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Jackson received Secretary of War Knox's letter of 10 April 1791. Comments on various military appointments and the recruits from Massachusetts. He says, the Officers in this Town have inlisted five or six but they are not such men as you want for the service. Mentions that gentlemen in the area are pleased that Knox has sent people to survey the area for the canal. Writes that Mr. Jonathan Jackson will try to hold both his appointments, that of Marshal, and in the Excise. Jackson does not approve. Gives his opinion to Knox about other candidates.
Gives details of marching with an unspecified company, and discusses his recent service at Providence, Rhode Island. Refers to a recent election of representatives, possibly in Boston, Massachusetts. Writes, My good friend, we are in a very bad state of defense in this Town & harbor, not a man in all the Forts here... Sent his regiment to recruit soldiers outside of Boston, and they have only raised 26 men: the Country People have got the devil in them... good god Harry if we go on in this way we shall soon be ruined, ruined for ever. Mentions the discrepancy between the current draft of nine months and George Washington's orders to draft for three years or the length of the war. Disapproves of the nine month draft, stating by the time I had got them well disciplined their time would out... then all my time, trouble & expense would be lost. Spotted two British frigates in the [Massachusetts] Bay.
Tells Knox he looks forward to his visit to Boston in the early summer. Updates Knox on various news from the Boston/New England area. Gives his opinion on the organization of the officers and warns Knox that the small salary allotted to the troops would make it difficult to obtain proper men for the service. Knox could look to the seaports and stragglers in the Country, but they will be the refuse of Creation. Mentions that Samuel Ogden left Boston for Philadelphia.
Writes that he is having difficulties with the subscription, apparently being unable to raise even one shilling since writing his last letter. Complains about the carelessness with which the subscription paper is left around, and mentions that several Rich men still have not paid. Provides a list of the people who paid, and the amount they paid. Suggests that Knox asks some of their associates, such as Mr. [Samuel] Higginson and Mr. [Samuel] Breck, to lobby for subscriptions where they live. Writes that if he had known Knox was too short of funds to help his recruiting efforts, he would not have recruited so many troops so quickly. Says he could procure supplies if he was guaranteed money within a couple of months. Asks for information on rations. Mentions the heavy snow they have received in Boston. Discusses the taxes due at the Falmouth lands, and how the snow is collecting on the property. Has received the arms and accoutrements from Mr. [Samuel] Hodgdon. Mentions a letter providing news about Shays' Rebellion.
Acknowledges receipt of Knox's letter of 27 February 1791. Comments he is anxious in finding out about what appointments will be made and when. Notes he has heard many reports respecting raising troops but nothing concrete has taken place yet. We have had many reports with respect to raising of Troops &cc but nothing authenticate. a few days more, will bring this secret business to public view. Tells Knox that the Committee on Petitions from the Patent have reported, and after some alteration by your friends in the house it was accepted, but you have nothing to fear from it, they never can be able to effect their purpose... Thinks Knox should take up the issue of the Canal again, as the idea has many supporters. Notes that Samuel Ogden, after much trouble and anxiety, has finally finished his business with the State and is preparing to return to Philadelphia. Reports that no Major General has been chosen yet, but as the Governor's interest is opposd to me, on account of Cincin - &cc I shall have no expectation of succeeding.
Tries to understand how Knox's letters are delayed in reaching him. Provides Knox with his opinion on various appointments.
Jackson had said that Crane could not get his battalion through the court, but says now he has got every bounty allow'd him and will soon have a full regiment. Believes that Lee's, Henley's, and his regiment will never be filled by the Honorble Court. The court says it will only fill their battalion once it has filled fifteen others, and at the current pace this will never happen. Colonel Lee is on the verge of resigning, and the other officers are distraught. Wishes Knox to advise him on how to handle the situation.
Colonel Crane has been authorized to give twenty pounds as a bounty to those he enlists in the regimental artillery. But Boston is offering a town bounty of fifty pounds for anyone who joins the local army, and this is making recruiting very difficult. Suggests the only way to fill the artillery will be with men from other units, but has his doubts about this as well. Wishes that George Washington would issue an order putting the artillery on equal footing for recruitment. Feels that the other officers, who gave up a lot while fighting, deserve better than their current situation. Discusses Mr. Hill, a wheelwright who Knox apparently sent to Springfield to work, but who was told he was not needed there. Hopes to resolve this situation. Postscript expresses pity for General William Heath because he has been put in command at Boston.
Informs Knox that he has received the two letters he sent, regarding the disbandment of the troops. States that it is a cruel business - but I know it will give you pain, shall say nothing at this time on that subject. Discusses upcoming dinner plans. Also mentions a fire in Boston's Malt House.
Discusses uniforms and informs Knox that I intend my Regiment shall be the best Cloathed [sic] and as perfectly Uniform as any that has ever been in the American Army, or indeed any other Army - Mentions that Colonel Hull has written to Knox regarding his rank (see GLC02437.03493) and calls him a Charming fellow. Discusses problems of rank with his ensigns as they do not have an actual rank, but would like one. Feels he will be able to recruit the state quota with help from the government. Wants colors for his regiment, asks Knox for the device to make them so he can execute them. Mentions dining with John Hancock, who told of his proposed visit to New York City (see GLC02437.3491). Comments on the governor's upcoming election and that it looks like Hancock will win.