Colonel Tilghman, an aide for George Washington, writes His Excellency approves of all but the order to land the Artillery & c at Kings ferry, He thinks it should be sent up to West point, as we have no Horses at kings ferry and few men to cover any thing there should the enemy land.

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.

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.

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.

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 ...

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.

Sending Knox an extract of a letter he has received from the Board of War, regarding funds for Knox. The Board states that it has petitioned Congress for the funds Knox needs for military stores and transportation, but has not yet received the funds. Worries that their previous plans must now be altered due to British reinforcements at Charlestown, Augustine and New York. Discusses where military stores should be sent in this case, preferring the East to the South. Docketed by Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide.