casting such mortars and Howitzers, as will probably be in demand. a particular account of which I shall hereafter [transmit]
I have the honor sir
To be with great [respects]
Your Hble Servt
HKnox
Honble General Lincoln
Secretary at War.
[docket]
HK to General Lincoln
30 April 1782.
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