Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to George Washington [incomplete]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01748 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Autograph letter Date: 17 December 1782 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 33.9 x 20.6 cm. Order a Copy
Writes that he has received General Washington's letter respecting a sleigh, and discusses the possibilities for constructing that sleigh, which will "be put in train immediately and finished with all possible expedition." Is concerned that the painting of the sleigh will take the most time. Relates the ways builders might construct it to limit the jostling and bumpiness felt while riding on a rough road, and also types of curtains they might use to limit the wind's effects.
[draft]
West Point Dec 17 1782
My Dear General.
last evening I received your Excellencys favor respecting a sleigh, and inclosing the paroles and countersigns on the 22d instant. The sleigh shall be put in train immediately and finished with all possible expedition. The painting I am apprehensive, will take the most time. From enquiry it appears that the most approved method of making the sliders, is to have them about [loss] inches curved in the whole length, a greater [loss] would render the riding unpleasant [strikeout] [where] there any roughness in the road, as the joltings, would be more, posibly experienced, than when the curve is small, and extended the [struck: whole] length of the runner - I think, if the holes covered, with a painted canvass, in the manor of your Excellencys barges, with haize curtains it would be [inserted: to keep of the wind] a considerable addition, [strikeout] If your Excellency should be of the same opinion we can [struck: act easily] easily put on the canvas top here, and prepare [every thing] for the [curtains].
[docket]
To his Excellcy General
Washington. 17 Decr 1782
private
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