Washington, George (1732-1799) to Henry Knox
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.
A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07674 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Morristown, New Jersey Type: Letter signed Date: 4 June 1779 Pagination: 1 p. ; 23.4 x 19.4 cm. Order a Copy
General Washington informs General Knox of the British army's progress (possibly in the Hudson Highlands, New York). States "It would appear from a number of circumstances that they mean to press their operations against the posts on the highlands ... The militia are calling out for amunition, and the supply for the army, as you know, is, far from being sufficient. I would therefore wish you to send on careful and active conductors to hasten forward to the army, a competent supply, from the nearest Magazines."
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Knox served as Chief of Artillery during the Revolutionary War.
Morris town
4th June 1779.
Dr Sir
On the 2d instant a part of the enemy possessed themselves of the fort on Ver-Planks Point, by capitulation - they are now throwing up some works on the point on this side. - It would appear from a number of circumstances that they mean to press their operations against the posts on the highlands.
The militia are calling out for ammunition, and the supply for the army, as you know, is, far from being Sufficient. I would therefore wish you to send on careful and active conductors to hasten forward to the army, & competent supply, from the nearest Magazines. I am D Sir. your most hble Servt:
Go: Washington
Brig: Gen: Knox.
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.