Sends his regrets to General George Washington as he was unable to make a meeting at Head Quarters due to the the large amount of ice in the river. Discusses the extraodinary notification and address forwarded to Colonel Crane (the first of the anonymous Newburgh letters, which had been circulated at camp the previous day, 10 March 1783). Washington had doubtless asked Knox to attend a confidential meeting of trusted officers to discuss the response to the Newburgh Crisis. (For more information on that meeting, see background for GLC02437.10105.) This document is Knox's retained draft.

Informs General Washington that 250 men of the 3rd Massachusetts will not be ready to march until the afternoon due to lack of essential articles for their march. Reports that the regiment is without their compliment of field officers and Colonels Michael Jackson and Rose have never joined at the post. Also reports that Lieutenant Colonel Maxwell and Major Pettingal are unwell. See also GLC02437.02203.

Informs Washington of the status of several commanders. States that the Baron von Steuben, is at Saratoga, New York and to expect more information regarding the situation at Newburgh, New York from Colonel Villefranche. Asks to send a detachment to their next assignment. Knox's retained draft.

Knox requests Washington to grant a 12-14 day leave of absence to Lieutenant Colonel Johnson of Colonel Swift's regiment. Notes that Johnson's family is in distress due to a shortage of grain.

Knox, Commander at West Point, confirms receipt of a letter from Washington in which Washington ordered a suspension of the troops and stores destined to the Western posts. Reports that there are French refugees in the vicinity of West Point under the direction of a Major Merlet, who have drawn about one hundred rations to day for men women and children. Relates that Major [Caleb] Gibbs and the Second Massachusetts Regiment will arrive at West Point the same day this letter is written (Gibbs had traveled with his detachment to Philadelphia). Knox's retained draft.