Washington, George (1732-1799) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.09358 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Newburgh, New York Type: Manuscript letter Date: 9 September 1782 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 29.5 x 18 cm. Order a Copy
Proposes use of prisoners as armorers, discusses trial of Sergeant Spinoza [Spinosa] for treason, requests help organizing the Department of the Commissary of Military Stores and wonders if "it be possible to get the field pieces directed to be presented to the Count de Rochambeau, engraved with the proper inscriptions here - or must the Secretary at War endeavour to have it done in Philadela." Written at "Head Quarters." Washington's signature clipped.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Head Quarters 9th Septemr 1782
Dear Sir
I have your favor of the 7th - Altho there may be an impropriety in employing a compa of the German prisoners in the Garrison of West point as Armourers yet I think it may safely be done at Newburgh, where a Buildg may be appropriated for a Work Shop - It seems our only expedient, and I have little Doubt, but if these people were promised their Liberty, upon workg faithfully twelve months, or some stipulated time, they would perform their agreement -
We Cannot constitute a Court for the tryal of Sergant Spinoza, as one third must be composed of Levy Officers - You had best [text loss: therefore order him to his] Corps - If his Captain can [2] prove treasonable practices against him let him turn him over to the civil Authority.
I inclose you a Copy of the new Arrangement of the Department of Commissry of Military Stores - will you be pleased to nominate the proper Officers, that I may confirm them, and set the System in motion -
Will it be possible to get the field pieces directed to be presented to the Count de Rochambeau, engraved with the proper inscriptions here - or must the Secretary at War endeavour to have it done in Philadela. Remember the pieces must be of those taken at York Town, - I would wish, for particular reasons, that it might be done soon -
With much Regard
I am Dear Sir
Your most humb Servant
[signature purloined]
Majr Genl Knox
[docket]
From his Excelleny Genl
Washington 9th Septr 82
[inserted in a different hand: Signature Purloined
No 54 - ]
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