Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796 to Henry Knox
Order a pdf of this item here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.05975 Author/Creator: Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796 Place Written: SW Branch of Miami River, Ohio Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 15 November 1793 Pagination: 4 p. : Height: 25.5 cm, Width: 19.7 cm Order a Copy
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 the insubordination of the troops. Is waiting for the right circumstances to make a proper example of someone to stop these acts. Expresses his anger over the poor conduct and service of contractors supplying the army. Believes he might have to retreat because of lack of supplies. Mentions these facts in confidence, but believes they will soon be common knowledge. Says "NB I am under great obligations to Genl. Posey - Genl Wilkinson has but recently joined, having been very ill."
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.