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Address to the Officers of the Army [The Newburgh Conspiracy], 10 March 1783.
- Format:
- Book
- Author/Creator:
- Great Neck Publishing, author, issuing body.
- Language:
- English
- Subjects (All):
- Courage.
- Finance.
- Military history.
- Mutiny.
- Patriotism.
- Pensions.
- Petitions.
- Politics and government.
- Revolutions.
- United States. Continental Army.
- United States. Continental Congress.
- United States Military Academy.
- Genre:
- Records (Documents)
- Physical Description:
- 1 online resource.
- Production:
- [Place of production not identified : producer not identified, 1783]
- Language Note:
- In English.
- Summary:
- Written in the hand of Samuel Shaw, this is Henry Knox's copy, and is docketed by Knox. An anonymous address to the officers of the Army, along with a call for a general meeting of officers. This particular copy was sent to the officers at West Point. Gives high-minded praise to the troops, extolling their virtue, bravery, and patriotism -- but then transitions into an emotional-laden section about America's inability to provide for them after the war is over. Says If this then be your treatment, while the swords you wear are necessary for the defence of America - what have you to expect from peace - when your voice shall sink and your strength dissipate by division? Makes a reference to the plain coat of republicanism (the contemporary use of this word in writing was somewhat rare in the 18th century). Wants them to come together and make a decision about what they are willing to accept and what they are willing to do to get it. Tells them Let two or three men, who can feel as well as write, be appointed to draw up your last remonstrance. Says that they need to start applying more pressure to Congress and should refuse to disarm until their situation is rectified. Postscript says there is a meeting of general and field officers at 10 a.m. next Tuesday to discuss the report of the committee sent to Philadelphia to air their grievances. Says an officer from each company is expected to attend. Docket in Knox's hand.
- Notes:
- Description based on publisher-supplied metadata (viewed October 13, 2023).
- This unsigned letter (as well as others written in subsequent days) are thought to have been composed by General Horatio Gates's aide-de-camp Major John Armstrong, Jr., although he denied this.
- Collection: The Henry Knox Papers.
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