Henry Knox to George Washington Discussing the Transport of Captured British Artillery from Fort Ticonderoga, 17 December 1775

Book excerpt: Discusses activities relating to the transport of artillery captured from the British at Fort Ticonderoga earlier that year. Comments on difficulties of getting the ordnance over Lake George. Mentions that he has obtained sleds and oxen. He will use the oxen to drag the artillery to Springfield, where he will get new animals to drag them the rest of the way to Cambridge, Massachusetts. Explains the route and speculates on potential for either progress or hardship. Expects to arrive in Cambridge in 16-17 days. Sends an inventory of the artillery from Ticonderoga and the pieces requested from Colonel Alexander McDougall in New York (not included). Explains arrangements with McDougall and seeks Washington's approval for them (see GLC02437.00220; also GLC02437.00212). Discusses activities in Canada in regard to Colonel Benedict Arnold and British Colonel Allan McLean. Closes by noting that he believes General Richard Montgomery is in possession of Quebec. [Knox was wrong about this.] Written from Fort George in Lake George, New York. Knox's retained working draft. Docket is written in another hand.