Irvine, William, 1741-1804 to Captain Denny
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05542 Author/Creator: Irvine, William, 1741-1804 Place Written: Carlisle, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1794/07/19 Pagination: 2 p. ; 24.7 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses a dispute between the United States and the Six Nations over land. Contends that "there is nothing in the Constitution...that gives the Legislature much less the Executive a shadow of Power to cede...a single foot of ground, the territory right of soil or jurisdiction of any state." Criticized Israel Chapin, an Indian agent to the Iroquois, for telling citizens of Pennsylvania to "quit their lawfull business" and "flattering the savages with a hope that this ground is to be relinquished." Discusses how to maintain peace, commenting on the power of the governor and criticizing Secretary of War Henry Knox. A lack of protection from the Indians helped fuel the Whiskey Rebellion, which was then just beginning to erupt. General Irvine led government troops against the Pennsylvania rebels.
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