[Instructions from G. Knox 20 February 1790] Sir, The recruits at West Point amounting by the return of Lieutenant Pierce of the 17^th instant, to two hundred and thirty nine, are to be arranged as hereinafter directed. It appears that one hundred and ninety four of the said recruits were enlisted under the idea of being attached to either Captains Burbeck or Savages companies of Artillery — But as the establishment of each of the said companies is only seventy non-commissioned and privates amounting to one hundred and forty, it appears that there are fifty four supernumeraries — Out of these supernumeraries Captain Smiths company of Infantry which at present consists of forty five must be completed to the establishment of seventy non commissioned and privates. Those men who enlisted for particular companies must have the privilege of serving accordingly — After this class of recruits shall be arranged, it will be equitable that the Artillery companies shall retain such of their other recruits as the Officers shall judge proper, provided that the arrangement shall be satisfactory to the recruits. [before deleted] When the Artillery companies shall be completed Captain Smith will complete his company from the remainder of the recruits enlisted by the Officers of Savages and Burbecks companies. After the three companies shall be completed, there will remain twenty nine recruits — Out of this number all men of bad characters and weak bodies are to be discharged, taking care however that such discharged men do not take their uniform clothing along with them, or not more than their time of service entitles them to — but they are to have provision according to the distance they shall have to return — But previously to their being discharged an accurate estimate of the sum due (if any) according to the agreements, shall be made out and transmitted to this Office, so that all proper engagements of the public may be fairly discharged. A detachment of Artillery with a due proportion of Non commissioned Officers shall be formed of the men remaining after such discharges shall have taken place. The three companies and the detachment to be formed as aforesaid, are to be completely Clothed armed and accoutred — One hundred and sixty suits of Artillery uniform clothing were transported from this City to Springfield and thence to West Point for the purpose of Clothing Captains Savage & Burbecks companies, eighty suits being sent by mistake — Besides which 40 suits of Artillery clothing were sent to West Point for the same purpose — — After the Artillery companies & detachment shall be completely clothed the overplus shall be delivered to Captain Price who will receipt for the same. The number of suits of infantry clothing necessary to complete Cap.^t Smiths company shall be transported from this City. The utmost care must be taken of the sick — I shall direct Captain Price to issue bed sacks and blankets for them with a due proportion of fuel — It is presumed that the Surgeons Mate must have arrived at West Point, but in case it should be otherwise Doctor Adams must continue to take charge of them — I shall direct the [underline: contractor] to provide small articles for their comfort to be commuted for their rations. Returns must be transmitted to me of the number sick with the measles, and of those who have not probably had that disorder. I shall direct Captain Price to muster and inspect the said three companies, and the detachment to be formed of the supernumeraries — He will make out four muster and inspection rolls of each company, and three of the detachment — He will deliver to each Captain one — retain one — and transmit two to this Office. Each commanding Officer must be indefatigable in disciplining his recruits, the proper soldierly attitudes demand the first attention — after which marching individually and learning the manual exercise — and in the third place marching and exercising in squads and companies. The utmost industry must be used in disciplining, as the time which the companies will remain will be short — An attention therefore is also required, to be in readiness to make a movement — I shall take care that tents and the necessary camp equipage be provided. Given at the War Office this 20^th day of February 1790 To the Commanding H Knox Officer at West Point. Secretary of War [Instructions from Gen^r Knox. for West point C[undecipherable]]