To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 12 August 1794
From Alexander Hamilton
August 12. 1794.
The Secretary of the Treasury presents his respects to the President & sends him two letters which were received last night from Pittsburgh.1
Would it not be adviseable to put the Garrison of Fort Franklin in the power of Major Butler, so that if he deems it advisable he may draw a part of it to his aid?
An attack from the Indians appears at present improbable, & an attack from the Insurgents probable enough.
The bearer of the letters waits orders to return.2 Will The President suggest anything?
LB, DLC:GW.
1. The enclosures were letters of 3 Aug. from Thomas Butler and Isaac Craig to Henry Knox (see John Stagg, Jr., to Knox, 12 Aug., NNGL: Knox Papers). Butler’s letter has not been identified. Craig’s letter from Fort Fayette reported that "a numerous body of Armed men" had assembled at Braddock’s Field on 1 Aug., where they were joined by inhabitants of Pittsburgh. The group, now numbering about 4,500 men, marched from the field on 2 Aug. "& it was Confidently reported with a design of attacking the Fort. but some of their leaders being informed that every possible means had been adopted for its defence, they Prudently concluded to pospone the attack to some more favourable Oppertunity." They then took an alternative route to Pittsburgh on which they "Committed several excesses crossed the River, Burned a barn & a large quantity of Grain in stacks the property of Major Kirkpatrick, whom they have Banished." The insurgents had also proscribed several other citizens considered "inimical to their Cause," including Craig. "on the 14th instant. an other Genl meeting is to take place the result of which God only Knows" (PPi: Isaac Craig Papers).
2. Craig’s letter stated that Edward O’Hara was the bearer of these letters.