Henry Knox letter to George Washington, 7 February 1781

New Windsor, 7 February, 1781.

Sir,

111 pursuance of our Excellency's instructions to me, dated the 7th ultimo, I proceeded to the States of Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, and delivered the despatches, with which I was charged, to the Governors and to the President, to whom they were addressed.

The Legislatures of Connecticut and Rhode Island, unfortunately, were not sitting. The Governor of the former State, by having the powers of the Assembly in its recess, respecting the exigencies of the war, delegated to him, jointly with a certain Council, supposed that it would be unnecessary to call the Legislature on the matter of my mission, and that his Council would be competent to do every thing necessary on the occasion; for which purpose he proposed to call them together the next day after I had the honor of conversing with him, which was on the 11th ultimo. Governor Trumbull fully coincided in sentiment with me, in respect to the gratuity of the three half Johannes, in preference to any pay in paper money, as a matter that would be more efficacious to quiet the minds of the troops, and render them happy; and also as a measure which the New England States could execute with as much ease, under present circumstances, as the three months' real pay in paper. He was clearly of opinion, that to attempt to obtain both the gratuity and three months' pay, would be to attempt more than could be performed consistently with their present exertions in order to put their finances on a tolerable footing. The Governor pledged himself to exert his utmost interest to have the gratuity and deficiency of clothing given to the troops immediately; and requested me to impress on the Governors and official gentlemen in the other States, the necessity and propriety of New England adopting similar measures. I believe the Governor religiously performed his part, and I am happy to believe I did not fail in mine.

At Lebanon I saw His Grace the Duke De Lauzun, who pressed me to write an account of the revolt of the Pennsylvania line to the General, Count De Rochambeau. This I intended to have done when I should have reached Providence, as a matter which I presumed would be agreeable to your Excellency's sentiments. It was only anticipating it a few hours. Therefore, in conformity to the Duke's solicitations, I wrote to His Excellency General Rochambeau the letter marked number One.

Governor Greene, of Rhode Island, immediately called the Legislature of that State to meet him at Greenwich the 18th ultimo.

I was more happy, in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, to find the Assemblies of those States convened. To them I represented, in the strongest terms I was capable, the distresses of the army in general; of the troops of their lines in particular; and of the probable means that would conciliate the affections of the soldiers, and make them quiet and happy. I take the liberty to annex, in paper number two, a summary of the arguments which I urged to these Assemblies, as far as they applied to their troops ; and these were the principal arguments which I urged to the States respectively.

Massachusetts were pleased to adopt the measures proposed, as appears by their acts, contained in the paper number Three. New Hampshire also adopted the measures, as far as the circumstances of their troops required. That is, they agreed immediately to grant a gratuity of twenty-four silver dollars per man to their soldiers enlisted for the war, and coats sufficient to complete their line. The State of Rhode Island thought proper to adopt a different mode, as appears by a copy of their proceedings, hereunto annexed, number Four, and certified by the Secretary of that State. But I hope, as their quantity of hard money will be as much as that of the other States, the effects will be equally good. The Council of Connecticut determined upon nothing final, but appeared to intend to follow the example of Massachusetts. They were to meet at Hartford the 5th instant, on this business. The Governor informed me he had but little doubt that they would adopt similar measures to Massachusetts. But, if they should decline, he would immediately call the Legislature, when he presumed the matter would be made certain.

I have the pleasure to assure your Excellency, that all ranks of people, as well unofficial as official, from the private farmer up to the Governor, in the four States through which I passed, appear perfectly well principled in the contest, and fully determined to make every sacrifice of property and personal ease to insure the happy termination of the war. The universal sentiment was, that the army ought to be supported, and should be supported at every reasonable expense.

The business of obtaining recruits for their battalions proceeds with great vigor and spirit, — for three years only, indeed; but the prejudice or sentiments of the recruits, who generally are the farmers' sons of the country, are against engaging for an indefinite term of time. I believe it would be easier to engage recruits from New England for seven years, than for the undefined term, for the ivar.

I hope I have executed this business agreeably to your Excellency's ideas and if so, a line of approbation would render happy, yours, &c.,

Henry Knox.