Rough draft of GLC02437.06630.

Discusses the insurgent Samuel Ely, who is rumored to be planning to burn down Knox's buildings in Thomaston, Maine. Mentions actions he is taking to stop Ely, in particular by petitioning the government for help.

Later copy. Written from the War Office, likely in New York City. Writes that the bearer, Major [William] North, will inform you of an intended disposition of some of the federal troops for the protection of the stores of the United States at Springfield. Writes that the work of these troops must be restricted to securing the property of the United States. Asks him for his opinion on what force (if any) will be an adequate protection to the Arsenal and Magazine.

Unsigned, and marked copy. Body of the letter in the hand of Robert Pemberton, Knox's aide. Knox refers to a previous letter he sent to Lincoln (see GLC02437.03446). Thanks him for his last letter, and believes his recent services to the government (by leading troops to suppress Shays' Rebellion) will prove beneficial. Writes, A Congress of seven States has been lately formed. Our old friend General [Arthur] St. Clair president. Nearly three months elapsed between the time Congress ought to have been and the time it was actually formed. Adds, I have written you an official letter respecting some troops I have ordered to Springfield. Discusses where these troops are currently stationed, and how they will arrive at Springfield. Urges him to keep your attention fixed on the Stores and to afford them as ample protection as your force will admit, and the case may require. Mentions the variety of rumors he has heard regarding the status of Lincoln's regiment, but has heard that Generals [Rufus] Putnam and [Benjamin] Tupper are with him and if so, sends his regards to them.

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.

Later copy of GLC02437.03793. A note at the top of page one states, Recd. from Mr Bancroft Feb 1857. Knox relates details of the Massachusetts ratifying convention: On Wednesday the 30th ultimo, Mr. Hancock was well enough to take his seat in the convention. On Thursday he brought forward the proposition for adopting the Constitution, and for recommending certain alterations agreeably to the paper herein enclosed [not included]. The propositions were seconded by Mr. Samuel Adams, and committed to a large committee being Federalists. Notes that the friends of Hancock and [James] Bowdoin have united on the issue. Reports, Handsome things are said of the open and decisive conduct of Mr. Hancock and also of Mr. S. Adams, notwithstanding his neutrality in the first part of the business.

Later copy. Responds to Adams' (see GLC02437.00416) and discusses the urgent need to obtain copper from mines in New Jersey in order to cast canons. Joins Adams in lamenting the lack of officers from Massachusetts in the Continental Army, but also considers there to be a dearth of qualified candidates. Discusses recruiting and training good officers' rely not only on gentlemen but also on local talent. Suggests Colonel John Glover for possible promotion. Discusses raising an army and re-enlistment at length. Warns Adams that a bounty of [Dollar sign]25-[Dollar sign]36 or 100-150 acres of land is necessary to recruit and hold soldiers at next enlistment. Focuses on the associated expenses and recommends pay increases. Discusses the impending British attack on New York, anticipating it will come through Long Island and predicting victory for the Americans. Believes a direct attack on Manhattan would be ruinous to the British forces.