Writes to General Lincoln, the Secretary at War, to inform him of the recent acquisition of ordnance from the enemy, obtained with the help of France. Explains that the articles obtained are in bad repair but are in high demand, so recommends a Mr. Byers, who is at present under engagements to the United States, to be employed to make as many mortars and howitzers as necessary from the materials. Knox will submit an estimate as to how many they might need.

Written to General Benjamin Lincoln as Secretary at War. Calculations and notes regarding necessary ordnance and ammunition for the siege of New York. Discusses strategy relating to placement of cannon and batteries.

Later copy. Written by Major General Knox to Secretary of War Lincoln. Arrived in Newburgh three days earlier. Was at West Point with the officers of the Army and find them generally much discontented. Says the problems revolve around the issuing of provisions. Says Tomorrow it is proposed to celebrate with a good deal of taste & some pomp, the birth of the dauphin. I am sorry we shall have such a bad sauce to the feast, as the late unfortunate event in the West Indies (the French fleet under de Grasse was defeated by British Admiral Rodney on 12 April off the coast of Dominica).

Explains his recommendations and opinions on key issues regarding the ensuing campaign in and around New York. Relates that upon asking General George Washington when to be prepared to march his troops, General Washington claimed to be out of touch with the status of preparations, but as soon as he decided, he would let Knox know. Knox relates that this makes him uneasy, as it makes planning the ordnance and stores far more difficult. Describes recent experiments on howitzers of French and of English origin, and explains that they require different shell sizes (see GLC02437.01411), and recommends Captain [William] Stevens and Mr. [John Jacob] Faesch for the job. Recommends reproofing all the shells in Pennsylvania and Maryland because of previous accidents. Describes the recent acquisition by General Washington of cannon from the state of Virginia (see GLC02437.01394). Encloses a list of stores requested for West Point and the field, as well as one prepared by General [William] Irvine for Fort Pitt. Emphasizes the necessity of building the required number of carriages, wagons, tumbrils, and cartridges, and of obtaining the requested number of horses. Also mentions Mr. [Samuel] Hodgdon.

Discusses the deficiency of supplies in the ordnance. Comments on the amount of horses necessary for the wagons in the field. Also discusses the supplies necessary for the ordnance, including cannon, howitzers, and ammunition, and the amount of artificers at Springfield who could help build and repair these supplies.

Gives recommendations for arranging the artillery for the siege of Yorktown. Discusses the establishment of the first parallel for the investment and fears a delay in operations. Speculates that one in four shots from the Continental Army will hit the British works. Explains how operations in the field can differ from academic assessments because of the great variety in ordnance quality. Argues that the Continental Army should not expect anything from the current batteries except cover while they build the second parallel, and urges Knox to establish them with that purpose in mind. Cautions against wasting time in vain expectations. Signed with initial only.