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Responds to Knox's letter (see GLC02437.00423). Discusses the difficulty of obtaining copper in order to cast canons. Also discusses importance of officers to an army and the issue of appointing more officers from Massachusetts. Asks Knox for a list of the best prospects and comments on their characters. Explains his advocacy of a permanent regular army but also his doubts about one being created. Writes, I am a constant Advocate for a regular Army, and the most masterly Discipline, because, I know that without these We cannot reasonably hope to be a powerfull, a prosperous, or a free People...Men of Genius and spirit, must be promoted, wherever they are.
Later copy. Responds to Adams' (see GLC02437.00416) and discusses the urgent need to obtain copper from mines in New Jersey in order to cast canons. Joins Adams in lamenting the lack of officers from Massachusetts in the Continental Army, but also considers there to be a dearth of qualified candidates. Discusses recruiting and training good officers' rely not only on gentlemen but also on local talent. Suggests Colonel John Glover for possible promotion. Discusses raising an army and re-enlistment at length. Warns Adams that a bounty of [Dollar sign]25-[Dollar sign]36 or 100-150 acres of land is necessary to recruit and hold soldiers at next enlistment. Focuses on the associated expenses and recommends pay increases. Discusses the impending British attack on New York, anticipating it will come through Long Island and predicting victory for the Americans. Believes a direct attack on Manhattan would be ruinous to the British forces.
Responds to Knox's letter (see GLC02437.00403) to tell him that he did not meet with the founder making the cannons Knox wrote about, but another member of the Continental Congress did. Reports that the congress is also making efforts to mine copper in New Jersey. Discusses the possibility of sending Knox some information about five ships, probably seized vessels. Agrees that Massachusetts should supply the army with more officers, since they supply so many soldiers. Adams continues to discuss the need to promote Massachusetts officers and raises additional artillery concerns in a letter to Henry Knox, dated 25 August 1776 (GLC02437.00424).
Later copy of the original. Notifies Adams' that a founder named Mr. Byers is on his way to Philadelphia to make cannons for the artillery. Seeks Adams' support. Also emphasizes the importance of working copper mines in New Jersey. Adams was then a member of the Continental Congress.
Later copy. Knox writes to Adams, the Massachusetts representative to Continental Congress. Mentions obtaining cannon cast from the furnace at Salisbury, Massachusetts. Discusses a failed attempt by Colonel Stewart, aide-de-camp to General [Horatio] Gates, to obtain cannon for Ticonderoga, New York. Notes that Congress disapproved of the cannon price, thus Ticonderoga remains without the cannon. Writes, I sincerely wish that the spirit of enterprise may animate our army; but you well know, my Dear Sir, during the winter past and the most part of the spring, we have had no army to be animated. The time may shortly arrive when I hope we shall receive your approbation in this way. Argues for the establishment of United States currency. Mentions the Bank of England and discusses the worth of paper money compared to specie.
Apologizes for responding so late to Adams' letter of 11 November 1775 (see GLC002437.00208). Discusses military books and the difficulty of obtaining them in America, and recommends books useful to different departments in the army. Comments on the importance of the war and the cause of American freedom with vehement support: Such Opportunities as the present do no[t] turn up often in the course of human events--the happiness or misery of a great proportion of the human race is at stake. This was Knox's retained working draft; the sent copy (now in the Adams Papers at the Massachusetts Historical Society) is dated May 16th.
Later copy. Responds to a request from Adams and comments on the character and abilities of several officers, although he directs Adams to a list of officers rather than composing one himself. Discusses the difficulties of inducing good men to serve. Suggest the establishment of military academies. Discusses the problems of the Continental Army with reference to the activities in New York. Praises George Washington and Nathanael Greene. Believes the Battle of Long Island was their one chance to win in New York. Discusses the fortification of Harlem Heights.
Writes to Faesch, a metalworker building arms and ammunition for the army, to discuss the amount and sizes of shells necessary to fit the French howitzers the army has procured. Mentions that he has been in contact with General Benjamin Lincoln regarding the amount of shells to order, but asks Faesch to write to him to get a final decision on the subject. Also suggests that Faesch imprint a letter F on one side of these shells and the letters U.S. on the other.
Mentions that Captain [John] Lillie told him that Pickering visited to ask about some old cannon and to ask whether there were any damaged shells that he might want fixed and returned. Writes that the cannon should be examined and that the damaged 5 1/2 inch shells should be delivered to West Point.
Informs General Washington that he has received the cannons for the Count de Grasse and makes plans for their further transport. Knox's retained draft.