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Writes in response to Lincoln's letter of 20 August. Declares, I am sorry Mr. [Robert] Morris cannot pay for any shells for the French [8?] inch howitzers, as they without shells much be useless after all the time and money which has been expended making new cartridges for them. Has asked General George Washington his opinion on employing German prisoners as armorers at Newburgh in exchange for their freedom (see GLC02437.01589), and Washington feels this is a good idea, so Knox asks Lincoln to make the appropriate arrangements. Also comments that he has received recent Congressional resolves about restructuring the department of military stores, and he will soon forward a list of those who he feels might not be most qualified to continue in service of the department.
Explains his recommendations and opinions on key issues regarding the ensuing campaign in and around New York. Relates that upon asking General George Washington when to be prepared to march his troops, General Washington claimed to be out of touch with the status of preparations, but as soon as he decided, he would let Knox know. Knox relates that this makes him uneasy, as it makes planning the ordnance and stores far more difficult. Describes recent experiments on howitzers of French and of English origin, and explains that they require different shell sizes (see GLC02437.01411), and recommends Captain [William] Stevens and Mr. [John Jacob] Faesch for the job. Recommends reproofing all the shells in Pennsylvania and Maryland because of previous accidents. Describes the recent acquisition by General Washington of cannon from the state of Virginia (see GLC02437.01394). Encloses a list of stores requested for West Point and the field, as well as one prepared by General [William] Irvine for Fort Pitt. Emphasizes the necessity of building the required number of carriages, wagons, tumbrils, and cartridges, and of obtaining the requested number of horses. Also mentions Mr. [Samuel] Hodgdon.
Written from the War Office. In response to Knox's letter of 31 July (see GLC02437.01510), advises Knox to settle the matter of which shells and shots each metalworker in their employ, Mr. [John Jacob] Faesch and a Mr. Whiting, should cast. Writes, All the cartridge boxes made have been sent on the last contract has not been paid, we cannot obtain another without money I do not know when Mr. Morris can supply it, I will not forget to urge him. Finally, agrees with Knox that they should use armourers for repairing and rebuilding arms, but he cannot engage people to work without some prospect of their receiving a compensation, should it be attempted we would not long avail ourselves - the present disorder must be submitted to.
Written from the War Office. Informs Knox that Mr. [John Jacob] Faesch has begun casting shells for them, and that Captain [William] Stevens must immediately go there to prove the shells. Tells Knox to provide Stevens with instructions for how many shells to order cast for the French howitzers. Suggests that if, after a conference with the General [perhaps General George Washington], they feel they might not need the French shells right away, they should wait to make them in case they are able to recast the French howitzers and make them of the English caliber. Also asks what items of brass ordnance they might need, and informs Knox that a Mr. Byers has gone to Springfield and hopefully soon will be ready to cast as well. See GLC02437.01457 for related information.
Later copy. Written by Major General Knox to Secretary of War Lincoln. Arrived in Newburgh three days earlier. Was at West Point with the officers of the Army and find them generally much discontented. Says the problems revolve around the issuing of provisions. Says Tomorrow it is proposed to celebrate with a good deal of taste & some pomp, the birth of the dauphin. I am sorry we shall have such a bad sauce to the feast, as the late unfortunate event in the West Indies (the French fleet under de Grasse was defeated by British Admiral Rodney on 12 April off the coast of Dominica).
Knox writes to Lincoln, Secretary of War. Writes, His Excellency the commander in chief has stationed me at this post, which in addition to its natural embarrassments, is attended with much greater expenses than my purse can admit. Notes that Congress arranged for extra compensation for General Alexander McDougall, a previous commander at West Point. Asks Lincoln to provide a similar arrangement for him. If this is beyond the reach of Lincoln's powers, requests that Lincoln consult Mr. Morris (possibly Gouverneur Morris, assistant superintendent of finance). How my dear sir is the relief to (arise) if that payment shall be postponed, to a day which hope can be scarcely reached?
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 the deficiency of supplies in the ordnance. Comments on the amount of horses necessary for the wagons in the field. Also discusses the supplies necessary for the ordnance, including cannon, howitzers, and ammunition, and the amount of artificers at Springfield who could help build and repair these supplies.
Later copy. Discusses the exchange of prisoners and that it is still in progress and also mentions the petition of the New England officers for better wages and other benefits. Informs General Lincoln of Cornwallis' movements in the South, mainly through Georgia and South Carolina.
Later copy. Marked Private. Letter from Major General Knox to Secretary of War Lincoln. Reports that the Massachusetts line has determined to apply to the state for its backpay. Says It would be useless to detail the reasons why such a settlement would be preferable to a continental one. Says it is probable that Massachusetts may decline to account for the officers subsistence, if so it must be brought before Congress.