Letter Signed

Letter from the Secretary at War to the Governor of Rhode Island

Letter, discusses the governor's request for brass field pieces; mentions militia; discusses supply of ordnance and military stores; discusses state governments.

Ltr, dis cannon, dis state governments

1793

06

18

War Department

Arthur Fenner

Henry Knox

War Department

received your excellency's favor

stated your request to the President of the United States for the brass field pieces as a boon to militia of your state

President regrets that the general rules which were prescribed by the congress under the late confederation and the propriety of which have now impressed themselves on his mind will prevent the delivery of the cannon of the union

scanty supply of ordnance and military stores in the possession of the United States and the propriety of holding them in readiness for real exigencies have caused this measure to be rigidly adhered to on the part of the general government although application is similar to yours have been made from several or most of the states

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