Papers of the War Department · Transcription Project · Collection

Letter Citation

Cited in Hodgdon to Knox, 08/31/1793.

Irregular Practices of Mr. Swan

Wolcott lists the duties required of the Paymaster of the Troops and maintains that Caleb Swan failed to discharge them when he advanced large sums based on vague estimates without payrolls and having examined only partial muster rolls.

A Total & Unparalled Disregard of Law & Instruction

Hamilton expresses his energetic disapproval of Caleb Swan's method of disbursement of the money committed to him as Pay Master to the troops. This practice is absolutely inconsistent with the order and due responsibility required in public expenditures.

Account of Aaron Rhea

Certification of service and settlement of pay for Aaron Rhea, lieutenant.

Abstract of Pay Due the Militia Called into Service for the Protection of the Frontiers South of the Ohio by Order of the Governor William Blount in the Year 1792

Abstract of pay due the militia called into service for the protection of the frontiers South of the Ohio by order of the Governor, William Blount in the year 1792. Lists warrant, number pay rolls, by whom commanded and amount of pay rolls.

Abstract pay due sundry militia for services

Abstract pay due sundry militia officers for services in 1793 called into service by Governor William Blount for defense of Territory of United States south of Ohio River, i.e., Southwest Territory

Prizes

Discusses the issue of prizes, governor of "this state" acted in accordance with Neutrality Act.

Advertisement of the Ration Contract for 1794

Notice is given that proposals will be received by David Henley at Knoxville in the territory southwest of the Ohio for the supply of all rations which may be required for the use of the United States during the year 1794 at the places or within the districts herein mentioned. The rations are to be furnished in such quantities sufficient for the consumption of the troops at such forts or other stationary post sas shall be established.

Take the Lowest Offer

Hamilton instructs Henley, the new Agent for the territory southwest of the Ohio, on the methods by which he should advertise for and negotiate contracts for the supply of the troops in service.

We do not permit an individual to be his own avenger.

Knox assures the Cherokee Chief Hanging Maw that the President deplores the depredations that a few bad white men has inflicted upon him and his friends and hopes that they will be punished according to the severity of their deeds. Still, he warns the Maw that, even if the offenders go unpunished, he is not entitled to be how own avenger.

Inability to Remedy the Lawless Violence on the Frontiers

Knox regrets the failure to establish peace on the frontiers but assures Smith that he is not to blame since, despite his good intentions, he did not have the means to remedy the severe situation which he faced.

Mr Allison has settled his accounts.

"Please to inform the President that it is understood that David Allison is not the secretary of Governor Blount but that he is occasionally employed by him. That in all the money transactions, or paryments, in which Mr. Allsion has been employed, he has settled his accounts to the entire satisfaction of the Accountant. And that he has now given bonds for the faithful discharge of this trust reposed in him to the amount of eighty thousand dollars."

French Privateers Are Ordered to Depart

The French privateers should be ordered to depart. If they refuse, Govenor Clayton should find the means to enforce this order.

Money Placed in the Hands of James Seagrove, Agent to the Creeks

It appears that James Seagrove, Agent to the Creek Nation, is authorized to draw four thousand dollars, the authorization for which has been provided by the War Department.

Letter Citation

Cited in Olney to Wolcott, 09/12/1793.

Knox to Governor Blount expressing President of United States General George Washington's concern regarding inroads by whites into peaceable part of Cherokee Nation

Knox informs Southwest Territorial Governor Blount that President Washington is concerned about late violent and lawless inroads made by whites into peaceable parts of Cherokee Nation. President Washington wants Blount to use his highest exertions to bring to perpetrators to justice. Knox expresses Washington's commitment to moderation and justice with regard to the Indians. Asks Blount to take action to pacify the offended Indians with goods and demonstrate the rule of law against the offenders. Do not hand out goods unless they will have an effect on pacifying the Indians. Executive [President] of United States is anxious for peace with the neighboring Indian tribes for reasons already described, both verbally and in writing. Closes by asking Blount to be frequent in his communications with President and know that he seeks peace with the Indians founded in humanity and justice.

James Seagrove Creek Indian Agent, to Secretary of War Henry Knox on the expenses of Indian conferences, the effect of the Spanish Agents, Panton and McGillivray in undermining peace efforts, planned meeting with Creeks and Governor Telfair, Colonel Gaither's sickness

Writing from Savannah, Seagrove addresses Knox's assertion that conferences with Creek Indians not producing desired results and are too much of an expense. He recounts the once positive prospects for peace at Colerain in November 1792, before men such as McGillivray, Panton and the Spanish government and their agents interfered and undermined Seagrove's efforts. Seagrove notifies Knox he will leave for Rock Landing and Augusta to meet with Governor Telfair to discuss Indian Affairs. Notes that Telfair has never acknowledged any of Seagrove's correspondence. Things are generally quiet on the frontier. Detained Indians released. Colonel Gaither is not well; leaving Ft Fidius to recover at St Marys. Seagrove still plans to go into the Creek Nation for talks; expects opposition from different quarters.

A Just Account of Our Transactions

"The foregoing pages contain a just account of our transactions in attempting to negotiate a peace with the Western Indians, now in hostility against the United States."

Sketches of Notes for the President

Jefferson submits to the other Cabinet members and the Attorney General some notes intended for the President which he took from memory and asks them to add to them from their own memories, particularly as regards the final conclusion as to the express-vessel.

Warrant Drawn by the Secretary of War on the Treasurer

"Enclosed is an extract from the Register of Warrants drawn by the Secretary of War on the Treasurer of the United States in continuaton."

Receipt of letter and copy of return

Received letter and enclosures. Requested return shall be copied and returned next post.

Submit Enclosed Letters to the Southwestern Territory

"Will you please to submit the enclosed letters of the 27 and 30 July from the Secretary to the Southwestern territory and their enclosures to the President of the United States."

Certification of transactions in attempting to negotiate a peace with the Western Indians, now in hostilities with the United States

Certification by the Federal Commissioners for Sandusky Conference that the preceding was a just account of transactions in attempting to negotiate a peace with Western Indians

Letter to Captain Israel Chapin, Canandaigua requesting that Chapin forward letter to General Knox with utmost dispatch

Presumably addressed to the younger Israel Chapin, from the Federal Commissioners for Sandusky Conference; they report that the Western Indians refuse to make peace and ask that Chapin forward correspondence to General Knox regarding such with utmost dispatch.

Federal Commissioners to Lt. Col Clarke, or officer commanding at Pittsburg

Western Indians have refused to make peace. Federal Commissioners inform Lt Col Clarke that pursuant to instructions from Secretary of War Henry Knox, they send letters to Major General Wayne, to be forwarded from Pittsburgh. They ask for the aid of troops if necessary to assist conveyance.