Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Benjamin Lincoln
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01974 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 March 1783 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 33.5 x 20.9 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses anxiety within the Army and a mission of General Alexander McDougall, possibly in connection to a petition of Congress for payment for the enlisted men. States that " ... if they [the army] should be disbanded previous to a settlement, without knowing who to look to for an adjustment of accounts & responsibility of payment, they will be so deeply stung by the injustice & ingratitude of their country as to be become its tygers [sic] & wolves."
[draft]
West Point 3 March 1783
My dear friend. I hope you had a [inserted: more] pleasant journey than we apprehended when you left this place. I have nothing to communicate in addition, to what was said when you were here. I [struck: pray] [inserted: most earnestly conjure] [struck: st] you [struck: to [strikeout] request] [inserted: to urge] that every thing respecting the Army be decided upon before [struck: that] peace takes place. that event must be certain, therefore no time ought to be left. The Army are [inserted: anxiously] waiting the result of General McDougalls mission. Let the public only comply with their own promises, and the Army will return to their respective homes, the lambs & bees, of the Community. [inserted: But] If they should be disbanded previous to a settlement, without knowing who to look to for an adjustment of accounts & a responsibily [sic] of payment, they will be [struck: the wolves & tygers] so [inserted: deeply] stung by the injustice [inserted: & ingratitude] of their country as to be become its tygers & wolves. pray let me [inserted: often] hear from you [inserted: upon] this subject.
[struck: I am my dear sir]
[I am] my dear sir
Your affectionate
HKnox
General Lincoln.
[docket]
To Genl Lincoln 3 March 1783
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