1From George Washington to Henry Knox, 9 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed papers relative to a treaty with the Cherokee Indians were put into my hands: and as I understand that matters of this kind have hitherto been considered as belonging to the department of the Secretary of War to examine and report thereon, and knowing that you have others of a similar nature now in your hands, I would wish you to make a summary report on the whole as soon as may...
2To George Washington from Henry Knox, 9 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt [of] Sundry papers relative to the cherokees indians —These shall be examined, together with those relative to the North western Indians and reported on to you as soon as may be. I have the honor to be with the highest respect Sir, your Obedient and Humble Servant LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . See GW’s letter of this date to Knox .
3To George Washington from Henry Knox, 13 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
The secretary for the department of war humbly submits to the President of the United States the following report and statement of the troops in public service. That the enclosed resolve of Congress of the 3rd of October 1787 is the authority by which all the troops in the service of the United States were enlisted excepting two incomplete companies of artillery, which were returned in service...
4To George Washington from Henry Knox, 23 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary at war having examined the Negotiations of the Governor of the Western territory with certain northern and north western Indians, and the treaties made in consequence thereof at Fort Harmar on the 9th of January 1789, begs leave to Report. That The several treaties of peace which have been made with the northern tribes of Indians, and those North west of the Ohio, since the...
5To George Washington from Henry Knox, 9 June 1789 (Washington Papers)
In obedience to the desire expressed in your letter of yesterday, I shall immediately proceed to make out a general statement of the present situation of the war department, conformably to the principles you were pleased to suggest, and submit the same to your consideration. I have the honor to be sir with the highest respect Your most obedient and humble Servant ALS , DLC:GW . See GW to John...
6To George Washington from Henry Knox, 15 June 1789 (Washington Papers)
The time it will require to complete a full statement of the department of War, induces me to submit to your view in a series of numbers such parts thereof as seem to claim an immediate attention. As most of the nations of indians within the limits of the United States are at present discontented some of them turbulent, I have concieved it proper to commence by a statement of the indian...
7Enclosure, 15 June 1789 (Washington Papers)
(Number 1) By information from Brigadier General Harmar the commanding Officer of the troops on the frontiers, it appears that several murders have been lately committed on the inhabitants by small parties of Indians probably from the Wabash Country. Some of the said murders have been perpetrated on the south side of the Ohio, the inhabitants on the waters of that river are exceedingly alarmed...
8To George Washington from Henry Knox, 6 July 1789 (Washington Papers)
Indian Department, Southern District The Creeks. This nation of indians is divided into two districts the upper and the lower Creeks. The former reside chiefly on the waters of the Albama River in about 60 towns or villages. The latter on the waters of the Apalachicola river in about 40 towns. The Creeks are principally within the limits of the United States, but some of the most southern...
9To George Washington from Henry Knox, 7 July 1789 (Washington Papers)
The report of the 23d of May 1789 on the treaties at Fort Harmar, by the Governor of the Western Territory, and the paper Number One of the Indian Department, contain such a general statement of the circumstances relative to the Indian tribes, within the limits of the United States, North West of the Ohio, as will probably render their situation sufficiently understood. The Numbers, two,...
10To George Washington from Henry Knox, 7 July 1789 (Washington Papers)
The Cherokees. This Nation of Indians consisting of separate Towns or villages are seated principally on the head waters of the Tennessee which runs into the Ohio. Their hunting grounds extend from Cumberland River along the frontiers of Virginia, North and South Carolina, and part of Georgia. The frequent Wars they have had with the frontier people of the said States have greatly diminished...
11To George Washington from Henry Knox, 7 July 1789 (Washington Papers)
The Chickasaws. This Nation of Indians were estimated by the Commissioners in 1785 at 800 Warriors, other opinions make them amount to 1200. The lines of their territory between the Cherokees and Choctaws do not appear precisely fixed. Their limits established by the Treaty hereafter mentioned are bounded on the North by the ridge which divides the waters running into the Cumberland, from...
12To George Washington from Henry Knox, 28 July 1789 (Washington Papers)
Having examined the report of the Commissioners for treating with the Southern Indians dated the 30th of June last, and the papers accompanying the same, I have the honor to observe. That it is the opinion of the said Commissioners, that the Creek Nation of Indians are generally disposed to enter into a treaty with the United States, for the purpose of establishing a permanent peace. That it...
13Enclosure: A Statement of the Troops in the Service of the United States, 8 August 1789 (Washington Papers)
The establishment as directed to be raised and organized by the acts of Congress of the 3rd of October 1787. To wit. One Regiment of Infantry. Consisting of 1 Lieutenant Colonel Commandant. 2 Majors 7 Captains 7 Lieutenants 8 Ensigns 1 Surgeon 4 Mates. eight companies, each of which to consist of four Serjeants— four Corporals—two musicians and Sixty privates 560 One Battalion of Artillery 1...
14To George Washington from Henry Knox, 13 August 1789 (Washington Papers)
The detail of the estimate of the expences for treating with the Southern indians which was formed the 20th of May 1789. It is supposed that at least 1500 Creeks will attend at the treaty, each of whom according to custom, must have one and an half rations ⅌ day; this would require for each day 2250 rations. The treaty may be presumed to last 25 days. 56,250 Rations at ⅛th of a dollar ⅌ ration...
15To George Washington from Henry Knox, 17 August 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have enclosed the copies of the letters you have been pleased to request. I am persuaded the senate will when they understand the matter fully concur with the house. I will wait on you this afternoon or tomorrow morning with some heads of instructions for the Commissioners. I sincerely thank you for Your kind condolance on the loss of our child—we must submit to events we cannot control. I...
16To George Washington from Henry Knox, 17 August 1789 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to submit to your view a loose sketch of the general ideas which have occurred to me on the subject of instructions to the Commission[er]s. If any part of them should meet your approbation, they could, together with such additions as you may judge proper be drawn up in form. I will wait on you tomorrow to receive your further orders on this subject. I am Sir respectfully and...
17From George Washington to Henry Knox, 26 August 1789 (Washington Papers)
Provision having been made by the Act of Congress of the 20th of August 1789, that a sum not exceeding twenty thousand dollars, arising from the duties on imports & tonnage shall be appropriated for defraying the expence of Negotiating & treating with the Indian Tribes; I have therefore to request that you will use your best exertions to obtain the necessary means for carrying the intention of...
18From George Washington to Henry Knox, 4 September 1789 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of a Resolve of the Congress of the United States, bearing date the 26th of Augt 1789, I have thought fit to appoint Andrew Ellicot to compleat a certain survey directed to be made by an Act of the late Congress of the 6th of June 1789. The sum of Eleven hundred and twenty five dollars is (by an estimate of Mr Ellicot) found necessary to carry into effect the beforementioned...
19From George Washington to Henry Knox, 5 September 1789 (Washington Papers)
In order to carry into effect a certain survey directed to be made by a Resolve of the Congress of the United States, passed the 26th of August, it has been found necessary to ascertain a certain point within the Limits of Canada, from which a meridian line is to be drawn; and as the consent of the British Commander in chief in Canada is necessary to be obtained before any operations can be...
20From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Knox, 12 September 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
In a letter which I had the honour of writing to the Secretary for foreign affairs some three or four years ago, I informed him that a workman here had undertaken, by the help of moulds and other means to make all the parts of the musket so exactly alike as that, mixed together promiscuously, any one part should serve equally for every musket. He had then succeeded as to the lock both of the...
21Tobias Lear to Henry Knox, 17 September 1789 (Washington Papers)
United States September 17th 1789. “The enclosed Letter was just now received by the President of the United States from the Governor of New York; and I am directed by the President of the United States to transmit the same to you, requesting that you will, after considering the subject, give him your opinion upon the expediency of his making an official or other communication of the...
22To George Washington from Henry Knox, 9 October 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to submit to your inspection a general return of the Ordnance, Arms, and Military Stores in possession of the United States specifying the places at which they are deposited. The stores in general were placed in their present situation by the chances or events of the late War—Springfield in Massachusetts and Carlisle in Pennsylvania excepted—At these places buildings were...
23To George Washington from Henry Knox, 18 October 1789 (Washington Papers)
In obedience to your commands to write to you on all occasions I have the honor to inform you that Mr Kean arrived here yesterday from South Carolina. He brings a report which he received through such a channel as induces him to credit it, That a Mr Clark arrived at Savannah on the 2d of this month from the Rock Landing on the Oconee, and informed that the treaty had abruptly broken up without...
24To George Washington from Henry Knox, 22 October 1789 (Washington Papers)
Nothing of importance has occurred since the letter I did myself the honor of writing you on the 18th instant. I am anxiously expecting to hear from the southern Commissioners. Major Wyllis and the other Officers have been detained by business Untill this day. They have taken young White Eyes under their protection. I have the honor to be Sir Your obedient Servant ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW ....
25To George Washington from Henry Knox, 25 October 1789 (Washington Papers)
No further intelligence has been received from Georgia since the arrival of Mr Kean. This silence, and the powers with which the commissioners were invested to render the treaty advantages to the Creeks generally, and to their cheif particularly are sufficient to arrest the beleif of the report. The report itself originated perhaps in the apprehension or misrepresentations of some of the White...
26To George Washington from Henry Knox, 27 October 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment received a letter from Mr Habersham at Savannah dated the 14th instant informing that he had received a letter from the Commissioners dated at Augusta the 5th instant, directing him to engage a passage for Captain Burbecks company to New York, which he had accordingly done with Captain Schemmerhorn who was to sail about the 20th instant. Mr Habersham adds “You will doubtless...
27Tobias Lear to Henry Knox, 18 November 1789 (Washington Papers)
I am directed by the President of the United States to transmit to you the enclosed letters which have been received by him, and which come properly under the cognizance of the Secretary of War. The letters enclosed are as follows, viz. one from Samuel McDowell, as chairman of a committee of a Convention in Kentuckey, upon Indian Affairs in Kentuckey, and containing a list of sundry tribes of...
28To George Washington from Henry Knox, 21 November 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to submit to your inspection the report and letter which I have just received from the Commissioners of Indian Affairs for the Southern district. I have the honor to be Sir With the highest respect Your Most Obedient Humble Servant. LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . Knox is undoubtedly referring to the letter of 17 Nov. 1789 to him from Benjamin Lincoln, Cyrus Griffin, and David...
29Tobias Lear to Henry Knox, 21 November 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to enclose you three letters from the supreme Executive of the State of Virginia upon the subject of Indian Affairs. These letters are addressed to the President of the United States, and have been duly acknowledged by him. As the President of the United States has directed me to transmit to you all letters & papers which have been received by him upon the subject of Indian...
30Tobias Lear to Henry Knox, 25 November 1789 (Washington Papers)
The President of the United States has directed me to return the draft of the letter which you are about to send to the Governor of Georgia and to inform you that it meets his approbations. The President of the United States wishes you to send him the copy of the Instructions given to the Commissioners — which he will return to you in a few days. I have the Honor to be with perfect respect...
31To George Washington from Henry Knox, 27 November 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to submit to you a letter from Brigadier General Harmar dated the 19th of October with several enclosures shewing the State of affairs on the Western Frontiers. I have the honor to be Sir, with the highest respect, your most obedient humble servant ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . Josiah Harmar (1753–1813) was appointed in 1784 to command the United States Army on the frontier....
32Memorandum from Henry Knox, 1790 (Washington Papers)
Governor St Clairs proposal of obtaining a cession of territory from the Wabash Indians at this peculiar time, seems liable to several objections. 1st It is not for the interest of the United States to extend their territory at present. They possess abundantly more Land, than they can profitably sell. But was there a market for more Land the policy of scattering our people in distant thin...
33Henry Knox’s Notes on the State of the Frontier, January 1790 (Washington Papers)
Although I experience a reluctance in again bringing before you the subject of a treaty with the Wabash indians, yet as some recent events have happened evincing to my mind the propriety of the measure, I conceive it to be my duty to make the following communication, and to request your advice thereon. The indians residing on the Wabash river and its branches, and the people residing on the...
34To George Washington from Henry Knox, 4 January 1790 (Washington Papers)
I humbly beg leave to submit to your consideration a general statement of the Indian Department, and of the South Western frontiers, the same being intimately blended together. The invitation of the United States to the Creek Nation of Indians, to treat of peace on terms of mutual advantage has not been accepted —The report of the Commissioners a will fully show the precarious state of this...
35Enclosure: Schedule E, [9 January 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
SCHEDULE E Abstract of the Public Debt of the States Undermentioned, Agreeably to Statements Transmitted in Pursuance of the Resolution of the House of Representatives of the 21st of September, 1789. Massachusetts Dollars. Cents. Principal with interest to the 1st day of Nov. 1789. £. 1,548,040 7 9 Lawful. Due to sundries for which no certificates have yet been issued, 20,000 Total,...
36To George Washington from Henry Knox, 18 January 1790 (Washington Papers)
Having submitted to your consideration a plan for the arrangement of the militia of the United States, which I had presented to the late Congress, and you having approved the general principles thereof, with certain exceptions, I now respectfully lay the same before you, modified according to the alterations you were pleased to suggest. It has been my anxious desire to devise a national system...
37To George Washington from Henry Knox, 20 January 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have but this moment been able to obtain two correct copies of the plan for the Militia. I will have the honor if convenient to you to wait upon you at nine O Clock tomorrow morning to receive your orders respecting it. I have the honor to be Sir, with the highest respect Your Most Obedient Servant LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . GW noted on 20 Jan. that Knox’s report “altered agreeably to the...
38To George Washington from Henry Knox, 26 January 1790 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of the act of the United States in Congress assembled of the 29th of September 1789 for the payment of the invalid pensions, the Secretary of the Treasury submits it as his opinion that the persons whose names are stated on the enclosed paper would be proper persons to pay the pensions to the said invalid pensioners under the said act—All the said persons being collectors of the...
39To George Washington from Henry Knox, 11 February 1790 (Washington Papers)
(Private) New York the 11th February 1790 From the firmest persuasion of mind that you will receive this note with the same cordiality that it is dictated, permit me my dear dear friend to felicitate you on the return of your birth day. This effusion of an heart-felt affection, as far removed from a cold compliment to your present political station, as the extreme effulgence of the sun is to...
40To George Washington from Henry Knox, 15 February 1790 (Washington Papers)
The serious crisis of affairs, in which the United States are involved with the Creeks requires that every honorable and probable expedient that can be devised should be used to avert a War with that tribe—The untoward circumstances of the case are such, that no degree of success, could render a War either honorable or profitable to the United States. Events may be expected soon to arise which...
41To George Washington from Henry Knox, 26 February 1790 (Washington Papers)
In obedience to your orders, I have received the communications of Colonel John Pierce Duval Lieutenant of Harrison County in Virginia; the result of which I have the honor to submit to you. The paper Number 1 is a representation from the field officers of the said county, on the subject of their exposed situation. Colonel Duval states, that there are five counties of Virginia lying on the...
42From George Washington to Henry Knox, 8 March 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have taken into consideration your letter of the 15th of last month, and I approve of the proposals therein suggested, of endeavoring to avoid a War with the Creek nation of Indians. I approve particularly of your requesting Mr Hawkins to send the letter to Alexander McGillivray a copy of which you have enclosed—and I authorize you to employ a suitable person to conduct the business, and to...
43To George Washington from Henry Knox, 6 April 1790 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of your instructions, I have directed Captains Burbeck’s and Savage’s companies of artillery, and Captain Smith’s company of infantry, to be embarked, at the Garrison of West Point, on board of vessels, in order to be transported to Georgia, and I expect they will arrive at this city, and be in readiness to proceed to sea, by the 9th instant. All the said companies are to act as...
44From George Washington to Henry Knox, 7 April 1790 (Washington Papers)
The papers which you yesterday submitted to me, respecting the arrangement of the three companies to be sent to Georgia and the Instructions to be given to their Captains, have been duly considered, and meet my approbation. The proposed disposition of the said companies after their arrival in Georgia— “To wit One company—at the St Mary’s. One do—at Beards } Altamaha Bluff on the One do at the...
45To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Knox, 24 June 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 24, 1790. On August 5, 1790, in Schedule B of his “Report on Additional Sums Necessary for the Support of Government,” Hamilton referred to “The Secretary at War in his Letter to the sec’y of the Treasury dated 24 June 1790.” Letter not found. ]
46Enclosure: Edward Telfair to Henry Knox, 20 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
On the 2nd inst: I received a letter from Timothy Barnard Esquire, dated Flint River the 23’rd ultimo, whereupon the enclosed proclamation of the 2’nd inst: was issued —I was hopeful that this measure would have prevented further outrage contrary however to expectation I received a second letter from Mr Barnard of date the 12’th on which my proclamation of yesterday was founded—herewith are...
47To George Washington from Henry Knox, 7 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
Having received your directions to endevor to negociate a treaty of peace and friendship with the chiefs of the creek nation of Indians ⟨ illegible ⟩ comferably as far as possible to the general principles agreed to by the Senate in Augt 1789 I have the honor to inform you that in consequence thereof and by virtue of your Commission for that purpose I have this day signed a treaty with the...
48From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Knox, [12 August 1790] (Jefferson Papers)
May I invite the three Chargés des affaires to attend the ceremony ? May they be permitted to bring respectable strangers of their nation with or without limitation of numbers? Do ladies go? If they do, Mrs. Otto must be named in the invitation to Mr. Otto. I will beg the favor of your answer to these queries and govern myself accordingly. Only be so good as have reserved for them a seat in a...
49From George Washington to Henry Knox, 13 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
The Session of Congress having closed, and it being my intention to go to Virginia as soon as the public business will permit; and wishing, during my absence from the Seat of Government, to have my mind as free from public cares as circumstances will allow; I am desireous of having such matters as may, by Law or otherwise, require the agency or sanction of the President of the United States,...
50“John A. Dingwell” to Henry Knox or Tobias Lear, 17 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
In The incloased I Send you a letter I did myself the honour to write to the President yesterday in answer to one he honoured me with[.] in mine to him I have incloased a peaper that it or one to the Same purport must be Signed before I make the least discovery as in the peapers I Can lay before him there is that that might indanger the lives of Gentlemen I wou’d Sooner die then hurt who is...