TRANSCRIPT GLC 2437.10.096

Henry Knox.  Autograph letter copy signed:  to George Washington, 1782 November 12.  3 p. + doc.

12 Nov 1782

[inserted – different hand: To Genl Washington]

[struck: Dear] My Dear General

As soon as your Excellency shall have established a general system of signals from the <?> to Head quarters, I will thank you for a copy.  The only circumstance I know [inserted: struck: relat] at present [inserted: relatng to signals] is that I have a small reward upon butler Kill, but without any orders whatever.  [struck:  I beg your directions whether they are to be withdrawn I here it] another since the Invalids on the Eastside the river.  I beg your directions whether these guards are to be withdrawn or continue all winter.

The [strike-out] I thought we had some rachets in store, but upon examination [inserted: <?> lay other stores] I find they were [strike-out]  [inserted: emassed] by being transported in a centry vesell from New Windsor to this place.  [struck: September] <?> I am <?> in September last & the shall [strike-out]  [inserted: <?>] have some in  three or  four days if the weather shall be good.  My friend General Mc Dougall has a guard from the Connecticut line.  The hard duty and present arrangements, induce [strike-out] complaints from the officers in the <?> <loss> [2] which will be greatly augmented [struck: if] after the inspections which [strike-out] which will be finished today & tomorrow.  [struck: all things <?>] The circumstances your Excellency is in possession of, and the indulgence which has <?> been granted here will probably induce a continuance of the favor, if so I [struck: shall beg] I request your orders whether they shall be furnished from the connecticut troops or from the line [struck: at large] [inserted: of the Army] .  I hope your Exceleny will [struck: be &] find it proper to continue the guard. [struck: Some free troops or other] as a withdraw of it would sensibly affect the General in his present [struck: indisposition] condition.

I have not received your Excellencys [struck: directions] as far as respecting the Road for the hospital.  [struck: I have it] Since writing [struck: to you] on that subject, I have sent to learn the quantity of Wood at Verplanks and find all that is [strike-out] drawn to the water side will not exceed fifty [inserted: strike-out] cords – It is said that there is a large quantity in the West side which [strike-out] is about half a mile or a mile from the water.

[strike-out] <loss>

[3] If the Hatch coats are in store [inserted: 3722],  I beg your Excellecy would order a number for these posts & those below.  We shall want near seventy <?> at the respective posts and the regional on the other side.  I [struck: imagine] [inserted: suppose] that the posts [struck: below] at Verplanks & stoney points and Dobbs ferry must number ten –

I caused Colonel Swift to be forwarded upon a removal of his position: – He says that he objected to it in the first instance [struck: to the QMgeneral] as being <?>, and be that necessary – But the QM General informed him it was your express <?> that they <?> when in front of the hospital to cause it.  He would have been happy if it had been suggested at an earlier period.  [strike-out] [inserted: & the whole of the plan to the <?>] But the posts are now so advanced that it would occasion great [inserted: inconvience &]  <?> to remove them.

I have the honor to be with the
[strike-out]  [inserted: great] respect and affection
Your Humble Serv
HKnox

His Excellcy General Washington

[inserted in left margin of page 2:  The QMG has [inserted: strike-out] [strike-out] a considerable number of levies besides those employed in getting wood, if he has no employed – then I wish he would send them here.]

[docket]
(private)
His Excellency General
Washington 12 Nov 1782