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Appointing Knox in command of West Point and its Dependencies. Notes matters requiring specific attention, including visit the Redoubts frequently and keep them furnished with supplies, call the rolls often. Also requests that Knox deal with the erection of new buildings and a shortage of tents. Also notes of Knox I have so thorough a confidence in you and so well am I acquainted with your ability and activity, that I think it needless to point out to you the great outlines of your duty. Written at Head Quarters, likely from New York or New Jersey.
Knox, Commander at West Point, transmits a weekly return of troops to Washington, Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. Discusses illness among soldiers in the West Point vicinity: The troops having been uncommonly sickly for this place, and a malignant putrid fever being among their disorders, I have fixed upon the barrack at Constitution Island as an hospital... Discharged and furloughed some patients from the hospital at New Windsor, under the care of surgeon William Eustis. Reports, We have had cold unpleasant weather since commencement of the present month... [the troops] have only the remains of the thin under cloathes which they purchased in the spring. Regarding the uncertain date of discharge of troops following the recent signing of the Treaty of Paris (3 September 1783), Knox remarks, The officers in general are exceedingly anxious to have some final arrangements made... It is apparent from the foul, illiberal Spirit manifested by many parts of Connecticut, that their hands are outstretched against their officers. I mention these matters not with which to accelerate arrangements which might in some measure depend upon the British evacuating New York, but merely to share the anxiety of the officers... I am apprehensive that the preparations which have been made at this post to celebrate peace have been made in vain...
Knox, Commander at West Point, encloses a weekly return of troops (see GLC02437.10140). Reports that he appointed a board to inspect the decrepit and infirm, to determine those who were unfit for service. Sixty-one soldiers were deemed unfit for service, and Knox asks for Washington's approval to discharge these men with a pension. Comments on cannons and military stores. Knox's retained draft.
Knox, Commander at West Point, confirms receipt of a letter from Washington in which Washington ordered a suspension of the troops and stores destined to the Western posts. Reports that there are French refugees in the vicinity of West Point under the direction of a Major Merlet, who have drawn about one hundred rations to day for men women and children. Relates that Major [Caleb] Gibbs and the Second Massachusetts Regiment will arrive at West Point the same day this letter is written (Gibbs had traveled with his detachment to Philadelphia). Knox's retained draft.
Knox, Commander at West Point, reports that he did not receive Washington's two most recent dispatches. Plans to continue to discharge the invalids and those whose times of service may shortly expire. Requires Washington's instructions regarding preparing the barracks [at West Point] for 3,000 men for the winter. Remarks, The british unreasonably protract the evacuation of New York. They appear to be ready either to go or stay as shall be most condusive [sic] to their views. Major [Sebastian] Bauman, recently in New York, reported that the British would not get away untill December. If his conjecture should be right they will hardly go at that time. Your Excellency is probably posses'd of such information, as to enable you to decide with precision as per their intuitions. Notes that Lieutenant Colonel Villefranche (Chevalier de Villefranche), Major [Pierre] L'Enfant, and Major [Stephen] Rochefontaine would be well pleased to stay in the American Service. They wish however to retain their rank in the french Army and to go to France this winter.
Knox, Commander at West Point, informs Washington (and Congress) that expenses of his charge at West Point exceeded his expectations, and he has used a considerable amount of his personal money to maintain the post. Hopes to be granted the same compensation as preceding commanders at West Point. Asks that Washington present his request before Congress. Knox's retained draft.
Mentions that he has received General Washington's letter of 5 September, regarding repairs of arms. Declares that each brigade's own armorers have been performing the repairs to the best of their ability, and that that is the only option, since there is not one hired armorer in the Army of the United States. Your Excellncy must have been misinformed with respect to any armorers at this post, as there are none here. Explains that brigades have traveling forges consisting of borax and salt, and that they can be sent to Verplanks Point. Has sent someone to Philadelphia to purchase borax on credit and expects it to arrive soon. Reports that he has asked General [Benjamin] Lincoln to provide armorers to the West Point garrison; at first, Lincoln responded that they could not afford to pay them, but then asked about the propriety of employing German prisoners who were armorers and wanted their freedom (see GLC02437.01546). Knox believes this is a bad idea, but wants to know Washington's opinion. Lastly discusses the matter of a Captain of the York Levies, who has been punished more harshly than necessary for a misdeed. Knox would like to release him but asks Washington's opinion because he has been consulted on the matter before.
Discusses problems with the issuance of provisions at West Point. Knox's retained draft.