Lincoln, Benjamin (1733-1810) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01519 Author/Creator: Lincoln, Benjamin (1733-1810) Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 August 1782 Pagination: 1 p. : address : docket : free frank ; 32.2 x 21 cm. Order a Copy
Marked "private." Informs Knox that since writing his public letter, he has waited on Mr. [Robert] Morris to acquire the sums necessary to buy cartridge boxes but he has "not obtained it or even an encouragement that [he] may soon expect it." Hopes to be able to supply the artillery soon. Writes, "Consider how painful it is my friend to apply and be denied." Mentions that his duty is to make adjustments and put them before Mr. Morris so that he may procure the necessary articles. Asks Knox "not to blame me because you do not observe that supply which I have not in my power to procure." Integral address leaf contains a free frank signed by Lincoln.
West Point Augt. 7 1782
Private
My dear Sir
Since writing my pubic letter I have waited on Mr. Morris requesting & even soliciting a sum of money for the purpose of supplying Cartridge boxes but I have not obtained it or even an encouragement that I may soon expect it - I am now attempting to procure enough for the purpose of supplying the articles in your estimate No. 3 - I hope in this to succeed it is however yet uncertain. -
Consider how painful it is my friend to apply and be denied - Consider that my duty is, in time, to make the necessary estimates and lay them before the financier that he may take his measures for procuring the articles this has been long [inserted: since] done do not blame me because you do not observe that supply which I have [inserted: it not] in my power to procure - I wish you would read your [inserted: last] public letter to me -
And believe me with sincere affection
& esteem your friend & Servant
B Lincoln
Genl Knox
[address leaf]
Private
Hon
Major General Knox
B Lincoln
[docket]
From General Lincoln 7th Augt
1782
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