Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Benjamin Lincoln
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.02009 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 March 1783 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 34.3 x 21.2 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Major General Knox to Benjamin Lincoln. References his letter from "a few days past." Says that the letter mentioned a meeting of officers called for by a paper circulating around camp. Says "The meeting was had yesterday, and the General will forward the proceedings to Congress - which will, I am certain make you perfectly happy." Says the meeting went well and that it "will set the military character of America in a high point of view." Says that if the people have any gratitude in them they will now support the army. Wants to have the proceedings published immediately to affect public opinion on the army and asks if Lincoln can have that done. Calls Washington's address "a masterly performance." References Lincoln's letter of 12 March. Hopes Colonel Dyer of Connecticut will change his vote and approve the half-pay pensions. (GLC02437.02007 is a later copy of this letter).
Head Quarters 16 March 1783
I wrote you my dear friend a few days past informing of the active measures of some unknown persons to raise the officers of the Army to attempt to redress their own greviances [sic]. The meeting was held yesterday and the General will forward the proceedings to Congress which will I am certain make you perfectly happy.
The occasion though intended for opposite purposes has been one of the happiest circumstances of the War, as it will set the [struck: charac] military Character of America in [struck: most superior po] a high point of view. If the people have [struck: the] [inserted: the] most latent spark [inserted and strikout] of gratitude, this generous [proceeding] of the Army must call it forth. For that reason I think the proceedings ought to be published. can you not have this done immediately? if so, forward some [struck: copies] [inserted: hundreds [struck: of the] Copies] to the Army. The Genls address is a masterly performance. [struck: I have] received your favor of the 12.th stating the present situation of the commutation I hope Mr Dyer or some other person may be induced to vote for its push [there]. [struck: my dear friend]
I am your affectionate
HKnox
Genl. Lincoln
[docket]
To Gen. Lincoln
16 March 1783
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