Collection

Transcription Project

• Murders by Cherokee Indians

  Governor William Blount of Southwest Territory insists that in case of a murder committed by a Cherokee, "satisfaction shall instantly be demanded of the town, or towns, in which the murderer, or murderers, live." This action, he believes "will probably prevent a repetition of murders, without bringing on a national war." If it does bring war, "it could be terminated in the course of a few months."
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  Account of Dr. Hugh Scott

  Enclosed for Harrison's adjustment is the account of Dr. Hugh Scott who furnished medicine and attendance to the troops at Winchester for the first six months of 1794.
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  Shoes for the Militia Army

  The Secretary of War wants Hodgdon, with all possible expedition, to forward three thousand pairs of shoes to Carlisle to be sent on to Bedford for the use of the militia army.
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  Estimate of Expenses of the War Department for 1795

  This is an estimate of the expenses of the War Department for the year 1795, made by the Secretary of War, and dated in his office the 18th of November, 1794 including the probable expenses of the detachment of the militia now in service in the Western parts of Pennsylvania.

• Whiskey supplies for troops

  Appoints Presley Neville agent for procuring supplies in the Western country for the use of the army, with a compensation of $250 per annum in lieu of commission. The purchase of whiskey is to be his first object.
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  Payment to Presly Nevill paymaster for payment to militia

  Request for payment of $4728.42 on account of pay of militia army.

• Amnesty for Whiskey Rebels

  Hamilton lists the individuals to will not be subject to Washington's general proclamation of amnesty for the Whiskey Rebels: David Bradford; Edward Cook; Daniel Hamilton; Benjamin Parkinson; John Holcroft; Richard Holcroft; William McKinley; William Southerland; Alexander Fulton; John Mitchel; William Bradford; Thomas Spiers.
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  Payment to Presly Nevill paymaster for payment to militia

  Hamilton requests that Wolcott pay $4728 Presly Nevill, acting paymaster to the militia army.

• Whiskey in lieu of cash for tax payments

  Secretary Hamilton discusses the paying of taxes or duties in whiskey rather than "cash" -- since the latter might be too oppressive to the frontier communities where money is more rare. The whiskey received in payment by the government will then be used to supply the army. "The price at which whiskey is to be received, is three Shillings & Six pence Pennsylvania currency per gallon." Miller is Supervisor of the Revenue.
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  Providing Campbell with a Worthy Mount

  The bearer, Robert Campbell, has arrived with a worn down horse so Slough has given him an express horse so that he can be delivered safely to Hodgdon at Philadelphia.
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  More Blankets Are Needed!

  The clothing and arms have arrived on board the sloop "Banger" but there must have been a mistake because there are no blankets, bayonet scabbards, or gun slings. Blankets in particular are needed during winter so Hodgdon is asked to find a way to provide them as soon as possible.
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  Content of Packet Delivered to Constant Freeman Discussed

  Received letter containing packet from Howell regarding John Matthews. Matthews attorney, John Berrien, opened the packet and found pay for troops. As a result, he order the packet be put into the Custom's House money chest until Matthews specifically requested it, which was not until August. Unsure of why it took Matthews so long to send for the money as Habersham made sure they were aware of its presence.
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  Compensation of Nicholas de Finiels

  One hundred dollars has been remitted to Nathaniel Gorham at Boston to be transmitted to M. de Finiels as compensation for his service as a temporary engineer at Marblehead.
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  Pay and Expenses of Bechet Rochefontaine

  The sum of three hundred dollars has been remitted to Nathaniel Gorham at Boston for Rochefontaine's compensation and expenses as a temporary engineer.
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  Pay and Subsistence of Ensign Benjamin Rand

  The sum of $94.00 has been remitted to Nathaniel Gorham at Boston to be transmitted to Ensign Rand for his pay and subsistence from June 13 to September 30, 1794.
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  Pay and Subsistence of Various Officers and Gentlemen

  Funds will be remitted to Gorham for the pay and subsistence of Capt. William Eaton and his recruits, Ensign Benjamin Rand, and Monsieur Bechet Rochefontaine, at Salem, who is charged with the compensation of Nicholas de Finiels at Marblehead.
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  Delivery of Funds to the Dept. of War in Georgia

  Seagrove is to deliver to Constant Freeman, Agent of the Department of War in Georgia, the sum of $11,407 in current notes and marked in the upper right hand corner with Freeman's initials "C.T."
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  Money for which Mr. Seagrove is Responsible

  Mr. Seagrove has charge of one bundle of current notes of the Bank of the United States, in the amount of $11,407.63, and are marked in the right hand corner with Freeman's initials, "C.T."
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  Providing Transportation for Hutchins' Detachment

  It is utterly impossible that one wagon can accomodate Hutchins' detachment. Sixteen men are to go westward and some of them are not able to carry their knapsacks or muskets. The certainty of bad roads at this season of the year makes it necessary to provide additional means of transportation which Hodgdon must arrange.

• Commissary required

  Secretary Knox writes that by the arrangement of a new contract with Alexander Scott and Matthew Ernest (for provisioning the army), a commissary will be required. Knox recommends Major Isaac Craig of Fort Pitt. Concludes by writing that John Jay will "satisfactorily arrange all the points of dispute between Great Britain & the US."

• Aggression by Creek Indians

  Governor William Blount of Southwest Territory writes the Secretary of War, enclosing letters on hostilities by Indians in the region. The recent murders in the region will prove, Blount believes, to have been committed by the Creeks. "I consider war with the Creeks unavoidable, and my hope of peace with the Cherokees is not abated, but increased." This latter point is due to General Benjamin Logan desisting in attacking lower Cherokee towns.

• Aggression by Creek Indians

  General Robertson has ordered Captain Evans to Clarksville to scout on the frontiers of Tennessee county for fifteen days, affording the settlement temporary relief. Discusses the detachment of militia that pursued the Indians who killed and slaughtered the families of Colonels Fitsworth and Sevier. The general wants Congress to take action against the hgostile Creeks. The general writes that five Chickasaws and four Choctaws have been at his house discussing the Creeks. A party of Choctaw chiefs will visit President Washington in the spring. Additionally, General Logan and his Kentucky volunteers have obeyed orders to desist from invading the Cherokees, given the news of peace with the Lower towns. The late murders by the Creek Indians have led to great alarm in the district.
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  Horses Suitable to My Weight

  Jones has seen the horses discussed by Hodgdon and one of them will do well as a baggage horse but neither of them is equal to his weight. Because of the deepness of the roads, two horses will not be able to carry him and his baggage to his destination so he will need two more horses and a hired carriage.
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  John Logan's Lead

  Seems to discuss John Logan and his lead.
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  Request for Tools & Materials, Etc.

  Ames complains at length about the fact that he has written Hodgdon often but has gotten very few replies. Captain Bryant has turned the armory over to him. He has 15-16 men working there and he has done extensive repairs but still needs tools and materials which he has requested from Hodgdon. If he does not receive them, the public business at the armory will continue to be found wanting.