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Sends Washington the volume of pamphlets belonging Governor [Jonathan] Trumbull. For several days, Knox has retained the pamphlet written by Governor Pownall and hopes to be able to browse through the volume again when Washington is finished. Hopes to go to West Point the same day, and to deliver a report to Washington the following day. Knox's retained draft.
Discusses working with General Philip Schuyler to arrange to have artillery seized from the British earlier in the year forwarded from Fort Ticonderoga to Cambridge, Massachusetts. Describes the garrison at Ticonderoga as weak and the Conveyance from the fort to the landing so indifferent & the passage across the lake so precarious that I am afraid it will be ten days at least before I can get them on this side the lake. Mentions potential problems with the sledding. Written from Fort George in Lake George, New York. Knox's retained working draft. Docket is written in Knox's hand.
Written in the hand of Samuel Shaw, and signed by him for Knox'. Knox advises against sending troops from the northern Continental force to the southward ... supposing the events at Charlestown [Charleston, South Carolina] to prove unfortunate. Writes, The great number of negroes and disaffected people in North and South Carolina will always render the conquest of that country comparatively easy with the more northern parts of the continent... But I cannot think it obligatory on Your Excellency to detach any troops at present from your small army; especially as you will be necessitated to garrison West Point with parts of it... Asserts that maintenance of the Hudson River posts should take precedence over other military concerns. Comments on the possible outcomes of a British attack on West Point. Writes, The enemy by being in possession of the water, have it amply in their power to distress and harass us; but it would be highly imprudent and unwise in us to divide our force so as to be incapable of making opposition in any place... I think therefore it would be rather improper at present to detach any troops because the situation of the force under Your Excellency relative to that of the enemy in New York would not permit it- Argues that the militia in North and South Carolina should turn out to assist the Continental Army.
Knox reflects on the Revolutionary War: Your calm retreat to Mount Vernon must be a source of ineffable delight to you. You can from there take a retrospective view of the critical exigencies of the War, and see a thousand ways by which the issue might have been the reverse of what it is- And your happiness must be in proportion to the extreme difficulties and danger in the contest and the immense blessings secured to your country by the glorious peace... Gives Washington news of Congress. Discusses the Society of the Cincinnati: The Cincinnati appears however groundless to be an object of jealousy... Notes that in response to the Society of the Cincinnati, a committee has been chosen by the Legislature of Massachusetts to investigate associations that may have a tendency to create a race of an hereditary nobility... Knox's retained draft.
Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, advising Knox in detail on how he might arrange for the Defense of the Western Territories. Also congratulates Knox on becoming Secretary at War, discusses Congress' plans for the Western Territories and the British presence in these areas. The end of the last page is attached and extends beyond the document. Copy made 3 February 1854.
Writes that he hopes to be able to visit General Washington at Mount Vernon soon. Is convinced of the General's affection for him and feels sure that his limited correspondence will not be misconstrued; is aware that responding to too many letters can be difficult, and he has been traveling to and from Massachusetts on both public and private business, which has prevented him from writing. Argues that the political system currently in place is inadequate: The powers of Congress are utterly inadequate to preserve the balance between the respective States, and oblige them to do those things which are essential for [strikeout] their own welfare or for the general good. Believes that all states are at odds with each other, at odds with the central government, and at odds within themselves. Comments that the political machine works against the public interest, especially regarding taxes. Writes, we have arrived at that point of time, in which we are forced to see our own humiliation as a nation and that a progression in this line cannot be productive of happiness either private or public - Something is wanting - and something must [struck: be obtained] be done, or we shall be involved in all the horror of faction and civil war, without a prospect of its termination. Has reason to believe there will be war with the Indians in the frontier, and explains that more troops will be added in the region. Also adds his sadness at the recent death of General [Nathanael] Greene, and his happiness at the birth of another daughter. He and his wife send their love to Washington and his wife. Knox's retained draft.
Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, thanking Knox for his valuable public service, as Knox is about to retire as Secretary of War. Copied from original 7 February 1854 according to note on first page.
A highly detailed letter in which Knox reports on his efforts to obtain ordnance in New York City for the Continental Army in Cambridge. Discusses similar, unsuccessful activities in regard to the activities of a man named Colonel Read, and his problems with the committee sitting during the recess of the Second Continental Congress, possibly the Second Provincial Congress, which met in New York in late 1775 or the Committee of Safety. Reports Colonel Alexander McDougall's promise to exert his influence on the committee and have them send munitions to Cambridge immediately. Seeks permission to have McDougall arrange for some artillery pieces to be cast at a New York foundry. Informs Washington that he will leave for Fort Ticonderoga the following day, and expresses worries about the size of artillery he will be able to transport. Relays detailed news from Robert Livingston about the easy American victory at Montreal on 13 November 1775 that Knox believes has not reached Washington yet. Asks Washington to order Lieutenant Colonel William Burbeck to build carriages for the new artillery pieces. Has sketch of an unnamed fort on verso. Knox's retained working draft.
Mentions doubts George Washington expressed in a previous letter regarding the upcoming campaign (initially the campaign was to be against the British in New York, but Washington revised these plans to launch the Siege of Yorktown). Discusses arrangements [Knox] made with General [Ezekiel] Cornell, a Continental Congressman, to obtain supplies.
Sending Knox in an attempt to keep New Jersey from forming a separate army.