Henry Knox To Benjamin Lincoln On The Provision Of Shells And The Employment Of German Prisoners 12 September 1782

Writes in response to Lincoln's letter of 20 August. Declares, I am sorry Mr. [Robert] Morris cannot pay for any shells for the French [8?] inch howitzers, as they without shells much be useless after all the time and money which has been expended making new cartridges for them. Has asked General George Washington his opinion on employing German prisoners as armorers at Newburgh in exchange for their freedom (see GLC02437.01589), and Washington feels this is a good idea, so Knox asks Lincoln to make the appropriate arrangements. Also comments that he has received recent Congressional resolves about restructuring the department of military stores, and he will soon forward a list of those who he feels might not be most qualified to continue in service of the department.