Informs Washington of the death of his infant son, Washington's godson. Knox's retained draft.

Discusses problems with the issuance of provisions at West Point. Knox's retained draft.

Initialed by Knox. Thanks Washington for his sympathy regarding the death of his son. States The arrow with [which we were] stricken is indeed barbed with the keenest anguish. Says that neither reason nor philosophy has had their proper effect.

Has received his recent letter directed to himself and General [Andrew] McDougall. Declares that for his own part, he is perfectly ready to do what General Washington would like him to do, including meeting the Gentlemen from the enemy on the 16th or 18th of September. Mentions that they will need to prepare accommodations and provisions for the meeting. Says that General McDougall seems to decline the commission for reasons which Major [likely Hodjiah] Baylies will give to General Washington.

Later copy of a letter by Washington condoling Knox on the death of his son. Copied 3 February 1854 according to note at top of first page.

Mentions that he has received General Washington's letter of 5 September, regarding repairs of arms. Declares that each brigade's own armorers have been performing the repairs to the best of their ability, and that that is the only option, since there is not one hired armorer in the Army of the United States. Your Excellncy must have been misinformed with respect to any armorers at this post, as there are none here. Explains that brigades have traveling forges consisting of borax and salt, and that they can be sent to Verplanks Point. Has sent someone to Philadelphia to purchase borax on credit and expects it to arrive soon. Reports that he has asked General [Benjamin] Lincoln to provide armorers to the West Point garrison; at first, Lincoln responded that they could not afford to pay them, but then asked about the propriety of employing German prisoners who were armorers and wanted their freedom (see GLC02437.01546). Knox believes this is a bad idea, but wants to know Washington's opinion. Lastly discusses the matter of a Captain of the York Levies, who has been punished more harshly than necessary for a misdeed. Knox would like to release him but asks Washington's opinion because he has been consulted on the matter before.