Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to George Washington
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.10045 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 September 1782 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 36.5 x 23.5 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses the difficulty of a building project on Constitution Island, possibly an ordnance magazine and barracks. Encloses a "representation" from Major Chevalier de Villefranche, involved in the construction project. Knox's retained draft.
[draft]
West Point 16 Sept 1782
Sir
I do myself the honor to enclose a representation of [strikeout] Villefranche [strikeout] Engineer of these posts respecting the Magazine [struck: directed] [inserted: ordered] to be errected on constitution Island. Your Excellency will observe, that it is impossible [struck: under the p] in the present advanced season, with the masons only a prospect, to effect [struck: any] so much of that building as to be of any material [illegible] If it should be continued, the labor will be lost, [struck: as] because [struck: so present] [inserted and struck: sufficing a degree] [inserted: a sufficiency of] strength cannot be obtained [struck: in time] [inserted: pervious to the setting in of the frost] to bring the parts that may be begun to any degree of maturity. [struck: at the same time] The same force applied to building barracks, might render the troops intended for the Garrison this ensuing winter comfortable. The place at present is destitute of accomodations for more than one regiment of [strikeout] Infantry and part of a regiment of artillery, [strikeout] some cover must be made for all exceeding that that number the troops suffer [struck: at] [inserted then strikeout] wretchedness almost intollerable -
[struck: [There]] is a circumstance]
The West redoubt on Constitution Island has a roof put upon it and other[wise]
prepared as a temporary deposit of powder. This [struck: [build]] [2] is amply large to receive all the powder in this vincinty not [struck: placed] lodged in the respective magazines within the Works. [struck: The] I cannot think myself authorized, to direct Major Villefranche to desist from the [Work] although I am perfectly convinced of its futility under the present circumstances, and of the inevitable necessity of erecting barracks for the Garrison but I pray your Excellency to decide as soon as possible on the matter.
I have the honor to be Sir
Your Excellency
Obedient
Sevt
HKnox
His Excellency
General Washington
[docket]
To His Exy. Gen Washington
16 Sept. 1782.
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