Author: Henry Knox Publisher: ISBN: Category : Languages : en Pages : 0
Book Description
Impressed with the importance of West Point for the existence of the United States, says he wanted to make sure the fort was in working order and that its dependencies were well-supplied with cannon and military stores. Says he has made every exertion, but that money and equipment are in short supply. Has included a paper describing the state of ordnance and supplies (not included here). Says if he had all the ammunition he requested he would only have enough for a siege of ten days, but as it is, only half the cannon would be functional. Says many of the 10-inch shells and shot are at Mount Hope and Hibernia in New Jersey. Says the furnaces at Salisbury, Connecticut and Mount Hope might be able to supply West Point, but thinks Pennsylvania can fill in any gaps of supply from those two places. Estimates the deficiencies in ammunition at about 1,000 tons. Says the transportation costs to resupply West Point and its surrounding dependencies could be 250 pounds of Pennsylvania currency. Hopes this information will allow Washington to make an informed decision on supplying the forts. Suggests having stone magazines built to protect the ammunition. Says it would be best to have three magazines built for the garrison, each able to hold 2,000 barrels of powder. Says more pieces of ordnance are damaged by being crammed into poor, weather-soaked buildings than by any other cause. Knox says he was reluctant to bring this matter before Washington, but that he was unequal to the task of fixing the problems without his help. Closing in the hand of Knox's aide Samuel Shaw, who also signs for Knox. The enclosure cited is GLC02437.10503.
Author: Henry Knox Publisher: ISBN: Category : Languages : en Pages : 0
Book Description
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.
Author: Henry Knox Publisher: ISBN: Category : Languages : en Pages : 0
Book Description
In response to a request by General George Washington to consider the best place in West Point to erect a magazine, the General Officers would like Knox to report that the hollow west of Fort Clinton is under all circumstances the best place for it.
Author: Henry Knox Publisher: ISBN: Category : Languages : en Pages : 0
Book Description
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.
Author: Henry Knox Publisher: ISBN: Category : Languages : en Pages : 0
Book Description
Lists ordnance and military stores necessary for the campaign of 1781 according to type and number needed. Also includes a list of artillery necessary for a siege and a note concerning the making and cost of gun carriages. Written in a Park of Artillery. Written and signed for Knox by Samuel Shaw.
Author: Henry Knox Publisher: ISBN: Category : Languages : en Pages : 0
Book Description
Refers to a letter he received from Colonel Franois-Marie, comte d'Aboville (see GLC02437.01365), who commands French artillery in Virginia. Aboville mentions 14 artillery cannon belonging to the State of Virginia which do not have carriages or ammunition and are in poor repair. Argues that these cannons would not be useful to Virginia, since they could not repair or equip them, but that the United States forces are in dire need of cannon for an artillery battery and could make them serviceable. Encourages General Washington to pursue a trade with the State of Virginia and give them small arms, or something similar, in exchange, or else to purchase or borrow the cannon from Virginia. Adds that he should obtain them quickly and bring them to Burlington for the ensuing campaign.
Author: Henry Knox Publisher: ISBN: Category : Languages : en Pages : 0
Book Description
Reports that General George Washington has ordered him to take southward all the arms and accoutrements possible. The demand has been indicated to Washington in letters from the Marquis de Lafayette. The supplies were needed for the upcoming siege of Yorktown. Requests specific supplies listed on an accompanying sheet (GLC02437.01161). The Board of War and Ordnance was responsible for supplying troops in the field.
Author: Henry Knox Publisher: ISBN: Category : Languages : en Pages : 0
Book Description
Written in the hand of Samuel Shaw, and signed by him for Knox'. Knox advises against sending troops from the northern Continental force to the southward ... supposing the events at Charlestown [Charleston, South Carolina] to prove unfortunate. Writes, The great number of negroes and disaffected people in North and South Carolina will always render the conquest of that country comparatively easy with the more northern parts of the continent... But I cannot think it obligatory on Your Excellency to detach any troops at present from your small army; especially as you will be necessitated to garrison West Point with parts of it... Asserts that maintenance of the Hudson River posts should take precedence over other military concerns. Comments on the possible outcomes of a British attack on West Point. Writes, The enemy by being in possession of the water, have it amply in their power to distress and harass us; but it would be highly imprudent and unwise in us to divide our force so as to be incapable of making opposition in any place... I think therefore it would be rather improper at present to detach any troops because the situation of the force under Your Excellency relative to that of the enemy in New York would not permit it- Argues that the militia in North and South Carolina should turn out to assist the Continental Army.
Author: Henry Knox
Author: Henry Knox
Author: George Washington
Author: Henry Knox
Author: Henry Knox
Author: Noah Brooks
Author: Henry Knox
Author: Henry Knox
Author: Henry Knox
Author: Henry Knox