Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Lord Stirling [William Alexander]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01677 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 October 1782 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 33.4 x 20.5 cm. Order a Copy
Thanks Lord Stirling for the wagons and buildings he sent for use "in the public service." Does not expect to require any more supplies from Albany, and says that the materials which have already arrived are in excellent order. Believes that "muskets and other military stores" might remain in Albany over the winter, but if Lord Stirling thinks otherwise, he will arrange to have them sent to West Point via Captain [Thomas] Seward. Describes a new negotiation between England and America which has begun under the "auspices of Lord Shelbourne" with an agent from England named Mr. Fitzherbert. Reports that "It is said the American Independence is conceded by England in is utmost latitude." Also discusses the fate of the army's troops after the war, and mentions Secretary of War Benjamin Lincoln. Adds that Mrs. Knox sends her congratulations to Lord Stirling's daughter, Kitty [Catharine], on the birth of her son.
[draft]
West point 22 October 1782.
My Lord,
I have to acknowledge your Lordships favors of the 20 ultimo 2 & 6th instant. I beg you to accept of my hearty thanks for sending the [buildings] and Waggons both of which were much wanted In the public service. I do not know of any intention of sending to Albany for any additional buildings or I should have communicated it. The ordnance store was my principal object which we have received here in excellent order. The muskets and other military stores, a list of which your lordship sent to me, might be determined this Winter at Albany provided [your] [struck: lordship] should think [them] safe & not liable to be [diminished]. if you should think otherwise I pray they may be sent to this place by Capt Seward agreeable to [yr] proposition - [Struck: The Q] I also take the liberty [to request] that your Lordship would be pleased to order every [species] of Armorers tools to this place. The QM stores were safely received and of much importance to us - The plank boards and tea shiped by Captain [Lotteridge] [2] [inserted: miscarried] by the Vessell [Friday] at Poughkeepsie -
I had [inserted: the pleasure to see] Mr Duer yesterday on the road. He will tell you all the news. A new negociation is opened under the auspices of Lord Shelburne, a Mr Fitzherbert is the Agent for England. It is said the American Independence is conceded by England in its utmost Latitude, but there are some comercial points to adjust between the neutral and [strikeout] belligerant [sic] powers, which can be settled only by [struck: A] free discussion- A Congress is to be held for this purpose, at which time American [Commissioners] to be in the same body as other [Sovereign] powers. The french Army [Marches]- part for Boston to England for the West Indies - the Legion to Wilimington [sic] on the Delaware to cover the french Army Artillery at Baltimore. I feel [strikeout] strong sensations of gratitude to this gallant [Corps] & I follow them sincerely with my good wishes. Our Army will soon take [a position] to Winter not [essentialy] [sic] different for the Cantonment of last year. A derangement of the Army was to take place, that is all the troops of the respective States were to be put into regiments of not less than 500 [3] rank and file [inserted: each]. This has created vast inequity as the supernumerary States were to be delayed. General Lincoln came up to camp for that purpose but, I am informed he has returned convinced of the [inpropriety] [sic] of the measure at this moment. The officers complain of it as an intolerable greviance to be turned out of the service at this [strikeout] [inserted: period] without a sufficiency to [transport] them to their places of abode.
I shall be happy to communicate you any thing [struck: new] which may [turn] up, in this hour of expectation. Mrs Knox requests her sincere [affection] to be presented to Lady Stirling and [inserted: to] [Lady] Kitty, to whom [he] [sic] wishes [that] happiness with her little stranger
I am my [Dear Lord] with
great affection
your Sincere friend &
very Humble Sert
HKnox
Major Genl
Lord Stirling
[docket]
To Lord Stirling 22 October
1782.
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