William Barber to Henry Knox discussing the muster rolls for August and September and army discipline - American History 1493-1945 - Adam Matthew Digital

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Field name	Value
Collection Reference Number	GLC02437.02697
From Archive Folder	The Henry Knox Papers [0068] 21-31 October 1783
Title	William Barber to Henry Knox discussing the muster rolls for August and September and army discipline
Date	22 October 1783
Author	Barber, William (fl. 1783-1784)
Recipient	Knox, Henry
Document Type	Correspondence
Content Description	Forwards the muster rolls for August and September. Notes that there is a discrepancy in numbers for September due to the number "of the sick, absent and on Commands." Goes on to complain about the decline of the army, in particular the lack of discipline and proper uniforms. Originally included muster rolls, GLC02437.02450 and GLC02437.10536.
Subjects	Muster Rolls and Returns Military History Continental Army Health and Medical Military Uniforms Clothing and Accessories
People	Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Barber, William (fl. 1783-1784)
Place written	West Point, New York
Theme	Government & Politics
Sub-collection	The Henry Knox Papers
Copyright	The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Module	Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859
Related documents	List of troops mustered in the Northern Army in August 1783
Transcript	Show/hide Download PDF [draft] [partial] I have the Honor to hand you inclosed the abstracts of Muster for the Months of August and September - Why that of the former Month was not delivered to you in due season, was owing to the dispersed Situation of the Regiments who lately returned from Philadelphia, the Particulars of which are well known to yourself - The abstract for September shews the Time the Men in each Regiment and Corps have to serve from the first of the present Month, as accurately as can be ascertained from their respective Muster Rolls - by it you may also observe the great Difference there is, between the Number present, and the Aggregate upon Paper, this Principally consists of the sick absent and on Commands I have no Remarks of Inspection to make, for indeed no regular one can be expected under the present declining State of our Army - What, of appearance, of Discipline is exhibited by any of the Corps, you, yourself had an opportunity to observe, when you honored the Parade of each, with your Presence - The distressing Nakedness of the Troops, is an object of serious attention - should they be continued in service one Month longer, an immediate Supply of ever Article of Cloathing is absolutely necessary, not only to make them decent and comfortable, but to preserve their Health and Lives also - The Corps of Sappers and Miners appears in its present Situation, to be exceedingly useless - it is reduced to sixteen Men, and commanded by a Corporal, the Captain & Lieutenant being quartered on this Side of the River...

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