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McDougall, Alexander (1732-1786) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.02326 Author/Creator: McDougall, Alexander (1732-1786) Place Written: Highlands, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 25 July 1783 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 22.2 x 18.2 cm. Order a Copy

Written by General McDougall to General Knox. Writes from Highlands, New York. Says that the latest news from Massachusetts is that they will not support a "speedy relief to the Army from Continental Funds." Says the state senate supports Congress's resolution, but has put the issue aside until next session. Says he has fears that the funds will not be provided. Believes the most important thing now is to let the country know of the justice of their claims. Reports that other states might also hesitate in giving funds to officers. Wants him to consider starting "a train of correspondence from Jersey to New Hampshire." If he concurs, asks that Major [possibly William] Barber writes to General Dayton to apply to the printers of New Jersey to begin creating materials. Wants General Huntington and Colonel Swift to do likewise. Asks that someone with energy also coordinate printing materials in Boston. Says "if either of these states hangs back, nothing continental will be done." Postscript says he has written to Samuel Loudon, bookseller in New York, "to notice such papers as appear in Favor of the Army." Says he recently saw two good papers published in their favor.

[draft]
Dr Sir, Highlands 25th
July 1783 -
The late advices from your sate indicate no speedy relief to the Army from Continental Funds - For it is said the Senate of Massts have agreed to the remonstrance to congress, but that it is said aside for the present, and that nothing will be done this sessions on subject of the address from Congress asking Funds - If these are ultimately obtained, from present appearances, it will be too long delayed for the officers, obtaining any real or adequate relief for their dues - [inserted: in good time] And I own I am not without my fears that Continental Funds will [2] will not be Provided. In either case it is of the first importance to the Army, that the Country be informed of the Justice of our claims on it - because on this will depend our geting paid from such Funds early, or if that fails, information is equally necessary to get [redress] from the Individual states. - And [inserted: altho] some states have passed the Budget from the consideration of their not being commercial, and the general [Revenue] [inserted: or duty] will insure to them their quota in the general treasury, yet if that should [inserted: not] take place, for want of the universal concurrence of the states, if they are applied to [inserted: on such an Event] by their line, they will certainly hesitate, and delay [struck: s] satisfying their officers: for [3] for this reason Jersey, will stand in need of information as well as those states which now run [rusty]. I therefore wish you to consider, whether it is not expedient to setle a train or correspondence from [struck: Jerse] Jersey to New Hampshire inclusive? to get all the Papers published in, those states in favor of the Army, [illegible] in them respectively - I am [inserted: sure such a measure will forward Justice to us - If this should meet your approbation, will it not be proper for Major Barber to write Genl Dayon, to apply to the Printers in Jersey to execute their part of the plan - And to Genl Huntington & Col Swift to [4] to do the [like] - [inserted: I am sure] much may be done by industry - and we have much at state - And some one or more Friends who have attention & industry, should be engaged to do the [like] in Boston; and [strikeout] [inserted: keep] up the train in [inserted: Rhode Island &] New - Hampshire. For if [inserted: either of these] [struck: most] states [hangs] back, nothing continental will be done; and even on state applications, information is absolutely necessary to quicken relief to our distressed and insulted Brethren. In any point of view the measure will not inspire us, but do much Good. our Condition requiring every possible prudent exertion.
I am Dr Sir, your affectionate Obbed Sevt Alex McDougall
[inserted in the left hand margin: P S I have written to Mr Loudon, to notice such papers as appear in Favor of the Army - I observe to day that he has published two good papers, & others will follow for some time.]

McDougall, Alexander, 1732-1786
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Barber, William, fl. 1783-1784

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