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Relates some of his experiences at the commissioner meeting in Elizabeth Town to negotiate a prisoner exchange. Suspects that many of the propositions the patriots made were discussed in New York by a council before any decisions were made by the British. Believes they never shall obtain justice or equal treatment from the Enemy unless they are in a position to demand it. Refers to a report (GL02437.01377), and a private letter, (GL02437.01395). Also discusses his and Washington's belief that several unnamed persons are providing intelligence to the British. Comments on whether they should establish a post at Elizabeth Town and believes the intelligence from a post at that location would be valuable. Suggests that if prisoners were exchanged by the north River, it would prevent much improper communication which unavoidably prevails at present. Thanks Washington heartily for a letter of recommendation he wrote which facilitated Knox's promotion to Major General. Sends regards to Mrs. Washington. Mentions a Colonel M. Ogden (likely Matthias Ogden) and a Colonel Smith.
Copy in Samuel Shaw's hand and signed by him for both Knox and Morris. Knox and Morris assumed the public would be interested in the POW report they recently submitted to Congress, so they wrote this letter for Washington with information they excluded from that report to avoid its publication. Says they had no opportunity of bringing forward distinctly the affairs of Mr. Laurens. By pushing it abruptly into notice we might have obstructed but would not have forwarded your views for his release. Had our general propositions been acceded to, his exchange would have followed necessarily. Had they acceded to those terms which would have justified us in consenting to partial exchanges, that of Mr. Laurens would have been brought forward among the foremost. Says they hinted that Laurens might be exchanged for Lord Cornwallis. They think the British are willing to work with the Americans to get these exchanges concluded in a satisfactory manner. Reports on the board of directors -- a group appointed by the British Ministry -- that is dealing with prisoner exchanges with the British commanders in America. They say We are thoroughly convinced that this board and their powers are more odious and more disagreeable to the British army than to us. The disgust against them among the military is general, but they have numerous adherents among the disaffected. Says mutual hatred and jealousy between the two is apparent. Says We are convinced that the late murder of Captain Huddy [this is a reference to the Huddy-Asgill affair] was by their authority. Tells Washington that if he presses the issue, he might split the generals and the board even further. Also says Should a British officer be executed in consequence of a refusal to deliver up or punish the guilty, the resentments of the army will be proportionably inflamed. (a British officer was held for execution in retaliation, but was eventually released). Says there are other problems behind the British lines, as Tory refugee troops are upset about the possibility of being sent to the West Indies. The Tories fear the crown will desert them as soon as they can. Says commerce is at an ebb in New York and that the quantity of goods in New York is smaller than is generally supposed. Reports that a pardon might push the Tories out of the British camp and truly hurt their enemies. Says There are many things which it is imprudent to commit to paper, and which Colo. Smith will inform you of. Says there is reason to believe the British will not pay for the upkeep of the Convention Army (the captured troops from the Battle of Saratoga in 1777).
Writes regarding the release of a prisoner. Informing Knox that As Mr. Corne was ignorant of the regulations respecting Flags, when he came out, he may be permitted to return with the other Prisoners. Written at Head Quarters. Docketed by Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide.
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.
Document in Samuel Shaw's hand, and signed by Shaw for Knox, giving Knox's opinion on several questions posed by Washington. Writes, ...it would be a most criminal degree of madness to hazard a general action at this time with the enemy, as by it we might lose every advantage which a three years war, combined with many fortunate circumstances, have given to America. Suggests the Continental Army remain at Valley Forge until the British completely evacuate Philadelphia. Does not advise a detachment to be sent to reinforce Continental troops in New Jersey. Gives advice for securing the sick and stores if the Continental Army should have to immediately evacuate their position at Valley Forge.
Relates that the artillery artificers are preparing supplies and will be ready to march whenever General Washington thinks it is the right time; Knox imagines it will be after 1 June. Explains that he will be leaving today for Burlington and expects to stay there for three or four days before proceeding to headquarters. Describes Mrs. Knox's travel plans as well.
Copy written in the hand of Samuel Shaw, Henry Knox's aide-de-camp, at Elizabethtown, present-day Elizabeth, New Jersey. Appoints Knox and Gouverneur Morris to meet with British commissioners to discuss prisoners of war and civilians in custody. Empowers them to negotiate release, exchange and better treatment of prisoners of war, and to take measures to liberate citizens not captured under arms (emphasized in original). Also authorizes them to settle accounts for prisoner maintenance; mentions Convention of Saratoga, an agreement about handling of British prisoners after the Battle of Saratoga. They were authorized to seek a system, a cartel, to handle treatment, release and exchange of all future captured soldiers and civilians. Also empowers them to seek agreement on naval prisoners of war. Confers General Sir Henry Clinton's powers on his appointees, General William Dalrymple and Andrew Elliot, in a form letter similar in wording to the letter in which General George Washington confers his powers on Knox and Morris. Clinton also appoints British Naval Commander Robert Digby to assist in the exchange of captured sailors. Morris and Knox conclude, ...the object of the enemy was merely to regain their captive soldiers, without any regard to the sums already due or which might become due for their subsistence... For related documents, see GLC02437.01393, .01395 and .09309.
Discusses problems with the issuance of provisions at West Point. Knox's retained draft.
Writes that he is unaware of a present being sent from the King of France to General George Washington; declares that Colonel Laurens received money and goods but he thought they had been purchased. Provides information about a wartime incident featuring General Washington and the Comte de Grasse (much of this section is crossed out). May have been verifying information for the Reverend Doctor Gordon's history of the war (see GLC02437.03247). See GLC02437.03258 for a legible copy of the section describing this incident.