TRANSCRIPT GLC 2437.15.125
Henry Knox. Autograph letter copy signed: West Point, to George Washington, 1783 October 29. 3 p. + doc.

West point 29 October 1783

[inserted – different hand: To W]
Sir

I had the honor to receive your Excellencys favor of the 16 instant. [struck: We shall]

We shall endevor to put the troops into their Winter quarters as soon as possible. The 4thst: 2 & 3d masachusetts will be in barracks in the Garrison except some detachments at the out posts – I suppose the same reasons which induced sending the light companies to Westchester will operate to keep them there during the Winter, if the British should continue in New York.

The Wood party which I have mentioned to your Excellency have almost completed the task assigned them which was two cords p man, and most of them have received their discharges, – We shall be able to ascertain their precise numbers before next post –

Sheldons Legion were furloughed by your [2] Excellency to the first of August, and afterwards I lengthned [strike-out] them to the first of November. As they will not be wanted untill Spring if even, perhaps it will be best to renew their furloughs Untill the first of April next, provided no general measures [struck: can] [inserted: could] be immediately taken with them.

The late resolve of Congress respecting a part of the engineers, [struck: have alarmed the rest, who are anxious] [inserted: have induced an anxiety in the rest] to go to France, [struck: <?> a proportion of] Lt Colonel Vellepanche & Major Rochfontaine are so urgent [struck: up] to go to Princeton [inserted: to obtain your Excellencys permission [strike-out]] that I cannot refuse them especially as they represent that a detention [struck: will so] [inserted: would] esentially injure them.

The demonstrations of the enemy, to evacuate the city seem to be clearer than they were, but I know not whether they are so unequival as to decide with certainty that they will go next month, as they say they shall. If this should be the case I suppose a reduction would be certain. I will thank your Excellency for the earliest information upon the subject of Clothing. [3]

If the Enemy should go from New York in the Course of the next month, or [struck: shall] [inserted: if] the service would admit of it I should be happy to receive your Excellencys permission to go to Boston in the beginning of January. I mention it this early, as I understand Congress will soon move to [struck: Baltimore] [inserted: Annapolis], in which case it is probable that Your Excellency will also go Southward.

Brigidier Gen Greuton, being totally unfit for duty by reason of sickness I have permitted him to go home. [struck: and] General Huntington having no command has received like permission. And as most of the connecticut officers will be in the same predicament they will [struck: as] also [struck: be allowed] receive furloughs upon the same principles as those who returned last June.

I have the honor to be
with great Respect
Your Excellenys
Most Obedint
Servant
H Knox

Enclosed with monthly
returns –

His Excellency Genl Washington

[docket]
To his Excellency General Washington
29 October 1783

Notes: