Washington, George (1732-1799) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.09323 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: s.l. Type: Manuscript letter Date: 16 February 1781 Pagination: 2 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Later copy of original. Preparations for a seige in New York early in the year. Informs Knox he expects 20,000 men for the seige of New York. Asks Knox to prepare a plan for artillery during the seige, and requests advice on planning the seige. Recently met with Count Rochambeau, hopes for aid in the form of manpower, naval support and supplies from the French. Also mentions "a secondary object, the reduction of Charles Town - Savanah." Written at "Head Quarters." On blue paper.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
[Draft]
To Brigadier General Knox Commander of Artillery.
Head Qrs Feb 16 1781
(Private)
Sir,
In the Conference between the Count De Rochambeau and myself, it was agreed, that if by the aid of our Allies, we can have a Naval Superiority through the next Campaign, and an army of thirty thousand men (or double the force of the enemy and its dependencies) early enough in the season to operate in the quarter, we ought to prefer it to evry other object, as the most important and decisive, and applications have been made to the Court of France in this Spirit which it is to be hoped will produce the desired effect.
It is therefore incumbent upon us to make evry necessary preparation on our part for the seige of New York. as far as our funds and means render practicable - Applications have been also made to the Court of France for a large supply of powder, arms, heavy cannon, and several other essential articles in your Department - But as we cannot ascertain the extent of the success these applications will meet with, and as they only go to such articles as are less within the compass of our own internal means, we ought not to neglect any exertion in our power for procuring within ourselves those things of which we shall stand in need.
I give you this Communication of what is in prospect, that you may take your measures accordingly by making Such estimates and demands, and other arrangments, as [2] may appear to you best calculated to produce what we want. And you may rely upon all the Support it will be in my power to give -
In your calculations, you will estimate the force on our side at about twenty thousand men, the remainder with a proper seige and field apparatus are to be supposed to be furnished by our allies - You are well acquainted with New York and its defences, and you can therefore judge of the means requisite for its reduction by a seige - The General idea of the plan of operations is this (if we are able to procure the force we count upon) to make two attacks, one against the works on York Island, and the other against the works of Brooklyn on Long Island - the latter will probably be conducted by our Allies - ulterior operations must depend on circumstances -
If we should find ourselves unable to undertake this more capital expedition, and if we have means equal to it we shall attempt a Secondary object. the reduction of Charles Town - Savannah. Penobscot We may sucessively come into contemplation - Your dispositions will have reference to these different objects though indeed a preparation for the principal one will substantially comprehend evry lesser -
These instructions would have been earlier given to you, but for the commotions in the army, which suspended my attentions
Given at Head Quarters
February 16 - 1781 (Signed) Go Washington
[inserted in left margin of first page - different hand: (Recd from Lt Henry Knox Thatcher Augt 9 1855 by Mail)]
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