[Docket notation on address panel:] H. L. [undecipherable] And. [undecipherable] Tilghman War Office of the United States New York, May 30. 1786 Madam, I have the honor to enclose for your satisfaction, a copy of a resolve of Congress of the 29 of October 1783. During the last year, I had the honor of presenting to Colonel Tilghman, the horse agreeably to the direction of the resolve, and I then mentioned to him, that I should forward the sword, as soon as it should be finished. But death, the inevitable tribute of our system, has prematurely deprived you of the most tender and virtuous companion, and the United States of an able and upright patriot. While you are overwhelmed with affliction your friends unavailingly condole with you on an event which they could not prevent, and to which they also must submit. When time shall have smoothed the severities of your grief, you will derive consolation from the reflection that Colonel Tilghman acted well his part on the theatre of human life, and that the supreme authority of the United States have expressly given their sanction to his merit. The sword directed to be presented to him, which I have the honor to transmit to you, will be an honorable and perpetual evidence of his merit and of the applause of his country. I have the honor to be Madam, With perfect respect, Your most obedient and very humble Servant, H Knox. --- Monday October 29^th 1783 By the United States in Congress assembled Resolved That the board of war be directed to present to lieutenant Colonel Tilghman, in the name of the United States in Congress assembled, a horse properly caparisoned, and an elegant sword, in testimony of their high opinion of his merit and ability. Extract from the Journal of Congress [undecipherable] Dep. [undecipherable]