51From George Washington to Henry Knox, 26 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
Such as I hav,e I give unto thee . God grant the news may be true. But whether it is, or not, the late conduct of the Army will redound to the immortal honor of it. Yrs most sincerely TxU .
52From George Washington to Henry Knox, 14 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed is Copy of a Letter which I have received by Yesterdays post. I have to request the favor of your Sentiments on the Subject mentioned—and that you will give them to me as soon & as full as possible. You will please also to communicate the Letter to Genl Huntington, & obtain his Thoughts, which you will be so good as to forward with your own. I am Dr Sir Your most Obedient humble...
53George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 21 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, February 21, 1778 . Discusses disposal of the artillery at Albany and Farmington. Instructs Knox to send the artillery to Camp as soon as weather permits. Hopes that Knox will soon return to Camp. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
54From George Washington to Henry Knox, 22 January 1792 (Washington Papers)
Upon reflection, I think it best that no mention should be made of the probability that the characters we run over yesterday will be nominated as General Officers (in case the Bill shall pass)—and, if you have disclosed the matter to Mr M——or any one else, that secrecy may be enjoined as to the Men, not the numr. In the embryo state of this business it might (especially as it respects the...
55From George Washington to Henry Knox, 7–8 May 1791 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Henry Knox, c.7–8 May 1791. Tobias Lear wrote to GW on 22 May : “I had the pleasure to receive a letter from Major Jackson—enclosing one for each of the heads of the Departments.” GW’s letters to the secretaries of state and treasury bear Charleston, 7 and 8 May, datelines.
56From George Washington to Henry Knox, 8 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I enclose to you the application of the State of New Jersey for Ammunition, also General Cornell’s Letter informing what quantity may be expected from the Eastward, and request your opinion of the expediency of granting any to that State, and in that case how much? I wish also to be advised, what has been done respecting Plank for Platforms, and whether it will be necessary to have...
57From George Washington to Henry Knox, 25 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
I have given the enclosed draught of a letter to Captn Brandt a careful perusal. Such additions as are made with a pencil may be advisable—but, after you have given them an attentive consideration, they may stand or fall as you shall think best. Yours &ca ALS , PHi : Society Collection; Df , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW
58From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 21 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I duly received your favour of the 18th of January, which hurry of business has prevented my answering sooner. As transportation, at this season, would be ⟨difficult tedious⟩ and expensive, I approve of the plan you adopted ⟨with respect to⟩ the cannon at albany; but that no risk may be run, and in order to have them as early as possible, so near the scene of action, as that we may be able to...
59From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 30 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
The situation of our affairs and the general prospects of the campaign require that the army should divest itself of every article that can be spared and take the field as light as possible—I am therefore of opinion, that not more than two light field pieces ought to be attached to each Brigade; and that the Park should be composed of a few pieces of the same sort—You will be pleased after...
60From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 26 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
It is highly necessary that an estimate should be formed of the quantity of Ordnance Stores necessary for the expected cooperation in its fullest extent, that by comparing it with the General Return of those on hand, we may be able to ascertain the deficiency, which I very much fear (notwithstanding the pressing call upon the Board of War & Ordnance last fall when Ct D’Estaing was expected for...
61From George Washington to Henry Knox, 15 October 1793 (Washington Papers)
The violence with which (from all accounts I have received) the contagious fever in Philada continues to rage makes it still more necessary than ever that the meeting of the Heads of Departments which I requested you to attend in a letter of the 25th Sept: should not fail to take place by the first of November that, among other things measures may be taken for security of the public offices &...
62From George Washington to Henry Knox, 16 October 1783 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the pleasure to write to you on the 8th Instant, I have received your Letter of that date. I am clearly of opinion that the services of those Men whose times expire so early in the spring, are not adequate to their Clothing and Maintenance during the Winter, but, as I said in my last letter, such seems the disposition of the members of Congress with whom I have conversed on the...
63From George Washington to Henry Knox, 14 June 1793 (Washington Papers)
By the Gazettes of to day, I perceived a Vessel is just arrived in this Port from New Orleans, on board of which are several of our citizens; who, having passed down the Mississipi, are now on their return to Ohio, their place of residence. It is of great importance that this Government should be fully informed of the Spanish force in the Floridas—The number of their Posts—and the strength &...
64From George Washington to Henry Knox, 29 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby appointed to the command of West point and its Dependencies—But as the Army will lay for some time upon Verplanks point, you will consider yourself as releived, ’till further orders, from the care of attending to that post—Stoney Point and Dobbs’s Ferry, which are part of the dependencies—except so far as relates to their being constantly supplied with the proper quantity of...
65From George Washington to Henry Knox, 16 September 1792 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 8th, with its enclosures, came duly to hand; & requires but little in reply to it, as your answer to Genl Waynes communications contain every direction which is necessary for his governmt at this time. Whatever may be the Attorney General’s opinion with respect to the legality of calling out Militia by the Governor of Pennsylvania—for supplying the place of the Rangers—it is...
66From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 5 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have your favors of the 4th and 16th Feby. I have not yet recd any answer from the Board of War respecting the Artillery at Farmington. I would not have you keep any more of the new Arms in the Magazines to the Eastward than you think will be absolutely necessary for the Recruits coming on to the Army, what number that will probably be you can best judge who are upon the spot. I do not know...
67From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 15 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
Should it be thought expedient to draw a Body of Men together early next Spring, it will be necessary for us to know precisely what number of Arms we could have ready for such an emergency. I have desired Colo. Flowers to make me a return of all at the magazines under his immediate direction, & have wrote to the Commissary at Springfield to do the like. You will be pleased to make the proper...
68From George Washington to Henry Knox, 9 August 1798 (Washington Papers)
Private My Dear Sir Mount Vernon 9th Augt 1798 Your letter of the 29th Ulto has filled my mind with disquietude, and perplexity in the extreme; but I will say nothing in reply, intentionally, that shall give you a moments pain. Indeed from the tenor of your letter, it would seem as if nothing I could say, now, would be of any avail—after the open, candid and I think friendly communications in...
69From George Washington to Henry Knox, 8 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Women of the New York Regt of Artillery have applied to me on the Subject of allowing them and their Children Provisions. The number of Women & Children in the New York Regiments of Infantry before the New System of Issues took place obliged me, either to depart from that System and allow them provision or by driving them from the Army risk the loss of a number of Men, who very probably...
70From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 12 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I perceive by the last returns, that there is still a number of men wanting Arms —In addition to this, I am informed we may shortly expect some new levies from Massachusetts and Connecticut particularly the latter. The men without arms will be rather an incumberance—than a benifit I request you will take every measure in your power to have a supply ready. For this purpose, you will hasten to...
71From George Washington to Henry Knox, 15 August 1792 (Washington Papers)
This morning your Letter of the 11th came to hand, but I have not as yet had time to read, much less to consider, the enclosures therein contained. Mr Seagrove’s dispatches of the 5th ulto enclosing a packet for you, was received at the same time; & about noon his other Letter of the 27th was brought to me by Express. The whole, as well those addressed to me, as the others directed to you, are...
72From George Washington to Henry Knox, 2 November 1783 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure to reply to your Letter of the 15th of October to go by the Post before the last, but by some neglect my letter was left out of the Mail and remained in the Post office untill the Evening before the last Post should have gone, when it was, with all the Easter Mail, stolen from thence—unfortunately too, all the Copies of my letters up to that day met with the same accident,...
73From George Washington to Henry Knox, 23 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
The favorable Sentiments expressed in your private letter of the 17th Inst., and which you say are felt by the Officers in general on the late honor confered upon me by Congress, cannot fail of adding greatly to my sensibility on the occasion. It always has, and I trust ever will be, the most pleasing reflection of my life that in a contest so important, so long, & so arduous, accompanied with...
74From George Washington to Henry Knox, 16 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
Little did I imagine when I retired from the theatre of public life, that it was probable, or even possible, that any event would arise in my day, that could induce me to entertain, for a moment, an idea of relinquishing the tranquil walks, and refreshing shades, with which I am surrounded. But it is in vain, I perceive, to look for ease & happiness in a world of troubles. The call of my...
75From George Washington to Henry Knox, 14 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
Consider, and report such an answer to the letter herewith enclosed (from the Governor of the State of Pennsylvania of this date) as the contents in your judgment may require. Given at Phila. this 14th day of April 1794. ADfS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . For the enclosed letter and Knox’s reply to Thomas Mifflin of 15 April, see Mifflin to GW, 14 April , and n.3 .
76From George Washington to Col. Henry Knox, 19 August 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Col. Henry Knox, 19 Aug. 1776. GW wrote to William Heath on this date : “I have wrote to Colo. Knox this morning.”
77From George Washington to Henry Knox, 14 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
(Private) My dear Sir, Mount Vernon Octr 14th 1791. I have been under a strange mistake with respect to the time appointed for the meeting of Congress, and a distressing one; inasmuch as I shall have but little time after my arrival in Philadelphia to receive, & digest the thoughts which may have occurred to the heads of Departments, with those of my own, into proper form for communication, or...
78From George Washington to Henry Knox, 2 March 1789 (Washington Papers)
I beg you to accept my acknowledgment of and thanks for your obliging favors of the 12th 16th & 19th of last month, and particularly for the trouble you have had in procuring and forwarding for me a suit of the Hartford Manufacture. It is come safe, and exceeds my expectation. I will take an early opportunity of paying the cost of it. The result of the late Elections will not only soon be...
79From George Washington to Henry Knox, 3 September 1792 (Washington Papers)
Since my last to you—dated the 26th of Augt—I have received your dispatches of the 23d; 26th; & 28th; of the same month; and it is probable, the Messenger who will carry this & other letters to the Post Office, will bring me the result of your deliberations on the communications from Georgia. I am exceedingly glad to find by the copy of Genl Putnams letter to you, that he had resolved to...
80From George Washington to Henry Knox, 7 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
If the number of recruits in the Atlantic States, can afford a detachment of fifty men to the southward without too great an exposure of more important objects, it will accord with my opinion that that number should be sent thither. And they may be designated for Charleston or Savannah, as shall appear most eligible to you from the information that is to be obtained. Yours &c. Df , DLC:GW ; LB...
81From George Washington to Henry Knox, 4 April 1792 (Washington Papers)
You will lay before the House of Representatives such papers, from your department, as are requested by the enclosed Resolution. Df , in Tobias Lear’s hand, DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . Tobias Lear noted at the bottom of the draft: “(The papers aluded to are such as relate to the expedition under Genl St Clair—).” The enclosed resolution was undoubtedly that passed by the House of Representatives...
82From George Washington to Henry Knox, 1 April 1791 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 27th Ultimo was received last evening. Your proceeding upon the intelligence therein contained (which I think truly alarming) meets my entire approbation, and appears to promise as good effects as the limited sphere of action, allotted to the general government, in cases so deeply effecting its dignity and the happiness of the citizens will allow. Should you suppose that...
83From George Washington to Henry Knox, 1 June 1786 (Washington Papers)
The Post of last week brougt me (by way of New York) a letter, of which the inclosed is a Copy. I transmit it, not only for your perusal, but for information, and advice. All the papers respecting the Soci[e]ty of the Cincinnati being in possession of the Secretary Genl or the Assistant Secretary, and my memory very defective, I cannot speak with precision to Mr Jefferson, or decide on any...
84George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 10 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 10, 1781 . Asks Knox to supply Captain Lewis Garanger with materials necessary for executing his experiments. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
85From George Washington to Henry Knox, 17 June 1788 (Washington Papers)
I received your letter of the 25th of May, just when I was on the eve of departure for Fredericksburgh to pay a visit to my mother from whence I returned only last evening. The information of the accession of South Carolina to the New Government, since your letter, gives us a new subject for mutual felicitations. It was to be hoped this auspicious event would have had considerable influence...
86From George Washington to Henry Knox, 9 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 6th came to hand last night. It would have given me pleasure to have had you with me & advantages might have resulted from it on my present tour, if your return, in time, would have allowed it. It is now too late, as we shall be in the Act of crossing the mountains, or I shall be on my return to Phila. (according to circumstances & the information I shall receive) at the...
87From George Washington to Henry Knox, 10 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is an Extract of a Letter from Governor Harrison on the subject of the Brass Cannon belonging to Virginia. I wish you to take up the matter so as to get them in our possession as quick as possible. I am Dr Genl Your very hum. Servt. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
88From George Washington to Henry Knox, 9 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed papers relative to a treaty with the Cherokee Indians were put into my hands: and as I understand that matters of this kind have hitherto been considered as belonging to the department of the Secretary of War to examine and report thereon, and knowing that you have others of a similar nature now in your hands, I would wish you to make a summary report on the whole as soon as may...
89From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 2 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Committee of Congress are instructed, among other matters, to enquire whether there is any thing defective in the Ordnance department, or whether any of the regulations at present in force may be amended or altered for the benefit of the service. I do not exactly know when they will take the Business up, but I would wish you to be revolving the matter in your mind, and preparing yourself...
90From George Washington to Henry Knox, 29 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
That General St Clair may not think his letters (enclosed) to me, have been unattended to, or slighted, I wish such an answer as will do for publication may be prepared—conformably—to the Sentimts which seemed to be entertained of the matter when the subject was before us the other day. I am always Yrs P.S. To say neither too much, nor too little, in the answer will be a matter of some...
91From George Washington to Henry Knox, 1 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am to desire--that you will take the earliest Opportunity to furnish me with an Estimate of every thing in the Ordnance and Artillery Department which will be necessary to carry on an Offensive and vigorous Campaign—considering also the Seige of New York as a probable Operation—this Estimate to be on the same principles as those of 80 & 81—noting such of the Articles as are already in our...
92George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 9 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 9, 1781 . Commends Knox for measures taken to carry out instructions sent on January 7. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
93From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 10 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
In the conference between the Count De Rochambeau and myself, it was agreed, that if by the aid of our allies, we can have a naval superiority, through the next campaign, and an army of thirty thousand men (or double the force of the enemy [at New York] and its dependencies) early enough in the season to operate in that quarter, we ought to prefer it to every other object, as the most...
94From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 8 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
In addition to the Instructions I gave you to day, I beg may be added that of providing a number of Gunscrews for the purpose of Drawing Ball. I concieve this to be a matter well worthy of attention—will prevent the disorderly firings in our Camp—and be a considerable Public saving. If they are to be made, Let them be stout & substantial. but I recollect something of a large importation of...
95From George Washington to Henry Knox, 8 June 1796 (Washington Papers)
I would not let Mr Bingham (who says he is about to visit you) depart without acknowledging the receipt of sevl letters from you; and offering Mrs Knox & yourself my sincere condolence on your late heavy loss. Great, and trying as it must be to your sensibility, I am persuaded after the first severe pangs are over you both possess fortitude enough to view the event as the dispensation of...
96From George Washington to Henry Knox, 29 January 1789 (Washington Papers)
Having learnt from an Advertisement in the New York Daily Advertiser, that there were superfine American Broad Cloths to be sold at No. 44 in Water Street; I have ventured to trouble you with the Commission of purchasing enough to make me a suit of Cloaths. As to the colour, I shall leave it altogether to your taste; only observing, that, if the dye should not appear to be well fixed, & clear,...
97From George Washington to Henry Knox, 26 December 1786 (Washington Papers)
Nothing but the pleasing hope of seeing you under this roof in the course of last month, and wch I was disposed to extend even to the present moment, has kept me till this time from acknowleging the receipt of your obliging favor of the 23d of October. Despairing now of that pleasure, I shall thank you for the above letter, and the subsequent one of the 17th instt, which came to hand yesterday...
98From George Washington to Henry Knox, 23 December 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have read the proposed message to the “Sachems, Chiefs and Warriors of the Six Nations” and approve of it, except that I question whether the 8th and the 11th paragraphs are expressed quite strong enough. The 8th gives too much ground, in my opinion, to expect a compliance with their request in its full extent; and the 11th although the sense is plain, seems hardly decisive enough for Indian...
99George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 21 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Springfield, New Jersey ] June 21, 1780 . Instructs Knox to transport the flour at Trenton, New Jersey, to New Windsor, New York. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
100From George Washington to Henry Knox, 5 August 1792 (Washington Papers)
Since writing to you on the 1st instt Your letters of the 28th & 31st of July have come to hand. The latter, containing an acct of the fate of Majr Trueman, fills me with deep concern. The circumstances with which it is related (unless fabricated to answer some purpose to us unknown) will not allow one to doubt the fact. Nor do the Accounts from the Southward wear a much more agreeable aspect...