Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Winthrop Sargent
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.05556 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter Date: 23 July 1792 Pagination: 5 p. ; 32.1 x 20.3 cm. Order a Copy
States that he is "mortified" that Sargent declined the office of Adjutant and Inspector General. He does not know who will be appointed. Discusses Arthur St. Clair, the governor of the Northwest territory. Writes, "When I last saw the governor, he seemed undecided whether he should return until the fall - but I hope he will as his stay here will excite disa[illegible] sensations in the minds of some people." Also talks about officers who lost their horses in action at the Battle of Wabash (St. Claire's defeat, 4 November 1791) and have not been compensated yet. The last page is a later copy of the original. On this copied page, Knox discusses some pay and promotion issues, the situation in France, and the New York state governor's election. "You will see by the paper that the devil is to pay in France. No subordination - all confusion. It is to be hoped, however, they will soon restore order. In New York they are all mad - part for Clinton - part for Jay - the ferment has run pretty high, but it is to be hoped is subsiding." Ends by stating that the Indian War is causing him much reproach and he would like to see it ended.
Disputes with Native Americans over land treaties resulted in the Northwest Indian War. In 1791, General St. Clair led an expedition against the natives that resulted in the worst defeat the United States Army would ever suffer at the hands of Native Americans. Although an investigation exonerated him, St. Clair resigned his army commission.
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