Contemporary Copy of Letter made from Author's Files

Disposition of Ordnance at West Point

William Price, Deputy Commissary for Military Stores, sends to Henry Knox, Secretary at War, the disposition of ordnance at West Point.

1785

09

14

West Point

Major General Henry Knox

William Price

Captain Jefferds

Mr. Duncan

Captain Johnston

deputy commissioner for military stores

Secretary at War

West Point

New York

snow

rain

iron guns

brass guns

ordnance

skids

vessel

six pounders

carriages

orders

buildings and frames

hats

weather

musket cartridges

military stores

inventories

artillery

1785091440055

14

1

West Point 14th Sept 1785 -- 12

Sir

I received yours of the 31st Ultimo on the 3d Instant, respecting the disposition of the Ordnance and Stores at this place, and no exertion of mine shall be wanting to carry them into execution, but at Present there is but Nine Men of Capt Johnston's Company that I can Get for duty, And it will not be practible to move the Iron guns with them -- The Brass they may perhaps get in, but I am apprehensive the foundation of the stores is not sufficient for the Iron Ordnance -- if you'll consent to it, they can be raised on skids sufficiently from the ground and [undecipherable] Shed made over them that shall answer Every purpose to keep off the snow and rain

I have sent by Capt Jefferds on board Mr. Duncan's vessel the Two Brass 6 pounders for Genl Green, and retained the Carriages till further orders -- enclosed is the dimensions of the Buildings and frames That is not in use - I have begun to get the Carriages out to [burn?] and shall wait your further orders about the Iron Ordnance -- their is no carpenter with any of the troops here, I have desired Capt Jefferds to get one in New York - all the Hats and other articles came safe to hand by Mr. Duncan - if their is time and the weather will permit after the powder is done on [undecipherable] Hand I shall begin the Musket Cartridges, but I fear the season will be too far advanced--

I am your Most Obedient

and Very Humble Servent

William Price Depy Com: Mil. Stores

PS. The mistake about the Hats was owing to them not being mentioned in either of the Invoices - they was found in the Stores at the Commissaries [Lunging?]