Docketed to Colonel Tilghman, possibly Tench Tilghman, one of George Washington's aides. Reports that seventeen armorers employed at Fishkill, New York, have not been paid for nearly two years. If they do not receive clothing, Knox fears they will leave their posts, which will in consequence greatly injure us especially in the repair of arms. Notes that the men work under John Ruddock, Deputy Quartermaster of stores at Fishkill. Thinks the men's request for clothing is reasonable. Knox's working draft.

Docketed to Colonel Tilghman, one of George Washington's aides. Reports that a company at West Point has been annexed to Colonel Proctor's regiment. Asks for George Washington's instructions as to whether or not he should order the company to Proctor's regiment immediately. Asks for news regarding General [Nathanael] Greene, Commander of the Southern Department. Remarks that his son Harry is feeling better today.

Thanks him and Mrs. Biddle for their kindness to Mrs. Knox and their young daughter while in Philadelphia. Comments that Biddle's knowledge of his orders during the siege will excuse his inability to write frequently. Stresses his interest in ensuring that American battalions are filled with troops. Describes the recent illness and death of Mr. Custis, George Washington's stepson, while he was at camp with Washington as an aide. Mentions that General and Mrs. Washington were present for his last gasp. He is waiting for General and Mrs. Washington and Mrs. Custis to arrive, but Mrs. Knox seems inclined to go to Philadelphia to lye-in, but we cannot determine on the matter untill Mrs. Washington arrives. Asks Biddle to inquire into lodgings in Philadelphia for Mrs. Knox for three months, and stresses his desire to make her comfortable, regardless of price. Mentions Nathanael Greene and Tilghman, possibly Tench Tilghman, George Washington's aide-de-camp. Struck note on the left side of first page.

Declares that Randall's notes will become due on 25 March. Asks about possible arrangements for making a payment on the notes.

Argues that a small group of artificers attached to the Park of Artillery have served since the beginning of the campaign of 1777 and are duly entitled to have the depreciation of their pay made good... the very good character these troops sustain make it a matter of some regret that they are not better provided for... Encloses a [report] on the state of the drums and fifes... (see GLC02437.00900).

Indicates that he has received an inaccurate (imprecise) report of the (captured) cannons and mortars at the lines during the siege of Yorktown, which he blames on the confusion there. Thought the report would still be useful, knowing Colonel Tench Tilghman's destination. Has not yet received word of the artillery captured at Gloucester. Tilghman, an aide-de-camp and military secretary to Washington, was on his way to Philadelphia to announce the formal surrender of Lord Cornwallis, which happened that day. See GLC02437.01245 for a related item.

Written to Colonel Tilghman as an aide-de-camp to General Washington. Says seven prisoners of war who have been confined at West Point have petitioned him for relief. They were taken in the Northern Department and sent to West Point from Albany a year before. Lists their names and the circumstances of their capture. Says that they have families and that most of them have connections in Canada. If they cannot be released, they would like to go to Albany where they might get assistance from their acquaintances. Says their confinement is rather more rigorous than usually falls to the lot of prisoners of war captured under common circumstances. Says there are also 2 Germans who were sent to him 3 or 4 weeks ago when you sent some tories and a letter for Governor Clinton. Says they were captured by militia when they attempted to depart for Pennsylvania and that the simply wish to go home. Written and signed for Knox in the secretarial hand of Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide-de-camp. See GLC02437.01656 for the petition.