TRANSCRIPT GLC 2437.14.081
Henry Knox. Letter: West Point, to George Washington, 1783
September 17. 3 p. + doc.
West point 17 September 1783
[inserted – different hand: H.K. to Genl Washington]
My dear General
I cannot refrain from communicating the joy I feel, and the
pleasure manifested by the officers in general, upon the noble
testimony of gratitude exhibited by Congress in their resolve
concerning the [inserted: equestrian] statue. This <?>
evidence of their sense of your services, will illustrate
their virtue and honor more than whole volumes, of <?>.
I am daily solicited for information respecting the progress
of the officers petition for a new state westward of the ohio.
The [strike-out] <?> conduct of the illiberal part of
connecticut, has render’d the officers very anxious
for another place of residence. The deranged officers of that
state, amounting to seventy, have petitioned the Legislature
of New York, to receive their publick certificates in the
purchase of wild Lands, which if complied with they intend
a general [strike-out] emigration – If your Excellencys
leisure will permit I shall be oblig’d by being informed
of the apparent dispositions of the members of Congress upon
the application. [struck: If the] [inserted: were the] prayer
of the petition [struck: could] [inserted: to] be granted,
the officers in a very few years would make the finest settlement
on the frontiers, and form a strong barrier against the [2]
barbarians.
I have had it in contemplation for a long time past to mention
to your Excellency the idea of a master general of ordnance.
But I hesitated, – and finally declined it in my last
opinion to you upon a peace establishment least it might be
concluded, that I was endovering to create a post for myself.
But the resignation of the minister of war evential upon the
definitive treaty of peace; and his opinion that no successor
will be appointed, joined to the necessity of having some
person responsible to Congress, [inserted at left margin:
for the charge and direction of the ordnance and stores, [struck:
and to give] make [struck: <?> concerning the management,
and] dispositions of any troops who may be retained in service,
to the several posts that are <?> established] seem
to combine to render such an officer peculiar [struck: ly]
necessary, who should principally reside near Congress to
execute such orders as they should think proper for the dignity
or security of the republick. It is a well known fact that
so complex, and extensive a business as the formation of an
ordnance, and its numerous dependencies, The manufactory of
small arms and accoutrements must be the work of much time,
and can only be effectually prepared in profound peace.
Congress have evinced so much wisdom and magnammity in their
conduct, that it cannot be doubted but that they will make
the most substantial [3] arrangements for future <?>,
consistent with their revenues and the <?> œconomy.
[struck: The]
The abundant experience I have had of your Excellencys kindness
and friendship has induced me to communicate this in confidence.
I beg leave at the same time to remarke, that although my
expectations and wishes are for private life, yet if any office
similar to the above, should be formed upon the broad scale
of national policy, I might if thought worthy, find it convenient
to give it my [strike-out] zealous assistance – I mention
this matter more readily from a remembrance of your favorable
[struck: opinions] recommendations for the office of Secretary
of War.
Mrs Knox requests that her respectful regards may be presented
to Mrs. Washington – she and her children are in perfect
health.
[struck: I have the ho]
I am my Dear sir
with the sincerest respect & affection
Your most obedient
Servant
H Knox
His Excellency General Washington
[docket]
To his Excelcy Genl Washington
17 Sept 1783
Notes:
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