51To George Washington from Henry Knox, 11 July 1794 (Washington Papers)
I submit to your consideration a draft of a Speech to the Chickasaw Indians. I have the honor to be Sir, with the highest respect, Your obedient Servt LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . A delegation of Chickasaw chiefs and warriors led by Piomingo (Mountain Leader) arrived at Philadelphia on 7 July. They met with GW at twelve o’clock on 11 July, at which time GW "Deliv’d a short speech to them....
52To George Washington from Henry Knox, 5 August 1794 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to submit a letter from Mr O Hara Quarter Master General containing the confirmation of the affair at Fort Recovery, also letters from Major Craig and Lieut. Colonel Butler. Ensign Semple who came express with these papers says that General Neville and Major Lennox intended to go as low as Washington and then cross the Country. That he learnt at Greensburg that the Insurgents...
53To George Washington from Henry Knox, 24 March 1794 (Washington Papers)
I think it necessary that you should be acquainted with the following information received this day from Doctor Hutchins who set out from Fort Washington on the 17 of February and arrived at George Town in Kentuckey 12 Miles from Lexington on the 19th and remained in several parts of Kentucky among which two days were passed in Lexington which he left on the 24th of Feby. From the best of his...
54To 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...
55To George Washington from Henry Knox, 16 February 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor respectfully to submit to your consideration, certain general ideas, which may be proper for the heads of the Instructions to the Commissioners for treating with the hostile Indians —After you shall have decided upon the general principles of the Instructions, the details may be formed and submitted to your judgment. With the highest Respect I have the honor to be sir. Your...
56To George Washington from Henry Knox, 30 December 1794 (Washington Papers)
Mr Fitz Simons has applied to me upon the subject of another missionary being added to the one allowed by your permission upon the request of Bishop Carrol as a Companion in case of sickness and as an assistant in all objects whether spiritual or political. Peter Janin has been appointed at the following rate, One hundred & fifty dollars for equipment and two hundred Dollars ⅌ Annum and he has...
57To George Washington from Henry Knox, 28 August 1792 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 22d instant after the departure of the post on Monday Morning the 27th. The Secretary of the Treasury, the Attorney General and myself have had two separate meetings, yesterday and to day upon the subject of the Georgia dispatches. We have, in substance, adopted the ideas, you were pleased to communicate in your favor of the 19th...
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, 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...
60To George Washington from Henry Knox, 5 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to submit the answer of General Pickens to your additional questions; and also a letter from Governor Blount relatively to a post at Bears Creek, and goods for the Trade of the Choctaws and Chickesaws. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your most obedt Servant LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . For these two documents, see the enclosures below. GW received this cover...
61To George Washington from Henry Knox, 10 May 1794 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of information from the Secretary of the Treasury, the enclosed letter has been drafted to the Governor for your consideration relatively to the application of the British Minister. I also submit some papers from Mr Dallas relative to the proposed establishment at Presque Isle. The Secretary of the Treasury and myself concur in submitting to you the enclosed as a proper answer....
62To George Washington from Henry Knox, 27 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of War, to whom the President of the United States was pleased to refer the Speech of the Corn-planter, Half-Town, and the Great Tree-Chiefs and Counsellors of the Seneka nation. Respectfully reports— That the objects stated in the said Speech are as follow— to wit— 1st—A Complaint respecting the hard terms imposed on the six Nations, in the Treaty made at Fort Stanwix October...
63To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton and Henry Knox, 5 August 1794 (Washington Papers)
The draft of a proclamation and that of an instruction to the Commissioners being both prepared, we take the liberty to suggest that we think a meeting tomorrow morning at such hour as may be convenient to the President, may be adviseable. The Secretary of State & Attorney General being out of town we cannot consult them, but we will engage the attendance of the Attorney General provisionally...
64Memorandum from Henry Knox, 16 May 1793 (Washington Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments and the Attorney General yesterday in pursuance of your direction an equal division of opinion took place upon the question herein stated. It appeared that certain privateers commissioned on the part of the French Nation by Mr Genest at Charleston equipped and manned at that place partly by Citizens of the United States, have brought prizes taken from...
65To George Washington from Henry Knox, 5 December 1794 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to submit to your view a draft of a letter to the Governors of Virginia, Maryland Pennsylvania, and New Jersey —Perhaps as Brigadier General Samuel Smith was at the head of the militia of a State the same ought to be transmitted him excepting as to the thanks. Most respectfully, Your obedt Servt LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . On this date Knox wrote to Virginia governor Robert...
66To George Washington from Henry Knox, 1 October 1793 (Washington Papers)
I shall go through New York tomorrow for Boston as my days of quarantine expire today. I hope to be in Philadelphia by the 25th instant. The french fleet excepting the Ambuscade will sail tomorrow from New York upon some cruise unknown. The surviellant saild on the 29th ultimo for France with dispatches from Mr Genet. and such is his desire that they should arrive safely, that he will in a day...
67To George Washington from Henry Knox, 15 December 1792 (Washington Papers)
I submit certain papers relative to a Capt. Scott. I have conversed with Colonel Wadsworth concerning him; the result of which is that Scotts discretion for the object proposed cannot be depended upon—As he however has mentioned that he had an audience of you I have thought it my duty to submit the papers. I also submit Genl Waynes letter. I am with perfect respect Your humble servant ALS ,...
68To George Washington from Henry Knox, 1 May 1794 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to submit the enclosed letter just received from Major General Wayne dated the 10th of March 1794. I am, Most respectfully, Sir, Your obedient Servant. LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . Wayne’s letter to Knox relayed a report that the Indians had met in council and were sending a flag, preparatory to the surrender of prisoners, but expressed his doubts about the report’s...
69To George Washington from Henry Knox, 25 March 1794 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to submit, the copy of a letter intended to be sent to the Secretary of the Treasury, relatively to arrangments to be made, for procuring the Iron Cannon and shot; contemplated in the Act, entitled, “An Act to provide for the defence of certain Ports and Harbors in the United States.” I have the honor to be Sir, with the greatest respect, Your most obedt Servt LS , DLC:GW ; LB...
70To George Washington from Henry Knox, 20 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to submit you the Copy of a letter just received from Colonel Pickering. I have conceived that it might be attended with good effects to assuage in the mind of the Governor, of this state, and of the militia Army, any apprehensions they may have entertained respecting the hostility of the six nations. Had they refused Colonel Pickerings invitation, the aspect would have been...
71To 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 ,...
72Cabinet Opinions on the Debt to France, 25 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Feb. 25. 1793. The President desires the opinions of the heads of the three departments and of the Attorney General on the following question, to wit. Mr. Ternant having applied for money equivalent to three millions of livres to be furnished on account of our debt to France at the request of the Executive of that country, which sum is to be laid out in provisions within the US. to be sent to...
73Henry 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...
74To George Washington from Henry Knox, 25 October 1790 (Washington Papers)
Having been unavoidably longer detained at Boston, than I expected, I did not return to this place until the 22nd instant, and I shall this day set out for Philadelphia to make the necessary arrangements to remove my office and family to that city. No events of sufficient importance have arisen in my department to warrant my troubling you with particular details at present—But as the...
75I: From Henry Knox, 3 April 1792 (Washington Papers)
Agreeably to your directions as delivered to me this day by the Attorney General, I have endeavoured to take into consideration the expediency of your giving your approbation to the Act intituled “An Act for an apportionment of Representatives among the several states according to the first enumeration,” the constitutionality thereof being doubted by some persons. I might plead my inability to...
76To George Washington from Henry Knox, 24 November 1794 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to submit to your view a Statement of the non commissioned Officers and privates at present in the service of the United States specifying the places where they are and the periods which they have still to serve. The force immediately under Major General Wayne is much lessened by the expiration of the services of his Troops and is inferior to the demand of existing...
77To George Washington from Henry Knox, 16 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to submit, a letter received from James Seagrove Esqr: dated the 6th of July —and two letters from the Governor of Georgia of the 24th & 30th of the same month, with their enclosures. I am Sir, Most respectfully, Your very humble Servt LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . In his letter to Knox of 6 July, Indian agent James Seagrove wrote that the murder of David Cornell, a Creek Indian...
78To 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...
79To George Washington from Henry Knox, 1 May 1794 (Washington Papers)
The great demand for mounted militia for the defensive protection of the frontiers and the immense expence attending the measure far exceeding according to any information in my possession, the supposed security or advantages thereof have induced an anxiety in my mind that some principles should be fixed and adopted upon this subject. The letter of the Governor of Georgia submitted yesterday...
80To George Washington from Henry Knox, 2 March 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to submit to your consideration the appraisement of the Maps in the Care of Colonel Burr —the valuation is far below the idea contemplated by him, and he therefore absolutely rejects it—after a considerable conversation he has consented to take one hundred and fifty Guineas. My own opinion is that they are exceedingly valuable to the United States in their further views upon...
81To George Washington from Henry Knox, 22 April 1792 (Washington Papers)
[Philadelphia, 22 April 1792] . Submits “Doctor Allens report, Brandts Letter to Kirkland, and a recommendation of Genl Chapin handed to me by Mr Elsworth.” ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . Tobias Lear docketed the cover of this letter: “From The Secretary of War 22d April 1792.” On this day GW dined with twenty-two of the visiting chiefs from the Five Nations, their interpreter, and Samuel...
82To George Washington from Henry Knox, 8 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor on the 6th to mention my arrival and the cause of my detention longer than the time I had specified. I am occupied in the affairs of the department, until I shall receive your orders whether to join you or not. If you should progress westward, and should be of opinion I could be serviceable I shall fly to join your standard. I have the satisfaction to say, that at the eastward...
83To George Washington from Henry Knox, 15 January 1797 (Washington Papers)
Possessing as I do a thousand evidences of your friendship, I am persuaded that you will readily beleive me, when I say that my silence of late, has been the effect of my unwillingness to intrude, lest I should for a moment prevent the consideration and different views, you give to the important subjects incessantly before you. Although the same cause continues to prevent my interruption, yet...
84To George Washington from Henry Knox, 25 July 1794 (Washington Papers)
The case of the late Captain Perrit has been referred to me by the house of representatives with instructions to report thereon to the next session of Congress—It is therefore under consideration. Upon reconsidering the subject Mr Howell will have no objection of showing to Mr Blanchard, the decisions upon the cases which he mentions and of delivering to me for the use of Congress and to...
85To George Washington from Henry Knox, 2 April 1792 (Washington Papers)
[Philadelphia] 2 April 1792. Submits “the Indians reply to Your speech to Colonel Pickering.” ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . Although the enclosure has not been positively identified, it was probably a copy of Red Jacket’s speech of 31 March. War Department clerk John Stagg, Jr.’s copy of the account of that day’s meeting reads: “The Indians of the five nations present in this City, being...
86To George Washington from Henry Knox, 20 May 1792 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that the Pittsburg mail which arrived on friday last did not bring any information of further indian incursions. Contrary to my expectations yesterday I received a letter from General Brooks declining his appointment. I have not received any answer from General Hull to the invitation given him to repair to this City in case of Brooks non acceptance. Indeed as he...
87To George Washington from Henry Knox, 5 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
It was on the 3d instant agreed between the heads of the departments and the Attorney General that each individual should submit his opinion to you in Writing upon the propriety of calling Congress together before the period at which they are to assemble. In the present state of things in this Country as well as in Europe an expectation of uncommon events has been generally excited. The...
88To 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.
89To 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...
90To George Washington from Henry Knox, 2 March 1792 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor respectfully to submit to your view the following facts and circumstances relative to the promotion shortly to take place in the first and second regiments, in order to enable you to make such determination as may best promote the public interests. The idea is submitted that the Lieutenant Colonel Commandant will be promoted to a brigadier. If this promotion should take place,...
91To George Washington from Henry Knox, 30 November 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of submitting to you, a letter with enclosures from Major General Wayne—dated on the 23d of the last month—and I also submit the draft of a letter proposed to be sent to Ensign Morgan. I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect Sir Your very obedt servt LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . Maj. Gen. Anthony Wayne’s letter to Knox of 23 Oct. stated that the army’s march had been...
92To George Washington from Henry Knox, 30 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
The secretary of War, to whom the President of the United States was pleased to refer the Memorial of David Mead and other inhabitants of Cusewauga on french Creek. Respectfully reports, That the object of the said memorialists, representing about thirty families, is, that the garrison of the troops of the United States, occupying Fort Franklin, near the mouth of French Creek, where it joins...
93To 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...
94Cabinet Opinion on Prizes and Privateers, 3 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
That the Minister of the French Republic be informed that the President considers the UStates as bound pursuant to positive assurances, given in conformity to the laws of neutrality, to effectuate the restoration of, or to make compensation for, prizes which shall have been made of any of the parties at war with France subsequent to the fifth day of June last by privateers fitted out of their...
95To 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 ....
96To 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...
97Rules on Neutrality, 3 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
1. The original arming and equipping of vessels in the ports of the United States by any of the belligerent parties, for military service offensive or defensive, is deemed unlawful. 2. Equipments of merchant vessels by either of the belligerent parties in the ports of the United States, purely for the accommodation of them as such, is deemed lawful. 3. Equipments in the ports of the United...
98To 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...
99To George Washington from Henry Knox, 18 February 1793 (Washington Papers)
In considering the subject of promotion in the Legion of the United States the following previous questions arise. First. Shall the Sub Legions be commanded by Brigadiers General or Lieutenant Colonels Commandant? Secondly. If the latter shall the Lieutenant Colonels be taken from the line of Majors now in service? Thirdly—If this be decided in the affirmative shall a Brigadier General be...
100To 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 ).