Petition signed by four non-commissioned officers, and what appears to be ten privates (several of the privates used an X as their mark). This petition asks Knox for help in getting money due to them that they feel Lt. Col. Popkin did not handle as instructed. Popkin had been sent to Boston to collect the group's pay notes. When he was returning to West Point, he sold one at a discount of one third, and left the other three in Boston. These men claim he was not given authority to do that. A copy of this can be found at GLC02437.02219. Also see .02220, .02226, and .02236 for other documentation on this matter. For related documents, see GLC02437.02139, .02219, .02220, .02226, .02236, .02364, .10082, .10112, and .10117.

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.

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.

Discusses a situation of a fellow officer, Colonel Michael Jackson, who intends to petition Congress regarding compensation for a wound he received in 1776 which is still causing him trouble. This letter is likely Knox's response to Jackson's 29 November 1783 request (GLC02437.02809).

Later copy of GLC02437.02009. References his letter from a few days past. Says that letter mentioned a meeting of officers called for by a paper circulating around camp. Says The meeting was had yesterday, and the General will forward the proceedings to Congress - which will, I am certain make you perfectly happy. Says the meeting went well and that it will set the military character of America in a high point of view. Says that if the people have any gratitude in them they will now support the army. Wants to have the proceedings published immediately to affect public opinion on the army and asks if Lincoln can have that done. Calls Washington's address a masterly performance. References Lincoln's letter of 12 March. Hopes Colonel Dyer of Connecticut will change his vote and approve the half-pay pensions.

Discusses the earnings of commissioned officers and the feelings of uneasiness among noncommissioned officers due to unequal payment. Suggests discharging noncommissioned officers as soon as possible under the pretext that it is being done so that they can attend to their farms in the present season... Retained copy.