Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to James Byers
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01957 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 26 February 1783 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 33.6 x 21.2 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses the casting of more artillery and the establishment of a system of ordnance for the United States as a whole.
[draft]
West Point 26 Feby 1783
Sir
I received your favor of the 19th instant. I am of the same opinion of the honorable secretary of War, and think that the two 6[7] inch howitzers ought to be melted up into some other form as we have no shells of that size. The Arms of the United States must be raised that is cast with the peice, and repaired afterwards, in the same manner as the english and french.
It is not in my power, to send you the ingenious hand you want who can cut a good letter, repair the arms dolphins &c &c - These ought to be done to perfection, or not done at all.
It is now that we are to commence a system of ordnance for the united States, and therefore every part of the moulding, and casting must be done in such a manner as to bear the most critical inspection of a connoisseur - nothing is to be bungled up as we are not in the same hurry for the pieces as [strikeout] are some parts of the War.
I request that you would send me an exact draught of the five and an half howitzers which you
[2] mention to have cast. I hope the mould is good and such as may be approved I have a draught of a five and an half howitzer which I shall send you as soon as I have an opportunity, and therefore request you would cast no more until we shall compared those you have cast, with those I intend shall be the model in future
I am Sir
Your Humble Servant
HKnox
Mr Byers.
[3] General Lincoln & Mr [Jefferds] have mentioned that you found some difficulty in placing the dolphins with out interfering with the moulding - This appears to me [extraordinary] as [inserted: in] the [struck: public] draught sent you. The dolphins are not [placed within] 6/20 of an inch of the moulding in front - [strikeout]
[docket]
To Mr Byers - [Canndr] Found[ry]
27th Feby 1783.
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