George Washington to Henry Knox asking a number of questions for an upcoming council of war - American History 1493-1945 - Adam Matthew Digital

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Field name	Value
Collection Reference Number	GLC02437.09370
From Archive Folder	The Henry Knox Papers [0018] September-December 1777
Title	George Washington to Henry Knox asking a number of questions for an upcoming council of war
Date	26 October 1777
Author	Washington, George (1732-1799)
Recipient	Knox, Henry
Document Type	Correspondence; Military document
Content Description	General Washington writes to Knox, Chief of Artillery for the Continental Army. Informs Knox he will soon be called to a council of War, and will be asked his opinion on several issues: whether the Continental Army should engage in a general attack against the British; if not, what stance the army should take; where Continental troops should be stationed in reference to the British occupation of Philadelphia; how to prevent the British from drawing supplies from the city during the winter, etc.
Subjects	President Revolutionary War Revolutionary War General Military History Continental Army Military Camp Military Supplies Global History and Civics Foreign Affairs Valley Forge
People	Washington, George (1732-1799) Knox, Henry (1750-1806)
Place written	Whitemarsh, Pennsylvania
Theme	The American Revolution; The Presidency
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 Head Quarters 26th. October. 1777. Sir. You will, very shortly, be called to a council of War, when your sentiments on the following questions will be asked - 1st Whether it will be prudent in our present circumstances, and Strength, to attempt by a General Attack, to dislodge the Enemy; & if it is, and we unsuccessful, where we shall retreat to? - 2.d If such an attack should not be thought eligible, what general disposition of the Army had best take place till the weather forces us from the Field? - 3 - Where and in what manner supposing the Enemy to keep possession of Philadelphia, had the Continental Troops best be Cantoned after they can no longer keep the Field? 4.th What measures can be adopted to cover the country near the City, and prevent the Enemy from drawing Supplies therefrom during the Winter? - 5th Will the Office of Inspector General to Our Army, for the purpose principally, of establishing one uniform set of Manoeuvres, and manual, be advisable as the time of the Adjutant General seems to be totally engaged with other business? - 6.th Should Regimental promotions extend only to Captains Inclusively, or to that of the Majority - ? - 7.th Will it be consistent with propriety and good policy to allow Soldiers the reward offered to others for apprehending Deserters? - 8.th The Commissaries Complaining of the number, and disproportion of the Rations which [2] are Issued to the Troops and at the same time of the advanced price of all kinds of Spirits, owing to the Imposition of the Sutlers upon the Soldiery what regulation, & Remedy can be applied to rectify the one, and prevent the Other? - I am Sir Your Most. Obedt. Servt. Go: Washington Br Genl Knox

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