Henry Knox to Gouverneur Morris about Benjamin Lincoln's deployment to deal with Shays - American History 1493-1945 - Adam Matthew Digital

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Field name	Value
Collection Reference Number	GLC02437.03417
From Archive Folder	The Henry Knox Papers [0079] January-March 1787
Title	Henry Knox to Gouverneur Morris about Benjamin Lincoln's deployment to deal with Shays
Date	16 January 1787
Author	Knox, Henry (1750-1806)
Recipient	Morris, Gouverneur
Document Type	Correspondence; Military document; Government document
Content Description	Body of the letter and signature in the hand of Robert Pemberton, Knox's aide. Marked "copy" on the docket Details General [Benjamin] Lincoln's deployment with 4,000 men to deal with Shays and his supporters. Writes that Lincoln will begin at Worcester, trying to protect the Court, and then make several more stops around the state. If the insurgents do not "choose to oppose him in his parties," he will proceed to search for them individually. Is pleased to hear that both he and Robert Morris have been chosen to attend the Philadelphia convention: "I ardently wish for many reasons that the States would unanimously send delegates to it, but the various opinions respecting it will prevent. I most exceedingly wish Massachusetts and the eastern states would be at it, but they appear to think it an irregular step and inadequate to our critical situation - will you muster up all your arguments in favor of it, and forward them to me? I will not make a bad use of them." Is unsure when Colonel [Jeremiah] Wadsworth will arrive, but knows there have been delays in his travels. Also reports that recruitment of troops has been going "pretty well," but "we exceedingly want the clothing, and every thing rests on the proposed contracts." Body of letter and signature penned for Knox by Robert Pemberton, his post-war aide.
Subjects	Revolutionary War General Military History Rebellion Mobs and Riots Shays' Rebellion Judiciary Government and Civics US Constitution US Constitutional Convention Travel Recruitment Contract Military Provisions Military Supplies Military Uniforms Clothing and Accessories
People	Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Morris, Gouverneur (1752-1816) Lincoln, Benjamin (1733-1810) Morris, Robert (1734-1806) Wadsworth, Jeremiah (1743-1804)
Place written	New York, New York
Theme	Government & Politics; Creating a New Government
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] New York 16th January 1787 Dear Sir I have received yours of the 9th Instant - Matters have indeed appeared to be quiet in Massachusetts - & it is true that this appearance was in consequence of something like imbecility in the government, bur affairs now assume another aspect, and the executive, have determined to coerce the insurgents. General Lincoln is to take the field on the 20th instant at the head of 4000 men in support of government. He will in the first instance repair to Worcester to protect the court of common pleas which is to meet there by adjournment on the 23d instant - after which he will proceed to Springfield in the County of Hampshire for the purpose of protecting the Courts there, and then probably to Berkshire. If the insurgents do not choose to oppose him in his progress or while at those places he will detach parties, to take up such of the principals as he can find. The progress of this business will be interesting and its issue highly important. [2] [written at bottom of first page: Gouverneur Morris Esqr.] I am glad that you and Mr Robert Morris are chosen as delegates to the Convention. I ardently wish for many reasons that the States would unanimously send delegates to it, but the various opinions respecting it will prevent. I most exceedingly wish Massachusetts and the eastern states would be at it, but they appear to think it an irregular step and inadequate to our critical situation - will you muster up all your arguments in favor of it, and forward them to me? I will not make a bad use of them. I have been impatiently expecting Colonel Wadsworth ever since the new year set in, but he has been delayed by a number of vexatious circumstances, of Vessells ready for sea being frozen up, bad debts, &c &c He writes me on the 7th that he shall be here by the 20th and I suppose he will immediately proceed to Philadelphia to see Mr. R Morris - The recruiting business in Massachusetts and Connecticut goes on pretty well - but we exceedingly want the clothing, and every [inserted: thing] rests on the proposed contracts. It is expected that a Congress will be formed this day. I beg you to present my respectful compliments to Mr. & Mrs. Morris I am my dear Sir Your Humble Servt. H Knox

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