Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Mr. Doughty
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.04606 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter Date: 13 May 1790 Pagination: 2 p. ; 32 x 19.9 cm. Order a Copy
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.)
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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