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Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to David Humphreys

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03356 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter Date: 29 November 1786 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 27 x 19.7 cm. Order a Copy

Written from the "War Office"; location inferred. Discusses the "derangement of the public finance" and the difficulty of being able to financially support the military establishment. Mentions that if Humphreys is with Colonel [Jeremiah] Wadsworth, Wadsworth can explain everything. Also discusses the recruitment of soldiers.

[draft]
War Office 29 Novr. private
My dear sir Although I have not written minutely to you I have not been idle - The derangemt of the public finances [strikeout] are such, as to afford but little hope for a vigorous military establishment - [inserted: [with common on illegible of taxes] Auxiliary, [service] has been requested of the [rich] and [powerful] and I flatter myself that [things] are now in such a train as to produce, the necessary assistance - [inserted: If you are with] Colonel Wadsworth [inserted: he] will give you every necessary explanation.
[struck: I am of opinion]
Notwithstanding my hopes of success, I am apprehensive that the cloth and [strikeout] [inserted: other] necessary [strikeout] preparation for recruiting [inserted: service] cannot be obtained much before the first of January [ensuing] - however nothing on my part shall be wanting to effect it much sooner if possible -

[docket]
Colo. Humphreys
Nov 29. 1786
Private

Humphreys, David, 1752-1818
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

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