Humphreys, David (1752-1818) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03334 Author/Creator: Humphreys, David (1752-1818) Place Written: New Haven, Connecticut Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 November 1786 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 30.8 x 18.9 cm. Order a Copy
Writes that since his last letter, has had an idea that he thought best directed to Knox privately. Suggests that "Congress, in all their Corps, to promote by Brevet the Lt Colonels Commandant to be Brigadiers, and the first Majors to be Lieutenant Colonels." Can see no negatives to this plan, as it would not cost them anything, and allow them all to retain command of their regiments. It would, perhaps, grant these officers recognition and therefore motivate them. Also, if they were called on to enter the militia, their rank would give them command over the militia colonels and "it might also strike some terror on their foes, & give a certain weight to the federal affairs which they stand much in need of." Respectfully submits the idea to Knox and defers to his better judgment.
[draft]
(Private) New Haven Novr 10th. 1796
My dear General
After concluding my public letter a thought occurred to me, which I conceive may properly & safely be deposited in your private ear - if you judge the suggestion, now or thereafter, worthy of being acted upon, you can contrive the matter as you please - if not, you can let it sleep in oblivion. The idea is, whether it might not be expedient for Congress, in all their Corps, to promote by Brevet the Lt Colonels Commandant to be Brigadiers, and the first Majors to be Lieutenant Colonels.
The reasons against promotion, on account of the inequality & impracticability of exchanges, I conceive, ceased with the British War.
In a Republic where officers must expect to be but indifferently paid, this gratification would, without costing a farthing, give a new stimulus to exertion. Tho' the officers concerned would continue to command [2] their Regts. In precisely the same manner as before, yet it would lend to add a dignity to the service.
But I would ask seriously whether a more important reason for the expediency of this measure could not be arged? Viz, that in case these officers commanding Corps should be called to act in conjunction with the Militia (and in any possible contingency) it would confer on them a right of command over all the Militia Colonels; (which I should suppose ought to be the case) it would prevent dispute it might also strike some terror on their foes, & give a certain weight to the federal affairs which they stand much in need of.
I can see no inconveniencies resulting from the proposed expedient: and therefore cannot think that Congress, in their good dispositions, would be averse to the measure. But I [strikeout] submit, with unbounded confidence in your friendships, every thing to your superior judgment - as I did the letter I drafted last [3] summer for Congress, and which I suppressed in consequence of your candid advice - for all your candor & friendship, I beg you will be pleased to accept the thanks of him who has the honor to be
Your sincere friend &
Affectionate Servant
D. Hum
The Honble
Maj Genl Knox
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[address leaf]
The Honble (Private)
Majr Gen Knox
New York
[docket]
From Colo. David Humphreys
New Haven Novr. 10th. 1786
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