Barber, William (fl. 1783-1784) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.02697 Author/Creator: Barber, William (fl. 1783-1784) Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 October 1783 Pagination: 2 p. ; 22.9 x 18.4 cm. Order a Copy
Forwards the muster rolls for August and September. Notes that there is a discrepency in numbers for September due to the number "of the sick, absent and on Commands." Goes on to complain about the decline of the army, in particular the lack of discipline and proper uniforms. Originally included muster rolls, GLC02437.02450 and GLC02437.10536.
[draft] [partial]
I have the Honor to hand you inclosed the abstracts of Muster for the Months of August and September - Why that of the former Month was not delivered to you in due season, was owing to the dispersed Situation of the Regiments who lately returned from Philadelphia, the Particulars of which are well known to yourself - The abstract for September shews the Time the Men in each Regiment and Corps have to serve from the first of the present Month, as accurately as can be ascertained from their respective Muster Rolls - by it you may also observe the great Difference there is, between the Number present, and the Aggregate upon Paper, this Principally consists of the sick absent and on Commands
I have no Remarks of Inspection to make, for indeed no regular one can be expected under the present declining State of our Army - What, of appearance, of Discipline is exhibited by any of the Corps, you, yourself had an opportunity to observe, when you honored the Parade of each, with your Presence -
The distressing Nakedness of the Troops, is an object of serious attention - should they be continued in service one Month longer, an immediate Supply of ever Article of Cloathing is absolutely necessary, not only to make them decent and comfortable, but to preserve their Health and Lives also -
The Corps of Sappers and Miners appears in its present Situation, to be exceedingly useless - it is reduced to sixteen Men, and commanded by a Corporal, the Captain & Lieutenant being quartered on this Side of the River...
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