Important ALS from General Henry Knox, former Chief Artillery Officer of the Continental Army and then U.S. Secretary at War, addressed to his close friend and fellow officer General Henry Jackson. Dated March 22, 1787, the letter offers a fascinating window into early American military administration and the financial struggles of the post-Revolutionary War period.
Writing in a personal but firmly administrative tone, Knox urges Jackson to submit all requests for military pay and supplies through the proper official channels, complete with names and specific purposes, so they may be acted upon appropriately by the federal government. He stresses that while Jackson’s intentions are understood, informal communication on such matters should be avoided, particularly in official correspondence.
Knox emphasizes the need to clothe and pay the troops, encouraging Jackson to utilize Massachusetts’ resources and to work through the Board of Treasury to make it happen. He notes that warrants for £5,000 have already been issued to Massachusetts to cover some of these expenses. At the same time, Knox warns that funds are often broadly allocated for general service, potentially complicating their use for specific needs. “But for God's sake… keep your accounts regularly,” he implores—underscoring the importance of clear recordkeeping during a turbulent time in the new republic.
In the latter portion of the letter, Knox makes a firm request that personal or sensitive remarks should not be included in official documents, as they may be perceived as improper. He concludes by expressing hope that Massachusetts leadership will recognize Jackson’s diligence and support his efforts.
The letter remains a compelling testament to the growing pains of federal-state coordination in the early United States and reflects Knox’s deep sense of duty and loyalty to a fellow officer.
Condition: Fair, with separation along folds reinforced by old repair hinges. The right margin of the second page is closely trimmed, affecting some text, and a small section appears to be missing, potentially with additional writing. Despite these flaws, the letter remains highly readable and rich in historical context.
A significant letter between two prominent Revolutionary War figures, offering rare insights into early American military logistics, federal funding processes, and personal friendship amid administrative duty.