Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796 to Henry Knox

GLC02437.04808

A larger version of this object is available to teachers and students for free. Others can subscribe for $25/year.

Larger images are also available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription or click here for more information.

GLC#
GLC02437.04808-View header record
Type
Letters
Date
December 25, 1789
Author/Creator
Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796
Title
to Henry Knox
Place Written
Richmond, Georgia
Pagination
8 p. : Height: 22.2 cm, Width: 18.8 cm
Primary time period
The New Nation, 1783-1815
Sub-Era
The Early Republic

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 covered by thick woods, & behind works, and supported by troops properly armed, Mr. McGilvray observ'd that the Creek Nation were so well convinced of the superiority of the smooth bore in War that during the course of the last summer, they applied to the Spanish Government for Six Thousand Strong..." Wayne is concerned about "adventurers" who are pushing westward and disturbing Indian relations with the United States government. The local legislature's actions encouraging such behavior can only be the result of "insanity." There is discussion of relations with the Creeks and the civil governance of the frontier, land distribution, and impact of Spanish involvement in the area. Wayne goes into the history of the Proclamation of 1763 and treaty of 1783 and their impact on the lands in the Floridas.

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources