Trumbull, Jonathan (1740-1809) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.02205 Author/Creator: Trumbull, Jonathan (1740-1809) Place Written: Newburgh, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 June 1783 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 23.6 x 19.4 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Jonathan Trumbull Jr., General Washington's secretary, to Major General Knox. Reports that Washington wants to inform Knox that the President of Congress announced on 24 June that Congress was to move to Princeton on 26 June. This was a reference to Congress leaving Philadelphia after protests from angry, unpaid veterans, a continuation of the long festering anger over nonpayment that had led to the Newburgh consiracy in early 1783. They arrived in Princeton last Thursday. Says it appears that the "Rioters continued to be embodied & in Arms." Says Pennsylvania would not give the necessary protection and as a result the resolution was passed to move. Says the measure has made many of the protesters lay down their arms and that 5 officers involved in the affair were impeached. Also says there are "Suspicious whispers that some Citizens of Note are also concerned." Says the President hopes "the Mutiny would be soon quelled." Received a recent report from New Jersey that the protesters have submitted and all is quiet. "Public service" written on address leaf with no signature.
Head Quarters, 30th June 1783 -
Sir,
His Excellency directs me to acquaint you, that by a Letter from the President of Congress, he is informed, that, that Hono Body were, by Proclamation issued on the 24th, summoned to meet at Princeton on the 26th, at which place they were arrived last Thursday -
By this letter & Proclamation it appears, that the Rioters continued to be embodied & in arms - and that Congress could not obtain from the President & Council of the State, that promise of support, or Encouragement of protection against Insults, which the Dignity of the federal Government requires under these circumstances, a Resolution was [2] was taken of quitting immediately a place where they could not be properly supported.
This measure has alarmed the Council & Citizens - and the President adds, had great Effect upon the mutineers, many of whom laid down their arms, & made their submission, in impeaching five of their officers of being at the Bottom of the Affair - Suspicion whispers that some Citizens of Note are also concerned
The President expresses his hope that the Munity would soon be quelled - says, the Members of Congress with him, wish the Detachment of Troops may come on -
A Gentleman from N Jersey last Evening reports - that after the above, the Mutineers had entirely submitted, and that [3] all was again quiet in the City.
Most respectfully
I am Sir
Your most Obed Svt
John Trumbull [illegible]
Maj Genl Knox
[address leaf]
public Service
Major General Knox
West Point
packet
[docket]
From Colonel Trumbull 30
June 1783 -
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