Benjamin Lincoln to Henry Knox on artillery and construction - American History 1493-1945 - Adam Matthew Digital

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Field name	Value
Collection Reference Number	GLC02437.02319
From Archive Folder	The Henry Knox Papers [0061] 16-31 July 1783
Title	Benjamin Lincoln to Henry Knox on artillery and construction
Date	23 July 1783
Author	Lincoln, Benjamin (1733-1810)
Recipient	Knox, Henry
Document Type	Military document; Correspondence; Government document
Content Description	Written by Secretary of War Lincoln to Major General Knox. References Knox's letter of 15 July, which referred to a plan for an arsenal [at West Point?]. Reports that as the official peace treaty has now arrived, they may not have the help of "the three years men in building the magazines." Says they should hire common laborers, as it will be cheaper than keeping those troops in the army. Says he will be able to give more information in a few days when Congress makes a decision on the magazines. Expresses that Knox's plan for the arsenal was "elegant," but does not expect an arsenal based on his design will be built anytime soon. Will be attentive to the establishment of a company of armorers, but says money is scarce. Free frank signed "On public service/B. Lincoln.
Subjects	Revolutionary War Revolutionary War General Military History Continental Army Treaty Global History and Civics Building Construction Artillery Ammunition Finance Economics Continental Congress Congress Architecture Artisans
Place written	Princeton, New Jersey
Theme	The American Revolution; Government & Politics; Industry
Sub-collection	The Henry Knox Papers
Copyright	The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Module	Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859
Transcript	Show/hide Download PDF Princetown July 23 1783 Sir I have been honored with your favor of the 15th. and with the plan of an arsenal referred to in your letter As the definitive treaty is now arrived we may not expect the aid of the three years men [inserted: in building the magazines] or troops, for to keep them up as such would cost the United States much more than to hire labourers in the common way - thus matters must rest for a few days untill Congress shall come to their final determinations respecting the establishment of magazines and the mode to be adopted in erecting them - The plan you sent me is elegant indeed - I wish we had it in our power to construct arsenal on that design but this I do not expect will soon be the case - What can be done to forward [2] the magazines, to be erected on the point, I wish your attention to - However from the present State of our affairs I think little can be done or expected from our best exertions - I shall be attentive to the establishment of a company of Armourers but without money we cannot go any great lengths - The moment matters are so arranged by Congress as to enable us to [proced] I will give you the earliest notice of it - I have the honor to be Dr Sir with the highest esteem your obedient Sert B Lincoln Hon Genl Knox [address leaf] Hon Maj General Knox B Lincoln West Point [docket] From Genl Lincoln 23 July 1783 [free frank] On public service

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