29 August 1789

Fenno, John, 1751-1798

Newspaper

Title: Gazette of the United States. [No. XL (August 29, 1789)]

Reports on the activities in the House of Representatives. Contains articles on sugaring, constitutional government, trade, and proposed constitutional amendments (preface to the Bill of Rights). Two acts passed by Congress also appear on p. 4, the first pertains to the governance of the Northwest Territory and the second provides for the payment of expenses associated with treaty negotiations with Indians and the appointment of a commissioner for managing negotiations. Contains a continuation of "The Right Constitution of a Commonwealth examined."

GLC03175

1819

Tiffin, Edward, 1766-1829

Manuscript document

Title: Instructions for district surveyors

Writes as Surveyor General of the Northwest Territory. Imparts specific methods for surveying land and subdividing townships.

GLC03528

17 October 1787

Huntington, Samuel, 1731-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses Connecticut's progress in raising troops for duty in the Northwest territory and the appointment of officers. Retained copy, as noted on docket. Written as governor of Connecticut to Knox as the Secretary of War.

GLC03729

November 27, 1793

Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Pinckney

The letter talks about the yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia, negotiations with the Northwest Indians, Citizen Genet, Lafayette, and copper and silver metals for coinage. The federal government moved from Philadelphia to Germantown because of a yellow fever epidemic that lasted through the late summer and autumn. Failure of negotiations with Indian tribes led to the battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794. Jefferson, in his capacity as Secretary of State, had previously requested the recall of Edmond Charles Genêt because of his outrageous behavior as Minister to the United States. In 1792,…

GLC03730

13 June 1798

Pamphlet

Title: House Report re: sale of lands North-west of the Ohio River

Evans 34780.

GLC03774.01

9 April 1794

Jay, John, 1745-1829

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sarah Jay

Refers to his wife Sarah as Sally. Comments to his wife that he dined with President Washington. Relates there is a suspenseful atmosphere in the capital over a possible war with Britain. He says peace will probably prevail, but that war should be prepared for. Fears that the anger over British seizures at sea and their continued presence in the Northwest will lead to intemperate actions on the part of the government. Continues the letter on 10 April 1794. Mentions that he is glad boards were sent to his brother's house at Rye, New York and says he will have to attend to personal business…

GLC04011

1801

Mackenzie, Alexander, 1764-1820

Book

Title: Voyages from Montreal on the River St. Laurence...to the Pacific Ocean [1789-93]

With three folding maps. Full title: "Voyages from Montreal, on the River St. Laurence, through the continent of North America, to the frozen and Pacific Oceans; in the years 1789 and 1793. With a preliminary account of the rise, progress, and present state of the fur trade of that country" (Canada, Northwest passage, Arctic exploration, Indians of the Northwest). Describes the extraordinary travels of the author in northwest America in 1789, when he discovered the Mackenzie River, and in 1793, when he crossed the continent to the Pacific. Mackenzie also provides an excellent history of the…

GLC04137

1784

Muhlenberg, John Peter Gabriel, 1746-1807

Diary

Title: [Diary of a journey over the Alleghenies to the Ohio River]

Writes this journal while travelling from Pennsylvania to Ohio after obtaining appointment by the Assembly of Virginia to locate lands intended for Virginia officers who served in the Continental Army.

GLC04438

6 June 1799

Adams, John, 1735-1826

Document signed

Title: [Ohio land grant of 1200 acres made by Congress to Brigade Chaplain Alexander Balmain for three years military service].

This document is a record of lands given to Alexander Balmain for three years of military service. It is signed by John Adams as President and countersigned by Secretary of State Timothy Pickering. A grant made in accordance with a 1790 act called "An Act to enable the Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia Line on Continental Establishment to obtain titles to certain lands lying north-west of the River Ohio, between the little Miami and Sciota," and an unspecified amendment to that act passed June 9, 1794 are mentioned as precedent for the certificate's authenticity. The document contains a…

GLC04675.09

21 April 1792

Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826

Printed document signed

Title: An Act authorizing the grant and conveyance of certain Lands to the Ohio Company of Associates

Grant of land from the Second Congress of the United States to Rufus Putnam, Manasseh Cutler, Robert Oliver, and Griffin Green of the Ohio Company of Associates. Authorized by Jonathan Trumbull, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Richard Henry Lee, President pro tempore of the Senate. Approved by President George Washington on 25 April 1792.

GLC04939

October 21, 1944

Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796

Header Record

Title: [Twenty-two orders of the day including pardon of all who were under sentence of death].

Written as general in command of the United States Army in Greeneville, Ohio.

GLC04864

1882

Smith, William Henry, 1833-1896

Book signed

Title: The St. Clair papers: The life and public service of Arthur St. Clair: Soldier of the Revolutionary War; President of the Continental Congress; and Governor of the North-Western Territory with his correspondence and other papers

Published by Robert Clarke & Co., 1882. Signed by former President Rutherford B. Hayes on 11 February 1882. Includes some of St. Clair's addresses and correspondence. Contains ordinances and treaties related to the Northwest Territory. This is the second of two volumes.

GLC05106

1 August 1792

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph manuscript signed

Title: Laws of Northwest Territory

Sargent also signed the names of John Cleves Symmes and Rufus Putnam, as judges of the North West Territory. Details three acts establishing laws for the territory. The first act concerns granting licenses to merchants, traders, and tavern keepers. The second act covers opening and regulating highways, and the third act examines taxes.

GLC06050

23 March 1791

Hichborn, Benjamin, 1746-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that he has received a request from Mr. Peirce to give him his advice "respecting the Sale of the Patent Lands." States he thinks that land will sell "in the time limited by [Knox's] wishes." Provides his opinion on whom should be appointed to the 2nd regiment.

GLC02437.04889

19 October 1793

Hichborn, Benjamin, 1746-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Says he sent several letters to Knox since arriving in Europe. Tells Knox he is leaving Europe sometime in the spring when his affairs are wrapped up. Mentions "there are various expectations about the part America will take in the present War, but I am fully persuaded that she will - that she must remain quite neutral." Is surprised to hear the government is quibbling on the terms of the treaty respecting the admission of prizes. Comments he is "astonished & mortified" to hear that the courts have adopted the President's Proclamation as the law of the land and have prosecuted certain…

GLC02437.05948

21 April 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Samuel Hodgdon

Discusses the recent problems Hodgdon has had during the Indian campaigns in the Northwest Territory. Expresses sympathy with his situation and relates how the public seems to feel about the subject. Mentions that Congress may make a new opening for a position of Commissary General of Military Stores for the army. Touches on several other military topics.

GLC02437.05421

10 June 1793

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to James Gunn

Thanks Gunn for his letters of 26 April and 4 May. Says the idea of the "commanding officer" being a speculator is news to him. Hopes Gunn can send some confirmed information. Believes the situation with the Indian agent can be rectified, as President Washington has always wanted the agent to live among the Creeks. Tells Gunn that Washington has seen all the information on the situation in Georgia, but that troops cannot be sent to the South because of the situation in Europe. Notes militia will have to suffice to protect the frontier. Says the governor has permission to raise more…

GLC02437.05898

29 September 1789

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the difficulties he is having in finding an agent. Mentions asking Rufus Putnam, but he "is so taken up with his Ohio concerns that I cannot prevail on him to undertake it." Has also tried to ask the surveyor, a Mr. DeWit, but he also cannot do the job. Is attempting to contact others to be present "at the runing [sic] the line" (perhaps drawing of land boundaries) in order to prevent any future land disputes. Asks Knox to help and "inform the President of the steps I have taken - As I came from home with only two shirts & very little money in my pocket & without the…

GLC02437.04371

17 October 1791

Hamilton, Alexander, 1757-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

This is a letter requesting information for President George Washington's address to Congress. Hamilton seeks material on the expeditions against the Indians and specifically requests items describing "Every pacific measure" that was tried to produce an accommodation and avoid expense. Hamilton also asks for information on the "More pointed laws with penalties to rest[r]ain our own people." Also requests information on the treaties with the Cherokee and Six Nations, and the reasons for making them. Asks him to include anything else he thinks pertinent. Refer to GLC02437.05210 for Knox's…

GLC02437.05199

3 September 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Josiah Harmar

Writing privately, but with the president's knowledge, Knox warns Harmar that reports are circulating regarding his drinking, and that he must refrain from over indulging in "a convivial glass." Tells Harmar that Harmar's current expedition is highly important to the United States. Marked "Secret." Signed "HK."

GLC02437.04712

20 December 1791

Hull, William, 1753-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Extended letter concerning the earlier mentioned canal to be built from the Connecticut River to Boston. Describes interactions with Captain [John] Hills, the surveyor, including all of his offers to help Hills. Discusses a recent loss their troops suffered. Hopes the loss will show the importance of establishing a national defense and a proper military establishment. Both he and his wife send their regards to Knox and Mrs. Knox. In a postscript Hull asks Knox to remember his part of the country if there should be an augmentation of troops.

GLC02437.05267

14 November 1793

Adams, John, 1735-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Adams as vice president to Lincoln after his unsuccessful mission to make peace with the Northwest Indians. Says he read with interest Lincoln's report on why peace was not achieved. Says the report fits with the facts he learned while in Europe and that he has not "the least difficulty in believing that you have develloped the true Causes of the Continuance of the Indian War." Praises America's policy of neutrality toward the European powers and says "while they are exhausted I hope we are safe." Says he is jealous of the English-Spanish alliance and would like to be able to work with France…

GLC07101

2 March 1793

Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826

Printed document signed

Title: [Four acts passed by the United States Congress on 5 November 1792]

Four acts on one sheet, signed by Secretary of State Jefferson. Includes: "An Act making an appropriation to defray the expense of a treaty with the Indians north west of the Ohio," "An Act providing for the payment of the First Installment due on a Loan made of the Bank of the United States," "An Act for the relief of Elijah Bostwick," and "An Act making addition to the Compensation of certain Public Officers."

GLC07704

7 April 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses an upcoming meeting with the Society of the Cincinnati. Says the standing Committee would like to know if the Constitution of the Society will be voted on during the next meeting. Asks the number of delegates Knox believes will be necessary to handle the business at the meeting. Believes it more convenient if Knox were to handle the whole business himself. Mentions it has been reported that Gov. [Arthur] St. Clair and Major [Winthrop] Sargent have been taken by Indians.

GLC02437.04579

3 March 1793

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Signed and initialed by Jackson. References a previous letter of Knox's (no date). Says the enclosed letter should be delivered by Knox to William Bingham (not included). States no time is to be lost if Bingham is to buy the tract mentioned in his letter of 10 February. Believes there are people who know of their situation and want to speculate on it. State he is happy that Knox bought out the Winslow's interest in the Waldo Patent. Says "I please myself the moment the Indian War is at an end, that your whole exertion will be to that point [dealing with the patent], in order to make a…

GLC02437.05841