British troop dispositions
Document 1784Henry Knox sends to James Monroe a letter that discusses British troop dispositions near Canada.
The honorable Colonel Monroe Member of Congress at[?] Trenton [docket in margin in another hand] 1784 Genl Knox Boston November 11th 1784 My dear Sir You may recollect that the hurry[?] and confusion, at the end of the session of Congress June last, ren- dered it impossible to obtain a proper explanation relative to myself. Congress directed me to disband the troops then in service, retaining some few for West Point and Fort Pitt, and to open a correspondence with Genl Haldimand in Canada, respecting the posts upon the frontiers. They made an arrangement of the militia by which it would appear that after my correspondence with the British Commander in chief in Canada, should be terminated, I should have no further services to perform. I felt then the awkwardness of my situation, but I have more amply experienced it since - The heads of departments who have retired since the peace have [indecipherable] with the approbation [indecipherable] Generals Duportail, Lincoln & Stark. But [indecipherable] involved with the [indecipherable] was disbanded the 2[?] of June, tho [indecipherable] of my retiring [indecipherable] marked that Colonel Monroe [accession note: Ac 11,934] that my friends and Children will have much difficulty in determining the time I ceased to be a [indecipherable - Soldier?]. And certainly they will be unable to find the opinion of the Sovereign expressed upon my conduct as head of the ordnance department for nine years. However conscious I may be of possessing good intentions during this command, it would be improper for me to express in what manner they have been executed. If they have not sufficiently explained themselves, my ordeals have been in vain. I have had some conversation with Mr. Partridge upon this subject but with no other person - I beg leave to rest the management of it with you and with him. The delicate nature of this business will evince how deeply I am impressed with a sense of Your honor and friendship in so unreservedly committing myself to you - I shall be happy in receiving a line [indecipherable] acknowledging the receipt of this letter. I am my dear Sir With Much respect [indecipherable] Your Very humble Servant H Knox
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