Knox informs Hardy, Chairman of the Congressional Committee of the States, that William Hull's mission to Canada failed. Hull had attempted to ascertain when Frederick Haldimand, Governor of the Province of Quebec, intends to withdraw British troops from United States posts. Transmits the original letter from Haldimand (not included). Writes, It is in indeed extraordinary that General Haldimand shall have received official information of the ratification of the definitive treaty of peace, and not at the same time have received orders respecting the delivery of the posts. Discusses Haldimand's refusal to exchange cannon and stores from the posts.

Knox writes to Hardy, a Congressman and Chairman of the Committee of the States. Reports that he has discharged most of the troops remaining in service besides a small number at Fort Pitt, Pennsylvania, and West Point, New York. Discusses arrangements being made in light of the troops' dispersal. Reports that several officers will remain in service (John Doughty, Samuel Jefferds, and Captain Lieutenant Johnson). Discusses continued arrangements for invalids and refugees, hospital staff, and stores.

Major General Knox reports that he withdrew from New York on or around 18 December 1783, according to the wishes of Governor George Clinton. Informs Washington he has discharged all troops except those who he lists in an enclosed return (not included). Asks Washington to keep this letter private. Reports on the state of officers, discussing their lack of pay or ability to obtain provisions at their time of discharge. Expects to hear from Washington regarding the May 1784 meeting of the general Society, possibly referring to the Society of the Cincinnati. Discusses the pay and emoluments of a Major General. Plans to soon depart for Boston. Signed in the left margin of the last page. Knox's retained draft.

Knox, Commander at West Point, encloses a weekly return of troops (see GLC02437.10140). Reports that he appointed a board to inspect the decrepit and infirm, to determine those who were unfit for service. Sixty-one soldiers were deemed unfit for service, and Knox asks for Washington's approval to discharge these men with a pension. Comments on cannons and military stores. Knox's retained draft.

Knox writes to Osgood, a Continental Congressman. Thanks him for the disinterested attention he has paid Knox in several instances. Assures Osgood he prizes their friendship highly. Reports that George Washington has instructed him to dissolve several corps and reorganize the soldiers whose terms have not expired into an infantry and artillery. Writes, This business has been painful on account of discharging the officers and soldiers at this [severe] season without pay, and in many instances the men are miserably clad. Refers to an instance in summer of 1783 when officers petitioned Continental Congress for land west of the Ohio River (the Newburgh Petition was presented by men who, in many cases, had not been paid for their service in the Continental Army, and they asked for land as payment). Asks if the petition has been considered. Discusses rumors that he may be appointed to take the place of Benjamin Lincoln (presumably as Secretary of War). In a post script, writes I think the pay & other emoluments of a major general, in a separate department, exclusive of any encumbrances... would not be an unreasonable expectation,- and that would satisfy me.

Reports that General George Washington has ordered him to take southward all the arms and accoutrements possible. The demand has been indicated to Washington in letters from the Marquis de Lafayette. The supplies were needed for the upcoming siege of Yorktown. Requests specific supplies listed on an accompanying sheet (GLC02437.01161). The Board of War and Ordnance was responsible for supplying troops in the field.

Knox, Commander at West Point, transmits a weekly return of troops to Washington, Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. Discusses illness among soldiers in the West Point vicinity: The troops having been uncommonly sickly for this place, and a malignant putrid fever being among their disorders, I have fixed upon the barrack at Constitution Island as an hospital... Discharged and furloughed some patients from the hospital at New Windsor, under the care of surgeon William Eustis. Reports, We have had cold unpleasant weather since commencement of the present month... [the troops] have only the remains of the thin under cloathes which they purchased in the spring. Regarding the uncertain date of discharge of troops following the recent signing of the Treaty of Paris (3 September 1783), Knox remarks, The officers in general are exceedingly anxious to have some final arrangements made... It is apparent from the foul, illiberal Spirit manifested by many parts of Connecticut, that their hands are outstretched against their officers. I mention these matters not with which to accelerate arrangements which might in some measure depend upon the British evacuating New York, but merely to share the anxiety of the officers... I am apprehensive that the preparations which have been made at this post to celebrate peace have been made in vain...