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Washington, George (1732-1799) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.09402 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Rocky Hill, New Jersey Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 October 1783 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 32.8 x 20.5 cm. Order a Copy

Mentions the return of General Benjamin Lincoln. Hopes the transition to a peacetime military establishment will commence without further delay. Does not think Congress intends to abolish the Office of Secretary at War (which Lincoln held from 1781-1783). Notes that Lincoln has helped devise a plan for making the office more economical. Intends to recommend Knox for the position of Secretary at War if Knox wishes. Comments that many members of Congress object to the terms of the peace establishment. Lincoln and Washington disagree on predicted expenses the office of Secretary at War will incur. Docketed in Knox's hand. For a duplicate of this letter, but with the addition of Washington's excerpt of a report from a congressional committee regarding the emoluments of the office of Secretary at War, see GLC02437.09403.

Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Rocky Hill Octr. 23d.1783.
My dear Sir,
Since the return of Genl. Lincoln, I have taken occasion to move a little on the subject of your letter of the 17th of last Month - Notwithstanding other matters have kept the Peace Establisment entirely out of view. - I suppose, at least I so hope, that it will now be taken up with a determination to go thro' with it - without more delay.
Upon enquiry, I do not perceive any intention to abolish the Office of Secretary at War; but to place it upon a more œconomical plan. - I find that, General Lincoln (I believe before he went to the Eastward) was called upon to give his aid in this business. - and that a Committee, in consequence, have actually reported to the effect of the enclosed paper, which I obtained from General Lincoln, and have since found that [inserted: it] corrispondant with the Report. -
By what I can learn, there is a great diversity of Sentiment among the Members of Congress, respecting the Peace Establishment; and [inserted: that] great opposition will be given to the Measure, whenever it is brought forward. - It may be well therefore for you to consider, whether upon the footing, and with the emoluments as agreed to by the Committee, the Office of Secretary at War (which I presume will very soon be acted upon) would meet your views. - If it should, and you will let me know it by return of the Post, I will mention your name to more Gentlemen of my Acquaintance in Congress than I have already [2] already done, and should be happy if any endeavors of mine, can serve you. - Genl. Lincoln is of opinion, that a capable & confidential assistant may be had for, say between 500 and 1000 Dollars; but when to this, Travelling expences, Wood, Paper, Candles &ca. are added, I should think it would sink pretty deep into the residue; He, conceives otherwise, unless the Secretary, whoever he may be, chuses to travel with [inserted: a] Retinue & incur more expence than [inserted: is necessary]
Whether the acceptance of this Office would open a door to any thing more than appears upon the face of the Report, is not for me to say; nor would it do I think to depend upon: The uncertainty of what [inserted: Offices] may take place, in case of a Peace establishment; or whether there will be a Continental [inserted: Establishmt] [strikeout] or not, is such, that it is too hazardous for me to deliver any opinion upon, tho' I shall neglect no opportunity of making myself acquainted with the views of Congress, in all the Stages of this business, and I will drop you a line on the Subject. -
My best wishes attend Mrs. Knox and I am with the greatest truth & friendship
Dr Sir
Yr. Most Obedt. and
Affectionate Servt
Go: Washington
PS. Shaw, no doubt, will give you a full acct. of your Money applicn. - the way has been so paved, that the only difficulty in [struck: the] it [struck: way], I believe, is to get nine States which (are necessary in these cases) together
Majr. Genl. Knox

[docket:]
(Private)
from his Excellency Genl Washington
23 October 1783
Original
No 11 -

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Washington, George, 1732-1799
Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810

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