Military: French & Indian Wars-post Rev War: Part 5: FORT PITT AND LETTERS FROM THE FRONTIER, 1892: now Alleghey Co, PA
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FORT PITT
AND
LETTERS FROM THE FRONTIER
Mary C. Darlington, Editor.
J. R. WELDON & CO., PITTSBURGH, 1892.
______
[Page numbers appear in brackets]
[Transcription is verbatim]
PART 5: Pages 221-307
See Illustration of Place of Guyasuta's Grave
Letters from Officers of the Continental Army, from 1776-1799
Erection and Organization of Allegheny County, by William M. Darlington
Index.
______
[221] LETTERS FROM OFFICERS OF THE CONTINENTAL ARMY,
FROM 1776 TO 1799.
FORT PITT, 6 July 1776.
AT a meeting held this Day at this place, present:
Kiashuta, a Mingoe chief, just returned from the treaty
at Niagira; Captain Pipe, a Delaware chief; The Shade, a
Shawnese chief, with several others, Shawnese and
Delawares; likewise Major Trent, Major Ward, Captain
Nevill, his officers and a number of the Inhabitants,
after being seated, Kiashuta made the following Speech:
"Brothers: Three Months ago I left this Place to attend
a Treaty at Niagira, to be held between the Commanding
Officer of that Place and the six nation, Shawnese,
Delawares, etc.; But I was stopped near a month at
Connywagoe. As the Commanding officer had sent word to
the Indians not to assemble until He should hear from
Detroit. while I was at Connywagoe, 8oo Indians of the
six nations hearing my Intentions of going to the
Treaty, came to meet me and go with me. just as we
arrived at a small Village beyond Connywagoe, they
received a message from the Commanding Officer,
acquainting them that the Treaty was over, but they,
notwithstanding, persisted in going. "I received a
message at the same Time inviting me to come, and
assuring me that the Council Fire was not yet entirely
extinguished. upon my arrival with the rest of the
Indians, I informed the Commanding Officer that I had
come a great Distance to hear what He had to say, and
desired that he would inform me; but he told me [222]
that he was not yet prepared to speak with me, which
ended our Conference."
Kiashuta then produced (his Belt, and is ordered by the
Six nations to send it through the Indian Country) a
Belt of Wampum, which was to be sent from the six
nations to the Shawnese, Delawares, Wyandotts and
Western Indians, acquainting them that they were
determined to take no Part in the present War between
Great Britain and America, and desiring them to do the
same. He then addressed himself to the Virginians and
Pennsylvanians in the following manner:
"Brothers: We will not suffer either the English or
Americans to march an army thro' our Country. Should
Either attempt it, We shall forewarn them three times
from Proceeding, but should they then persist, they must
abide by the Consequence. I am appointed by the Six
Nations to the Care of this Country, that is, to the
Care of the Indians on the West side of the river Ohio,
and I desire you will not think of an Expedition against
Detroit, for I repeat it to you again, we will not
suffer an army to march through our Country." A String.
Kiashuta again rose and spoke as follows:
"Brothers: Should any Mischief chance to be committed by
any of our People, you must not blame the Nations nor
think it was done by the approbation of the Chiefs; for
the six Nations have strictly forbid any of their young
men or Tributaries to molest any People on these Waters,
but if they are determined to go to War, let them go to
Canada and fight there." A String.
Kiashuta then addressed Himself to Captain Pipe (a
Delaware chief), desiring him to inform his nation of
what he had heard, and to request them to be strong and
join with the other nations in keeping Peace in his
country. A String.
He also recommended it to the Shade, a Shawnese Chief,
to do the same.
[223] He then desired that the foregoing speeches might
be distributed through the Country, to quiet the minds
of the people, and convince them that the six nations
and their adherents did not desire to live at Variance
with them; To which Captain Nevill returned the
following answer:
"Brother Kiashuta: I am much oblig'd to you for your
good speech on the present occasion. you may depend We
shall not attempt to march an army through your Country
without first acquainting you with it, unless we hear of
a British Army coming this Course. In such Case, we must
make all possible speed to meet, and endeavor to stop
them."
To which Kiashuta replied that there was not the least
Danger of that, as they should make it their Business to
prevent Either an English or American army from passing
through their Country.
Captain CARSON.
First Lieutenant FINDLY.
Second Lieutenant ALEXANDER SIMERAL.
Indian Conference at Fort Pitt, July 6, 1776.
* * * * * *
FORT PITT, 4th June, 1777.
Sir:‹I am favored with your letter of this date
Informing me that you can't relieve the post at
Kittanning except I can Supply you with Arms and
Ammunition. Arms I have not until the Wagons arrive,
consequently the 50 men who Escort the Wagons may march
from here as early as any other Body of men I could arm.
Ammunition I suppose to be already at that Post, you
complain of the expence attending calling the Militia
out. You must keep an account of what necessarily arises
on that service and draw for it agreeable to the Act of
Assembly.
I am, Sir, with Esteem,
Your obedient Humble Servant,
EDWARD HAND.
[COL. A. LOCHRY.
[224] FORT PITT, 6th July, 1777.
Sir:‹I received your letter by Captn. Martin, and am
glad that by your late instructions you have it in your
Power to punish the refractory Members you mention.
Captn. Martin's small Party & two others, 15 Privates in
the whole, are all I have yet heard of, pray, inform me
if any more have joined him; it is very awkward &
irregular to see men droping in by twos and threes
without Officers and the least Order.
Captn. Martin is Stationed at the Kiskimmenitas. You
will see by the Militia Act the proportion of Officers
to a Certain number of men, which can't be exceeded.
I am, Sir,
Your Obedient, Humble Servant,
EDW. HAND.
[COL. A. LOCHRY.]
* * * * * *
FORT PITT, 29th July, 1777.
Dr Sir:‹Your favor of yesterday I received & have
furnished thirty Guns and accoutrements to Captns. McKee
& Leech agreeable to your desire. I expect you will
Please to direct them to be careful of them, that I may
receive them fit for service. Captn. McKee received ten
yesterday and one some time ago. Captain Leech rec'd
nineteen to-day. I intend requesting the Principal
Militia Officers of Westmoreland County to meet me at
Hannas Town as soon as the Hurry of Harvest is over; I
wish to confer with them on public business. I will give
you further notice & fix a day. If you will take the
Trouble to examine the Articles of War you will see that
the men who deserted from Captain Martin's detachment
are Guilty of Breach of the 4th & 14th Articles of the
13th Section of the Articles of War, and, as they were
then in Actual Service, you will find by the 1st Article
of the 17th Section that they are as liable to be
punished as regular [225] Soldiers. I enclose a copy of
the Articles of War lest you may not have one by you
and am, Dr Sir, Sincerely yours,
EDW. HAND.
[COL. A. LOCHRY.]
* * * * * *
FORT PITT, 6th August, 1777.
Sir:‹I last evening received your favor of the 2d
Instant, and am convinced that what you have done is
occasioned by your Zeal for the Common Cause; but you
may remember that a Magazine was ordered to your Quarter
by myself, &, as I did not know the most proper place, I
consulted the General I met at Ligonier the 18th Ultimo.
By their Common Voice, Col. Mountis was fixed on, & Col.
Morgan has only acted by my express Command. I have the
Pleasure to acquaint you that, as far as can be
ascertained, the Suspicions of that Gentn's Infidelity
are quite groundless; would to God those formed of every
other Person were so! I find Col. Lochry is gone to
Phila.; I therefore request you will please immediately
to forward the wagons laden with Salt to Col. Mountis,
and Redstone agreeable to prior order; those wagons
carrying other stores I beg you will send here. It will
be necessary to send an Escort with the Wagons, which
must continue at Col. Mountis' as a Guard for the
Magazine, & be relieved by you, agreeable to thy
directions, to Colonel Lochry, which I find you are
acquainted with. I beg to know in what Forwardness the
Militia from your County, destined for the Expedition,
are in,
and am, Sir, Very respectfully Yrs.,
EDW. HAND.
[JAMES PARRY, Lieut. of Westmoreland.]
* * * * * *
[226] FORT PITT, August 8, 1777.
General Hand wishes to meet the Militia officers, &
other principal Inhabitants of the Counties of Bedford
and West-moreland, at Ligonier, on Monday, the 18th
instant, to con-suit on the best Measures to be taken on
the present alarming Occasion.
By order of the Genl.,
J. EWING, M. B.
[To COLONEL ARCHIBALD LOCHRY, Westmoreland County.]
* * * * * *
FORT PITT, August 22, 1777.
Sir:‹As the Commissary has been directed to Erect a
Magazine of Provisions at Colonel Mounces' , near
Stewart's crossing, and one at Redstone old Fort, he
will send from Ligonier, by the way of the Nine Mile
Run, a Number of Wagons, Laden with Stores, to the
above-mentioned places. I therefore Request that you
will please to furnish a Party of Militia to Escort the
Wagons & serve as Guides, & to remove any obstructions
the Wagons may meet on the road, the same party, or
another, Consisting of a carefull Subaltern officer, a
sergeant & ten Privates, must remain at Colonel Mounces'
as a Guard to the Magazine; they are to be kept up until
further Orders, and may be delivered as often as you
think necessary.
I am, Sir, Your obedient, Humble Servant,
EDW. HAND.
[COL. A. LOCHRY.]
* * * * * *
FORT PITT, 13 October, 1777.
Sir:‹I hope in a few days to move the Provisions & other
stores destined for the Indian Expedition from here to
Wheeling, & I will, at the same time, march all the
troops here assembled to that place. I beg you may be as
expeditious as [227] possible in furnishing your
proportion and ordering them to march immediately for
this garrison. Send an Officer and fifteen or twenty of
your Militia to meet and Escort David Tate's Brigade of
Horses laden with flour, they will also take under their
protection any other Continental Pack-Horses they meet.
I am Sir, Your Obed, H'ble Servant,
EDW. HAND.
* * * * * *
FORT PITT, 18 October, 1777.
Dear Sir:‹The protection of your County has, since I
have had the Honor to Command, been an object equally
attended to with that of any other Frontier County. I
have repeatedly requested from you a number of men for
that purpose, but (from what cause I can't determine) I
never yet could obtain them agreeable to my wish. If you
will now send me your proportion, I think that will be
sufficient, added to the numbers already arrived and
daily expected from different Quarters, to protect the
Frontiers. Congress ordered a Post in your County (The
Kittanning); I could not support that and have ordered
another to be Erected at the expence of the Continent.
This I think Sufficient, & will Support, if you lend me
your aid; at the same time, beg leave to assure you that
I don't mean to interfere with your Command of
Westmoreland County, or your Plan in Erecting as many
Forts and magazines as you please at the expence of the
State of Pennsylvania, and puting the whole County in
its Pay. Presuming you have proper authority for so
doing, and every State will, no doubt, have a particular
regard to the Situation of Different Counties, the
People you mention are surely Defending their own
Property, and, if the Spirit of Discord would permit
them, have it in their Power, by Uniting to march in
Bodies, to collect the Grain of every man in the
Frontier parts [228] of the County. I again request you
may not delay the proportion from your County for the
Expedition; the Season advances apace. I shall to-morrow
proceed to Wheeling with what Troops I have, yours will
receive every necessary I can Afford them when they
arrive here, & when they join me shall be put on the
same footing with the Militia of any other County. In
the meantime, Subscribe myself,
Dr Sir, very Sincerely yrs,
EDW. HAND.
[COLONEL A. LOCHRY.]
* * * * * *
FORT PITT, 5 Nov., 1777.
Dear Sir:‹I was duly fav'd with yours of the 2d by
Colonel Barr, who, instead of 53, has no more than 31
Rank and file.
To my very great mortification I find I can't collect a
sufficient number of men to enter the Indian country
this season, therefore, as the Frontier of Westmoreland
County lies much exposed to the Ravages of the Savages,
I beg that you may immediately draw out 150 men, with
officers in proportion, to cover that part of the
Country and Assist the Inhabitants in securing their
Crops and other property, the whole to be under the
direction of a Field Officer, who must report to me from
time to time what number of men and officers are on duty
& where they are. Col. Barr's party are now armed & will
remain here subject to your Orders. I wish to render
this Body of men as useful as possible to the public,
shall for that reason leave the destination of them to
yourself. Except 30 to be kept with Captain Moorhead,
you are to continue the 150 men & no more on continental
pay untill Further orders or until the necessity for it
ceases. You must apply to Col. Geo. Morgan or his agent
here for In- [229] structions how to Victual them, a
sufficient number of cattle are already purchased for
that purpose.
I am, Sir, your Obedt, Humle Servant,
EDW. HAND.
[COLONEL A. LOCHRY.]
* * * * * *
[Collection of W. M. D.]
Sir:‹I wrote to the honorable the Continental Congress
on the 15th Ultimo, which I hope they have received. I
would at that time have wrote to you, but was not
certain of your being in Congress; but as Mr. John
Anderson informs me he left you in Congress, I take the
liberty of communicating to you some matters that have
occurred to me since my letter to Congress upon hearing
the speeches of the Delawares, and request the favour of
you to lay them before Congress, and that Part with
respect to the Delawares I have communicated to Col.
Morgan. I believe we shall have an Indian war and a
general one. If the Delawares were ever so well inclined
they will be awed into it by the other nations. I would
be for supporting them if possible in order to lessen
the strength of our enemy. They should be invited into
our Country. Their wives, Children and Old people would
be then secure, and we then should reap great Advantage
from the service of their young Men and Warriors. And if
any other Tribe or Nation would follow their Example
they should be encouraged. If we have a general Indian
war, it is my humble Opinion four expeditions will be
necessary: One to the Southward, one to the Northward,
one down the Ohio to establish a Strength on the Ohio,
so as to cut off any communication with the Western and
Southern Nations, and one other expedition to De Troit
or to some part of the Country to the Westward, to cut
off the communication between the Northern and Western
Nations. Each of those expeditions [230] should be
carried into execution under the command of an
experienced officer. And it is my humble opinion not
less than 3,000 men should be employed in each of those
expeditions, and they should be well equipped; that
those who went down the Ohio and those to Detroit should
have some field pieces, and those troops should not
return but establish posts and reduce the Indians and
convince them of an error that they have been led into
by the governments formerly, that they may at any time
make war with us and have peace granted them on their
own terms. I would recommend that large numbers of
hostages should be taken from every tribe or nation that
we may reduce, and take none but their chiefs or ruling
men as hostages, that the tribe or nation should support
those hostages, and that they should not be exchanged
till we had good proof of their tribe or nation becoming
agreeable people. That all the lands of the unoffending
tribes or nations should be preserved to them, and a
generous trade well regulated. And that all the lands of
the offending Tribes or Nations should be forfeited, and
that they should be restricted to hunt or live on such
parts of it as should be directed by the commanding
Officer or Governor who might be appointed to rule them.
We undoubtedly should have a greater number of the
Indians in our interest. If we had a sufficient quantity
of goods for that purpose, our enemy have great
advantage of us for they out treaty us, and the highest
bidder will have the greatest Number of the Indians.
This I know from my acquaintance with them for upwards
of twenty years.
To the Delawares we made promises of protection, and
they now put our friendship to the test, and if we do
not fulfil our promises they will undoubtedly be obliged
to look for protection elsewhere, and we must suffer in
their opinion and also in the opinion of all the other
nations. If I should [231] receive Intelligence, or if
anything should occur to me that may serve the general
cause, I shall write to you.
I am, sir, with great respect,
Your most obedient humble servant,
EDW. HAND.
[COLONEL JAMES WILSON, Esq.,
A Member of the Honorable Continental Congress.]
* * * * * *
FORT PITT, March 22, 1778.
Sir:‹I am instructed by the hon'ble, the Commissioners
appointed by Congress, to fix on a plan for the defence
of these frontiers, to desire that you may continue 150
Privates of the Militia of your County, properly
officered, on constant duty on its frontiers. Thirty of
them to be added to Captain Moorhead's company,
stationed at Fort Hand, and the remaining 120 placed at
such stations as you find best calculated for the
defence of the County. Instead of Militia call'd out in
the ordinary way, the Commissioners are desirous of
engaging a like number of volunteers for a longer time
than the Militia generally serves. I perfectly agree
with them in sentiment and wish you to fall on that
Plan, provided no delay arises for its execution.
I am, sir, your obed't h'ble serv't,
EDW. HAND.
[COLONEL ARCHIBALD LOCHRY.]
* * * * * *
FORT PITT, June 14, 1778.
Sir:‹I am at a Loss to conceive the Meaning of the
Intelligence I this day received from the Delaware
Indians, yet as the Term old Hunting ground may, and
probably does imply the Place that gentleman has been at
war the last season, it it is not unlikely; but it may
be your County, therefore wish you to take every
Precaution to prevent a surprise by keeping [232] out
Scouts and having a force ready to oppose the invaders.
I will not be remiss in doing my Part. I shall give you
Information of anything that comes to my Knowledge and
concerns you, and expect a like Information from you, as
I mean to give you timely assistance if necessary.
I am, dear sir, y'rs sincerely,
EDW. HAND.
(COLONEL A. LOCHRY.]
* * * * * *
Extract from intelligence receiv'd from the Delaware
Indians 14th June, 1778.
The Inclosed Billet I received yesterday from the lake
will, perhaps, be of some use for you.
THE BILLET.
There is a small army of French‹150 or 200 men‹that is
for the frontier, commanded by one Mr. Jenot. I imagine
that he is for his old hunting ground or for Redstone.
FORT PITT, July 9, 1778.
Sir:‹I have just received yours of the 7th and 8th
Current, and am much distressed to find the unhappy
situation of your county, and the more so as I am at a
loss how to relieve you. Colonel Campbell has ordered a
body of the militia of Yohogania County to assemble
here. I intended them for you, but they are not yet
come; if I can't do otherwise will endeavor to send you
a few Regulars to scour your Frontier, which will, I
hope, enable you to collect your Harvest, as you may
reasonably expect their Hay can't be long, and I hope
the Militia will exert themselves and collect in bodies
to save the grain under the Protection of this Guard;
prepare to receive them at Hannas Town; they will be
Victualed from here to that place; you shall have
farther notice of their approach.
Yours, etc.,
EDW. HAND.
[COLONEL A. LOCHRY]
* * * * * *
[233] FORT PITT, July 10, 1778.
Sir:‹Captain James Sullivan, with a Detachment of
regular Troops under his Command, will march this
Evening, or tomorrow Morning, to your assistance. He
will halt at Hannas Town until he sees you; he has
written Instructions, which I beg you may peruse and
assist him in executing. I hope his Party will produce
the desired salutary Effects.
I am, sir, very cordially yours,
EDW. HAND.
[COLONEL A. LOCHRY.]
* * * * * *
FORT PITT, July 27, 1778.
Sir:‹I have good reason to suspect that many parties of
Indians are now out; you will, therefore, plan to be on
your guard.
Plan to furnish twenty-five or thirty men to protect the
houses, collecting forage in your county.
I am, sir, your hble svt.,
EDW. HAND.
[COLONEL A. LOCHRY.
* * * * * *
FORT MCINTOSH, Beaver Creek, Oct. 30, 1778.
Sir:‹I had the Honor of writing to you on the 27th
September, and hope your People are about the Block
Houses I recommended for the protection of your County
during my absence. The repeated murders committed by the
Indians upon your Inhabitants must show the necessity of
them.
The Magistrates of your County have asked my consent for
150 Volunteers to go and rout or remove a few Indian
Towns upon Allegheny River, who, probably, are the most
troublesome to you, which I very much approve of. It
will be greatly to your honor and advantage; they shall
have provisions and ammunition, either from this place
or Fort Pitt, with every reasonable Encouragement I can
give them, as nothing can be better [234] times, if they
are expeditious and secrete. I propose going in two or
three days to Cochocking, or the Delaware Towns, and
leave Colonel Broadhead to wait for our stores, and the
attention of most of their Warriors will be upon our
motions, which will probably make them an easy prey. It
is what I had in View myself, if I was not otherwise
employed. I shall be glad to hear of your proceedings
and success in it.
I have the pleasure to inform you that my plan of
securing as I go begins to have its proper effect upon
several tribes of the Savages already, who have
earnestly applied to me for peace, but have given them
no Encouragement yet, and perhaps will not if I am
properly supported, until they give me substantial
proofs of their Sincerity. I intend building a Fort at
Cochocking before I proceed any further, to secure these
Indians in our Interest, from which I may probably make
excursions to some of the Hostile Towns; but,
unfortunately, the time of the Militia I have with me
will expire the first day of January next, which will
disappoint all my Schemes, unless I have a fresh Supply
of men before that time, which I cannot expect from
these Counties, who have already Exerted themselves so
much; therefore, as I have Spared yours this time, for
the security and protection of your own Frontiers, I
hope and expect you will use your utmost Endeavours to
procure only two hundred men, properly Officered, armed
and accoutered, whom I request you will send off the
first of December at farthest, that they may be up with
me in time, and that I may not be obliged to relinquish
any Ground I gain; and must also intreat the time of
service of your Militia, if possible, may be six Months
from the Day they arrive at my headquarters, if required
so long, as short engagements will be of no use in my
design, and for their encouragement I expect they will
have the honor of finishing the campaign, and all the
toil and labor will be over before they come. In hopes
that you will use [235] your utmost Exertion on the
occasion to serve your country and yourselves.
I am respectfully, sir,
Your most obt. servt,
LACH'N MCINTOSH.
[COLONEL LOCHRY.]
I request you will forward the inclosed letter to
Colonel Piper immediately by express.
* * * * * *
HEADQUARTERS, FORT PITT, May 10, 1780.
Dear Sir:‹I find that it will not be in my power to
provide for the number of men I have ordered to be
called into service so soon as I expected. Besides, I
have heard officially that a number of Artillery, Cannon
and Stores are now on the March to this place, and by
report, that two Regiments are on their march to
reinforce my command. I must recommend it to you, and
all the leading Officers of your county, to excite
industry in planting and sowing the Summer crops, and to
have your troops here by the second day of next Month.
The stroke at Brush Creek was quite unexpected and has
given me great uneasiness, because I had reason to hope
that the Country eastward of this place would have
enjoyed some quiet. But I see the villains are
determined to perplex us as much as they possibly can.
The Militia should be drafted for two months, although
the expedition will probably end in one, and let them be
as well armed and accoutred as circumstances will admit.
I request you to encourage them to bring with them two
weeks allowance of Provisions, lest there should be a
deficiency. I trust you and all the good people of your
County are convinced of the necessity there is for
prosecuting some offensive operations against the
Savages, and I hope that, being favored by a well-timed
movement [236] from the new settlements down the river,
we shall be able to strike a general panic into the
hostile Tribes. I do not intend to put too much to
hazard, as a Defeat would prove fatal to the
Settlements, and therefore expect the full Complement of
men will be furnished, which alone, with the blessing of
Divine Providence, can ensure success. Indeed, I expect
that upon this Expedition many will turn and voluntarily
to procure to themselves the blessings of Peace. I have
the Honor to be, with great regard and Esteem,
Dear, Sir, your most obedient servant,
DANIEL BRODHEAD,
Colonel Commanding No. D.
[COLONEL ARCHIBALD LOCHRY, Lieutenant of Westmoreland County.]
* * * * * *
HEADQUARTERS, FORT PITT, July 9, 1780.
Dear Sir:‹I am honored with your favor of this date. I
am well satisfied with the proposed indulgence to the
Inhabitants of Turtle Creek Waters until they have
reaped their harvests of Wheat and Rye; but it will be
very in convenient to provide for the men at such a
distance; besides, our magazines are very low, and I
conceive the inhabitants who wish their protection
particularly ought to feed them at their own
expense‹this, I believe has been the usual custom.
I hear nothing of the sixty men you were ordered to
draft, which were to receive their supplies from the
State, and I am desirous to know what has been done in
regard to that order, for I am so circumstanced with
regard to resources that my duty will require the
strictest economy to subsist the troops in Continental
service. If I can possibly obtain supplies, I shall yet
make an excursion into the Indian country in time to
destroy the corn, etc. But I conceive [237] that the
best method will be to march on horse if they can be
furnished.
I am, with much respect and esteem,
Your most obedient servant,
DANIEL BRODHEAD.
[COLONEL ARCHIBALD LOCHRY
* * * * * *
FORT PITT, October 8 1782.
Sir:‹I am honored with your Excellency's two letters of
the 4th and 18th of September; the last by Mr. Carnaghan
with the money did not arrive here till the 5th instant.
This delay and the detachment of General Wayne's
regiment not coming at the time proposed will
unavoidably prevent my moving so soon as was intended. I
have sent an officer Express to meet and hasten General
Wayne's men, and though I am not certain what day they
can arrive, take for granted, if at all, they will be
here before the 20th, and as the business would be
impracticable later, have fixed on that day to march
from Fort McIntosh‹a post thirty miles advanced of this
place. Sixty Rangers are counted to me as part of the
men for the expedition; these I am not yet informed
where they are to come from. Three hundred Militia
ordered by Congress from below the mountain are also
counted; those are not only so far short of the number,
but so few of them are fit, or in any manner Clothed or
Equipped for such service, that most of them would be a
dead weight or incumbrance; add to this their term of
service is nearly expired. I must therefore depend
solely on the few Regulars and what volunteers can be
raised on this side the Mountain. If about 6oo actually
assemble, I am determined to make the attempt,
particularly as I have some reason to hope General
Clark, will co-operate with us if this last delay does
not prevent it, as I had concerted measures with him
that he should [238] attack the Shawnese at the same
time I did Sandusky. One of the Expresses to him was
wounded on his way down the river and narrowly escaped
falling into the enemy's hands. I have sent another to
him since that time, and a third since I received your
last dispatches in order to halt him a few days till I
could get ready. The Estimate will be found in general
too low, and several things omitted which cannot be
dispensed with. The calculation for a horse to carry 200
is too high; however you may depend I will spare no
pains to have the business done on the lowest terms. I
have appointed Mr. John Irwin, of Pittsburgh, the
principal agent. If you should think proper to send any
money in my absence, you will be so good as to address
it to him, subject to my orders. It would not be
possible to procure the supplies in so short a time on
any other plan than to purchase provision from the
Volunteers, which they had collected for their own use
on the original plan of carrying the Expedition. I mean,
therefore, to order the whole to the place of general
Rendezvous, there have the whole appraised and pay for
it in bulk; though some unavoidable waste will take
place, yet I hope, on the whole, it will come within the
price the Rations are estimated at. The greatest
difficulty with me is the uncertainty of the Quantity,
which cannot be ascertained till the whole is collected,
but there is no alternative.
I have the honor to be with great resp ct, sir, your
Excellency's most obedient servant,
WM. IRVINE.
[His Excellency, WM. MOOR, ESQ.]
* * * * * *
FORT PITT, April 12, 1782.
My Dearest Love:‹I received your two letters by Captain
Craig and Mr. Hughes. I am therefore in arrears in the
letter way, but the fault is not in me, being extremely
anxious [239] you of my arrival here, but have not had a
single opportunity. I had very cold weather, though dry,
and made a speedy march. Got up the Monday after I left
you. One of my horses took lame, and I was oblig'd to
leave him about half-way. Things were in a strange state
when I arrived. A number of the Country people had just
returned from the Moravian towns, about 100 miles
distant, where, Œtis said, they did not spare either age
or sex. What was more extraordinary they did it in cool
blood, having deliberated three days, during which time
they were industrious in collecting all hands into their
Churches (they had embraced Christianity) where they
fell on, while they were singing Hymns, and killed the
whole. Many children were killed in their wretched
Mother's arms. Whether this was right or wrong I do not
pretend to determine. Things were still in greater
confusion nearer home, for on the morning before my
arrival here a party of Militia attacked some friendly
Indians, who were not only under our protection, but
several actually had commissions in our service, at the
very nose of the garrison on a small island in the
River, of whom they killed several, and also made
prisoners of a guard of Continental troops, and sent
Colonel Gibson a message that they would also scalp him.
A thousand lies are propagated all over the country
against him, poor fellow, I am informed. The whole is
occasioned by his unhappy connection with a certain
tribe, which leads people to imagine for this reason
that he has an attachment to Indians in general. However
false this reasoning may be, yet no reasoning will or
can convince people to the contrary.
People who have had Fathers, Mothers, Brothers or
Children butchered, tortured, scalped by the
savages‹reasoning very differently on the subject of
killing the Moravians to what people who live in the
interior part of the country in safety do‹their feelings
are very different. Whatever your private [240] opinion
of these matters may be, I conjure you by all the ties
of affection, and as you value my reputation, that you
keep your mind to yourself and that you will not express
any sentiment for or against these deeds, as it may be
alleged the sentiments you express may come from me or
be mine also.
No man knows whether I approve or disapprove of killing
the Moravians. I called a meeting of most of the
principal Militia Officers. They were convened here last
Friday after long conferences which lasted nearly two
days. They parted seemingly pleased with the plans I
proposed to adopt for the protection of the country, and
promised they would support me. I have also been
fortunate enough to suppress the mutinous disposition of
the Troops without Blood-shedding. From all this you
make yourself easy respecting my personal safety. Some
people are killed and some taken by the Indians in
almost every quarter. I lost five of my men a few days
since, who were wood-cutting and carelessly laid down
their arms to load the wagon, when a party rushed on
them. This was at a Fort we have thirty miles down the
river. Whether my mind may change or not I cannot say,
but from the state of things at present I would not
consent for the Universe to your coming up. If your
sister, Niell, lives in the country this summer and you
could accomplish taking the children with you, I should
have no objection to your spending some weeks with her.
Yrs affectionately,
WM. IRVINE.
* * * * * *
FORT PITT, December 29, 1782.
My Dearest Love:‹This day I expected my Express, but
there is as yet no account of him, but I hourly look for
him. The Bearer, Mr. Jno. Bull, is an elder of the
Moravian Indians congregation, who, together with the
Ministers, Converts, etc., [241] had built a pretty town
and made good improvements and lived for some years past
quite in the style of Christian, White people, but were
last fall taken prisoners by a party of Indians
commanded by that infamous rascal, Matthew Elliot, and
carried away to the number of 100 families from their
fine farms into the Wilderness, where they are starving.
Mr. Bull is going down to Bethlehem to represent the
sufferings of his people to the society of Moravians. I
wish I could appoint a day to be with you, but that is
impossible.
I am, my dearest love, yours most affectionately,
WM. IRVINE.
[MRS. IRVINE.]
* * * * * *
PHILADELPHIA, August 26, 1784.
Sir:‹We understand it is your Intention to contract for
those Things which will be necessary for the table and
support of the Commissioners during the Negotiations. We
are apprehensive of much inconvenience in being supplied
by a Contractor, and therefore it is our wish that the
articles which we have noted as necessary, should be
purchased by Mr. O'Hara, in whom we can Confide. You can
best judge, sir, whether this will make any material
differehce in the Expense to the Public. If it will not,
we hope the Mode we desire will be agreeable to you, and
that Mr. O'Hara will be enabled to provide the Things
necessary without a moment's Delay, as the time fixed
for the Treaty at Stanwix presses hard upon us.
We have the honor to be, with great respect, sir,
Your most obed and humble Servts,
ARTHUR LEE,
RICHARD BUTLER.
[The Honorable the Superintendent of Finance.]
* * * * * *
PHILADELPHIA, September 10, 1784.
Sir:‹The Indian Goods destined for the Westward, and
which you are now purchasing, you will please to have
care- [242] fully packed up, marked and numbered and
placed in some safe and convenient store, to remain
there till the arrival of my Colleagues, which I expect
will be to-morrow or next day at farthest. It is my wish
that you should take charge of them to Fort Pitt and
Cyahoga, and I make not the least doubt but Colonel
Atlee and Mr. McClay will agree with me in your
appointment to this business. I order that they may be
forwarded with all dispatch; You had better begin to
engage the necessary Teams immediately. With regard to
additional Stores to accommodate the Commissioners, it
will be absolutely necessary that they should be laid
in. This, however, may be delay'd until the arrival of
my brother Commissioners, when you shall be furnished
with a list.
I am, Sir, your very humble servant,
F. JOHNSTON, Commissioner.
Approved by SAM. ATLEE.
[CAPTAIN JAMES O'HARA.]
* * * * * *
PHILADELPHIA, August 28, 1784.
Sir:‹You having assisted the Continental Commissioners
in procuring the Indian goods so much to their
satisfaction, has induced the Indian Commissioners on
the part of this State, to request your assistance in
obtaining and safe-packing the goods to be provided by
them. Enclosed you have a list of such as are wanted,
and must beg you will lose no time in furnishing the
usual articles therein specified, in order that they may
be sent, if possible, with the Goods of the Continent.
The list should have been furnished sooner had we been
sooner authorized. The Treaty at Fort Stanwix will be
held the 20th of September next, so that it will require
your utmost exertions, as many of the articles must be
made here. A general treaty will be held at Cuyahoga, on
the bank of Lake Erie, on the 20th of November next, so
that the articles in the [243] enclosed List No. 1, will
be equally divided, the one-half only immediately for
the first Treaty, by which means you will have
sufficient time to make up such articles as shall be
required for the second. As the State means to convince
the natives that she can and will furnish the best
assortment of Goods, we must beg you will be careful to
answer her good Intentions in these particulars. Sundry
little articles, agreeable to List No. 2, will be wanted
for the accommodation of the Commissioners, who beg you
will give yourself the additional trouble of furnishing
the same and having them carefully put up, marked and
sent on with the Goods. When they are ready to be
shipped, you will be pleased call upon Captain Joseph
Stiles, the keeper of the magazine, who will deliver you
10 quarter Casks of powder for the first Treaty; 10
other quarter Casks will be ready for the second, and
likewise delivered you.
We are, Sir, your h'ble servants,
SAMUEL ATLEE,
FRANCIS JOHNSTON.
P. S.‹Captain Stiles will also furnish you with three
horseman's and one soldier's tent.
[CAPTAIN JAMES O'HARA.]
* * * * * *
FORT PITT, December 3, 1785.
Sir:‹I am sorry to inform your Excellency that this
country has got a severe stroke by the loss of Colonel
Lochry and about one hundred (Œtis said) of the best men
of Westmoreland County, including Captain Stockely and
his company of Rangers. They were going down the Ohio on
General Clark's Expedition; many accounts agree that
they were all killed or taken at the mouth of the Miami
River‹ I believe, chiefly killed. This misfortune, added
to the failure of General Clarke's Expedition, has
filled the people with great dismay; many talk of
retiring to the East side of the [244]
Mountains early in the Spring. Indeed, there is great
reason to apprehend that the Savages and, perhaps, the
British from Detroit will push us hard in the Spring,
and I believe there never were Posts nor a County in a
worse state of defence. Notwithstanding, I am well
informed there has been sundry meetings of people at
different places for the purpose of concerting plans to
emigrate into the Indian country, there to establish a
Government for themselves. What the result of these
meetings were I cannot say, and, as I do not intend to
interfere in Civil matters, have not taken any notice of
the affair. From what observations I have been able to
make, I am of opinion there is many obvious reasons why
no time should be lost in running the line between
Virginia and Pennsylvania. Civil government will never
be fairly established till then, nor even the Militia
drawn out with regularity for their own defence. I have
no reason, as yet, to complain of the people, for the
refractory, ungovernable, low manners generally ascribed
to them. I assure you, sir, my pity for their situation
is rather excited, than wrath or indignation kindled. I
have good grounds to believe that the settlements at
Cantuke and the Falls will break up, in which case, I
fear, a number of adventurers, who talk of going down to
New Orleans with flour, will be killed or taken. Council
may depend that during my stay here, that no exertions
in my power shall be wanting in everything that may tend
to the welfare of the State, or protection of the
Inhabitants, as far as consistent with my duty as an
officer of the United States. I have the honor to be,
with great respect,
Sir, your Excellency's most obedient servant,
WM. IRVINE.
[His Excellency, the President of the State of Pennsylvania.)
* * * * * *
[245] TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
REGISTER'S OFFICE, March 6, 1792.
These are to certify that James O'Hara, Esq., late
Contractor for supplying the army with Provisions, and
who occasionally acted as Quartermaster of the troops
and agent for the supply of Indian goods, is not charged
with any Moneys on the treasury books. That he has from
time to time settled his accounts in a regular manner at
the Treasury, and has given general satisfaction to the
Treasury officers with whom he settled said accounts.
(Signed)
JOSEPH NOURSE, Register.
* * * * * *
WAR DEPARTMENT, April 19, 1792.
Sir:‹The President of the United States, by and with the
advice and consent of the Senate, has appointed you
Quartermaster-General in the Army of the United States.
You will please immediately to signify your acceptance
or non-acceptance of this appointment. In order that you
may judge of the pay, rations and emoluments for the
commissioned and non-commissioned officers and privates
in the service of the United States, I enclose you the
Act of Congress relative to the military establishment.
I am, sir, your humble servant,
H. KNOX, Secretary of War.
[JAMES O'HARA, ESQ.]
* * * * * *
PITTSBURGH, June 20, 1792.
Sir:‹I have the pleasure to inform you that the
Quartermaster-General's Department begins to bear such
appearance in this country as strengthens my confidence
in being able to perform the Duties in such manner as
may be required. The Stores sent by Mr. Knox have
arrived more expeditiously than I expected and in
tolerable order; the brass cannon is at [246] length
received very safe. The conduct of Gist I represented to
you in Philadelphia, he being there with his wagon. The
Sheet Iron was delivered in due time, and the Camp
Kettles are in a fair way of being ready. Every article
furnished at this place will be of excellent quality. I
expect some embarrassment in procuring Forage, chiefly
owing to the very low state of the rivers, but with a
little exertion I expect to raise the necessary supply.
I have made such arrangements as was in my power for
having the necessary magazines and Granaries erected at
the Western Posts and for having dry Forage laid up, if
possible; this will depend on the state of the Garrison.
I cannot make any observations on the deficiencies of my
department, having no returns of accoutrements, camp
equipage and other articles, which I am informed are
already procured, but shall certainly attend to it soon
as may be in my power. Wishing to continue Major Craig
as Quartermaster at this post, I have ventured to offer
him Forty dollars per month, three Rations per day and
Forage for one horse, which he does not consider a
sufficient compensation and which I shall not exceed in
any case without advice. Such Blacksmiths, Carpenters
and Wheelwrights as ought to be employed as artificers,
will not engage to serve for less than fifteen or twenty
dollars per month and extra provision. Good Mechanics
are indispensably necessary, and as I do not conceive
myself justifiable in agreeing on such high terms, I
wish to be instructed on both these cases. I have
purchased but very few Horses, as having a great number
on Hand would at present be attended with unnnecessary
expense. I shall wait for particular orders on this
Head, as a sufficient Number may be raised in a few days
notice. The Commander-in-Chief being here I shall not
trouble you with any observations on the situation of
our Frontiers, nor do I know that more can be said than
that we seem to be in pro- [247] found peace, surrounded
by a cheerful people, possessing all the necessaries of
life in the greatest abundance and on the most easy
terms, although not altogether free from apprehension
that this tranquillity may be again disturbed by
skulking parties from Lake Erie, or by Muncy Vagabonds.
I expect to be honored with your commands often as the
service may require, and I now take the liberty of
assuring you that no motive nor consideration can
possibly interfere with the duties of my station, which
I feel myself most religiously bound to execute
agreeable to your instructions and my own judgment. A
few loads of shot is received under Campbell's contract.
They will not please, being too rough for brass pieces
and not fair cast; of this they are informed.
I have the honor to be, sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
JAMES O'HARA, Q. M. G. ,
[To the Honorable, the Secretary of War, June 20, 1792.]
* * * * * *
WAR DEPARTMENT, June 29, 1792.
Sir:‹I have received your favor of the 20th instant and
I am happy to learn the confidence that you shall be
able to perform the duties of your Department in a
satisfactory manner.
I am really of opinion that Major Craig ought to have
the pay and emoluments of a deputy
quartermaster-general. His punctuality, fidelity and
industry are such as to be of particular importance in
the place where he is, as he has the charge of receiving
and distributing all the public stores. I think you may
engage good mechanics at fifteen dollars, besides extra
provisions; but they ought to be engaged for two or
three years, unless sooner discharged. I am glad you
have not yet purchased many horses. The
Commander-in-Chief [248] being upon the spot, will
instruct you upon that and all other parts of your duty.
The returns of the Tents and Camp equipage is presumed
to be abundant; a particular return shall be transmitted
to you, and if there should be any deficiency you will
either provide them, or require them to be provided
here.
I shall write to Major Craig about Campbell's shot.
I am, sir, your humble servant,
H. KNOX
* * * * * *
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY
OF THE TREASURY TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR.
"TREASURY DEPARTMENT, August 6, 1792.
"All advances for supplies in the quartermaster's
department will be made to the (After the first of next
month.) quartermaster by warrants in his favor from the
treasury, and he will have to account immediately to the
treasury for the disbursement of the moneys committed to
him.
"It will, of course, be necessary for the quartermaster
to have an attorney or deputy at this place. No
provision for compensation of a deputy having been made
it is of necessity that he should depute some person who
is otherwise in the employ of the government.
[Compared.]
"JN. STAGG,"
* * * * * *
HEADQUARTERS, PITTSBURGH, August 17, 1792.
Sir:‹I have received the extract of a letter from the
Secretary of the Treasury to the Secretary of War,
relative to the appointment of an attorney or deputy at
Philadelphia, and [249] the Secretary at War's request
that such appointment should be immediately made. I
cannot conceive that the allusion in this Extract can be
to you in particular, as the Secretary's sentiments on
this subject were the same several months ago;
nevertheless, your known Integrity merits my confidence.
Your industry and knowledge of the mode of doing
Business in the Publick Offices will no doubt entitle
you to "such compensation as may be hereafter thought
reasonable" for such services as you shall tender in
this line. Inclosed you have a Letter of attorney that
will enable you to receive the necessary supplies of
money for my department. The purchases and disbursements
will be made occasionally, as may be legally ordered.
I am, Sir, your most humble servant,
JAMES O'HARA, Q. M. G.
[SAML. HODGDON, Esq.]
* * * * * *
HEADQUARTERS, PITTSBURGH, August, 17, 1792.
Sir:‹I am honored with yours of the 7th instant,
inclosing an extract of a letter from the Secretary of
the Treasury, respecting the mode of advancing Supplies
in the Quarter-master's department. In consequence of a
letter received from Mr. Hodgdon, and my knowledge of
his integrity, I have forwarded to him a
power-of-attorney, that he may draw money on my account,
from the Treasury of the United States, whenever it may
be considered necessary, after the first of next month.
This is all I feel myself justifiable in doing on this
subject at present.
Mr. Belli's letter, dated Lexington, June the 8th,
relative to forage, was received and answered in due
time. I am under no apprehension on account of this
article, although, on a moderate estimate, the present
Establishment will require one Hundred Thousand Bushels
of Grain annually. He [250] applies to me for an
additional sum of money, as the $25,000 he has received
is the exact estimation for Purchase of the Cavalry
Horses. The purchase of Oxen (in which he has been
successful), the purchase of forage, his expenditures,
the necessary assistance and other expenses, do require
that he should be furnished with Ten Thousand Dollars,
at least. I, therefore, request that this sum of ten
thousand dollars be placed in the Hands of Colonel
Hodgdon, who will transmit it to me by the first good
opportunity.
I find that the Spades and Shovels required in my first
Estimate have been entirely neglected. They are already
in demand. I beg they may be forwarded, or part of them,
as soon as possible. Should the present mode of
Transporting public stores to this country be continued,
every branch of the army must suffer not only great
inconvenience, but their disgrace may be owing to the
base speculations of a few ungrateful Wagoners, who seem
to take pride in abusing that indulgence they have so
often experienced. The high price given for carriage is
the principal cause of its being so infamously executed.
It is engrossed by the most insinuating and stowed away
until they can trip it; or sell out, at two or three
Guineas the load; then no responsible person will meddle
with it, having been Witnesses to the tricks of those
undertaken before; then have I seen Lading pass to the
fourth hand before it reached this place. The only
remedy for this growing evil is to reduce the price of
Carriage twelve per cent.‹viz., change the neat to Gross
Weight, and cause every fellow who has trespassed to be
dismissed. The best characters will then engage to
deliver each load at this place in Twenty-five days, or
pay four dollars for every day's detention after.
I am, Sir, your most humble servant,
JAMES O'HARA, Q. M. Gen.
[Honorable Secretary of War.]
* * * * * *
[251] LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY MAJOR-GENERAL WAYNE.
HEADQUARTERS, PITTSBURGH, August 30, 1792.
Sir:‹I have the honor to inclose you a copy of a letter
from Captain Haskell, dated at Marietta, the 21st
instant, stating the disagreeable situation the Troops
at that Post and Gallipolis are in "for want of
clothing" and other necessaries.
Captain Haskell having made no regular returns of the
Articles wanted, I beg leave to submit to your
Excellency the necessity of furnishing him with
temporary relief as soon as the communication will
admit, as I apprehend that those Posts are not of such
magnitude as will justify the appointment of
subordinates in either the Quartermaster, Ordnance, or
Clothing branch of the staff.
I am, sir, your most humble servant,
JAMES O'HARA, Q. M. G.
* * * * * *
LETTER TO MR. ROBERT ELLIOT, CONTRACTOR.
HEADQUARTERS, MIAMI VILLAGES, October 5, 1792.
Dear Sir:‹We arrived here safe on the 30th and in
tolerable order, and with Extreme difficulty Barbees
Brigade was prevailed on to go to Greenville for the
last Escort, his people would not agree to bring any
flour on their own Horses, the General has, however,
wrote him by this Express, requesting him to prevail on
them to load out.
It is very unfortunate that your new Horses will not be
able to join this Escort, as it would complete this Post
for a reasonable time, and I can assure you, that doing
this after the army moves, will be very critical. I do
not expect General Barbee can leave Greenville before
the 9th, and were it possible for you to have him
overtaken at Recovery by Express, I think [252] he would
leave a Detachment to bring you on, as you had some
hopes of being at Greenville on the 10th, the whole
Detachment could not wait as the army will be again on
half allowance, notwithstanding all possible dispatch. I
have ordered Butler to push until he meets you, and
should this Effort have the desired effect it will be of
very great importance to the army and to the
contractors. The Fort goes on rapidly, and I have not
the least doubt of the General taking up his line of
march at all events on the 15th.
JAMES O'HARA
* * * * * *
LETTER TO THE HONORABLE THE SECRETARY OF WAR
PITTSBURGH, October 19, 1792
Sir:‹In consequence of a requisition from the
Commander-in-Chief for a supply of Forage and other
articles, I take the liberty of representing to you the
necessity of having the sum of Fifty thousand dollars,
at least, advanced for the Quartermaster's department
and transmitted to me, as soon as convenient. Annexed
you have an estimate of the Expence that will Certainly
attend the different Articles therein specified.
By letters of the 21st and 27th of September from Mr.
Belli, I cannot depend on any considerable assistance
with Forage from the country of Kentucky. I transmitted
him ten thousand Dollars yesterday by Major Rudolph,
being the first good opportunity.
The Articles of Boats, mentioned in this estimate, may
appear to you extraordinary, having so great a number
already on hand; they happen to be all at this place,
and the Articles required are only to be found at a very
considerable distance up the river Monongahela, and the
flat and unwieldy Construction of the Boats preclude
every idea of ascending the Stream with [253] them. I
shall, therefore, be oblig'd to procure others, more
Convenient to the Cargoes. Colonel Hodgdon will wait on
you, and should the present demand of Fifty thousand
dollars meet your approbation, he will receive the Money
as my Agent, and forward it soon as may be in his power.
I have the honour to be, sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
JAMES O'HARA.
* * * * * *
WAR DEPARTMENT, October 26, 1792.
Sir:‹Your letter of the 19th instant has been received,
containing a requisition for fifty thousand dollars for
the objects specified. This request will be considered
and transmitted to the treasury.
You will please to transmit to this office immediately a
return of the pack-horses, oxen, carts and wagons in
service, and the objects for and places at which they
are employed. It will also be necessary that you
transmit the objects for which the five hundred
pack-horses mentioned in your estimate are destined. Mr.
Belli, expecting his letter would come through the
wilderness, transmitted a duplicate open of his letter
to you of the 21st September, but as you have received
the first I have retained the duplicate.
It is necessary that you should monthly transmit to me
an abstract specifying generally the objects and amount
of your payments. You will for the past exhibit a
general abstract. It is not expected that this should be
precise or accompanied with vouchers, but to serve as a
general index of the expenditures.
I am, sir, your very humble servant,
H. KNOX.
* * * * * *
[254] LETTER TO THE HONORABLE THE SECRETARY OF WAR.
PITTSBURGH, December 14, 1792.
Sir:‹My being absent on several post days past, deprived
me of the pleasure of acknowledging the receipt of the
9th ult. sooner. Please to accept of my sincere thanks
for your particular attention to my last requisition for
money. I am perfectly satisfied with the sum Advanced to
my agent, as the ease and facility with which it may be
transmitted appears now so obvious, that I shall
certainly prefer drawing occasional supplies to having a
large sum in my possession at one time, and therefore do
dispense with any further application until necessity
requires it.
The whole amount advanced for my department appears, by
your statement to be One hundred and seven thousand
Dollars. I am not informed how the Odd seven thousand
were drawn, but presume they will be accounted for in
the proper place. Twenty yoke of Oxen, mentioned in my
return of the 2d of November, are all that have been in
service. Mr. Belli's letter of the 21st of September
informs that "some are used at the outposts and some
engaged in carrying Forage from headquarters to Fort
Hamilton," and answer very well. I expected to have in
my power to give you more satisfaction on this subject
in the course of this Winter; having purchased ten yokes
for the use of our new camp at Legionville. I never had
any doubt of their performing well in Draft, but they
come too high in this country, to purchase more than the
number necessary for present use. A particular abstract
of Major Craig's expenditures is now enclosed, by which
you will be able to form an idea of the charges
incidental to the department, exclusive of the necessary
preparations.
Captain Pryor, with sixteen Indians, three squaws and
three [255] interpreters, arrived here on the 7th, and
proceeded on their way to Philadelphia on the 12th, all
on horseback. I inclose a statement of their Expences
from Marietta and at this place, which you will find to
be very extravagant, owing principally to the
dissipation of the Interpreters, who, I am well
convinced, will afford you very little satisfaction,
especially Mayo and Jaco are the greatest Ruffians I
ever saw, and I am sorry to find that Captain Pryor
conceives it his duty to indulge them in all their
excesses at public expence. You have (inclosed) my
instructions to Mr. Sallender, a French gentleman, well
recommended, as a proper person to furnish the Indians
on the road. He is to remain with them in Philadelphia
or return immediately to this place, as you may think
proper. The four hundred dollars advanced being
considered insufficient by Captain Pryor, I gave him one
hundred more, which he has promised to settle at the war
office. You will also receive a copy of Mr. Belli's
letter of the 28th of October, from Fort Washington, all
his wants regretted in this letter were supplied by
Major Rudolph, being the first good opportunity.
Rudolph's pilot is returned, and brings letters late as
the 14th ult., which you will probably see before this
reaches you; however, I take the liberty of giving you
an Extract, which states particularly the number of
horses we lost on the 6th of November before Fort St.
Clair. The Commander-in Chief has got his troops very
comfortably encamped, and the prospect of forage and
provisions is very favorable. I intend taking the
advantage of the present open weather, to send off
fourteen boats loaded with Forage, to Fort Washington;
my principal motive for pushing on this quantity at this
uncertain season is, the hopes of making our boats as
useful as they should be in the Spring; could I preserve
them, which I apprehend will be so very difficult and
uncertain, that I am of opinion it will be very proper
to have twenty new boats ready [256] to launch for the
reception of the Troops in March, as soon after as may
be necessary.
I have the honour to be, your most obedient servant,
JAMES O'HARA, Q. M. G.
* * * * * *
HEAD QUARTERS, LEGIONVILLE, February 12, 1793.
Sir:‹I have been Favor'd with your letter of the 5th
instant, enclosing a general statement of forage
purchased, a statement of cash, with an Estimate of
boats wanted for the ensuing campaign; and have received
a general return of Quartermaster's stores on hand the
20th of July, 1792, received since, issued and on hand
up to the 1st February, 1793. If you have not already
done it, I have to request that you will transmit a copy
of it to the Secretary of War the soonest possible. I
have examined your Estimate of boats, out of the twelve
that you have calculated for the transportation of 2,000
men with their Arms, baggage and provisions sufficient;
we ought not to calculate upon a greater number of men
than fifty to each boat, and I have seen it demonstrated
that your large ferry-boat would not carry more than
twenty horses and men across the Allegheny at one trip,
with the men and horses all standing up and without
forage. I should rather suppose it would require twelve
boats to transport 160 horses and cattle, with the
riders, drivers and necessary forage, so as not to crowd
or injure the horses or cattle, and it will certainly
require at least eight boats for the Artillery
department. By the best calculation that I can make, it
will require at least sixty boats, independent of those
necessary for the Quartermaster's department‹what number
that may require, you are the best judge. The whole
amount of the grain part of the forage ought most
certainly to be procured, and the deficiency in hay to
be made up by an additional quantity of grain, in the
proportion of one thousand bushels of Corn for [257]
every ton of Hay, which is upon the very lowest scale of
allowance per ration, i.e., 14 pounds of hay and 7
quarts of corn. Enclosed is a return of articles
immediately wanted, and which must be forwarded, if
possible, to-morrow. All our smiths and armourers are
idle for want of coal; the consumption is, at least,
equal to five bushels per diem; we have made and used
upwards of 150 bushels of charcoal besides the stone
coal; the whole is now exhausted. We shall want 150
bushels per month. What will be the best mode of
forwarding the troops under Captain Slough? Their tents,
if any, may be stored at Pittsburgh; their other baggage
may be sent by water, and the Detachment to be ferried
over the Allegheny to-morrow and march the next morning
early for this place, where they will be immediately
under cover. You will, therefore, give the necessary
orders, in addition to those enclosed for Captain
Slough.
I am, Sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
ANTY. WAYNE.
[To JAMES O'HARA, Q. M. G., Pittsburgh.]
* * * * * *
LEGIONVILLE, March 26, 1793.
Sir:‹I have the honor to enclose you an estimate of
money, absolutely necessary for carrying the orders of
the Commander-in-Chief into immediate effect; exclusive
of $18,000 lately drawn by Mr. Hodgdon, being very
apprehensive that Mr. Belli has involved the department
at Fort Washington, of which I can make no estimate at
present. On the 15th inst., I received orders to prepare
for transporting the whole of the troops to Fort
Washington. I had not one boat fit for the purpose, at
that time; however, they shall be ready on the day
appointed; and the forge will be complete, agreeable to
the orders of September 10.
I hope Mr. Hodgden will meet no difficulty in having at
[258] least $6o,ooo forwarded to me as soon as possible,
that I may be enabled to furnish the necessary
transportation and support on your first and best
principle for ready money only. My accounts for the
present Quarter, with general returns, will be presented
at the Treasury by the next post, and in future they
shall be particularly attended to, agreeable to your
instructions.
I have reason to apprehend that the ground on which Fort
Fayette is erected has not been patented. When this work
was begun by Major Craig, the property was in the Penns,
and he informs me that he applied for a performance of
their moderate terms at the war office, and proceeded
considering the ground as public property. The lots are
in George Wood's Plan of the Town of Pittsburgh, numbers
55, 56, 57, 58, 91, 92, 93 and 94. Should any citizen
take out Deeds for those lots and persist in their
right, perhaps five times the purchase money must come
out of the public treasury for the property by the
common law. I therefore request that those deeds be
immediately applied for in the name of the United
States.
Mr. Anthony Butler is the late Proprietor's present
agent and has full power to convey.
I have the honor to be your most obedient and very
humble servant, JAMES O'HARA, Q. M. G.
[The Honourable the Secretary of War.]
* * * * * *
WAR DEPARTMENT, April 6, 1793.
Sir:‹I have just received your letter of the 26th of
March last, with the list of articles enclosed, these
shall be duly considered and application made to the
Secretary of the Treasury for the necessary funds to be
placed in your hands. The purchase of the lots on which
Fort Fayette stands shall [259] be taken into
consideration and such order taken thereon as shall
appear to be authorized by the laws.
I am, sir, your humble servant,
H. KNOX,
Secretary of War.
[JAMES O'HARA, Q. M. G.]
* * * * * *
WAR DEPARTMENT, April 12, 1793.
Sir:‹I have received your letter of the 6th, inst. You
will receive in a few days after this letter such
proportion of the monies you have required to the 1st of
July, as the Secretary of the Treasury and myself shall
judge sufficient, with an assurance of a further supply
from time to time as shall be judged necessary.
Your deputy, Mr. Belli, is here, and has presented his
accounts to the treasury for settlement for whatever sum
he shall produce, proper vouchers will be credited to
your account. Before you descend the Ohio it will be
indispensable that your accounts and vouchers to the
close of the last year, shall be presented to the
treasury for settlement.
Major Craig speaks of a balance due Turnbull and Marmie
for the rent of this magazine, due before your
administration. This account you will pay if reasonable,
and charge the same in your account in consequence of
this order.
I am, sir, with respect, your very humble servant,
KNOX.
[JAMES O'HARA, Esq., Quartermaster General.]
* * * * * *
HEADQUARTERS, S. W. BRANCH OF MIAMI, Oct. 23, 1793.
Sir:‹In obedience to the orders and instructions
received from the Secretary at War on the 25th of May,
1792, directing me if there should be any defect in the
transportation or supplies of provision (on the part of
the Contractors) to [260] make instant arrangements, at
the public expense, to remedy the evil, in order to
prevent any injury to the service. That defect having
actually taken place as far as relates to the
Contractor's means of transport, which is not more than
one-half equal to the daily supplies and the necessary
deposits ordered in advance at the respective posts and
garrisons. You, as Quartermaster-General, will
immediately purchase in behalf of the Public, and add
250 pack horses and 30 pair of oxen or 6o wagon horses
to the Contractor's present means of transport, and for
which this shall be your warrant and authority.
ANT. WAYNE.
[JAMES O'HARA Esq., Q. M. G. of the Legion.]
* * * * * *
LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF.
PHILADELPHIA, April 3, 1794.
Sir:‹I embrace this first opportunity to inform you of
my progress in forwarding the necessary supplies for the
Legion for the present year, and of expressing my
regrets for the unavoidable delay attending it, being
well aware of your solicitude for the regular support of
the Army. I could not, with propriety, receive money nor
permission to purchase until a few days ago, the
Appropriation Bill having passed into a law, the
business was immediately attended to by the Secretary of
War and the Treasury. The stores and articles required
to be taken from this place are now preparing, and those
required from the Western country shall be forwarded
agreeable to the enclosed schedules regular as possible.
The sheet of bar iron, stationery and tents are under
way.
Enclosed you will receive a general estimate of money
required for use of the Quartermaster Department for the
[261] present year, to which no kind of objections has
been made. Of this I have this day drawn $30,000. One
half I send Mr. Belli by Mr. Carpenter; the remainder I
shall also send on in a few days. You have been informed
of the fate of the Army Bill in Senate, it is again
brought forward and certain means will be adopted to
complete the Legion, at least the old and obstinate
opposition becoming more and more confounded, and the
spirit to stimulate daily increasing, the effects that
those changes may produce will be indebted to the
universal approbation of your proceedings in the Indian
country.
The Secretary of War informed me yesterday that he had
received returns of Hospital and Military stores
required and that they should be immediately ordered.
The clothing is in a very fair way, and five months pay
is preparing at bank. I will go on in the course of next
week. My accounts being before the Comptroller free from
all appearance of difficulty, I hope to get from this
place in ten days, and as procuring and purchasing
supplies on the Ohio will require some time to meet your
Excellency's particular commands, either to attend to
the execution of that duty or repair to the Army with
such other Orders as you may think necessary, would
relieve me from great anxiety in case of active
operations. I wish to be with you, otherwise I may be
well employed elsewhere until your supplies are better
secured. We daily wait the pleasure of hearing from you,
in the meantime you may be assured that every thing in
my power shall be done to support the department and
accommodate the Legion.
I have the honor to be sir, your most obedient servant,
JAMES O'HARA, Q. M. G.
* * * * * *
[262] HEADQUARTERS, GREENVILLE, June 29, 1794.
Sir:‹Since my letter of the 25th inst., I have received
despatches and papers from the Secretary of War down to
the 4th of this month; the intelligence therein
mentioned will require some artillery and stores, which
together with all such articles as may be necessary in
your department must be forwarded the soonest possible.
All the packhorses and cattle belonging to your
department and that of the Contractor's, may be
forwarded under the escort that is directed to be formed
at Fort Washington in the course of three or four days,
viz.: all the soldiers in that garrison fit for active
service that can possibly be spared, the regular
Dragoons under Captain Thomas Lewis and Cornet Blew, all
the volunteers that Captain Kibby can bring forward
agreeably to his instructions and ready to advance with
the Convoy on or before the 5th of July; to these will
probably be added twenty Choctaw Indians, who are now on
their way to Head-Quarters, and who had arrived at
Lexington on the 21st inst. You will probably have to
purchase horses or good ox teams for the artillery and
Tumbrils, which must be loaded with shot and shells
agreeably to the invoice with which Captain Henley will
be furnished; these last articles are to come forward
under the immediate escort of Major General Scott; who
you will please to furnish with four Harremen's tents
and thirty common tents, and with forty packhorses,
taking receipts for the same to be accounted for at the
close of the campaign. All the horses belonging to both
your own and the Contractor's departments are, and will
be, fully employed in front.
Great caution must be observed in the next escort and
convoy, as it would appear that the enemy are meditating
a serious blow at some quarter. The opinion of our red
allies is that they are now advancing to attack the
Legion.
[263] I had sent out three select parties, composed of
Indians and spies, in order to take prisoners and make
discoveries of the situation, force and design of the
enemy, two of these parties are yet out. The other,
consisting of forty-five Choctaws and ten of our best
spies, were drove back to camp yesterday, by vastly
superior numbers, according to the Choctaws account, who
lost one of their people at a place called Girtey's
Town, on the St. Mary's, thirty miles advanced of this
place, in a direct line towards Grand Glaize, and a few
miles to the east of Fort Recovery, for which post Major
McMahon marched this morning, at reveille, with a good
detachment, having under his escort a large number of
horses loaded with supplies. Perhaps the enemy may
endeavor to prevent his progress, in that case his
orders are to charge and cut his way through them to
Recovery, regardless of number.
Then I shall endeavor to draw the attention of the enemy
from our escort in the rear, and to create a jealousy
for their own safety, as well as for that of their women
and children. In the return you will give directions for
improving every moment in forwarding corn to Fort
Hamilton by every possible means. It would also be
necessary to purchase a reserve of at least three
hundred packhorscs, to be ready in Kentucky at a
moment's warning. Apropos, the war has assumed so new
and so serious a complexion as not to admit of Mr.
Belli's absence in furlough; on the contrary, he ought
to remain at Fort Washington, and you ought to be with
the Legion, together with an able assistant; you have
nobody at this place but the most trifling thing, whose
utmost stretch of abilities will not reach across the
Counter.
You will please to inform the Contractor that his means
of transport at this place is not half adequate to the
purpose.
I also hope and trust that your own will be at least
double [264] to what it now is at Greenville. Wishing
you a speedy and safe arrival,
I am, Sir, your most obedient and humble servant,
ANTY. WAYNE.
[To JAMES O'HARA, Q. M. General.]
* * * * * *
HEADQUARTERS, GREENVILLE, July 26th, 1794.
Sir:‹Yesterday I received yours, dated the 11th June,
which I presume was wrote on the 11th inst. Garner's
dispatches have not yet come to hand. I have no
objections to your progress in procuring Forage, and
wish it all safe at Fort Washington; you are informed
before this time of the ample state of our granaries,
and in order to relieve you from the trouble of
forwarding corn in the dry season, you will please to
purchase no more for this country until further notice.
I wrote you on the 14th and 21st, wherein I complain of
want of bags, and of the delay of Sundry Articles of the
department, which I expect will be remedied as soon as
possible. My calculation respecting the volunteers was
perfectly right, Upwards of 1,500 are now actually
cooperating with the Legion. General Scott arrived
yesterday, and a forward move will be made in two days.
Since my last several reconnoitering parties have
returned from the Towns. Mr. Wells, one of our Spies,
and his small party, brought in a Pocotawatomi, who was
in the action of the 30th June; annexed you have the
purport of his information; he was taken at Grand
Glaize, July 21st, 1794, and being examined, says that
by every account of the Delawares from Roche de Bout,
the British have from fifteen to twenty pieces of Cannon
at that place. That the British called upon all the
Indian Nations to bring on all their warriors, and that
they would bring more British soldiers than they could
bring Warriors altogether. This was one moon before the
action at Fort Recovery. The Indians having prepared
[265] for war told the British to raise their Strong Arm
and come on; their answer was to proceed and go on
before, and they would wait with their Strong Arm to
strike the Americans who were expected to come the other
way, and strike them in the rear after the Indians would
go to the war. That at the attack made on Fort Recovery
on the 30th of June, there were of the Shawnese 160
warriors, Delawares 160, Wyandots 130, Six Nations 100,
Pocotawatomies 40, Thawas 170, Chippewas 700, Miamis 78,
Eel River 8‹86‹1,654, and in addition to them 650 had
joined them after they were beat. Mathew Elliot and
young McKee, a British officer, brought on four
Matrosses and Ammunition, to batter the Fort, as soon as
they could find the Cannon, that were hid by the Indians
after General St. Clair's defeat, but were disappointed,
as the cannon had been taken away. That the great man of
Canada ordered them to go and take the first Fort and
pass on and take all to the river, to overset General
Wayne's army and roll them into the Ohio. The Indians
thought their numbers equal to the Task, but were soon
convinced of their mistake. He cannot tell the number of
Indians killed before Fort Recovery; the Indians carried
off all their dead, except a few that lay too near the
fort, in the course of the night after the Assault. He
only saw of the killed nine Shawnese, six
Pocotawatomies, ten Chippewas, two Wyandots and about
sixteen Tawawas‹the latter suffered most. There was a
great number of Wounded carried off on horseback, and a
number on biers, who are since dead. The Chippewas and
Tawawas, and all the other Nations secrete their dead,
nor do they like to talk of them, nor let one nation
know how many another had lost. The Chippewas and
Tawawas put their wounded in Boats at Grand Glaize, and
went off immediately by water, disgusted and angry with
the Shawncse, whom they suspected of having fired on
their rear whilst attacking the Fort, they were jealous
of the other Nations [266] and all the other Nations
were jealous of them in consequence of mutual reproach
for bad conduct during the engagement.
The Shawnese, Delawares and Miamis are very uneasy for
their situation; the general opinion was they would be
obliged to abandon their Country, as they cannot expect
any further assistance from the Chippewas or Tawawas;
their attention is totally absorbed in attending to the
safety of their women and children, whom they were
determined to move off (as soon as the army advanced) to
Detroit, and up the Bear Creek branch of the Miami.
That the fort, built by the British at Roche de Bout, is
a plain Stockade, comprehending all McKee's houses and
stores.
Being present at the examination of this prisoner, I am
of opinion that his answers to the General's queries
were very candid. He was taken within sight of the house
at Au Glaize; he was the seventh on hand. A variety of
circumstances correspond to confirm a belief that the
Indians must have sustained very considerable loss in
Warriors. Before Fort Recovery three bodies have been
found in the Woods, making the number thirteen, and the
information of the Pocotawatami is corroborated in some
measure from other quarters. My prospect of supporting
the Quartermaster Department with general approbation
are very flattering; the Legion and auxiliaries are in
good spirits and well supplied, and you may be perfectly
assured that we shall be in possession of Grand Glaize
and Roche de Bout before the 15th of next month.
July 27th.‹The General beats to-morrow morning instead
of the Reveille‹the whole army is ready to move in the
most complete order at sunrise, and you may expect to be
informed of an end being put to the business of war in
this quarter and of Simcoe's (Governor of Canada.)
retrograde or defeat by my next letter.
I am, etc.,
JAMES O'HARA, Q. M. G.
[267] It is a fact that upwards of twenty of our
Chickasaws fell in with the rear of the enemy and killed
a number undiscovered.
[To ISAAC CRAIG, ESQ., July 26, 1794.]
* * * * * *
HEADQUARTERS, GRAND GLAIZE, Sept. 11, 1794.
Sir:‹The enclosed letter to Elliot & Williams, with its
enclosures will show you the present disagreeable and
critical situation of the army, and the measures that I
have been compelled to adopt, in order to hold
possession of the country and prevent a famine.
After perusing those letters, which are necessary for
your information, you will seal and deliver them to Mr.
Elliot. I much fear that he has been deceived by his
Agents as to Cattle, Horses, etc.; if upon a free
communication with him you find this to be the case and
that he cannot throw in the supplies demanded, in the
course of four weeks from and after the 10th instant,
you are then, in behalf of the United States, to make
the necessary purchases of Cattle, Horses, etc., in
order to supply the defect, of which you will keep a
separate and fair account, to be settled at the treasury
with the Contractors at a future day. In the interim you
will forward as great a quantity of whiskey as
practicable, as the public are greatly in arrears with
the Legion, and volunteers with the Legion in
particular, who have been, on half allowance of flour
for five weeks past and for these fifteen days on
constant fatigue in rendering Fort Defiance impregnable
to the force of Artillery and for which I have promised
them, by way of a small compensation, one gill of
whiskey per diem per man, when on this necessary fatigue
and on short allowance.
I expect to march from this place on the 13th and to
reach the Miami village on the 18th, in the evening, if
not attacked by the combined force of the Enemy, whose
long [268] silence and great prospects of a powerful
re-inforcement from the Lakes renders that event not
improbable, add to this that our force will be much
reduced by the absence of General Barbee's brigade and
the garrison of Defiance; we shall, however, push hard
for victory.
Interim, I am your most
Hum. serv't.,
ANTY. WAYNE.
[COL. JAMES O'HARA, Q. M. G.]
* * * * * *
FORT WASHINGTON, Oct. 16, 1794.
Sir:‹I had the honor to write you from Greenville by
Captain Gibson on the 18th, informing your Excellency of
my great disappointment in finding the Horses on the way
to Headquarters, to be under the one-fourth part of the
number expected. General Barbee having but 38 instead of
300, and only 144 by Captain Gibson, instead of 400 as
reported to you, on the 9th by Express and of the
surprising deficiency of flour at Greenville, being
44,000 Rations instead of 120,000 by the same report. At
Fort Hamilton the state of the Wagons was as suspected,
not one to be found, nor the least information
respecting them.
On my arrival here yesterday morning I met Mr. George
Wilson, the Contractor's principal agent, setting out
for Headquarters, and wasted the remainder of the day in
prevailing on him to postpone this extraordinary
journey, and in fruitless Altercations Notwithstanding
the most liberal, pointed and repeated orders from Mr.
Elliot, and the most solemn promises on his part, to
have 500 Pack-horses at this place on the 1st instant,
to continue purchasing until further orders, and to have
1200 Head of Cattle on the 15th. He has deceived his
employers and involved the Army in a very serious scene
indeed. He has not one Beef nor satisfactory information
[269] respecting any, and only one hundred Horses at
this place; and his apologies are if possible more
criminal than his delinquencies. He asserts, that he had
received neither instructions nor funds for any such
purposes. That the contractor's bill had not credit.
That Bank notes would not pass. That the price of Horses
was too high, and on each of these ungenerous
subterfuges being clearly confuted by my certain
knowledge of the reverse, and after my offer of money
and personal assistance to support the Contract
agreeable to your requisitions, he concluded by
declaring that the Horses could not be got in the state
of Kentucky by any means whatever. The most favorable
construction that can be put on this man's conduct is,
that he has fallen into the fashionable error of
thinking for others, and that the Army must return to
Fort Hamilton and this Post, but his arrangements are
deficient even in this case. On perceiving that I had
determined to have five hundred Horses immediately
brought forward for the Contractors, Mr. Wilson offered
his service and actually promised to procure them in
fourteen days, or, "in as short time as any man living
could."
This inconsistency induced me to inform him that he
could no longer be confided in, being alone culpable for
all the consequences of his deception and neglect. An
Express was dispatched on my arrival to forward a number
of cattle, said to be at George Town. I shall receive
two hundred horses on the 18th which shall be kept in
motion; the purchase of these Horses was deferred, that
they might not interfere with the first purchase ordered
by the Contractors. One hundred were this day collected
and sent to load at Hamilton, to proceed to
Headquarters; this is all the visible means of
assistance in my power at present, but I beg you to be
perfectly assured that not one moment shall be omitted
in removing your present Anxiety‹of which I am very
sensible‹and of relieving my- [270] self from very
uncommon perplexity. The wagons I have engaged to load
and start from Hamilton on the 20th, having ensured them
regular Escorts.
In order to keep the business of the contract as
separate from my department as possible, I have
furnished Mr. Wilson with money to assist my Agents in
the purchase of five hundred Horses for the Contractors,
and have instructed them in such a manner as cannot fail
of success.
Mr. Samuel Culberson, one of the Contractor's agents,
has charge of the horses now setting off. I expect he
will be at Recovery on the 22d, and will give you all
the candid information in his power, relating to the
subject of this letter, having heard the disputes and
equivocations to which it alludes. The state of
provisions at the different Posts were October 12th, at
Fort Adams, 6oo lbs. flour, and 2 head of cattle. At
Fort Recovery, as stated by Lieut. Drake, Oct. 13th, at
Greenville, 720 lbs. flour and 20 cattle. At Fort St.
Clair, 48 bbls. of flour, 30 lbs. of beef. 14th, at Fort
Hamilton, 3,500 barrels and 1,300 kegs flour. The 15th,
at Fort Washington, 1,000 barrels of flour and 40
barrels salt.
I am Sir, Obt. Hbl. Servt.
JAMES O'HARA, Q. M. G.
[His EXCELLENCY THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF.)
* * * * * *
HEADQUARTERS, MIAMI VILLAGES, October 17, 1794.
Messrs. ELLIOT and WILLIAMS.
Gentlemen :‹As contractors for supplying the Legion and
the Western posts, you are to make immediate and
effectual provision for 3,640 daily issues of complete
rations until the first day of January, 1795,
inclusively of 327,600 rations of good and wholesome
provisions always in advance. The meat kind to be well
and carefully salted and cured and the whole properly
[271] housed and stored in the following proportions,
places and deposits, viz.
Daily Issues Rations
1st at Fort Washington 300 27,000
2d at Fort Steuben 100 9,000
3d at Fort Massac 100 9,000
4th at Fort Knox 100 9,000
5th at Fort Hamilton 100 9,000
6th at Fort St. Clair 6o 5,400
7th at Fort Jefferson 6o 5,400
8th at Greenville 1,500 135,000
9th at Fort Recovery 100 9,000
10th at Fort Adams 6o 5,400
11th at the Miami Villages 54,000
12th at Fort Defiance (Grand Glaize) 2,700
13th at Pique Town, (Chilacothe) 100 900
14th at Lormies' Stores, N. Branch60 5,400
15th at the old Tawa towns 100
Au Glaize 100 9,000
Total 3,640 daily issues, and in advance 327,600.
You will please to observe that none of the posts on the
waters of the upper parts of the Ohio are mentioned,
because the late commotions in the vicinity of
Pittsburgh may eventually occasion material alterations,
therefore, you will receive orders from the Secretary of
War with respect to rations at those posts. The season
for curing provisions being now arrived, you have not
one moment to lose in making the necessary arrangements.
The general interest of the United States, the security
of the Frontier Inhabitants and the retention of the
posts and Country we have recently acquired, as well as
your own interest and reputation, depend upon your
punctual and faithful compliance with these orders [272]
and instructions. Hence I have thought it my duty to
direct and order the Quartermaster-General, Colonel
O'Hara, to supply any defect that may appear or happen
upon your part and at your expense in behalf of the
United States, to be settled at the Treasury at a future
day; and he is furnished with a copy of this letter
accordingly. With a sincere hope, wish and desire that
you may be able to comply with those orders in due
season,
I am, gentlemen,
Your most obedient, humble servant,
ANTHONY WAYNE.
* * * * * *
CAMP SITE OF THE MIAMI VILLAGES, October 18 1794.
Sir:‹I have a moment only in which to inclose a return
of the provisions on hand this day and to tell you that
Laselles brother has been here and carried him off
yesterday. I received him in the double Capacity of Spy
and negotiator, being suffered to go at large. He
witnessed the retreat of the volunteers and
reconnoitered our Camp and fortifications. He gave us
much good talk with apparent sincerity and is sanguine
in his expectations of peace. The great exception which
I make to him is on the score of his talks, which were
all too good. The strongest circumstance picked out of
him was that Simcoe, McKee and Brandt, with 100 Mohawks,
landed at the post Miami on the 30th inst., direct from
Niagara, and proceeded from thence with all the chiefs
of this route to a grand Council now acting at the mouth
of the Strait. Of what is this indicative? Peace or War?
I say the latter, else why Brandt and his warriors. It
appears to me that the pursuit of Peace by this route is
not only enormously expensive but will eventuate in
disappointment. Recollect that the transport of Army
supplies by land has its limit, beyond which
practicability ceases, and that the savages have [273]
behind them great space in which to retire before us. It
would in two years produce a saving of one million of
dollars and secure the object sought, did the government
now determine to abandon this Route and put their whole
force by Presqu' isle. You may have peace by the
mediation of the British or by expelling them from the
territory of the Miami. This last is the only mode in
which to break the shackles in which the savages are now
held. Here are some crude ideas for you and how do you
like them? I will thank you very much if you will be so
good as to order six tons of good Hay to be procured for me.
Dear sir, yours,
J. WILKINSON.
[COLONEL O'HARA.]
* * * * * *
HEADQUARTERS, MIAMI VILLAGES, October 10, 1794.
Sir:‹The unfortunate death of Mr. Robert Elliott, the
acting contractor at this crisis, will render more
defective and greatly derange that department, already
but too defective and deranged; so much so as to hold up
nothing but famine to the army and the western Posts.
Under this alarming situation and circumstance and the
pressure of famine hard upon us, it becomes my duty to
remedy those defects without a single moment's loss of
time in the best manner possible. You will therefore
proceed to Fort Washington immediately, visiting the
respective Posts on the way, taking an invoice of the
stores belonging to the Contractors at each place and at
Fort Washington, together with the means of transport,
forwarding without a moment's delay as great a supply of
flour, salt and cattle as every means of transport in
your own department, as well as that of the contractors
will enable you to do, for which purpose I have ordered
a detachment of Dragoons and riflemen under the command
of Captain Gibson as far as Greenville to escort the
convoy to this place. You [274] are not unacquainted
with the small stock and state of provisions at this
place‹say, eight days rations only, hence the
indispensable necessity of dispatch. I will furnish you
with a particular list of Posts and the quantum of
supplies requisite for each by the first favorable
opportunity; and for the present only mention in gross
the rations necessary for the army from Fort Washington
to the head of the line until the first of April next,
viz., 555,000 complete rations, which will be three
months in advance, exclusive of the daily issues; but
should the Legion be completed, it will require at least
800,000 rations up to that day, by which time it is to
be presumed proper arrangements will be made at the
treasury for the regular supply of the Army. You will
please to keep fair and particular accounts with the
Contractors in behalf of the public of all expenditures
made for the supply of this Army, and if upon obtaining
all the returns or invoices of provisions and stores
belonging to the contractors from this Post to Fort
Washington, inclusive, you should find any deficiency,
you are immediately to supply the defect by purchase of
horses, cattle, flour, etc., as may be found deficient
in the Contractor's department, which you will make in
behalf of the public and for which this shall be your
warrant. You will please to consult with the
Contractor's principal agent upon this interesting
subject and show him their instructions, offering him at
the same time every assistance in your power to enable
him to comply with the Contract of his principals, but
you are not to relax in obtaining the supplies whenever
you discover a deficiency; let me hear from you upon
this interesting subject the soonest possible.
Wishing you every possible success, I am with sincere esteem,
Your most obedient humble servant,
ANTHONY WAYNE.
[COLONEL JAMES O'HARA, Q. M. G.]
* * * * * *
[275] CINCINNATI, October 23, 1794.
Sir:‹I had the Honor to write you on the 17th, by Pierce
& Butler Express, informing your Excellency of the state
I found the business of the Contractors on my arrival
here, and my prospects of further supplies for the Army,
which I hope you received. I shall have 200 very good
Horses start this morning for Greenville with corn, 100
of the Contractors with flour, and upwards of 100
beeves, purchased by Mr. Wilson on his way to Kentucky,
having yet heard of no part of his former purchases
being on the way. Enclosed you have part of the
correspondence that took place with the agent of the
Contractors on his departure to Kentucky, by which you
will perceive the difficulty that subsists in
transacting this business, and of my arrangements for
forcing forward the provisions. Mr. Day is the only
agent present, he generally answers all my inquiries and
requisitions by sublime strictures on men and measures,
he writes to your Excellency by this opportunity. The
clothing ordered on the 4th is safely arrived and stored
at Fort Hamilton, in complete order, and the whole may
be taken to Greenville by the wagons next trip, being in
all thirty-three loads at 1,500 each. Should your
Excellency approve of this most convenient and speedy
method of transporting the clothing, the return of the
wagons must be engaged by the Quartermaster, and such
escort as you may please to order, made known to the
owner; this will not be interfering with the business of
the contractors, being of the terms agreed on between
Mr. Elliott and myself on their second trip from
Hamilton. As the Beef ordered for the Miami village and
for Fort Defiance, which will require 300 head, is not
ready, nor a sufficient number of Horses, which ought to
be 400, and as I presume your Excellency intends that
the whole should go under one escort, I have directed
the public horses to return to Fort Hamilton [276] for
another Cargo of Corn, the contractors may load with
flour until the Cattle arrives. The Contractors have at
this moment about 300 Horses on the line fit for
service, should it appear to you that the number of 500
ordered in addition, is more than will be necessary I
beg to be informed, as the purchase may yet be
curtailed, and be assured that your further orders shall
be most cheerfully executed.
I am with sincere esteem,
Your Excellency's obedient servant,
JAMES O'HARA, Q. M. G.
* * * * * *
CINCINNATI, October 29, 1794.
Sir:‹I received yours of the 18th with packet for the
Secretary of War, and for the Contractor, late last
evening, by a Sergeant of Dragoons, who cannot account
for the uncommon delay of those dispatches, which I
apprehend will in some measure interfere with your
Excellency's orders respecting the convoy that ought to
advance from Greenville by the route of Girty's Town;
however, I am in hopes that Major Buell has received
your instructions in due time to support that
arrangement.
I had the honor to write you on the 17th by Butler &
Pierce, and on the 23d by Campbell Express from this
place, and having heard of neither since their
departure, I enclose you a copy of my last, no material
addition being since made, either in beef or means of
transportation. You have enclosed a copy of a letter
from Mr. George Wilson, the Contractor's agent, dated on
the 20th, at Lexington. The cattle and horses promised
by this letter are yet expected, one small drove of
Cattle having only arrived on the 23d, which joined
those mentioned in my letter of that date. He is
mistaken in his statement of the number of horses on
hand the 17th instant, fit for service, which Mr.
Culberson, Superintendent of the Contractor's horses,
can clearly explain.
[277] The mysterious and obstinate conduct of the
Contractor's agent, and of Mr. Day in particular, who
has assumed the sole control of that department, renders
my present situation extremely disagreeable and
delicate. It appears very evident that he wishes no
supplies to be furnished in front of Fort Hamilton; he
on the most ungenerous, ill-founded and avowed
prejudices, not only refuses to give the least
information respecting his arrangements and
prospects,but also endeavors to move on such supplies as
were in his power, without my knowledge, and
consequently irregular; protesting against all
interference that has been or may be attempted, relative
to the business of the contract, and instructs others to
do so likewise. I take the liberty of annexing an
extract of his orders to Mr. Carousay, Agent and
Commissary at Fort Hamilton, per example:
"Remember well that if no Arrangement is made in writing
by Mr. Elliott, signed for that purpose by his own hand,
you are not to suffer a wagon to carry Whiskey for any
man; nor are you on any pretence whatever to make any
arrangement with the Quartermaster-General or any one of
that department; each Department takes its chance." The
teams here alluded to are the private property of the
people who drive them, who had (as you have been already
informed) quit carrying to Greenville, and were
dispersed before my arrival here on the 15th, and were
prevailed on by my interference to rejoin that business.
In order to accommodate the contractors, and prevent
disorder in engaging the teams (then upwards of sixty in
number), I had made a former agreement with Mr. Elliott,
that the whole should be employed in their name,
reserving a right to load ten each trip from Fort
Hamilton, and to have the one-half for one trip only if
it should be necessary, an order in Mr. Elliott's
handwriting, directing Mr. Carousay to have the number
mentioned given, for use [278] of the public, was last
evening presented to Mr. Day, but was not sufficiently
explicit to justify his permitting "the thing to be
done." As Mr. Day must be convinced that all the wagons
employed might be immediately engaged by the
Quartermaster, it must also be his object, in order to
add to his catalogue another apology for the
deficiencies at the outposts. As this is their principal
mode of transporting flour at present, I shall give up
my claim to any part of the teams, and endeavor at the
same time to prevent any ill consequences from attending
the disappointment of the department. Your Excellency's
letter of the 17th instant, containing your orders to
the contractors, requiring supplies of provisions for
the different posts, was handed to Mr. Day last evening,
copy of which I had received enclosed. I am not yet
informed whether these orders are transmitted to Mr.
Wilson or not, but this must be done. I have not
received any further information respecting the invalid
Dragoon Horses, but shall certainly attend to your
orders on that point without delay. I have procured good
pasture and forage at Columbia, in order to have them
recruited, and shall dispose of them as may be judged
most beneficial to the public and to the service. Your
Excellency's orders respecting the escort are very
agreeable, and will be properly applied. I now wait for
the waters to rise to carry your very eligible plan of
navigating the Miami to the Picquee Town into execution.
Should this soon take place, the clothing being in
handkerchiefs and large bales, may be transported in
that way. Should it meet your approbation, and having
directed the public teams to be filled up, they may be
employed from Greenville to the landing to the best
advantage.
I have the honor to be, etc.,
JAMES O'HARA, Q. M. G.
* * * * * *
[279] CINCINNATI, November 2, 1794.
Sir:‹Enclosed you will receive further fair promises
from Mr. Wilson. All communication with Mr. Day on
public business being at an end, I cannot give the least
information respecting the state of the provisions on
the way, but I apprehend it remains, as I have
endeavoured to represent to your Excellency by my
letters of the 23d and 3oth ultimo.
The Horses ordered to be purchased in Kentucky will
certainly be on very soon, and if any faith or credit
remain due to the positive language of Mr. Wilson's
enclosed letter, a large drove of Cattle must be also
on, and shall move forward without loss of time.
By letters from Pittsburgh I find that John Wilkins &
Co. are the Contractors for next year, the provision to
be delivered at Fort Pitt and Washington, of which I
expect you are officially informed. This circumstance I
hope will be a means of relieving me from a situation
which has become intolerable, as the new contractors may
operate with the old if necessary, especially after the
first of January. The prospect of navigating the Miami
has become very fair by the present cloudy appearance of
the weather, and will be attempted as soon as an escort
will be ready for that purpose.
I have the honor to be
Your Excellency's most obedient and humble servant,
JAMES O'HARA, Q. M. G.
[THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF.]
* * * * * *
FORT WASHINGTON, November 8, 1794.
Sir:‹I had the pleasure to write you on the 2d inst.,
covering a letter of Mr. George Wilson's from Lexington,
containing a flattering prospect of an immediate supply
of Beef, which has not yet arrived. I have a number of
boats now under way for Still Water, loaded with Corn
and Whiskey; [280] they are bound to take in the
clothing at Fort Hamilton should your Excellency please
to order it on that way. The whole will rendezvous at
that Post in four or five days, and must there wait your
pleasure respecting the clothing and such escort as you
may please to order.
Should the difficulty of transporting the clothing from
the mouth of Still Water to Greenville (which will
require thirty wagons) induce you to defer ordering it
by water, the private team may be engaged as proposed by
my letter of the 23d. On their arrival at Headquarters,
which will be about the 17th, the corn, being very
portable, may go on; an extra escort will be wanted even
then, which I hope will be at Fort Hamilton soon as
possible or orders for the quartermaster to have the
boats immediately discharged. I expect the honor of
writing you with more satisfaction in a few days.
I am, Sir,
Your most obedient and humble servant,
JAMES O'HARA, Q. M. G.
[HIS EXCELLENCY THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF.]
* * * * * *
CAMP, ROSTRAVE TOWNSHIP, November 8, 1794.
Sir:‹Information has been received that Mr; Elliott, one
of the Contractors, has been lately killed by the
Savages; and Mr. Williams, his partner, has represented
that this, without the aid of your department, may
embarrass the measures for furnishing and forwarding the
supplies required by the Commander-in-Chief. As it is
all-important that these supplies should be duly
furnished and conveyed to the respective posts, I must
request and advise that you will co-operate in the
article of transportation as far as may be necessary.
For this purpose you will understand yourself with the
Agents of the Contractors, ascertain what they can or
cannot do, and endeavor to supply what may be deficient.
In doing this [281] you will, of course, keep and
furnish such a record and statement of the aid you give
as will enable the United States to make the proper
charges against the Contractors, who are bound by their
contract to transport as well as to procure and issue
the provisions. It is understood that in the course of
the Campaign similar aids have been, from time to time,
given by your department. Of these, also, the Treasury
ought to have as accurate a view as is practicable;
otherwise the public will have to pay doubly for
transportation‹first in the price of the rations to the
contractors, and secondly, in the expense of that which
you furnish in aid of them.
With consideration, etc., I am, your obt. servant,
ALEXANDER HAMILTON.
[JAMES O'HARA, Esq., Quartermaster-General.]
* * * * * *
FORT WASHINGTON, November 9, 1794.
Sir:‹I am honored by yours of the 6th instant, and
highly flattered by that polite testimony of your
Excellency's approbation of my conduct respecting the
supplies for the Legion.
I wrote you on the 8th, by Express, and have now the
pleasure to inform you that, on or before the 14th, six
hundred Horses of the two departments, one hundred and
sixty Cattle, and salt sufficient for the advanced
Posts, will be at Greenville. I sent an Express into
Kentucky yesterday, and, at his return, two hundred
fresh Horses shall set off from this place, and good
information, at least, relative to further supply of
Beef. Ten Boats will be at Hamilton, on the 12th, loaded
with corn, flour and whiskey for Still Water. The
private teams start to-morrow, entirely loaded with
flour for Head Quarters. The clothing may be
transported, by either land or water, by next return, as
you will please to order. I hope those arrangements will
enable your Excellency, at length, to have the advanced
posts furnished with provisions agree- [282] able to
your former orders; the flour for Head Quarters,
Jefferson and St. Clair, will be complete in a short
time.
I am, Sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
JAMES O'HARA.
[HIS EXCELLENCY THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF.]
* * * * * *
FROM HIS EXCELLENCY ANTHONY WAYNE.
[To COLONEL JAMES O'HARA.]
HEADQUARTERS, GREENVILLE, Nov. 14, 1794.
Sir:‹I have to acknowledge the receipt of your several
letters of the 3, 8, 9 inst., with enclosures; and am
happy to find that your perseverance and decision have
at last put the contractor's department into operation.
Upon the receipt of your letter of the 8th inst., I
ordered a detachment under Captain Bradley to proceed to
Hamilton as an escort to the boats and sent Captain
Shrimm to the confluence of the Stillwater with
Greenville creek in order to determine the state of the
water, which he found to be eighteen inches lower than
it was last spring at the place where the boats
unloaded, and that it was impracticable for them to get
to that place until a rise of water‹in fact I suspected
that was the case, because when we crossed Stillwater on
Hartzhorn's road on the 2d inst., it was lower than I
had ever seen it, nor was this creek much raised
although the St. Mary's had overflowed its banks and was
swimming to the horses and detachment that escorted the
cattle to the Miami villages at the usual crossing place
between that Post and Fort Recovery on the 6th inst.; so
that it is now reduced to a certainty that supplies may
be transported by water from Girty's Town to Forts Wayne
and Defiance in boats carrying fifty or sixty barrels,
built in the form of the Adventurer, [283] which was
sent from the Miami villages to Grand Glaize. I
therefore wish you to have at least one dozen built
after that construction and sent up loaded to Fort
Hamilton, from whence they may proceed at a proper
season to Lormies' stores and be transported on waggons
to the St. Mary's along a fine, dry, level road, not
exceeding ten miles distant, when they may be reloaded
and proceed on their voyage to the aforesaid Posts. It
was on waggons that we transported our pontoons or boats
for the purpose of crossing the Delaware and North River
during the late war‹one of those pontoons would have
carried an hundred or more barrels. I have ordered the
boats to be unloaded at Hamilton and sent back to
Washington. I think it's more than probable by the time
they return to Hamilton the creek will be in a proper
state of navigation; at least it was the case in the
latter end of last November‹which, from present
appearances, will again be the case about the change of
the moon, say on the 20th or 25th inst. The clothing
will be ordered on by the by the next return of the
wagons, and for which a proper escort will be furnished.
I received a letter from Mr. Charles Wilkins, dated
Lexington, November 4, 1794, enclosing a copy of a
contract made between Mr. Tench Coxe, Commissioner of
the Revenue, and Alexander Scott and Matthew Ernest for
supplying rations at Pittsburgh and Fort Washington. I
really do not nor cannot understand it until I have
official information of its being made and instructions
upon the subject, neither of which have yet arrived. It
will be necessary that Mr. Wilkins and Mr. George
Wilson, as agents of the old and new Contractors, should
attend immediately at Headquarters, perhaps it may be
convenient for you to accompany them, in order that the
present state and means of supplies, etc., may be
properly understood.
[284] I have ordered Mr. Newman to be sent to this place
under a proper guard, which may serve as an escort to
you. Captain Pierce will be directed to consult upon the
occasion. Captain De Butts will trouble you with an
invoice of certain articles of which we stand much in
want. I pray you to procure them or let them be
forwarded with Mr. Newman. I believe we have sufficient
proof to establish the charge which will be exhibited
against him.
Wishing you a safe arrival, I am with sincere esteem,
Your most obedient humble servant,
ANTHONY WAYNE.
* * * * * *
HEADQUARTERS, GREENEVILLE, November 6, 1794.
Sir:‹I have to acknowledge the receipt of your several
letters of the 17th, 23d and 29th ultimo, with their
respective enclosures; and sincerely thank you for the
part you have taken and the pointed manner in which you
have detailed the defects upon the part of the
Contractors in point of supplies for and at the
respective posts, as also their deficiency of means of
transport. The enclosed report of provisions at this
place will best demonstrate the indispensable necessity
of your utmost exertions to supply, or to compel the
Contractors agents to supply, the rations mentioned in
my letter of the 18th ult. At this moment we are on half
allowance of beef, and even at that rate we have not six
days issues now on hand, you will therefore call upon
the Contractors for beef cattle, and upon Captain
Pierce, to furnish an escort to proceed with them to
this place, without a moment's delay. All the cattle
that came in were sent to the advanced Posts‹say 250
head‹except a small supply at each of the intermediate
posts from Hamilton to Adams inclusive. All those Posts
were destitute of beef at the time that supply was on
the way, and until it arrived. One-fourth of those sent
to the Miami [285] villages were ordered to Fort
Defiance, where I hope they have arrived, but there is
not salt at either of those Posts to cure one thousand
weight of beef, and should the Enemy determine to
persevere in hostilities, those cattle must inevitably
be lost; add to this that the pasture has totally
failed, hence the immediate necessity of a full supply
of salt, by the first convoy, and perhaps this will be
the most favorable opportunity, as I have now at this
place two hostages, one of them a chief of the Wyandots,
until the return of a flag from Sandusky, which will be
on or about the 20th inst. You will therefore, please to
communicate the contents of this letter to the
Contractors or their agents, and should you find any
demur on their part in immediately furnishing the
supplies called for, you are to supply the defect
agreeably to the orders given you on the 10th and 18th
ultimo.
I am, with esteem and respect,
Your most humble servant,
ANT. WAYNE.
[COLONEL JAMES O'HARA.]
* * * * * *
FORT WASHINGTON, September 16, 1794.
Sir:‹You will please to receive of Captain Peirce all
the Quartermaster's stores and other public property
delivered to him by Mr. Belli, and continue to perform
the duty of Deputy Quartermaster-General until further
orders. In order to prevent any deficiency in the
Ordnance Department, I leave Mr. Hanagan and Mr. Oliver
in the Quartermaster's stores, those gentlemen being
well acquainted with the forms and method of doing the
business, will enable you to attend to both departments
till more permanent arrangements can be made, for which
you will be allowed a reasonable compensation in
addition to your pay as Commissary of Military Stores;
being apprehensive that the clothing lately arrived is
not in good order, you will have it immediately examined
and [286] repacked into casks and stored under cover at
all events. Your knowledge of the different duties
required of you and for which you will be accountable,
render it unnecessary for me to be more particular in
explaining them at present; therefore in perfect
confidence that the interest of the public, the dignity
of the department and your own honor, are safe in your
hands, and wishing you health and pleasure in the
execution of those duties,
I am your humble servant,
JAMES O'HARA,
Quartermaster-General.
[SAMUEL HENLEY, ESQ.]
* * * * * *
GREENVILLE, November 14, 1794.
Dear Sir:‹I had the pleasure to receive your favor of
the 9th, the friendly and polite attention you have
uniformly shown to me and to my interests has impressed
me with very warm sentiments of gratitude and personal
esteem towards you, and with a strong desire of being
favdred with an opportunity of evincing, by a
reciprocity of good offices, that I am neither
insensible nor unworthy of your regard. Although I shall
feel much regret at your departure from the army, at any
period whilst I shall remain in it; yet my friendship
would not permit me to wish your stay one moment to the
injury of your domestic happiness and interest. I have
been long of Opinion that your private concerns called
you loudly into private life; but I had hopes that your
appointment would be placed on a more liberal and
respectable establishment; such as might in some measure
compensate for your relinquishment of other pursuits. I
felicitate you most sincerely upon the happiness you
will experience in carrying with you the releasing
reflections of having discharged the important duties
confided to you with ability and [287] integrity, and to
the entire satisfaction of all those whose approbation
is desirable. I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you
at the time mentioned in the General's letter‹ enclosed
is the invoice of which he speaks. I hope you are aware
that the drawing of the Federal lottery commences on the
22d of December; sooner, if the tickets should be sold.
Your convoy arrived this morning; the cattle yesterday
and before.
Believe me to be, dear sir,
Your sincere friend,
W. DE BUTTS.
[COLONEL JAMES O HARA.]
* * * * * *
GENERAL WILKINSON.
Nemat Calistai:‹Kahela noolabindam ailey m'bindamin K
langandawokan? N'winga Kahama Kinemin, Kee, ock
Kinashawshin (Sheeky aughque) ock abschy Meetchy Ki
mitcheewouckan, ock miney K'wine, Shuck, thamsy alindy
matta Gusky ninelay, uney Kisquee Paghaquike, qui Kwique
indagh.
Neeshee okunachoky uney,
IMBAHANY.
Brother, Calistai:‹Yes I rejoice because we hear you
make peace? I am willing, if we know, you go, and shall
take care (assuredly) and always. Already your
provisions I have gathered here, and fit for you to eat.
But sometime some if not to-day certainly, a guide about
Noon goes to visit towards you; he will travel the road
alone.
IMBAHANY.
[Original in the writing of James O'Hara,
Quartermaster-General. Translated by Mary O'H.
Darlington.]
* * * * * *
[288] HEADQUARTERS, GREENVILLE, 3 February, 1795.
Sir:‹Agreeably to the verbal orders I gave you at this
place, you will previously to your departure from Fort
Washington make the necessary and effectual arrangements
for the transport of every species of supplies for the
use of the Legion and for the respective posts and
garrisons in every direction, as by the new Contract
with Messrs. Scott & Ernest the public are to be the
carriers of all the rations in future, from the general
deposits at Pittsburgh and Fort Washington, add to this
the defect on the part of the old Contractors of 120,000
Rations from this place to the head of the Line,
inclusive; nor is there the least prospect of this
deficiency being made up, as Mr. Wilson has not as yet
sent forward but 15,800 rations of flour towards it,
notwithstanding his promise to complete the whole by the
8th Instant. We have but twenty days issues of flour now
at this place and but fifteen at Recovery; nor have we
at this moment more than eight weeks issues at any of
our Posts. Hence you will have to commence the transport
of provision under the New Contract earlier than what
was expected‹say, on the 1st of March, i. e., in the
course of three weeks, and of which you will please to
give M. Wilkins (their agent) immediate Notice so as to
have the flour part ready to deliver at Fort Washington
on or before that day, agreeably to the orders given him
on the 13th ultimo, to the end that advantage may be
taken of the first rise of the waters upon the breaking
up of the ice, & which from present appearances will
soon be the case. I therefore wish you to have the boats
in readiness at Hamilton, etc., for the transport to
this place and Lormies' Stores, & hold the wagons and
pack-horses in readiness for the portages at the
shortest notice, with proper persons to superintend and
direct the water & land carriage, so that there may be
no time lost upon any occasion whatever, and send [289]
forward Mr. Sharp upon sight to build the boats for the
St. Mary's.
The prospect of a General Treaty of Peace, with all the
Hostile tribes of Indians North West of the Ohio on or
about the 13th of June, renders it expedient that you
repair to Philadelphia via Pittsburgh as soon as you
have made the arrangements before mentioned, in order to
procure and forward the articles wanted in your
department for the present year, as also the Indian
goods and articles wanted for the pending treaty,
agreeably to the invoice, provided it meets the
approbation of government upon being presented to the
Secretary of War.
In the interim it will be indispensably necessary that
you forward (from your own private Stores at
Pittsburgh), a temporary supply of clothing, Wampum,
etc., for the use of such deputies as will naturally be
coming in with overtures from the different tribes of
Indians, between this time and the day appointed for
holding the General Treaty. Had I the means I would
prefer separate treaties, in order to avoid the idea of
a General Confederacy, but the disposition of those
people must be consulted. You will also please to
forward all such Public Stores as may be at Pittsburgh
for the use of the Legion and designed for this Quarter,
belonging to your own and to the ordnance and Hospital
departments, immediately upon your arrival there, in
order to take advantage of the water transport to this
place and to the head of the line, which you know we
can't count upon after the Middle of April at furthest,
either on the Miami or the Ohio, or the St. Mary's or Au
Glaize; this is an object of very considerable
consequence and will save an immense expense, trouble
and fatigue if timely attended to.
I begin to feel very uneasy with respect to flour. The
New Contractors have none at Washington, and the ice
will [290] prevent any from descending the Ohio for some
time yet; perhaps not before the middle of March; they
therefore must purchase from the old Contractors at all
events, and which might have been done with advantage to
the Public and themselves some time since; perhaps it
will not be the case now; yet the thing must be done and
the sooner the better. From this statement of facts you
will see the absolute necessity of putting everything in
a proper train before you leave Washington. Among other
Matters, provisional means ought to be directed for
mounting the Dragoons in case it should be found
expedient, and materials furnished for repairing the old
furniture, to serve until new comes forward. Wishing you
a safe and speedy arrival at Pittsburgh and Philadelphia
(after you have put everything in a proper way) and a
speedy return to this place,
I am, with Sincere Esteem,
Your most obt., humble servant,
ANTHONY WAYNE.
[COL. JAMES O HARA, Q. M. G.]
* * * * * *
FORT WASHINGTON, Feb. 8, 1795.
Sir:‹I am honored with your letter of the 3d instant and
find your apprehensions, respecting the immediate
transportation of flour to headquarters but too well
founded, none of that article having yet come to hand.
The Ohio and Miami rivers being in very good order I was
tempted to load and dispatch twelve Boats with corn for
Still Water, and if they meet with no unforseen
demurage, they may be returned to Hamilton and the mouth
of the Miamis before the provisions will arrive for a
second Cargo. The necessary and effectual arrangements
shall be made for the transporting and furnishing the
necessary provisions and every species of supplies for
the Legion and for the respective Posts and Garrisons on
[291] the line before my departure from this Post, and
preparation shall be made for carrying your Excellency's
orders, respecting Massac, Fort Knox and Steuben, into
immediate effect as soon as you will please to direct.
By the enclosed papers you will see all the
communication that I have had with the Agents of the new
Contractors. My arrangements for forming further means
of transportation and the rates of freight for Still
Water established with the owners of Craft on that
Service.
Your Excellency will perceive the necessity of a
covering Party at the landing of the cargoes; as much
depends on the Boats being instantly discharged, in
order to meet the flour at the mouth of the Miami in due
time.
Mr. Mathews is ordered to attend to the receiving of the
cargoes and forwarding the property to Headquarters. Mr.
Donwoddie, with a few additional teams, will attend to
the transportation and Mr. George Adams has charge of
the public Boats now under way.
The extravagant speculations held in View by the owners
of the private teams that have been employed by the
Contractors having rendered it absolutely necessary to
erect a number of public teams for the road, I beg leave
to submit the propriety of having the road from Hamilton
to Recovery repaired soon as possible, being at present
impassable for wagons. If the old road from Hamilton was
cleared out and a few swamps Bridged or causway'd it
would, in wet weather, be preferable to the new, at all
events, it will be a good alternation.
I have conversed with the old Contractors agent here and
have some reason to expect that they will yet furnish
the stipulated quantity of provisions. They have sent on
seventy-five fresh Horses, lately purchased, which will
increase their whole number perhaps to one hundred and
fifty and may be a means of supplying the outposts
without delay.
[292] A number of Horses start to-morrow with a supply
of iron, stationery and other stores for headquarters.
The time of my going from this place being very
uncertain, I may be yet honored with your further
commands, which, with those enjoined by your last
letters, shall be religiously complied with.
I have the honor to be with the most sincere attachment
Your Excellency's most Ob't, Hum. Serv't,
JAMES O'HARA.
[HIS EXCELLENCY, THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF.]
* * * * * *
TO COLONEL JAMES O'HARA, Q. M. G.
WAR OFFICE, March 14, 1795.
Sir:‹On looking over the return of Indian goods on hand
at Greenville, I am inclined to think that a small
additional supply will suffice for the occasional
demands of the Indians, until the treaty should be held
for making peace. The following articles are all that I
would have forwarded until the terms of purchase shall
be settled here between you and the treasury department.
About 400 calico shirts No. 8; the smallest trunk of
linen shirts containing 189. Case No. 13 containing
blue, green, brown and white, half thicks and two diaper
rugs. The bale No. 15, containing twelve pieces of blue
stroud, one piece of Scarlet stroud of 17 yards and one
of blue containing 15 yards.
Seventeen hundred of black Wampum and the 5-1/2 pounds
of vermillion. The whole should be examined, and
particularly the woolens before they are forwarded;
there is much danger that woolens are moth eaten, as
they have lain so long on hand. Nothing should be sent
that is not in good order. Colonel Meigs will be
employed to take charge of the goods in the Indian
department, and perhaps of the clothing of the [293]
Army; I expect if not now, that he will shortly be at
Pittsburgh. Should he not arrive in time, Major Craig
may receipt for them.
I am your humble servant,
TIMOTHY PICKERING.
* * * * * *
WAR OFFICE, April 23, 1795.
Sir:‹The articles requisite to be purchased here in the
quartermaster's department were selected, and the list
thereof with the supposed prices yesterday presented to
the treasury.
I shall be obliged by your making out a list of Indian
goods to the amount of twenty-five or thirty thousand
dollars, assorted according to your opinion of the wants
and conveniences of the Western Indians.
I am Sir, your obedient servant,
TIMOTHY PICKERING.
[COLONEL O'HARA.]
* * * * * *
GREENVILLE, Sept. 21, 1795.
Dear Sir:‹I don't know whether my impatience to have the
papers (now sent) dispatched from hence, equalled yours,
but I am correct in assuring you it was very great. I
could have wished the trunk to have gone sooner‹and it
had been ready waiting in the Quartermaster's possession
for several days‹but it was not thought expedient to
send it before yesterday, as the dispatches for you
could not follow it before to-day. I send the key by
Captain Taylor, which I pray you to return after forcing
open the trunk deposited in your stores at Washington in
1793, and transferring its material contents into the
One now sent.
The General has received your letter of the 15th and I
yours of the 18th instants ; they afforded the same
satisfaction which your letters have uniformly imparted.
A knowledge of Mr. Harragan's unadorned worth, renders
his appointment in your department very pleasing to the
[294] General, and no attention in my power shall be
wanting to give him support and confidence in his
office. Mr. Clark's equipment, in your hands, was
expected to be as respectable as the occasion required.
His barge and crew‹should they make a speedy voyage‹may
return time enough for a certain expedition; this is to
be wished, as the crew are chosen men and will in all
probability be well trained.
Mr. Caldwell has not yet applied; your wishes respecting
him shall be complied with.
I think you will have not a disagreeable passage at this
time to Pittsburgh; the season is favorable and the
equinox may perhaps afford you water sufficient. I
congratulate you sincerely on your return to your family
after your long and eminent services, and I wish you
from my soul, every success which your most sanguine
wishes may lead you to hope for, in the execution of the
designs which shall for the future employ your
attention.
It appears rather problematical at this moment whether I
shall ever be so fortunate as to derive advantage from
your knowledge and experience by a partial union of our
respective interests, and as I cannot at present advance
anything new or decisive on this subject, I am
constrained to be silent until I shall have the pleasure
of again seeing you. I transmit enclosed with many
thanks for the loan, three hundred and fifty-six
dollars, the amount of my note in your hands.
I hope you will have the goodness to write me a few
lines before you leave Fort Washington, and be ever
persuaded that the best and warmest wishes will attend
you, of
Dear Sir, yours with real esteem and friendship,
DE BUTTS.
[COLONEL JAMES O'HARA.]
* * * * * *
[295] GREENVILLE, September 22, 1795.
Dear Sir:‹The business of yesterday, in despatching
Captain Taylor with the General's packets for you,
occupied my time so completely that I could scarce find
enough to scratch the few lines I sent you by him, and
induced me to keep one of his dragoons until this
morning in order to have the pleasure of talking a
little more to you. I received unfeigned pleasure in
reading and transmitting the General's letter of
yesterday to you. So just and so full a testimony of
your abilities and conduct, of his approbation and
friendship, I am sure you will consider as the dearest
reward that an officer can receive for his public
labors. A copy of it, and of yours of the 25th ultimo to
the General, are contained in the dispatches you carry
forward, accompanied by a long paragraph, in one of his
public letters, expressive of the regret he feels at
your retiring from the service, of the entire confidence
he has always so justly placed in your worth and
conduct, of the high sense he entertains of your ability
and resource, and of his fears lest the office should
not be filled by a successor of equal merit. These are
tributes, my dear sir, that will ever attend worth and
virtue, and administer the sweetest satisfaction, not
only to the object to whom they are offered, but to all
those who are interested in our fame and happiness. What
would you think of the General's partial regard for and
opinion of me when, almost in the same sentence in which
he pronounces your eulogium, he should propose me as
your successor? However strange and unexpected the thing
may appear, the fact is so; and he has fortified his
recommendation with so many flattering expressions, and
so much further strengthened them by his voluntary
responsibility for my conduct at the head of the
department, that I shall not be much surprised should I
really be appointed. He deems it advisable that I should
acquaint you, in con- [296] fidence, with this
circumstance, as he imagines your regard for me would
interest you in the issue; and you may be persuaded my
reliance on your friendship and judgment anticipated the
advice. I shall say nothing further to you but to
request that if any name should occur during your
intercourse with the Secretary of War on the subject of
your vacancy, that you would be good enough to advise me
with your observations of the occasion. This matter is
intended, for the present, to rest silent In the
General's, in yours, and in the breast of
Your sincere friend,
DE BUTTS.
[COLONEL O HARA.]
* * * * * *
PHILADELPHIA, February 24, 1797.
Sir:‹A Regiment of Troops is ordered to rendezvous at
the mouth of the Big Miamis on or before the 20th of
April next, from whence, after a few days halt, they
will be marched by the most direct route to Knoxville in
the State of Tennessee. I give you this reasonable
information of the movement for your accommodation and
have to require that you may take the necessary
arrangements for provisioning the troops, at mouth of
the Miami and on the march, at such times and places as
Lieutenant Colonel Butler may regulate with you
With respect, I am, Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
JA. WILKINSON, B. General.
[COLONEL JAMES O HARA.]
* * * * * *
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE, December 28, 1798.
Sir:‹Your accompt as Deputy Quartermaster-General at
Fort Washington for services performed and supplies pur-
[297] chased to the 30th of June, 1796, has been
adjusted at the Treasury, and the amount disbursed found
to be ninety-nine thousand seven hundred and
twenty-seven dollars and ninety-nine cents, which will
be passed to the credit of James O'Hara, Esq., late
Quartermaster-General in the books of the Treasury.
The amount of the Abstracts, on which this settlement is
predicated, is one hundred thousand three hundred and
seventy-seven dollars and eight cents; is six hundred
and forty-nine dollars and nine cents more than the
amount above stated, and arises from the following
deductions, viz:
This sum being the amount of sundry errors, $25.23; this
sum being the amount for public horses sold, $508.86;
this sum being an advance to Captain Shaumburg, pursuant
to General Wilkinson's Warrant, which is referred to the
War Department for settlement, $100; this sum being a
payment for services performed in September, 1796, which
will hereafter constitute a credit to the present
Quartermaster-General, as per receipt in his favor, $18.
Difference above stated, $649.09.
I am, Sir, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES STEELE, Comptroller.
[DANIEL HARAGAN, ESQ., Deputy Quartermaster-General,
Fort Washington, Northwestern Territory.]
* * * * * *
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE, Oct. 11, 1797.
Sir:‹Your account as late Quartermaster-General, for
disbursements made at Philadelphia, by your Agent,
Samuel Hodgdon, from the 1st of January to the 30th of
June, 1796, has been adjusted at the Treasury, in
consequence of which, the amount so disbursed, being
$10,816.70, will be passed to [298] your credit in the
books of the treasury. Your account in the capacity
aforesaid, for disbursements made at Pittsburgh by your
deputy, Isaac Craig, from the 1st of February to the
14th of October, 1796, has also been adjusted at the
Treasury, and the amount so disbursed found to be
$30,064.12, which will likewise be passed to your credit
in the books aforesaid.
I am, Sir, very respectfully
Your obedient servant,
JAMES STEELE, Compt.
[JAMES O'HARA, ESQ.]
* * * * * *
NEW YORK, May 12, 1799.
Sir:‹If you have not previously been apprised of it, it
is proper you should be informed that an Act of Congress
of March last entitled "An Act for the better organizing
the troops of the United States and for other purposes,"
contains the following provisions:
SECTION 19. That a ration of provisions shall henceforth
consist of eighteen ounces of bread or flour, or when
neither can be obtained, of one quart of rice or one and
a half pounds of sifted or riddled Indian meal, one
pound and a quarter of fresh beef, or one pound of
salted beef, or three-quarters of a pound of salted
pork, and when fresh meat is issued, salt at the rate of
two quarts for every hundred rations; soap at the rate
of four pounds, and candles at the rate of a pound and a
half for every hundred rations: Provided always, that
there shall be no diminution of the ration to which any
of the troops now in service may be entitled by the
terms of their enlistment.
SECTION 22. That it shall be lawful for the
Commander-in-Chief of the Army, or the commanding
officer of any separate detachment or garrison thereof,
at his discretion to cause to be issued from time to
time to the troops under his command, [299] out of such
supplies as shall have been provided for the purpose, in
quantities not exceeding half a gill of rum, whiskey or
other ardent spirits, to each man per day, excepting in
cases of fatigue service or other extraordinary
occasions, and that whensoever supplies thereof shall be
on hand, there shall be issued to the troops vinegar at
the rate of two quarts for every hundred rations.
These provisions are, of course, to govern your future
issues. But as the promise with regard to troops who may
have enlisted on the stipulation of a different ration
may require circumspection on the application of the new
rule, the commanding officer must concert with you this
application.
With consideration, I am, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
ALEXANDER HAMILTON.
[JAMES O'HARA, ESQ., Contractor, Pittsburgh.]
* * * * * *
LETTER FROM GENERAL HAMILTON TO JAMES O'HARA, ESQ.
NEW YORK, November 7, 1799.
Sir:‹The recruiting rendezvous in Virginia are: 1. New
London; 2. Powhatan Courthouse; 3. Petersburgh; 4.
Suffolk and Kemperville, either or both for one; 5. City
of Richmond; 6. Williamsburgh; 7. Acomac Courthouse; 8.
Northumberland Courthouse; 9. Bowling Green; 10.
Culpepper Courthouse; 11. Fauquier Courthouse; 12.
Leesburgh; 13. Fredericksburgh; 14. Charlotteville; 15.
Winchester; 16. Staunton; 17. Fincastle; 18. Abingdon;
19. Moorefield; 20. Morgantown.
The rendezvouses in Maryland are: Georgetown,
Hagerstown, Porto Bacco, Annapolis, Fredericktown,
Easton, City of Baltimore, Centreville, Elkton, Close.
In Delaware the rendezvouses are: Wilmington, Dover, and
New Castle.
[300] In Pennsylvania they are: Wyoming, Reading,
Northumberland, Philadelphia, Lancaster, Bristol,
Yorktown, Carlisle, Lewistown, Bedford, Greensburgh,
Washington, Pittsburgh.
Some changes may have taken place, which you will learn
from the particular officers. There are two companies at
Fort Mifflin, one company on the Schuylkill, two at
Norfolk, and one at Baltimore. It is intended to station
three regiments at Harper's Ferry on the Potomac, and a
battalion of artillery too. But the difficulty of
obtaining winter quarters at this place may cause two of
the regiments to be stationed at Fredericktown, in
Maryland, or Carlisle, in Pennsylvania, one or both of
these places. The Seventh Regiment, under the command of
Colonel Bentley, will pass the winter in the vicinity of
Richmond. For more particular information concerning
Virginia it will be proper to consult General Pinckney.
With great consideration, I am Sir,
Your obedient servant,
A. HAMILTON.
[JAMES O'HARA, ESQ.]
P. S.‹By letter received this day, it appears that there
will be no troops quartered at Fredericktown, but pretty
certain that one, Colonel Moore's, the 10th, will be
stationed at Carlisle.
NOTE.‹Fort Lafayette contains two barracks, three
hexagonal towers in wood, containing artillery and
powder magazine. The inclosure is composed of large
pointed stakes, closed together, fifteen or sixteen feet
high, the fort is square, of weak defence.
* * * * * *
[301] ERECTION AND ORGANIZATION OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY‹1785 TO 1788.
By WILLIAM M. DARLINGTON.
1785. The earliest movement towards forming the county
of Allegheny appears to have been in the year 1785,
when, on Monday, the 7th day of March, in the General
Assembly of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, "A petition
from a number of the inhabitants of the town of
Pittsburgh and county adjoining, within the counties of
Westmoreland and Washington, was read, praying that part
of the counties of Westmoreland and Washington may be
erectcd into a new county, and that the seat of justice
may be fixed at the town of Pittsburgh, or upon the
tract reserved by the State, on the west side of the
Allegheny." The petition was laid on the table, nor does
it appear that it was taken up for consideration during
that session.
The representatives from Westmoreland, William Findley;
Thomas Morton and William Todd, probably were opposed to
it. On September 2, 1786, a like petition was presented
the Assembly, read and laid on the table. The term of
the Assembly ended at the close of the same month.
In October following at the general election, Hugh H.
Brackenridge, of Pittsburgh, William Findley and James
Barr were chosen members from Westmoreland County for
the ensuing year.
The first session of the next House of Representatives
opened at Philadelphia, October 23, 1786.
[302] The returns from Westmoreland County were not
received until November 2d. Mr. Brackenridge took his
seat in the House on the 13th of November. On the 16th
of the same month "Petitions from a considerable number
of the inhabitants of the counties of Westmoreland and
Washington, read in the late and former House of
Assembly, March 7, 1785, and September 2d last; praying
a part of the said counties may be created into a new
county" were presented to the chair, read andordered to
lie on the table. On the 21st they were taken up, read
the second time and referred to Messrs. Ross, of
Lancaster; Piper, of Bedford County; Finley, of
Westmoreland; Brackenridge, of Pittsburgh, in
Westmoreland County; Flenniken, of Washington County;
Gilchrist, of Fayette County, and Carson, of Dauphin.
On the 29th of November the report of the Committee was
read the first time, and on the next day, the 30th, a
second time, and adopted as follows, viz.: The Committee
on the Petition praying that a new county be laid off,
comprising the town of Pittsburgh, are of opinion that
it may be expedient, and offer the following resolution:
Resolved, That a new county be laid off by the following
boundaries, viz.: Beginning on the Ohio River, at the
mouth of Flaharty's Run, and thence with a direct line
to a point on Chartier's River, two miles below the
mouth of Miller's Run, and thence with a direct line to
the Monongehela River, at the mouth of Youghiogheny
River, and with that river to the mouth of Turtle Creek,
and with that creek to the mouth of the most northerly
branch, and with that branch to the head, and from the
head of said branch to the head of Plumb Run, and with
that run to the Allegheny River, and ascending that
river to the boundary of Northumberland County, at the
mouth of Conewago River, and with that river to the
northern boundary of the State, if the said river shall
extend [303] so far, or if it shall not extend so far,
then with a north line to the said northern boundary,
and with the said boundary to the western boundary of
this State, and with that line to the Ohio River, and
with that river to the place of beginning.
Your committee also taking into view the value it will
give to the tract of land reserved by this State on the
west of the Ohio and opposite the town of Pittsburgh, to
have the seat of justice located on that tract, and also
that but small segments have been taken from the
counties of Westmoreland and Washington on this side the
Ohio to the new county, offer a further resolution:
Resolved, That the seat of justice be located on the
said reserved tract, and that in the meantime, until a
courthouse and gaol can be built on the said tract, the
courts shall be held in the town of Pittsburgh, and the
commissioners of the county shall be empowered to rent
convenient buildings for a courthouse and gaol, at the
expense of the county; that the sum to be expended in
building a courthouse and gaol shall not exceed £‹.
Ordered, That Mr. Ross, Mr. Piper, Mr. Findley, Mr.
Brackenridge, M. Flennikin, M. Gilchrist, and M. Carson
be a committee to bring in a bill agreeably to the
foregoing resolution.
On December 6th the committee reported a bill, which was
read the first time and ordered to lie on the table.
December 8th, the bill was read a second time and
debated by paragraphs. It was then ordered to be
transcribed, and in due time printed for public
consideration. Nothing further was done with the Act
that session of the Assembly, which adjourned on
December 30th, until February 20, 1787, sat until the
29th of March, and then adjourned to the 4th day of
September next.
On the 7th of September, 1787, it was, on motion of Mr.
[304] Brackenridge, seconded by Mr. D. Clymer, ordered
that the bill be called for reading on Friday next (14th
inst.). On Saturday, September 8th, Mr. Brackenridge
presented petitions from 1,363 inhabitants of Washington
County, praying that the lines of the new county
proposed might be extended so that they might be
annexed. On September 13, 1787, petitions from 753
inhabitants of the counties of Westmoreland, Washington
and Fayette were read, praying parts of the said
counties may be erected into a new county. Ordered to
lie on the table. On the 14th, the bill being the order
of the day, was read the third time, and on the question
"Will the House take up the same for debating by
paragraphs?" And upon reading it over a long debate
occurred. Mr. Whitehill opposed it; he thought something
should be done to show the propriety or necessity of
passing it before going further with it; he thought the
expense would be too great for the population. He said
it was too late to run the boundaries, the people could
not be informed before the next election. Mr.
Brackenridge, in reply, urged the disadvantages of the
distance of the courthouses of Washington and
Westmoreland from the centre of population. At the
erection of Washington County, Pittsburgh expected to be
made the seat of justice, but it was not obtained,
though they deserved it. Mr. Wright opposed it on
account of the small population and the expense. He
remarked, "Will five hundred people be able to support
the expense, especially if we consider the law laying
out a town on the Allegheny River and the Ohio? The
people will all have to cross the river to attend the
courts, the county town and gaol being on the west side,
and there is not a soul to commit unless it is the
bears, for there is not a soul living on that side of
the river Ohio." Mr. D. Clymer referred to a petition
sent in to fix the new county seat at Milmont, near the
habitation of Mr. De Yore. The question [305] was now
put on taking the bill up by paragraphs, when the yeas
were 25, nays 33.
On October 22, 1787, the Assembly convened at
Philadelphia. At the late election Mr. Brackenridge was
not a candidate, Messrs. Findley and Barr, old members,
with John Irwin, new, were thc representatives from
Westmoreland. From Washington the old members were
chosen. On November 20th, a petition of a committee
chosen by the inhabitants of Pittsburgh and the
neighboring county was read, referring to the petition
to former members of Assembly, and praying that the
parts of the counties of Westmoreland and Washington may
be erected into a new county, and by special order the
same was read a second time. Ordered that it be referred
to Mr. Clymer, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Lowrey, Mr. G. Heister,
Mr. Findley, Mr. Irvine, Mr. McDowell, Mr. Philips and
Mr. Schott to report thereon.
On the 21st of November, the petitions read in the last
House of Assembly, on the 13th of September, were
presented to the chair and read and referred to the
above committee.
On the 27th of November the report read on the 21st was
read the second time, and the further consideration of
it postponed. The committee again reported on the 29th.
Ordered to lie on the table. Nothing further on the
subject was brought up during the remainder of the
session. The Assembly adjourned on the 29th of November
to the 19th of February, 1788.
February 23, 1788. A petition from 90 inhabitants of the
county of Washington was read, remonstrating against the
petitions presented to this and former Houses of
Assembly, for erecting parts of the counties of
Westmoreland, Washington and Fayette into a separate
county and establishing the seat of justice for the same
at the town of Pittsburgh, and suggesting the propriety,
in case it should be deemed ex- [306] pedient to erect a
new county, that the courts of justice may be
established at the mouth of Beaver Creek, or at Old
Logs-town.
Ordered to lie on the table.
March 22, 1788. The House resumed the consideration of
the report postponed November 27th last on the petitions
of a number of the inhabitants of the counties of
Westmoreland and Washington and appointed a committee to
decide on the boundaries of a new county.
The committee reported March 26th.
Ordered to lie on the table.
House adjourned March 29, 1788.
House met September 2, 1788.
September 9th. Petitions presented from 700 inhabitants
of the county of Westmoreland were read, praying that
the bill entitled "An Act for erecting parts of the
counties of Westmoreland and Washington into a separate
county," may be so amended as not to extend further up
the Youghiogheny than Crawford's sleeping place and from
thence by a straight line to the mouth of Plum Creek on
the Allegheny River. Ordered to lie on the table.
September 11th Ordered that Tuesday next be assigned for
the third reading of the bill entitled "An Act for
erecting parts of the counties of Westmoreland and
Washington into a separate county," and that it be the
order of the day.
September 16th. The bill was read the third time and the
further consideration postponed until Saturday.
September 19th. Petitions from 1,573 inhabitants of the
counties of Westmoreland and Washington were read,
praying that the bill may be passed into a law. Ordered
to lie on the table.
September 22d. A petition from a number of the
inhabitants of the county of Washington was read.
Ordered to lie on the table.
[307] September 24th. The bill entitled "An Act for
erecting certain parts of the counties of Westmoreland
and Washington into a separate county," having been
brought in engrossed, was compared at the table, enacted
into a law and the Speaker directed to sign the same.
THE END.
* * * * * *
[309] INDEX
Alarms, orders relative to, 153
Allegheny County, Organization of, 301
Allegheny County, Members of Legislature, 301, 305
Alliquippa, 27
Amherst, General, Orders, 155, 187
Andrews, an Indian Express from Detroit, 108, 109
Atlee, Samuel, 210
Baillie, Lieutenant, 133
Baird, Mr., Orderly Book, 148-199
Barnsley, Captain, Orderly Book, 148-199
Bassett, Captain, 122, 132, 133
Bedford, Fort, Letter from, 138, 140 142
Bedford, Army from, 168
Block-house, orders to construct, 213
Bouquet, Colonel, Letter to General Amherst, 75-81
Bouquet, Colonel, Letter to Major Gladwin, 144
Bouquet, Colonel, thanks to garrison, 169
Brackenridge, H. H., 218
Brodhead, General, Letters of, 235, 236
Bullock Guard, 110
Burd, James, Letter to Colonel Bouquet, 81
Burd, Fort, 127
Burd, Colonel, 157
Burent, Captain, 119, 122, 128, 134
Bushy Run, Battle of, 107, 127
Butler, Richard, 241
Calhoon, Mr., 87, 127
Campaign in the South, 207
Campbell, Captain, arrived with provisions, 108
Campbell, Captain, commands militia on march, 179
Carson, Joseph, 216
Carson, William, 208
Carre, Capt., Orderly Book, 148
Celeron, Captain, Journal of, 1
Celeron, Captain, lead plates, 15, 24, 39, 40, 52
Chatterbox, Speech to McKee, 97, 98
Clarke, George Rogers, General, 202
Clapham, Colonel, 85, 125, 184
Collier, Daniel, 126
Commission as Quartermaster-General, 212
Conference, Indian, 17, 30, 32, 36, 37
Cornwallis, General, 207
Corn to cut, 164
Council held with officers, 14
Court-martial, 178
Cowpens, 207
[310] Cows, order to sell, 163
Craig, Major, 216
Crawford, Hugh, 86
Croghan, George, 123, 124, 130, 135
Cuyler, Lieutenant, 89, 130
De Butts, Captain, 286, 293, 295
Deerskins, 161
Deserters, 139, 141
D'Troit, Ecuyer, Journal of, 84
Dogs to be tied up or killed, 152, 179
Donelon, Captain, and Lieutenant Boyd fight, 120
Douglas, Ephraim, 201
Ecuyer, Captain, Journal, 84
Ecuyer Orderly Book, 148-199
Ecuyer Letters, 110-144
Ecuyer Wounded, 105
Elliot, Robert, death of, 214
Ellis, Letter, 174
Firelocks, 167
Flour, 164
Forbes, General, Letter to Colonel Bouquet, 71
Fort Recovery, Wayne's Letters, 263, 282
Forts, names of forts supplied by O'Hara, 211
General Hospital, 206
Gladwin, Major, Letter from Bouquet, 144
Glassworks, 216
Grass to cut, 156
Grand Glaize, 215
Grandidier, Mr., 133
Grant, Major, Letters, 63
Grant s Hill, Indians on, 92, 93, 97-99
Greenville, Fort, 214
Greene, General, 208
Hamilton, Alex., 299, 300
Hand, Ed., General, Letters of, 223-227, 230-233
Harmar, General Josiah, Letters, 211
Harmar's Defeat, 212
Heckwelder, John, Letters, 204-206
Hodgdon, S., Letters to O'Hara, 249
Hopkins, John Henry, 218
Horseshoe Plain, 202
Horses and Cows, 160
Hudson, John, 134
Hulings, Marcus, 132
Hutchins, Ensign, 125, 144
Indian Conferences, 17, 30, 32, 36, 37, 45, 53, 56, 57, 63, 221
Indian Letter, 287
Indians drive off cattle, 136
Inundation, March 12, 1763, 114
Indian Corn, price of, 155
Indians on river shore, 102 103
Inventory of provisions, 173
Irvine, Wm., General, Letters, 237-241
Kaskaskie, 202
Kanawha, 201
Keys of the gates, 159
Kirkpatrick, W., General, 215
Kiashuta, 221
Knox, Henry, General, 245‹247
Kuskusky, 201
Lead plates buried, 15, 24, 39, 40, 52
Le B¦uf, Fort, Ensign Price's escape from, 93, 94
Lee, Arthur, Letter, 241
[311] Letter to Philadelphia, 26
Ligonier, 146
Lochry, Colonel, Letters to, 224-229, 231-233.
Louis Phillippe, 219
Miami Villages, 202
McIntosh, Fort, 210
McIntosh, General, letters, 234
McMasters, John, 213
McKee, 90, 91, 133, 135, 136
Militia to march to Bedford, 179
Mifflin, Governor, 213
Miller shot, 90
Mingoes sell skins, 124
Moreau, General, 219
Moravian town, 203
Neville, John, General, 215
North Carolina, 207
Nourse, Jos., Register, Letters, 212, 245
Notes by General O'Hara, 219
O'Hara, James, General, Life of, 200
O'Hara, James, General, Letters, 203, 210, 245, 260, 264, 268, 275-281, 285, 290
O'Hara, William Carson, 217
Ourry, Captain, 121
Orderly Book, Fort Pitt, 148-199
Philadelphia, Letter to, by Celeron, 26
Pickering, Timothy, Letters, 292-293
Pipe, Captain, 201
Pitt, Fort, Ecuyer's Journal, 84
Presidential Elector, 217
Price, Ensign, escape of, 93, 94
Presbyterian Church, 217
Putnam, Brigadier-General, 212
Rations reduced, 171, 172
Redstone, Fort, 89
Ross, James, 218
Roche De Bout, Fort, 214
Sick and wounded, 179
Salt, 217
Sandusky, report of destruction of, 89
Saw-mill in Allegheny, 216
Sentinel, orders to, 156, 180 181
Ship, General Butler, 216, 217
Smith, Devereux, 200
Smallpox, 93, 182
Simeral, Alex., 223
Spanish schooner, 217
Spelt field, 100, 153
Stagg, Jos., 212
St. Clair's Defeat, 213
Steele, Letters, 297-298
Stewart, Captain, orders to march, 199
Summons made to the English, 61
Tarleton, General, 207
Thompson, James, killed, 92
Trent, Major, 129
Troops to march for Ligonier, 171
Turtle's Heart, Speech to McKee, 92
Venango in ashes, 94, 130
Vincennes, 202
Washington, Fort, Wayne's Letters, 262, 263, 273, 274, 283, 288, 289
Wayne, General, 208, 264, 267, 270-272, 282-285, 288-290
[312] Whiskey Insurrection, 215
Wilkins, John, 215
Wilkinson, General, 273, 296
Women, orders about work, 153-155, 158, 160
Wood, orders relative to, 158, 162, 177
Written rocks, 28
Yellow Bird, a Shawnee Chief, 104
* * * * * *