Shaw, Samuel (1754-1794) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.02702 Author/Creator: Shaw, Samuel (1754-1794) Place Written: Princeton, New Jersey Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 October 1783 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket : free frank ; 32.7 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses a Congressional meeting that may determine whether Knox should be granted an allowance for Major General of a separate division. Since they did not have enough representatives from the states, the decision has been postponed and is causing Shaw some anxiety. Free frank signed by Benjamin Lincoln and noted as sent "On Public Service," though the "On Public" portion is missing due to text loss.
[draft] [partial]
When I wrote you last post day I was in hopes that before this the business which has so long detained me here would have been settled to our satisfaction. The opposition I expected from No. Carolina was obviated, and on Saturday last a new committee, consisting of D. Williamson Mr. Osgood and D. Tiltson were appointed to take it into consideration. Their report, in favor of your having the allowance of a major general in a separate department, was read in Congress on Monday, but their being only eight States nothing further could be done. The respected member from Delaware did not arrive - South Carolina and Pennsylvania have been absent till yesterday, when the latter returned and completed the nine states, including Jersey. Eight of them - I was sure of; and after conversing with Mr. Condict, who told me the application was just and he knew of no objective to it, I desired Mr. Osgood to bring the matter forward this morning. he did so, and there was no opposition excepting on the part of condict, who would have agreed to the report, provided they would deduct the forty dollars allowed you as head of the ordnance. Your friends did not think fit to consent to this and the matter, of course, remains suspended. Tomorrow, South Carolina is expected. If she comes we shall have nine starts exclusive of Jersey and be able to carry our point. As soon as Congress breaks up for this day I shall have at Mr. Ocndirt and again try the force of persuasion upon him, for if S. Carolina does not come we cannot possibly do without him. If the matter does not succeed tomorrow or the next day, further attendance will be unavailing. The States are on the wing, and after this week there will not again be nine together, till the new Congress meets at Annapolis, to which place they on the 12 of next month adjoin to assemble on the 26th - In this sage I shall fit out for West Point on Sunday accompanied by two wretched aids, chagrin and disappointment - But if , as I hope and pray the business succeeds, I shall not see you so soon , as I would go to Philadelphia on Monday and see Mr. Morris, which would not allow me to leave this place on my return till Thursday
I beg you to accept my reads to Mrs. Knox and yourself - my anxiety for the success of your business is extreme, if it is possible to effect it by staying here longer than I have mentioned, however painful it will be to me, I will still forego that interesting society which has of late rendered West Point so peculiarly pleasing...
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