Henry Knox To Nathaniel Gorham About Arms And Stores 24 December 1786 PDF Download

Writes that Jackson must be anxious and surprised that he has not yet heard from Knox on the subject of clothing & rations. The fact is that I have been unable to give you any satisfaction on these points. Writes, Congress came to the determination of raising troops from the necessity of the case, and had the funds necessary to carry their resolutions into effect been at their command, every arrangement depending on the war department would ere now have been at least in a train of execution. But the funds indispensible [sic] for an energetic establishment have been to be provided. [...] I have been steadily of opinion that the public had better suffer all the injuries arising from a want of troops than to raise them without being able to provide for them completely in all respects. under this impression I have made some attempts to influence the rich in support of government, and the ensuing week will determine whether I have been as successful as I have believed. Has not had much success with the monied men of Boston. If Jackson had money, he would encourage him to begin recruitment. Discusses the size and cost of rations, as well as the arms and equipment he ordered for Jackson. Has also asked Mr. [Samuel] Hodgdon to send Jackson the equipment destined for New Hampshire; when that state decides to raise troops, Jackson can forward the equipment to them. Needs to pay taxes on his Falmouth lands and is having trouble raising the money, so asks if he may be able to borrow from Jackson; otherwise they might sell the land. Written and signed for Knox in a secretarial hand.