Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Samuel Osgood
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03646 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New Windsor, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 9 July 1782 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 22.1 x 18.6 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to Osgood, then a member of the Continental Congress and the treasury board, to request that Congress pay Baron von Steuben. States that "it has been owing to [von Steuben] that a substantial discipline has been established in the American Army," that he "is particularly attached to the cause of America," but "can no longer live without pay." (See GLC02437.01480 for the retained copy of this letter)
[Excerpt:]
This will be presented to you by Major General the Baron Steuben. I am certain you are well acquainted with the reputation of his abilities, and that it has been owing to him that a substantial discipline has been established in the American Army so as to render it equal to any point of service.
The Baron is particularly attached to the cause of America, and has expended much money, in supporting himself in it. But he has exhausted such means as he could readily associate, and can no longer live without pay, to obtain which he now goes to Philadelphia. His importance to us, is too great, to be deprived of his services on account of the small sum of money necessary to his purpose ....
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.