Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to George Washington
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.10153 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 October 1783 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 35.7 x 23.2 cm. Order a Copy
Thanks Washington for writing to General Benjamin Lincoln, Secretary of War, on his behalf, requesting "an extra allowance from the public as head of the ordnance and during the time I have been in the command of these posts." Refers to a journey taken by Major Samuel Shaw to gain "information and if possible a favorable resolve" from Congress, apparently on his own and on Knox's behalf. Writes, "I hope it cannot be thought an unreasonable solicitation, to be placed upon the same footing with my predecessors, as an equal..." Notes that Generals [Alexander] McDougall, [William] Heath, and [John] Paterson have obtained additional compensation through application to Congress. Requests that Washington provide Shaw with a certificate of his services, noting a certificate "under your Excellencys hand might be of the greatest utility to him." Lucy Knox sends her regards to Martha Washington. Knox's retained draft.
West Point 1 October 1783
My dear General
I am unable to express the sense I have of your kindness in the instance of your writing to Genl Lincoln on the 10th of June last respecting an extra allowance from the public as head of the ordnance, and [during] the time I have been in the command of the [posts]. Your letter to him was so full and complete that I did not think another word was necessary to have obtained the compensation requested. I am really [astonished] that [it] has not answered the end, and, totally ignorant of the reasons. To obtain some information and if possible [a favorable] resolve is the sole reason of Major Shaws journey. We will make the necessary enquiry and inform your Excellency of the present state of the [2] application. I have such an opinion of the honor of Congress that they only want full information, to render equal justice to [inserted: all] their Servants. If the [struck: matter] [inserted: request] should not have been presented to Congress [maximum] lending to ensure success or should not have been presented at all, perhaps it might be well to [drop] the claim for an extra allowance [as] matter of ordnance, and prefer the one, for the time I have been in the command at this place. [This] [upon] this principle I have taken the liberty to address a publick letter to your Excellency, submitting [struck: to you] entirely to you the propriety of bringing it before Congress in its new form [struck: on] with such observations as you should please to add in its favor, or to persevere with [just] application. [Struck: I hope it]
I hope it cannot be thought an unreasonable solicitation, to be placed upon the sure footing with my predecessors, as an equality of rewards for the same services is but common justice - General McDougall by a special application in Augt 80 obtained compensation for the time he [previously] commanded [struck: these posts] [inserted: here] and [afterwards] in consequence of a resolve of Congress Generals Heath McDougall and Patterson obtained the same.
I have [strikeout] experienced [too] many instances of your favorable regards not to rely with confidence upon your interest [strikeout] [inserted: in] an affair upon which you have so fully given your opinion.
[3] As Major Shaw is going abroad a certificate of his services from your Excellency might be of the greatest utility to him - [struck: I take the liberty I beg the favor of one] I [struck: should would] [inserted: would] [beg] every thing in his favor- But Your Excellency knows him [struck: and therefore will not be diffident.]
[struck: Mrs]
As Major Shaw is going abroad, a certificate of his services, under your Excellencys hand might be of the greatest utility to him. I should say every thing in his favor, - But your Excellency knows him.
Mrs Knox joins me in presenting our [strikeout] respectful compliments to Mrs Washington, and [ardent] wishes for the prefect re establishment of her heath [sic].
I am my Dear Sir
with the greatest [attachment]
Your most obedient Servant
HKnox
His Excellency General Washington
[docket]
To his Excellency General
Washington 1st October
1783 -
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