Bauman, Sebastian (1739-1803) to Henry Knox
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01711 Author/Creator: Bauman, Sebastian (1739-1803) Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 November 1782 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 35 x 22 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to inform Knox that despite his generous offer to bring his family to West Point, "I must again from urgent and impossible family reason beg leave of absence for the winter." Says that if it is not in Knox's power to grant his request, perhaps a few lines written to General George Washington would be able to help. Declares that he has children to look after, and is debilitated in health due to heavy military service, for which the country has not shown its gratitude. Adds that General Washington's suggestion that "two field officers should remain with a regiment" suggests that West Point has become a "frontier" a subtle enemy could exploit, should they mean to prosecute a war. Argues, however, that he is residing near camp so he could be of service if necessary.
[Excerpt:]
The suggestion of the commander in chief, that two field officers should remain with a regiment, can be nothing more...as that West Point is now partly become a frontier to a subtle Enemy, which may likely appear worth their attention, should they mean to prosecute the War.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.