May 10, 1780.
Dear Baron:
General Knox, in conversation, has observed to the General, that
instead of sending to Philadelphia for the fifteen hundred arms
mentioned in your letter of the sixth, and sending those here to that
place to be fitted, it would be a great saving of expense, in the
article of transportation, to have the bayonets and accoutrements
brought on without the arms, and fitted to those now here; which can
easily be done at the Park. The question is, if the arms here have no
other defect than want of bayonets. The General will be glad to know
what you think of General Knox’s proposal. It seems to him eligible,
unless there are reasons he is not acquainted with.
If there are any other articles you wish to have sent for (the General
thinks you mentioned something of the kind to him), he will be glad to
know what they are.
We have heard from the Marquis. He will be here at dinner. Will you
dine with us also? The General requests it.
I have the honor to be, dear Baron,
Your very humble servant,
Alex. Hamilton, A. D. C.