20 March 1790

Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Answers Knox's question regarding the number of muskets "received from the Spaniards by the Creeks," stating that the number is 6,000. Reports that "our Mr. McGilvery," a Georgia planter, has told him that "the Spaniards had not when first demanded, a sufficient number of that kind of smooth bore arms, that suited the Indians, that a vessel was dispatched to the Bahamias [Bahamas] in in [sic] order to procure as many as were deficient, & that the[y] had all actually arrived whilst he remained with his namesake the Indian McGilvery..." (Creek leader Alexander McGillivray). Discusses the…

GLC02437.04556

12 May 1790

Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for sending three more companies of men to him, as he believes this will help deter the Indians from hostilities. Provides the opinion of Creek leader "McGilvery" (referring to Alexander McGillivray), who believes that it is likely some Creeks will reinitiate hostilities because they feel the truce between the government and the Creeks has expired. McGillivray requested to the Governor that a government agent be sent to meet with the Creeks. Therefore, a group of commissioners will be sent in an attempt to sue for peace. Also remarks, "It's also said that Mr. McGilvery is to…

GLC02437.04604

25 December 1789

Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

General Wayne acknowledges a letter from Knox of 28 November and talks about information on a possible treaty between the Creeks and the Spanish government. Wayne gives his opinion of rifles "when a professional gentleman who had been in the British services, asked my Opinion of the efficiacy of rifles, to the fire of which the British attributed in great degree the loss of that Army - I gave my sentiments very candidly, that I thought them a very improper arm for an Army, that a few of them in the hands of expert marksmen might occasionally be servicable for small desultory parties, when…

GLC02437.04808

12 April 1793

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Anthony Wayne

Marked "Private." Reports that Mrs. [Wilkinson] had hoped to join him during his trip down the Ohio River and that she expected to be in Pittsburgh by 7 May. Her plans have changed since Wayne's latest letter said he is starting out on 22 April. As some of the troops heading west will more than likely be delayed, she will travel with them.

GLC02437.05869

15 November 1793

Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Marked "Private." Makes reference to the "baneful leaven," the radical democratic principles of the French Revolution, influencing troops in his army. Mentions that Thomas Paine's "The rights of man, has been held up as a Criterion, even of Military Government. Attempts have frequently been made to evade & disobey Orders, under various & unworthy pretexts & idle quibles [sic], unknown at any period before that time, in the Legion." Reports that the most visible actor is Major Cushing "who is a very artful & seditious man." Also mentions a Captain Gunn. Goes into some of…

GLC02437.05975

11 June 1794

Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox the people of Kentucky have been opposing the general government. Mentions he enclosed an extract of a letter from a witness to an incident that took place in Kentucky. Notes the letter shows the present temper of the people. Reports the incident took place in Lexington, Kentucky and involved men overtaking the rostrum and addressing the people "in the most inflammatory & invective language." Comments two men gave elaborate speeches for two hours and ended the speech declaring they were pro Britain occupying the N.W. Banks of the Ohio. Also notes an earlier incident…

GLC02437.06117

7 July 1794

Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Copy of a letter describing the build up to the Battle of Fallen Timbers. States Major [William] McMahon was attacked at Fort Recovery by a large band of Indians early in the morning. Reports the attacks lasted all day and night, and throughout the next day before the Indians were finally forced to retreat. Eight to ten bodies were found dead. Comments the real goal of the "savages" was to take the fort by a "coup de main." Notes the camp was left short on supplies and it appears the soldiers killed and ate a number of the pack horses. Reports three small parties of Chickasaw and…

GLC02437.06137

16 July 1794

Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Clerical copy in the hand of War Dept. clerk Samuel Lewis. Discusses the Indians retreat from Fort Recovery and the routes they took. Believes the Wabash Indians and Patawatimes Indians, ranging from 250 to 300 each, broke off from the main body that was heading for Grand Glaize and took different trails. Informs Knox he has several parties collecting information on the British and the "Savages" at Grand Glaize and Roche de Bout, Ohio. Mentions he will be leaving in four to five days, heading towards Grand Glaize, Ohio. Provides details on the route and plan he will take once he arrives…

GLC02437.06147

5 December 1794

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Anthony Wayne

Congratulates Wayne on his success and wishes to end a dispute between Wayne and another general (possibly James Wilkinson; see GLC02437.10308). Mentions that he thinks there will be a pay raise for noncommissioned officers and privates. Writes that "I believe this will be the last letter you will receive from me while I am Secretary of War. I have never attended to my private affairs, and I have a growing family. I must be more attentive, or an unpleasant old age will be stealing up on me." Watermarked "J Watt & C Patent Copying/Sold by J Woodmason/London." Letterpress copy.

GLC02437.10315

13 October 1788

Vanderburgh, Henry, 1760-1812

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from "Post Vincennes," present-day Vincennes, Indiana. Vanderburgh predicts an increase in the number of troops raised. Solicits reappointment "either in the line or staff of the army as would enable me to serve with honor." Docket notes, "Wants employ."

GLC02437.03996

11 March 1789-17 July 1789

Vance, John C., fl. 1789

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Document contains two parts. In the first part, dated 11 March 1789 and written from Hilsborough, John C. Vance declares that he is en route to the Cumberland River and after that to the Ohio territories. Asks if Knox can acquire for him a Spanish passport to use at the "Tolls of the Ohio." In the second part, dated 17 July 1789 and written from New York, Knox replies that it is "absolutely improper" for him to request the passport. Includes Knox's signature.

GLC02437.04141

13 May 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Mr. Doughty

Writes to inform the addressee that a report is circulating "on the frontiers" that the addressee's son ,Major [John] Doughty, may have been fired upon by a party of Indians while traveling on the Tennessee River. Is not sure of the details of the situation; fears the reports have been exaggerated. Believes it is likely that the boat was indeed fired upon, that Major Doughty "thought it prudent to retire," and that the boat did not ultimately fall into enemy hands. Resolves to provide further information when he receives it. (See GLC02437.04628 for what may be a follow-up letter.)

GLC02437.04606

16 June 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Mr. Doughty

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…

GLC02437.04628

19 September 1791

Warren, Mercy Otis, 1728-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Says "I again take the liberty to enclose to you though I have not yet obtained your leave, but the distance from a beloved son, &, the difficulty of conveyance must plead my appology [sic] if any is necessary when you consider the sensations of a maternal heart." Warren was asking Knox to forward two letters to her son who was marching to Fort Washington in the Ohio Territory (see GLC02437.05171). Place written is listed as "Plimouth."

GLC02437.05164

27 September 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Mercy Otis Warren

References receiving two letters from Warren "covering letters for your son." Writes that he will receive and forward her letters with pleasure. Assumes her son started out for Fort Washington in the Ohio Territory about 15 September, noting that troops are being sent to the area "in order to establish posts on the Miami River which empties into Lake Erie." Asserts, "The force is so respectable that it is not expected they will not meet with hostile Indians - the distance from you about 1400 miles." Tells her he should have answered her letter earlier, but he was sick with a fever and has…

GLC02437.05171

5 March 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to John Walker

Suggests that in the interest of the public good that he and Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton should work with [William] Duer of New York "who is interested in the contract for supplying the troops [on the Frontiers]." Express his concern over some "unsettled business" between Duer and Walker which might make it difficult to proceed. Hopes Walker can assure that Duer will assist this process.

GLC02437.04870

circa 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document

Title: Statement - troops

Dated 18 September and 11 or 12 October, but no year provided. On 18 September there were 2,120 effective troops. Received an additional 242 troops on 11 or 12 October. Notes 600 killed and wounded, leaving 1,762 troops. After receiving additional troops he notes a total of 2,320 soldiers at the bottom of the document. In Knox's hand. Title taken from docket.

GLC02437.08427

1 April 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document

Title: [Minutes, whereby to give information and opinions to a Committee of the Senate] [incomplete]

Starts with the third point, which is to "prevent intrigues, and depredations of the cunning and lawless [whites] and to carry into effect the decisions of Congress from [time] to [time] relative to the frontiers. Discusses "unauthorized expeditions in to the Indian Country," and the "late sale of Georgia..." Continues to list goals such as preventing the "usurpations" of the public lands, surveying land to sell for the purpose of relieving public debt, and the use of troops to keep order. Point five discusses methods of promoting friendly relations with the Chickasaw & Choctaw Indians…

GLC02437.04572

22 October 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jeremiah Wadsworth

Mentions the probability of war with the Indians and advises on the need to make preparations. Encourages the promotion of Major [possibly John] Wyllys, an "excellent officer," to the frontier forces. Discusses the "Philadelphia arrangement," perhaps referring to a loan Wadsworth was working on with Robert Morris in which Congress would borrow money from them against future income from the treasury.

GLC02437.03318

26 October 1788

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses military matters, possibly related to gathering troops to march to Fort Pitt. Remarks, "Lt. Pratt went of [sic] with a heavy Heart he hoped to have seen you- he has been very industrious & indefatigable-" (Pratt was gathering men to march to Fort Pitt and was disappointed in his own pay and the lack of pay granted to some of his men; refer to GLC02437.04013).

GLC02437.04015

5 August 1790

Street, Samuel, fl. 1790

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jeremiah Wadsworth

Considers the implications of a recent diplomatic success Colonel [Alexander] McGillivray had negotiating on behalf of the Creek Nation. McGillivray recovered for the Creeks land that the governor of Georgia had given to Georgia citizens. He declared that under the law, the President had to help protect Indians' rights and allow them a redress of grievances. Street hopes that a similar dispensation will be given to the Five Nations. Declares that in the same law, "the President is vested with power to make such order respecting the Indian Tribes which are surrounded in their settlements…

GLC02437.04670

29 September 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to James Wilkinson

Marked "Private." Besides receiving a copy of Wilkinson's report to Arthur St. Clair, he also received a private letter of 26 August. Says the volunteer expeditions under Wilkinson and [General Charles] Scott "reflect great honor on the commander and the corps." Hopes the matter of his staff officers has been settled. Has forwarded a copy of Wilkinson's letter to President Washington at Mount Vernon. Would like to offer a position in "a suitable agency" for Wilkinson to serve the public, but there are no appointments available at the moment. Adds that if events change, he will help Wilkinson…

GLC02437.05175

January 24, 1792

Wilkinson, James, 1757-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from Fort Washington, near present-day Cincinnati, Ohio. Writes to Knox about a disagreement between Major Hodgson and Major Zeigler. Offered to mediate their disagreement, but was denied. Asks Knox to step in, as the Majors are threatening to resign. Adds that he has focused so heavily on dealing with this problem that he has been unable to handle larger issues facing the soldiers in the Fort Washington area. However, he promises to address these other issues with due haste.

GLC02437.05298

February 12, 1792

Wilkinson, James, 1757-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from Fort Washington, present-day Cincinnati, Ohio. Marked "Private, Personal & Confidential." Provides his opinion that [Winthrop] Sargent should be kept on as Adjutant General, but only if the appointment is sanctioned with a rank. Discusses his merits as an officer in that position. Declares that he is making these observations without Sargent's knowledge. Provides some information on Fort Jefferson. Asks for news of Knox's wife and sends his respects.

GLC02437.05318

February 14, 1792

Wilkinson, James, 1757-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from Fort Washington, present-day Cincinnati, Ohio. Marked "Private, Personal & Confidential." Tells Knox that "a most lawless outrage was committed by a party of the soldiers on the person of a civil magistrate in the village of Cincinnati on the 12th." Believes that the incident might have been fatal to 40 or 50 people, but for the intercession of Captain Haskill, who happened to be nearby. Explains what is apparently a struggle for jurisdiction between the civil authorities (represented by himself) and the military authorities (represented by a Major Leyton).

GLC02437.05321