25 September 1791

St. Clair, Arthur, 1734-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Since St. Clair last wrote on 23 September, Colonel Oldham arrived with the Kentucky militia. Oldham brought a letter from General Charles Scott, which is enclosed (not included). Scott has doubts about the militia, but Oldham has been reassuring. As the militia was "called out by draught," Scott believes he will not be able to command another volunteer expedition. Speaks of a deluge of rain, which has impeded transportation of provisions and stores. The weather is better today and things are now moving. Says the Court of Inquiry has finished their business and that General Josiah Harmar has…

GLC02437.05166

2 January 1792

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from Fort Washington, at present-day Cincinnati, Ohio. Asks Knox to attend to the accompanying letters, which outline confrontations between General [Arthur] St. Clair and Indians in the frontier, specifically in Kentucky. Wishes he had more information about the Indian towns. Would like information on how the government will protect the frontier region in during the upcoming season. Asks about the possibility of hiring some Chickasaw Indians to work within the army for upcoming campaigns.

GLC02437.05285

6 January 1792

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from Fort Washington, at present-day Cincinnati, Ohio. Received his recent letter, and touches on financial matters. Mentions that he heard that the President intends to eliminate the position of Adjutant General of the Army (his current position) after the present campaign in the frontier, and give the Adjutant's duties to the Inspector. Comments on whether to take as a personal affront the elimination of his position. Discusses his motives for joining the campaigns in the Ohio territories.

GLC02437.05287

10 March 1792

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from Fort Washington, in present-day Cincinnati, Ohio. Comments on and defends his ability to perform his duties under General [Arthur] St. Clair. Also touches on his abilities to use military forces to protect areas in the Northwest Territories. Declares that he has done everything in his power, and refers Knox to General [James] Wilkinson for further assistance.

GLC02437.05344

12 May 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Later copy. Writes that he wrote to General [James] Wilkinson on 3 April to ask about powder and the proofing of artillery at Fort Washington. Has apparently not received a reply. Stresses the importance of these tests because there has been some doubt about the quality of last year's powder. Urges him to complete the tests. Place not listed, however, another letter (GLC02437.05458) written on the same day places Knox in Philadelphia.

GLC02437.05459

1 June 1792

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from Fort Washington, present-day Cincinnati, Ohio. Mentions that he successfully completed some experiments Knox suggested he perform (on artillery). Discusses the upcoming appointment of a new Adjutant General, and the qualifications necessary for the candidate. Comments on the importance of assigning high military rank to soldiers in the Northwest Territories. Provides a variety of information on the military endeavors in the Ohio area. Refers to General [James] Wilkinson.

GLC02437.05486

24 April 1793

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: to Arthur St. Clair

Later copy made from the original in November 1856. Reports that President George Washington directed him to inform St. Clair that proposed treaty negotiations between the U.S. and the hostile Indians north of the Ohio River is to take place at Lower Sandusky around 1 June. To guarantee the success of the negotiations it is necessary to make sure "all hostile incursions of the white inhabitants into, or near to the Indian Country north of the Ohio, should be absolutely prohibited, until after the Treaty be closed." The commander of the troops has been ordered to make a proclamation to that…

GLC02437.05876

15 August 1788

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses matters related to the Ohio Company settlement at Marietta, including the possibility of defense against Native American attacks. Intended to send Knox a plan of Marietta, but was unable to draw one due to his injured or afflicted hand. Relates the details of cultivating the land and discusses land prices. Plans to go down the [Ohio] River to meet with nine Indian tribes.

GLC02437.03962

20 October 1788

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Sargent, Secretary of the Northwest Territory, discusses progress of the settlers and negotiations with Native Americans in the Territory including Joseph Brant. Writes, "We can not as yet, tis true, boast of very much Cultivation or Improvement, for our Numbers are not large, but the few present have not been idle- they have [built] themselves comfortable Log Houses..." Comments on the delay of an unspecified treaty with Native Americans. Writes "...As the Governour corresponds with you, you will undoubtedly be informed of the particular Disposition of the different Tribes- Should they…

GLC02437.04007

8 January 1789

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks him for his recent letter and the information contained therein. Reports that the Governor, aware of Knox's interest in Indian affairs, will soon write him a note on the negotiations for a treaty with the Indians. Provides some information on that subject. Sends the regards of several friends who are with him in Marietta, and sends his compliments to Mrs. Lucy Knox, as well as to Knox's brother, William.

GLC02437.04079

29 September 1789

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Apparently sends condolences to the Knox family (likely regarding the recent death of one of Knox's children). Writes that he would be happy to receive a line from Knox and answer any questions Knox might have about Sargent's area of the country. Is anxious for the Governor to arrive, because he needs to determine which lands the Governor would like to settle on, so that Sargent can set up his own home and agricultural fields. Discusses the military staff present in Ohio and the prospects of Congress sending more people. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.04369

9 November 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Replies to Sargent's request to send more troops to the Western Territory, specifically Marietta, Ohio (refer to GLC02437.04369). Knox does not personally object to the request, but writes that "the arrangement directed is with the entire concurrence of the President of the United States and embraces a variety of views- It seems to be a pretty prevalent opinion among the members of the Eastern States that the expences for the Western territories should be rather lessened than encreased." Noted as an extract.

GLC02437.04410

7 December 1789

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Replies to Knox's letter from 9 November (GLC02437.04410). Notes that Knox is correct in his observation that "Agriculture might afford me Satisfaction and profit..." Adds that presently, he is living beyond his means. Writes that the governor has not yet arrived, likely referring to Arthur St. Clair, governor of the Northwest Territory. Reports that due to the death of General [Samuel] Parsons, John Symmes is the only judge left in the Northwest Territory. Hopes the vacancy caused by Parsons' death will be filled as soon as possible, and the territory can establish "good & wholesome Laws…

GLC02437.04428

24 March 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Informs Sargent that Major General St. Clair has left Philadelphia for Fort Pitt. McClure will inform Sargent "fully of the arrangements for the campaign and probably request that you would assist him." Notes the operations suggested will likely lead to peace but if not "they must be made so."

GLC02437.04890

19 May 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Later copy. Written by Knox as Secretary at War to Major Sargent. References receiving Sargent's letters of 20 April and 1 and 2 May. Says the difficulties in connection with calling out the militia "by an order to a subordinate officer of a state" will continue until Congress fixes it. Hopes the large bodies of regular troops will provide security in the Ohio Territory, making any calls on the militia unnecessary. Says Colonel Ebenezer Sproat seems to deserve compensation for his services and that the matter will be handled soon.

GLC02437.04952

2 December 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Later copy. Written from the War Department. Explains that Mr. Caleb Swan will be taking thirty five thousand dollars in post bank notes for the pay of the army, and that Sargent's name has been added to the notes for greater security. When Swan wants to exchange the notes for cash, he will need Sargent's to do so; asks that Sargent oblige.

GLC02437.05250

6 January 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Later copy. Refers to a recent letter from Sargent which discussed battle losses to Indians in the Northwest Territories. Comments on the protection of settlements on the frontier, and mentions that plans will be laid before Congress on that subject right away.

GLC02437.05288

4 April 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Later copy. Was happy to receive Sargent's letters, but wants to assure Sargent that his position as Adjutant General was not abolished because he did a poor job. Assures him that the position was abolished because all its goals were met. Discusses a potential new job for Sargent, as well as recruiting for new expeditions. Also declares that "Capt [Constant] Freeman will tell you of the uproar the failure of the late expedition has excited."

GLC02437.05397

17 May 1792

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox [incomplete]

Thanks him for his recent letter, as well as his kindness and friendship. Discusses how he would like to meet or surpass expectations in his job, especially by enforcing discipline among his troops. Tries to explain why he might have a bad reputation among the troops. Refers to a letter from Knox in which Knox asks why he is thought to act with "haughtiness and severity" (see GLC02437.05423). Discusses whether or not to decline his post, but seems resolved to keep his job.

GLC02437.05466

23 July 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Later copy. Gives orders to Sargent concerning the protection of the North West territory. Mentions directing General Anthony Wayne to provide an escort for the governor of Georgia. Noted as written at the War Department.

GLC02437.05553

8 August 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Later copy. Briefly mentions a number of topics, including the French Revolution and the government situation with the Eastern Territory.

GLC02437.05573

29 October 1792

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes a letter of introduction for the bearer, Captain Mayette writing: "for if he is not for us he will be decidedly against us - and his Influence is very considerable amongst the Indians... The British and Spaniards I have no Doubt would purchase him at a considerable price and but for the flattering distinctions we have paid him he probably would have struck up a Bargain." Discusses another Native American who he thinks would be a beneficial ally, although he is a "monstrous beggarly rascal even for an Indian." Refers to a treaty with the Native Americans, noting, "from the knowledge…

GLC02437.05678

1 November 1792

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Requests that Knox recommend a Mr. Sebastian (possibly Benjamin Sebastian) to fill any judicial vacancies that may arise in the Northwest Territory. Expects Judge [George] Turner to leave his seat.

GLC02437.05682

10 November 1792

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses land business as well as shipping and invoices. Writes that in his area, "mole hills may be magnified to mountains and the smallest mistakes that have relation to the war Department may judging from precedent be made use of to incriminate." Discusses some mistakes that were made in the shipment of military supplies. Writes, "Of Indian affairs I will say nothing - Genl Wilkinson will detail to you the militia rout of the 6th an 'Affair of Honour' but dishonourable in the main I believe to those people in every point of view the personal Bravery of their Commandant excepted."…

GLC02437.05695

23 July 1794

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the preparation for an expedition (possibly the build-up to the Battle of Fallen Timbers that took place on 20 August 1794). Notes there have been volunteers pouring in ever since his arrival. Reports General [Charles] Scott has moved to the head of the line with a small group of men. Mentions Scott describes the men as a bunch of "fighting fellows" and the "best party that ever came out of Kentuckey [sic]." Appears to express his doubts regarding Scott's men. Also notes some of General Scott's horses are unable to handle the expedition and that Scott plans on persuading the men…

GLC02437.06150