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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC02437.01652 |
| From Archive Folder | The Henry Knox Papers [0047] October 1782 |
| Title | Edward Carrington to Henry Knox with war news and finances |
| Date | 8 October 1782 |
| Author | Carrington, Edward (1749-1810) |
| Recipient | Knox, Henry |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Written by Lieutenant Colonel Carrington, quartermaster to Nathanael Greene's Southern army, to Major General Knox. Makes reference to Congressional military appointments. Expresses anger at some Congressional decisions involving himself, saying "I shall not sacrifice that independency, which I have always possessed, to hold it on Terms inconsistent with the principles on which I accepted it - and, wretched as it may, perhaps, be supposed the situation of an American Officers would be in private life, I shall certainly embrace that wretchedness, in all its Horrid forms, rather than remain in public office, under an idea of Compulsion." Asks Knox for any help he can give with the Secretary of War. In a reference to the British evacuation of U.S., says "This event will give great relief to the infant finances of the United States as the expenditures, if the War continues, may be concentrated and regulated with infinitely more economy than when defused through many quarters and many hands." Goes on to say that not having "well established Revenues" has "retarded" American prospects. Says "I have undergone much chagrin and a[n]xiety on Account of the indolence, as well as the perverseness of the States, which compose this Empire - they will either do nothing at all or will act in such manner as shall suit the respective conveniences of themselves without regard to that uniform general system, which alone can lead to the same great object." Says nothing can prevent an early peace except this poor financial situation and says it gives the enemy hope of dividing us. Written from Camp Ashley Hill, South Carolina, which is located in Charleston County. |
| Subjects | Revolutionary War Continental Army Continental Congress Congress Military History Finance Global History and Civics Economics Taxes or Taxation Government and Civics |
| Place written | Charleston, South Carolina |
| Theme | The American Revolution; Government & Politics; Creating a New Government; Banking & Economics |
| Sub-collection | The Henry Knox Papers |
| Additional Information | Carrington was a member of the Goochland County committee in 1775 and 1776; served in the Revolutionary Army; commissioned lieutenant colonel of Artillery November 30, 1776; served as quartermaster general on the staff of General Greene; commanded the Artillery at the Battle of Hobkirks Hill, 24 April 1781, and at Yorktown; Member of the Continental Congress 1786-1788; appointed by President Washington marshal of Virginia in 1789; foreman of the jury during the trial of Aaron Burr for treason in 1807. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |