Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796 to Henry Knox

Copy of a letter describing the build up to the Battle of Fallen Timbers. States Major [William] McMahon was attacked at Fort Recovery by a large band of Indians early in the morning. Reports the attacks lasted all day and night, and throughout the next day before the Indians were finally forced to retreat. Eight to ten bodies were found dead. Comments the real goal of the "savages" was to take the fort by a "coup de main." Notes the camp was left short on supplies and it appears the soldiers killed and ate a number of the pack horses. Reports three small parties of Chickasaw and Choctaw Indians had been dispatched to gain intelligence a few days prior to the attack. Notes the Chickasaw and Choctaw parties reported seeing a number of white men with a large party of Indians. Also mentions the men reported they heard white men encouraging the Indians during the attack and they saw three British officers who were in scarlet. Believes the British were looking for cannons. A list of names of the officers who were involved in the attack, excluding those wounded or killed, are listed. Text is in the hand of War Dept. clerk Nathan Jones.