Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Mr. Doughty
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.04628 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter Date: 16 June 1790 Pagination: 4 p. ; 32.9 x 20.4 cm. Order a Copy
Writes in reply to an earlier inquiry regarding the recipient's son (Major John Doughty). Wishes he could relieve the recipient's stress. Encloses a letter he originally sent via Mr. David Ogden, but believes at the time it was "not delivered lest it should excite in your breast fears which might be groundless." In the month since the letter was originally written, he feels more hopeful for the fate of the son: "My last letters from Genl Harmar were dated the 5th of April - and the boat was said to have been fired upon the 2d of March - If the fact was true of your sons being killed as has been reported, I think that without doubt Genl Harmar would have sent me an express" once he had found out the news. Provides another explanation of what might have happened: that the boat was fired upon, but did not sustain any damage because of its build, and fled down several of the western rivers in order to postpone any further fighting. Will send more information as he receives it.
In 1790, John Doughty was serving in the Ohio frontier. He was dispatched to negotiate a treaty with the Chickasaw nation. While traveling on the Tennessee River, his forces were fired upon by Cherokee, Shawnee, and Creek Indians. He and his forces survived the attack but sustained serious losses.
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