Washington, George (1732-1799) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.09394 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Rocky Hill, New Jersey Type: Manuscript letter signed Date: 23 October 1783 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 34 x 21.1 cm. Order a Copy
Writes, "The arrival of the Definitive Treaty and the evacuation of New York- have been so long delayed as to interfere very materially with our arrangements for the Celebration of Peace..." Has decided that the celebration will be deferred until the British leave New York. Was informed by Sir Guy Carleton that the British will completely evacuate New York in November 1783. Instructs Knox to confer with New York Governor George Clinton, and to take possession of New York City as soon as the British evacuate. Transmits a copy of a Proclamation of Congress of 18 October 1783 for the dissolution of the army. Discusses issues related to the close of war, and the continued supply of clothing to troops. In a postscript signed again by George Washington, mentions placing some troops under the direction of Clinton. The enclosed resolve for the dissolution of the army is GLC02437.02676.
Knox commanded at West Point 1782-1783. Carleton, a British commander during the Revolutionary War, was Governor of Quebec and Governor General of Canada 1768-1778 and of Quebec again 1786-1791.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Rocky hill 23d Octr. 1783
Dear Sir
The arrival of the Definitive Treaty and the evacuation of New York - have been so long delayed as to interfere very materially with our arrangements for the Celebration of Peace; at this Season no use can be made of the Bower, the only possible means of, accomodation, besides, the dissolution of the Army at so short a period totally defeats the object in view, for if we were ever determined not to wait the events on which the Celebration has hitherto depended, it would now be impossible either to make the necessary preparations or to give timely notice to the Officers, before the Army would be dissolved: - I think therefore that it will be best to defer it until the British leave the City, and then to have it at that place, where all who chuse to attend can find accommodation -
Sir Guy Carleton some time since informed me, thro' Mr. Parker, that he should leave New York in all next Month, probably by the 20th., and that when the Transports which were gone to Nova Scotia returned, he should be able to fix the day; this notice may be short, and as it is best to be prepared, I wish you to confer on the subject with Governor Clinton, and have every necessary Arrangement made [2] for taking possession of the city immediately on their leaving it; you will please to report to me the arrangements you may agree on.
Inclosed I transmit you Copy of a Proclamation of Congress for the dissolution of the Army, you will please to publish it to the Troops under your Orders. -
I am now to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 15th of this month, If the men whose terms of service expire in December and January, are not sufficient for the purpose of procuring wood for the Garrison, I have no objection to your including those whose inlistments expire in February, this may be done now with greater propriety than heretofore, as the British Force at New York has been very considerably reduced within this fortnight -
In permitting the Officers to retire nothing more need be attended to, than to keep a sufficient number for the Troops who remain in service.
It is now three weeks since I directed the Clothier General to make the necessary provision of cloathing for the Winter, I am not yet informed how far he has proceeded in compliance with these directions, but I will do all in my power to have you supplied - By a return made this month I observe there is a quantity of cloathing in Store at Newburg - this will go far in [3] suppling the immediate wants of the Troops; observing in the distribution of it to favor those men who having longest to serve are most intitled to it - There is some refuse cloathing returned which might relieve the wants of those who are to be discharged. -
With very great regard -
I am
Dear Sir
Your Most Obedt. Servt.,
Go: Washington
P.S. Since I wrote the foregoing I have reced a Letter from Governor Clinton in which he mentions his wish that the Troops who move down may be put under his direction which I think very proper so long as they remain in or near the city.
Go: Washington
[docket]
from his Excellency Genl
Washington 23 October 1783
Original
No 12 -
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