Papers of the War Department · Transcription Project · Collection

Account of William Sims

The United States in Account with William Sims, late a mattross in Proctor's Artillery, payment of $50.

Certificate of Disability incurred during St. Clair expedition

Certificate of disability of Isaiah McCarty; alludes to St. Clair's campaign; discusses Invalid pension. He lost the use of his left hand and arm as a soldier of Captain Smith's company of the second regiment of levies on the late expedition against the indians under the command of Major General St. Clair. He is entitled during his disability to an allowance of five dollars per month. He is to produce every six months the evidence of two respectable physicians on oath of the continuance of his disability by reason of his said wounds.

Letter to the Wyachtenos and other tribes living on the Wabash River

"Brothers: I am on my way to you from the great council fire of the United States, where the great and good chief, General Washington, resides. I am coming with the wishes of his heart to you which are very good, and which I hope will make your heart rejoice, when you hear them. Brothers: Out of love to you I am come this long way. I wish you to become a happy people; and, believe me, nothing is wanting to make you so, but that you and the United Stats might once see and hear one another, and remove such obstacles against which we hiterhto have stumbled. In order to obtain this end, I have appointed a twentieth day of September for us to meet each other at Post Vincent, there to consult each other in a friendly and brotherly manner: to wipe off all tears, t o set our hearts aright, and to establish a lasting peace and friendship, taking one another by the hand as true brothers, and loving one another from all our hearts. Brothers: You see something very good preparing for you; make yourselves ready, and come and see what it is. I expect to see you on the day appointed; you friends and relations I shall bring with me. - [A string of wampum with three branches.]

Letter Citation

Cited in Winston to Knox, 08/03/1792.

Politics, appointments, and Indian wars

Secretary Knox acknowledges Carrington's recommendations for appointments into the army and shares his personal views on politics and Indian wars. Asks about the state of the government in Virginia (where Carrington resides) and briefly mentions Governor George Clinton of New York.

Letter from Captain John Heth to Paymaster Joseph Howell concerning balance of payment

Captain Heth encloses a receipt for $76 received, which is all he has received of the $200 sent by Ensign Younghusband of the recruiting service. Younghusband is in Virginia or North Carolina. When he returns, Heth will get a receipt. In post script, clerk B. Millflin notes that on 17 April 1792 a warrant for $200 was paid to Ensign Younghusband to be carried to Captain Heth.

Extract of letter from Jonathan Dayton Esquire to Secretary of War regarding purchase of horseman's saddles

Dayton states that he and Captain Stake have examined the horseman's saddles and have found them to be of good quality and well adapted for the dragoon service. There are 14 saddles and he recommends they be purchased from Mr. Williamson for 6 dollars each. In subsequent letter, Henry Knox asks 'Dayton to request that Williamson ship the saddles to Samuel Hodgdon for payment.

Return of public stores

Letter to Secretary Knox. Directs public stores forwarded to West Point; discusses artillery field pieces. The artillery pieces were delivered to Colonel Tilinghast by order of General Sullivan during the expedition at Rhode Island in 1778. Permitting the artillery to them with this company will be productive of much good, as they take pride in exhibiting a martial appearance. With the Cincinnati, they commemorate the anniversary of the Independence of the country on the fourth of July.

Account of Bartholomew Von Heer

Payment of $158.40 to Bartholomew V. Heer late Captain Light Dragoons. Includes pay as Brigade Major.

Authorization to Call Up Militia

In the absence of the governor, acting governor Sargent authorized to call up militia. Discussed pending nature of peaceful overtures of Indians. Offensive operations authorized.

Pay of the Legion's Troops and Safety of Officials

Knox directs Wayne to arrange for the pay of the troops both above and below the Ohio River. Whenever the Governor or Judges or traveling on public business they should be accompanied by an escort in order to ensure their safety.

Knox expresses regret to Winthrop Sargent

Letter, discusses non acceptance of appointment to Adjutant and Inspector General; mentions casualties; alludes to St. Clair's campaign and events in France.

Knox informs Sargent that President is aware of his decision

Letter, Knox informs Sargent that his decision to decline the post of Adjutant was passed to the President.

Peace with Most of the Western Tribes

Despite the murders of several American officers by Indians, Putnam is still optimistic about the prospects of achieving peace with most of the western tribes, thereby detaching them from the tribes who originated the war.

Request for pay for men despite records lost during St Clair defeat

Carbery asks that his men be paid, despite records lost during the St Clair defeat on 4 November 1791. States that Major Henry Gaither can provide any information required.

Letter Citation

Cited in Knox to Lee, 08/13/1792.

Letter Citation

Cited in Fleming to Howell, 08/06/1792.

Laws of the United States

Document largely illegible, references the laws of the United States.

Letter Citation

Cited in Knox to Washington, 07/28/1792.

Lasting Peace with the Wabash Indians

Putnam replies to the speech of the Wea Indians. He reaffirms the brotherhood between him and the Indians and says that while brothers may differ they can eventually unite again. Putnam gives his assurances that the women and children of the Wea will be protected and he will make arrangements to travel to the O. post for the meeting with all the tribes occupying land around the Wabash. He will be ready for the meeting in thirty days.

Payments

Lists various payments made, promised receipts. Wayne satisfied with powder, much stronger than previous orders.

Deserters, Smallpox, and Indian Raids

Wayne reports a number of concerns including a high number of desertions among his troops, his inability to implement his plan of separating those who have had small pox from those who have not had it, and a number of deaths of settlers resulting from Indian raids. When his entire force is fit for duty, he hopes that he can secure the frontier from Indian incursions.

Return of public stores

Letter to Secretary Knox discussing the final return of public stores from Providence, Rhode Island to West Point, New York.

Missing Money

Addressed missing money and noted that Craig acknowledged receipt of the full sum and it could not have been a mistake in the remittance of money to Capt. Faulkner.