Washington, George, First President, as Commander-in-Chief

Autograph letter signed (G:^{o Washington"), one page (8 7/8 x 7 3/8 in.; 225 x 187 mm), n.p. [but most likely Headquarters, Newburgh, New York], 9 November 1782, to Henry Knox, enclosing a week's worth of paroles, integral address leaf marked "Private | Maj. Gen. Knox | West Point"; enclosure not included in the lot, 2 seal tears costing a portion of the left margin, not affecting text, a few scattered stains.}

Not in Fitzpatrick

Autograph letter signed (G:o Washington"), one page (8 7/8 x 7 3/8 in.; 225 x 187 mm), n.p. [but most likely Headquarters, Newburgh, New York], 9 November 1782, to Henry Knox, enclosing the parole of the day, integral address leaf marked "Private | Maj. Gen. Knox | West Point"; enclosure not included in the lot, 2 seal tears costing a portion of the left margin, not affecting text, a few scattered stains.
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Paroles and Countersigns for the week, the forwarding letter unpublished. From his headquarters in Newburgh, Washington writes Knox: "I had the inclosed in my pocket but forgot to give it to you yesterday. I pray you to let the Parole etc. of the day only be known at a time keeping the others to yourself to avoid the evil of a premature discovery."  Knox replied on 10 November: "I had the honor yesterday to receive the paroles and countersigns up to the 16th inclusive. I shall carefully obey the injunction against a premature discovery. I also received the general orders of the 9th" (http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/index.html).

Knox had been appointed to the command of West Point 29 August 1782 (Fitzpatrick 25:91-92). The army moved from the encampment at Verplanck's Point to winter quarters in huts at New Windsor 28 November. The cessation of military activity contributed to the increase in discontent of the army, compelling Washington to remain at his Newburgh headquarters instead of retiring to Mount Vernon.

Sotheby's gratefully acknowledges David Hoth of the Washington Papers for his assistance with this lot.