Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Benjamin Lincoln
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01604 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 September 1782 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 35.6 x 22.5 cm. Order a Copy
Writes in response to Lincoln's letter of 20 August. Declares, "I am sorry Mr. [Robert] Morris cannot pay for any shells for the french [8?] inch howitzers, as they without shells much be useless after all the time and money which has been expended making new cartridges for them." Has asked General George Washington his opinion on employing German prisoners as armorers at Newburgh in exchange for their freedom (see GLC02437.01589), and Washington feels this is a good idea, so Knox asks Lincoln to make the appropriate arrangements. Also comments that he has received recent Congressional resolves about restructuring the department of military stores, and he will soon forward a list of those who he feels might not be most qualified to continue in service of the department.
[draft]
Westpoint 12 Septr 1782
Sir
I [struck: received] have received your favor of the 28th ultimo. I am sorry Mr Morris cannot pay for any shells for the french [8] inch howitzers, as they without [strikeout] [inserted: shells] must be useless after all the time and [inserted: money] expence which has been expended [strikeout] in making new carriages for them.
I have communicated your [ideas] of engaging German Armourers, to his Excellency the Commander in chief, who [is] of opinion they [might] with great propriety, and advantage be employed to the repairs of Arms at Newburgh, where buildings can be put in order for that purpose. I have therefore to request that you would be pleased to make the necessary [enggements] [sic] with them as soon as possible. There must be one or more superintendants [strikeout] approved solely to orient the business. There also must be tools sent from Philadelphia. I beg that you would be so good as to let me know the number and the time when they [are] probably be at Newburgh [2] as early as possible.
I have also received [Major] [illegible] letter of the 4th instant [struck: respec] enclosing the resolves of Congress of the 3d arranging the department of [new] military stores. I will as soon as I can obtain the proper information transmit the names of the pe[text loss] whom my opinion may be best qualified an[text loss] a consideration of all [illegible] stores to [contract] service.
I have the honor to be
sir with great respect
Your most Obedient Hum
servant.
HKnox
Honorable Major Genl Lincoln
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