Washington, George (1732-1799) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.09355 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: New Windsor, New York Type: Manuscript letter Date: 28 May 1781 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 23 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses the possible evacuation of New York and various issues regarding supplies. Requests an estimate of articles needed for Knox's department and asks Knox to attend to supplies needed by General Clinton and Captain Moodie. "I have only to request that you will be pleased to make all the necessary Estimates of Articles wanted in your Department, and also put the whole business for the Operation (so far as is within your reach) in the best train of execution, which our embarrassed circumstances will possibly admit." Washington's signature clipped out. Docketed by Henry Knox.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Head Quarters New Windsor
May 28th. 1781
Dear Sir
As you are perfectly acquainted with the Measures which have been concerted with the Count De Rochambeau, I have only to request that you will be pleased to make all the necessary Estimates of Articles wanted in your Department, and also put the whole business for the Operation (so far as is within your reach) in the best train of execution, which our embarrassed circumstances will possibly admit. Under the present appearances of an evacuation [text loss: of New York] I think it will be [text loss: more adviseable] to draw the Stores from [2] the Eastward, rather than from the Southward.
I enclose you Letters from Brigr. General Clinton, and Capt Moodie respecting Stores for the [struck: Eastward,] [inserted: Northward], part of which I understand from General St Clair, have been sent - I wish you to attend to the matter, and give such further Orders as you may think necessary on the subject - You will be so good as to return the Enclosure to me, [struck: as soon, inserted: when] you have done with them.
I am Dear Sir
with the greatest regard & esteem
Your Most Obedient
Servant
[signature purloined]
Brig-Gen Knox
[docket]
From
His Excellency General Washington
28th May 1781 -
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