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Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Samuel Osgood

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01752 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 20 December 1782 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 35 x 23.2 cm. Order a Copy

Written by Major General Knox to Massachusetts Continental Congressman Osgood. This letter is a reply to Osgood's letter at GLC02437.01730. Says that his sentiments have caused "uneasiness" among the officers. Knox made sure the principal officers would hear Osgood's opinions by passing the letter along to General John Paterson to share. Believes that McDougall, Ogden, and Brooks, who have been dispatched to Congress, will be able to convince that body the officers deserve better treatment, especially those that have families. Says the officers have confidence that Congress understands what the officers went through.

[draft]
West Point 20 Dec 1782

My dear Sir
I received you favor of the 3d instant [struck: and as I thought] and as it fully contained your sentiments on a matter which has given much uneasiness for the officers, I thought it was due to you that they should generally be informed, of your opinion. I therefore [struck: took] assumed the liberty to enclose it for General Patterson, [strikeout] with a request that he could shew it to the principal officers of the line He has not yet returned the letter to me but I think that the [struck: full] [inserted: ample] manner in which you have detailed the subject will lend in a great degree if not altogether to remove that prejudice which they entertained.
General Mc Dougall & Colonell Ogden and Brooks, are appointed by the Army to present
a state of their case to Congress. I am persuaded that the representation those Gentlemen carry, and the respectful manner in which they will conduct themselves cannot be displeasing to Congress. On the contrary I think the extreme distress of the Army for want of pay will be a noble argument for congress to enforce to the [strikeout] respected states a mere punctual [struck: compliance with their] [inserted: payment] of taxes - Indeed words are made inadequate to describe the excessive [strikeout] of [inserted: anxiety of the officers] [2] especially those who have families, looking up to them for support - The officers promise themselves [relief] [strikeout] in consequence of this application - They have a confidence that Congress [struck: will do all] have a proper view of their senses & sufferings and will do every thing in their power [struck: to compensate them] to make them happy
I am my dear sir with your respect
Your most obedient
Servant
HKnox
The honorable
Samuel Osgood eq
[docket]
To Samuel Osgood Eq
20 Decr 1782

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