Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Benjamin Lincoln
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.02592 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Manuscript letter Date: 30 September 1783 Pagination: 2 p. ; 23 x 18.8 cm. Order a Copy
Later copy. Discusses the lack of funds for supplies and the large expenses incurred due to lack of stores. Plans to apply for more aid to see if "I cannot obtain the same compensation as those who have gone before me. Certainly I have expended as much as any of them and I only ask the same allowance."
West Point 30th Sept 1783-(private)
My dear Sir
A Report has been brought to the Garrison that you have crossed the river at Dobbs' - It may be unnecessary to say how much this mortifies me. Your affairs must have been urgent to induce you to pass us unnoticed.
The emoluments enjoyed by my predecessors in this Command, the deprivation of which I was unacquainted with until after I came to this post and the very serious expenses I have unavoidably been at since I came here, far exceeding the subsistence I have received, have induced me to send Major [struck: Shaw] [inserted: Shaw] to see whether I cannot obtain the same compensation as those who have gone before me. Certainly I have expended as much as any of them. And I only ask the same allowance - this is but common justice - If it is not granted me it will have an ugly effect for which I wish to know the reason - I beg you will give them any information [2] and assistance.
I have written to his Excellency the General upon the matter, and requesting his interest perhaps it might tend to insure success of the request if the request as head of the ordnance should be droped and the one for commanding this post adhered to with the proviso that an order must be obtained for prompt payment - As I am in great necessity for some dollars. In either case I flatter myself that I shall have no cause of complaining of unequal re[ward] for the same services -
I am well informed that the Q.M.G. has ordered the expenses of Genl. Howe to be paid out in Philadelphia.
I am dear Sir
Your affectionate humble
servant
H Knox
Genl. Lincoln
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