Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to George Washington
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.02062 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 April 1783 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 33.6 x 21 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses issuing ammunition and weaponry to the troops. Warns that if every brigade orders the same proportion the number of weaponry will be immense. Retained copy.
[draft]
West point 4 April 1783
Sir
Under the idea of the certainty of peace I submit this to your Excellency whether it will be proper to issue any more ammunition to the troops. The situation of the Army precludg the probability of an attack, a few hours even [struck: indulging] [inserted: supposing] the possibility of a demand would obtain a supply from this post. I have been induced to these [inserted: reflections] by a return for the first Massachusetts brigade [inserted: signed by Major Banks] for a number of Army Accoutrements, 3000 flints and forty thousand musket cartridges. I have [inserted: ordered all the articles to be] issued [strikeout] except two thousand flints, and the 40000 cartridges which I have suspended untill I have your orders - If they are Issued and the army disbanded the public will certainly loose them, and if each brigade should ask a simlar proportion the number will be immense -
I have the honor to be
with the [very] best respect
your Excellencys Obedint Servt
H Knox
His Excellency
General Washington -
[docket]
To His Excy General Washington.
4 April 1783.
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