Henry Knox to Benjamin Lincoln Regarding Lincoln Passing Dobbs Ferry and Questions Over Military Salaries and Compensation, 30 September 1783

Book excerpt: Knox, Commander at West Point, writes, A Report has been brought by the Garrison, that you have passed the river at Dobb's [Dobbs Ferry]- It would be unnecessary to say how much this mortifies me, but the urgency of your affairs, has undoubtedly been so great as to oblige you to pass as unnoticed. Relates that he was unaware that the salary given to previous commanders at West Point was withdrawn when he took command. Requests from Lincoln, Secretary at War, the same compensation as his predecessors, noting Certainly I have expended as much as any of them, and I only ask the same allowance. This is but common justice. If it is not granted to me it will have an ugly aspect... Remarks that he has presented the matter to General George Washington. Knox hopes he shall leave no cause of complaining of unequal rewards for the same services.