![WASHINGTON, George ( 1732-1799). President. Autograph letter signed ("Go:Washington") to MAJOR GENERAL HENRY KNOX, Newburgh [NY], 13 November 1782. 1½ pages, large folio, 375 x 227 mm. (14¾ x 8 15/16 in.), minor separation at folds, professional repairs, otherwise in fine condition, neatly inlaid.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2001/NYR/2001_NYR_09880_0291_000(040349).jpg?w=1)
细节
WASHINGTON, George ( 1732-1799). President. Autograph letter signed ("Go:Washington") to MAJOR GENERAL HENRY KNOX, Newburgh [NY], 13 November 1782. 1½ pages, large folio, 375 x 227 mm. (14¾ x 8 15/16 in.), minor separation at folds, professional repairs, otherwise in fine condition, neatly inlaid.
ON THE THRESHOLD OF PEACE: THE CONTINENTAL ARMY MAINTAINS MILITARY PREPAREDNESS IN NEW YORK
General Washington addresses military matters and the establishment of winter quarters as his army awaits the final conclusion of the war. Writing to his Chief of Artillery, Henry Knox, the Commanding General sought to resolve several outstanding issues of an Army that was no longer actively campaigning. After the surrender of the British Army of Cornwallis at Yorktown the year before, hostilities in America ceased. Unfortunately for the war-weary soldiers, the Continental Congress was forced to maintain an army in the field, ready to counter movements of the British foe, until a treaty was agreed upon.
The continued British presence in New York City forced the Continental Army to remain on alert. Washington addresses the current system of warning: "I shall not be able finally to adjust a system of Signals, untill [sic] I have seen Governor Clinton, which I expect will be in a few days. In the meantime I would have the Guards continued at the Beacon [Mount Beacon, a peak on the east side of the Hudson] as at present. The Rockets [signal flares] you propose to have made will be necessary." However, the cessation of hostilities allowed for some reduction of concerns: "As to the Guard of General [Alexander] McDougal[l] I apprehend it will not be best to withdraw it entirely: But considering the circumstance of his not being with the Army, or able to perform his Military functions, I could wish it to be lessened as far as might be done with convenience." Noting Knox's friendship with McDougall, Washington suggests that he arrange with him "whether to furnish a small detachment of Conn.. Troops, or Invalids, in such manner as may be judged best...the army is too far distant to have this duty done conveniently by general detail from it." Major General McDougall (1732-1786) was an exemplary commander who provided valuable service in the Hudson Highlands and at West Point. His court-martial as a result of insubordination to General William Heath forced his departure from the army in 1782 but did not lessen his prestige.
Despite the diminishing military threat, the army still had supply needs that had to be met before the onset of Winter: "I think it will be much more difficult to preserve & regularly account for the Watch Coats when appropriated to the particular Posts than it would be, if they were delivered to the several Corps." He informs Knox that "Should the Secretary of War cause the quantity to be sent forward to the army, which was concluded upon by him, there will be a larger number for your Troops than you have required" and adds that, if necessary, the Clothier will provide more.
Washington complains that his orders for the placement of the troops have not been followed: "It is only to be lamented at this time, that there has been such a misconception of ideas, in putting the troops on the East side of the River. In the distribution of the Troops for Winter Cantonment, I resolved to break up the Hospital at the Boston Hutts, & to place the 2. & 4.. Conn.. Regiments in them. After this, upon representation that those Regiments had rather build for themselves than occupy the old Huts...I recalled very particularly ...to have expressed my intention that those Troops should be cantoned as near the Redoubts as possible and I am equally certain I never gave orders to the contrary. But as it is now too late to remove them, we must take the best precautions in our power to prevent any ill consequences..."
The Treaty of Paris was not signed until September 3, 1783. The British Army evacuated New York City one month later, finally allowing the Continental Army, after a seven year struggle, to disband.
ON THE THRESHOLD OF PEACE: THE CONTINENTAL ARMY MAINTAINS MILITARY PREPAREDNESS IN NEW YORK
General Washington addresses military matters and the establishment of winter quarters as his army awaits the final conclusion of the war. Writing to his Chief of Artillery, Henry Knox, the Commanding General sought to resolve several outstanding issues of an Army that was no longer actively campaigning. After the surrender of the British Army of Cornwallis at Yorktown the year before, hostilities in America ceased. Unfortunately for the war-weary soldiers, the Continental Congress was forced to maintain an army in the field, ready to counter movements of the British foe, until a treaty was agreed upon.
The continued British presence in New York City forced the Continental Army to remain on alert. Washington addresses the current system of warning: "I shall not be able finally to adjust a system of Signals, untill [sic] I have seen Governor Clinton, which I expect will be in a few days. In the meantime I would have the Guards continued at the Beacon [Mount Beacon, a peak on the east side of the Hudson] as at present. The Rockets [signal flares] you propose to have made will be necessary." However, the cessation of hostilities allowed for some reduction of concerns: "As to the Guard of General [Alexander] McDougal[l] I apprehend it will not be best to withdraw it entirely: But considering the circumstance of his not being with the Army, or able to perform his Military functions, I could wish it to be lessened as far as might be done with convenience." Noting Knox's friendship with McDougall, Washington suggests that he arrange with him "whether to furnish a small detachment of Conn.. Troops, or Invalids, in such manner as may be judged best...the army is too far distant to have this duty done conveniently by general detail from it." Major General McDougall (1732-1786) was an exemplary commander who provided valuable service in the Hudson Highlands and at West Point. His court-martial as a result of insubordination to General William Heath forced his departure from the army in 1782 but did not lessen his prestige.
Despite the diminishing military threat, the army still had supply needs that had to be met before the onset of Winter: "I think it will be much more difficult to preserve & regularly account for the Watch Coats when appropriated to the particular Posts than it would be, if they were delivered to the several Corps." He informs Knox that "Should the Secretary of War cause the quantity to be sent forward to the army, which was concluded upon by him, there will be a larger number for your Troops than you have required" and adds that, if necessary, the Clothier will provide more.
Washington complains that his orders for the placement of the troops have not been followed: "It is only to be lamented at this time, that there has been such a misconception of ideas, in putting the troops on the East side of the River. In the distribution of the Troops for Winter Cantonment, I resolved to break up the Hospital at the Boston Hutts, & to place the 2. & 4.. Conn.. Regiments in them. After this, upon representation that those Regiments had rather build for themselves than occupy the old Huts...I recalled very particularly ...to have expressed my intention that those Troops should be cantoned as near the Redoubts as possible and I am equally certain I never gave orders to the contrary. But as it is now too late to remove them, we must take the best precautions in our power to prevent any ill consequences..."
The Treaty of Paris was not signed until September 3, 1783. The British Army evacuated New York City one month later, finally allowing the Continental Army, after a seven year struggle, to disband.