Henry Knox to George Washington reporting the action taken on missing powder - American History 1493-1945 - Adam Matthew Digital

Keyboard Shortcuts

The full content of this document is only available to subscribing institutions. More information can be found via www.amdigital.co.uk

Field name	Value
Collection Reference Number	GLC02437.02019
From Archive Folder	The Henry Knox Papers [0056] 16-31 March 1783
Title	Henry Knox to George Washington reporting the action taken on missing powder
Date	23 March 1783
Author	Knox, Henry (1750-1806)
Recipient	Washington, George
Document Type	Correspondence; Military document
Content Description	Written by Major General Knox to General Washington. Reports to Washington that he had to relieve the company of artillery under Captain Lieutenant Ephraim Fenno at Kings Ferry, due to problems with ordnance returns. Replaced Fenno's unit with the company of Colonel John Lamb now under the orders of Captain Fleming. Says if Washington wants a commander responsible directly to him, he recommends Fleming as qualified. Says Fenno was relieved because of an unexplained return which noted 18 damaged barrels of powder. Also, Fenno did not explain why two soldiers in his company left ordnance "loose and open." Wants Fenno to stand before a court of inquiry. Knox's retained draft.
Subjects	Revolutionary War Revolutionary War General Military History Continental Army Artillery President Military Law Ammunition
People	Washington, George (1732-1799) Knox, Henry (1750-1806)
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 [draft] Sir I have found it necessary to relieve the Company of artillery under the command of Captain Liut Fenno stationed at Kings ferry, and shall [strikeout] replace it with [struck: Captain Fleming] [inserted: another] Company [inserted: from Colonel Lambs] under the order of Captain Fleming in whom may be placed the most entire confidence. The mode of doing duty [strikeout] at Kings ferry by which the commanding officers are changed every fortnight will be urged by Capt Lt Fenno as the cause of the losses which have happened. If your Excellency [strikeout] should think proper to have a commanding officer who should be responsible [inserted: to you] for the security and preservation of Every thing concerning the Garrisons I would take the liberty to recommend Captain Fleming as one every way qualified for that purpose, and would answer for this that he would punctually obey any instructions that you should be pleased to give [2] I am obliged to relieve Captain Liut Fenno, by a circumstance in a late return which he leaves unexplained which is 18 barrels of powder damaged [strikeout] He ought to have informed the time when & how it became so - And for sending me the return of all the ordnance & Stores [struck: opened by a soldier] [inserted: of the two Garrisons] loose and open by a Soldier of his company. In these two circumstances truly he must answer before a court of enquiry [struck: as a bond in the first instance] or a court martial I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your most obedent Servant HKnox His Excellency General Washington [docket] To His Exly Gen Washington 23 March 1783.

Previous Item Next Item