The Saber and Scroll
The Resignation of George Washington December 23 , 1783 , c . 1822 ( oil on canvas ) by John Trumbull ( 1756 – 1843 ); Yale University Art Gallery , New Haven , CT , USA .
were roughly 10 miles apart . Both Knox and Washington had an idea of what was being planned in Philadelphia , but now it appeared they were being drawn in . It is likely both generals shared the letters they received , as it was suggested that they speak with one another . Both replied to the nationalists from Philadelphia .
The first to respond , Knox wrote to Gouverneur Morris that “ I consider the reputation of the American army , as one of the most immaculate things on Earth . We should even suffer wrongs and injuries to the utmost verge of toleration rather than sully it in the least degree . I hope to God , that the army will never be directed that against the enemies of the liberties of America .” 12 Just after Knox sent his response to
Morris , Washington replied to Hamilton that “ the fatal tendency to involve the army in political matters , would be productive at civil promotions and end in blood . I stand as citizen and soldier .” 13 The nationalists had clearly been
rejected by Knox and Washington . This turned the nationalists ’ attention to a man with whom they knew they could work with , General Horatio Gates . General Gates had his headquarters at a place called Ellison House , where he was surrounded by young staff majors and lieutenant colonels , several cooks , and the Ellison family , who had not vacated the house . It is often suggested that Gates was unaware of what was being planned by his junior officers at Ellison House .
84