Malcom, William (fl. 1776-1783) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.02217 Author/Creator: Malcom, William (fl. 1776-1783) Place Written: Montgomery, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 July 1783 Pagination: 1 p. : address : docket ; 26.7 x 21.3 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Colonel Malcom to Major General Knox. Says a Mr. Peacock will be presenting this letter and that he was formerly a subaltern in his regiment, who acquitted himself with courage. He is a refugee from New York, although he was one of the first to declare for independence. Says he served while his property could support himself and his family and that he is now reduced in circumstances. Wants to enter into a partnership with a Mr. Dunlap at the garrison (West Point?). As he will be a stranger there, he has requested a written recommendation to assist him in his new home. Would like Knox to help him if he can.
Malcom was first appointed to command one of the sixteen additional Continental Regiments under the direct supervision of General Washington on April 30, 1777. His regiment was consolidated with another regiment of the army in a 1779 and he was found to be a supernumary officer. In the summer of 1780, he was appointed to command the Northern War Department. Samples of his command style and chain of thought can be found in his papers at The New-York Historical Society
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