Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to George Washington
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.10150 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 29 September 1783 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 35.4 x 22.7 cm. Order a Copy
Knox, Commander at West Point, informs Washington (and Congress) that expenses of his charge at West Point exceeded his expectations, and he has used a considerable amount of his personal money to maintain the post. Hopes to be granted the same compensation as preceding commanders at West Point. Asks that Washington present his request before Congress. Knox's retained draft.
[Draft]
West point 29th Septr 1783
Sir,
I beg leave to State to your Excellency and through you to the honor able Congress that the unavoidable expences arising from the command of this post and its dependencies [strike-out] [inserted: have] greatly exceeded any emoluments of office arising from my rank in the Army, and that in order to support [struck: <?> that might] my station with some propriety so as not to reflect disgrace upon the [inserted: publick] rank I sustain I have been obliged to make use of my private resources to a considerable amount That it has uniformly been customary from the peculiar expences of the command to allow the emoluments of a major General commanding in a seperate department, but that said allowance was withdrawn <?> time previous to your Excellencys [strike-out][inserted: ordering [strike-out]] me in the Command. [strike-out] [inserted: It may be unnecessary to] enter into a detail of circumstances which [strike-out] [inserted: have] rendered my command as expensive as [inserted: that of] any of my predecessers. It is sufficient that I can [strike-out] easily procure that it has been [inserted: strike-out] so. I therefore humbly hope to [strike-out] [inserted: have the same] compensation. [strike-out]
I pray [strike-out] that your Excellency could have this goodness to place this request before Congress [2] in the manner that you may think it desirous
I have the honor to be with the highest
respect Your Excellys
Most Obediet Servant
H Knox
His Excellcy General Washington
[docket]
To his Excellency Genl Washington
29 Septr 1783
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