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Discusses his experience with Congress, in particular, making forced compromises in order to bring about a successful end to Knox's business. I need not tell you how happy I am that this matter is at last brought to a close. Instead of one, it seems a twelvemonth since I left you, - the chagrin and mortification inseparable from an attendance on Congress is beyond any thing.
Discusses a Congressional meeting that may determine whether Knox should be granted an allowance for Major General of a separate division. Since they did not have enough representatives from the states, the decision has been postponed and is causing Shaw some anxiety. Free frank signed by Benjamin Lincoln and noted as sent On Public Service, though the On Public portion is missing due to text loss.
Reports on Congressional proceedings. The report to Congress included the issue of allowing extra allowance on the ordnance claim and a resolution respecting separate departments. Mentions which states support it and which do not, in addition to his deep interest in this business. Public service written on address leaf, which bears a free frank signed by B. Lincoln (Benjamin Lincoln).
Discusses the issue of ordnance allowance at West Point, which General George Washington supports, but does not think advisable to proceed without talking it over with the Secretary of War, General Benjamin Lincoln. Mentions the decision to have Congress' permanent residence be on the Delaware, about two miles below Trenton. The temporary residence is to be fixed on this day, which is expected to be either at Annapolis or Wilmington. Informs Knox also, that Lincoln is resigning from his position as Secretary of War and recommended Knox to be his successor.
Shaw, Knox's former aide-de-camp, writes a friendly letter to discuss a variety of matters. First, he forwards Mr. Gardiner's oration on the anniversary of independence. If you can travel through so much various matter as it is composed of, it will be a strong proof of your perseverance. References a letter he sent Knox on 1 August, saying that it was written in the bitterness of my soul, and what is worse, a bitterness which still continues; he is having problems settling his father's estate, and is resigned that the outcome will not benefit himself or any of his siblings. Relates some information about a navigation act regarding the British, and hopes Congress will exercise its powers. Finally, discusses a dispute between the towns of Boston and Roxbury, Massachusetts, that has been occurring over the last two weeks, regarding enforcement of an act prohibiting people from riding out on Sundays. Recounts the way the lawyer, Mr. Benjamin Hickbourn [most sources say Hichborn] resolved the dispute with Judge Boardman of Roxbury.
Comments that he hoped he would receive news that Knox had gotten the promotion he deserved, but was disappointed to find that Congress had decided not to consider it at present. Comments, However disagreeable it would be for an officer in your station to quit the army, especially at a juncture so promising as the present, yet I am to well persuaded of your inflexibility in a resolution taken upon the clearest grounds, that I look on your resignation as a certain consequence, Should they refuse or unnecessarily delay to comply with the reasonable expectations of yourself and friends. Adds that he knows Knox's desire to fight for his country is great, but that Knox would never do anything to injure his own personal honor. Extends congratulations regarding the birth of his son: children are a treasure which will support a person under every kind of adversity, and even compensate him for the ingratitude of his country.
Shaw, Henry Knox's aide-de-camp, apologizes for the delay in sending a box owned by William. Reports that the army plans to leave Valley Forge, and Henry Knox is unwilling to leave any thing of his in this d-n'd State. Refers to military and political matters, noting that England (John Bull) would leave America if it could do so decently. Comments that La Francois intends to speculate pretty deeply in American politics. Remarks that British papers emphasize the advantage America could gain by constitutionally uniting with England, yet the British also highlight the difference between American and British speech, dress, and customs. Mentions bills released by Lord North and authenticated by General William Howe. Discusses preparations for following the British as they leave Philadelphia, bound for New York. Discusses a disagreement between Henry Knox and Thomas-Antoine Mauduit, Chevalier Du Plessis. Some text loss on page three.
Was informed by General Benjamin Lincoln that Knox's promotion has not yet gone through, though he and the rest of Knox's friends agree that it should, and are in support of the resolution Knox has taken in case of a refusal on the part of Congress to comply with it. If Knox is promoted and needs a new aide, Shaw describes a young man, Samuel Newman, from the Boston area who he believes would be a good choice: He is sensible, brave, and good natured, in short, my dear sir, I think he is a gentleman who would suit you very well, and were I to be consulted in the choice of a fellow laborer, he is one to whom I would give the preference. Adds that this man will accept a lieutenancy in Crane's regiment until such time as he may be promoted to aide, and suggests Knox recommend this man to other officers if Knox does not have a vacancy. Also refers to news of a speech by the King of Great Britain to Parliament, and Parliament's response; believes there is not much in the speech to suggest their plans for the ensuing years, and that speeches like this have generally been calculated rather to amuse than to instruct the nation. Hopes that their own forces will be ready regardless of any steps Britain may take.
Knox writes to Osgood, a Continental Congressman. Thanks him for the disinterested attention he has paid Knox in several instances. Assures Osgood he prizes their friendship highly. Reports that George Washington has instructed him to dissolve several corps and reorganize the soldiers whose terms have not expired into an infantry and artillery. Writes, This business has been painful on account of discharging the officers and soldiers at this [severe] season without pay, and in many instances the men are miserably clad. Refers to an instance in summer of 1783 when officers petitioned Continental Congress for land west of the Ohio River (the Newburgh Petition was presented by men who, in many cases, had not been paid for their service in the Continental Army, and they asked for land as payment). Asks if the petition has been considered. Discusses rumors that he may be appointed to take the place of Benjamin Lincoln (presumably as Secretary of War). In a post script, writes I think the pay & other emoluments of a major general, in a separate department, exclusive of any encumbrances... would not be an unreasonable expectation,- and that would satisfy me.
Signed for Knox and written in the hand of Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide-de-camp. Discusses the exchange of Captain Winthrop Sargent with Captain Samuel Shaw in the Massachusetts Artillery. Sargent had not been able to attend a meeting of officers (see GLC02437.02174 and GLC02437.02175), when they decided who would remain in the service but still wanted to continue serving, so Shaw volunteered to switch positions with him.