Washington, George (1732-1799) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.09357 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Newburgh, New York Type: Manuscript letter Date: 17 August 1782 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 32 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
Requests Knox's opinion on the "proposed arrangement of the office of Field Commissary of Military Stores." Includes an extract from a letter by the Secretary of War at the end of his letter, which he wants Knox's opinion on. The extract is regarding the number of officers to be employed in the Field Commissary's department, and how and where they should be employed. Washington's signature clipped. Written at "Head Quarters." Docketed by Henry Knox.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Head Quarters 17th. August 1782
Dear Sir
Annexed you have extracts from a letter of the 12th:, from the Secretary at War, relating to the proposed arrangement of the office of Field Commissary of Military Stores. It being a matter intimately connected with your department, I would be glad of your opinion, and that as early as possible, that I may frame my answer without loss of time.
That we may make a regulation; as nearly as may be, consonant to the wishes and opinions of the [struck: General Officers], [inserted: Brigadiers and officers commanding Brigades] keeping in view what seems now the grand object - œconomy- it might be well for you to consult them after you have digested your own thoughts upon the matter-
I am Dear Sir
Yr most obt. Servt.
[signature purloined]
Major Genl. Knox.
Extract. "I should be happy to have your Ideas of the number of persons to be employed in the department of Field Commissary of Military Stores. If I remember right, it was your Excellency's opinion that the conductors to Brigades might be dispensed with, and that the care of the Stores might safely be committed to [2] the Brigade Quarter Masters, as also the travelling Forge and Armourers.
I take the liberty to submit to your Excellency the following plan for the Field Commissary's department -
A Field Commissary and two Main Army
Conductors or Clerks………. }
A D.y [struck: Field] Commissary and So. Army.
two Conductors or Clerks……… }
A Conductor at Fort Pitt.
[docket]
From his Excellecy Genl
Washington 17 Augt 1782
[inserted in a different hand: Signature Purloined -
No 56 - ]
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