Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Samuel Osgood
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01480 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter Date: 9 July 1782 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 34 x 21.1 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Major General Knox to Continental Congressman Osgood. Says the letter will be delivered by Major General Baron von Steuben. Says "I am certain you are well acquainted with the reputation of his abilities, and that it is been owing to him that a substantial discipline has been established in the American Army." Says he is "particularly attached" to the American cause and has expended much of his own money to help further it, but that he "can no longer live without pay." Knox says he knows Osgood's "liberal mode of thinking" and hopes he can help von Steuben. (See GLC03646 for the retained copy.)
Osgood was born in Andover, Essex County, Mass., February 3, 1748; was graduated from Harvard College in 1770; studied theology; engaged in mercantile pursuits; delegate to the Essex County convention in 1774; member of the Provincial Congress; entered the Revolutionary Army as captain and left the service as colonel and assistant quartermaster; Member of the Continental Congress 1781-1784; member of the state senate, 1780; member of the state house of representatives in 1784; a commissioner of the United States Treasury 1785-1789; Postmaster General in the administration of President Washington 1789-1791; moved to New York City; member of the state assembly 1800-1803; Supervisor of Internal Revenue for the District of New York; appointed naval officer at the port of New York May 10, 1803, and served until his death, August 12, 1813.
[draft]
My dear sir
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 is [been] owing to him that a substantial discipline has been established in the American Army so as to render [struck: them] [inserted: it] equal to any point of service. [Struck: The Baron's zeal has been equal to his employment But] The Baron is particularly attached to the cause of America, [struck: but he finds], and has exhausted much money in supporting himself in it, but he [struck: was] has exhausted such means as he could readily associate, and can no longer live without pay [strikeout] [inserted: To obtain] which [struck: purpose] he goes to Philadelphia. His importance to us is too great, [struck: to be lost] to be deprived of his services on account of the small sum of money necessary [strikeout] [inserted: for his [struck: support] [inserted: [purpose]]] I know your liberal mode of thinking [struck: to suppose] [inserted: and believe] you will [inserted: not] hesitate a moment, [struck: between satisfying] to contribute your endeavors to [struck: set] render agreable the situation of this truly valuable office.
[docket]
Honble Mr Osgood. 9th July
1782.
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