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TRANSCRIPT GLC 2437.53.058
George Washington. Autograph letter signed: Rocky Hill, to
Henry Knox, 1783 October 23. 4 p. + doc.
[Duplicate]
Rocky Hill Octr. 23d 1783
My dear Sir
Since the return of Genl. Lincoln I have taken occasion,
notwithstanding other matters have kept the Peace Establishment
entirely out of view to move a little on the subject of your
letter of the 17th. of last Month. – I suppose, at least
I so hope, it will now be entered upon with a determination
to go through with it, without more delay. –
Upon enquiry I perceive no intention to abolish the Office
of Secretary at War, but to place it upon a more Œconomical
plan. – I find that General Lincoln (before he went
to the Eastward, I believe) was called upon to aid in this
business – and that a Committee, in consequence, have
actually Reported to the effect of the enclosed Paper * [inserted
at bottom of page: see the last Page.] which I obtained from
Genl. Lincoln and have since found accourdant to the report,
which I have seen.
By [2] what I can learn, there is a great diversity of Sentiment
among the Members of Congress respecting a Peace Establishment;
and great opposition will be given to the measure whenever
it is brought forward – It may be well therefore for
you to consider, whether upon the footing, and with the emoluments
as agreed to by the Comee. the Office of Secretary at War
which I presume will very soon be acted upon would meet your
views – If it should, and you will let me know it by
the return of the Post, I will mention your name to more Gentlemen
of my acquaintance in Congress than I have already done, and
should be happy if any endeavors of mine can serve you.
General Lincoln is of opinion that a capable, and confidential
assistant may be had for, say between 500 & a 1000 Dollars;
But when to this Travelling Expences, Wood, Paper, Candles,
& ca. are added I should think it would sink pretty deep
into the residue; [3] He, conceives otherwise, unless the
Secretary, whoever he may be, chuses to travel with a retinue
and incur more expense than is necessary. –
Whether the acceptance of this office would open a door to
anything more than appears upon the face of the report is
not for me to say, nor would it do I think to depend much
upon. – The uncertainty of what appointmts. may take
place in [strike-out]case of a Peace Establsihment, or whether
there will be a Continental one, or not is too hazardous for
me to deliver any opinion upon; tho’ I shall neglect
no oppertunity of making myself acquainted with the views
of Congress in all the stages of this business, and I will
drop you a line on the subject
My best wishes attend Mrs. Knox, & I am with the greatest
truth & sincerity
Dr Sir,
Yr. Most Affecte. & Obt Serv
Go: Washington
Majr. Genl. Knox
[4]The Salary annexed to the Office of Secretary at War, by
the Comee, if my Memy. serves me, is 3500 Dolrs. – With
this, he is to keep a Clerk, or assistant, always at the place
where Congress resides & to bear the whole Expence of
the Office in Wood, Candle & Paper. – He himself
is to visit the Magazines twice (I think) every year &
to attend Congress occasionally. –
[docket]
from his Excellency
Genl Washington
23 October 1783
Notes:
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