Washington, George (1732-1799) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.09392 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Rocky Hill, New Jersey Type: Manuscript letter signed Date: 8 October 1783 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 22.7 x 18.5 cm. Order a Copy
Reports receiving a letter from Knox, delivered by Captain Shaw (possibly Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide-de-camp). Informs Knox, commanding at West Point, he has been impatiently waiting for Congress to decide the number of troops to be stationed at West Point during the winter. Relates that some members of Congress seem reluctant to lessen the present force while the British remain in the United States. Intends to send orders to Colonel [Timothy] Pickering, Quarter Master General, to extend winter provisions for the supply of 2500-3000 men. Notes that Shaw has gone to Philadelphia. Docketed in Knox's hand.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Rocky hill 8th October 1783 -
Dear Sir
Captain Shaw has handed me your Letter of the 2nd. instant
I have been impatiently waiting the determination of Congress to ascertain what number of Troops are actually to be kept up in the Garrison of West point during the Winter but I do not see any probability of their coming to a speedy decision - on the contrary the Members with whom I have conversed seem unwilling to lessen the present force whilst the British remain in the Country and when they will quit it is a matter of uncertainty - I
I shall therefore by this conveyance send orders to Colonel Pickering to extend his provision for the [2] for the Winter to the number of 2500 or three thousand Men -
Captain Shaw is gone to Philadelphia - by his return I shall reply to your other Letters -
With great regard
I am
Dear Sir
Your most Obedt.
humble Servant
Go: Washington
Maj Genl. Knox [*]
[docket]
from his Ex: Genl Washington
8th October 1783.
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