Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to George Washington
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.10132 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 September 1783 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 34.8 x 23 cm. Order a Copy
Knox, Commander at West Point, confirms receipt of a letter from Washington in which Washington ordered "a suspension of the troops and stores destined to the Western posts." Reports that there are French refugees in the vicinity of West Point under the direction of a Major Merlet, "who have drawn about one hundred rations to day for men women and children." Relates that Major [Caleb] Gibbs and the Second Massachusetts Regiment will arrive at West Point the same day this letter is written (Gibbs had traveled with his detachment to Philadelphia). Knox's retained draft.
Gibbs was the noted leader of George Washington's personal guard during the Revolutionary War. After the Guard disbanded in 1783, Gibbs was transferred to the Second Massachusetts Regiment of the Continental Line.
Westpoint 3 Septr 1783
Sir
I received your Excellencys favor of the 29th directing a suspension of the troops and stores destined for the Western posts. The light Infantry company which came from the lines have returned, & I directed that the clothing drawn by them and the atillery [sic] men to be redelivered to the Clothier.
There are certain french refugees in this vicinity under the direction of a Major Merlet, who have drawn about one hundred rations pr day for men women and children. It appearing from certificates of a Mr Forbes issuing commissary at Newberg that it was in consequence of your Excellencys orders, [struck: I ventured to giv] particularly for last month I ventured to give the order for the present month.
Major Gibbs with the 2d Massachusetts regiment will arrive [struck: at the] here today. He has left more than eighty sick upon his route. I shall send a Vessell for those at Bruswick [sic].
Enclosed are the [struck: returns] last months returns [2] of the troops.
I have the honor to be with great
respect your Excellencys
Most Obedient
Servant
H Knox
His Excellency Genl Washington
[docket]
Letter to His Excellency
Genl Washington. 3d Sept
1783
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