Henry Knox To Benjamin Lincoln About The Distribution Of Gunpowder 23 December 1781

Writes to respond to General Benjamin Lincoln's request of his opinion on where to store 4,000 barrels of public powder now in Boston. Declares that West Point is so important that they should do everything possible to provide ample supplies. Thinks 1,000 barrels should be sent to West Point as soon as the snow allows transportation. Also thinks that 1,000 barrels should be deposited at Springfield, and that the remaining 2,000 should be split between Reading, Easton and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Through this arrangement if either of the two objects proposed for the operations of the next Campaigns should be attacked, the whole of the continental powder not appropriated to the defense of posts would be brought together without much difficulty. Then explains how powder could be transported if either Charleston or New York were attacked. Explains that land transportation of the items will be very expensive, but it is unavoidable, unless they transport to portions of Pennsylvania over water, but that is very dangerous. GLC 2437.01308 is a later copy of this letter.