Writes to respond to General Benjamin Lincoln's request of his opinion on where to store 4,000 barrels of public powder now in Boston. Declares that West Point is so important that they should do everything possible to provide ample supplies. Thinks 1,000 barrels should be sent to West Point as soon as the snow allows transportation. Also thinks that 1,000 barrels should be deposited at Springfield, and that the remaining 2,000 should be split between Reading, Easton and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Through this arrangement if either of the two objects proposed for the operations of the next Campaigns should be attacked, the whole of the continental powder not appropriated to the defense of posts would be brought together without much difficulty. Then explains how powder could be transported if either Charleston or New York were attacked. Explains that land transportation of the items will be very expensive, but it is unavoidable, unless they transport to portions of Pennsylvania over water, but that is very dangerous. GLC 2437.01308 is a later copy of this letter.

Duplicate of GLC02437.01309 (later copy). Writes to respond to General Benjamin Lincoln's request of his opinion on where to store 4,000 barrels of public powder now in Boston. Declares that West Point is so important that they should do everything possible to provide ample supplies. Thinks 1,000 barrels should be sent to West Point as soon as the snow allows transportation. Also thinks that 1,000 barrels should be deposited at Springfield, and that the remaining 2,000 should be split between Reading, Easton and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Through this arrangement if either of the two objects proposed for the operations of the next Campaigns should be attacked, the whole of the continental powder not appropriated to the defense of posts would be brought together without much difficulty. Then explains how powder could be transported if either Charleston or New York were attacked. Explains that land transportation of the items will be very expensive, but it is unavoidable, unless they transport to portions of Pennsylvania over water, but that is very dangerous.

Mentions that among the stores taken from the enemy at the battle of Yorktown are a number of copper hoops that had been attached to the casks of powder consumed during the siege, which according to the customs of War invariably appertain to the officer commanding the artillery of the conquerors. They have been delivered to the Company General of Military Stores. Asks that if it is consistent with general practices, he would like to have them delivered to his company.

Later copy. Discusses the status of troops throughout the New England states and a victory at Cowpens, South Carolina.

Request for Knox to deliver for the use of the Indian tribes, five hundred pounds of powder - one thousand pound, of lead and one thousand flints - Noted as written at the War Office.

Writes that as he has been charged with being the commander of West Point, he must, with General George Washington, determine any changes or additions to West Point as may tend to give it that solid strength which the nature of the service may require. Discusses some changes he would like made to the structure of the redoubts, which would require timber. To obtain the timber, he needs teams of oxen to pull it, and he is having trouble acquiring the timber and oxen. Asks Lincoln to empower the Quarter Master General to help him in his endeavor.

Later copy. Complains about Lincoln not writing to him. Describes in great detail the battles between General Nathanael Greene and Lord Cornwallis at Guilford Court House, North Carolina, 15 March 1781. Gen. Greene fought upon the best principles. If he had been successful, Lord Cornwallis at such a distance in the Country, without communication or resource, must have been ruined. Whereas a defeat on our part could only be partial. The discipline of the enemy decided the day but our people were in high spirits, and it was probable another action must soon take place. Comments that a British fleet recently sailed to reinforce [General Benedict] Arnold.