Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to George Washington
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01393 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Basking Ridge, New Jersey Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 April 1782 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 33.8 x 21 cm. Order a Copy
Relates some of his experiences at the commissioner meeting in Elizabeth Town to negotiate a prisoner exchange. Suspects that many of the propositions the patriots made were discussed in New York by a council before any decisions were made by the British. Believes they "never shall obtain justice or equal treatment from the Enemy" unless they are "in a position to demand it." Refers to a report (GL02437.01377), and a "private letter," (GL02437.01395). Also discusses his and Washington's belief that several unnamed persons are providing intelligence to the British. Comments on whether they should establish a post at Elizabeth Town and believes the intelligence from a post at that location would be valuable. Suggests that if prisoners were exchanged "by the north River," it would "prevent much improper communication which unavoidably prevails at present." Thanks Washington heartily for a letter of recommendation he wrote which facilitated Knox's promotion to Major General. Sends regards to Mrs. Washington. Mentions a Colonel M. Ogden (likely Matthias Ogden) and a Colonel Smith.
Baskenridge 21 April 1782
My dear General. We have at last left Elizabeth Town. Our stay there was unreasonably protracted by the frequent references to New York. Your Excellency by a recurrence to the dates of the respective papers will observe that much time was spent in that manner. We have very good reason to believe that all the important propositions made by us were discus'd in New York by a Council [struck: of War of the] General officers. [struck: of the adverse [know]]. Your Excellency will [struck: per] comprehend the whole business, by the papers, which pas'd between us, our report, and private letter. [struck: accompanying it.]
[inserted in the left margin: We have a consciousness of having intended well, and we hope our proceedings will meet with your approbation. every circumstance wc we [sic] observed [inserted: tended to] convince[struck: d] us, that we never shall obtain justice or equal treatment from] [inserted on page three: the Enemy, but when were an, as in [text loss] case, in a situation to demand it [struck: when they are [un]]
I was much obliged by your letter of the 30th ultimo although the person to whom you alluded had gone from Elizabeth by that time- I have [struck: not the least] [inserted: very little] doubt of his inimical [disposition] to us, and from some circumstances deliver'd to me [struck: at Elizabeth Town] since the receipt of yr letter by Colonel [inserted: M.] Ogden, it appears that there are deep suspicions of him and some other persons being now [struck: concerned] [inserted: in actual] [struck: in a] correspondence with the Enemy.
Colonel Ogden, conceives he has things in such a train that the moments of detection and proof is near which he will instantly communicate to your Excellncy
Colonel Smith will relate [struck: to you some] circumstances, which [struck: make it] rather look as if some persons [2] [are] not too delicate in their transactions. This perhaps may be carried [strikeout] under the idea of obtaining inteligence [sic] but I am afraid in some cases more intelligence could be derived to the Enemy than to us. Your Excelleny knows the importance and value of the intelligence you obtain through the medium of Elizabeth town. In my opinion nothing but the importance of this would counter ballance the evils which arise from [struck: having] [inserted: continuing] a post there. [struck: I think] if all exchanges of prisonrs were made by the north River it would be [struck: much] better, and prevent much improper communication which unavoidably prevails at present. Colonel Smith will be able [inserted: fully] to explain this matter [struck: much] [more fully]
I have received a letter from General Lincoln, informing that Congress have been pleas'd to promote me, in the manner most flattering [inserted: to my [struck: feelings] wishes] founded upon your Excellencys letter from York Town. I cannot express how deeply I am [strikeout] impres'd with a sense of your [kind] [text loss] and the favorable point of view in which you have [struck: received] [inserted: regarded] my feeble attempts to promote the [struck: good of the] service of my country. I [struck: shall ever retain a most lively sense of your goodness] [inserted: shall ever retain my dear General a lively sense of [strikeout] your friendship and kindness] and shall [struck: regard your Excellencys] [inserted: be happy indeed if my future [struck: actions] conduct] approbation as [struck: the principal and most precious reward of my military services.] [inserted: shall meet with the same precious rewards] [struck: I beg you] [inserted on page three: I shall ever retain my dear General the most lively [struck: sense] [inserted: [strikeout] idea] of your goodness and friendship, and shall be happy indeed if my future conduct shall meet with your approbation, [struck: which to me will be the most precious reward] I beg [struck: you sir to present my respectful compliments to Mrs Washington] [inserted: leave to present my respectful compliments to Mrs Washington who I hope] [struck: I hope Mrs Washington] enjoys a perfect state of health in the pure [struck: region] [inserted: air] of Hudson's River.
[3]I am my dear Sir
with all possible respect and attachmnt
Your most hbl Serv.
H Knox
His Excellency
General Washington
[docket]
To
His Excellncy General
Washington 21 April 1782.
(private)
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