Download or read book Henry Knox to George Washington about Prisoners of War 21 April 1782 written by Henry Knox and published by . This book was released on 1782 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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).

Download or read book Henry Knox to George Washington about the Exchange of Prisoners 21 April 1782 written by Henry Knox and published by . This book was released on 1782 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book Henry Knox to George Washington about Former Women and Children Prisoners of Native Americans in Need of Assistance 22 September 1782 written by Henry Knox and published by . This book was released on 1782 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book George Washington to Henry Knox Ordering the Release of a Prisoner 3 September 1782 written by George Washington and published by . This book was released on 1782 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book Henry Knox to George Washington Regarding Repairs of Arms 7 September 1782 written by Henry Knox and published by . This book was released on 1782 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book Henry Knox to George Washington Reflecting on the Revolutionary War and News of Congress 21 February 1784 written by Henry Knox and published by . This book was released on 1784 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book Henry Knox to George Washington Regarding the Continental Army 18 June 1778 written by Henry Knox and published by . This book was released on 1778 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book Henry Knox to Lucy Knox about the Progress of the War 5 January 1776 written by Henry Knox and published by . This book was released on 1776 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Laments not being able to return to Lucy when he had hoped to. Praises Lucy at length and reaffirms his love for her. Notes that this is only the fourth letter he has been able to write to her in the two months they have been apart, and explains why his letter of 5 December 1775 was so short (see GLC02437.00215). Comments on the weather and the lack of snow, which impeded his plans to transport artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Cambridge, Massachusetts. Mentions that his brother William Knox is now at Lake George preparing the sleds for the transport. Describes his travels. Comments favorably of the city of New York in comparison to Boston, but criticizes the people's pride, conceit, profaneness, and Toryism. Mentions the low population and poverty of the area between New York City and Albany. Favorably assesses Albany, New York and speculates that, because of its access to the western territories, it will one day be if not the Capital yet nearly to it of America. Criticizes treatment of American prisoners of war by the British, citing Richard Prescott's abuse of Ethan Allen. Prescott was captured by the Americans on 17 November 1775, and Knox remarks that he and other prisoners were being sent from Albany to Pennsylvania. Comments on letters between generals George Washington and William Howe in which Washington vows to treat Prescott as Allen was treated. Comments on his impression of the British prisoners.

Download or read book Henry Knox to Tench Tilghman about Prisoners of War 10 October 1782 written by Henry Knox and published by . This book was released on 1782 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Written to Colonel Tilghman as an aide-de-camp to General Washington. Says seven prisoners of war who have been confined at West Point have petitioned him for relief. They were taken in the Northern Department and sent to West Point from Albany a year before. Lists their names and the circumstances of their capture. Says that they have families and that most of them have connections in Canada. If they cannot be released, they would like to go to Albany where they might get assistance from their acquaintances. Says their confinement is rather more rigorous than usually falls to the lot of prisoners of war captured under common circumstances. Says there are also 2 Germans who were sent to him 3 or 4 weeks ago when you sent some tories and a letter for Governor Clinton. Says they were captured by militia when they attempted to depart for Pennsylvania and that the simply wish to go home. Written and signed for Knox in the secretarial hand of Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide-de-camp. See GLC02437.01656 for the petition.

Download or read book Henry Knox to George Washington about the Invalid Regiment 10 October 1782 written by Henry Knox and published by . This book was released on 1782 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Contributes his thoughts on what to do with the poor unfortunate invalid regiment. Declares that his ideas stem both from compassion for the soldiers and from what I conceive to be the good of the service. Discusses physical examinations of the soldiers, how to judge who is capable for duty, and what sort of work they might be able to accomplish (says that they could not, for example, be employed in the movement of ordnance). Mentions Colonel Timothy Pickering, the Quartermaster General.

Download or read book George Washington to Henry Knox and Robert Morris Regarding Prisoner of War Negotiations written by and published by . This book was released on 2017 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Minutes of the Proceedings of the Commissioners 31 March 21 April 1782 written by Henry Knox and published by . This book was released on 1782 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book Henry Knox to George Washington about Artillery Artificers 14 May 1782 written by Henry Knox and published by . This book was released on 1782 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book George Washington to Henry Knox Concerning a Potential Traitor 30 March 1782 written by George Washington and published by . This book was released on 1782 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Later copy advising Knox to speak to his colleague about his association and manner of speaking with another person. Writes that I have every reason short of positive proof to believe the person here meant, is a Traitor to this Country, that he is in the pay of the Enemy... Noted as written at the York Hutts and as a copy, Copied and composed with the original Feb 8th 1854.

Download or read book Henry Knox to George Washington on War Tactics and His Opposition to an Attack Against the British at Philadelphia 26 November 1777 written by Henry Knox and published by . This book was released on 1777 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Penned by Samuel Shaw, with post-script in Knox's hand. Knox answers the question: ... whether it would be advisable to attack the enemies redoubts and the City of Philadelphia by way of storm ... Knox writes, I exceedingly lament my want of ability and experience to fill properly the important station in which I am, and am more particularly distressed when such important questions are referred to my decision as those which your Excellency gave us in charge the last evening. The happiness or misery of the People of America may be the consequences of a right or erroneous judgment. Admits that America's military knowledge and skill does not equal that of Great Britain. Notes that some mens' desire for military fame has eclipsed their original intentions for entering the war. Deplores Washington's critics. Discusses America's depreciated currency. Explains his reasons for strongly opposing an attack against the British at Philadelphia. Instead, asserts that Continental forces should fortify winter quarters at Germantown, Pennsylvania. Proposes that with quarters fortified, they can invite an attack along enemy lines. If the British accept the attack and win, the Americans will be able to retreat to fortified quarters. If the British decline the attack, Knox argues Continental forces may be assured of their superior strength. Under text of page 6, place of writing, date and address added by Knox, with his autograph manuscript additions on page 7. The signature was added later, and does not appear to be in Knox's hand.

Download or read book Henry Knox to George Washington about the Death of His Son 10 September 1782 written by Henry Knox and published by . This book was released on 1782 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Informs Washington of the death of his infant son, Washington's godson. Knox's retained draft.

Download or read book Henry Knox to William Gordon about George Washington 2 April 1786 written by Henry Knox and published by . This book was released on 1786 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.