Henry Knox To Benjamin Lincoln Thanking Him For His Service And Asking Him To Protect Stores At Springfield 9 February 1787

Unsigned, and marked copy. Body of the letter in the hand of Robert Pemberton, Knox's aide. Knox refers to a previous letter he sent to Lincoln (see GLC02437.03446). Thanks him for his last letter, and believes his recent services to the government (by leading troops to suppress Shays' Rebellion) will prove beneficial. Writes, A Congress of seven States has been lately formed. Our old friend General [Arthur] St. Clair president. Nearly three months elapsed between the time Congress ought to have been and the time it was actually formed. Adds, I have written you an official letter respecting some troops I have ordered to Springfield. Discusses where these troops are currently stationed, and how they will arrive at Springfield. Urges him to keep your attention fixed on the Stores and to afford them as ample protection as your force will admit, and the case may require. Mentions the variety of rumors he has heard regarding the status of Lincoln's regiment, but has heard that Generals [Rufus] Putnam and [Benjamin] Tupper are with him and if so, sends his regards to them.