[draft] West Point 20 Dec 1782 My dear Sir I received you favor of the 3d instant [struck: and as I thought] and as it fully contained your sentiments on a matter which has given much uneasiness for the officers, I thought it was due to you that they should generally be informed, of your opinion. I therefore [struck: took] assumed the liberty to enclose it for General Patterson, [strikeout] with a request that he could shew it to the principal officers of the line He has not yet returned the letter to me but I think that the [struck: full] [inserted: ample] manner in which you have detailed the subject will lend in a great degree if not altogether to remove that prejudice which they entertained. General Mc Dougall & Colonell Ogden and Brooks, are appointed by the Army to present a state of their case to Congress. I am persuaded that the representation those Gentlemen carry, and the respectful manner in which they will conduct themselves cannot be displeasing to Congress. On the contrary I think the extreme distress of the Army for want of pay will be a noble argument for congress to enforce to the [strikeout] respected states a mere punctual [struck: compliance with their] [inserted: payment] of taxes - Indeed words are made inadequate to describe the excessive [strikeout] of [inserted: anxiety of the officers] [2] especially those who have families, looking up to them for support - The officers promise themselves [relief] [strikeout] in consequence of this application - They have a confidence that Congress [struck: will do all] have a proper view of their senses & sufferings and will do every thing in their power [struck: to compensate them] to make them happy I am my dear sir with your respect Your most obedient Servant HKnox The honorable Samuel Osgood eq [docket] To Samuel Osgood Eq 20 Decr 1782