Dinsmore, Silas (d. 1847) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.07232 Author/Creator: Dinsmore, Silas (d. 1847) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 8 February 1799 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 27.5 x 21.8 cm. Order a Copy
Dinsmore writes Knox when he learns that his rank as Lieutenant had not been reserved for him while he was Agent to the Cherokees. He took that position in 1794 shortly after receiving an appointment as Lieutenant in the corps of Artillerists and Engineers. Dinsmore was under the impression that Knox would see to it that the Lieutenancy was preserved, as it would be improper to hold both positions. The current Secretary of War, Timothy Pickering, does not want to interfere, as it was under Knox's tenure that this all took place. Pickering recommended to Dinsmore that he write to Knox. Dinsmore says he is willing to rest his claim on Knox's recollection of the matter.
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