Henry Knox by Mark Puls Read Free Book Online Page B

Lincoln, the secretary at war under the confederation government, wanted to resign and recommended Knox as his successor. Washington wrote Henry on Thursday, October 23, pledging to lobby Congress to secure his appointment.
    On Sunday, November 2, Knox commanded that Washington's farewell orders to the army be read to the troops at West Point. Upon hearing the orders, which discharged the men and allowed them to return home to their families, the soldiers shouted with joy and embraced. Knox was moved to pen a reply to Washington from the army that expressed the wish that "whenyou quit the stage of human life, you may receive from the unerring judge the rewards of valor exerted to save the oppressed, of patriotism and disinterested virtue.“ 3
    The following day, thousands of troops packed their bags and headed home. As the commander of the forts around New York City, Knox notified the British commander, General Guy Carleton, on Sunday, November 9 that the time had come for the British to leave America. Carleton responded that his troops would begin moving out from the outlying skirts around New York on Thursday, November 20.
    Knox took possession of the city on Tuesday, November 25, 1783, riding at the head of a long procession. He greeted residents, riding in a row of eight officers, in a triumphant parade into the city that had been occupied for seven years. Once again he saw his former headquarters at the foot of Broadway, and could remember that frantic morning when he and Lucy had spotted the British fleet from the window of their home. The officers were followed by a row of political leaders who waved to residents shouting in celebration. The speaker of the state assembly appeared, and then Washington and New York governor George Clinton arrived.
    Knox and Washington enjoyed a tranquil week of celebrations. The governor hosted a lavish dinner for the officers, and tavern owner Samuel Fraunces, an ardent patriot, hosted a victory banquet at his establishment at the corner of 54 Pearl Street and Broadway. The tavern had been a favorite meeting place for the New York Sons of Liberty before the British occupation.
    On Thursday, December 4, Washington called together Knox and fellow officers for a farewell meeting at noon at the elegant Long Room at Fraunces Tavern. Washington planned to leave New York that day and head to Annapolis, where Congress was temporarily sitting, and then to resign his commission. In an order issued to Henry that same day, Knox was named as Washington's successor as the commander of the American army: "Finding it essential to the public interest that you should superintend the posts and military affairs in this department until some further arrangement, or until the pleasure of Congress shall be known; I have therefore to request that you will remain in service.“ 4
    Knox was in an emotional mood as he considered his own relationship with Washington; with the exception of his wife, undoubtedly it was the most significant relationship of his life. Knox had shared all of Washington's military successes during the Revolution, from the liberation of Boston in 1776 tothe victory at Yorktown five years later. For his part, Washington had warmly supported Knox and his career at every step, from the beginning of his career as a citizen volunteer to his entrance into the Continental army at the rank of colonel and through his rise to major general. But their relationship was not merely professional. Washington, who had no children of his own, had played a paternal role in Henry's life. Lucy had stayed at Mount Vernon during one of her pregnancies. Knox had developed a sincere admiration for Washington.
    After the officers waited for several moments in the Long Room, Washington finally appeared. He did not act like the austere commander that they were accustomed to seeing even during the most trying times. Washington was visibly emotional, willing to let loose the grip on his feelings within the circle of