Written from military Headquarters in New York. Washington, Commander in Chief of Continental forces, writes to Lincoln, Secretary at War. Discusses extra allowances requested by General Henry Knox, declaring the allowances perfectly reasonable and well founded. Attests that Knox's position as commander at West Point (1782-1783) required extra expenses (in 1782, Knox entertained many French officers in the area). Written in the hand of Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide. Docket indicates this letter is a copy.

Thanks Washington for writing to General Benjamin Lincoln, Secretary of War, on his behalf, requesting an extra allowance from the public as head of the ordnance and during the time I have been in the command of these posts. Refers to a journey taken by Major Samuel Shaw to gain information and if possible a favorable resolve from Congress, apparently on his own and on Knox's behalf. Writes, I hope it cannot be thought an unreasonable solicitation, to be placed upon the same footing with my predecessors, as an equal... Notes that Generals [Alexander] McDougall, [William] Heath, and [John] Paterson have obtained additional compensation through application to Congress. Requests that Washington provide Shaw with a certificate of his services, noting a certificate under your Excellencys hand might be of the greatest utility to him. Lucy Knox sends her regards to Martha Washington. Knox's retained draft.

Knox, Commander at West Point, writes, A Report has been brought by the Garrison, that you have passed the river at Dobb's [Dobbs Ferry]- It would be unnecessary to say how much this mortifies me, but the urgency of your affairs, has undoubtedly been so great as to oblige you to pass as unnoticed. Relates that he was unaware that the salary given to previous commanders at West Point was withdrawn when he took command. Requests from Lincoln, Secretary at War, the same compensation as his predecessors, noting Certainly I have expended as much as any of them, and I only ask the same allowance. This is but common justice. If it is not granted to me it will have an ugly aspect... Remarks that he has presented the matter to General George Washington. Knox hopes he shall leave no cause of complaining of unequal rewards for the same services.

Written and signed for Knox in the hand of Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide de camp. Discusses the pay for army artificers about to be furloughed, and their entitlement to arms.

Gives an account of his advancement in the army and his wages as a way to show the unfair methods of payment of the soldiers and the lack of an organized system to deal with soldiers' wages.

Three sectioned-document written in the hand of Samuel Shaw. Marked as a copy. First part written by Lincoln to Morris concerning the allowance of pay for Henry Knox. Apparently it was intended [Knox] should draw one hundred and fifty six dollars per month, to refund the expences of his table, in addition to his subsistence money. Wishes Morris will be able to give the paymaster a sum sufficient to discharge the balance between what General Knox has monthly received and what has been received by the former commanding officers at the fort of West Point... Contains Lincoln's copied signature. Second section of the document, on page three, records that a 30 October 1783 resolution of Congress grants [Dollar sign]2,490 dollars in pay to Knox for his command at West Point from September 1782 to November 1783. Includes Knox's copied signature. Third section of the document, also on page three, is from Lincoln to John Pierce, paymaster general of the army of the United States. Lincoln instructs Pierce to pay Knox [Dollar sign]2,490 based on Congress's resolution. Includes Lincoln's copied signature. Watermarked with three fleur-de-lis inside a crest and a crown.

Discusses an addition to his monthly allowance. Mentions how his pay compares unfavorably to that of other generals, such as [Alexander] McDougall and [William] Heath. Asks Lincoln to discuss the issue with Mr. Morris, likely Robert Morris, the Pennsylvania financier.