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Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Alexander McDougall

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.10097 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 February 1783 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 34.5 x 23 cm.

Summary of Content: Discusses affairs concerning the military and Congress with General McDougall. Declares, "We are in an unhappy predicament indeed not to know who are responsible [to us] for a settlement of accounts posterity will hardly belive that an army shall continue incessantly for eight years [struck: to establish themselves] under a constant pressure of misery to establish the liberty of their country, without knowing who are to compensate them, or whether they were ever to receive any reward for their services." Calls for a more efficient system of government, and wishes to know who will address the army's grievances. Suggests ways to implement settlement of soldiers' account. Notes that General [Benjamin] Lincoln's sentiments [correspond] with his own (and McDougall's) regarding payment of soldiers.

Background Information: General Alexander McDougall served as Continental Congressman (1781) and State Senator (1783-1786).

People: Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
McDougall, Alexander, 1732-1786
Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810

Historical Era: The New Nation, 1783-1815

Subjects: Newburgh ConspiracyRevolutionary WarRevolutionary War GeneralMilitary HistoryContinental ArmyContinental CongressCongressSoldier's PayFinanceGovernment and Civics

Sub Era:

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