John Crane To Henry Knox About Regimental Matters 19 December 1781 PDF Download

Uncertain yet whether he will join the artillery park because General George Washington had not yet arrived. Writes, He has lately met with a severe Shock to his affections, in the loss of the amiable Mr. Custis, Mrs. Washington's only child. Believes Washington felt as affectionately for Custis as if he were his real father, as he had raised him from childhood. Only other affectionate parents might be able to understand this misfortune. Has nothing to add about the disposition of the park, only that it might be in the vicinity of Head Quarters. Has no objection to Lamb paying his family a visit if Lt. Col. Stevens remains in camp: I see no reason for making any other arrangement of the corps this winter than what exists at the moment. Advises that Lamb's regiment form the park and Col. Crane's form the garrison of West Point and its defenses with the artificers to remain in Philadelphia. Written in the clerical hand of Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide-de-camp, and signed for Knox by him.