51Enclosure I: From Henry Knox, 14 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of war respectfully submits to the President of the United States, the following arrangement for the corps of Levies to be raised in pursuance of the act entitled “an act for raising and adding another regiment to the military establishment of the United States, and for making farther provision for the protection of the frontiers.” That the two thousand Levies mentioned in the...
52Enclosure II: Draft Authorization to Henry Knox, 14 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
Being about to make a journey to the Southern States, in which I shall be absent for some time, it has become necessary, for the public service, that I should give you authority in the cases herein after named. Firstly. I approve the general principles of your report of the 22nd February last for the operations of the proposed campaign north west of the Ohio, and I authorize you to instruct...
53To George Washington from Henry Knox, 18 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
Having arranged all the Papers referred to in the proposed instructions to me, I have the honor to submit them under one cover. A Map of the south-western frontier is preparing, which will not be finished until tomorrow, and which would be proper to accompany the book. The instructions for Major General St Clair, are copying, in order to be submitted to your consideration; and it may be proper...
54To George Washington from Henry Knox, 18 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to submit to you the opinion of the Attorney General respecting the United States retaining Fort Pitt. Messrs Turnbull and Marmie the owners, are solicitous to have the premises yeilded to them—the place is in ruins, and for a long time past the public have had only a partial occupancy of it. The principal building which the public require is the magazine, which is public...
55To George Washington from Henry Knox, 27 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a representation received from the Cornplanter. The fact of murdering the friendly indians by Capt. Samuel Brady, formerly of the Pensylvania Line, is mentioned in several letters from Fort Pitt, and that the people along the upper parts of the ohio are exceedingly alarmed on that account. The enclosed from Colo. Neville to General Butler, and from Major Craig to...
56To George Washington from Henry Knox, 31 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor to inform you on the 27th of the murder of certain friendly Indians at the Big beaver Creek, on the 9th instant. I enclose a Proclamation of the Governor of this State, relative to that affair. I assured him of the readiness of the General Government, to pay the reward offered upon the conviction of the Offenders. The Governor has directed the Magistrates to make inquisition...
57To George Washington from Henry Knox, 10 April 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your separate letter of the 4th instant, and also of your joint letter of the same date, to the heads of the departments. By the information from Fort Harmar of the 17th, and Pittsburg of the 31st, it would appear that the Delawares and Wyandots are committing depredations, and that they will be joined in the War against us. But what is still more...
58To George Washington from Henry Knox, 17 April 1791 (Washington Papers)
The last letter which I had the honor to write to you was dated on the 10th instant. Since which I have received your favor of the 7th instant. Colonel Hall having declined Colonel Darck agreably to your orders, will have the offer of the 1st regiment of Levies, and if he should decline, it is probable that Colonel Rawlings would accept it. We shall march between the 25th instant, and the 1st...
59To George Washington from Henry Knox, 17 April 1791 (Washington Papers)
Private Sir Philadelphia 17th April 1791 Mr Eveleigh the Comptroller of the Treasury died yesterday. There will be a number of candidates for his office, who will urge their several pretensions with some specious, and perhaps some weighty arguments. Having been taught by your goodness to address myself to you unreservedly, and knowing your desire to learn through different mediums, existing...
60To George Washington from Henry Knox, 30 May 1791 (Washington Papers)
The last Letter which I had the honor to address you was dated on the 17th ultimo. Since which your progressive distance rendered it improper for me to write, as it was almost certain that my Letters could not overtake you. I now have the honor to address with the expectation of the Letters reaching you at Taylor’s ferry, and a Duplicate to be left at Mount Vernon. Without entering into...
61To George Washington from Henry Knox, 6 June 1791 (Washington Papers)
On the 30th of the last month I had the honor to submit to you, a general view of the Affairs in my department—Nothing material has occurred since. The frontiers seem to be quiet—Major General Butler in a letter dated at Fort Pitt, on the 22d ultimo says “that a boat has this day arrived up the river in 22 days from Fort Washington without seeing one Savage or meeting the least molestation on...
62To George Washington from Henry Knox, 8 June 1791 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Procter has just arrived in this City by the way of Fort Pitt—He was unable to go forward to the Western Indians without an escort of the six nations—He could have obtained such an escort after counselling with them at Buffaloe Creek, from the 23d of April, until the 15th of May—But the Indians could not proceed either in Canoes along the lake, or by land, but required a vessel—He...
63To George Washington from Henry Knox, 16 June 1791 (Washington Papers)
I write this Letter with the hopes of its meeting you at Mount-Vernon in good health, after your long and fatiguing journey. By information from Fort Pitt of the 9th Inst., the tranquility of the frontiers is very great. About Eight hundred of the troops have arrived at Fort Pitt, from the 16th of May to the 5th instant—Major General Butler had distributed these troops in such a manner, as to...
64To George Washington from Henry Knox, 20 June 1791 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to congratulate you upon your arrival at Mount Vernon after so lengthy a journey, and at such a sultry season of the year. Mr Lear has informed me that you did not receive any letters from any of the other secretaries between the 15th and 30th of May, and desired me if any had been written by me during that period to transmit duplicates—But mine of the 30th ultimo of which...
65To George Washington from Henry Knox, 23 June 1791 (Washington Papers)
The Post has arrived from Fort Pitt and brought Letters of the 16th instant, from Major General Butler—Every thing was tranquil—the Levies were posted so as to dismiss the Militia down to the Great Kenahwa. I have written to Major General St Clair, not to expect more than 2,500 regulars and Levies in addition to the old troops on the Ohio—That if the service should require a greater number,...
66To George Washington from Henry Knox, 27 June 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have the satisfaction to transmit a copy of a letter received from Judge Innes and the board at Kentuckey relative to his first desultory expedition against the indians —We may soon expect to hear of the result of this incursion. I have the honor to be Sir with perfect respect, Your most obedient Servt LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . For background to Brig. Gen. Charles Scott’s Kentucky militia...
67To George Washington from Henry Knox, 9 July 1791 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary at War having by order of the President of the United States, taken into his serious consideration, a Letter written by Major Richard Call, commanding Officer of the troops of the United States, to Messrs Speir and McLeod & Company dated the 2d of June—humbly Reports. That all evidence whereon the said Letter may have been been grounded is entirely wanting, and therefore no...
68To George Washington from Henry Knox, 11 July 1791 (Washington Papers)
Agreably to the powers you were pleased to vest in me on the ninteenth of March last, I have filled, the following vacancies, on the condition that you should approve thereof. Second Regiment. Captain Samuel Newman, vice Pray declined. Jonathan Haskell, vice Freeman declined. Lieutenant Martin Brimmer Sohier, vice Newman, promoted. Cornelius Lyman vice Higginson declined. Joseph Dickinson,...
69To George Washington from Henry Knox, 6 August 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to submit to you, Governor Blount’s report, relative to the treaty with the Cherokees, which he formed on the 2d instant—and also his request for leave of absence. I shall have the honor to wait upon you personally relative to this business, after you shall have read the papers. I have also the honor to submit Copies of the Instructions and Letters to Major General St Clair,...
70To George Washington from Henry Knox, 11 August 1791 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of War humbly reports to the President of the United States. That previously to the 4th day of March 1789, the military invalids throughout the United States, had certain rates of allowance made them on account of their disability, under certain regulations established by Congress—The States respectively in which such invalids resided, were the judges of the disability, and the...
71To George Washington from Henry Knox, 15 August 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have traced the report relative to the powder to its fountain head. At present it has rather the complexion of rivalship in Trade. The persons who have originated the Report, own powder Mills, and are of opinion that Jacob Lush who works for them, makes better powder than Jacob Keyser, who works for Joseph Miller from whom the powder in question was Obtained. I shall however tomorrow, have...
72To George Washington from Henry Knox, 17 August 1791 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of War having examined the Report of Colonel Timothy Pickering, Commissioner at a late Council or treaty of the five Nations of Indians, so called, at Tioga Point—humbly Reports to the President of the United States: That the main object of the said Council was to conciliate the said Indians, to prevent their listening to the invitations of the western hostile Indians, by...
73To George Washington from Henry Knox, 27 August 1791 (Washington Papers)
War Department [Philadelphia] 27 August 1791. Informs GW that Lieutenant Sherman of the Rhode Island Company of the Second U.S. Regiment “has left his company on the march” and desires to resign his commission: “from received knowledge of his character, . . . his resignation will not injure the service.” LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . Lt. Henry Sherman, Jr. (1759–1829), served as an officer of...
74To George Washington from Henry Knox, 5 September 1791 (Washington Papers)
[Philadelphia] 5 September 1791. Encloses the resignation of Thomas Seayres, “who was appointed an Ensign on the 30th of April 1790, and a Lieutenant on the 4th of March last—But he never joined the troops, and therefore his resignation is not to be regretted.” LS , DLC:GW . Thomas Seayres (Thomson, Thompson Sayres), son of Col. John Seayres (d. 1777), was commissioned an ensign in February...
75To George Washington from Henry Knox, 16 September 1791 (Washington Papers)
General Irwin has received a letter from Mr Brown of Kentuckey, via Richmond which renders General Wilkinsons success and return indisputable. The following is the extract “Danville 22d Augt 1791. An express from Genl Wilkinson has this moment reached this place informing of his success. He has destroyed a large indian Town, situated on the forks of the Wabash, also a kickapoo Town containing...
76To George Washington from Henry Knox, 19 September 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit a copy of a letter from Major Genl St Clair dated at Danville in Kentucky on the 23d ultimo, which is confirmative of Genl Wilkinsons success. I have not yet received Genl St Clairs prior letters of the 8th of August and the one from Lexington. I should presume his business at Kentucky was to make up what he might have deemed a deficiency of numbers. Major Doughty...
77To George Washington from Henry Knox, 22 September 1791 (Washington Papers)
The Minister of France has written me a Letter of which the enclosed is a copy —As this crisis of affairs is of the highest importance to the essential interests of France; and as it appears a singular opportunity for the United States, to manifest their zeal to repay in some degree the assistance afforded us during the perilous struggles of the late war, I have assured him of every aid in my...
78To George Washington from Henry Knox, 22 September 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to submit a Copy of a Letter from General Wilkinson to General St Clair, containing the particulars of the expedition against L’Anguille —The result being thirty prisoners—the destruction of the villages, and the consternation arising, from the demonstration of their being within our reach, must all tend to the great object the establishment of peace. I have also the honor to...
79To George Washington from Henry Knox, 24 September 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inform you, that since my last I have received several Letters from Major General St Clair, up to the 29th of the last month. He complains heavily that neither General Butler or the Quarter master had joined him, and seems to be apprehensive that the state of the river would prevent their arrival altogether. Under this impression, he has called upon the County Lieutenants...
80To George Washington from Henry Knox, 1 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I received a Letter from Major General St Clair, dated at Lexington in Kentucky the 4th ultimo. He had repaired to that place in order to meet the County Lieutenants of the district, for the purpose of obtaining such a number of militia as he judged would be necessary to enable the Army to accomplish the objects which had been directed. He agreed with the County Lieutenants, that...
81To George Washington from Henry Knox, 4 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor, on the first instant, to submit to you, the general substance of the late communications from Major General St Clair. I now take the liberty to enclose, the copy of a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury, with the copy of a letter to him from Lieut: Colonel Beckwith, and the copy of speeches made by Lord Dorchester, to Brant, and the Western indians. I have the honor to...
82To George Washington from Henry Knox, 13 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
War Department [Philadelphia], 13 Oct. 1791. Submits copies of letters received from Arthur St. Clair and Richard Butler, both dated 18 Sept.: “I would not unnecessarily occupy your time at present—but, knowing your anxiety for the success of the operations, as they approach to a crisis, I have conceived it proper for your satisfaction to enclose these letters.” LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . The...
83To George Washington from Henry Knox, 28 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of War, to whom the President of the United States referred the letter of his Excellency the governor of Virginia of the 20th instant, enclosing a letter of the 6th instant from H. Smith commanding officer of the County of Russell, Stating the defenceless situation of his County. Respectfully reports. The enclosed draft of a letter to the said governor in answer to his letter....
84To George Washington from Henry Knox, 3 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to return the papers of Doctor Williamson—As he is upon the Committee, he has promised to consult upon the bill in its more mature stage. I am Sir with the highest respect Your humble Servant ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . The enclosed papers of Congressman Hugh Williamson of North Carolina have not been identified.
85To George Washington from Henry Knox, 14 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
Lieutenant John Heth having arrived from the Creek country, I have the honor to submit his report relative to his mission and also, three letters from Brigadier General McGillivray of the 15th and 25th of September and the 4th of October; and also a letter from Edward White, dated the 7th of October. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir, Your most obedient Servt LS , DLC:GW ; LB ,...
86To George Washington from Henry Knox, 16 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to submit the draft of a Letter to the Governor of Virginia, which seems necessary to be transmitted, from the information of Mr Moore—as some surprize has been excited in the representatives of Wythe, Montgomery and Washington of the Assembly of Virginia, that they had not the same protection as was permitted for Russell—Montgomery it appears is part of Russell or Wythe,...
87To George Washington from Henry Knox, 5 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to submit a letter received from the late governor of Virginia dated the 24th ultimo together with certain resolutions of the council of said State, passed on the 17th ultimo. I also submit the draft of an answer to the said letter. And the draft of a letter to Mr Seagrove. I have the honor to be Sir, with the greatest respect, Your most obedt Servt LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW ....
88To George Washington from Henry Knox, 15 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
I will instantly see the person you mention. I enclose a paper by which, and other information, it will appear that some creeks, whom I apprehend to be Bowles party will be here immediately. I am most respectfully Your humble Servant ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . The letter is docketed 15 Dec. 1791. The enclosure was an extract of a letter from John Williamson to Philadelphia merchant William...
89To George Washington from Henry Knox, 17 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to submit for your consideration, the draft of the proposed statement, and upon which I will request your opinion on Monday morning—It is to be understood, that all the most material papers are to accompany the statement. I have the honor to be, Sir, with the highest respect, Your most obedt Servt LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . For background to this letter, see GW to the U.S. Senate...
90To George Washington from Henry Knox, 25 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to return Governor Lees letter, and the one from Kentuckey to Mr Jefferson. But I have taken the liberty, to retain Mr Seagroves for further consideration. I hope to be able to have all the papers for The two reports copied so as to be presented to Congress on tuesday, but all of which shall be first submitted to your consideration. I am Sir with perfect respect & attachmt...
91To George Washington from Henry Knox, 26 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to submit to your consideration, two reports, relatively to the western frontiers of the United States. The Report A, is accompanied by official documents, and is intended to exhibit, the measures taken by the executive to induce the hostile Indians to peace, without the necessity of using force against them—and also the measures of the executive relative to the objects and...
92To George Washington from Henry Knox, 29 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
War Department, Philadelphia, 29 Dec. 1791. Has the honor to submit letters of 19 and 21 October from Major General St. Clair received this day by the Fort Pitt post. LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . Arthur St. Clair’s letters to Henry Knox of 19 and 21 Oct. 1791 have not been found.
93To George Washington from Henry Knox, 1 January 1792 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of War, having in obedience to the orders of the President of the United States, taken into consideration the Memorial of the Inhabitants of the frontier Counties of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to the Governor thereof, dated the 21st ultimo; together with the Letter of the Governor thereon—respectfully Reports. That in the present case it is unfortunate, and it may be...
94To George Washington from Henry Knox, 9 January 1792 (Washington Papers)
I submit to your consideration, instructions for Capt. Pond. A suitable character by the name of Steedman, presenting I submit the propriety of his joining Pond. I will wait upon you this evening to explain the idea further. I have the honor with perfect respect to be sir Your obedient Servant ALS , DLC:GW . Capt. Peter Pond of Connecticut and William Steedman were Indian traders preparing to...
95To George Washington from Henry Knox, 17 January 1792 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to submit to you the communications of the Cherokee chiefs and my report thereon, and also a draft of a message, which appears necessary, to the Senate on the occasion. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Sir Your most obedient and humble servant LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . The ratification and proclamation of the Treaty of Holston on 11 Nov. 1791 failed to settle...
96To George Washington from Henry Knox, 22 January 1792 (Washington Papers)
I have not, and shall not lisp the characters mentioned yesterday to any mortal but observe the usual discrtn. Genl St Clair has arrived, I have not seen him but shall this morng. I am sir with perfect respet Your most obedt Sert ADfS , NNGL : Henry Knox Papers. Knox crossed out “until you think the proper time” and completed the sentence with an interlineation. Shortly after his disastrous...
97To George Washington from Henry Knox, 5 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
I will examine the several objects of your queries and observations and let you know the result. I have the honor now to submit a return of the troops, I am most respectfully Your humble Servt ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . For GW’s request for a return of all troop dispositions in the U.S. Army, see Henry Knox to Tobias Lear, 31 Jan. 1792, n.1 . The enclosed “Return of the Troops in the service...
98To George Washington from Henry Knox, 18 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
I propose to send a duplicate of McGillivrays letter to Seagrove, and conform his instructions thereto. I submit you a motions of Colo. Guns. The division to day was 15 for inserting the additional regiments to 13 against it. Colo. Burr, voted for it under some restrictions. The bill is recommitted to Mr Elsworth Mr Read[,] Hawkins, Mr Burr, and Mr Gun. The object of the amendment is not...
99To George Washington from Henry Knox, 27 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
Philadelphia, 27 Feb. 1792. Sends a letter and enclosures received from Lt. Col. James Wilkinson and indicates that other letters “worthy your perusal” will also soon be submitted to the president. ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . The enclosures have not been identified, but Tobias Lear returned them to Henry Knox on 28 Feb. 1792 ( DLC:GW ).
100To George Washington from Henry Knox, 1 March 1792 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to submit a draft of a letter to general St Clair; and also, a representation from Judge Putnam relative to the situation of Marietta —If perfectly convenient, I will wait upon you to morrow morning, relative to these subjects, and some others, relative to the appointments of officers soon to be made. I have the honor to be Sir, with the highest respect, Your most obedient...