To George Washington from Henry Knox, 15 November 1794
From Henry Knox
Nov. 15. 1794
Sir
I have the honor to submit to your consideration a draft of instructions for James Seagrove Agent to the Creeks.1
And also a communication of the Comptrollers upon the subject of obtaining Salt petre.2 I am sir respectfully your Obedient Servant
H. Knox
ALS, DLC:GW; LB, DLC:GW.
1. The draft has not been identified.
2. Oliver Wolcott, Jr., wrote Knox on 14 Nov., enclosing a copy of a letter that “presents a very unfavourable prospect of obtaining any considerable quantity of Salt Petre in Europe.” He also enclosed evidence to show “that the price of this article has enormously advanced in consequence of the War.” Wolcott noted that India had been suggested as an alternative source, although temporary restrictions on exportation from the “British Dominions” posed a possible problem. He supported a proposal from “a mercantile House of well established Credit & information both here & in India” that offered, “If the United States will advance the funds, & run the risques,” to “make exertions for importing 250 Tons for the use of the Government” (CtHi: Oliver Wolcott, Jr., Papers).