Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to George Washington
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.02904 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 January 1784 Pagination: 4 p. ; 33.7 x 21 cm. Order a Copy
Major General Knox reports that he withdrew from New York on or around 18 December 1783, according to the wishes of Governor George Clinton. Informs Washington he has discharged all troops except those who he lists in an enclosed return (not included). Asks Washington to keep this letter private. Reports on the state of officers, discussing their lack of pay or ability to obtain provisions at their time of discharge. Expects to hear from Washington regarding the May 1784 meeting of the "general Society," possibly referring to the Society of the Cincinnati. Discusses "the pay and emoluments of a Major General." Plans to soon depart for Boston. Signed in the left margin of the last page. Knox's retained draft.
[draft]
Westpoint 3d. January 1784
My dear General. I did not leave New York untill the 18th ultimo being the earliest period, that we were able consistent with the wish of Governor Clinton to withdraw the troops from thence. indeed we then left nearly one hundred men, who are since releived [sic] by a company of light infantry of the regiment retained in Service - in addition to [strikeout] [inserted: which] there is a [sub], and about twenty artillery men.
I have [strikeout] discharged all the troops, but those [inserted: specified in the] enclosed return, [struck: and] [inserted: and] I beg [inserted: that] your Excellency [struck: that] you would accept of my letter to Congress [inserted: a copy of which is enclosed] as a report of that business. I thought it would be best to write particularly to Congress as it [struck: was] [inserted: was] probable that you were at Mount Vernon, [struck: which] [inserted: and it] might [struck: besides being such the] [inserted: cause much] delay of [inserted: in] writing to them through you. [strikeout]
[struck: the reduction] I have to request therefore that you will have the goodness to consider this as a private letter. [struck: I found it necessary in the reduction to have the operation of those principles, or nearly so - The principle] [inserted: It] having been established that the [struck: war and] [inserted: objects] of the War being accomplished, and the service at an end [2] no officer could claim to be put in the new [struck: regiment which might in the] [strikeout] [inserted: arrangement] upon [inserted: the mere] principle of seniority. And this was confirmed beyond a doubt by [struck: the opinion] what [inserted: was] I understood to be the opinion of the officers [struck: themselves], [struck: who] who generally [struck: hold] [inserted: entertained] the idea that it was optional with [struck: themselves whether] [inserted: themselves] to continue or not, as suited their circumstances without having their certificates for [inserted: the] ultimate [struck: services of the] received of their [struck: commutation] [inserted: services] delayed or denied [struck: But the principle that seniority of rank could not] The new Hampshire Officers agreed among themselves who should officer the two companies which we formed from that State. [struck line: The Artillery officers were taken [inserted: nearly] as they stood upon the list [strikeout] and the the [struck: choice]] [inserted: nomination] of the officers for the remaining seven companies [inserted: of the Massachusetts line] were left entirely to the field Officers - [struck: what] - [inserted in left margin: And the Artillery officers were taken nearly as they stood upon the list.] Were it not for the peculiar situation of the officers [struck: dismissed] [inserted: discharged] in the midst of a severe season, [inserted: without pay] and in some instances without the subsistence money I believe the reduction would have been effected with as much facility as any that have preceded it - The discontents however I believe have not been great except in the instance of Colonel M Jackson whose affections and views, appear to have been fixed to continue [3] to continue in the service - Whatever maybe the sentiment of any person respecting my agency in this necessary business I can [struck: safely] [inserted: truly] [struck: boldly] assert that [struck: the] [inserted: a] [strikeout] regard to the public Good has been my sole object [stuck: and that I think the arrangement] without favor or partiality -
[struck line: There are some [inserted: two or three] officers who have families, which [strikeout] which from the proclamation of their families cann]
There are two or three officers who have families which from the particular state of their circumstances, cannot be removed this winter, to these I have order'd rations [struck: for] untill the first of March, or subsistence money as [inserted: it] may be. And there are [struck: are two or] perhaps four so infirm [struck: that they cannot be removed] [inserted: as to be in the same predicament.]
I shall expect to hear from your Excellency at Boston, respecting the time [struck: when] and the place at which the general society shall meet in May next, and upon any other subjects which you may think proper.
I believe I [struck: never] [inserted: did not] mentioned to your Excellency my ideas [struck: respectin] of the pay [struck: of] [inserted: for] the offices that might be associated vizt - the duties of the secretary at War, Master of ordnance, and the [struck: charge due] charge or command of any troops which might be retained in service. It appears to me and I hope that I fairly estimate [4] the expences and trouble, that the pay and emoluments of a Major General, in a separate department free of any encumbrances, would not be an unreasonable [strikeout] [inserted: appointment] [struck: I think if If the Congress should honor] Should Congress think proper to honor me with an offer of these offices associated together, I should [struck: be] willing to accept them upon the above terms, - But I should do injustice to myself and family to accept of any employment which would not prevent my involving myself - [struck: I mention this with highest confidence]
Having brought the affairs [strikeout] [inserted: here] nearly to a close I shall soon depart for Boston, for which place Mrs Knox & her little family set out from New York on the 16th ultimo. I should do violence to the dictates of my heart were I to suppress [inserted: entirely] its sensations of affection and gratitude to you for the innumerable instances of your kindness and attention to me. And although I can find no words equal to their warmth, I may venture to assure you that they will remain indelibly fixed [struck: in my mind, and that every encrease of your felicity and add to mine.] I beg you to present to Mrs Washington my sincere regards and ardent wishes for her health and happiness - and I [strikeout] devoutly [struck: and sincerely] pray the Supreme being to continue to [struck: keep you in his holy] [inserted: afford you his]
[inserted in left margin: [struck: holy] [inserted: efficient] protection. I am my dear General
Your truly affectionate H. Knox]
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