North, William (1755-1836) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03506 Author/Creator: North, William (1755-1836) Place Written: Castle Island, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 31 March 1787 Pagination: 4 p. ; 22.7 x 18.6 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses the upcoming election between John Hancock and James Bowdoin and states that "You will see by the news papers, that the Electioneering Mania has taken full possession of all ranks of people, & it is said that [Faneuil] Hall will be shook to its center on the 30th of May by the clashing of the Bowdoin & Hancock parties - most men with whom I have conversed, say that the latter will carry the day." Mentions a situation related to Major Hull's rank and the possible reduction of troops in the state of Massachusetts. Asks Knox about the possibility of being put in charge of the 200 or 300 troops kept in service.
[draft]
Castle Island March 31 1787
Dear Genl
I kept so constantly at this post that I know little of the great world. 250 recruits with all their wants to [attend] to gives me little leisure for pleasure of politics. You will see by the news papers that the Electioneering Mania has taken full possession of all ranks of people, & it is said that Faneuil Hall will be shook to its Centre on the 30th of May by the clashing of the Bowdoin & Hancock parties - most men with whom I have conversed, say that the latter will carry the day, however it may be I care not, my business is to attend to my duty, & get forward in my profession in compliance with the last of these views, I think it necessary to ask you respecting the probable future situation of this corps & to inform you of my hopes if [2] a reduction should take place.
I have received two pieces of information, which I confess are not very agreeable to me.
It has been said by one of the officers who lives in the vicinity of Major [Hull], [illegible] that Gentle man had received assurances from you that his situation with respect to rank should be made perfectly agreeable to him, his views, I know are nothing less than the first majority, or in case of Colonel Jacksons promotion, the command of the Regiment; neither of which according to your ideas repeatedly given to me, & which, for fear of forgetting, I committed to paper within five minutes after knowing them or the ideas of any other impartial Military characters he can receive. I must therefore believe the report [inserted: to be] without foundation, or have the mortification to think that your opinion, on which all military men rely, has unfortunately for me, changed [3]
By a letter I received from a gentleman in a public station, I am told that it is likely a reduction will take place. This state have provided for the clothing of 300 Men & for their pay three months, it will be their interest to keep this number up, altho' the United States should say that they could not at present pay them, a certain [shew] of regular force is necessary in the back parts of the State, & I believe that were Congress to order the disbandment of all the rest a reserve would be made of these 300 - they will in all probability be marched by the 1st of May If Colonel Jackson does not, I should think myself, from the duty I have done, & shall do in the Corps previous to them marching, entitled to march at their [head] in preference to either of the other Majors who are at their [ease] & who will receive the same emoluments as will be allowed to me. If the quota [4] of this state should be curtailed so much that the command would not be an Object for Colo Jackson, I could hope that I should not be without your recommendation & the recommendation even of Congress to the Government of this State to be the chief of the 2 or 300 troops which may be kept in service. I have served longer than either of the other Majors, & if I have not more knowledge of my profession, it is because I had not capacity to receive instruction, for certainly, I have had better opportunity than most officers of my rank.
I leave myself with God, & with you, I know, I am worthy of your protection.
With the greatest respect
I am Dear Genl
Your Obedt Servt
Wm North
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