Shaw, Samuel (1754-1794) to Henry Knox

[draft]
My dear Sir,
My stay in this quarter has been protracted already beyond our expectation, and will I think continue five or six days longer. On communicating your letters to His Excellency I found him really desirous and disposed to serve you, but as he could not tell what steps the Secretary at War had taken, or whether any, he recommended that the matter should be postponed till his return from Philadelphia, where he had gone the day previous to my arrival. In order that no time might be lost, I went to the city last Monday and found, to my great chagrin and disappointment, that he had the same morning set off for Wilmington, to make arrangements derangements, &c. I am just now returned with him to this place, and His Excellency and he are to meet a committee, to whom the [2] the affair is refer'd, on Monday next. They both think it will be most advisable to drop the claim for the extra ordnance allowance, as they fear insisting on it at this time would be detrimental to the other. The General has great influence with Congress, and is of opinion that the justice of the claim will be so evident to them as to insure its success. He adds, that it shall want no support that he can possibly give it.
Congress are still on the business of a peace establishment - for which twenty five hundred troops are talked of. [struck: The] [inserted: Its] Its progress has been interrupted by the question coming on respecting the place for the permanent residence of Congress, which is determined shall be on the Delaware, about two miles below Trenton. The temporary residence is to be fixed on this day, which is expected to be either at Annapolis or Wilmington.
Gen. [3] Gen. Lincoln has given in his resignation as Secretary at War. Congress he says will accept it, and adds that it is the general opinion you will be his successor. The ordnance department will be blended with it. A residence with Congress will not be insisted on. The pay will be three thousand dollars per annum, out of which must be deducted the salary of a clerk, who must keep the office where Congress shall reside. The remainder goes to the Secretary, as a compensation for visiting the magazines once a year and discharging the other duties of his office. The present secretary says it will yield a clear income of 16 or 1800 dollars. He asked my opinion with respect to your acceptance of it. I told him I thought it would be agreeable to you, especially if the command of the troops with an additional allowance should be annexed - which is a measure he thinks will take place.
Tho' I know of no conveyance at present for this letter (for their [sic] seems to be very little communication with West Point from this quarter) I thought it not amiss to mention the aforegoing matters, in order that you may have the information as soon as possible should any opportunity unexpectedly offer. - In the mean while every effort on my part shall be used to bring the business to its wished for issue - and I am sure you are persuaded that no event could render me so happy as its success. - Please to make my regards acceptable to Mrs. Knox -
Your S. Shaw

Rocky Hill,
Saturday, 11 Octo 1783.

Hon. General Knox.