Discusses the appointment of officers in the artillery, complaining that there are no established principles for governing such appointments. That the greatest caution should be observed in making the appointments I would humbly propose that they should originate with the Colonels of the regiments... Also discusses promotion within the artillery. Writes, regarding promotion of an individual State, If your Excellency should view this matter in the same point of light I beg you would be pleas'd to make such a representation to Congress as may prevent the evils apprehende'd. Body of letter is in Knox's hand with close and signature in hand of Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide.

Requests a certificate from Washington for Winthrop Sargent, who Knox describes as really clever and... an excellent artillery officer. Promises to procure limestone when the weather improves. Discusses Washington's refusal of a gift from the Legislature of Virginia. States, My jealousy for your fame is so high, that I should prefer seeing you cincinnatus like, following your plow rather than accepting the least pecuniary reward for services, which fairly challenge the approbation of posterity, but thank the supreme God, you are happily placed above the necessity of receiving any assistance. Suggests the money should instead go to the maintenance of the widows, and the support and education of the orphans of those men of their own line... Reports that he accepted the appointment of Secretary at War, noting From the habits imbibed during the War, and from the opinion of my friends, that I should make but an indifferent trader, I thought upon mature consideration that it was well to accept it... Complains of the position's low salary ([Dollar sign]2450 per year), discussing his relatively precarious financial state. Text extends into the margins of pages two and three. Knox's retained draft.

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.

Recently arrived in Peekskill. Expresses disappointment that Washington had moved by the time he arrived. Asks Washington to write to the Board of War if he plans to alter the time of arrival of stores sent to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In a post script, writes, If your Excellency should be engag'd in any operations, which you intend to lead to immediate action I hope I may with confidence expect your Summons ...

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.

Mentions doubts George Washington expressed in a previous letter regarding the upcoming campaign (initially the campaign was to be against the British in New York, but Washington revised these plans to launch the Siege of Yorktown). Discusses arrangements [Knox] made with General [Ezekiel] Cornell, a Continental Congressman, to obtain supplies.

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.