Instructs Knox not to disclose information regarding the nomination of General Officers and a bill that has not yet passed. Docketed in Knox's hand.

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, instructing Knox not to disclose information regarding the nomination of General Officers and a bill that has not yet passed. Copy made 1 February 1854. Original of this letter is GLC02437.09424.

Writes that he has not list[ed] the characters mentioned yesterday to any mortal. Declares that Arthur St. Clair has arrived, and that he has not seen him yet but will this morning.

Major General Knox reports that he withdrew from New York on or around 18 December 1783, according to the wishes of Governor George Clinton. Informs Washington he has discharged all troops except those who he lists in an enclosed return (not included). Asks Washington to keep this letter private. Reports on the state of officers, discussing their lack of pay or ability to obtain provisions at their time of discharge. Expects to hear from Washington regarding the May 1784 meeting of the general Society, possibly referring to the Society of the Cincinnati. Discusses the pay and emoluments of a Major General. Plans to soon depart for Boston. Signed in the left margin of the last page. Knox's retained draft.

Knox, Commander at West Point, writes, I cannot refrain from communicating the joy I feel, and the pleasure manifested by the officers in general, upon the noble testimony of gratitude exhibited by Congress in their resolve concerning the equestrian statue... Requests information regarding an officers' petition to Congress in which officers would be granted lands in place of their back pay. Assures Washington, Were the prayer of the petition to be granted, the officers in a very few years would make the swift settlement on the frontiers, and form a strong barrier against the barbarians... Suggests the creation of the office of master general of ordnance, noting that the current Minister of War (Benjamin Lincoln, Secretary at War) does not predict the appointment of a successor to his post. Asserts that the master general of ordnance would ...reside near Congress to execute such orders as they should think proper for the dignity or security of the republick. Expresses his wish for Washington to keep this letter in confidence. Notes that if he were appointed as master general of ordnance, he would give the post his zealous assistance. His wife Lucy sends her respectful regards to Martha Washington. Knox's retained draft.

Informs General Washington that he is sending the weekly returns with other information to him (not included). Knox's retained draft.

Written in the hand of Samuel Shaw. Creator inferred from the draft (GLC02437.10186) in Knox's hand. On behalf of the officers remaining on the banks of the Hudson, Knox responds to General Washington's farewell address to the army. Thanks Washington for the address and states that the failure to fully recompense officers was beyond Washington's control. Lists accomplishments of army and the officers. Noted as a copy in the docket. Watermarked. Date inferred by date of Knox's covering letter (GLC02437.02772).