THE MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
THE MEMOIRS OF 
 RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 AND 
 
 CERTAIN OFFICIAL PAPERS 
 AND CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 PUBLISHED BY THE 
 
 NATIONAL SOCIETY OF THE COLONIAL DAMES 
 
 OF AMERICA IN THE STATE OF OHIO 
 
 compiled and annotated by 
 Miss ROWENA BUELL, Marietta, Ohio 
 
 COLONIAL DAME OF MASSACHUSETTS AND MEMBER 
 OF THE OHIO SOCIETY 
 
 BOSTON AND NEW YORK 
 
 HOUGHTON, MIFFLIN AND COMPANY 
 
 (S()e iMttx^ibt ptt0y <CambcJbge 
 
 1903 
 
 1 '. 1 « ) > 
 

 COPYRIGHT 1903 BY THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF THE COLONIAL DAMES 
 
 OF AMERICA IN THE STATE OF OHIO 
 
 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 
 
 Published December igoj 
 
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1760 Commissioned Ensign, Massachusetts 
 
 1773 Commissioned Deputy Surveyor, West Florida 
 
 1774 Commissioned Captain Lieutenant of Grenadiers, Massa- 
 
 chusetts 
 
 1775 Commissioned Lieutenant Colonel of the 9th Regiment 
 
 in the Army of the United Colonies 
 
 1776 Appointed Military Engineer 
 
 1776 Commissioned Colonel of the 5th Massachusetts Regi- 
 ment in the Army of the United States 
 
 1783 Commissioned Brigadier General in the Army of the 
 United States 
 
 1785 Appointed Superintendent of the Survey of Eastern 
 Lands, Massachusetts 
 
 1785 Appointed Member of the Committee for the Sale of 
 Eastern Lands, Massachusetts 
 
 1785 Appointed Surveyor of Western Lands under the Ordi- 
 
 nance of 1785 
 
 1786 Appointed Commissioner to the Penobscot Indians, 
 
 Massachusetts 
 
 1787 Appointed Justice of the Peace, Massachusetts 
 
 1787 Elected Member of the General Assembly of Massachu- 
 setts 
 
 1787 Appointed Superintendent of the Affairs of the Ohio 
 
 Company 
 
 1788 Commissioned Justice of the Peace and of the Quorum, 
 
 Washington County, Northwest Territory 
 
 1788 Commissioned Judge of Probate, Washington County, 
 Northwest Territory 
 
 1790 Commissioned Judge of the General Court of the North- 
 west Territory 
 
 1792 Commissioned Brigadier General in the Army of the 
 United States 
 
 1796 Commissioned Surveyor General of the United States 
 
 1801 Appointed Trustee of Ohio University 
 
 1802 Elected Member of the First Ohio Constitutional Con- 
 
 vention 
 
 228609 
 
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PREFATORY NOTE 
 
 General Rufus Putnam was a man to delight the 
 soul of a historian. He not only made history, he 
 also recorded it. With painstaking care he pre- 
 served all his voluminous correspondence, including 
 copies of his own letters, for most of his life kept a 
 journal, made extensive memoranda of various sorts, 
 and punctiliously filed all his papers, adding explan- 
 atory endorsements. His prominent position, as a 
 trusted officer in the Revolutionary army and leader 
 of the Marietta pioneers, brought him into contact 
 with most of the noted men of our Republic in its 
 early days, and gdves to his papers exceptional value. 
 This large mass of most interesting manuscript ma- 
 terial was bequeathed to Marietta College by Gen- 
 eral Putnam's grandson, William Rufus Putnam, and 
 is now in possession of the College. Besides the 
 Memoirs and letters printed in the present volume, 
 this collection contains the original records and sur- 
 veys of the Ohio Company of Associates, the early 
 court records of Washington County, and a large 
 mass of additional correspondence. A further collec- 
 tion of manuscripts bequeathed to Marietta College 
 by Dr. Samuel P. Hildreth includes much material 
 connected with the early history of this section. 
 
 The present publication is made possible through 
 the active interest and generosity of the National 
 Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the 
 State of Ohio. A few years ago the Trustees of 
 
viii PREFATORY NOTE 
 
 Marietta College granted to Mrs. Willis E. Hall (Ina 
 Buckingham Fenner), a lineal descendant of General 
 Rufus Putnam, the privilege of publishing these 
 papers. Feeling that wider circulation would thus 
 be given to papers of so great historical value, she 
 transferred her right to the Society of Colonial 
 Dames, of which she was an active member. The 
 Publication Committee of this Society were most for- 
 tunate in securing as editor Miss Rowena Buell, 
 of Marietta, whose care and good judgment are evi- 
 dent on every page. 
 
 The purpose governing in the selection of papers 
 for publication has been to portray General Putnam 
 chiefly in his official character, and to print only 
 those letters referred to in the Memoirs or closely 
 germane to their subject-matter. In carrying out this 
 purpose it has seemed desirable to print again some 
 letters already published in " The Life, Journals, and 
 Correspondence of Manasseh Cutler." A very few 
 letters referred to in the Memoirs have not been 
 found. 
 
 The effort has been made to reproduce with minute 
 accuracy these selected papers, many of which are 
 entirely in General Putnam's own handwriting, and no 
 one of which is without at least endorsement in his 
 script. The editor has added some explanatory notes 
 where it seemed necessary, denoting them by numer- 
 als to distinguish them from General Putnam's own 
 notes, which are marked by asterisks. 
 
 It is hoped that this publication will awaken new 
 interest in the early history of the West, as well as 
 serve to call attention to a really notable figure of 
 
PREFATORY NOTE ix 
 
 Revolutionary days, the trusted counsellor of Wash- 
 ington, the brave leader of brave men, and the 
 founder of the first permanent settlement in the 
 Northwest Territory. 
 
 Alfred Tyler Perry, 
 President of Marietta College. 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 Page 
 
 INTRODUCTION BY HON. GEORGE F. HOAR . xxxi 
 
 THE MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 Genealogical Lists 3 
 
 Boyhood, 1738-1757 9 
 
 Colonial Wars, i 757-1 760 11 
 
 Family Affairs 35 
 
 Mississippi Explorations 36 
 
 The Revolutionary War 54 
 
 Survey of Eastern Lands 100 
 
 »^^Formation of the Ohio Company 102 
 
 ••^The First Settlements in the Northwest Ter- 
 ritory 104 
 
 The Indian War 112 
 
 ^^Ohio Company Affairs 115 
 
 Mission to the Hostile Indians 118 
 
 Official Life 124 
 
 OFFICIAL PAPERS AND CORRESPONDENCE 
 General Washington to Rufus Putnam, March 31, 
 
 1776 129 
 
 Construction of fortifications at Providence. 
 Rufus Putnam to General Washington, Novem- 
 ber, 1776 129 
 
 Report of a tour in the Highlands. 
 General Washington to Rufus Putnam, April ii, 
 
 1778 130 
 
 Relative rank in the Massachusetts and Conti- 
 nental lines. 
 Rufus Putnam to General Washington, August 
 
 30, 177S 131 
 
 Protest concerning rank. 
 General Alexander McDougall to Rufus Put- 
 nam, February 27, 1779 134 
 
 Orders misunderstood. 
 
xii CONTENTS 
 
 RuFus Putnam to General McDougall, Febru- 
 ary 28, 1779 135 
 
 Explanation of failure to carry out orders. 
 RuFus Putnam to General Washington, July 13, 
 
 1779 137 
 
 Report of observations at Verplanck's Point. 
 
 RuFus Putnam to General Washington, August 8, 
 
 1779 140 
 
 Works at Fort Montgomery. 
 General Wayne to Rufus Putnam, November 15, 
 
 1779 141 
 
 Movements in New Jersey. 
 
 General Wayne to Rufus Putnam, December ii, 
 
 1779 141 
 
 Orders to reconnoiter. 
 
 Rufus Putnam to the Hon. Jeremiah Powell, 
 
 April 22, 1780 142 
 
 The recruiting service. — Deduction of bounties. 
 
 Colonel Joseph Thompson to Rufus Putnam, 
 
 May I, 1780 146 
 
 Acknowledgment of supplies for imprisoned of- 
 ficers. 
 
 General Robert Howe to Rufus Putnam, May 24, 
 1780 147 
 
 Reinforcements. — Supplies. 
 
 Rufus Putnam to General Robert Howe, May 24, 
 1780 148 
 
 Position to oppose the enemy's advance. 
 General Heath to Rufus Putnam, May 25, 1780 149 
 
 Request for promotions barred. 
 
 General Robert Howe to Rufus Putnam, May 25, 
 1780 149 
 
 Arrangements to entrap the enemy. 
 
 Rufus Putnam to General Robert Howe, May 25, 
 
 1780 150 
 
 Movements of the enemy. — Provisions needed. 
 
CONTENTS xiii 
 
 General Robert Howe to Rufus Putnam, May 26, 
 
 1780 151 
 
 Request for the return of a detachment. 
 General Robert Howe to Rufus Putnam, May 28, 
 
 1780 152 
 
 Request for news of the enemy. 
 Rufus Putnam to General Robert Howe, May 28, 
 
 1780 152 
 
 Movements of the enemy. 
 Rufus Putnam to General Robert Howe, June i, 
 
 1780 153 
 
 Plan to ambush. — Movements of detachments. 
 General Robert Howe to Rufus Putnam, June 3, 
 
 1780 155 
 
 Fear of investiture. — Collection of cattle. 
 General Robert Howe to Rufus Putnam, June 4, 
 
 1780 156 
 
 Advance of the enemy improbable. — Continua- 
 tion of command upon the lines. 
 Rufus Putnam to General Robert Howe, June 4, 
 
 1780 157 
 
 Arrangements for the collection of cattle. 
 
 General Robert Howe to Rufus Putnam, June 5, 
 
 1780 157 
 
 Continuation of command upon the lines. 
 General Robert Howe to Rufus Putnam, June 6, 
 
 1780 158 
 
 Probable advance of the enemy in force. 
 Rufus Putnam to General Robert Howe, June 8, 
 
 1780 159 
 
 Report concerning a British deserter. 
 Rufus Putnam to General Robert Howe, June 9, 
 
 1780 160 
 
 Report concerning a British deserter. 
 Rufus Putnam to General Robert Howe, June ii, 
 
 1780 160 
 
 Report concerning a British deserter. 
 
xiv CONTENTS 
 
 RuFus Putnam to General Robert Howe, June ii, 
 
 1780 161 
 
 Rumor of British defeat in New Jersey. — Pro- 
 posal of an advance. 
 General Robert Howe to Rufus Putnam, June 12, 
 
 1780 162 
 
 Request for a personal interview. 
 General Robert Howe to Rufus Putnam, June 12, 
 
 1780 163 
 
 Orders to retire to the vicinity of West Point. 
 Winthrop Sargent to Rufus Putnam, June 16, 
 
 1780 163 
 
 General Howe's orders to return to former can- 
 tonment. 
 
 Rufus Putnam to General Robert Howe, June 16, 
 
 1780 163 
 
 Acknowledgment of the preceding. 
 General Robert Howe to Rufus Putnam, June 18, 
 
 1780 164 
 
 Arrangements to gain intelligence of the enemy. 
 General Robert Howe to Rufus Putnam, June 24, 
 
 1780 165 
 
 Advance of the enemy in force. 
 
 General Robert Howe to Rufus Putnam, July i, 
 
 1780 165 
 
 Request for exact information. 
 Rufus Putnam to General Robert Howe, July i, 
 
 1780 166 
 
 Position of the enemy. 
 Rufus Putnam to General Robert Howe, July 5, 
 
 1780 167 
 
 Report concerning two British deserters. — Posi- 
 tion and strength of the enemy. 
 
 General Robert Howe to Rufus Putnam, July 7, 
 1780 168 
 
 Measures to prevent depredations. 
 
CONTENTS XV 
 
 RuFUS Putnam to General Robert Howe, July 7, 
 1780 169 
 
 Report of arrival at Crompond. — A British 
 deserter. 
 RuFus Putnam to General Robert Howe, July 9, 
 
 17S0 170 
 
 Strength and position of the enemy. — Request 
 for clothing for detachment. 
 General Robert Howe to Rufus Putnam, July 13, 
 
 1780 171 
 
 Request for intelligence of the enemy. 
 Rufus Putnam to General Robert Howe, July 14, 
 
 1780 172 
 
 Urgent request for clothing. — Reduction of the 
 line. 
 General Robert Howe to Rufus Putnam, July 16, 
 
 1780 173 
 
 Pass for two women and children. 
 Rufus Putnam to General Robert Howe, July 21, 
 
 1780 173 
 
 Continued lack of clothing. — Movements of a 
 detachment of the enemy. 
 Rufus Putnam to General Robert Howe, July 22, 
 
 1780 174 
 
 Arrival of Admiral Graves. — Decrease in the 
 detachment. 
 Rufus Putnam to General Robert Howe, July 23, 
 
 1780 176 
 
 Rumored movements of the enemy. 
 General Robert Howe to Rufus Putnam, July 25, 
 
 1780 176 
 
 Reinforcement ordered. — Probability of an 
 attack. 
 Rufus Putnam to General Robert Howe, July 25, 
 
 1780 177 
 
 Movements and position of the enemy. 
 General McDougall's Minutes to Committee of 
 Congress, August, 1780 178 
 
xvi CONTENTS 
 
 Complaint of officers concerning pay, pensions, 
 and rations. 
 Colonel John Greaton to Rufus Putnam, Jan- 
 uary 8, 1 781 182 
 
 Appointment by the ist Massachusetts Brigade 
 to settle with the State for arrears. 
 General Heath to Rufus Putnam, August 22, 
 
 1781 183 
 
 Possibility of procuring flour. 
 General Heath to Rufus Putnam, August 24, 
 
 1781 183 
 
 Supplies. — Endorsement of proposed movements 
 with advance guard. 
 General Heath to Rufus Putnam, August 27, 
 
 1781 184 
 
 Supplies. — Forage. — Chief aim to gain intelli- 
 gence. 
 General Heath to Rufus Putnam, August 30, 
 
 1781 186 
 
 Protection of foragers. — Request for intelli- 
 gence. 
 General Heath to Rufus Putnam, August 30, 
 
 1781 187 
 
 Supplies. — Restriction of the enemy's flags. 
 General Heath to Rufus Putnam, September 2, 
 
 1781 188 
 
 Interception of despatches from Canada. 
 General Heath to Rufus Putnam, September 7, 
 
 1781 188 
 
 Protection of foragers. — Arrival of French fleet 
 in Chesapeake Bay. 
 General Heath to Rufus Putnam, September 8, 
 
 1781 189 
 
 Reinforcement promised. 
 
 General Heath to Rufus Putnam, September 10, 
 
 1781 189 
 
 Precautionary measures. 
 
CONTENTS xvii 
 
 General Heath to Rufus Putnam, September lo, 
 
 1781 190 
 
 Clinton in a trap. — Enemy embarking. — Orders 
 to recall a detachment. 
 
 General Heath TO Rufus Putnam, September ii, 
 
 1781 192 
 
 Supplies promised. — Removal of the army to 
 Bald Hill. — Establishment of a line of communi- 
 cation from the Sound. 
 
 General Heath to Rufus Putnam, September ii, 
 
 1781 193 
 
 Probable movements of the enemy. — Continued 
 depredations. 
 General Heath to Rufus Putnam, September 12, 
 
 1781 195 
 
 A reinforcement of three companies. — Return 
 of detachment. 
 General Heath to Rufus Putnam, September 15, 
 
 1781 195 
 
 Detachment to be retained. 
 General Heath to Rufus Putnam, September 17, 
 
 1781 196 
 
 The 2nd Massachusetts Brigade to garrison West 
 Point. 
 General Heath to Rufus Putnam, September 17, 
 
 1781 196 
 
 Colonel Weissenfel's regiment ordered to Al- 
 bany. 
 General Heath to Rufus Putnam, September 22, 
 
 1781 197 
 
 Request for intelligence. 
 General Heath to Rufus Putnam, September 22, 
 
 1781 197 
 
 Protection of foragers. 
 
 Thoughts on a Peace Establishment for the 
 United States, 1783. (Requested by General 
 Washington.) 198 
 
xviii CONTENTS 
 
 Location of forts. — Organization of regular army 
 and of state militia. 
 Petition of Army Officers for the Ohio Coun- 
 try, May 7, 1783 215 
 
 RuFus Putnam to General Washington, June 16, 
 
 1783 216 
 
 Concerning the petition for the Ohio country, 
 RuFus Putnam to General Washington, April 5, 
 
 1784 223 
 
 The proposed settlement of the Ohio country* — 
 Request for information of congressional action. 
 General Washington to Rufus Putnam, June 2, 
 
 1784 226 
 
 Failure of Congress to act upon petition for the 
 Ohio country. — Attempt to lease personal holdings 
 on the Ohio. 
 General Washington's Advertisement for Leas- 
 ing Land, April 2, 1784 228 
 
 Enclosure in the preceding. 
 Charles Thomson to Rufus Putnam, May 28, 
 
 1785 232 
 
 Elected by Congress to survey western lands. 
 Rufus Putnam to President Washington, July 24, 
 
 1790 232 
 
 Western affairs. — Indian depredations. 
 Rufus Putnam to the Hon. Fisher Ames, 1790 .234 
 Argument for the retention of western territory by 
 the United States. 
 
 Rufus Putnam to (not addressed), January 6, 
 
 1791 247 
 
 Outbreak of Indian hostilities. 
 The Secretary of War, Henry Knox, to Rufus 
 
 Putnam, January 27, 1791 249 
 
 Hope of government action against the Indians. 
 The Hon. Fisher Ames to Rufus Putnam, Febru- 
 ary 22, 1791 250 
 
 Attitude of Congress toward the western territory. 
 
CONTENTS xix 
 
 RuFus Putnam to the Secretary of War, March 
 
 8, 1791 251 
 
 Continued Indian depredations. — Rumor of gen- 
 eral uprising. 
 RuFus Putnam to the Secretary of War, March 
 
 14, 1791 253 
 
 Indian depredations. — Urgent appeal for gov- 
 ernment aid. 
 The Secretary of War to Rufus Putnam, March 
 
 24, 1791 254 
 
 Arrangements made for an extensive campaign. 
 The Secretary of War to Rufus Putnam, April 
 
 h 1791 25s 
 
 The militia to be called out. 
 Rufus Putnam to the Secretary of War, Au- 
 gust 22, 1791 256 
 
 Small losses from recent Indian hostilities. 
 The Secretary of War to Rufus Putnam, May 
 
 5. 1792 257 
 
 Appointed brigadier-general. 
 The Secretary of War to Rufus Putnam, May 
 
 22, 1792 257 
 
 Instructions for mission to the' hostile Indians. 
 Rufus Putnam to the Secretary of War, June 
 
 5> 1792 267 
 
 Speech to the Indians sent from Pittsburg. — Pro- 
 priety of restraining the militia from offensive oper- 
 ations. 
 Speech of Rufus Putnam to the Hostile Indians, 
 
 June 5, 1792 269 
 
 Invitation to a peace conference. — Request for 
 an open road to Fort Jefferson. 
 Rufus Putnam to General Wayne, June 23, 1792 271 
 The exposed situation of the Ohio Company's 
 settlements. 
 Rufus Putnam to General Wilkinson, July 3, 
 1792 272 
 
XX CONTENTS 
 
 The mission to the Indians. — Preliminary mea- 
 sures. 
 RuFUS Putnam to the Secretary of War, July 
 
 5. 1792 273 
 
 Indian attack near Fort Jefferson. — Probable 
 death of Hardin and Trueman. — Prospect of a 
 treaty at Fort Knox. 
 General Wilkinson to Rufus Putnam, July 5, 
 
 1792 278 
 
 The outbreak of Fort Jefferson. — Fort Knox 
 favorable for negotiations. 
 Rufus Putnam to the Secretary of War, July 8, 
 
 1792 280 
 
 Reasons for treating with Wabash Indians at Fort 
 
 Knox. — Necessity of establishing posts from the 
 
 upper Ohio to the mouth of the Cuyahoga. — Plan 
 
 for an immediate campaign. 
 
 Rufus Putnam to the Secretary of War, July 9, 
 
 1792 290 
 
 Propriety of establishing a post on the Mus- 
 kingum. 
 Rufus Putnam to General Wayne, July 10, 1792 291 
 The Fort Jefferson outbreak. — Reported murder 
 of Hardin and Trueman. 
 Rufus Putnam to the Secretary of War, July ii, 
 
 1792 292 
 
 Espousal of plan to establish posts on Lake Erie. 
 Rufus Putnam to the Secretary of War, July 14, 
 
 1792 295 
 
 Additional evidence of Trueman's death. — 
 William Wells engaged as interpreter. 
 Speech of a Wea Indian to Rufus Putnam, July 19, 
 
 1792 297 
 
 Request that Indian prisoners be taken to Fort 
 Knox. 
 
 Speech of Rufus Putnam to a Wea Indian, July 20, 
 
 1792 298 
 
 Promise to take Indian prisoners to Fort Knox. 
 
CONTENTS xxi 
 
 RuFus Putnam to General Wilkinson, July 21, 
 
 1792 299 
 
 Treaty to be attempted at Fort Knox. — Request 
 for an escort. 
 General Wilkinson to Rufus Putnam, July 21, 
 
 1792 300 
 
 Request for estimates for expedition to Fort 
 Knox. 
 Rufus Putnam to the Secretary of War, July 22, 
 
 1792 301 
 
 Decision to attempt a treaty at Fort Knox. — 
 Plan of expedition. 
 Rufus Putnam to General Wilkinson, July 23, 
 
 1792 304 
 
 Specifications for escort and provisions. 
 Rufus Putnam to Major Hamtramck, July 24, 1792 305 
 Enclosed speech to be sent to the Wabash In- 
 dians. — Request for an escort. 
 Speech of Rufus Putnam to the Wabash Indians, 
 
 July 24, 1792 307 
 
 Invitation to a conference at Fort Knox. 
 Rufus Putnam to the Secretary of War, July 26, 
 
 1792 308 
 
 Favorable prospect for consummating a treaty. 
 The Secretary of the Northwest Territory, 
 Winthrop Sargent, to Judges Putnam and 
 Symmes, August 5, 1792 309 
 
 Espionage of strangers. — Courts-martial. — Dep- 
 redations of alien hunters. — Regulation of ferries. — 
 Restriction of attorneys. — Prevention of nuisances.. 
 
 General Wayne to Rufus Putnam, August 6, 1792 311 
 Details of the murder of Trueman and Hardin. 
 
 The Secretary of War to Rufus Putnam, 
 August 7, 1792 313 
 
 Endorsement of plan to attempt a treaty at Fort 
 Knox. — Disapproval of establishing a post at 
 Cuyahoga. — General Chapin's letter enclosed. 
 
xxii CONTENTS 
 
 General Israel Chapin to the Secretary of War, 
 
 July 17, 1792 316 
 
 Favorable prospect of peace with the Six Nations. 
 Major Hamtramck to Rufus Putnam, August 9 
 
 1792 320 
 
 Arrangements for the expedition to Fort Knox. 
 — Delivery of speeches. 
 Rufus Putnam to the Secretary of War, 
 
 August 16, 1792 321 
 
 Arrangements for the treaty. 
 Rufus Putnam to General Wilkinson, August 17, 
 
 1792 324 
 
 Despatches to be forwarded. 
 Rufus Putnam to the Secretary of War, 
 
 August 21, 1792 325 
 
 Meditated attack of frontiersmen upon Indians. 
 General Wilkinson to Rufus Putnam, August 28, 
 
 1792 326 
 
 Immediate return of escort necessary. 
 Major Hamtramck to Rufus Putnam, August 31, 
 
 1792 327 
 
 Arrangements for ascent of the Wabash. 
 
 General Wilkinson to Rufus Putnam, Septem- 
 ber 8, 1792 328 
 
 St. Clair's disastrous march retraced. — General 
 Wayne's letter enclosed. 
 General Wayne to General Wilkinson, August 5, 
 
 1792 330 
 
 The murder of Hardin and Trueman. — Rein- 
 forcements. 
 Speech of Rufus Putnam to the Eel River and 
 
 Wea Indians, September 13, 1792 333 
 
 The restoration of Indian prisoners. 
 Address of Rufus Putnam to the People of 
 
 ViNCENNES, September 16, 1792 334 
 
 Prohibition of the sale of liquor to the Indians. 
 Journal of the Peace Council at Vincennes, 
 September 24-27, 1792 335 
 
CONTENTS xxiii 
 
 List of Wampum Belts presented during the 
 
 Council 363 
 
 Treaty between the United States and the 
 
 Wabash and Illinois Indians, September 27, 1792 363 
 Speech of Rufus Putnam to the Wabash and Illi- 
 nois Indians, September 29, 1792 366 
 
 Invitation to chiefs to go to Philadelphia. 
 Speech of Rufus Putnam to the Hostile Indians, 
 
 October 6, 1792 • . . . 368 
 
 Invitation to a peace conference at the mouth of 
 the Muskingum. 
 Rufus Putnam to William Wells, October 7, 1792 370 
 Instructions for carrying a speech to the hostile 
 Indians. 
 Rufus Putnam to General Wilkinson, Novem- 
 ber 28, 1792 370 
 
 The distribution of Indian goods. 
 Rufus Putnam to the Secretary of War, Decem- 
 ber 20, 1792 371 
 
 Report concerning the treaty. 
 Rufus Putnam to General Wayne, December 21, 
 
 1792 375 
 
 Speech sent to the hostile Indians. 
 Rufus Putnam to General Wayne, January 21, 
 
 1793 375 
 
 Failure of hostile Indians to reply to speech. 
 The Secretary of War to Rufus Putnam, Feb- 
 ruary II, 1793 377 
 
 Request for information concerning the fourth 
 article of the treaty. 
 Rufus Putnam to the Secretary of War, Feb- 
 ruary II, 1793 378 
 
 Interpretation of the fourth article of the treaty. 
 Rufus Putnam to the Secretary of War, Feb- 
 ruary 13, 1793 378 
 
 Indian sales of land. 
 
xxiv CONTENTS 
 
 RuFus Putnam to the Secretary of War, Feb- 
 ruary 14, 1793 379 
 
 Report concerning the return of Indian prisoners 
 and the distribution of clothing. 
 
 RuFus Putnam's Account with the Indian De- 
 partment 382 
 
 RuFus Putnam to the Secretary of War, Feb- 
 ruary 14, 1793 384 
 
 Resignation as brigadier-general. 
 
 RuFUS Putnam to the Secretary of War, April, 
 
 1793 384 
 
 The defensive works at Gallipolis. 
 
 The Postmaster-General, Timothy Pickering, to 
 
 RuFUS Putnam, May 24, 1794 386 
 
 The Ohio River mail. — Designation of postmas- 
 ters. 
 
 The Postmaster-General to Rufus Putnam, June 7, 
 
 1794 387 
 
 Engagement of boat's crew. 
 Rufus Putnam to the Postmaster-General, June 
 
 9» 1794 388 
 
 Desirability of a post at the mouth of the Scioto. 
 The Postmaster-General to Rufus Putnam, June 
 
 20, 1794 390 
 
 Arrangements for the mail service. 
 The Postmaster-General to Rufus Putnam, Au- 
 gust 8, 1794 -391 
 
 Request for opinions concerning the mail service. 
 Rufus Putnam to the Postmaster-General, August 
 
 30, 1794 392 
 
 Modification of mail service. 
 The Secretary of War, Timothy Pickering, to 
 
 Rufus Putnam, January 16, 1795 395 
 
 Request for supervision of mail service. 
 
 Rufus Putnam to the Secretary of War, Febru- 
 ary 9, 1795 397 
 
 Acceptance of mail supervision. 
 
CONTENTS XXV 
 
 RuFus Putnam to the Secretary of War, Febru- 
 ary 20, 1795 398 
 
 Details of reorganized mail service. — Plan en- 
 closed. 
 
 RuFus Putnam's Plan for the Carriage of the 
 Ohio River Mail, February 17, 1795 402 
 
 The Secretary of War to Rufus Putnam, March 
 
 25» 1795 404 
 
 Acknowledgment of reorganization of mail service. 
 
 The Secretary of War to Rufus Putnam, March 
 
 25» 179s 405 
 
 Request for advice concerning militia. — Letter to 
 Colonel Sproat enclosed. 
 The Secretary of War to Colonel Sproat, March 
 
 25> 1795 406 
 
 Militia matters. — General Putnam to be asked 
 for advice. 
 Rufus Putnam to Colonel Sproat, April 15, 1795 407 
 
 Scouts to be substituted for stationary guards. 
 Rufus Putnam to the Secretary of the Treasury, 
 
 Oliver WoLCOTT, May 12, 1796 409 
 
 Assignment of lands to the French at Gallipolis. 
 The Secretary of State, Timothy Pickering, to 
 
 Rufus Putnam, September 30, 1796 411 
 
 Request for advice concerning judicial candidates. 
 The Secretary of State to Rufus Putnam, October 
 
 I, 1796 412 
 
 Appointed surveyor-general. 
 Rufus Putnam to the Secretary of State, October 
 
 15' 1796 412 
 
 Acceptance of appointment as surveyor-general. 
 The Postmaster-General, Joseph Habersham, to 
 
 Rufus Putnam, December 16, 1796 413 
 
 The Ohio River mail. 
 Rufus Putnam to the Postmaster-General, Janu- 
 ary 25, 1797 415 
 
 Suggestions concerning the western mail service. 
 
xxvi CONTENTS 
 
 The Secretary of State to Rufus Putnam, March 
 
 17. 1797 417 
 
 Request for information concerning the Ohio 
 River mail. 
 The Secretary of State to Rufus Putnam, 
 
 March 17, 1797 418 
 
 The survey of lands for the Christian Indians. 
 Rufus Putnam to the Secretary of the Treasury, 
 
 December 2, 1797 419 
 
 The survey of lands for Ebenezer Zane. 
 Rufus Putnam to the Secretary of the Treasury, 
 
 January 18, 1798 420 
 
 The provision of a clerk and stationery. 
 Rufus Putnam to the Secretary of the Treasury, . 
 
 March 9, 1798 423 
 
 Plans for surveys for the current year. 
 The Secretary of the Treasury to Rufus Putnam, 
 
 June i, 1798 425 
 
 The allowance of a clerk. 
 The Secretary of State to Rufus Putnam, 
 
 August 2, 1798 426 
 
 The distribution of government pamphlets. 
 The Secretary of the Treasury to Rufus Putnam, 
 
 September 24, 1798 428 
 
 Intrusive settlements on government land. 
 Rufus Putnam to the Secretary of the Treasury, 
 
 October 30, 1798 429 
 
 Facts concerning unlawful settlements. 
 Rufus Putnam to the Postmaster-General, Feb- 
 ruary 26, 1800 430 
 
 Roads in the Northwest Territory. 
 The Secretary of the Treasury, Albert Gallatin, 
 
 TO Rufus Putnam, June 26, 1802 431 
 
 Plan for opening roads in the Northwest Ter- 
 ritory. 
 The Secretary of the Treasury to Rufus Putnam, 
 
 August 9, 1802 433 
 
 The nomination of a register. 
 
CONTENTS xxvii 
 
 RuFUS Putnam to the Secretary of the Treasury, 
 
 August i8, 1802 433 
 
 Roads and courses for roads in the Northwest 
 Territory. 
 The Secretary of the Treasury to Rufus Putnam, 
 
 October 6, 1802 436 
 
 The appointment of a register. 
 Rufus Putnam to the Secretary of the Treasury, 
 
 March 28, 1802 437 
 
 The road from Marietta to St. Clairsville. 
 The Secretary of the Treasury to Rufus Putnam, 
 
 April 16, 1803 438 
 
 Contract for opening the St. Clairsville road. 
 The Secretary of the Treasury to Rufus Putnam, 
 
 September 21, 1803 439 
 
 Arrangements for transfer of office to Jared 
 Mansfield. 
 Rufus Putnam to the Secretary of the Treasury, 
 
 February 18, 1804 440 
 
 The transmission of final accounts. 
 The Secretary of the Treasury to Rufus Putnam, 
 
 April 25, 1804 443 
 
 The settlement of final accounts. 
 
 INDEX 445 
 
ILLUSTRATIONS 
 
 PAGE 
 
 RuFUS Putnam Frontispiece 
 
 Silhouette from the original in the possession of 
 
 the late Catharinus P. Buckingham. 
 
 Autograph and seal from a letter in the Library 
 
 of Marietta College. 
 
 Coat of arms from the original drawing in the 
 
 Library of Marietta College. 
 
 Plan of New Orleans, 1773 38 
 
 From the original drawing by Rufus Putnam in 
 the Library of Marietta College. 
 
 Plan of Mississippi Lands, 1773 51 
 
 From the original drawing (7f x 5f inches) by 
 Rufus Putnam in the Library of Marietta College. 
 
 Map of the Lower Mississippi, 1773 90 
 
 From the original drawing by Rufus Putnam in 
 the Library of Marietta College. 
 
 Key to Rufus Putnam's Map of the Lower Mis- 
 sissippi 92 
 
 Position of the British at Phillips, July, 1780 . 166 
 From the original drawing by Rufus Putnam in 
 the Library of Marietta College. 
 
 Plan of the Ancient Earthworks on the Site 
 
 OF Marietta, Ohio, 1788 216 
 
 From the original drawing (12^ x 16 inches) by 
 Rufus Putnam in the Library of Marietta College. 
 
 The Ohio Company's Fort at Marietta, 1788 . . 270 
 From an old print in the Library of Marietta 
 College. 
 
 The Ohio Company's Land Office at Marietta . 320 
 Purchased and restored by the National Society 
 of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of 
 Ohio. 
 
ILLUSTRATIONS xxix 
 
 Plan of the River Wabash — from the Mouth to 
 Post Vincent. Taken September, 1792 . . 366 
 
 From the original drawing (14^ x 6 inches) by 
 Rufus Putnam in the Library of Marietta College. 
 
 Interior of the Ohio Company's Land Office at 
 Marietta 404 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 BY HON. GEORGE F. HOAR 
 
 The work of most of the great men of the world 
 would not have been missed, if they had not lived. 
 Their places would have been filled by others. The 
 currents of history would not have been changed by 
 their absence. They are like ranges of mountains. 
 If one peak be removed, another beyond comes into 
 view, and the effect in the landscape is about the 
 same. 
 
 But there are a few men to whom it has been given 
 to stand at the parting of the ways, or the parting 
 . of the waters, to turn the currents of human history 
 and to determine the destiny of States and Nations. 
 They have not done merely a work that somebody 
 else would have accomplished but for them. The 
 work was their own, and would not have been done 
 without them. Beyond a question one of these was 
 Rufus Putnam, whose simple, modest story is now 
 given to the world for the first time. He died with- 
 out knowing its sublimity, or foreseeing its result. 
 
 But his title to be enrolled in that small but honor- 
 able list rests upon impregnable foundations. 
 
 April 7, 1783, Timothy Pickering writes to Hodg- 
 don that " there is a plan for the forming of a new 
 State Westward of the Ohio. Some of the principal 
 officers of the A /my are heartily engaged in it. The 
 propositions respecting it are in the hands of General 
 
xxxii INTRODUCTION 
 
 Huntington and General Putnam, the total exclusion 
 of slavery from the State to form an essential and 
 irrevocable part of the Constitution." 
 
 Neither Huntington nor Pickering is heard of again 
 in the matter. But Rufus Putnam pressed it upon 
 General Washington in repeated letters which Gen- 
 eral Washington answered, affirming his own earnest 
 interest in the scheme, and saying that he had urged 
 it upon Congress, but had been unable to create any 
 interest in the matter. Meantime there were other 
 plans before Congress for settling the Ohio Territory, 
 especially one of Mr. Jefferson's. But none of them 
 contemplated the exclusion of slavery until after the 
 year 1800. Even with that limitation, as the subse- 
 quent attempts to establish slavery there showed, Jef- 
 ferson's scheme would have been utterly futile to ex- 
 clude it. The measure failed in Congress, and was 
 dead until in the year 1787 Rufus Putnam issued from 
 his house in Rutland a call for a Convention of repre- 
 sentative soldiers from the different counties of Massa- 
 chusetts, to meet at the Bunch of Grapes Tavern in 
 Boston, to take steps for forming the Ohio Company, 
 and settling the Territory by a body of veteran 
 soldiers. The Company so formed elected him its 
 Superintendent. 
 
 Thereafter General Putnam sent General S. H. 
 Parsons to Philadelphia to negotiate for the purchase 
 of lands for the new State. General Parsons came 
 back, having utterly failed to accomplish anything. 
 Thereupon General Putnam sent Manasseh Cutler, 
 an eminent clergyman and man of s.^ience, afterward 
 member of Congress from Massachusetts. Cutler had 
 
INTRODUCTION xxxiii 
 
 met Putnam in Boston, and agreed with him upon 
 the conditions to be required. He returned to Massa- 
 chusetts crowned with complete success. 
 
 The proposals were so advantageous that it was 
 impossible for Congress to reject them. They in- 
 cluded the payment of a large sum of money into 
 the empty treasury of the Confederation, full satis- 
 faction of the claims of a large number of veteran 
 soldiers, securing the allegiance of the Western 
 Territory, a matter about which, as appears by Wash- 
 ington's letters and his Farewell Address, great anxiety 
 then existed, and interposing a shield of disciplined 
 soldiers for the protection of western New York, 
 Pennsylvania, and Virginia against the most power- 
 ful and warlike Indian tribes on the continent, and 
 compelling, what then seemed very doubtful, the per- 
 formance by Great Britain of her treaty obligation 
 to evacuate the Northwest. 
 
 The Ordinance of 1787, which had been brought 
 to life from the tomb to which it had been consigTied 
 in the preceding Congress, was reported by Nathan 
 Dane, without any provision for excluding slavery, 
 because, as he said, he did not believe that it could 
 possibly be adopted. Thereupon Cutler announced 
 that he should take his departure. But he was urged 
 to remain, and assured that the next day Congress 
 would come to his terms. The next day Dane moved 
 on the floor an amendment, now in existence in his 
 own handwriting, containing the provision for the 
 perpetual and irrevocable exclusion of slavery. That 
 was unanimously adopted, with the exception of one 
 vote. 
 
xxxiv INTRODUCTION 
 
 Rufus Putnam himself led the first company of set- 
 tlers to Marietta, arriving there on the 7th of April, 
 1788, and laid the foundation of what are now six 
 mighty States. The Company of settlers voted that 
 the 7th day of April in every year should be forever 
 celebrated as the day when Rufus Putnam founded 
 Ohio. Harris, the early historian, dedicates the col- 
 lection of documents relating to the early history of 
 the Territory ** To Rufus Putnam, the Founder and 
 Father of Ohio." 
 
 Each of the three States, Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana, 
 afterward struggled to get rid of the prohibition with- 
 out effect. This makes it clear that, without it, the set- 
 tlers, who were largely from Virginia, would have 
 introduced slavery there, and that Jefferson's inhibi- 
 tion to take effect after 1800 would have proved feeble 
 and abortive. 
 
 In the Ohio State Convention of 1802, when the 
 first Constitution was adopted, the champions of slav- 
 ery were so nearly in the ascendant that Rufus Put- 
 nam, then an old man, called up Ephraim Cutler, son 
 of Manasseh, from his sick-bed late at night, told him 
 that there was danger that slavery would be estab- 
 lished by the Convention, and with Cutler's aid suc- 
 ceeded in defeating it by a single vote. But for Rufus 
 Putnam, the great Northwest Territory would to-day 
 be made up of slave States. The United States would 
 have been a great slaveholding empire, and if the 
 Civil War had taken place at all, the power of this 
 mighty group of commonwealths would have turned 
 the scale on the Southern side. 
 
 The action of General Putnam was equally decisive 
 
INTRODUCTION xxxv 
 
 in compelling the evacuation of Boston by the British 
 troops when Washington was meditating an attack, 
 under circumstances which but for Putnam's fortunate 
 inspiration would have compelled him with his un- 
 disciplined army, ill-supplied with ammunition, to 
 make an attack on a superior force, well entrenched 
 in the town, supported by a powerful fleet, or to have 
 delayed the attack until the arrival of reinforcements 
 to the British, which would have enabled them to put 
 Washington on the defensive under circumstances 
 which would have rendered victory to the patriotic 
 cause almost hopeless. That story is told in the fol- 
 lowing pages. But for the providential inspiration 
 which enabled Rufus Putnam to fortify Dorchester 
 Heights, it is likely that the British forces would have 
 possessed themselves of Massachusetts, and possess- 
 ing themselves of Massachusetts, could have sub- 
 dued the rebellion. 
 
 That General Putnam tells the story of his life mod- 
 estly and with absolute truth, nobody who reads it 
 will be likely to doubt. He makes no claim for him- 
 self, except of having served his country faithfully and 
 to the satisfaction and with the respect of his supe- 
 riors, especially of his great leader Washington. 
 
 He has made no special claim for himself in regard 
 to either of the transactions to which we have referred. 
 But he does claim that it was due to him that Wash- 
 ington's army was saved in New York at the single 
 most trying and dangerous period of the Revolution- 
 ary War. Of the justice of that claim, military men 
 and experts in military history are the best judges. 
 It is believed, however, that he is entitled to wear that 
 laurel also. 
 
xxxvi INTRODUCTION 
 
 Other engineers might have constructed the fortifi- 
 cations at West Point, which in fact were the work 
 of Rufus Putnam, whom Washington declared to be 
 the best engineer officer on our side, whether French 
 or American. Other engineers might have selected 
 West Point for the place to be fortified. But Rufus 
 Putnam in fact selected West Point and constructed 
 the fortifications there. That alone would have been 
 enough to give him a high place in history, and a 
 high place in the gratitude of his countrymen. But in 
 his title to public gratitude for the unequalled service 
 of saving the Northwest from slavery, and in deliver- 
 ing Massachusetts from the invader, he is without a 
 competitor. 
 
RUFUS PUTNAM'S MEMORANDUM 
 BOOK OF FAMILY CONCERNS 
 
RUFUS PUTNAM'S 
 
 MEMORANDUM BOOK OF 
 
 FAMILY CONCERNS 
 
 "John Putnam came from Buckingham Shire in 
 England, Anno-1634, and Setled in Salem Maffachu- 
 fetts. — he brought three Sons with him viz. Thomas, 
 Nathaniel, and John : he (that is the Father) died at 
 the age of about eighty years, very Suddenly, he 
 eat his Supper, went to prayer in his family, and died 
 before he went to Sleep " 
 
 Edward Putnam, Grandfon of the first John gives 
 the above account in a manufcript dated 1733, himfelf 
 being then 79 years of age, & adds " from thofe three 
 proceeded twelve males, from those 12, forty males 
 and from those 40, eighty two males, there was none 
 of the name of Putnam in New England but those of 
 this family " with refpect to there Sittuation in Life 
 he remarks " I can Say with the Pfalmist . . I have 
 ben young and now am old yet I have not Seen the 
 Righteous forsaken, nor there Seed beging bread, 
 except to God who provide for all. For God hath 
 given to the generation of my Fathers, Agurs portion, 
 neither poverty nor riches but hath fead us with 
 food convenient for us ; and their Children have ben 
 able to help others in there need. — The third genera- 
 tion are all gon to their Fathers but three and he that 
 gives this account is one of them aged 79 years " 
 
 In 1 741 at the age of 87, he gives the names of the 
 following heads of Families, of the Fourth generation ^ 
 
 1 The following genealogical lists are at variance with those in the His- 
 tory of the Putnam Family by Eben Putnam, and should not be relied 
 upon. 
 
4 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 viz " Edward, Elifha, Jofeph, Ezra, Isaac, Nathaniel, 
 Daniel, Benjamin, Tarrent, Cornelius, Stephen, Israel, 
 Thomas, Edward, Archelus, Joseph, Samuel John, 
 Amos, Jofiah, James Jethro, Caroline John Jonathan, 
 Henry, Holyoak, Jacob, William, David Ely Jofhua, 
 Henry — 32 " but how many there were at that time 
 of that generation he Sais he could not tell ; this 
 good old man died in the year 1 747 in the 94*^ year 
 of his age — 
 
 The Putnam Family as before Stated Settled at 
 Salem Mafsachusetts in Anno 1634, and they are very 
 numerous at this day in that and the neighbouring 
 towns, however, they are a family by no means fo 
 Governed by Local habits as Some others, they now 
 Spread through all New England and many other 
 parts of the United States, nor have I ever found 
 one of the name, but was decended from the Salem 
 Family. — 
 
 It would be in Vain to attemp at this day to give 
 an account of all the Male desendents of the family, 
 however, I Shall attempt a Genealogy as far as has 
 come to my knowledge. — 
 
 And first Thomas Putnam (the eldest Son of our 
 Ancester John Putnam, had 4 Sons. Thomas, Ed- 
 ward, Archelus, & Jofeph — 
 
 Edward was born July 4^*^ 1654 ^^^ died at up- 
 wards of 93, before mentioned, his Sons were the 4 
 Generation 
 
 viz Edward bom April 29*'^ 1682 — who lived to an 
 old age 
 Holyoak d« Sep* iS*'^ 1683, killed by the In- 
 dians 
 * Elifha d° Nov*" 3^ 1685 died June 10*'' 1745 
 
 * he removed from Salen & Settled in Sutton, May 1725 Isaac also 
 removed to Sutton Soon after — 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 5 
 
 Jofeph d° [bom] Nov'' i^* 1687 
 
 Nehemiah d*^ Decern'' 20*^ 1694 — died young 
 
 Ezra — d° April 29^1^696 d° at about 
 
 51 
 Ifaac — do March 14*^ 1698 died at the 
 age of 59 
 of the 5*^ Generation Sons of Edward 2^ viz 
 Edard 3^ Settled in Sutton died at a very ad- 
 vanced age leaveing a numerous Issue — 
 Holyoak who alfo Settled in Sutton & 
 Miles who first Settled in Midleton 
 
 5*^ generation Sons of Elisha, 3^ Son of Edward i^* 
 Elifha, [born] December 2^ 1715 died in the 
 
 army 1758 — 
 Nehemiah, d° March 22^ 17 19. died at Sutton 
 
 Nov'' 27*^ 1 79 1 — 
 Jonathan, d° July ig*'^ 1721 d° at d° — 
 
 Stephen, d° April 4*'^ 1728 d° New hamp- 
 
 ihair March 5*^ 1803 
 Amos, d° [born] July 22^^ 1730, — died aug^' 19*^ 
 
 1811 
 *Rufus, do April 9^1^ 1738,— 
 
 5*^ generation Sons of Jofeph 4*^ Son of Edward i^* 
 
 Oliver, & Jofeph. 
 5*^ Generation Sons of Ezra 6*^ Son of Edward i^* 
 Nehemiah, who died young. — 
 
 t Ezra — he had three Sons who all died without Male 
 ifsue — 
 ^th generation Sons Isaac 7*^^ Son of Edward i^* 
 Phinehas, Asaph, Nathan, Isaac, Edward & Daniel 
 Edward died young, the others have numerous fam- 
 ilies — 
 
 * Commenced the Settlement of Marietta on the Ohio 7"' April 1788 
 and arrived there with his family November 1790 
 t Settled at Marietta 1790 — with two Sons 
 
6 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 6^'^ Generation decending from Elifh, Son of Ed- 
 ward i^* 
 
 viz Sons of Elisha 2^ 
 Andrew, Elisha, *Antepafs, Jockton, Luke William- — 
 
 viz. Sons of Nehemiah — 
 Aaron, Reeuben, Jofeph, Benjamin 
 
 viz. Sons of Jonathan 
 Adonijah, f Folinsbee, Jonathan, Francis, John — 
 
 viz — Sons of Stephen 
 Solomon, John, Elifha, Gideon, Lewis, David, Rufus 
 
 viz. Son, of Amos. 
 Paul, who died in Childhood 
 
 viz Sons of Rufus 
 X Ayres, William Rufus, Franklin, Edwin 
 
 yth generation viz the Great Grandsons of Elisha 
 Son of Edward i^* N B the Grand Sons of Elifha, 
 Nehemiah, Jonathan and Stephen are at prefent un- 
 known, it is prefumed on good grounds they are 
 numerous, for in the year 1805 the Grand children of 
 Stephen amounted to 52, and Andrew the eldest Son 
 of Elisha has Sons at lest 40 year old, and Adonijah 
 Sons nearly as old — 
 
 yth generation Grandsons of Nehemiah, Son of 
 Elisha i^* 
 
 viz Sons of Aaron 
 Calvin, Franklin, Luther, the two Last died in Child- 
 hood 
 
 viz. Sons of Reuben — 
 Aaron, Jonas, Joseph Mafon, Maning, Rufus, Rufus 
 Austing, John 
 
 viz. Sons of Jofeph — 
 John Town, Daniel and Benjamin 
 
 viz Sons of Benjamin 
 
 * died at the Havanna in 1764 — 
 
 t Follinsbee & Jonathan both died in Childhood 
 
 } Ayres & Franklin died in Childhood 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 7 
 
 Simeon, Rufus, Jofeph, John 2^Jofeph & 3^ — Jofeph 
 all except Simeon & John died in Childhood and 
 youth 
 
 yth generation, Grandfons of Rufus, Son of Elisha i^* 
 viz Sons of W"^ Rufus 
 William, who died a few days after born 
 W"^ Rufus born June 13*^ 181 2 
 
 viz. Sons of Edwin 
 Franklin 
 Rufus — 
 W" Rice — 
 
 7th Generation, Andrew, and Adonijah, mentioned 
 in the last page have Several Sons but the number 
 cannot at prefent be afsertained — 
 8*^ Generation, it is highly probable ther are many 
 of this Generation. Andrew & Adonijah have doubt- 
 lefs a number of Grand Children — 
 7 Generation, Grandsons of Elisha Son of Elisha i^* — 
 viz Sons of Andrew — 
 Andrew — Malachai — Peter — Stephen — David 
 
 In revewing this memore, in justice to the Charac- 
 ter of my Father, Elifha Putnam, I ought to mention 
 that he was much refpected as a Citizen & Christian, 
 was Town Clerk many years & Deacon of the 
 Church, and reprefented the town of Sutton at the 
 General Court — how many years I cannot say — 
 
 Decendents of Jofeph, the youngest Son of Thomas 
 & Grandson of our venerable ancestor John Putnam : 
 he was half Brother to Edward the first whose de- 
 cendents have ben noticed 
 
 4*^^ Generation Sons of the above Jofeph 
 William, David, Israel i^* 
 
 5^*^ generation Sons of David — 
 William, Allen, Joseph, Israel, Jefse 
 
8 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 5*^ generation Sons of Israel * 2 his Sons 
 6^^ Israel, Daniel, (who died young) Daniel, Chuyler 
 6^^ generation Sons of W"^ Son of David i^* 
 
 Andrew & William 
 6*^ generation Sons of Joseph Son of David i^* 
 
 Jefse 
 6*^ generation Sons of Israel Son of David i^* 
 
 Allen, Daniel, Israel 
 5th generation Sons of Israel f Son of Israel i^*^ 
 Israel, Aaron Waldow, David, W"^ Pitt, Georg 
 Wafhington 
 
 6*^ Generation, Sons of Daniel, Son of General 
 Israel 
 
 William 
 5th generation Sons of Chuyler, Son of Gen^ Israel 
 
 John, Nathan — P Schuyler — Oliver 
 7*^ generation Sons of Israel Son of Col° Israel 
 yth generation Sons of Aaron Waldow Son of Col° 
 Israel 
 
 W"^ Pitt — Aaron Waldo — Israel Loreing 
 7**^ generation Sons of David Son of Col° Israel 
 Benj'^ Perkins — Charles M — Peter R. Douglefs 
 David Murray George 
 
 yth generation Sons of George W Son of Col° Israel 
 N B W" Pitt Son of Col° Israel died without ifsue 
 The decendents of the branches of the Putnam 
 Family, are very numerous, an account of whome 
 has not ben attempted, for want of documents, and 
 it is to be observed, that of the thirty two heads of 
 Familes, mentioned by my Grand father in 1741 the 
 decendents of only eight of them have ben notised 
 and those not very partially in Several instence — 
 
 * this is the celebrated General Putnam, born at Danvers Mafsachufetts 
 17 16 Settled at pomphret Connecticutt for whose character and Military 
 achievements See the history of his life — 
 
 t Col° Putnam with all his Family removed to the ohio between 1788 
 & 1797 — Settled at Marietta & Bellprie 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 9 
 
 Having given Some account of my anceilors, and 
 a genealogy of the Putnam Family as far as has come 
 within my knowledge, it may be proper to give Some 
 account of my Self hopeing it may be of Some amufe- 
 ment if not of use to my decendents — 
 
 I am the youngest Son of Elisha Putnam, who was 
 the third Son of Edward, grandson of John Putnam, 
 who Settled at Salem in 1634 as before mentioned 
 
 — My Mothers Maiden name was Susanna Fuller, 
 daughter of Jonathan Fuller of Danvers — 
 
 I was born the 9*^ of April 1738, at Sutton in Maf- 
 sachusetts. in 1745 at the age of Seven years and 
 two months, I became an orphan by the death of my 
 Father, from his death to September 1747 I lived 
 with my grandfather Fuller, to this time I was keept 
 at School as much as Children ufually were at that 
 day, and could read pritty well in the bible 
 
 In Sep* 1747 I went to live with my Step Father, 
 Capt John Sadler (at Upton) and continued with him 
 untill his death (in September or October 1753)^ 
 
 1 [Copy] By the Honourable 
 
 Joseph Wilder Esq. 
 Judge of Probate of Wills for and within the County of Worcester in the 
 Province of the Massachusetts Bay — 
 
 To Jonathan Dudley of Sutton in the County and Province aforesaid, 
 Yeoman — Greeting 
 
 Trusting to your care and fidelity, I do, by these presents, pursuant to 
 the power and authority to me granted, in and by an Act of the General 
 Assembly of the said Province, nominate and appoint you to be Guardian 
 unto Kufus Putnam, a minor, aged 14 years, son of Elisha Putnam late of 
 said Sutton, Yeoman deceased, he having made choice of you, with full 
 power and authority to ask, demand, sue for, recover, receive, & take into 
 your custody, all and singular such part and portion of Estate as accrues 
 to him in right of his Father aforesaid, deceased — or which, by any 
 other way or means whatsoever, doth of right belong or appertain to him 
 
 — and to manage employ, and improve the same, to his best proffit and 
 advantage — and to render a plain and true account of your Guardianship, 
 upon oath, so far as the law will charge you therewith when you shall be 
 
lo MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 during the six year I lived with Cap* Sadler, I 
 never Saw the infide of a School house, except about 
 three weeks, he was very illiterate himfelf, and took 
 no care for the education of his family ; but this was 
 not all I was made a ridecule of, and otherwise abused 
 for my attention to books, and attempting to write, 
 and learn Arethmatic, however, amidst all those dis- 
 couragements I made Some advances in writeing and 
 Arethmatic, that is I could make Letters that could 
 be under Hood, and had gon as far in Arethmatic as 
 to work the rule of three (without any teacher but the 
 book) — Oh ! my Children beware you neglect not 
 the education of any under your care as I was neg- 
 lected. — 
 
 In March 1754 I was bound apprentice to Daniel 
 Mathews of Brokfield, to the Millwights trade ; by 
 him my education was as much neglected, as by 
 Capt Sadler, except that he did not deny me the use 
 of a Light for Study in the winter evenings — 
 
 I turned my attention chiefly to Arethmatic, Geo- 
 graphy, and history ; had I ben as much engaged 
 in Learning to write well, with Spelling, and Gramer, 
 I might have ben much better qualified to fulfill the 
 duties of the Succeeding Scenes of Life, which In 
 providence I have ben called to pafs through. I was 
 zealous to obtain knowledge, but having no guide I 
 
 lawfully required — and pay & deliver such and so much of said estate as 
 shall be remaining upon your account (the same being first examined and 
 allowed by the Judge of Probate for the time being) unto the said minor 
 when he shall arrive at full age, or otherwise as said Judge, by his decree 
 or sentence, pursuant to law shall limit and appoint — and also to take 
 care of the person of said minor 
 
 In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and the seal of said 
 Court of Probate — Dated at Worcester the 12th day of April, A. D. 
 1752, & in the 25th year of his Majestys Reign — 
 
 Joseph Wilder — 
 
 By order of the Hon. Judge J. Chandler. Regr. — 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM ii 
 
 knew not where to beg-in nor what course to pur- 
 sue, — hence neglecting Spelling and gramer when 
 young I have Suffered much through life on that 
 account 
 
 March 15**^ i757- The war between England and 
 France which commeced in 1754 Still continuing I 
 engaged in the provential Service, to Serve to the 2^ 
 day of February following. I was attached to Cap* 
 Eben' Learneds Company of 100 men. — 
 April 30, we marched from Brookfield and reached 
 Kenderhook, about 18 mile below Albany, on the 6*** 
 of May. 
 
 dureing our Stay at Kenderhook, Cap* Learned 
 prayed with his Company Morning and evening, and 
 on the Sabath read a Sermon. (Oh ! how the times 
 have changed.) — 
 
 May iS*'^ the Company left Kenderhook, and ar- 
 rived the Same day at Green bulh, oppofet the City 
 of Albany. — 
 
 May-2i^* our Company reached Scocook, a Dutch 
 Settlement on Hoofuck river, three mile from the 
 Hudfon, deferted by the inhabitents on account of 
 the War. — 
 
 June 9**^ the Company joined Col° Fry^ at Still- 
 water, and on the ii*"^ Marched to Saratoga (a place 
 Sence famous in history for the capture of a British 
 army under the Command of Gen^ Burgoyn in 
 
 1777-) — 
 June 14*^ Col° Fryes Regiment, consisting of 
 
 Seventeen companys. Left Saratoga, and on the 15*'' 
 
 arrived at Fort Edward 
 
 July 8*'' being a Volunteer in the Ranging Servis, 
 
 I was detached on a Scout for Six days under Lt Col- 
 
 1 Joseph Frye, Colonel of a Massachusetts Regiment of Foot. 
 
12 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 lings with 22 men. we marched on the rout towards 
 South bay abou^^ 10 mile, and encamped — 
 July 9*^ after marching about 10 mile further, he 
 then Sent three of us forward to go to the bay & 
 bring him an account of the distence to it, that we 
 might go the Lighter we Left our Blankets and pro- 
 vision with the Scout, but the distence was much 
 further then was expected, and we were not able to 
 return untill neer Sunsett, to the place where we left 
 the party, they were gon, and carried off our Blakets 
 and provifions. the officer had taken fright, and run 
 away fupposing we ware killed or taken. — we at- 
 tempted to track them but to no purpos, believeing 
 they could not be farr oR we fiered a gun but recived 
 no anfwer — our Sittuation was by no means agrea- 
 ble, having nothing to cover us from the Natts & 
 Musketoes (with which that country abounds beyond 
 description) but a Shirt and Breech Clout. 
 July 10* we fiered guns but to no purpos, and Spent 
 the fore-noon in Search of there trale but in vain, 
 July 11*^ we returnend to Fort Edward having ben 
 Forty eight hours without any thing to eate, and 
 Spent two nights in company with the Natts and 
 Musketoes. 
 
 July 12*^ Collins came in with the rest of the party 
 they confefsed they heard our evening gun, but Sup- 
 posed the Indians had gotten us and were after them, 
 in confequence of which they took there way to Fort 
 William Henry, and there reported that we were 
 either killed or taken. M"" Collins character undoubt- 
 edly Suffered, but he eafily pafsafied us and we did 
 not complain — however when an officer is brought 
 to Solicit his Soldiers not to complain of him, he must 
 feal Small in his own eyes, as well as Contemptable 
 in the eyes of others, it was undoubtedly extreamly 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 13 
 
 unfoldier like to leave us in the woods in the maner 
 he did — if our Long absence gave caufe of alarm, 
 he ought to have with drawn but a Small distence, 
 and placed himsef in ambush and to have posted two 
 men under cover to watch our return, or the approach 
 of the enemy had any appeared. — 
 
 July 23^ about 8 oclock in the morning a large 
 party of Indians fired on the guard of the Carpenters, 
 within half a mile of the Fort we had 13 killed and 
 one mifsing — 
 
 This was the first Sight I had of the Indians Butcher- 
 ing, and it was not very agreable to the fealings of a 
 young Soldier, and I think there are few if any who 
 can view Such Scenes with indifference 
 
 the Enemy Left none of there dead or wounded 
 behind — in the afternoon about 250 men under the 
 command of Cap* Israel Putnam ^ marched in pursute. 
 we marched on the Indian trale untill Sun Set Cap* 
 Putnam then ordered three of us to follow the trale a 
 mile or more further, and there lie close untill quite 
 dark, to observe if any came back, for Said he "if 
 they do not embark in there boats to night they will 
 Send a party back to See if they are purfued " we 
 went acording to ordor but made no discovery, and 
 here I would remark that Cap* Putnams precaution 
 Struck my mind very forceally, as a maxim allways 
 to be observed whether you are purfuing or are pur- 
 fued by an enemy : efpecially in the woods, it was 
 the first Idea of Generalship, I recollect to have trea- 
 fured up. 
 
 August 3^^, this morning a french army. Said to be 
 about 15000, besides a large body of Indians from 
 Cannada, Lade Seage to Fort William Henry, the 
 
 ^ Major-General Israel Putnam, of Revolutionary fame. His father 
 and Ruf us Putnam's grandfather were half-brothers. 
 
14 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 Seage continued untill the 9*^^ when the Garifon ca- 
 pitulated. 
 
 Fort William Henry Stood on the margen of Lake 
 George neer the Southwest corner 13^ miles from 
 Fort Edward and about 70 mile from Abany. it was 
 a reguler Square with four Baftions, the walls con- 
 sisted of timber and earth, with ditch &c capable for 
 a time of resisting a cannonade & bombardment, the 
 Garison confisted of between three and four hundred, 
 British regulers, abut half a mile east of the Fort, Sep- 
 perated from it by a Swamp and Creek, was about 
 1500 proventials encamped within a low brest work of 
 Logs, on thefe the French made no Serious attack, 
 and they might at any time have forced there way 
 throug the enemy, posted in that quarter, but the 
 next morning, viz the 10^'^ of August, as the proven- 
 tials were paraded to march to Fort Edward agre- 
 ably to cappitulation, the Indians fell on them, and 
 amost horrid butchery enfued, those who efcaped with 
 there Lives were Striped almost naked, many in 
 makeing there efcape were lost in the woods where 
 they wondered Several days without food, one man 
 in perticuler was out ten days, and there is reafon to 
 believe Some perrished, in perticuler the wounded, 
 but the number murdered & mifsing was never known 
 
 to me 
 
 General Webb Lay all the time of the Seage at Fort 
 Edward with not Lefs then four thousand men, acord- 
 ing to my Judgment, and for a confiderable part of 
 the time with a Larger number by the coming up of 
 the Militia of New York. General Webb was informed 
 every day of the Seage, by an exprefs, from Col° 
 Munroe, of the afairs at the Lake, he knew the 
 French had attempted northing on the provential 
 Camp, it was the opinion of many oficers that he 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 15 
 
 might have releaved the Fort, and that he was 
 much to blame for not attempting it, the general 
 idea among us Soldiers was that he was a coward, 
 nor did he exprefs more humanity then courage, for 
 he took no care to bury the men butchered in 
 the maner above mentioned, or to Seek after the 
 wounded fhould there be any Lying among the dead, 
 — I was on the ground a fhort time after, and Saw 
 the dead bodies Lying as neglected as if they had 
 ben wild bests. = 
 
 The proventials lost all confidence in General 
 Webb, and many of them deserted. I was at one 
 time on the point of deferting but was proidentially 
 prevented. — 
 
 October 8*'^ the provential Rangeing companys 
 were discharged, and I did Camp duty untill the 
 21^* when I joined a Company of Carpenters untill 
 the lo*'^ of November when the Fort being finished 
 the Carpenters ware all dischaed from the public 
 works — 
 
 Fort Edward Stood on the Easterly bank of the 
 Hudson or North River about 66 mile above Al- 
 bany, the river washed one Side of its wall, its form 
 was Somewhat ireguler : having two Bastions and 
 two half Ballions the walls were high & thick com- 
 posed of hewed timber & earth a broad rampert, 
 with Casement or Bomp proff, a deep ditch with a 
 draw bridg, a covered Way, Glafsee &c. 
 
 I have ben perticuler in this defcription, because in 
 1777, there was by no means fo great an apperence 
 of there having ben a Fortification there as we find 
 in the antient works at Marietta & other parts of the 
 Ohio Country — 
 
 November lo**^ the remnent of Col° Fry^s Regiment 
 (himfelf & most of his regiment having be made 
 
i6 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 prifoners at Fort William Henry) marched down 
 to the half moon, 12 mile above Albany. 
 November 18^^ 360 of us were drafted into four 
 Companys and ordered to different posts for winter 
 quarters, this was a greate & unexpected disappoint- 
 ment ; for althoe our inlistments run to the 2^ of 
 February we expected to be discharge on the clofe of 
 the Campaign. — Capt Learneds Company was or- 
 dered up to Still water. But I with Several others 
 engaged in the Kings works at Halfmoon, and I did 
 not join my Company untill the 29*^ of December — 
 
 January i^* 1758. we keept the day with joy and 
 wilhed for Chandlemafs, being jealous there was a 
 delign to hold us in the Servis longer then our en- 
 gagement ; and being ditermined to git away if pof- 
 sible. and knowing that if we attempted it by the 
 common road through Albany we Should probably 
 be Hoped by the Reguler troops in that quarter — . 
 our plan was to march by the way of Hoofuck ; and 
 the Snow being now deep and daly increasing, the 
 month of January was imployed in prepareing Snow 
 Shoes for the jooney. We Lay in Hutts a Small 
 distence from a Stockade Fort garifoned by one Com- 
 pany of Regulers Commanded by Capt Skean (after- 
 wards Major Skean proprietor of Skeansbourgh 
 South Bay) 
 
 Capt Learned who had ben home on Furloe joined 
 his Company on the 5*^ of January, approved of our 
 plan of going off on the 3^^ of February, and pledge 
 himfelf to head us in the retreat unlefs he could ob- 
 tain our discharge I then thought much of him but 
 I have Sence Learned to dispise him, for an officer to 
 Defert is unpardonable. 
 
 February 2*^ we were all ordored into the Fort and 
 Captain Skean read to us part of a letter he had re- 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 17 
 
 ceved from General Abecromby the purport of which 
 was " you are hereby required to perfuade the Mafsa- 
 chusetts men under your command to tarry a few 
 days longer untill I Shall hear from there Gover- 
 ment, and know what there Goverment intend to do 
 with them " to this it was anfwered he is a good 
 Soldier that Serves his time out, and that the pro- 
 vence had northing to do with us, nither would we 
 tarry any Longer, we were then threatened with death 
 if we went oH without a reguler discharge ; and then 
 ordered to our Hutts. — 
 
 If Capt Skean had ben in earnest withe refpect to 
 detaining of us, it is hard to account for his takeing 
 no forceable meafures when we were paraded in the 
 Fort, nor was there any Search made for our Snow 
 Shoes, it is true our Hutts were under a high bank 
 out of Sight of the Fort, and we keept our Snow 
 Shoes concealed under the Snow, and pofsibly he 
 knew northing of them, and concluded our rout 
 would be down by Albany. 
 
 February 3*^ about three "Clock in the morning we 
 marched ofE as Silently as poisibel, under the con- 
 duct of Cap* Learned and L* Walker, being 70 in 
 number, leaving a L* Brown who did not chues to be 
 of our party, and a few invaleds behind. — 
 
 we had an interv^el & the Hudfon for about half a 
 mile to crofs, exposed to the cannon of the Fort had 
 they discovered our retreat and ben disposed to fire 
 on us. this made it necefsary to retreat in the night, 
 as to any troubl from the Garison in any other refpect 
 there was no danger beause there Number was not 
 equel to ours 
 
 We had no provisions but what we had pinched 
 out of our daly alwence, which was very Short, — we 
 might, prehaps, on an average have between two & 
 
i8 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 three days alowence. it was called 30 mile to Hoofuck 
 Fort, a Stockade Fort on Hoofuck river, belonging 
 to Mafsachufefs. our calculation was to reach this 
 place in two days — 
 
 on the first days march we meet with northing 
 extreordinary except that the Snow was deeper then 
 expected, the foremost man Sunk half leg deep in 
 the Snow, & the tenth man had a good path — 
 
 February 4*^ 2^ days March, this was a very 
 Snowey, Stormy day, and in pafsing Some deferted 
 Settlement we left the river Some confiderable dis- 
 tence on the right, after pafsing thofe Settlements we 
 bore away for the Hoofuck river, but unfortunately 
 mifstook a Western branch of it for the main river, 
 the river was the only guide we depended on to find 
 Fort Hoosuck, and not Suspecting we had mifsed 
 our way we pushed forward in hopes of arriving at 
 the Fort that night, but were disappointed. Capt 
 Learned killed two turkes in the course of the day — 
 
 February 5*^ 3^ ays march. Started very early 
 confident of being at the Fort before noon, however 
 noon and night came, but no Fort (killed one Turky. 
 pitched camp with heavy harts jealous we had mifsed 
 our way, provifions neerly exhausted, wether exceed- 
 ing cold and Stormy. Several men fooze there feet, 
 one man fell in the river, and lost one of his Snow 
 Shoes, by which he fufiered much 
 
 February 6^^ 4*^' days march, continuing up this 
 Stream untill noon, came to a confiderable Fork 
 which left little doubt that we had mifsed our way, 
 however, for further Satisfaction we went up one of 
 the branches Some distence untill it became So Small 
 as to remove all doubt, and then returned back to 
 the Fork mentioned above. Cap* Learned then ad- 
 drefsed the Company in Substence as follows "It 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 19 
 
 " evidently appears that we are on a wrong Stream 
 " and we must be at Lest 30 mile North of Hoofuck 
 " Fort, but don* be discourged, for my life on it if the 
 " men hold out to travel four or five days if I don*^ 
 " bring you to See the inhabitents of New England, 
 '* however if any man has a mind to turn back to 
 " Stillwater he may go in welcom ; for my part I will 
 " Sooner die in the woods " we all agreed to follow 
 him ; and Leaveing this river (on which is now the 
 Town of Benington in the State of Vermont) we 
 Steared a Southeast course Climing Several Steep 
 hills ; and about Sun Sett arrived on the top of a 
 mountain which appeared to be the Highth of Land, 
 the wether extremely cold, and the Snow five feet 
 deep — 
 
 February 7*^ — 5*^ days march — 
 
 Thirty of us made a breakfast this morning on a 
 Little poor Turky — without Salt or bread. — Travel- 
 ing Southeast, in about 5 mile, we fell on a very Small 
 Stream ifsuing from the Mount" and runing South- 
 east, following down this Streme which being joined 
 by Several others, by night increased to a confidera- 
 ble river, we had northing to eat Sence morning, 
 but Beech buds and a few high Cramberries, night 
 found us verry faint, and feteagued, after all our 
 courage held out, and our hopes brightened from the 
 courfe, and increse of the Stream we had fallen 
 on 
 
 February S*'* the 6*^ days March 
 
 The river winds through a broken hilly country 
 and the general course not favourable according to 
 our opinion, the wether very could, and Stormy the 
 traveling in general very bad all day, the men So 
 feable, or Lame with Frozen feet, that but few of them 
 were able to break track. So that we began to be 
 
20 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 fearfull that we Should not reach any Settlement for 
 Some days, and had we not had Some releaf by 
 traveling apart of the way on the river it is highly 
 probable Some of them wuld have perished — we 
 had one, and but one, Dog along with us ; he was 
 large and very fat, and this evening he fell a Sacre- 
 fise to our necefsities. our custom on this march was 
 to encamp ten men at a fire ; the Dog was cearfully 
 Butchered and divided into Seven parts, except the 
 Guts which the Butcher had for his fees, thefe he 
 brought to our Fire, and ten of us made a very good 
 Supper of there fat with out bread or Salt. 
 
 February 9*^ the 7*^ days march 
 
 In the morning ten of us breakfasted on one of the 
 Dogs hind feet and Leg cut of at the gambrell. 
 which being roasted in the ashes, and pounded fo as 
 to Seperate the bones of the foot &c. was very pal- 
 litable — we had very good traveling to day chiefly 
 on the river the Snow not deep, and about noon we 
 Saw where Some trees had ben cut for Shingles, the 
 Sight of which revived our drooping Spirits, as we 
 judged from this circumflance, Som Settlement could 
 not be very far distent — about Sunfetting we came 
 to the mouth of a Small Stream on our Left, which 
 one of the Corporals Said he knew to be Piellham 
 brook, and that we were not more then three mile 
 from Hawks Fort, on Deerefield River, which emties 
 into Connectiutt river at Deerfield — 
 
 on this information the Cap* cunducted with great 
 prudence, for not more then a dozen or fifteen of us 
 were yet come up, and althoe we might have gon in 
 with Safety yet it must probably have ben the Lofs 
 of Some that were fallen in the rere on account of 
 there feablenefs, and Frosted feet. The Captain there- 
 fore ordored the Corporal & two others to go on to 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 21 
 
 the Fort, and make provison for our arrivel in the 
 morning- ; and the rest to build fiers for the night, 
 fortunately all the men came up by daylight — 
 
 this night the ten men at our fire made a kittle of 
 Soup for Supper of the thigh bone of the Dog and 
 portion of a back bone of Pork, Seasoned with ginger 
 which relished exceeding well — 
 
 With refpect to the meate of a Dog I have ever 
 Sence I had the experience, believed it to be very 
 good eating, and that I could at any time eat it with- 
 out disgust — 
 
 February 10*^ the 8*^ days march 
 
 Some people from the Fort meet us on our march 
 with bread and meet Slised up and gave to each man 
 a peace of each, this was well timed not only as a 
 frindly act in giving us as early releaf as pofsible, 
 but Served to check that rage of appetite by which 
 many have injured themfelves by a full meal after 
 long Starvation we arrived at Hawks Fort about ten 
 oClock, where we were kindly entertained — 
 
 as before observed many of the men were badly 
 Frosted in the feet, early on the march, and Some 
 before we Set out, one in perticuler, Ichabod Dexter, 
 who was one of my Mefsmats, and whofe Pack I 
 brought with my own through the whole march ; and 
 yet I was among the foremost in the march, and al- 
 thoe hungery yet never failed in vigor and activity, 
 and this I have always thought was oweing in a mea- 
 fure to the following circumilance, we had in my 
 Mefs perhaps a pound of honney in a Wooden bottle 
 and after our provisions failed we diped the end of a 
 rod (not into a honney comb like Jonathan) but into 
 the honey bottle and put it to our mouth — 
 
 February 15*^ I arrived at my old Masters at 
 Brookfield — 
 
22 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 I had enjoyed my health in a remarcable maner 
 and in Some inflences ben wonderfully preferved, but 
 I do not recollect that I made any acknowledgment 
 to my benefactor & preferver — 
 
 Cap* Learned was much (and I concive justly 
 blamed) for bringing off his Company in the maner 
 he did, nor was he ever able afterward to obtain a 
 Commifsion during that war. — 
 
 In the revolutionary war he entered as a Colonel, 
 in 1776 refigned, in 1777 was made a Brigadier & 
 religned Soon after the capture of Burgoyn. I never 
 doubted his courage but otherwise he never displayed 
 the Soldier or General 
 
 1758 April 10* Notwithllanding my late Sufferings 
 in my return home, I engaged for another Campaign 
 in the provential Servis, in Cap* Jofeph Whitcombs 
 Company, and Col° Ruggels ^ Regiment. — 
 
 the regiment randevozed at Northhampton, our 
 Company arrived there the 27*^^ of May — 
 
 June 3"^ the Regiment marched for Albany 
 
 June 6*^ pafsed Pantoofuck Fort, on Houfatonnic 
 river (a Small Stockade with a few provential Sol- 
 diers) 
 
 June 8*^ arrived at Greenbufh, oppofit to Albany. 
 From Northhamton Street to this place was through 
 a wildernefs but one houfe in whole disence, except 
 the little fort above mentioned. 
 
 June 12*^^ I was with the other Carpenters of Col° 
 Ruggels Regiment (about 80 in number) detached 
 and Sent forward under the Command of L* Pool, 
 we arrived at Lake George the 22^ and were im- 
 ployed in various works there untill the army were 
 ready to embark — 
 
 July 5**^* the Army embarked this morning, in 
 
 1 Timothy Ruggles. 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 23 
 
 Bateaux, confisting of about 17000 men, under the 
 command of General Abbecromby, Commander in 
 cheif, Lord How the Second in comande, Gen^ Gage 
 the Third, and Col° Bradftree Q''Master general — 
 
 General Abbecromby was an old man and fre- 
 quently called, Granne — 
 
 Lord How was the Idol of the Army, in him they 
 placed the utmost confidence, from the few days I 
 had to obferve his maner of conducting, it is not ex- 
 travagent to Supose that every Soldier in the army 
 had a prefonal attachment to him. he frequently 
 came among the Carpenters, and his maner was So 
 eafy and fermiller, that you loost all that conflraint 
 or diffidence we feele when adrefsed by our Superi- 
 ours, whose maners are forbiding. 
 
 General Gage was a man who never acquired a 
 high reputation, and the furious Bradflreet was hated 
 by all the Army 
 
 The Army moved down the Lake untill evening 
 when the boats put a fhore at Sabeth day point, and 
 after refrefhing, put off & rowed all night. 
 
 July 6**^ the army Landed at the Lower end of Lake 
 George, on both Sides of the out let, on our aproach, 
 a detachment of Frence posted on the right or east 
 of the out let retiered without making any oppofi- 
 tion — however as Soon as apart of the army began 
 to advance into the woods on the west Side of the 
 outlet, they were met by a perty of the enemy, and 
 a Scirmish ensued in which Lord How was killed, 
 his death flruck a great damp on the army, for my 
 own part I was So pannic flruck that I was willing to 
 remain with the boat guard, which in the Morning I 
 Should have ben very unwilling to have ben detailed 
 for. however I Soon recovered, at lest in a meafure, 
 fo that I volunteared my Self to join the regiment 
 
24 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 July 8*^ I found the regiment posted on the west 
 of the Mills, with Col° Lymans of Connecticutt, im- 
 ployed in erecting a Brestwork. — 
 
 The action at the French brestwork began about 
 twelve o Clock, and there was a conllant peele of 
 Cannon and Musquetry for Several hours 
 
 Late in the after [noon] there was a party called 
 for to carry ammunition forward to the army, then in 
 action, and feeling a little concerned lest my character 
 might Suffer for having willingly remained with the 
 bot guard, I volunteered my Self on this Ser\dce (I 
 have heard that Some men Should Say they Loved to 
 fight as well as to eat, I never had any Such feelings. 
 So far as I am able to judge of my Self it was pride 
 and a wish to excell, or at lest to come behind none 
 which influenced me at that period of life, to be among 
 the foremost on all ocations that offered) when we 
 came to the Army we found they had ben repulced 
 at the brest work in an attempt to Storm the eni- 
 mies Lines, but I had not the lest Idea of a total 
 defeate — 
 
 our regiment remained in there brest work untill 
 about midnight and then marched back to the Shore 
 of Lake George where we landed on the morning of 
 the 6th 
 
 July g^^ as Soon as Light appeared we discovered 
 that our regiment was the reer of the army who had 
 all retreated in the night, except the Rangers and 
 one Regiment of proventials, left neer the French 
 lines. 
 
 about 9 oClock the army were all embarked, and 
 returned back to the South end of Lake George, and 
 thus ended Abbecrombys expidition with disgrace, 
 and the Lofs of 1500 men killed, and wounded — 
 
 at that time I was uninformed of the Situation of 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 25 
 
 the works or of the mode of attack, and had I ben 
 informed of all this, considering my youth, and in- 
 experence it would have ben arrogance to have given 
 an opinion, however afterwards viewing the works 
 and being informed of the mode of attact, I have 
 judged it the most injuditious and wanton Sacrefise 
 of men that ever came within my knowledge, or 
 reeding — 
 
 Northing more of confequence was attempted in 
 this quarter this Season, except the army commenced 
 building a Fort at this place on the ground occupied 
 by the proventials in 1757 during the Seage of Fort 
 William Henry, which they called Fort George — 
 
 July 22^ Col° Ruggles with his regiment marched 
 to Fort Edward, and were imployed in repairing the 
 roads from thence to Albany untill the 29*'' of October 
 when they were discharged, 
 
 November 9*^^ arrived at Sutton, my native Town, 
 where I made it my home for Some time Thus was 
 I carried through a Second Campaign enjoying 
 uninterrupted health, the Frindlhip of my ofhcers, 
 and never charged with any crime. But alafs in my 
 journal I cannot find any acknowledgment to my 
 Divine benefactor & preferver. nor do I recollect that 
 I had any Serious reflection on the fubject. 
 
 April 2^ 1759^ I this day egaged in the proven- 
 
 MCopy] 
 
 Sutton, April 2, 1759 
 Received of Mr. Moses Leland, Fourteen Pounds, thirteen shillings, 
 Lawful Money, for which I have enlisted in the Province service, in the 
 intended expedition, in behalf of said Leland — And I promise to appear 
 on monday the 9th day of April current, before Col? Chandler, at Major 
 Dan .'. Howards at Worcester, to pass muster for said Leland, in Capt. John 
 Sibley's Company — or I promise to pay said Leland back said money, at 
 his demand, together with his damage he may sustain on my neglect. 
 Witness RuFus Putnam 
 
 John Sibley — 
 
26 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 tial Service for the third campaign. I was finally 
 attached to Cap* William Pages Company of Hard- 
 wick, and in the first Battallion of Rugels Regiment 
 commanded by L* Col° Jofeph Ingersol. — 
 
 I did orderly Sarjents duty untill the 26*^^ of July 
 I find northing in my journal worth notising untill — 
 
 July 21^*^ this morning the army embarked from 
 the South end of Lake George and moved down the 
 Lake, General Amherst Commander in Cheif, in 
 whose ordors for embarking appeared So much ten- 
 dernefs, and humanity as must win the hart of every 
 Soldier, who had any generous fealings. 
 
 July 22^^ the Army Landed this morning at the 
 outlet of the Lake without oppolition — 
 
 July 23 the army took pofsefsion of the brestwork 
 where they were defeated last year, with very little 
 oppofition. and now from viewing with my own eyes, 
 I was convinced of the impropper mode of attact 
 made on it the Last year, and that thofe men who 
 were Sacrefised fell through the want of judgment in 
 the General, or the rafhnefs of Col° Bradflreat. 
 
 July 24 Commenced opening our trenches against 
 the Fort, Ticonderoage — 26* the platforms were 
 Lade in the evening, & our Batteries were to open 
 the next morning, the enemy had keept up a heavy 
 cannonade Sence the 23*^ — on the morning of the 
 27*^ at about three oClock, having very Silently em- 
 barked in boates they Blew up the Fort and pushed 
 down the Lake to Crown point, where they did not 
 wait our coming, but went almost imediately down 
 Lake Champlain : — there conduct was accounted 
 for on the Supposition of there having heard that 
 General Wolf was approaching Quebeck, and there- 
 fore they could not hope for any releaf — 
 
 July 26 Capt Aaron Willard, a man who knew 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 27 
 
 northing of the bufinefs, undertook to build a Saw- 
 mill on the lower falls of the outlet of Lake George 
 where it falls into an arm, or bay about two mile 
 from the begining of the outlet. — 
 
 I was at first invited to undertake as Master work- 
 man under Willard, but I wholly declined. I wanted 
 to go forward with the army, indeed no arguments 
 prevailed with me untill the Brigadier Sent an officer 
 to tell me if I wuld not undertake, or go to work I 
 Should go to the guard house, the Brigadier knew me 
 very well, and I had known him for many years, and I 
 k [n] ew it was in vain to contend, nor did I Like to 
 offend an officer whome I So highly refpected, and 
 therefore Submitted, hoever I always elleamed it an 
 arbitary act, and by nomeans justifiable to compel! 
 a Soldier who is a mechanic to work at his trade 
 against his will. — 
 
 When the Mills were compleated and going well 
 (with two Saws) I was in hopes of being permitted 
 to joine my regiment, and with that view I obtained 
 a pafs to go to Crownpoint where the regiment lay 
 (with the Army), while I was there I went to See 
 one of the block houfes that was building, I obferved 
 the Carpenter was ignorent of the right methord of 
 Dovetaleing the Corners. I offered to Showe him 
 and while I was inflructing the man, it So happened 
 that Major Skean (overfeer of the works) came up, 
 and obferving what I was about, asked me who I was, 
 and upon my informing him, he proposed engageing 
 me in the works carrying on at Crown point, and he 
 obtained permifsion from General Amharst for that 
 purpus. I was much pleased with my change of 
 Situation, if the army moved forward against cannada 
 I Should doubtlefs go with my regiment, but this was 
 not all, Major Skean had taken Such perfonal notice 
 
28 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 of me, and given Such afsurences of my being re- 
 warded according to my merit as a Carpenter that I 
 felt confident of reciving wages according to the Ser- 
 vice I Should render — how much then was I dis- 
 apointed, when in a few days the Engineer at Ticon- 
 daroga came up and made Such reprefentations to 
 General Amherst, that I was ordored back to the 
 Mills this was much against my fealings, as well as 
 intrest. Major Skean told the engineer he ought to 
 alow me a dollar per day, that he Should alow me 
 that if I remained with him — while Cap^ Willard 
 remained the overfeer, (from former experence) I 
 had very little reason to expect any more then the 
 common hands, but Willard was now gon and no 
 commifioned officer having any concern with the 
 Mills, and after what had taken place at Crowpoint, 
 above mentioned I had good reafon to expect an 
 extra alowence — 
 
 the proventials this year were discharged Some 
 weeks before the term of there inlistments expired, 
 at this time Col° Robertson, the Quarter Master 
 General came to the Mills with the Engenear, and I 
 engaged with him to tarry an indefinate time, at one 
 dollar per day and he directed the Enginear to pay 
 me accordingly : but I was not fo prudent as the 
 Indian, Captain Jacobs, in another cafe, to request 
 the General to put his promis on paper : wherefore 
 when I applied to the Engineer the last of November 
 for a fettlement he alowed me but for three days at a 
 Doller per day, aledging that I had Served, but three 
 days over my inlistment, althoe my regiment had ben 
 discharged Some weeks before — 
 
 thus was I cheated, not only, out of an extra alow- 
 ence which I had good reafon to expect after return- 
 ing back from Crown point, but of the contract made 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 29 
 
 by Col° Robbinson & which the Engineer was 
 directed to discharge. I began to work the 26^'^ of 
 July I had laboured hard, I had built excellant Mills, 
 my merit as a workman was confefsed by all who 
 Saw them, and the necessity of my remaining there 
 to overfee the Sawyears, and keep the mills in ordor 
 was proved by my being brought back from Crown- 
 point, but the Engineer turned me off with the 
 Common alowence viz. fifteen pence per day, New- 
 york currency. — 
 
 December is* I embarked with Col° Miller, Cap*^ 
 Fute, and others, being eleven in Number, in two 
 Batteaux in ordor to crofs Lake George. — Col<* 
 Miller had two Horfes and a Curricle, and for the 
 greater Safety we Lafhed the Boats togather 
 
 the wether being pleasent, and having the prospect 
 of a quick pafsage we took but little provision with 
 us, expecting to reach Fort George early next day, 
 having a Small Breaze of wind in our favor, but in 
 the evening the wind died away and we came too 
 under a Small Island lying neer the main Land, about 
 four mile North of Sabath day point, in the night the 
 wind came ahead blow^ hard, and the wether grow'^ 
 very cold — 
 
 December 2^. in the morning with Some difficulty 
 we brought the boats to the main Land and took the 
 Horfs on Shore, the wind blowing a Gale all day, 
 the waves runing mountains high, there was no pof- 
 sibility of moveing any way, and it was never colder 
 Sence my remembrence. — 
 
 December 3^ provifions all gon, the wind fom what 
 abated but Still So high as to rendered it impofsible 
 to turn the point, the cold continuing and hunger 
 increasing, our Sittuation began to grow Somwhat 
 dillrefsing, but providence provided for us. in ram- 
 
30 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 bling over the point, one of the party accidentelly came 
 upon an old black provision bag, in which we found 
 about a dozen pound of excellent Salt pork, this with 
 Some damaged flour, brought by Col° Miler to feed 
 his horfes, made into dumplins and boiled with the 
 pork Served us very well for that day — 
 
 December 4*^ this morning was cold but very calm, 
 and the Surface of the Lake Smoath. but we had 
 Some difficulties yet to incounter one of the Battoes 
 belonged to Some Dutch Sutlers, which proved very 
 Leaky, there was at lest Six inches of Soiled ice in 
 the bottom, which in our Sittuation it was impofsible 
 to remove. It was therefore concluded to take both 
 Col° Millers horfes with his Curricle on board his own 
 boat : and for two men with the three Dutchmen to 
 take on there own boat, but we had not proceeded 
 many miles in this way before the Dutch boat fell 
 aflern and put afhore and the two men left her, chufe- 
 ing rather to take the woods then row the Lazy 
 Dutchmen. 
 
 The Dutchmen then called on us for help, and we 
 Lay toe untill they came up, and Col° Millers human- 
 ity was Such that he took them on board his boat with 
 there Chests and bagage. — hunger and cold, now 
 was not our greatest concern : we were Loaded down 
 within two, or three inches of the top of the Sides of 
 the boat, we were just opening the Northwest bay, we 
 had yet twenty mile to Fort George, and a very little 
 wind, only to have given a Small aggitation to the 
 water, we must in all probability have perished, but 
 providence So ordored it that it was a perfect calm the 
 whole day, and we arrived at Fort George a little after 
 Sun Set without any accident — 
 
 I arrived home to Brookfield the 16*^ of December 
 having enjoyed a good State of health the whole Cam- 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 31 
 
 paign — for which I find no acknowledgment in my 
 journal. Oh Shame 
 
 after my return home as above, I made up my mind 
 not to engage any more in the Military Service. I had 
 Several times ben disappointed of the rewards pro- 
 mised for extra Service ; I got northing for the range- 
 ing Service in 1757 nor for my Servis among the Car- 
 pinters in Several inftences. I was much disgusted 
 at being compeled to leve my regiment, and go to 
 work at the Mills at the moment when I was ambi- 
 tious of, and Supposed I had a fair prospect of dif- 
 tingeshing my Self as a Soldier, its true the army did 
 not proceed that year any further then Crwnpont, and 
 no general action took place in that quarter yet there 
 was another point of view in which the forceing of me 
 from my regiment gave me much uneasinefs. I was 
 not only pleased with the duty of orderly Serjeant, as 
 confidered in it Self, but as it is his duty, every day 
 to bring his men for guard onto parade, and attend- 
 ing there untill the Guard is formed, and infpected 
 (by the officer of the day,) it is a good School for 
 improvment ; and besides, by the Clean and Soldierly 
 apperence of the men ; in there cloathes, and Arms 
 &c will never fail to recommend the Serj leant to the 
 notice of his Superiour officers — 
 
 belides I had rendered that Ser^ace to the gover- 
 ment which had I not ben a Soldier the Quatermaster 
 Gen^ had acknowledged was worth a Doller per day, 
 only for attending to the Sawyers, and I was Turned 
 ofE with only Seventeen Cents, on the whole I came 
 to a ditermnation never to engage again as a Solder, 
 nor did I fuppose there was any prospect of being 
 invited to engage in a higher capafity. 
 
 under thefe circumftances, and it not being a Season 
 for the Millwrits bulinefs, I took boarding in the Town 
 
32 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 of New Brantree and went to work on Some land 
 which I had purchased in that town where I Spent 
 the winter — 
 
 March 1 760. ordors were issued by goverment for 
 raifing prvential troops for another Campaign, and as 
 before observed I was now refiding in New-Brantree, 
 and therefore attended the first training called for 
 raising recruits, and enroled my Self in the Militia 
 Company of that Town. Capt Page of Hardweek 
 at whose request the Company had ben called to- 
 gather. Soon appeared, and presented me with recrut- 
 ing ordors, Sent by Brigadier Ruggles, and proposed 
 I Should join him in raifmg a Company, as an ap- 
 pointment in the army had ben unfolicited by me, the 
 ordors were wholly unexpected I at first declined 
 accepting them, for which I had Several reafons. the 
 disgust I felt for my treatment the last Campaign had 
 not wholly worn off, I had formed my Plan to remain 
 at home, and befides I found there had ben applica- 
 tion made in behalf of Some older Settlers in town 
 then I was whome the Brigadier refused, and Some 
 of thefe appeared very angry, and complained that 
 the Town was infulted by my appointment, therefore 
 I had very Little reafon to expect much fuccefs in 
 recruiting among them, however after Cap* Page 
 had Beat round Several times without any fuccefs on 
 the Sollicitation of a number of old Soldiers of my 
 acquaintence I took the ordors, and eight or nine in- 
 listed immediately. Thus I was once more fetting out 
 for the army. I was much more fuccefsfull in recruit- 
 ing then I expected, but I was guilty of a great mistake, 
 for I Sufered my men to be Mustered for Capt Pages 
 Company, and as he had recrited but few men him Self 
 we fell Short of the quoto we expected, and thus by 
 my own folly in mustering my men for his Company 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 33 
 
 I lost them, much to there diappointment and my 
 own. Cap* Page of all his Fathers Children Loved 
 himfelf the best, he returned all the men for him Self, 
 » and I was left to go a beging. I now hartily repented 
 of undertaking to recuit, and I cannot tell whether I 
 was more angry or mortified. Brigadier Ruggls was 
 at Boston, Col° Willard ^ was placed at Worcester to 
 arrange the officers to the Several Companys, he was 
 a total Stranger to me and I had no frind to intro- 
 duce me, and I was too Willfull or too baflifull to in- 
 troduce my Self, all the confolation I had (if that was 
 any) was the company of a number of others in Like 
 circumllances. however after remaining in a State of 
 Suspence about three weeks, Col° Willard prefented 
 me with an Enligns Commifsion in his own Regi- 
 ment. I had expected a Lieutency I had recrited 
 men enough to warrent it had I not ben duped by 
 Captain Page, in agreeing to muster my men for his 
 Company, but it was too Late now to refuse an 
 Ensign, and I was really obliged to Col° Willard for 
 the appointment 
 
 From the circumllances I have related let all but 
 efpecially those unexprienced youth Such as I was, be 
 cautioned how far they trust the frindship of those 
 whose intrest it may be to dupe them. — 
 
 Cap* Thomas Beman, to whose Company I was 
 now appointed, had marched Some days before my 
 appointment, and I was ordored to continue on the 
 recruiting Service — but I had very little Succef as 
 might well be expected ater what had before taken 
 place refpecting the men I had inlisted 
 
 June 2^ I Set out for the army having inlisted but 
 three men, one of which I was permited to take for 
 a waiter, & the other were turned over to a different 
 regiment — 
 
 1 Abijah Willard. 
 
34 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 June 18*'' I joined my Company at Ticondaroge. 
 here I found four companies Stationed, for this place 
 the Sawmill, and the Landing at the outlet of Lake 
 georg. — 
 
 June 22^ Captain Bemans Company Marched to 
 the Landing above mentioned where we were Sta- 
 tioned untill the end of the Campaign, and thus were 
 deprived of the honour, and of Shearing the feteague 
 of twelve days Seage at the Isle de nanx,^ — which 
 opened the way for the junction of the three British 
 armies before Montreal which Surrendered the 8**^ of 
 September without oppofiton, and thus was the con- 
 quest of Cannada Compleated Soon after our Com- 
 pany was Stationed at the Landing, I was invited 
 by the Enginea at Ticonderoge (not the one who 
 abufed me the Last year as before related) to take 
 the ovesight of the Mills, and alfo the erection of 
 a Blockhouse where our company was Stationed. 
 I agreed with him for at a Stipulated price per day 
 which was honorably paid at the close of the Cam- 
 paign — 
 
 November 19*^ the Company marched to Ticon- 
 deroge and were discharged. — 
 
 November 20 crofsed the Lake and began our 
 march through the Wildernefs for N° 4,^ on Connecti- 
 cutt River, at about 40 mile crofsed Otter Creek — 
 
 November 25*^ arrived at N° 4 being 80 mile as 
 computed from Ticonderoge — 
 
 December i^* arrived home to New Brantree, hav- 
 ing injoyed a good State of health during my abfence. 
 — my oficers efpecially the Captain and First Lieu- 
 tenent, were very agreable companions and we lived 
 in the greatest harmony. 
 
 Before I left Camp Major Skean very wormly Soli- 
 
 1 Isle-aux-Noix. ^ fort Number Four. 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 35 
 
 cited me to engage in his Service in erecting mills 
 at Skeans borough (head of Southbay) and as a 
 further inducment for my undertakeing Brigadier 
 Ruggles afured me of a Lieutennants Commission in 
 the army ; the propofals were Such as I could not 
 have refused with propriety, had I not ben previously 
 engaged in the purfuit of a different object. — I had 
 not wholly omitted acknowledging my dependence 
 this year 
 
 After my return from the army as above related I 
 keept no conllant reguler journal, and can therefore 
 give only a general account, with Some more perticuler 
 incidents of my life as they occured 
 
 1 761 in March I comminced the Millwrite bufmefs 
 which I purfued as my chief imployment for Seven 
 or eight year, and after that untill the revolutionary 
 war comminced in 1775 my bufinef was pritty much 
 confined to farming and Surveying & I alfo fludied 
 Navagation 
 
 April 6*^ 1 761 I was maried to Elifabeth Ayres 
 daughter of W*" Ayers Esquire of Brookfield — 
 
 May 14*^ I was taken Sick of the bilious fevor by 
 which I was brought very low but it pleased god to 
 fpare my life and in about three months I recovered 
 my health 
 
 November 16**^ it pleased god to remove my wife 
 by death, leaveing me an infent Son to take care of. 
 my fealings on that ocation may be eafier concived 
 then defcribed. however if I did not decive my felf 
 I bore this trial without murmering against the 
 providence of God — 
 
 1762 September 29**^ God was pleased in his holy 
 providence to remove my little Son (Ayres) by death, 
 thus was I in Lefs then a year deprived of Mother 
 and Child, and in them as I then thought of all earthly 
 
36 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 comfort : but I hope I was in Some good meafure 
 inabled to afscribe righteousnefs to my maker — 
 
 January lo*'' 1765 I was maried to Perfis Rice 
 daughter of M'' Zebulon Rice of Westborough, who 
 is through the goodnefs of God Still living, and for 
 our Children &c I refer you to the family record — in 
 our Quarto Bible ^ 
 
 In 1772 General Lyman returned from England, 
 where he had ben Several years Soliciting the Brit- 
 ish Goverment, for a grant of Lands to the proven- 
 tial officers and Soldiers, who had Served in the 
 late war against France. Soon after Lymans return 
 a meeting of the adventurers was notified, which was 
 held at Hartford in November the Same year.^ to 
 this meeting General Lyman gave information that 
 an ordor had pafsed the King in Council, authoriz- 
 ing the govenor of Weft Florida to grant Lands in 
 that provence to the provenciels, in the Same propo- 
 tions as had ben provided for his Mijesties reguler 
 Troops — 
 
 Lyman brought no document on the Subject, but 
 his report was So far relied on that the meeting 
 Voted to explore the Lands, and for that purpos 
 appointed a Conmitte of which I was one. 
 
 December 10*^ I left my home for the above purpos. 
 
 1 Rufus Putnam died May 4, 1824. His second wife, Persis Rice, who 
 was born in 1737, died September 6, 1820. Their children were : — 
 
 Elizabeth, b. 1765; d. unmarried, 1830. 
 
 Persis, b. 1767 ; m. Perly Plowe ; d. 1822. 
 
 Susanna, b. 1768 ; m. Christopher Burlingame; d. 1840. 
 
 Abigail, b. 1770; m. WilHam Browning; d. 1805. 
 
 WiUiam Rufus, b. 1771 ; m. Jerusha Guitteau ; d. 1855. 
 
 FrankUn, b. 1774; d. 1776. 
 
 Edwin, b. 1776 ; m. Eliza Davis ; d. 1843. 
 
 Martha, b. 1777 ; m Benjamin Tupper; d. 1842. 
 
 Catharine, b. 1780; m. Ebenezer Buckingham ; d. 1808. 
 
 2 For an account of this meeting see The Massachusetts Gazette and 
 Boston Weekly News-Letter, December 4, 1772. 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 37 
 
 [December] 11 arrived at Col° Israel Putnams, in 
 Broolin ^ Connecticutt — 
 
 [December] 20 Col*^ Putnam & I arrived at new 
 york, pafsing by water from Nor^vicli — 
 
 1773 January 10*^ we Sailed from new york on 
 board the Sloop Miflifipppi, provided by the afsoci- 
 ats, called the Military Company of adventurers) we 
 of the exploreing Committe were Col° Putnam, Capt 
 Enos,2 M*" Thaddeus Lyman, and my Self, with Dan- 
 iel Putnam, a lad Son of the Col° & W'" Davis hired 
 man. — 
 
 1 773 January 30**^ we arrived at Cape Nichala Moles 
 a porte in the North west part of Hispanolia Island, 
 this port is an open bay exposed to the Northen 
 winds, at bothom of the Bay is a Small Town of 
 about half a mile Square, which covers all the fiat 
 ground to be Seen, Surrounded with high mountains. 
 The Town was Said to contain 300 houses, but the 
 Island in this quarter is So mountanious as to aford 
 no plantations within nine Leagues — 
 
 From New york to this place I was extreamly Sea 
 Sick the whole palsage, not able to keep a journal 
 
 Februay 4''' we left the Mole, and on the 8*'^ ar- 
 rived at Montego bay, a Small port on the North 
 Side of Jamaica. 
 
 February 9*^ Left Montego Bay and Stood to the 
 west. 
 
 [February] 11*^ Lattitude observed 19° 10' N — 
 course W^ S — 
 
 [February] 12*'^ about 11 Clock at night we nar- 
 rowly efcaped runing onto a bear, low Island called 
 the Grand Commanders — 
 
 February 15*^ Saw Pine Island bearing North. — 
 1 7*'' pafsed Cape Corentas. — 
 
 1 Brooklyn. ^ Roger Enos, of Windsor, Connecticut. 
 
38 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 [February] 18*'' doubled Cape Antonio (the west 
 end of the Island of Cuba and then Steere N b W 
 
 [February] 21^* Storm of wind & rain from the North 
 Obliged us to lay too untill the 23^^ — 2- h- P M. — 
 
 February 24}^ at 8. h. P M a violent Squall of wind 
 and rain obliged us to heve too again, the 25**" the 
 wether was extreamly cold, and when I returned home 
 I found that day was called the cold Tuesday, we 
 were not able to Lay our course again untill the 27*^. 
 at 4 - h - A M on the 28*^ we got Soundings at 45 
 fathom, and a kind providence So ordored that as 
 Soon as we were able to make the Land clearly, we 
 Saw our port direct ahead, a circumllance very ex- 
 treordinary and by no means to be expected in the 
 Bay of Mexeco, where the currents are fo exceeding 
 uncertain, and conlidering further that we had lain 
 intierly at the mercy of the currents and winds for 
 5 days — 
 
 March i^* we entered the bay of Penfacola and 
 came to an ankor before the Town and went on Shore 
 in a boate, the water So Shoal that no vefsel of any 
 confiderable burden can approach neer the Shore — 
 
 govenor Chester, and his Council treated us in the 
 most obliging maner : but alafs no ordor for granting 
 Lands to the proventials had arrived, this was a 
 motifying circumllance, however the pofsability of its 
 yet arriving, with the propofal made for granting 
 Lands to the company, on terms within the power of 
 the govenor and Council induced the Committe to 
 refolve on proceeding on the bufinefs of reconnoitering 
 the country, on the Miffippi and to make Such Sur- 
 veys as we might think proper, and for this purpos 
 I was commifsioned Deputy Surveyor of the provence 
 of West Florida. — In the Town of Penfacola there 
 were prehaps 150 houfes, with a State house, the 
 

 ^' ^^'■^<r''«^-'^'yj«^ 
 
 '>^ •' ^-^y5«^^^^#-*-45Si:^r-f 
 
 PL AX OF NEW 
 
LEANS, ,77,^ 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 39 
 
 apperance of the county, on viewing from the State 
 house, is a pitch pine forest, however on reconnoiter- 
 ing a few Miles distence We found Some Scrubby 
 oak, Walnut & Sarcafax. the Soil (if it can be called 
 Soil) is a white Sand — 
 
 March 18*^ Left the Bay of Penfacola and Steer our 
 courfe for the Miffifippe, & as we approached the 
 mouth of that river found the frefh water (which was 
 eafily diilinguished by its brown clay colour) floating 
 on top of the Salt water, and haveing at a distence 
 the apperence of a Sandy beech, we really for Some 
 time took it to be fuch, however being undecived we 
 purfued our course into the floating fresh Water of 
 the river, and at the distence of a full League from 
 Land, were able to take up a full bucket of perfect 
 fresh water, but Sinking the bucket about three feet 
 brought up Salt water. 
 
 March 20*^ at 5 h P M. we ankered just off the 
 mouth of the river, the block house on Mud Island 
 bearing N. W. in the night came on a Strong North 
 wind, which drove the Sloop from her ankerage, and 
 obliged us to come to Sail, we were beating all night 
 and the next day untill 5 h 30' P M. when we came 
 to Anker in 8 fathom water, the Ship chanel bear- 
 ing N N W, Blockhouse W b N. — in the courfe of 
 the day, we had pafsed a Spanish Schooner Several 
 times, which haled, but we could not underfland what 
 they wanted, at evening She came to anker neer us 
 and Sent her boate on board, for provisions, they in- 
 formed us that forty days Sence they were lying at 
 anker neer the place where they now lay, that there 
 came on a North wind which drove them to Sea, that 
 currents and contrerary winds carried them to the 
 bay of Campechey, and had not ben able to regain 
 there Station from which they were driven forty days 
 before untill now. 
 
40 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 how different was our fortune, in our pafsage from 
 Cape S* Antonio to Penfacola. in crofsing this Same 
 bay we had to conflict with Storms and contrary 
 winds for five days lying at the mercy of those cur- 
 rents to cary us we knew not whether, yet providence 
 conducted us directly to our defiered port 
 
 1773 March 22^ we entered the MilTifippi river, & 
 proceeded up about 10 mile from the Mud banks, or 
 mouth of the Ship channel, called the French Belies.^ 
 on the Barr is 1 2 feet water only, we were wind bound 
 here for Several days in which time I made a Survey 
 of the mouth of the river with Several of its mouths 
 or out lets — 
 
 25*^ under a very Light Breefe at S W, for part of 
 the day made 15^ mile 
 
 26**^ light Breeze at S W made 27^ mile at 9^ 
 mile pafsed a plantation on the right & the first on 
 the river. — 
 
 27*^ no wind part of the day made only 13^ mile 
 
 28*^ we are opposit Monlier De laloiras plantation 
 which is the most considerable we have met with 
 haveing 16 Negroes on it, he tells us he is 72 year 
 old & that he is the first man Born in Louisania — 
 has 320 acres french meafiire that under the French 
 Goverment he valued it at ;^i2c>oo Sterlin, but now it 
 would not be valued at more then one third of that 
 money (So diagreable is the Spanish goverment. 
 
 he informs us the river at this place never rifes & 
 falls more than 8 feet & not commonly above 5 or 6 
 feet, but higher up more. — we Saw many French- 
 men here who appeared with as heathy countenances 
 as the people in the Northern Collonies — 
 
 March 30*^ we pafsed English Reach So called and 
 came too against the left bank about 3 mile below 
 
 1 Balize. 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 41 
 
 New Orleans we found Several Vefsels here, mostly 
 English, waiting here for trade, not being alowed to 
 lie at the town or opposet to it. 
 
 while Lying wind bound, the 23 & 24 took a Sketch 
 of the Several out lets or mouths of the River, and 
 in coming up took the courses & eflemated the dis- 
 tences & from entering the chanel at the Mud banks 
 I make 85 ^ mile to the English Reach & from thence 
 to Orleans 14 mile 
 
 thus far the river is about half a mile wide with 
 a gentle current, with a very light Breeze a Vefsel 
 makes her pafsage in a Short time, with the wind in 
 the Southerly quarter, as Far as English reach, where 
 after worping one mile we came to Sale again — 
 
 the river here is 715 yards wide, and the deepth 
 70 fathom 
 
 April 8*"^ Cap*^ Goodrich haveing refused to pro- 
 ceed any further, with the Sloop, we proceeded up 
 the river in a Small Batteau, — takeing the course 
 of the river & distences as before, make this day 15^ 
 mile 
 
 April g^^ at 20^ mile, we came up with M*^ Nafhes 
 Sloop who informs he had ben further up & might 
 have gon far above Manfhack without worping 
 
 April 10*^ made 16^ mile, 11*^ fair wind Set our 
 Sale & arrived at the Acadian Settlement 71 mile 
 above New Orleans, thefe people were removed by 
 the English from Nova Scotia, in 1 754 — we land on 
 the right 
 
 April 12*'' tarried among the Acadians all day and 
 were treated with hospitality — they have a Church 
 a few miles above this on the left bank — 
 
 i-^th ^g pafsed a town of the Homafs Indians 
 called Choof town, they have about 20 warriours — 
 
 1^^^ pafsed the river Ibervill, So called in the treaty 
 
42 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 of 1 763, at the head of the Island of Orleans & is 1 18)^ 
 mile from the Town of New orlans, it is a Small out- 
 let of the Miffifippi & was at this time dry, however 
 in high water runs eastward, & with the river Amit 
 falls into the Lakes Maurapas & Ponterchane & forms 
 the Island of Orleans — 
 
 on the Island Side was a Spanish officer, & 10 men 
 on the English Side called Manfhack was Several tol- 
 larable Houfes, & very good gardens, but no Soldiers 
 about I ^ mile above Manfhack is the Indian village 
 of the Alabames on the right hand — 
 
 16*^^ pafsed Carpenters, the first English Planta- 
 tion — 
 
 17*^ pafsed Batten Rouge about 14 mile above 
 Manfhack and at 38^ mile to Browns Clif? & Thomp- 
 sons Creek 
 
 18*^ at 3^ mile above Thompsons Creek came to 
 the first Plantation of Point Coupe — 
 
 19*^ at 4 mile pafsed George Urqurharts plantation, 
 on the right bank of the river — 
 
 at 6}4 mile came to the Fort & Church of Point 
 Copee, a french Settlement on the Westerly Side 
 of the river and is Said to be as old, or older then 
 Orleans & at this tim extended about Seven Leagus 
 on the river 
 
 made 15^ opposit to M"" Mcintosh on the East of 
 the river — pafsed a flream on the right called Clap 
 river 
 
 April 20*^ made 12^ mile to day, pafsed an In- 
 dian Villege of about 40 Hutts, belonging to the 
 Tonicas — 
 
 Wednesday 21^^ made 18^ mile to M*" Blancherds 
 plantation 
 
 Thursday 22^ made 16 mile to day, at 9^ we were 
 opposet the Appeloufes, an out let of the MifTifippi, 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 43 
 
 which flows into the Gulf or Bay of Mexeco. this out 
 let appears to be about 40 perches wide & according 
 to the Survey I mad of the river is 315^2 niile from 
 the Bellis or mouth of the river, and 97 >^ mile above 
 the head of the Island of Orleans. Three mile above 
 this last out let, falls in on the west the river de Rouge, 
 or Red Rive it appears to be about 200 yards wide. — 
 
 Friday 23*^ made 18 14^ mile at 10 mile lower end of 
 Lofltis-Cliffs on the East — at 13 mile lower mouth 
 of the Homocheto Creek on which it was Said were 
 a number of Familis — 
 
 Saturday 24**^ made 20 mile, at 13 mile coasting 
 the western Shore of the river, we found that in 1 1 j^ 
 mile we had advanced but 46^ yards, the ismus be- 
 ing by actual Meafurement no more acrofs, and by 
 a water Level we found the fall of the water 2 feet 6 
 inches 
 
 in the courfe of the day we pafsed three Islands, 
 on the right of the channel, lying abrest of each other, 
 & behind which is another mouth of the Homocheto 
 or rather out let of a Small Lake lying three miles 
 inland into which the Homocheto enties by three 
 channels 
 
 Sunday April 25^^ made 12)^ mile, pafsed another 
 Small Biue, which in high water communicates with 
 the Lake of Homocheto. at 4^ an Island neer the 
 left Shore at 10 mile 2 very large Island, lying 
 abrest. — 
 
 Monday 26*^^ made 14)^ mile to Fort Rosolen, at 
 the Natches — at 2)^^ mile to the high Cliff which 
 joins the river one mile at 4 mile pafsed the S* Cath- 
 erine Creek a Small Streem heading Northest — half 
 a mile below the Natches is the first gravel Shore we 
 have Seen on the river — 
 
 Fort Rossoline, or rather its ruins, is Sittuate on 
 
44 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 the margen of a very elevated highth neer 80 perches 
 from the river & by a winding road not very difficult 
 of afsent. the fort was a reguler Heptagon capable 
 of containing 4 or 500 men. the English keept a gar- 
 ison here untill about 4 years ago, Sence which the 
 Barracks &c ware burnt by the Indians, in a drunken 
 frolick — Here I attempted takeing the Lattitude of 
 the place with Davis' Quadrent & made the Fort to 
 be in Lat-3i° - 15' N & the variation of the Needle 
 5 ° - E - the Lands for Several mile round appear 
 to be Indian planting grounds, worn out. one traders 
 Hutt neer the old Fort 
 
 Tuesday April 27*^ we vifited fome Setlers on St 
 Catherine Creek about 3 mile distent, the Lands on 
 this Creek is pritty good, timber. Hickory, Walnut, 
 oak, white & yallow Alh — which kind of Land we 
 were informed extends 30 or 40 mile from the river, 
 that on the Homocheto Creek about 20 mile dis- 
 tent are a number of Settlers, & the Lands very 
 good — 
 
 As far as we have afsended the river we have feen 
 no Creek or Spring water fit to drink, at M*^ Thomp- 
 fons where we have ben to Day we faw a well 60 feed 
 deep without ftone or Curb, fo Stiff is the Clay that 
 it had no appear of caveing 
 
 The distences from the mouthe of the Mifsisippi as follows 
 
 From the mouth of the river to English Reach 
 to New Orleans 
 
 to Manfhack or head of Island of Orleans 
 to Batten rouge Creek 
 
 to Browns Cliff, first high land & Thompsone Creek 
 to point Coupee Church 
 
 to Appeloufis outlet runing into the Bay of Mexico 
 to River de Rouge, or Red river on the west 
 to Lofftis Cliffs, the 2^ high land joining the river 
 to the Landing of the Natchees 
 
 N B the courses were taken with a Small compafs having a Sea com- 
 pas bowl, & each course estemated 
 
 Miles 
 
 Miles 
 
 86 
 
 
 14 
 
 100 
 
 118 
 
 218 
 
 20 
 
 238 
 
 19 
 
 257 
 
 10 
 
 267 
 
 49 
 
 316 
 
 3 
 
 319 
 
 14 
 
 333 
 
 55 
 
 388 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 45 
 
 Wednesday April 28**^ Left the Natches in the after 
 noon and on the morning of the 3*^ of May arrived 
 at the mouth of Biue Pier, or Stone Creek, distence 
 4-6 yi mile from Natches 
 
 about 8 mile below this Creek is the place called 
 pette gulf where the river is bounded for neer one 
 mile by a Soiled rock, the angle of the ellivation is 
 at about 45° and at lest 300 feet high 
 
 all the valuable Lands on the river, below Biue 
 Pier, haveing ben already Located we fpent but Little 
 time in examining the country, but we now comnence 
 our reconnoitering 
 
 We afend the Biue in our boat found it 17 mile 
 to the forks, on the right found the land in general 
 uneven. Soil thin, & gravelly on the ridges, on the 
 Left Land low & in many places fubject to the river 
 floods, but on both forks of this Creek, the Lands 
 are in General pritty good Soil, a mixture of Clay & 
 Merle. Timber White & Black oak, Hickory Beech 
 Copalm, & Some Cyprus. 
 
 about 100 rod below the Forks we maked a tree, for 
 commincing our Location — 
 
 Wednesday May 5*^ we returned down this Creek 
 to the river, 9 mile above the Biue Pier we arrive at 
 the Big gulf, where refides M"" Thomas James, an 
 Indian trader 
 
 May 6^^ we hired an Indian for a poilate in the 
 woods, & alfo to inform any Indians we might meet, 
 who we were — 3 mile abve M'' James is the Loufo- 
 cheto, or big black river, here two of our party with 
 the Chocteau we had hired Set off by Land while the 
 rest proceed up the river to the Walnut hills distence 
 from Big Black 55^ we arrived here Saturday the 
 8*'' in the evening — pafsed Several high handfom 
 Banks of Bottom on our way from big Black as well 
 
46 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 as fome Large bottoms which are flooded in high 
 water 
 
 here we met our Gentlemen who came by Land, 
 we lern from them, that their rout was through a flat 
 country & Some Cyrus Swamps that the Cain Brake 
 were fo thick it was not pofsible to examin the Land 
 far from the path — 
 
 Sunday May 9*^ proceeded up the river withe the 
 Boat, & the fame two gentlemen which before had 
 come by Land from the Big Black Set off again by 
 land for the high grounds on the Yasou. from the 
 Walnut hills we make 1 7 ^ to the mouth of the Yasou 
 & 131^ the Natches, the courfes & distences taken 
 as mentioned in page 67 [44] — 
 
 Monday May 10 we afended the Yasou river about 
 9 mile to a high ground, Said to be formerly a French 
 Station, here we met with our compenions who came 
 by land at an excellent Spring of water ifsuing from 
 a Hone Quarry. I found by my calculation we were 
 North of the provence Line of West Floriday : this & 
 the Sour Countenances of a number of Indians Sig- 
 nifiing there disapprobation of our being here indused 
 us to return down the river with out examining the 
 Lands here abouts 
 
 The yasou river is about 25 perches wide, a dead 
 ftreme, bad water, — with many Allegators. the 
 Mifsisippi backs far up this river in high water, we 
 fell down the Yasou about 6 mile, & Camped — 
 
 It was the intention of Col° Putnam & M'" Lyman 
 to have gon by the Chickafa path from the yasou 
 over to the Big Black river, but our Chactau refused 
 to poilate them 
 
 Tuesday May 11*^ we reconoitered the Land on 
 the South Side the yasou for Some distence — 
 
 Wednesday may 1 2*^ Spent as yesterday 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 47 
 
 Thursday d° [May] 13*^ Col° Putnam, M'' Lyman 
 & myfelf Set out by Land, more perticulerly to examin 
 the high Lands Stretching from the old French Sta- 
 tion, before mentioned to the Walnut hills, we Steared 
 our courfe as neer the hills as pofible on account of 
 the Cane brakes Saw Several Small Streams ifsuing 
 from the high Lands, & land very rich, in the after 
 noon we purfued one of thefe Streams to Some dis- 
 tence, when we were taken up by a mighty Cane 
 Brake, here Col° Putnam climed a tree & discovered 
 high Land at about 100 rods distent which we were 
 two hours in gaining, on account of the difficulty of 
 giting through the Cane — 
 
 here I climed a tree & had a fine prospect of the 
 Country, the Lands from the Northeast round to the 
 South appear hilly but not Mountanious nor much 
 broken we returned part of the way down the hill & 
 Camped by a very fine Spring — 
 
 Friday May 14*^ we came by various windings 
 through the flat Lands to our Boat, about one mile 
 above Walnut hills — the flat country between here 
 & the yafou is much injured by ponds, Cyprus 
 Swamps & overflowing of the river 
 
 Satturday May 15 — M*" Lyman & my Self, went 
 up the Cliff, or Walnut hills, here I climed two trees, 
 found the Land makes high. North — East & South 
 or S S E bearing off from the river, but Some what 
 uneven full of Cane & rich foil on top the highest 
 ridges, thefe high lands join those of the Big Black 
 Some miles from its mouth, under thefe hills the 
 gentlemen mentioned before who came up by Land 
 pafsed Several Cyprus Swamps & dead ponds with- 
 out meeting with one brook or runing Stream = 
 
 having finished our exploring in this quarter, we 
 fell down the river Landing Several times to examin 
 
48 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 the bank, intended Som of us Should crofs the great 
 Bend by Land, but were told it was impracticable on 
 account of ponds, Samps, & Cane 
 
 Sunday May i6 we returned down the river as far 
 as M^ James, who Speeks the Indian tongue, our 
 Chactau now informed us by M"" James why he re- 
 fused to poilate a part of us from the yasou to the big 
 black, as before mentioned viz. that at the yasou he 
 met two Chiefs who forbid his going, or in other 
 words was opposed to our exploring any of the Lands 
 above the big black river. — 
 
 Monday May 17 — Col° Putnam M'' Lyman & my 
 felf Set out to explore the Lands on the Big Black, 
 this river or Creek is in General from Six to eight 
 rods wide, we afssended this river about 25 mile, 
 with the Boat to a rapped, with a Smooth firm rock 
 at the bottom, over which the water falls about one 
 foot, high banks — a good mill Seat — 
 
 we faw much fine Land on & neer this Creek with 
 a number of fine Springs of Water, for Several mils 
 hoeve on the right hand the lands apper hilly but 
 rich — 
 
 Thursday. May 20. we returned down the river to 
 M"" James^ where we found the Second Chief of 
 Chactau Nation waiting for us. he prefented us with 
 his Commifsion given him by Govenor Chester — 
 To Mingo-oume Captain Georgit or Second Chief 
 &c — 
 
 haveing Shewn us his Commifsion, he told us that 
 he underllood that we had ben at the yasou, that no 
 white people would be permited to Settle there — 
 we deiired him to come in the morning & we would 
 attend to his bufmefs — 
 
 Friday May 21^* about 10. A M — Mingo oma, 
 whose name is alfo Snake head, cam as expected. 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 49 
 
 we asked him how far up the Mifsisippi there nation 
 had agreed the white people might Settle — he Said 
 that at the Last Congrefs it was agreed the white 
 people Should Settle on the Lousocheto, or Big- 
 Black & not higher, — 
 
 at 5 Clock P M we fet out down the river — 
 
 Monday May 24*^ at the Natches obferved the Suns 
 miridian altitude found the Lattitude 3i°-i5' N as 
 before and by an observation at Sun Setting make 
 the variation of the Magnetic needle 5° -30' East — 
 
 Tuesday May 25*^, we learn the lands beyond the 
 Homocheto are broken & without water, & therefore 
 ditermin not to explore them as we had before con- 
 templated — 
 
 Wednesday June 2^ we arrived at Manfhac, have- 
 ing in our way down Spent considerable time in ex- 
 ploring the Lands neer the river on the English, or 
 West Florida Side — and here it my be proper to give 
 a general defcription of the country we have vifited 
 and — 
 
 First — the intervels or bottoms are very rich, with 
 a very deep Soil, but in general & I believe univer- 
 fally Subject to inundation by the waters of the river 
 in high floods. I ground my opinion on this cir- 
 cumilance, that I Saw drift wood Lodged in trees 
 hanging over the Side of the river higher above the 
 Suface of the water then any Land I Saw bordering 
 on the river, except the few hills, or Cliffs, as they 
 are called that join the river. — 
 
 Befides many part of the bottoms are flooded by 
 every confiderable fresh in the river, and are alfo in- 
 terfperced with many ponds, & Cyprus Swamps, filled 
 with flagnent water, which will be very expencive to 
 drane, & in many inflences impracticable — 
 
 The Margin of the high Lands, bordering the 
 
50 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 bottoms, are in general rich but uneven & from Sev- 
 eral views I had from the tops of trees, this general 
 unevennefs of the Land extends Several miles from 
 the river — 
 
 the Soil of the uplands in many parts is rather 
 thin & under neeth a lliff clay of great depth, under- 
 growth on the bottoms & rich uplands, Cane — 
 
 Timber, on the high lands. Hickory & oaks of all 
 kind Bottoms, Locoust, Willow, the Cotton tree — 
 Copalm, Ash, Mulberry, the royal Magnola, or high 
 Lawrel with Cyprus in abundence — 
 
 Streams of water. I Saw very few Small Stremes, 
 none fit for Mills — the Mill Seat on the Big Black is 
 the only one I Saw or heard of in the country — 
 
 Fowl — there Some Turkies, plenty of Duck, & in 
 the winter geefe & wood Pigions 
 
 Wild game — Dear & Bear are the chief — 
 
 Reptiles there are but few & they chiefly of the 
 harmles kind 
 
 Fish, there are Several kinds, the Cat, & Sheeps 
 head are the principle. — 
 
 The Allegater, abunds in the Miflifippi and all the 
 Streames are visited — 
 
 Thursday June 3^^ — we met our Slop three Leagus 
 below Manfhac, where we were detained until the 9*^ 
 by M"" Ladle the Supercargo. 
 
 Saturday June 12 came too about 4 mile above 
 Orleans here we were detained untill the 28*^ of June 
 while the Sloop was repairing — 
 
 Thursday July i^* at y^ past 4 Clock P M pafsthe 
 Belies, and Stand N : E : b : N for Penfacola — . which 
 on account of head winds we did not reach untill the 
 5*^ in the evening — 
 
 Tuesday July 6*^ we waited on the Govenor, who 
 informed us that in our abfence up the river to ex- 
 
(773 yc '— ^ 
 
 
 ' ' i 
 
 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 51 
 
 plore the country, he had by two packets from Ja- 
 mecha recived Letters from England, but northing 
 refpecting granting Lands to the proventials. — 
 
 Wednesday July 7**^ we prefered a pertition to the 
 govenor & Council with a plan of the townfliips we 
 proposed to Locate, but So many objections were 
 made to our proposed Location, that the bufmefs was 
 posponed untill Friday. — in the mean time the Sur- 
 veyor General directed me to make a new draft of the 
 proposed townships 
 
 Friday July 9*'^ the Councill advised on our bufi- 
 nefs & furnished us with copy of there refult, which 
 Limited the time of refervation to the first of March 
 
 Satturday July 10*^ we applied to the Govenor for 
 a Longer time to commence the Settlement but with- 
 out effect. 
 
 Sunday July 11*^ we went on board & fell down to 
 Rofe Island — 
 
 Monday July 12*^ Col° Putnam & M^ Lyman, on 
 advice from M"" Jones one of the council, went up to 
 town to engage M' Levingston, the Secretary, in the 
 name of the Committe to move in Council for a longer 
 refervation then had ben granted — but of the refult 
 I find no minute — 
 
 Tuesday July 13^^ head wind. 
 
 Wednesday July 14*'^ Still at achor neer Rofe Island 
 
 Thursday July 15^'' came to Sale wether fair & 
 plefent Light westerly Breefe course S. E. b S Lat- 
 titude observed 29° - 1 1' N — 
 
 Friday July i6*^ pleasent wether, Wind W-S. W 
 Course S E b S — Lattitude observed 26° - 54' N 
 
 Saturday July ly^^ pleafent wether, wind S-W 
 course S E Lattitude observed 25° -55' N 
 
 Saturday [Sunday] July 18^'^ at 8. H-A M we 
 unexpectedly found our Selves in 14 fathom, & with 
 
52 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 in half a League of a nunber of Low bushey Islands, 
 which we took for the Tortugas at first, but they 
 proved to be the Seven Islands, on making thefe we 
 imediately bore up S-E untill 1 2 oClock — Lattitude 
 observed 24° - 33' — we now bore away East, & Soon 
 Lost Sight of Land, haveing had very little wind ; 
 Sometimes not fufficient to make the Sloop feal her 
 helm, it was evident we had ben driven out of our 
 course by a Strong current, it was in vain now to 
 attempt the Bay of Matanses, haveing little or no 
 wind & a llrong current under foot 
 
 Monday July 19*^ at 5 H - A M Saw Some of the 
 Martiers bearing North — Stood away, or rather 
 keept the Sloops head. East, & Sometimes E. N. E 
 untill 12 Lattitude observed 24° -21' N. at ^ past 
 4 PM. cleared Cape Florida off which lies a Small 
 Sandy Kee about one Legue distent, bore away N. 
 E. b N. untill 6 oClock then N b E. N B the finallest 
 Canoe might have made the voige thus far with the 
 greatest Seafety fo fmall was the wind & So Smothe 
 the water 
 
 Tuesday July 20*^ in Sight of Land most of the 
 day — course N b E La* observed 25° -5' N a 
 frefh breese in the after noon Calm in the night — 
 
 Wednesday July 21^* Saw Land most of the day 
 — La* observed 26° -51' N 
 
 Thursday July 22*^ head winds & Squall. I was 
 So Sea fick that I was no longer able to keep a journal 
 
 Friday August 6*^ arrived at New york, haveing 
 had my health in a remarcable maner, exipt Seafick- 
 nef, with which I was alway attacked whenever we 
 had a frefh Breese of wind, or a rough Sea — 
 
 Saturday august 8*^ [7*^] the Sloop Miffifippi being 
 to remain at New york Some time, Col° Putnam his 
 Son Daniel & my felf took pafsag in a Sloop for Nor- 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 53 
 
 wich, but on our way fprung the Mast & with Some 
 difficulty arrived at New London on Tuesday the 10*'^ 
 
 Wednesday august ii^^ quit the Hoop & took 
 pafsag in a Row boate for Norwich — 
 
 Thursday august 12*'^ came on Horseback to Co\° 
 Putnams & Friday 13**^ arrived at my own house in 
 Brookfield — 
 
 It may be a matter of enquery with fome what 
 was the final refult of this undertakeing. I anfwer fo 
 vavorable, was the report of the reconnotering Com- 
 mite refpecting the quality of the Lands, Climate &c 
 and moderat terms on which the govenor & council 
 engaged to grant the Lands ; that the Company at 
 a meeting in Hartford in the fall of 1773 refolved to 
 profecute the Settlement, and the Same fall, & winter 
 & Spring Severl hundred families embarked from 
 Mafsachusetts, Connecticut & other places for the 
 purpos of Settleing on the Lands we had explored : 
 but they were Sadly disappointed for on the 6*^^ of 
 October 1773 govenor Chester informed his Council 
 theat he had recived " an ordor of the King in Coun- 
 " cil prohibiting him from granting any more Lands, 
 " either on Family Rights or on purchas, untill the 
 " Kings pleafure was further fignified to him " thus 
 the Land office was fhut before the emigrants arrived, 
 & indeed I believe before any of them Sailed, & never 
 opened afterward — and all the encouragment they 
 found on there arrivel was a permifsion to Set down 
 
 on any vacant Land they could find the refult 
 
 to my felf was the Lofs of more then eight months 
 time in the tour, befides two jornies to Hartford & 
 considerable expence more then the $80, which I re- 
 cived as advance pay before we left N. york 
 Those who emigrated in 1774 arrived generally too 
 late in the Season, to expect health in such a Change 
 
54 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 of Climate, Soon fell Sick, many died, & the revolu- 
 tionary war brakeing out in 1775 put an end to the 
 businefs of further profecuting the Settlement 
 
 The Revolutionary War with Great Brittain Com- 
 minced the 19*'' of April 1775, By the British troops 
 firing on Some Militia at Lexeton, Concord &c which 
 was followed by raising an army for the defence of 
 the country. 
 
 I entered the Service in the capacity of L* Col° in 
 a Regement commanded by Col° David Brewer, and 
 continued in Service to the clofe of the war — 
 
 My Character as a Soldier is not for me to give — 
 however that my decendents may know in Some 
 meafure what Services I rendered my county, and in 
 what eftemation I was held by my fuperiour officers, 
 I propose to give fome account of the Special Ser- 
 vices I was called to engage in. 
 
 My Regiment was Stationed at Roxbury, under the 
 command of General Thomas, & imedately after the 
 Battle of Charlestown the 17*^ of June, the general 
 & Field ofiers of that Station met in Councill, to 
 advise what was best to be don in our exposed Sit- 
 tuation. it was the unanimous advice of the officers 
 conveaned, that Some Lines of defence fhould be ime- 
 diately commenced for the Securing the troops from 
 fiirprize & protection of the town — the general in- 
 formed us that he had applied for Col° Gridley to 
 come over from Cambridge, but could not obtain him 
 as he was the only Engineer on that Side, & the only 
 one he knew of. — Some of my acquaintence men- 
 tioned me as having ben imployed in that line in the 
 Late war against Canada I informed the General 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 55 
 
 that I had never read a word on the Subject of For- 
 tification, that it was true that I had ben imployed 
 on Some under British Eengeneers, but pretended to 
 no knowledge of Laying works, but there was no 
 
 excuse would do, undetake I must Oh ! what a 
 
 Sittuation were we in. no Lines to cover us, better 
 then a board fence in case the enemy advanced upon 
 us, & this we had reason to expct — Necefsity there- 
 fore was upon me, undertake I must 
 
 I imediately commenced traceing out Lines in front 
 of Roxbury toward Boston, & various other places, 
 on the Roxbury Side peticularly at Sewels point it 
 was my good fortune to be at this place when Gen' 
 Wafhington & General Lee first came over to examin 
 the Sittuation of the Troops & works on Roxbury 
 Side of the River — and I was not a little gratified 
 & incouraged from there perticuler approbation of 
 the plan of the works I had Laid out. General Lee 
 Spook much in favor of the works at Sewels point, 
 compared with those which had ben conflructed on 
 Cambridge Side 
 
 the works Laid out at Roxbury, Dorchester & 
 Brookline were all of my conflructing, & Late in the 
 Fall I laid out the Fort on Cobble hill, neer Charles- 
 town Mill pond 
 
 In the course of this Campaign, by the Generals 
 ordor, I Surveyed & delineated the courfes, distences 
 and relitave Sittuation of the enimies works in Boston 
 & Charlestown with our own in Cambridge, Roxbury, 
 &c &c &c — 
 
 In December I accomanied General Lee to Provi- 
 dence & Newport, at this Last place, I Lade out Some 
 works, perticulerly a Battery from whence to com- 
 mand the Harbour, & Some works neer Rowlands 
 
56 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 Ferry, to Secure the communication of Rhode Island 
 with the Main — 
 
 In the formation of the new army to be raised at 
 the close of 1775 I was appointed L* Col° in the 22^ 
 regiment, Commanded by Col° Sam^^ Wyllis — how- 
 ever I never joined the regiment, but continued in 
 the Engineer department 
 
 1776 January & February — during thefe months 
 the mind of General Wafhington was deeply engaged 
 on a plan of crofsing on the Ice & attacking the Brit- 
 ish in Boston — , or endevor to draw them out by 
 takeing pofsesion of Dorchester Neck. 
 
 Now with refpect to takeing pofsession of Dorches- 
 ter Neck there were circumstances which fell within 
 my knowledge, & Sphere of duty, which were fo evi- 
 dently marked by the hand of an overruling provi- 
 dence that I think proper to relate them — 
 
 As Soon as the Ice was thought fufhciently llrong 
 for the army to pafs over (or prehaps rather before) a 
 Council of general officers was conveaned on the Sub- 
 ject, what there perticuler opinions were I never knew, 
 but the Brigadiers were directed to confult the Field 
 officers of there Several Regiments, & they again 
 to feal the temper of the Captains & fubbalterns — 
 
 While this was doing I was invited to dine at head 
 Quarters, & while at diner General Wafhington de- 
 siered me to tarry after diner — & when we were 
 alone he entered into a free conversation on the Sub- 
 ject of Storming the town of Boston — 
 
 That it was much better to draw the enemy out 
 to Dorchester, then to atack him in Boston no one 
 doubted, for if we could maintain our felves on that 
 point or Neck of Land, our command of the town & 
 Harbour of Boston would be fuch as would probably 
 compel them to Leave the place. — 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 57 
 
 But the Cold weather which had made a Bridge of 
 Ice for our pafsage into Boston, had alfo frozen the 
 earth to a great depth, efpecially in the open country 
 Such as was the hills on Dorchester Neck — So that 
 it was impofsible to make a Lodgment there in the 
 ufual way, however, the General directed me to con- 
 llder the fubject & if I could think of any way in 
 which it could be don, to make report to him imedi- 
 ately — 
 
 and Jtow mark thofe Singiiler circumftatices which 
 I call providence — I left head quarters in company 
 with an other Gentleman, & in our way come by Gen' 
 Heaths I had no thoughts of calling untill I came 
 against his door, & then I Sais, let us call on Gen' 
 Heath, to which he agreed. I had no other motive 
 but to pay my refpects to the general, while there I 
 cast my eye on a book which Lay on the table. Let- 
 tered on the back, Midlers Field Engineer. I imedi- 
 ately requested the General to lend it me, he denied 
 me. I repeated my requst. he again refused, & told 
 me he never Lent his books. I then told him that 
 he must recollect that he was one, who at Roxbury in 
 a Meafure compelled [me] to undertake a bufmefs 
 which at the time I confefsed I never had read a 
 word about, & that he must let me have the book, 
 after fome more excufes on his part, close prefsing 
 on my part, I obtained the Loan of it — I arrived at 
 my quarters about dark, it was the custom for the 
 overfeers of the workmen to report to me every even- 
 ing what progrefs had ben made during the day. 
 when I arrived there were Some of them already 
 there. I put my book in the Chest, & if I had time I 
 did not think of Looking in it that night — 
 
 the next morning as Soon as oppertunity offered I 
 took my book from the Chest, and looking over the 
 
58 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 contents I found the word, Chandilears. what is that 
 thought I it is Somthing I never heard of before, but 
 no fooner did I turn to the page where it was de- 
 scribed with its use but I was ready to report a plan 
 for makeing a Lodgment on Dorchester Neck — (in- 
 fidels may Laugh if they please) 
 
 In a few minuts after I had for my Self ditermined, 
 Col° Gridley (the Engineer who had conducted the 
 work at Cambridge) with Col° Knox of the Artillery, 
 who had ben directed to confult with me on the 
 fubject arrived, they fell in with my plan, our report 
 was approved of by the Gen^ & preperations imedi- 
 ately Set on foot to cary it into effect and every thing 
 being ready for the enterprise, the plan was put in 
 execution & a Lodgment made on Dorchester highths 
 in the night of the fourth of March — fuch were the 
 circumllances which Led to the discovery of a plan 
 which obliged the enemy to Leve Boston, viz — a 
 Lodgment made of Chandeliers * Fafciens &c 
 
 The 31^* of March 1776 I recived General Wafh- 
 ingtons ordors ^ " to march to New york, by the way 
 of Providence, to afford Govenor Cook my best ad- 
 vice & afsistence in the conilruction of the work 
 there " in this tour I went to visit Newport again 
 where I Laid out Some additional works, on my 
 return from Newport to Providence I met with Gen- 
 eral Wafhington there, I believe the 6^^ of April and 
 obtained leave to go by Brookfield to New York. I 
 belive I tarried with my family part of two days & 
 
 then pushed for New york where I arrived about the 
 20th 
 
 * A Chandelier is conftructed of one Sill, lo feet long & 6 inch Square 
 with two posts 5 feet long of the fame fize framed into the Sill 5 feet 
 apart, each fupported by a Brace on the out Side — they are placed on the 
 ground at a proper distance from each other the open fpace between the 
 post are then filled with bundels of Fafciens f trongly picketed togather — 
 
 1 Page 129. 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 59 
 
 on my arrivel at New york I was charged (as 
 chief Engineer) with Laying out & overfeing the 
 works which were erected during the Campagn, at 
 New york, Long Island & there dependencies with 
 Fort Washington, Fort Lee, King Bridge &c most 
 of which, but not all, appear in a plan of New York 
 Island &c which accompanies Marfhals Life of Wafli- 
 ington and obflructions in the river — this was a Ser- 
 vice of Much Feteague, for my whole time was taken 
 up from daylight in the morning untill night in the 
 bufmefs, befides Sometimes going in the night by 
 Warter from New york to Fort Wafhington. 
 
 and that you may know in what account I was with 
 Gen^ Walhington at that time I fhall transcribe a part 
 of his letter to Congrefs of the 10^^ of July 1776 — 
 
 " General Mercer is now in the Jerfeys, for the pur- 
 " pos of reciving & ordering the Militia coming for the 
 " flying camp : and I have Sent over our chief engi- 
 " neer to view the ground within the Neighborhood of 
 ** Amboy, and to lay out Some Necefary works for the 
 " encampment, and fuch as may be propper at the 
 " different palses in Bargin Neck, and other places " 
 
 Augut 1776 Congrefs apponted me Engineer which 
 was anounced to me as follows — 
 
 New YORK, August iiih. 1776 
 Sir 
 
 " I have the pleafure to inform you that Congrefs 
 " have appointed you an Engineer with the Rank 
 of Col°, and pay of Sixty dollars per month — ^ 
 I am Sir, your afured frind & Ser* 
 
 G' Washington 
 
 I Omitted in General Putnam's transcription : — 
 
 " I beg of you to hasten the sinking of vessels and other obstructions 
 in the river at Fort Washington, as fast as it is possible. Advise Gen. 
 
6o MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 September 8^^ 1776, a Council of General officers 
 had ditermined on holding the City of Newyork, 
 See general Wafhingtons Letter of that date — ^ 
 
 on the 12^^ of September having ben out with 
 General Miflin, by ordor of General Wafhington, to 
 reconnoiter the country between Kingsbridge & Mor- 
 risania & eastward on our return we met with gen- 
 eral Wafhington neer Harlem highth, where we made 
 our report to him in consequence of which a coun- 
 cil of general officers was conveaned, whose advice 
 was the withdrawing the army from the city. See 
 the generals Letter of the 14*^ September,^ & this 
 measure was the Selvation of the army, and which 
 probably would not have ben but for the discoveries 
 made by Miflin & my Self — 
 
 My being appointed Engineer by Congrefs was 
 wholly unexpected — I had begun to act in that ca- 
 pacity through pure necefsity, and had continued to 
 conduct the bufmefs more from necefsity & refpect 
 for the general then from any opinion I had of my 
 own abilities, or knowledge of that art ; true it is that 
 after my arrivel at New york I had read fome books 
 on Fortification & I knew much more then when I be- 
 gun at Roxbury, but I had not the vanity to fupose that 
 my knowledge was Such as to give me a Claim to the 
 first rank in a Corps of Engineers, yet my experience 
 convinced me that fuch a Corpe was necefsary to 
 be ellablished, therefore neer the Last of September, 
 I drew up a plan for Such an eflablishment & pre- 
 fented it to General Wafhington, and which he trans- 
 Putnam constantly of the kind of vessels you want and other things, 
 that no delay that can possibly be avoided may happen. 
 P.S. — Congress have just sent two French gentlemen here as engineers. 
 Will either of them be of use at Fort Washington or Kingsbridge ? " 
 
 1 Washington's Official Letters to Congress, 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 6i 
 
 mitted to Congrefs. See his letter to that body of 
 the 5^^^ of November 1776 — ^ 
 
 " I have taken the Liberty to transmit a plan for 
 " eflablishing a corps of engineers, artificers, &c, 
 " Sketched out by Colonel Putnam, & which is pro- 
 " posed for the consideration of Congrefs. How far 
 " they may incline to adopt it, or whether they may 
 '* chuse to proceed upon Such an extensive Seal, they 
 '* will be pleased to determine. However I concive it 
 " a matter well worthy of there confideration, being 
 " convinced from experience and from the reafons 
 " Suggested by Col° Putnam who has acted with 
 '* great diligence & reputation in the bufmefs, that 
 " Some eflablishment of the Sort is highly necefsary, 
 " and will be productive of the most beneficial con- 
 " fequences " 
 
 in my Letter to General Walhington on the fubi- 
 ject I disclaimed all pretention of being placed at the 
 head of the proposed corps, & Signified it would be 
 my choice to Serve in the Line of the army 
 
 October 19*^ 1776 — the British Landed on Pells 
 point and Some Skirmifhing to place in the afternoon 
 between part of Glovers Brigade & Some advance 
 parties of the enemy neer East Chester. — the next 
 morning by ordor of the general I Set out from 
 Kingsbridge, to reconnoiter there Polition &c I Set 
 out in company with Col° Reed the adjutent general 
 & a foot guard of about 20 men. when we arrived 
 on the highths of East Chester we Saw a Small body 
 of British neer the church, but we could obtain no 
 intiligence, the Houses were diserted — 
 
 Col° Reed now told me he must return to attend 
 ifsuing general ordors. I observed that we had made 
 no discovery yet of any consequence, that if he went 
 
 1 October 5, 1776. 
 
62 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 back I wished him to take the guard back for I chose 
 to go alone — 
 
 I then disguised my apperence as an officer as far 
 as I could, and Set out on the road to White plains, 
 however, I did not then know where White plains 
 was, nor where the road I had taken would carry me. 
 I had gon about i ^ mile, when a road turned off to 
 the right, I followed it prehaps^ a mile & came to a 
 house, where I lerned from the woman that this road 
 Lead to New-Rochell that the British were there 
 & that they had a guard at a house in Sight, on 
 this information I turned & purfued my rout toward 
 White plains (the houses on the way all deferted) 
 untill I came with 3 or 4 mile of the place, here I 
 discovered a House a little a head with men about it 
 by my glafs I found they were not British Soldiers, 
 however I approached them with caution. I called 
 for Some oats for my horse. Set down and heard 
 there chat Some little time, when I found they were 
 frinds to the cause of America & then I began to 
 make the necefsary enquieries — & on the whol I 
 found that the main body of the Brittish Lay neer 
 New Rochelle. from thence to White plains about 
 nine mile, good roads & in general level open coun- 
 try that at white plains was a large quantity of 
 Stores, with only about three hundred melitia to guard 
 them, that the British had a detachment at Maniar- 
 neck only Six miles from White plains, & from White 
 plains only five mile to the North River, where lay 
 five or Six of the enimies Ships & Slops, tenders 
 &c — 
 
 having made thefe difcoveries I Set out on my 
 return, the road from Wards acrof the Brunx was my 
 intended rout unlefs I found the Brittish there, which 
 happly they were not, but I Saw American on the 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 63 
 
 highths west of the Brunx, who had arrived there 
 after I pafsed up — I found it to be Lord Sterlings 
 Division, it was now after Sunset. I gave My Lord 
 a fhort accont of my disoveries took Some refresh- 
 ment, & Set off For head quarters, by the way of 
 Philips, at the mouth of Sawmill river, a road I had 
 never traveled, among tory inhabitence & in the 
 night. I dare not enquire the way, but providence 
 conducted me — I arrived at head Quarter neer 
 Kings bridge (a distence of about 10 mile) about nine 
 oClock at night. I found the General alone. I re- 
 ported to him the discoveries I had made, with a 
 Sketch of the country, he complained very fealingly 
 of the Gentlemen from New York from whome he 
 had never ben able to obtain a plan of the country — 
 that from there information he had ordored the flores 
 to White plains as a place of Securety — the General 
 Sent for General Greene, & gen^ George Clinton 
 Sence Vice Prefident of the United) as Soon as 
 General Clinton came in my ketch and Statement 
 was Shewn to him & he was asked if the Sittuation 
 of those places were as I had reported, — gen^ Clin- 
 ton Said they were 
 
 I had but a Short time to refrefh my Self & Horse 
 when I recived a Letter from the General with ordors 
 to proceed immediately to Lord Sterlings, and I ar- 
 rived at his quarter about two oClock in the morn- 
 ing 
 
 October 21^* 1776 — Lord Sterling Division 
 Marched before daylight & we arrived at the White 
 plains about 9 Clock AM — and thus was the Ameri- 
 can army Saved (by an interpofeing providence) 
 from a probabal total dejtriiction. I may be asked 
 wherein this perticuler interposition of providence 
 appears. I anfwer. First in the Stupidity of the British 
 
64 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 General in that he did not early on the morning of 
 the 20*^ Send a detachment and take pofsession of 
 the post & Stores at White plains for had he don 
 this we must then have faught him on his own terms, 
 and fuch disadvantagous terms on our part as hu- 
 manely Speeking must have proved our overthrow 
 again when I parted with Col° Reed on the 20*^ as 
 before mentioned, I have always thought I was moved 
 to So hazardous an undertaking by foreign influence 
 — on my rout I was Liable to meet with Some Brit- 
 ish or tory parties, who probably would have made 
 me a prifoner, (as I had no knowledge of any way of 
 efcape acrofs the Brunx but the one I came out) hence 
 I was induced to disguife my felf by takeing out 
 my cockade. Loping my hat & Secreating my Sword 
 & pistols under my Loose coat, and then had I ben 
 taken under this disguise the probability is that I 
 Should have ben hanged for a Spy — 
 October 29*^ [28*^?] the british advanced in front of 
 our Lines at White plain about 10 Clock AM — I 
 had just arrived on Chatterton hill in ordor to throw 
 up Some works when they hove in fight, as Soon as 
 they discovered us they commenced a Severe can- 
 nonade but without eny effect of consequence. Gen- 
 eral M*=Dougal about this time arriving with his 
 Brigad from Burtises, & observing the British to be 
 crofsing the Brunx below in Large bodies in ordor to 
 attack us, our troops were posted to recive them in a 
 very advantagous polition. the British in there ad- 
 vance were twice repulsed, at length however there 
 numbers were increased fo that they were able to 
 turn our right flank, we lost many men but from 
 information after wards recived there was reafon to 
 believe they lost many more then we the rale & Stone 
 fence behind which our troops were posted proved 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 65 
 
 as fatal to the British as the rail fence & Grafs hung 
 on it did at Charlestown the 17^*^ of June 1775 — 
 
 after the affair of the 29^^^ of October my time was 
 imployed in examining the nature of the country in 
 a military point of view in our reere towards North 
 Castle, Croton river &c untill about the 5*^ of Novem- 
 ber when I reived the follow ordor from the general 
 which I Shall take the liberty to transcribe 
 
 Headquarters Whiteplains November 5"" 1776 
 Sir 
 
 " you are directed to repair to wrights Mills, & lay 
 ** out any work there you concive to be necefsary in 
 ** cafe it is not already don ; from thence you are to 
 '* proceed towards Croton Bridge, and post the two 
 " Regiments of Militia in the most advantagous 
 " maner, So as to obstruct the enimies pafsage to 
 " that quarter 
 
 " you are alfo to give what directions you think are 
 " proper to those regiments, refpecting the breaking 
 " up the roads Leading from the North river eastward 
 
 " after this you are to go up to Pekes Kill and di- 
 "rect Lashers detachment to brake up the roads 
 " there, you are likewise to Lay out what works will 
 " be advisable there & ordor them to be Set about " 
 
 Given under my hand at 
 " To Col° Putnam Engineer Go Washington 
 
 November 11*'^ 1776 Gen^ Washington came to 
 Pekes kiln, & I went with him to Visit Fort Mont- 
 gomery, on the Same day or the next he crossed the 
 North river, leveing inflructions with me to afsertain 
 the Geography of the country with the roads & pafses 
 throug, & about the high lands, a report of which I 
 afterwards made with a Sketch of a plan — ^ 
 
 ^ Page 129, 
 
66 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 December 8*^ 1776 I wrote to Gen^ Washington in 
 forming that I had accepted of a Regiment in the 
 Mafsachufetts Line of the continantal army with my 
 reafons for fo doing, afsureing him at the Same time 
 of my attachment to him, & redinefs to execute any 
 Service I Should be ordored on. an extract of his 
 answer I Shall Subjoin — 
 
 " 5 Buck County neer Coryells 
 I Ferry December i;"" 1770 
 
 E>ear Sir 
 
 " your Letter of the 8*^ Instent from Peakskill came 
 " duely to hand, your acceptence of a Regiment to 
 " be raised on continantal eflablishment by the State 
 " of Mafsachufetts bay, is quite agreable to me, and 
 '* I Sincearly wish you fuccefs in recruiting & much 
 " honor in Commanding it ; — 
 
 " your profefsions of attachment are extreamly 
 ** pleasing to Dear Sir your most obedient Servent " 
 
 Go Washington " 
 
 again on the 20*^^ of December 1776 in a Letter to 
 Congrefs the General has the following, viz " I have 
 " alfo to mention that, for want of fome eflablishment 
 " in the department of engineers agreable to the 
 "plan laid before Congrefs in October Last, Colonel 
 " Putnam, who was at the head of it, has quitted and 
 " taken a regiment in the State of Mafsachufetts. I 
 " know of no other man tolerably well qualified for 
 "the conducting of that bufmefs. — 
 
 " None of the french gentlemen whome I have Seen 
 " with appointments in that way appear to know 
 " anything of the matter, there is one in Philidel- 
 " phia, who I am told is clever : but him I have not 
 " Seen — " 
 
 after this I repaired to head Quarters to Settle my 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 67 
 
 accounts and then in Janury 1777 returned to Maf- 
 sachusetts to recruit my regiment in which I was 
 pritty Succefsfull, but as I was not engaged in much 
 extra Service this year my memore will be very 
 Short, three Companys of the regiment marched from 
 Worcester about the first of May, for Peakskill & 
 from thence In June were ordored up the North river 
 & finally to Fort Ann. I marched with the remainder 
 from Worcester the 3^ of July, at Springfield I re- 
 cived information that those three companies were 
 gon up the North river, & alfo orders to join the 
 Brigade in that quarter. I joined the Northen troops 
 about 4 mile above Fort Edward, the next day the 
 army fell down the river about 4 mile, except my 
 regiment which remained three or four days. — this 
 gave me an oppertunity to examin Fort Edward & 
 compair its prefent State with what it was formally. 
 in the year 1 760, the Last time I Saw it when Stand- 
 ing, it appeared as it really was a very flrong Forti- 
 fortification — (See page 22 [15] of this memore) 
 but now alafs its remaining walls & ditch would aford 
 no cover in cafe of an attack 
 
 With refpect to the events which took place this 
 Campaign on the North river, between the army 
 under the imediate Command of General Bugoyne 
 & ours under General Gates, I Should Say northing 
 of my Self, were it not for Some omisions & mis- 
 statements by the historian with refpect to Storming 
 the works of the German referve on the Seventh 
 of October (See Life of Wafhington, page 257-258 
 Voll. 3 
 
 The facts are as follows, in front of those works 
 was a cleare open field bounded by a wood at the 
 distence of about 120 yards in the Skirt of this 
 wood I was posted with the 5*^ & 6**' regiments of 
 
68 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 Mafsachufetts — the right & left of those works were 
 partly covered by a thin wood & the reer by a thick 
 wood, the moment ordors were given to Storm, I 
 moved rapidly acrofs the open field & entered the 
 works in front, I believe the Same moment that the 
 troops of Learneds Brigade, (in which Jacksons regi- 
 ment was) entered on the Left & reer. I imedi- 
 ately formed the two regiments under my command 
 & moved out of thefe works (which were not enclosed 
 in the reer) into the wood toward the enemies enclosed 
 redoubt, on the right flank of there main encampment 
 — General Learned as Soon as he had Secured & 
 Sent off all the plunder taken in this Camp, with- 
 drew all the other troops without biding me a good 
 night. — 
 
 however Some time before morning General Glover 
 joined me with three regiments from the right Wing 
 of the army 
 
 Marfhals account of this alTair is very different from 
 mine for Sais he "Jacksons Regiment of MalTachusetts 
 " Led by Lieutenant Colonel Brooks, turned the right 
 " of the encampment & Stormed the works." No 
 mention is made of Brigadier Gen^ Learned, who 
 Stormed at the Same time with other Corps of his 
 Brigade as well as Jacksons. Nor of the two regi- 
 ments under my command who Stormed in front, 
 again " Brooks maintained the ground he had 
 gained " northing can be further from being correct 
 then this, for except the two regiments which I com- 
 manded I never Saw troops in greater disorder — nor 
 did I See any of them formed into ordor for action 
 before I moved out with the s^^ & 6*^ regiments as 
 before mentioned 
 
 Page 6i, in a note from M'' Gordon, it is Said that 
 Nixon Brigade crofsed Saratoga Creek, the fact was 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 69 
 
 that the Brigade was put in moton & marched in 
 close collum to the Creek, just as the fog brook away, 
 when the whole park of the British artillery opened 
 upon us at not more then 500 yards distent, finding 
 we were halted I road forward to the head of the Bri- 
 gade to enquire why we Stood there in that exposed 
 Situation, but Nixon was not to be found & Col" 
 Graton who commanded the Leading regiment, Said 
 he had no ordors. I then advised crofmg the Creek 
 & covering the troops under the bank which was don. 
 I then at the request of Col° Stevens, advanced with 
 my regiment acrofs the plain, & posted them under 
 cover of the bank of an old ftockad fort, while Ste- 
 vens advanced with two Field pecies to anoy the Brit- 
 ish who were attempting to take away Some covered 
 wagons Standing about half way between us & the 
 British Batery 
 
 we remained in this Sittuation about an hour when 
 I had ordors to retreat — I found Nixon neer the 
 Church and after Some debate I obtained Leve to 
 Send a party & cut away the British Boats which 
 Lay above the mouth of the Creek. Captains. Morse 
 — Goodale — & Gates, with about 70. or 80 Volun- 
 teered them Selves on this Service which they effected 
 without any Lofs — And here I Shall Leave on record 
 my testimony of Major Godales ^ Caracter as an 
 officer & Soldier — being the copy of a Letter I 
 wrote to Gen^ Wafhington — 
 
 Massachusetts Hutts, June g*^ 1783 
 Sir: — 
 
 " I do my Self the honor to enclofe a Letter I re- 
 " cived a few days Sence from Cap* Goodale of the 
 
 1 Nathan Goodale, of Brookfield, Massachusetts, who emigrated to the 
 Ohio country in the summer of 1788. 
 
70 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 5*^ MalTachufetts regiment — I confefs I feal a con- 
 viction of a neglect of duty in respect of this Gentle- 
 man, that I have not till this moment taken any 
 meafures to bring his Services to public view, has 
 been oweing to the confidence I had that General 
 Gates would have don it, as the most extreordinary 
 of them were performed under his orders, and as 
 he gave repeated afsurences they Should not be 
 forgotten — I am Sorry that Gen^ Gates is now out 
 of Camp, for were he not I Should appeal to him on 
 the Subject but as I am fure So worthy a character, 
 and fuch importent Servises ought not to be buried 
 in oblivian, or pafs unrewarded, I beg your Excel- 
 lencies patiance a few moments while I give a fhort 
 detale of them — 
 
 " Captain Goodie was among the first who em- 
 barked in the common cause in 1775 — he Served 
 that year as a Lieutennant in the Same regiment 
 with me — I had long before known him to be a 
 man of Spirit, & his probity & attention to Service 
 Soon gained him the character of a worthy officer — 
 
 "In 1776 he entered again as a Lieutennant, but 
 Served with me the most of the year as an afsistent 
 engineer & the public are much indebted to him for 
 the dispatch and propriety with which Several of 
 the works about New york were executed — in the 
 dark month of November 1776 M'' Gooale entered 
 Service as a Captain in the regiment under my com- 
 mand & was in the field early the next Spring, but 
 althoe he always discovered a thirst for enterprise 
 yet fortune never gave his genius fair play till Au- 
 gust 1777 — tis well known into what a pannic the 
 country & even the Northern army were thrown on 
 the takeing of Ticonderroga. — 
 
 " When General Gates took command in that quar- 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 71 
 
 ter our army Lay at Vansiacks Island,^ and M"" 
 Burgoyne with his black wyngs & painted Legions 
 Lay at Saratoga, the woods were So infested with 
 Savages, that for Some time none of the Scouts 
 who were Sent out for the purpos of obtaining prif- 
 oners, or intiligence of the enimies Sittuation Suc- 
 ceeded in either — General Gates being vexed at 
 continual disapointments desiered an officer to 
 procure him a man that would undertake at all 
 hazards to perform this Service. Cap* Goodale 
 being Spook to voluntarily undertook the bufmefs 
 
 under the following ordors from General Gates 
 " Sir you are to chuse out one Serjent & Six pri- 
 " vates, and proceed with them to the enimies camp, 
 " unlefs you loose your life or are captured, & not 
 " return untill you obtain a full knowledge of there 
 " Situation " 
 
 " Cap* Goodal in his report of this Scout Sais, it 
 " was not performed without great feteagiie, as the 
 " party was much harrased by the Indians which 
 " ocationed there being in the woods three days 
 "without provisions" however he fucceeded be- 
 yond expectation, first throwing himfelf between 
 there out guards, & there camp where he concealed 
 his party untill he examined there Sittuation very 
 fully, & then brought of Six prisoners, (which he 
 took within there guards) with which he returned 
 to Gen^ Gates without any Lofs 
 
 " this Sucefs induced Gen^ Gates to continue him 
 on that kind of Service — a full detail of all the in- 
 treagu, & addrefs which he discovered during the 
 remainder of that campaign woul make my Letter 
 quite too Long, it may be enough to obferve that 
 before the capture of the British army 121 prisoners 
 
 1 Van Schaick's Island. 
 
72 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 fell into his hands, but as Capt Goodale is no lefs 
 brave & determined in the open field when opposed 
 to reguler troops then he is artfull as a partisan of 
 the woods, I beg your patience while I recite one 
 inflence of this kind — 
 
 "A day or two after M"" Burgoiyne retreated to 
 Saratoga (in a foggy morning) Nixons Brigade 
 were ordored to crofs the Creek which Seperated 
 the two armies. Cap* Goodale with 40 Volunteers 
 went over before the advance guard, he foon fell in 
 with a British Guard of about the Same number, 
 the ground was a clear plain, but the fogg pre- 
 vented there discovering each other till they were 
 within a few yards when both parties made ready 
 neerly at the Same time. Capt goodale in this pofi- 
 tion referving his fire, advanced imediately upon the 
 enemy, who waited with a defign to draw it from 
 him. but he had the addrefs to intimidate them to 
 in Such a maner by threatning immediate death 
 any one that Should fire that not more then two 
 or three obeyed the ordor of there own officer when 
 he gave the word, the event was that the oficer & 
 34 of the Guard were made prifoners — 
 
 " Thefe Sir are the Services which Cap* Goodale 
 & his frinds concive have meritted more attention 
 then have ben paid to them, and at Laest merit a 
 Majority as much as Major Sumners unfiaccefsfull 
 command of a boate a few months on Lake Cham- 
 plain. — but if the tables are reversed & the ill Luck 
 of a brave man Should be the only recommenda- 
 tion to promotion, Cap* Goodale I believe has as 
 great pretentions as most men — for he is the un- 
 fortunate officer, who commanded about 40 white 
 men and being joined by about the Same number 
 of Indians fought more then 1000 of the enemy be- 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 73 
 
 "below Voluntines hill in 1778 untill neer two thirds 
 " were killed, himfelf & most of the rest made pris- 
 " oners — but I mention this not So much to Show 
 " his bravery, for he takes no merit from that action 
 "he always Lemented the necefsity he was under 
 " from the ordors he received to do what he did. in 
 " writeing to me on the fubject he Sais " at this time 
 " " a number of brave men were Sacrefised to bad 
 " " ordors, but as they were not my ordors, I hope 
 " " the candid do not cenfure me " 
 
 " having Stated thefe fact, I beg leve to request 
 " your Excellency will Lay them before Congrefs " &c 
 
 General Washington forwarded my Letter to the 
 Secretary of War, but as about this time Congrefs 
 came to a refolution to raise the Rank of all officers 
 one grade who had not ben promoted Sence there 
 entrence in to Service the First of January 1777 Ma- 
 jor Goodale recived promotion with the rest, & thus 
 never had that justice don him, which he So highly 
 Merited — 
 
 the worthy Kusesko the famous Polander was at 
 the head of the Engineer department in Gates army ; 
 we advised togather with refpect to the works necef- 
 sery to be thrown up for the defence of the Camp but 
 he had the over Sight in executing them. I therefore 
 have no claim to extra Servnce this year, nor did I 
 recive any perticuler notice from Gen^ Gates, after 
 the capture of Burgoyne Nixsons Brigade went into 
 Winter Quarters at Albany — 
 
 1778 Some time in January (I believe) I was re- 
 quested by Gen^ Putnam & Govenor Clinton to re- 
 pair to West point to Superintend the Fortifications 
 proposed to be erected there, my answer was that I 
 could not consent to go unlefs my regiment went 
 
74 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 with me, or that I Should not leave my regiment 
 without the exprefs ordors of Gen^ Wafhington. — 
 
 there had ben a French Engineer Sent to Lay out 
 & Superintend the fortifications proposed to be 
 erected at West point, but his plans were intirely 
 disapproved of by Govenor Clinton & the General 
 officers, and hence arofe the confusion & delay men- 
 tioned in General Walhingtons Letter to Congrefs of 
 the if^ of March 1778 — 
 
 Feb^ jst jyyg J succeeded to the command of the 
 troops in the Northen deparpment by the departure 
 of Col° Graton to Vifit his family, the ordors which 
 he left me were no other then a copy of the ordors 
 of Congrefs directing the commanding officer at 
 Albany, to forward Stores of Various kinds to Co,os — 
 five regiments befide Nixons Brigade were to hold 
 them Selves in readinefs for the invasion of Cannada, 
 & all to Randezvouse at Onion river by the 20^^ of 
 February, except Col° Bedles regiment who was to 
 March by the way of Co,os — & Sixty days provisions 
 for three thousand men. I did not thank Col° Graton 
 for Sliping his neck out of this difficulty. I was Sen- 
 sible it was totaly impofsible, with naked men in a 
 deep Snow to acomplish any part of the plan, how- 
 ever as far as depended on me it was my duty to 
 obay ordors — Col° Hazen who was appointed Q — r 
 M. G Soon arrived, he required a detachment to Set 
 out imediately to open a roade. I denied him on the 
 ground of the depth of the Snow, the inclemency of 
 the Season & the destitute Situation of the men with 
 refpect to Cloathing 
 
 about the 10'^ or 12^^ of February, the Marquis, de 
 la Fayette arrived, who was to command the expidi- 
 tion, togather with the Baron de Kalb — (Gen^ Con- 
 way had arrived before them) 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 75 
 
 on the arrivel of the Marques the troops were re- 
 viewed by him, & everery enquiery made which he 
 thought necefsary to form an opinion on the Subject, 
 
 & finally the expidition was Laid afide the 
 
 " plan " Sais Marfhal " was matured in Congrefs, and 
 " the board of war, without confulting the Commander 
 •' in chief " See Voll — 3 page 345 — 
 
 Sometime in the month of March I was ordored 
 with my regiment down to west point, and when I 
 came there I found the object to be what I Suspected. 
 viz to Lay out and Superintend the Fortifications 
 necefary to be conflructed there for the defence of 
 that importent post — 
 
 General M"^Dougal arrived there about the Same 
 
 time to take the command my French Brother 
 
 Engineer, whith whome Govenor Clinton & General 
 Putnam had Quereled was gon & his Fort marked 
 out on the extreme point next the river & commanded 
 by the adjacent high ground was abandoned, a Bat- 
 tery at this place to anoy the Shiping in case they 
 Should come up & attempt to turn the point & force 
 the Boom was Judged Sufficient, and for a defence 
 against an attack by Land, a number of Small works 
 or chain of Forts & Redouts, were Laid out on the 
 high grounds bordering the plain, which forms the 
 point, one in perticuler built by my own regiment & 
 by Gen^ M'^Dougal named Fort Putnam — is on a 
 high hill, or rather rock, which commands the plane 
 & point, the rock on the Side next the point is not 
 difficult to assend but on the other Side where the 
 fort Stands the rock is 50 feet perpendiculer. this 
 Fort was after wards much improved & is capable of 
 being made a very Strong place 
 
 I remained at West point untill Some time in June, 
 when I joined the army under Genera Gates neer 
 
76 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 Peekskill — this army formed a juntion with the grand 
 
 army at White plains, the 23^ or 24*'' of July 
 
 While the army Lay at White plains I did no extra 
 duty except that by the ordor of the Commander in 
 Chief I explored the country about Fradericlburgh 
 Quaker hill &c &c 
 
 the army left White plains the 16*^ of September & 
 the Several divisions took different pofitions, that of 
 Gen^ Gates, in which I was were posted at Danbury 
 in Connecticut, Nixfons Brigade Lay for a time at 
 Woodbury. I was directed by Gen^ M^'Dougal to ex- 
 amin the Roads & pafses from New Millford Leading 
 eastward which having attended to in part I made 
 my report to him. Soon after I recived the following 
 Letter from Gen^ Wafhington — 
 
 "Head Quarters 9"" of October 1778 
 Sir 
 
 " I have perused your report of this day to Gen^ 
 " M^'Dougal you will continue your examination of 
 " the different roads and reconnoiter the most con- 
 " venient halting places on each alowing the intervel 
 " of one days march from one to the other, & make 
 " report of the whole to me, that I may be enabled 
 ** to regulate the different routs — 
 
 '* The road towards Litchfield offers from your ac- 
 " count of it to be worth attention, & Col° Hale 
 
 " Should be directed to proceed on it accordingly 
 
 I am Sir 
 
 Your obedient Servent 
 G' Washington 
 Col*' Putnam 
 
 the following is the report I made on that oca- 
 tion 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 77 
 
 Fredericksburgh October 15*" 1778 
 " Dear General 
 
 " Imediately after writeing to Gen^ M'^Dougal 
 
 "on the 9^^ inllent — I Set out for Major Grosvenors 
 
 " party on the road to Farmington (by Woodbury, 
 
 "& Waterbury, & returned yesterday to New Mil- 
 
 " ford, (by Litchfield) where Col° Hale delivered me 
 
 " your Excellencies Letter of the 9*^ instent had I 
 
 " recived this Letter before I Seet out from L* Col° 
 
 " Hales Camp I Should have ben more perticuler 
 
 " in Noteing the most convenient halting places — 
 
 " however I did attend to this circumstance fo much, 
 
 " that I believe the following report has no errors 
 
 " meterial to the Service — 
 
 "From the Park, by head Quarters, to Deacon 
 
 " Galers 13 mile, good Stage for encamping. Wood, 
 
 " Water, & Forage — 
 
 "then to Shawam river 12 mile, pafsing Newmilford 
 
 " at 7 convenient for halting &c — 
 
 "then to Woodbury 9 mile, no fupply of forrage 
 
 " between 
 
 "then to Waterbury 10 mile.- very Little forage 
 
 " between. 
 
 "From thence to Southington Meeting house 11 
 
 " mile. Forage, and I believe wood in the neighbor- 
 
 " hood of this place. 
 
 " then to Farmington 9 mile wood Water & forag 
 
 " plenty before entering the town. — on this rout the 
 
 " road is very good 20. mile to New Milford the hills 
 
 " very few & of easy assent — from thence to Wood- 
 
 " bury very hilly but otherwise tollerable — the 
 
 " Shawam river is about 40 feet wide, has no bridge, 
 
 " & in Low water the ford is rather deep, and sence 
 
 " the Late rains would wet the bagage in wagons. 
 
 " I am told there is a bridge about one mile above 
 
78 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 " pafsable only for footmen — from Woodbury to wa- 
 " terbury, the road is ruff, but not very wet — from 
 " thence 7 mile is rockey & wet. on this part I Left 
 "Major Grosvenor at work on monday Last, (from 
 " whence he will repair the road back again to New 
 " Milford) the roads from this to Farmington need- 
 " ing no repair, Major Grosvenor within two or three 
 " days will be at Shawam river, — 
 
 I would fuggest whether it will not be best to build 
 "a Bridge at that place, which would be Soon 
 " effected, provided the town of Woodbury were 
 " requested to afsist with ox teams and timber, and 
 *' eight or ten carpenters ordored to join Major gros- 
 " venor — 
 
 " From New Milford by Litchfield to Farmington, 
 " Wood, water, & forage may be had in any place, 
 " within a mile or two one way or the other, untill 
 "you are past Herington within 12 mile of Farm- 
 "ington. part of this 12 mile is very bad road, 
 " needs much repair, and the meadows going into 
 " Farmington utterly impafsabell for footmen at this 
 " time on account of the Late freshet. So that in the 
 " present Sittuation the rout by Woodbury to Farm- 
 " ington is much the best — 
 
 " If a Collum Should march by Springfield^ the 
 "best rout for carrages is by New Mlford, Litch- 
 " field, Herington, Symsbury, Suffield & then Spring- 
 " field — 
 
 " on this rout. Mount Tom, 6 mile on this side Litch- 
 " field is the only hill that is very bad — 
 
 " L* Col° Hale is going on to repair the road from 
 " New Milford to Litchfield, which will take him five 
 "or Six days — 
 
 " The party that was ordored by Bulls Iron works 
 " have don very Little — 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 79 
 
 " If Col° Hale is to repair the road from Litch- 
 " field to Farmington, or to Symsbury, the rout to 
 "Springfield, it will be necessary he Should have 
 " further ordors, otherwise I prefume he will Stop at 
 " Litchfield — 
 " Gen^ Washington I am &c 
 
 By General Wafhingtons Letter to Congrefs of the 
 27*^^ of November 1778 it appears that the Several 
 cantoonments of the Army for the Winter had ben 
 fixed on, — previous to this at the request of General 
 Greene the Qr-M General I made a tour with him 
 for that purpos through Several dillricts, perticulerly 
 about the North river &c — 
 
 Late in December Gen^ Nixsons Brigade arrived 
 on the ground afsigned them for Hutting in the high- 
 lands, on the road from Peaks kill to Fishkill — 
 
 Gen' Nixson Left the Brigade while at Woodbury 
 in Connecticut & Col° Graton Soon after our arrivel 
 on the Ground for Hutting, So that as Last Winter 
 the command of the Brigade fell again on me 
 1779 — about the First of February, the Brigade were 
 ordored to Leave there Quarters. Gratons tok post 
 at Crom pond, Nixons at Vanplanks point. I was 
 ordored down to Colla-beargh, with my regiment, 
 to build a Bridge over Croton river, the Command 
 was agreable, & the troops well accommodated in 
 Houfes — but it was extra Sevice when the work 
 was compleated, about the Letter end of March I 
 had Leave of absence to visit my Family which 
 I had not Seen Sence December 1777 
 
 June i^* 1779 Fort Fayette on Vanplank point was 
 taken by the British. See — Marfhalls L of W Voll 
 4 page 58. 
 I returned to Camp Some time in June & in a few 
 
8o MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 days after recived the follow ordors from Gen' 
 Heath. — 
 
 " Highlands Danforths House June 29"" 1779 
 "Sir 
 
 I am very defirous if pofsible to obtain the exact 
 " lituation of the enemy on Vanplanks point & of the 
 "Vessels in the river, as you are well acquainted 
 " with the Ground on both Sides of the river, I would 
 "request that you would to morrow, reconnoiter the 
 " enemy with due precaution, and make Such remarks 
 " as you may think proper, you will take a part, or 
 " the whole of your own Light Company as a guard.^ 
 " your knowledge of the country & abilities render 
 "perticular inftructions unnecefsary" &c &c 
 
 yours &c 
 
 W^ Heath 
 Col° Putnam 
 
 to execute this ordor I had to March through the 
 mountains neer 20 miles in an unfrequented rout to 
 prevent discovery & lie concealed in the woods untill 
 I had effected the object which was effected but re- 
 port has ben lost or mislade, that is the Copy — 
 
 " Colonel Putnam has permifsion to take as many 
 " men as he chueses of his own regiment, or any 
 " other for Special Services — and to pafs all 
 "Guards — 
 "July 9tJ» 1779— G* Washington 
 
 The Service here intended was to examin the eni- 
 mies works on Vanplanks point — I Set out from 
 
 1 Omitted in General Putnam's transcription : — 
 
 " which you will request of General Nixon, and proceed down the River in 
 Boats. I£ you think the best view can be had from the Dunderberg, you 
 will land at or near Fort Montgommery — " 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 8i 
 
 conftitution Island, opposit West point, in the after- 
 noon of the lo'*' with 50 men & reached Continantal 
 Village about Sunset and after dark I proceeded by 
 a back road to a point where I concealed my party 
 in the woods, intending the next morning to examin 
 the works, but Soon after we halted a very heavy rain 
 Set in which continued all night, & all the next day. 
 the morning after we concealed our Selves in a barn, 
 the next morning July 12*^ was fair but our arms and 
 amunition were So wet that they were intirely ule- 
 lefs. I retired to a deserted house, were we built 
 fires, brook up our Catrages dryed what powder was 
 not wholey destryed, & cleaned our arms, many of 
 which we were obliged to unbritch. — 
 
 We were in this disarmed & defencelefs State from 
 early in the morning untill the midle of the after- 
 noon. 
 
 apprehensive the enemy might have got know- 
 ledge from Some of the inhabitence, who probably 
 must have Seen us I marched the party directly 
 along the great road (in Sight of the enmies block 
 house) towards Peaks kill, and when at a convenient 
 place I turned into the woods again, where I con- 
 cealed the party untill toward morning, when I took 
 them onto the Ground neer to where I posted myfelf 
 to take obfervations, which having compleated I re- 
 turned July 13*^ to Camp — 
 
 July 14*^ I went up to New Windsor & made my 
 report to General Wafhington ^ — 
 
 Marfhall in his L, of W. VoU 4 — page 70 — tells 
 us that " Two Brigades under the command of 
 " Gen^ M'^Dougal had ben ordored to aproach the 
 •' enimy on the east Side of the r\^er " this ordor to 
 M<=Dougal, if ever given, I prefume was given on the 
 
 1 Page 137. 
 
82 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 morning of the I5*^ for the following reafons. when 
 I waited on General Washington on the 14^^, to make 
 my report, he informed me that he had relinquished 
 the idea of a real attac on Vanplanks point at the 
 fame time it was to be made on Stoney point, but 
 intended the attac on that point Should be only a 
 faint, and for that purpos he had ordored Nixons 
 Brigade to march that day to Continanntal village — 
 he then inflructed me to take as many men from that 
 Brigade as I thought proper, & make my arrange- 
 ments to be on the Ground ready to fire on the 
 enemy at Vanplanks point the moment I found 
 Wayne had attacked Stoney point, at the Same time 
 the General informed me that no one kew of the in- 
 tended attack but those who had the charge of its 
 execution, that but one of his own family was let into 
 the Secret — I had not the Lest doubt, but the Bri- 
 gade had Marched that afternoon but when I re- 
 turned to the camp (after Sunset) I found them Still 
 there, on enquiring the reason why they had not 
 Marched, Nixon told me he had obtained leave from 
 Gen^ M'^Dougal to delay his march, & on enquiring 
 what time he would march in the Morning he in- 
 formed me he Should Send on a Guard of 50 men 
 according to his engagement to Gen^ M'^Dougal. I 
 was excedingly perplexed to know how to act, on 
 the whole I told him I was charged with executing 
 a Special Service & requested him to increase the 
 detachment to 100 men under the command of a 
 Feld officer, & that they Should march very early in 
 the Morning to continantal Village — 
 
 July is^^ General Wafhington came down early 
 to West point, & Col° Tillman came to the Island to 
 enquire why Nixsons Brigade had not marched the 
 day before. I gave him an account of what I had 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 83 
 
 ben don, & Soon after Set out after the detachment 
 which had marched under the command of U Colo- 
 nel Smith : I remained at the village untill night, & 
 then made Such arrangments as I thought proper 
 to fulfill the intention of the General. — as Soon as 
 I Saw that Wayne had commenced his attack on 
 Stoney point we fiered on there out Block house, & 
 guard at the creek & thus alarmed the Garrison on 
 Vanplanks point, which was the only object contem- 
 plated for that night. 
 
 July 16*^ I remaind this morning in full view 
 of the enimy untill eight or nine oClock — when I 
 marched up to continantal village, where in the 
 course of the day, Nixsons & Pattesons Brigades 
 arrived but without there Feld peaces artillerymen 
 or fo much as an ax or Spade, or any ordors what 
 they were to do — about 10 oClock at night General 
 How arrived, to take the command, he called on me 
 for information. I told him the troops had brought 
 no artillery with them, which in my opinion was 
 Necefsary on account of a Block which Stood in the 
 way of our approach to the main work on the point. 
 Nor had they brought any axes, or entrenching tools, 
 & that it was impofsible to crofs the Creek without 
 rebuildinging the bridge which had ben dellroyed — 
 
 July 1 7^*^ Sometime about the midle of the day two 
 twelve pounders arrived, and a few axes were col- 
 lected I believe from the inhabitents and a Bridge 
 was begun, or proposed to be bugun. I cannot Say 
 how far the preparations had advanced before we 
 were allaramed by the advance of a British party by 
 the way of Croton, on which we retreated — 
 
 These are the facts which fell within my own 
 knowledge refpecting the movements made against 
 Vanplanks point. — Marfhalls reprefentation of the 
 
84 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 delays, implies a heavey cenfure on Gen^ M^Dougal. 
 for acording to him, Gen* M'^Dougal was perfonally 
 with two Brigades " ordered to approach the enimy 
 " on the east Side of the river So as to be in readi- 
 "nefs to attempt the work on Vanplank^" and that 
 in this Sittuation Wayns Mefsenger was to find him, 
 and again that " Gen' How was ordored to take the 
 command of Gen* M'^Dougal's detachment" — now 
 as Gen' McDougal Never did March with the detach- 
 ment, and General How was afterwards (acording 
 to Marfhall) ordored to take the command, it fol- 
 lows, if this Statement be correct General M'^Dougal 
 must be highly cenfuerable, but I believe this to be 
 
 very incorrect I believe Gen' M^'Dougal never 
 
 was ordored to march with those two Brigades, my 
 reafons are these, first I know him So well that had 
 he ben ordored to March, he certainly would have 
 obeyed — again had he disobeyed Such an ordor, no 
 doubt but he would have ben arested, & we Should 
 have haeard of it 
 
 But what is much more, it must be remembred that 
 Gen' M'^Dougal was at that very time Commander in 
 chief of West point and its dependencies — and can 
 any man having any knowledge of that place & of 
 the high importence with which it was confidered by 
 the Commander in chief believe that he would have 
 ordored Gen' M*=Dougal to leave that importent post 
 & March to attack Van plank point. I believe not 
 — General Wafhington could not commit Such an 
 error 
 
 I Supose the fact to be this, that on the morning 
 of the 15^*^ when General Wafhington came down 
 to West point, as before noted, he ordored Gene' 
 M'^Dougal to detach, Nixsons & Patterfons Brigades 
 to the continental villege, & that General Wafhington 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 85 
 
 expected they would reach it that Same evening, 
 which I believe they did not however they must 
 have left the point on the 15*^ or they could not have 
 arrived at the villege So Soon as they did on the 
 
 but why they came without any artillery, axes, & 
 intrenching tools, or any Comding General, or ordors 
 how to employ them felves are qustions I am not able 
 to Solve — 
 
 in a few days afthe this businefs was over I was 
 apointed to the Command of a Regiment of Light 
 Infentr}^ the whole corps consisted of 4 Regiments 
 of 2 Battallions each, the whole Commanded by 
 General Wayne — in this Corps I continued untill the 
 army Went into Winter Quarters the December fol- 
 lowing, indeed our Corps did not break up camp 
 untill January 1780 — when my regiment had a very 
 tedious march from Second river neer Newark in the 
 Jerfies to there Quarters at West point, the High 
 Lands &c 
 
 I was ordored on but two peaces of extra Ser- 
 vice during my continuence in the Light infentry 
 Corps — 
 
 one was in august, by ordor of General Wafhing- 
 ton, to erect a Batterry at the place of old Fort 
 Gommery for the anouence of Ships coming up the 
 river — & 
 
 December 14*'^ I made a tour by ordor of Gen^ 
 Wayne to South Amboy,^ having an officer & eight 
 Dragoons to attend me, for the purpos of reconnoi- 
 tering a British fleat that Lay there, and to afsertain 
 if pofsible the time of there Sailmg this was a tedious 
 Cold jorney & Somwhat arduous, we were obliged 
 to return by the way of New Brunswck — 
 
 1 Page 141. 
 
86 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 1780 January — Some time about the Last of this 
 month, I had leve of absence to vifit my family, and 
 returned to Camp about the midle of April, and I 
 find by my corispondenc with General How, that I 
 was on command about Croton river &c as early as 
 the 6*'' of May, & continued out to the 27^^ of July — 
 this kind of Servis, in one Sence is Not properly etra, 
 because every officer is Liable to be detailed, to per- 
 form it as a tour of duty, however in another Sence 
 it may properly be called Extra, becaus it is far mre 
 feteauging Slavish, hazardous, & requiring much 
 Greater vigilence, then the common rotean duty 
 performed with the army, besides the commanding 
 officer of Such a detachment is Generally if not al- 
 ways appointed Specially to his command, by the 
 General, & hence it is always elleamed very honora- 
 ble, how far I discharged my duty while on this 
 Service, with honor to my Self & Satisfaction to my 
 General, the Letters between General How & my Self 
 will Show, if confulted ^ 
 
 about the time I was releaved, the Grand army 
 crofsed the North river & encamped first at orang- 
 town, then at the English Neighbourhood, &c & — 
 
 about the first of October I had Leave of abfence 
 & did not join the army again untill the end of Cam- 
 paign viz. about the first of December. — 
 
 1781-July 6*^' The French army under count De 
 Rochambeau formed a juntion with American army, 
 Neer Dobbs Ferry — 
 
 august 19*^ the French army, & that part of the 
 American army distinated for Virginia commenced 
 crofsing the North river and on the 21st Gen^ 
 Heath issued ordors of which the following are ex- 
 tracts — 
 
 1 Pages 147-177. 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 87 
 
 "Head Quarters neer Youngs, august 21'' 1781 
 
 " three hundred rank & file, Infentry, properly of- 
 " fiered Col° Sheldens Legionary Corps, Cap* Sack- 
 " ets & Capt Ritlium [ ? ] Companies, of New York 
 " Li vies, are to form a detachment to cover this part 
 " of the country, in front of the Army — Col° Putnam 
 "will take the command of this detachment untill 
 " further orders — 
 
 " Captain Donal, will give one of his three pound- 
 " ers futably Maned, for Col° Putnams detachment " 
 
 on this command I was keept out, untill Late in Oc- 
 tober or the begining of November the persise time 
 I cannot affertain, as I keept no journal, & a part of 
 the Letters which pafsed between us being Lost, how- 
 ever enough remain on file to Show Somthing of the 
 nature of the Service I was performing, & how far 
 my conduct was approved by Gen' Heath ^ — 
 
 while I was on this Command I was honored with 
 
 A Letter from Gen' Waterbury of which the following 
 
 are Extracts — 
 
 " HoRSENECK September 13th 1781 
 
 " Sir. after my complements I would inform you, that 
 
 " I have recived ordors from his Excellency Govenor 
 
 '* Trumbull, to build Some places of Security for my 
 
 " troops to winter in, and at the Same time he would 
 
 " recommend it to me, to ask the favor of you to Lend 
 
 " your afsistence in counceling with me where it is 
 
 "best to build," &c 2 
 
 1 Pages 183-198. 
 
 2 Omitted in General Putnam's transcription : — 
 
 " Sd place of Security for the Winter that Shall Sarve Best for the publick 
 Good and for the Security of the troops in General : & you may Be asured 
 I Shold take It as a Great favour If I Cold obtain your Judgement in the 
 mator and hope I Shall have the pleasure of Seeing you in a Day or to If 
 Nothing Extraordinary prevents — and am Dear Coll With Great Esteme 
 
 Yours to Sarve 
 
 David Waterbury — 
 
 Coll PUTMAN — " 
 
88 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 I made the tour agreable request &c — 
 A few days after I joined my regiment at West point, 
 I recived the following ordor from Gen^ M"'Dougal — 
 
 West point November 14th 1781 — 
 Sir 
 
 " General M^'Dougal requests you to repair to 
 " Stoney & Vanplanks points, and examin minutly 
 "into there State in every refpect — the Sentry boxes 
 "at those advanced works Should be deilroyed — 
 ** every building within cannon range of either of 
 " those posts, and any cover that would aford a Lodg- 
 " ment for the enemy must be taken down & removed 
 " before you leave the ground. 
 
 "you will please to have the Garisons paraded, 
 " and note every person and the regiments they be- 
 " long to, unfit for this Service " ^ &c 
 
 This was the Last, Extra Military Service which I 
 was ordored on, that I Shall mention 
 
 But there were Some other Services which I was 
 called too which tend to Show in what estemation 
 my character was, with my Brother officers in Gen- 
 eral, in other refpects not Military which I Shall now 
 take Notice of 
 
 1 Omitted in General Putnam's transcription : — 
 
 " Eftimate what quantity of wood will be necefsary for each Garrison, 
 making a propor allowance for cooking in the trenches, from the i" of 
 December, to the i" of April next. Determin what number of fireplaces 
 will be necefsary for the Ferry men, and the Q : Master M' Kiree [?] , 
 and calculate for wood, for them upon the fame fcale as you do for the 
 Garrisons — If there fhould be a furplufage of wood at the Posts give an 
 order on them, to the Q. Master for the fupply of his department — 
 
 Report to the General on your return what ever f hall appear necefsary 
 
 By command of Gen' M''Dougall 
 Col" Putnam E. Haskell 
 
 Di A. G " 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 89 
 
 " At a meeting of the field & other officers in Gen^ 
 " Nixons Brigade September 9*^ 1778 
 
 " Col° Rufus Putnam was Unanimously chosen 
 " Representative to meet in a general convention of 
 ** the army, to State our Grievances to the honorable 
 " continantal Congrefs, & endevor to obtain redrefs 
 " of the Same 
 
 " per order of the Meeting 
 
 " Thomas Nixon Co1° Moderator 
 
 My Letter on file, to Deacon Davis of Boston dated 
 March 21 1779, will Show what exertions I made to 
 prevent a Muteny breaking out in the Mafsachufetts 
 Line, and claim on the State, in behalf of the Soldier 
 for relief — in that letter is inclosed the Muteny ar- 
 ticls. the time fixed for the Brigade to march of in a 
 body was the lo**^ of February, belides the meafures 
 taken with them as detailed in my Letter to Deacon 
 Davis, I took the further precaution to make a con- 
 fidential communiation of the afair to Gen' M^'Dougal 
 & made a request that he would ordor the Several 
 regiments, each to occupy a Seperate post toward 
 New york. this request he complied with, and thus 
 it was put out of there power to execute the plan 
 they had formed, or at lest not So well as they 
 might have don had they remained to gather in there 
 Hutts — 
 
 In page 115 [86] I have mentioned that in January 
 1780 I had leve of absence & returned in April to 
 Camp — 
 
 in this period a Large portion of my time was 
 Spent in Boston, Soliciting the General Court to grant 
 Some releaf to the Mafachufetts line of the army, and 
 efpecially for the oficers, prifoners on Long Island, 
 for them a Small releif was obtained, for which I had 
 
90 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 there thanks for the afsistence I had given there 
 agent — See Col" Thompsons Letter dated at Long 
 Island May i — 1 780 ^ — but for the troops in General 
 northing was don to purpos — or that gave the Com- 
 mitte of the army Satisfaction — , therefore neere the 
 clofe of the year the Line of officers united in apoint- 
 ing a Committe to repair to Boston, & lay there 
 Complaints before the General afsembly.^ they alfo 
 apointed a Committe to inftruct them — thefe inllruc- 
 tions Shew fo fully the claims of the army at that time, 
 I Shall record them, that posterity may Judge — they 
 are as follows — 
 
 " Gentlemen 
 
 " having chosen you to appear in our 
 
 * behalf at the General Afsembly of Mafsachusetts 
 ' Bay, with them to Settle our accounts of pay 
 ' cloathing &c we think it equally our duty as it is 
 ' our right, to Give you Inllructions refpecting the 
 
 * tranfactions there to be had : This we do, not 
 ' because we doubt your understanding abilities or 
 ' Integrity, our choice of you fully evinces the con- 
 ' trary of that, but for your own fatisf action & justi- 
 ' fication = 
 
 " The Settlement made with us the Last year, we 
 
 * apprehend to be Merely a partial one not only as 
 ' to the fettlement itfelf, but the mode in which it 
 
 * was don, as it was not consented to by our then 
 ' Committe — you will therefore have that to revise 
 ' — But there are certain preliminaries to be fettled 
 
 * before you proceed even to that, which we recom- 
 ' mend and enjoin on you, as conditions without 
 ' which you proceed not on the bufinefs committed 
 
 * to you — 
 
 1 Page 146. 2 Page 182. 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 91 
 
 " I St the town bounties given to the Soldiers, are 
 " not to be deducted from there pay and where this 
 " is or has been don Said bounty must be refunded. 
 " this is just if we only limply confider they were 
 " promised their pay, & there bounty was given them 
 " as an encouragement to Inlist, not as a part of there 
 
 " pay advanced 
 
 " 2^^ The time of reciving our pay, not the time when 
 '* it became due (monthly) must be the period at 
 " which the rate of depreciation must be ditermined, 
 " & your calculations made accordingly. This is just 
 " & reafonable, otherwise we Loose by those delay of 
 " payments, which our perfeverance in the cause of 
 " our country forbad us to complain of & resent — 
 "3^ the extra pay allowed to officers in the Line 
 " doing duty on the ilaff, must be made good to them, 
 " upon the Same principles, & for the Same reasons, 
 "as there pay as officers in the line only; where 
 " it may be disputed whether the Quantum of extra 
 "pay refpectively allowed fuch officers was ment to 
 " be good money, you may have recourse to the Late 
 " refolves of Congrefs refpecting Said extra pay, 
 *' which will be to you an indiputable guide — Thefe 
 " preliminaries thus Settled you will proceed to ad- 
 *' justing an equel Scale of Depreciation for the pre- 
 " fent year — You will pointedly reprefent to the 
 ** afsembly the Great inconveniences & Lofses, 
 " accrued, & accruing to great part, nay almost the 
 "whole of both officers & Soldiers from the notes 
 " we recived the Last year, not being negotiable in 
 " any maner, for any kind of property, on which 
 " account many were for want of almost every kind 
 " of cloathing, obliged to Sell there notes at a very 
 " great discount, from there nominal value when 
 " given : and by this representation you will endevor 
 
92 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 " to procure an act that will make the notes already, 
 " and those that fhall be given a tender for the con- 
 •' fiscated estates when Sold, or that will in Some way 
 " equally be benificial to the army & the State, make 
 "them of fuch value that those who wish it may 
 "convert them into current money without Lofs — 
 
 " You will not on any account agree to our being 
 " charged with any articles of cloathing, or indeed 
 " anything else recived from the continant, except 
 " our monthly pay, unlefs we are credited, for all 
 " deficiences of fubsistence, rations & parts of rations 
 " — nor will you agree to avarage the charge of 
 " cloathing delivered by the ftate for the Several re- 
 " giments, but each officer must be charged for the 
 " cloathing himself recived. and in case any officer 
 " has drawn cloathing he has not delivered acording 
 " to the design for which he drew it, he alone must 
 " be acountable, except in cafes where fuch officer 
 " makes it appear, that the Lofs of any in his hands 
 " was inevitable, then, & then only, we agree to have 
 " fuch Lofs averaged. 
 
 " You will alfo endever to fall upon Such plan, or 
 " mode of delivering cloathing, to the officers as will 
 " prevent an unequel & partial delivery, to perticuler 
 " regiments, or individuals, who may by there Local 
 " Sittuation have it in there power to make the earli- 
 " est application. — 
 
 " A like equel & just plan refpecting both the 
 " delivery and charge of the Small llores, you will 
 " do well to agree on — 
 
 " Thefe general principles we think fufficient to di- 
 " rect you in the whole of the bufmefs you have ben 
 " pleased to undertake in our behalf, a bulinefs we 
 " know to be attended with much difficulty & trouble : 
 " but of this you may be afsured, that the greater the 
 
32 
 
 31 
 
 30 
 
 Read J{.^ 
 
 a) 
 
 P4° 
 
 93 
 
 92 
 
 KEY TO RUFUS PUTNAM'S i 
 
 RIV 
 
•M 
 
 ISHIP I, 
 
 ' OK I.oUKK MISMSSIPI'I 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 93 
 
 " Sacrefise you make of your private ease & pleafure 
 " to ferve us the Greater will be our obligations to 
 "you — 
 
 " Confideing thoroughly in your Good will & abili- 
 "ties to discharge the duties required of you, we leve 
 " to you to deduce from thefe general principles, rules 
 " for your more perticuler conduct not doubting but 
 '* the whole you Shall agree to will give us ample 
 " Satisfaction — 
 
 ** West point Jan'^ i^* " Signed by ordor of the 
 
 1 78 1. officers of the Mafachufetts 
 
 To the Hon^^ Brigadier Line " 
 
 Gen^ Glover J. Graton Coll — 
 
 Col° Putnam Sam^^ Darby Maj' 
 
 L* Colo Qd Brooks S : Larned 
 
 Col° H Jackson — T Ewards 
 
 0) 
 
 6 
 
 B 
 o 
 U 
 
 In the profecution of this bulinefs, I left West point 
 Sometime in January 1781. Spent most of the winter 
 & part of the Spring in Boston on the objects of our 
 Mifsion — 
 
 on our arrival in Boston the alarm given, by the 
 Grand Mutany in the Pennfylvania & New Jerfey 
 Lines, had Such a powerfull effect on the minds of 
 the General afsembly, that they foon agreed and in a 
 fhort time actually Sent on Specia to the amount of 
 one, or two, months pay for there line of the army, 
 this was a great releaf to officers & Solders, what 
 further fuccefs we had I do nit recollect, nor it is 
 meterial to my purpos, my object being to leave an 
 evidence of my ftanding with my Brother officers in 
 general 
 
 1782 the State of New york having applied to 
 Congrefs for pay for the Forrage confumed by the 
 allied army, in West Chester county while encamped 
 
94 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 neer Doobs Ferry in 1781, I was appointed one of 
 the Commifioners on that bufinefs I find by the papers 
 on file that we were appointed in Februar 14*'^ 1782, 
 & our report is dated July 2"^. this was not militar}^ 
 Service, but it was a bufinefs of great dificulty to in- 
 vestigate — & Shewes in what light my character 
 then flood with Gen^ Heath & Govenor Clinton, who 
 
 made the appointment 
 
 Some time after the bufinef of the West Chester 
 forrage was fettled I had Leave of absence, & while 
 at home, in September or octobe I Learned that 
 Congrefs had it in contemplation to reduce the army. 
 I was grown tiered of the Service, for besides my 
 fealings in common with my Brother officers, as de- 
 pected by Gen^ Wafhing in his confidential Letter to 
 the Secretary of War See M — L — W Voll 4 page 
 524, I Say besides thefe circumflancs in common with 
 others — the Mafsachufetts Line had ben ill treated 
 with refpect to the Brigadier Generals of the line not 
 being appointed as the vacancies to place Gen^ 
 Learned refigned Soon after the capture of Burgoyn, 
 & Nixon in 1 780 Neither of which vacancies had ben 
 filled. Graton & Shepard Ranked before me, there- 
 fore I had no right to complain for my felf, & from 
 there past conduct I had no reafon to expect they 
 would afsert there claim, or refigne hence I con- 
 cluded to quit the Service, if I could with honor — & 
 in purfuence of this refolution, I made an agreement 
 with L* Co^ Commdant Brooks, one of the youngest 
 officer in the Line, commanding a regiment, & who 
 of course expected to be deranged, that he Should 
 remain, & I Should retire, which mode of exchange 
 had ben heretofore alowed. under thefe circumflance 
 I did not return to the army untill after I recived the 
 
 following Letters viz. Extract from Brigadier 
 
 Gen^ Patterfon Letter 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 95 
 
 '* Camp New Windsor December ist 1782 — 
 " Dear Sir 
 
 " your favor of the 25**' ultimo by Col° Brooks was 
 ' duely recived, and althoe I can concive the fittuation 
 
 * and diagreable circumllances of your family oca- 
 ' tioned by your continuence in the army, yet I can- 
 ' not but regreat your refolution to retire, and hope 
 ' on the receipt of this with the enclosure, you will 
 ' alter vour determinations — 
 
 *' your Letters on the fubject of retiring have ben 
 ' handed to the Commander in chief, but they were 
 
 * not addrefsed to him, and prior to the receipt of 
 
 * them the refolve of Congrefs enclosed arrived, it is 
 ' impofsible you can be deranged except by taking 
 
 * the fleps pointed out in the refolution &c, perticulerly 
 ' when you are informed that on the 29**^ ultimo our 
 'friend Col° Shepard refigned, and in a few days 
 
 * purpofes to Leave camp, this procedure of his, was 
 ' in consequence of his being disappointment in his 
 ' expetation of preferment — 
 
 " you will be considered as an officer in the Line 
 ' untill we recive further directions from the Com- 
 ' mander in chief, the fooner you fignefy your wishes 
 ' &c, the better, for it is fupposed that if you perfist 
 
 * in your first refolution, L* Col Smith who has gon 
 '^home, will be called for again, to reafsume his 
 ' former command. — 
 
 " Col° Shepards retireing by permifsion of his 
 ' Exelency, you percive gives Col° Brooks his regi- 
 
 * ment again, & Leaves no vacancy, unlefs you 
 ' return, which cannot be filled at Lest not untill the 
 'first of Jan^ next, — vide the refolve of Congrefs 
 'dated 20*^ November 1782 — " ^ 
 
 1 Omitted in General Putnam's transcription : — 
 
 " I dare say you will find no difficulty in obtaining leave of absence for 
 
96 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 Letter from General Wafhington — follows — 
 
 "Head Quarters New burgh December 2^ 1782 
 Sir 
 
 " I am informed you have had thoughts of retire- 
 
 ' ing from fervice, upon the arangement which is to 
 
 'take place on the i^^ of January — but as there will 
 
 ' be no opening for it, unlefs your reafons fhould be 
 
 ' very urgent indeed, and as there are Some prof- 
 
 ' pects which may prehaps make your continuing 
 
 ' more eligible then was expected, I have thought 
 
 ' proper to mention the circumflances, in expectation 
 
 ' they might have Some influence in inducing you to 
 
 * remain in the army. 
 
 " Col° Shepard having retired, and Brigadier Gen^ 
 ' Patterfon being appointed to the command of the 
 
 * i^* Brigade, you will of consequence be the Sec- 
 ' ond Col° in the Line, and have the command of 
 *a Brigade, while the troops continue Brigaded as 
 'at prefent — 
 
 "befides I consider it expedient you Should be 
 'acquainted, that the question is yet before Con- 
 ' grels whether there fhall be two Brigadiers ap- 
 ' pointed in the Mafsachufetts Line. — Should you 
 ' continue you will be a candidate for this promotion 
 
 the winter, as Lt. Colo. Newhall and Major Ashley were both at home 
 the last year. 
 
 " General Washington, I suppose, will write you by this conveyance, 
 and Colo. Brooks also. 
 
 " I cannot supply you with any intelligence — only the enemy in N York 
 seem to be very busy; persons who know more of their movements than 
 me, think an evacuation of that city not far off. 
 
 " Our hutts, which are allowed on all hands to be the best erected this 
 war, will be ready for the reception of the men in a week — 
 
 " I am, dear Colonel, with the most fincere esteem and unalterable 
 regard, 
 
 your friend and humble fervant, 
 
 J Paterson. 
 Col" Putnam" 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 97 
 
 " — the Secretary at war is of opinion the promotion 
 " will foon take place ; ■ whether it will or not I am 
 " not able to ditermin, and therefore I would not flat- 
 " ter you too much with expectations, which it is not 
 " in my power to Gratify. — but if upon a view of 
 "thefe circumflances & prospects the Hate of your 
 "afairs will permit you to continue in the prefent 
 '* arrangment, (which must be compleated imediately) 
 " it will be very ageable to Sir, 
 
 your Mofl obedient Servent 
 
 GO Washington 
 Colo Putnam 
 
 on the receipt of thefe Letters, I repaired ime- 
 diately to Camp, but being ditermined not to live in 
 a fort of disgrace, as Graton & Shepard had, by Con- 
 grefs neglecting to promote them when the vacancies 
 took place — , I wrote the following Letter to Gen^ 
 Wafhington 
 
 "Camp neer New Windsor December i;*** 1782 
 Sir 
 
 " Your favor of the 2'^ instent came to hand the 
 " 9*^. I beg leave to afsure your Excellency it was 
 " with reluctence I brought myfelf to the refolution 
 " of retiring from fervice before the clofe of the war, 
 **but the peculier circumflances of my family Justi- 
 " fied the measure to my own mind, efpecially while 
 " in connection with my private reasons, my retiering 
 ** would be the means of an opening for So worthy a 
 " character, as Colonel Brook, to remain in Service — 
 
 "But the refolves of Congress of November 19*^^ 
 ** puts the Senior officers who retire in Such circum- 
 " fiances as by no means corrispond with the ideas 
 "upon which I agreed to retire, therefore, as your 
 " excellency observes there is now no opening unlefs 
 
98 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 " my reafons are very urgent indeed. I ftiall chuse to 
 " remain at present, rather then to accept the pecu- 
 " niary rewards proposed by Congrefs while I am 
 " deprived of every honorary advantage which I may 
 "be intitled to — 
 
 " besides Col° Shepards Leaveing Service has, 
 " unfortunately put me in a fittuation in which my 
 " f rinds might censure me Should I resign at pre- 
 "sent — 
 
 " I am much obliged to your Excellency for the 
 " information refpecting the question of promotion in 
 " the Mafsachusetts Line being yet before Congrefs. 
 " Should it be desided accorinding to the opinion of 
 " the Secretary at War it will undoubtedly be agre- 
 "able to me. it, however is a fubject of too much 
 " dilicasy, for me personably to addrefs Congrefs upon. 
 " if my Services are considered in fuch a point of view 
 " as Shall induce my General to mention them in a 
 " favorable Light to that honorable body, I Shall ef- 
 " team it one of the most happy circumstances of my 
 " Life. — But I beg leave to Suggest that if by any 
 " means the Mafsachusets Line, Should not obtain 
 " that justice, which they have Long expected, within 
 " a reafonable time, or any arrangement of Command 
 " Should take place, which I cannot reconsile to my 
 " own fealings as a Military man, I trust I fhall Hand 
 " acquited by every one, pofsefed of those fine feal- 
 " ings which Military Service naturely begits in the 
 " humain brest. Should I then request Leve to re- 
 "figne — " 
 
 I am with the utmost Sentements of 
 respect your Excellencies mst obedient 
 humble Servent — 
 General RuFUS Putnam 
 
 Washington 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 99 
 
 whether my Sentements exprefsed as above were 
 communicated to Congrefs or not I cannot tell, but 
 be that as it may, I recived a Brigadiers Commifsion 
 dated the Eighth of January 1783 — 
 
 Thus was I placed in a Sittuation which Left me 
 no excuse for Leaveing the Service to the clofe of the 
 war, which happily foon took place, on the I9**' of 
 April peace was publicly proclaimed in the army, 
 in June the Mafsachusetts Line were reduced to three 
 Regiments, of which Gen^ Patterfon being the oldest 
 Brigadier took the command, the other officers & 
 foldiers retiered on Furlow, and were not discharged 
 untill the next November — 
 
 Thus have I given you my history relative to the 
 revolutionary War, So far as relates to the extra 
 Services I was called to engage in, and the esteam 
 in which I was hild by my fuperior & other officers 
 
 I might Say, with another officer " I have had my 
 escapes as well as others " but I have endevored to 
 avoid Saying any more about that, then was necef- 
 sarily connected with the objects I professed to have 
 in view 
 
 That I enjoyed a good fhare of the esteam, & confi- 
 dence, as well as the frindfhip of General Wafhington, 
 must appear to all who fliall peruse this memore, — 
 And that his frindship for me continued, during his 
 political existence, will appear from what follows — 
 
 March 31^* 1790, the Prefident appinted me Judg 
 of the General Court in & over the teritory North- 
 west of the Ohio, & on 
 
 May 5*^ 1 792, the Prefident appointed me a Brigader 
 in the army.^ 
 
 October i^^ 1796, he appointed me Surveyor Gen' 
 of the united flates.^ 
 
 1 Page 257. 2 Page 412. 
 
loo MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 To be able to leve behind me fuch indubitable evi- 
 dence of the elleam, frindship, & patronage of fo great 
 & good a man as General Wafhington (continued for 
 more then twenty years) is no small Source of con- 
 folation, under the perfecution I have fuffered from 
 the Arch enemy, of Wafhingtons Administration. 
 
 I Shall next proceed to give Some account of my 
 purfuits and employment after the peace took place 
 untill my arrivel at Marietta with my family in Novem- 
 ber 1 790 — and of the Indian War fo far as relates 
 to the Settlement on the ohio Company Lands 
 
 In June 1783 previous to my Leaveing Camp the 
 officers of the army, perticulerly of the Northern States 
 petitioned Congrefs for a grant of a tract of Land 
 Northwest of the river ohio.^ but Learning by a 
 Letter from General Wafhington of June 1784^ that 
 northing had ben don on the Said petition, I engaged 
 with the Committee of Eastern Lands to Survey cer- 
 tain Lands bordering on the bay of Pafsamaquoddy, 
 and 2^ of august 1784 I Left home for that country 
 — and returned to Boston the eighth of November 
 following — 
 
 1785 the General afsembly of Mafsachusets were 
 So well fatisfied with my Services the Last year that 
 they appointed me one of the Committe for the Sale, 
 of there Eastern Lands, & alfo to fuperintend the 
 Surveys 
 
 I left home the 6*^^ of June & arrived at Boston the 
 7*^ while in Boston, my election as one of the Sur- 
 veyors of the Lands in the Western teritory was 
 anounced to me in a Letter of the 28*'' of May from 
 the Secretary of Congrefs, & requiring an imediate 
 1 Page 215. " Page 226. 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM I'oi' 
 
 anfwer of my acceptance — ^ I was under confider- 
 able perplexety what anfwer to return, for I was not 
 only under engagement to the State of Mafsachusetts 
 which I could not avoid with honor, without there 
 confent, but Surveyors & hands were engaged for 
 the Season, provisions Laid in, & a vefsel chartered 
 to take us to the eastern country — at the fame time 
 I was very Loath to relinquish my appointment for 
 the western country, on a vew of all the circumflances, 
 I wrote a letter of aceptence to the Secretary of Con- 
 gress, and a Letter to the Mafsachufetts Delagates 
 in Congrefs, requesting there influence that Gen^ 
 Tupper might be accepted as a fubstitute for me in 
 the western country untill I could attend to that Ser- 
 vice in person — 
 
 June 14*^ having compleated my arrangments for 
 the eastern country we Sailed from Beverly, this day 
 
 June 20^'' arrived at Bluehill Bay where we depfitted 
 llors 
 
 d° [June] 25 arrived at Enoch Sandburns in Machias 
 Bay where we depolited a quantity of provisions. 
 
 June 29*^ arrived at Laighton point in Cobscook 
 bay here we depofited our remining Stores and on 
 the next day discharged the Sloop — 
 This Season was fpent in furveying the coast, Is- 
 lands & towns westward to Penobscot Bay — and we 
 returned to Bollon about the 20**^ of December.^ — 
 
 The Winter following I was chiefly employed in 
 protracting the Surveys made the Last Season — 
 
 With refpect to the Surveys proposed to be exe- 
 cuted this year in the western Country, the hostile 
 disposition of the Indians prevented them altogather. 
 
 1 Page 232. 
 
 2 General Putnam's notes of his Surveys of Eastern Lands are in the 
 Library of Marietta College. 
 
I02 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 a treaty had ben held with the Indians at Fort M^'In- 
 tosh, the 21^* of January 1785 but the terms dictated 
 by our Commifioners were by no means Satisfactory 
 to the Indians, and the Surveyors dare not venture 
 into the woods for the purpos of makeing any Sur- 
 veys whatever, however General Tupper & others 
 brought a very favorable report of the country, North- 
 west of the ohio river, and haveing no expectation 
 that anything more favorable would be don by Con- 
 grels for the army then what was comprised in the 
 Land ordinance of the 20*^ of May 1785, 1 concluded 
 to join in Setting on foot an afsociation for purchas- 
 ing of Lands in that country, & in purfuit of this 
 Idea, Gen^ Tupper & my felf on — 
 r January 10*^ 1786 ifsued public information to all 
 officer, & Soldiers & other good citizens disposed 
 to become adveturers in the Ohio country, inviting 
 those residing in Mafsachusetts to meet (by Dela- 
 gates chosen for the purpos) at Boston on the first 
 day of March, for the purpos of forming an afsocia- 
 tion by the name of the Ohio Company — 
 
 March i^* 1786 Delagates from Eight counties of 
 the State meet at Boston agreable to our request, and 
 proceeded to form the Articles of agreement &c — 
 (See ohio Company records) — ^ 
 
 In March or April the Surveyors were ordored to 
 proceed to the Western country, but as General Tup- 
 per was the Last year a great Sufferer in expence, & 
 I had Still businefs to attend too refpecting the east- 
 ern Lands, he again proceeded to the ohio country 
 as a fiabstitute for me 
 
 the bufmefs of the Eastern Lands gave me con- 
 fiderable imploy in Boston through the winter & fall 
 
 ^ 1 See S. P. Hildreth's Pioneer History, pp. 193-198 ; or Manasseh Cutler 
 — Life, Journals, and Correspondetice, vol. i. pp. 179-186. 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 103 
 
 of 1786; And having ben appointed with Gen^ Lin- 
 coln, and Judge Rice (of Wiscafset) a Commifsioner to 
 treat with the Penobscot Indians &c &c I was on this 
 tour from august 7*^ to the 22*^ of September — 
 
 1787 January. I joined General Lincoln at Worces- 
 ter as a Volunteer Aid, against the infurgents & 
 continued with him untill there dispersion at Peters 
 ham — Sometime in February — April 27*^ I was ap- 
 pointed a Justice of the peace by Govenor Bowdoin 
 — and at the May election I was Elected a member 
 of the General afsembly for the Town of Rutland 
 
 I attended the Spring & fall fefsion of the Gen- 
 eral afsembly, and alfo to the bufsinefs of the eastern 
 Lands — 
 
 November 23^ 1787 the Director of the ohio com- 
 pany this day appointed me Superintendent of all 
 the bufmefs, relateing to the comincment of a Settle- 
 ment of there Lands in the teritory Northewest of 
 the river Ohio the people to go forward in the com- 
 panys employ under my direction, was to confist of 
 4 Surveyors 22 men to attend them, 6 boat builders 
 4 Carpenters i Blackfmith & 9 common hands with 
 two waggons — &c &c ^ 
 
 Major Haffield White conducted the first party 
 which Started from Danvers, First of December — 
 the other party were appointed to randevoz at Hart- 
 ford where I met them on the first day of January 
 1788 
 
 From Hartford I was under the necefsity of going 
 by New york, and this party moved forward, con- 
 ducted by Col° Sproat — 
 
 January 24**^ I joined the party at Lincolns Inn, 
 neer the Sweetterret Creek,^ which was hard frosen 
 
 1 See S. P. Hildreth's Pioneer History, pp. 201-204. 
 
 2 Swatara Creek. 
 
/ 
 
 I04 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 but not fufficient to bear the waggon, & a whole day 
 was fpent in cuting a pafsage. — So great a quantity 
 of Snow fell this day & the night following as quite 
 blocked up the road, it was with, much difficulty we 
 got the waggon as far as Coopers at the foot of Tus- 
 carowas mountains (Now Strawsburgh) where we 
 
 arrived the 29 here we found that northing had 
 
 crofsed the mountains Sence the great Snow above 
 mentioned, and that in the old Snow which was about 
 12 inches deep pack horses only had crofsed these 
 mountains — our only resourse now was to build 
 Sleads and to harnefs our horses one before the other, 
 & in this maner, with four Sleads, & the men March- 
 ing in front to break the tract we Set forward, and 
 reached the yauhiogany the 14^^ of February where 
 we found Major Whites party who arrived here the 
 23*^ of January — 
 
 April i^* 1788 having compleated our Boats, and 
 Lade in Stores we left Sumrells Ferry on the yahio- 
 any for the mouth Muskingum river and arrived 
 there on the Seventh — Landing on the upper point 
 where we pitched our Camp among the trees, and in 
 a few days comminced the Survey of the Town of 
 Marietta as well as the eight acre Lots — nor was a 
 preparation for a place of Defence neglected — ^for 
 besids the propriety of always guarding against Sav- 
 ages, I had reafon to be cautious. For from confulting 
 the Several treaties which had ben made with the 
 Indians by our Commfioners (copies of which I had 
 obtained at the War office as I came on) and other 
 circumflances I was fully perfuaided that the Indians 
 would not be peacible very Long, — hence the pro- 
 priety of imediately erecting a cover for the Emi- 
 grents who were Soon expected. 
 
 therefore the hands not necefsary to attend the 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 105 
 
 Surveys were Set to work in clearing the Ground 
 &c which I fixed on for erecting the proposed works 
 of defence 
 
 Thus were all hands employed untill the 5*^ of May 
 — when I proposed to them that those who inclined 
 Should have the Liberty of planting two acres each 
 on the plain within the town plat and make up there 
 time after the first of July, (the time to which they 
 had ben engaged in the Companys Service) — most 
 of them accepted the offer, and with what was don 
 by them & others who came on about this time we 
 had about 130 acres of good corn raised yeilding on 
 an average about 30 Bufhel per acre — the Season 
 was very favorable we had no frost untill winter. I 
 had English Beans Blofsomed in December — 
 
 Campus-Martius, was Sittuate on the Margen of 
 the first high ground or plain 68 Chains from the 
 ohio river & eight chains from the Muskingum. 
 
 And confisted of four Block houfes of hewed or 
 fawed timber, two Story high (erected at the expence 
 of the Company) the upper ftories on two fides pro- 
 jected two feet with Loope holes in the projection to 
 rake the fides of the Lower flories. two of the block 
 houses had two rooms on a floor, & the other two 
 three rooms — the block houses were fo placed as to 
 form Bastions of a reguler Square and flank the cur- 
 tains of the work, which was proposed to confist of 
 private houfes, alfo to be made of hewed or fawed 
 timber and two Story high — Leaveing a cleane area 
 within of 144 feet fquare 
 
 Before our arrivel at the Muskingum as above men- 
 tioned none of the Directors or agents had any cor- 
 rect Idea of the quality of the Lands they had pur- 
 chsed efpecially of the face of the countr}^ about the 
 Muskingum at & neer its confluence withe the ohio, 
 
io6 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 where they ditermined to Lay out there Capital, to 
 confist, including commons, of four thousand acres 
 " and contiguous to this, one thousand Lots of eight 
 acres each, amounting, to eight thousand acres " 
 
 The Survey of thefe 8 acre Lots was first of all to 
 be executed, & a plan of them forwarded to the Sec- 
 retary of the company by the first Wednesday of 
 March (1788) the day appointed for the agents to 
 meet at Providence to draw the Lot — and where 
 they actually did meet & Draw the Several lots but 
 had the prudence to Lodge the List of daughts with 
 the Secretary untill the plans were Sent on 
 
 In the month of June Gen^ Parfons & General Var- 
 num two other Directors of the Company, with fo 
 many of the agents arrived at this place as to enable 
 them to hold there meeting the 2^ of July to which 
 time & place it had ben adjorned from Providenc — 
 — But how disappointed were thay to find that not 
 a Director or agent had drawn an 8 acre lot fo neer 
 the town as to be able to cultivate it without much 
 hazard, fome remedy they ditermined on, & refolved 
 on the foolish plan to divide three thousand acres of 
 the commons into three acre Lots, this was don but 
 they were as unfortunate as before, none of them 
 were accommedated — 
 
 another meafure adopted was to authorize the 
 clearing the town Lots & remaining commons — this 
 was but a very partial releaf even for those already 
 arrived, & the number was daily increasing — 
 
 the Scheme of Laying out Lots of Eight acres had 
 always ben opposed by my felf & Some others, our 
 opinion was that a fmall farm of not Lefs then 64 
 acres of the best Land ftiould be Laid out to each 
 fhare bordering on the ohio & other navagable 
 Streams, of which the first actual Settlers Should take 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 107 
 
 there choce, but we were over ruled and the 8 acre 
 Lots having ben drawn & become the property of 
 Individals it was too Late to adopt the other plan 
 
 With refpect to the works at Campus Martius the 
 four Block houfes were all up ; and the private houses 
 of the curtains were fo far advanced in the course of 
 the year as to render the place very defencible — 
 
 By the timely arrivel of Govenor St Clair with the 
 Tentorial Judges — viz. Perfons Symms & Vemum ^ 
 a code of Laws were adopted for the teritory, and 
 officers civil & Military appointed for the County of 
 Wafhington before the first of September, in which 
 month the Cout of Commonpleas & quarter fefsions 
 was opened at Marietta, but happily for the credit 
 of the people there was no Suit either civel or crimi- 
 nal brought before the court — 
 
 The whole Number of Men including my felf who 
 arrived at Mufkingum (Marietta the 7*^ of April 1788 
 as before mentioned) was 48 among which were four 
 Surveyors, viz Col<^ Sproat, Col Meigs, Major Tup- 
 per & M"" John Mathews, & in the course of this year 
 in addition to the above 84 men makeing 132 for 
 the year 1788 — and among these 15 families 8 of 
 thefe arrived as early as the month of August among 
 whome were Gen^ Tupper, Major Cufhing, Major 
 Goodale & Major Cobum It must be remembered 
 that at the close of this year there was not a fmgle 
 white family within the now flate of ohio, but what 
 were included in our fettlement, for Col° Harmer & 
 needy all his officers, at Fort Harmer were propri- 
 etors in the ohio Company. — Judge Symms with a 
 few families went down the river in the course of the 
 Sumer but they wintered in Kentucky 
 
 ^ Arthur St. Clair of Pennsylvania, Samuel Hoklen Parsons of Con- 
 necticut, John Cleves Symmes of New Jersey, and James Mitchell Var- 
 num of Rhode Island. 
 
io8 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 We had no interruption from the Indians this year, 
 neer Marrietta, partly no doubt from there hopes they 
 entertained from the treaty which they had ben pro- 
 mised, and which was held neer Fort Harmer^ & 
 Signed the g^^ of January 1 789 — but this treaty under 
 all circumilances gave us no real fecurity, or reafon 
 to relax in our precautions against a furprize — 
 
 The Directors & agents with every other propri- 
 etor that arrived in the country were early convinced 
 that Some new project must be adopted for accommo- 
 dating emigrants with Land or the Settlement would 
 foon come to northing, and doubts arifeing in the 
 minds of Some with refpect to the agents authority 
 to effect what appered necefsary, to remedy this 
 fupposed defect, the proprietors were notified to meet 
 at Marietta the first Wednesday of December 1788 
 by themfelves or agents Specially authorised for the 
 purpos, but the proprietors did not appear by them 
 felves or fpecial agents in fufficients numbers to au- 
 thorize there proceeding on the bufmefs, wherefore 
 the agents concived under all circumflances that 
 they were warrented to proceed on the premifes 
 
 Therefore, February 6*^^ 1 789 the Agents First re- 
 pealed the Refolutions refpecting the division of the 
 remaining Lands pafsed at Boston the 21^* of Novem- 
 ber 1787, and then after a preamble Stateing there 
 reafons proceeded as follows viz 
 
 " Therefore Refolved [/jiammously, That there fhall 
 " be granted to perfons who fhall fettle in fuch places 
 " within the purchas as the agents may think most 
 "conducive to advance the general intrest of the 
 " proprietors & under fuch reflrictions and Limitations 
 " as they fliall think proper, not exceeding one hun- 
 
 ^ Fort Harmar was located at the mouth of the Muskingum River, 
 opposite the Ohio Company's first settlement. 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 109 
 
 " dred acres out of each fhare in the fund of the 
 " Company, & that a Committe be appointed to in- 
 " vestigate the purchas fo far as may in there opinion 
 " be necefsary in ordor to point out & fix upon proper 
 " places of lettlement " 
 
 The general regulation refpecting fuch fettlers (me- 
 terial to be mentioned here) is that no one fettlement 
 fhould confist of Lefs then 20 men able to bear arms 
 & well provided with arms & amunition — & to erect 
 fuch works of Defence as Should be pointed out by 
 the Committe. 
 
 In purfuence of these regulations for Granting Do- 
 nation Lands a number of Settlements were made 
 in 1789 & 1790 of which we fhall have ocation to Say 
 more here after 
 
 The number of emigrants who arrived in 1 789 as 
 far as we are able to afsertain was 152 men and 
 among thefe 57 families — among the emigrents this 
 year was the Reverend Daniel Story — 
 
 early in the Spring Capt Zebulun King was Killed 
 at Bellprie by the Indians. & 4 others in the woods 
 below Gallipolis, M*" Mathews the Surveyor & one 
 man efcaped. John Gardner taken at Wolf C but es- 
 caped from them 
 
 1790 in the Last & prefent year the following Set- 
 tlements commenced in purfuence of the Donation 
 System before mentioned — viz 4 Settlements on the 
 ohio at Belleprie, & Newbury including 68 Lots alfo 
 on the Muskingum, & Wolf Creek 2 Settlements of 
 40 Lots at all thefe Settelements very confiderable 
 improvements had ben made during the Last & pre- 
 fent year & a Saw mill & Cornmill erected at Wolf 
 Creek & at Duck Creek 
 
 at Meigs Creek a Block house was built for 20 Set- 
 tlers & another at Big bottom for 40 Late in the fall 
 
no MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 of the prefent year, & a few Settlers were on the 
 alottmt at the Forks of Duck Creek — 
 
 on the 23*^ of April Docter Cutler & my felf in 
 behalf of the Directors — Executed a contract with 
 William Dure and others at New york for the Sale 
 of 148 fhares of Land in the ohio Companys purchas, 
 which had ben forfited for nonpayment — ^ 
 
 The object of Duer and his afsociates was to pro- 
 vide for certain French emigrants who had begun to 
 arrive at New york — in purfuence of that object 
 Major John Burnham, was engaged to rais 50 men, 
 to erect Cabbins for the emigrants — Burnham with 
 his party arrived at Chickamage (galipolis) in the 
 month of June, & imediately comminced there work 
 — And a Number of the French Emigrants arrived 
 at Galipolis in the course of the Sumer and fall 
 
 August 1790 althoe our fettlements had fuffered 
 nothing the prefent year from the Indians, yet kow- 
 ing that General Harmer was going against Some of 
 there Settlements, and other circumflances gave us 
 apprehentions of Mischief from them to guard against 
 which detachments of Militia, under pay of the Com- 
 pany, were Stationed at each Settlement for the pro- 
 tection of the people against furprize &c — 
 
 The number of Emigrants this year including 
 Major Burnhams party (& exclusive of the French 
 emigrants) as neer as we can afsertain was 165 men 
 & 31 families 
 
 The number of Frnch emigrants that arrived at 
 Gallipolis we never afsertained, but I find 35 men & 
 two families remained Some time at Marietta — 
 
 After General Harmers Defeat at the S* Jofeph, 
 neer the Miami Towns, at the head of the Miami 
 
 1 For a detailed account of this transaction, see Manasseh Cutler — 
 Life, yournals, and Corj-espondence, vol. i. pp. 494-524. 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM iii 
 
 river of the Lake Eri, we were very apprehensive for 
 Some time of an attack from our neighbours, the 
 Dellewars & Wyandots, but as they made no move- 
 ment we began to flatter our felves they would not 
 take part in the war which the Shawones & Miami 
 Indians had provoked — 
 
 I have Stated that in the year 1 788 we had no Frost 
 until! Some time in December but in the year 1789 
 it was far otherwife a Severe frost about the fourth 
 of October deflroyed all the unripe corn throughout 
 the western country, and was perticulerly diflresing 
 to the fettlers on the ohio Company Land — 
 
 I left Marietta in July 1 789, intending not to return 
 again untill I brought on my family, but in the win- 
 ter of 1 790 I was with Docter Cutler detained in Newe 
 york on the Companys businefs, and while there as 
 before Hated we contracted with W'" Duer & others 
 for the Sale of 148 Shares of Forieted rights, & not 
 only fo but I undetook to engage a party of men to 
 come forward under Major Burnham for the purpos 
 of erecting cabbins at Chickamaga as before men- 
 tioned. I arrived with Major Burnhams party at 
 Marietta in May with a Hock of provisions to last 
 untill December, to which time I had engaged there 
 fervis and made my felf refponfible for there pay — 
 
 other bufmefs of the ohio Company Like wife called 
 my attention to Marietta at this time which the jour- 
 nals of the Company will in a Meafure explain — ^ 
 
 I again left the Settlement in the month of June, 
 and returned with my family the fifth of November — 
 
 1 The encouragement of new settlements was considered of prime ini- 
 portance, and during the winter of 1790 committees explored and reported 
 favorably upon several locations along the Ohio, in the lower part of the 
 Ohio Company's Purchase ; 57,000 acres were divided into farms, and 
 though the outbreak of the Indian War prevented the fulfilment of the 
 plan, General Putnam's energies at this time were probably directed 
 toward it. 
 
112 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 the Crops of Corn this year were very good but 
 the increfe of inhabitents with the Scersety in the 
 early part of the Seafon oweing to the untimely frost 
 the last fall gave reafon to apprehend there would 
 not be a fupply for the enfuing year — exclusive of 
 the people at Gallipolis who had raised none — 
 
 January 2'^ 1791 — this evening between Sunfetting 
 and dark the Indians furprized a new Blockhouse at 
 a place called the Big bottom about 40 mile up the 
 Mufkingum the Indians first decoyed & made prif- 
 oners of 4 men at a hutt a Little distence from the 
 block house, they then came to the block house 
 & finding the Door open & no fentenal they fired 
 on the people about the fire & rufhing in Murdered 
 every person except one Lad — the perfons killed 
 were John llacy, Ezra Putnam John Camp, Zebulun 
 Troop (4) from Mafschusetts, Jonathan Far well and 
 Couch ^ (2) from New hampshire W'" James 
 (i) from Connecticut — Jofeph Clark (i) from Rhode 
 Island Isaac Meeks, his Wife & two Children (4) 
 from Virginia in all 12 killed 
 
 Taken prifoners. Francis Choat, Isaac Choat Thomas 
 Shaw & Philip Stacy (4) from Mafsachufetts & Jamee 
 Patten from Newhampfhire 5 in all taken prifoners — 
 
 the Indians the Same Night came down to Wolf 
 Creek Mills, but fortunately 2 men in another hutt 
 not far from the Blockhouse that was taken made 
 there efcape, and coming down to Cap* Roggers 
 Hunting Camp they arrived at the Mills before the 
 Indians & gave the alarm, the Indians therefore find- 
 ing the people at the Mills were on there gnarde made 
 no attempt at that time — 
 
 It was now evident that the war was become gen- 
 eral and that it was necefsary to prepair for the 
 
 1 James Couch. 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 113 
 
 worst, our Situation was critical on Several accounts, 
 the troops that were at Fort Harmer had all except 
 a few Invaleds ben called down the river. General 
 Harmer had ben unfortunate two detachments of 
 his army one of 1 10 men & the other of 360 had Sev- 
 erally ben beaten by the Indians, there were no fet- 
 tlements on the ohio or neer it from Pitts burgh to 
 Kentucky, that were they disposed could afford us 
 any afsistence — the Indians were much elated with 
 there fuccefs & threatened there fhould not remain a 
 Smoak on the ohio by the time the Leaves put out 
 
 our own Strength at this time (except at Gallipolis) 
 I find by a return of the Militia made about this time 
 to be as follows viz 
 
 ' L' Col° Commadant 
 Major — — — - 
 Captains — — — 
 
 Subalterns 
 
 Sarjents — — — 
 Rank & file — — 
 
 This it appears 
 was the whole force 
 which under providence 
 we had to rely on 
 for our defence 
 except a few of 
 Burnhams men 
 Som of whome remained 
 at Gallipolis & I expect were 
 not included in this return 
 nor are any Frenchmen 
 included, they were not yet organized 
 with officers 
 
 Civel officers 
 
 L Old Men 
 
 ( Marietta — - 
 ■< Belleprie — — 
 ( Wolf Creek — 
 
 KiUed & Mifsing 
 
 — I 
 
 - I 
 
 — 4 
 
 - 8 
 
 - 6 
 
 - 244 
 264 
 
 - 8 
 
 - 19 
 
 — 4 
 -__6 
 
 301 
 
 14 
 
 287 
 
 The first Meafures taken was to call a fpecial 
 Meeting of the Agents and proprietors within the 
 purchas on the 5*'' of January, at which meeting 
 they refolved that additional works were necefsary to 
 be erected for the defence of Marietta, Belleprie, & 
 Wolf Creek (Waterford) 
 
 that Col° Sproat be applied to and requesed to 
 rais a body of Militia to consist of 60 privates properly 
 
114 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 oficered and Six Spies or expert Woods men — The 
 Directors imediately fet about carrying thefe Refolu- 
 tions into effect — the four fettlements at Belleprie & 
 Newbury were confentrated in one — thofe at Wolf 
 Creek — Meigs Creek & indeed all up the Mulkingum 
 were all collected to one flation on the Bank of the 
 river, except fuch as retiered to Marietta, the people 
 up Duck Creek & in the neighbourhood of Marietta 
 were all called in & took Shelter at Campus-Martius, 
 Fort Harmer & the point at the upper fide of Muf- 
 kingum, were a large Space including all the Houses 
 
 was enclosed by a flockade & Block houses a 
 
 flrong work of Block houses joined by a llockade 
 work was alfo erected at Bellprie and another at the 
 Station up the Mufkingum — and Campus was alfo 
 much improved by additional works 
 
 Dureing the Winter while thefe works were carry- 
 ing on few men Left the Settlement becaufe they 
 were reciving wages either for Service on the works 
 or as Militia but the works being compleated & the 
 War continuing many deferted the Settlement 
 
 we heard northing from the Indians untill the month 
 of March when they came on in confiderable force to 
 Warterford (the Station up Muskingum) but the peo- 
 ple being apprized of there approach they effected 
 northing, but the wounding one Man & takeing an- 
 other prifoner, who were out Some distence from the 
 Garison, but did not attemp this Fort, nor any other 
 of our Stations — but dividing into Small parties 
 they harrised all the Settlements on the ohio through 
 the Somer & fall, at Marietta they killed Capt Joseph 
 Rogers about i ^ mile from Campus-Martius as he 
 was returning in from a Scout — and Mathew Kerr 
 at the Mouth of Duck Creek — at Bellprie they killed 
 Benona Hurlburt (a Spy) while out on his duty they 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 115 
 
 alfo killed, & drove off a number of Cattle from Bell- 
 prie & Warterford — — 
 
 they alfo killed one man at Gallipolis, and James 
 Kelly at Bellvill 29 mile below Marietta & took Jo- 
 seph Kelly, a Small boy on the Virginia fide of the 
 ohio.^ and 4 men were killed one wounded & one 
 taken prifoner about 7 mile from Marietta on the 
 road to Clarksburge — 
 
 finding the peopl on the ohio Company purchas 
 all Ported & generally keeping a good Lookout — 
 it apears the party which came out to deflroy us 
 root & branch pritty early in the year crofsed over 
 into Viginia & neer the ohio and even as far East as 
 the Waters of the Mongahala did a Great deal of 
 Mischief, in Murdering & captivateing people & 
 carrying off Horses every year the war continued — 
 while we Lost but a few comparitively after the 
 prefent year (1791) in 1792 at Marietta M'' Robert 
 Worth and a Negro boy killed & Joseph Simonds 
 wounded in 1793 at Bellprie Major Goodale killed 
 in 1794 — Abel Sherman, at Waterford, & Jonas 
 Davis at Bellprie killed & in 1795 Sherman Warter- 
 man killed, on Little Wolf Creek — and providence 
 fo ordored that in the course of the War we obtained 
 two Indian Schelps, & believe we killed a third 
 
 February 1792 — the Director of the Ohio Com- 
 pany haveing notified a meeting of Special agents 
 to be holden in Philedelphia, to take the afairs of the 
 Company into confideration, on the 2^ of this month 
 I Set out in company with Col° Robert oliver ^ for 
 that place on, or foon after our arrivel we met with 
 Docter Cutler — & on the 2^ of March we prefered a 
 
 * In the manuscript arranged thus : — 
 
 " they also killed one man at Gallipolis, and James Kelly at Bellvill 29 
 
 & took Joseph Kelly, a Small boy 
 mile below Marietta on the Virginia Gde of the ohio." 
 A 
 2 Robert Oliver was one of the Directors of the Ohio Company. 
 
ii6 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 petition to Congrefs^ — the great object of this peti- 
 tion was to be released from the oreginal contract for 
 the purchas of 1.500.000 acres and for a reimburs- 
 ment of the expencis of the war &c &c our Sittuation 
 was very criticle — Col° Duer & afsociates had failed 
 altogather in refpect to the 148 fhares they contracted 
 to purchas Duer was about this time fhut up in 
 Gale, where he Died $2861,42 indebeted to me for 
 building the works & Cabbins at Gallipolis — And 
 Richard Piatt the treafurer of the ohio Company was 
 fhut up — about $80000 indebted to the ohio Com- 
 pany, which they never recovered — & we were 
 bound to give 100 acres of Land to each actual Set- 
 tler, who fhould continue in the Settlement & perform 
 Militia duty dureing the War — our ability to per- 
 form which many began to doubt. S* Clair had ben 
 defeated, with a great Lofs of men, and all his artil- 
 lery, and Stores of every kind — the Indians began 
 to believe them Selves invinsible, and they truly had 
 great caufe of triumph. 
 
 by far the greatest part of our Strenght confisted 
 in men who were not proprietore in the Company & 
 therefore had no inducment to remain in the country 
 but ther-e wages & the 100 acres of Land which had 
 ben promised 
 
 Our Second payment to Congrefs of $500000 was 
 now become due — & on the non payment of which 
 it was a question if the Lands we had paid for might 
 not be forfieted — 
 
 befides we had already expended more then $9000 
 in erecting works & paying Militia & &c 
 
 under thefe circumllances it was abfolutly impof- 
 sible to fulfill our contract with Congrefs & there was 
 the utmost danger of the fettlement being broken 
 
 1 For the text of this petition and the consequent Act of Congress, see 
 Manasseh Cutler — Life, Journals, and Correspondence, vol. i. pp. 47 1-481 . 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 117 
 
 up, unlefs Congrefs Should grant releaf but in 
 
 this mount of difficulties Divine providence fo over 
 ruled the minds of Men that Congrefs pafsed an Act 
 authorizing the Prefident to ifsue a patent for the 
 750000 acres for which we had paid in final Settle- 
 ment Certificates, & another Patent for a tract of 
 214285 acres which we paid for in Military Land 
 Warrents valued at the rate of one acree equel to 
 one Doller in Certificates — Congrefs alfo granted 
 to the Directors looooo acres in trust to be granted 
 in Lots of 100 acres to each Settler — by which 
 means the Directors were able to fulfill there engage- 
 ments to Settlers without any Sacrefise of the Com- 
 pany Lands — 
 
 we alfo obtained a reimbursment of moneys paid 
 for wages & Subfistence of Militia $2614,08 — 
 
 By a Late examination of the Companys Books I 
 find there expends on ace* of the Indian War to be 
 for 1790 1 791 & 1792 as follows viz 
 
 1790 for p* Militia, Spies & Subsistence — 
 
 1 791 for pay of Militia Six month — — — — 
 for amount of Subsistence & rations Same time — 
 d° Spys extra Scouts & guards pay & rations — 
 d° furgions pay & rations, Medicen & amunition — 
 
 d" expence of tlie Several fortifications — 
 
 d" goods given for redeemtion of prifoners 
 
 To alowence by agents to Director for Sers'is 
 
 1 791 to Rufus Putnam Servis at Marietta $113. 
 D° G. Greene at Belleprie — — — — — 90. — 
 d° d° d° — at Marietta : 283.50 
 
 1792 d° d" at d° — — — — — 118.50 
 
 1791 Robert Oliver Servis at Marietta — 351. — 
 d" Jorney of Oliver to Philadelphia — 173-33 
 
 1792 Robert Oliver Service at Marietta — 90. — 
 
 Contra C — r 
 By money &c refunded by the US $ 2614.08 
 By Sundries furnished individuals 743-94 
 
 Neat expence ocationed by the War — 
 to the ohio Company — — — — — — 
 
 $- 
 
 Ct. 
 
 297 
 
 83 
 
 3724 
 
 43 
 
 2930 
 
 I06I 
 
 766 
 4668 
 
 10 
 
 84 
 
 40 
 
 — 
 
 13489 
 
 I2I9 
 
 59 
 
 33 
 
ii8 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 It will be obferved that all these expences accrued 
 in the years 1791 & 1792 and indeed after the first 
 Six months of the year 1791 the ohio Company were 
 at no expence on account of the Militia who were 
 called into Service, they were paid & Subsisted by 
 the United States 
 
 I have Said (page 129) [99] that on the 5*^ of May 
 1792 I was appointed Brigadier in the army.^ with 
 what reluctence I accepted of that appointment will 
 be feen by the following Letter I wrote to the Secre- 
 tary of War on the ocation 
 
 " Philadelphia May 7ti» 1792 
 "Sir 
 
 I have ben this day honored with your Letter of 
 "the 5*^ inflent, notifying me, that the Prefident of 
 " the United States withe advice & confent of Senate 
 " has appointed me a Brigadier General. — the re- 
 " fpect I owe to the Prefident of the United States, 
 " and the distrefsed Sittuation of that country I now 
 " call mine, obliges me to accept the honor of this 
 "appointment. — provided however that I hold my 
 " rank from my Commifsion in the Late army that 
 " I conlider it a temporary appointment which I pro- 
 " pose to refign, as Soon as the Service will permit, 
 " and in the Mean time I retain my prefent office in 
 " the civel department. 
 
 " but in justice to my Self I must obferve, that I 
 " have not the remotest wish to enter again into the 
 " Military Line, my private afairs & Sittuation of 
 " my family all forbid it and my advanced age as well 
 " as llate of my health, I fear will render me unable 
 " to perform the duties of a Soldier with honor to my 
 " felf & advantage to the Servis " 
 
 I am &c 
 
 1 Page 257. 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 119 
 
 In a few days after I recived this appointment I 
 recived my inflructions from the Secretary of war 
 the first object of which was "to attempt to be pre- 
 " fent at the General Council of the hostile Indians 
 ** about to be held on the Miami river of Lake Erie 
 " in order to convince the Said Indians of the humain 
 " dispofitions of the United States, and there by to 
 " make a truce or peace with them " ^ 
 
 I arrived a Pittsburgh the 2^ of June & on the 5*^ 
 I Sent a Speech ^ to the hostile tribes, by two Munsee 
 Indians who had ben taken prifoners & whome I 
 released for that purpos — the object of this Speech 
 was to notify them of the object of my Mifsion — " to 
 ** request them to open a path to Fort Jefferfon where 
 " I expected to arrive in about 20 days, and that they 
 " ihould Send Some of there young men with Cap* 
 ** Hendrick to conduct me with a few frinds to the 
 " place they Should fix on for our meeting " how- 
 ever I did not arrive at Fort Wafhington until the 2^ 
 of July, where I Learned that the very day I had 
 Sent word to the Indians that I proposed to be at 
 Fort Jefferfon about 100 Indians with new, or white 
 Shirts & there Chief with a Scarlet coate, fell on a 
 party makeing hay in the neighbourhood of the Fort 
 & killed & carried off 16 men. from the extreordi- 
 nary drefs of thefe Indians there was reafon to fus- 
 pect that they were Sent out (or at Lest furnished 
 with there new Shirts by the British agent) for the 
 purpos of takeing me off and this fuspition was fur- 
 ther confirmed Soon after by information of the cer- 
 tain Murder of Col° Hardy & Major Truman as well 
 as Some others who had not Long Sence ben Sent 
 too them with Flaggs 
 
 From information which could be depened on I 
 
 1 Page 257. ^ Page 269. 
 
I20 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 was Soon convined that the Indians who met at the 
 Great Council were ditermined for war and that it 
 was in vain to make any further attempts to bring 
 them to treat of peace at prefent But from in- 
 formation from Major Hamtramick the commanding 
 officer at post Vincent there was reafon to believe 
 Something might be don with the wabash & other 
 more western Indians 
 
 accordingly on the 24*^ of July I Sent a Speech 1 
 to all the Western tribes inviting them to meet me 
 in council at post vincent the 20*^ of September, af- 
 suring them that I Should bring there frinds & rela- 
 tions with me (meaing the Indian prifoners at Fort 
 Wafhington — ) 
 
 august 16*^ I left fort Washington with the Indian 
 prifoners &c and arrived at post Vincent on the 13*^ 
 of September & the Same day reflored the prifoners 
 about 60 in Number to there frinds — with a fhort 
 fpeech.2 
 
 The Councill afsembled on the 25*^ & continued by 
 adjournments to the 27*^ when the treaty was Signed 
 
 A Journal of the proceedings in the Council held 
 with the Indians on this ocation, with other papers 
 preferved on file will give a full account in what 
 maner I executed the Mifsion I was Sent upon — ^ 
 
 how far my conduct met the approbation of the 
 Prefident of the United States the following Letter 
 will Show 
 
 " War department 
 "February 15th 1793 
 
 Sir 
 
 " your Letter of yesterday has ben fubmited to the 
 " Prefident of the United States, while he accepts 
 " your refignation he regrets that your ill health, 
 
 1 Page 307. 2 Page 333. s pages 335-384. 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 121 
 
 " compells you to Leave the army as he had antici- 
 " pated much good to the troops from your experi- 
 " ence as an officer. 
 
 " He has commanded me to tender you his thanks 
 " for the zeal and judgment manifested in your Ne- 
 " gotiation with the Wabash Indians, and your fur- 
 " ther endevor toward a general pacification 
 
 I am Sir with great efleme 
 " Brigadier General your obedient Servent 
 RuFus Putnam H Knox 
 
 Secretary War " 
 
 N B the tribes of Indians reprefented at this 
 treaty were the Eel Creeks, Weaughtenoes — Pote- 
 watemis — Mifsoutins, Kikapoos of the Wabash & 
 
 Peankafhaws Kaskaskies & Piorians. and the 
 
 Number of Chiefs who Signed the treaty was 31 — 
 the whole number prefent — 247 Men 439 women 
 & Children — Total 686 
 
 In compliance with my request in a Speech ^ made 
 to the Indians on the 29*^ of September, a number of 
 the Chiefs, I believe ten Set out for Philadelphia, 
 conducted by L* Prior — at the time of there depar- 
 ture I was incapable of any bufmefs & left the per- 
 ticuler arrangment to Major Hamtramick & M"" John 
 Heckewelder, the Later of whome was to go with 
 them to Marietta & there wate my arrivel 
 
 on the 25*^ of September I was taken with the 
 ague & feavor wich returned upon me ever}'^ 2^ day 
 untill the 30*^ from which time the fitts returned 
 every day fuccefsively for Several days & the fevor 
 run fo high that I was not able to attend to any bufi- 
 nefs untill the 6^^^ of October, on which day the fevor 
 left me & on the 10*'^ althoe Very week & feable I 
 Set out by water from Post Vincent — on the 18^^ I 
 
 1 Page 366. 
 
122 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 was taken with a relaps of the Same disorder. & it 
 was the 29*^ before I reached the falls of ohio — hav- 
 ing for 12 days fuffered much being with out Physi- 
 tian or Medicene, and no accommodation but what 
 the boate aforded — here I remained untill the 19**^ 
 of November when the fitts being partly broken, I 
 Set out for Marietta, where I arrived the 18*^ of De- 
 cember, haveing had only two fitts on the way, yet 
 remaining very weak & Low — 
 
 As Soon as my health permitted I Set out for 
 Philadelphia and haveing made my reporte to the 
 Secretary of War — and on the 14*^ of February 
 1793 religned my commifsion^ — I returned to my 
 family, haveing through the good providence of God 
 in a good degre effected Somthing of importence, 
 but not the main object of my MilTion — 
 
 All the Michief don by Indians dureing my ab- 
 sence in the ohio companys purchas & even to the 
 end of the War being Hated in page 147 [114-115] I 
 Shall Say northing further refpecting the War, but 
 proceed to fome further account of the Meafures 
 prosecuted for Settling the ohio Companys Lands 
 
 It appears from our yearly Statements that there 
 had arrived by the Last of December 1790 in the 
 Companys purchas exclusive of the French Ejni- 
 grants — 447 men 103 of whome had families, that 
 the whole Number of the Militia at this time includ- 
 ing old men & civel officers did not exceed 287 
 to which I add for Burnhams men not return*^ 
 
 in Militia 25- 
 
 312 
 So that 312 men is the highest number we can count 
 as our whole flrengh when the war brook out 2^ Jan- 
 ary 1791 and of thefe 312 only 226 remained through 
 the war and recived there 100 acres of Donation 
 
 1 Page 384. 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 123 
 
 Land part of this difference is to be accounted 
 
 for by the death of those killed by the Indians & 
 other Deaths, but chefly from want of fortitude of 
 mind & confidence in the honor or ability of the 
 Company to fulfill there engagements — 
 
 But while many were forfakeing the Settlement 
 others came in efpecially after the grant of Congrefs 
 of 1 00000 acres to the Directors in trust to be given 
 away So that before the five year was out the Direct- 
 ors Granted 897 Lots — but I find no account of the 
 time of the arrivals of Settlers after the year 1790 — 
 
 I have faid I did not know how many French 
 arrived at Gallipolis in the year 1790 — but on 
 the first day of November 1 795 I found there but 88 
 of 18 years of age & upward which I had ocation 
 to afsertain, by ordor of the Secretary of the Trea- 
 fury Department — for the purpos of Surveying and 
 dividing to them 24000 acres of Land Granted by 
 Congrefs March 1795. 
 
 To give an account of the Settlement of the State 
 of ohio or of the Indian War beyond the Limits of the 
 ohio Companys purchas except fo far as I was perfon- 
 ally concerned is not the object of thefe memores — 
 
 begining with the year 1789 to geneal Wayns 
 treaty in the year 1795 I find within the ohio Com- 
 panys purchas 28 perfon killed 7 taken priibner & 2 
 wound. — in Virginia bordering on the river opposit 
 the Company Lands 5 killed i taken & i wounded. 
 — the prifoners all returned except Philip Stacy who 
 died in captivity — 
 
 N B I count James Kelly & his Son Jofeph as in the 
 ohio Companys purchas, — and M*" Armftrong opposit 
 Belleprie on the bank of ohio had Several children 
 taken which are not mentioned in the above account 
 
 I might with propriety mention a number of in- 
 
124 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 ilences in the course of this war of Gods evidently 
 appearing by his providence to interpose for the pre- 
 fervation of our inhabitence, but fuffise it to remark, 
 that notwisflanding the very frequent pafsing, both 
 by land & water from one fettlement to another & 
 various excourtions abroad, perticulerly to Wolf creek 
 Mill for grinding, yet on none of those ocations were 
 any lives Lost or other injury recived from the 
 enimy 
 
 For my felf I have great reafon to acknowledge 
 the Goodnefs of God in my own prefervation, in that 
 while much Mifschief was don on the ohio, efpecially 
 neer the mouth of the Scioto river, I made three voiges 
 to Cincinnati with out being molisted by the Indians, 
 althoe Sometimes alarmed — 
 
 On the 24* of December 1 790 the Directors of the 
 ohio Company, Refolved that a Superintendent of 
 Surveys &c be appointed — which System was ap- 
 proved of by the agents April 4*^ 1791 See Jurnal of 
 C° page 159 
 
 May 26^^ 1793 I was appointed Superintendent in 
 purfuence of the afore Said Refolves 
 May 27*'' I was appointedent to carry into effect the 
 System adopted by the Trustees for granting Dona- 
 tion Lands agreably to the act of Congref of April 
 21^* 1792 
 
 And we actually commenced our Survey of thefe 
 Lands the 11*^ of December 1793, the War notwith- 
 ftanding 
 
 In 1794 Col° Pickering, Postmaster General, pro- 
 posed the plan of carrying a Mail from Wheeling to 
 Lime Hone by water, on this ocation I was confulted, 
 the plan I proposed adopted & the bufmefs placed 
 under my fuperintendence — See Pickering & Hab- 
 erfhams Letters.^ 
 
 1 Pages 386-405, 413-418. 
 
MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 125 
 
 And in Some other Matters of importence I was Con- 
 fulted by M'' Pickering in 1795 & 1796 when Secre- 
 tary of war and Secretary of Stat & my opinions 
 adopted, 1 
 
 In 1 795 M"" Woolcot Secretary of the Treafury com- 
 mited the affairs of the French Settlers at GallipoHs 
 to my care 
 
 June 14*^ 1796, Sais M"" Wolcott, in his Letter, 
 " The Prefident of the United States has ben pleased 
 " to confide to you, the bufmefs of carrying into effect 
 " an act of Congrefs entitled " An act, to authorize 
 " Ebenezer Zane to Locate certain Lands in the ter- 
 " ritory of the United State Northwest of the river 
 " Ohio " 
 
 N B this Law provids for Laying out and eflab- 
 lishing a road from Wheeling to Lime Stone &c & 
 the whole by this appointment placed under my 
 Superintendence 
 
 But the Last & best gift I recived from Prefident 
 Wafhington was anounced in a Letter from M"" Sec- 
 retary Pickering enclofmg a Commifsion of Surveyor 
 General of the United States, bearing date the First 
 day of October 1796 — ^ 
 
 In what manener I fulfiled the duties of this of^ce 
 I Shall leve for thofe who were imployed under me 
 & best informed on the Subject to ditermine 
 
 Indeed I might appeal to my corrispondence with 
 the Secretaries of the treafury,^ or even to M*" Galliten 
 perfonally, that 710 zvatit of ability^ integrity^ or indiis- 
 hy was the caufe of my removel from office, no. it 
 was don because I did not Subscribe to the Meafures 
 of him whom I have called. Arch enemy to Wafh- 
 ingtons Administration. Because I did not die nor 
 refigne. — 
 
 1 Pages 405-409, 411. 2 Page ^12. 8 Pages 419-426, 428-443. 
 
126 MEMOIRS OF RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 M"" Jefferfon in his reply to the remonllrance of the 
 Merchants of Newhaven, asks "how are vacancies to 
 " be obtained? thofe by death are few, by refignation 
 " none, can any other mode then removel be proposed ? 
 " I fhall proceed with deliberation that it may be 
 " thrown as much as pofsible on delinquency, oppref- 
 " sion, intollerence and Ante revolutionary adherence 
 " to our enemies" 
 
 how conlistent is this dicleration with his apoint- 
 ment of M' Mansfield, well known to be an active 
 tory. — See the New york evening post of December 
 2^ 1803 
 
 M' Gallitens Letter anouncing M"" Mansfields ap- 
 point to the office of Surveyor General, bears date 
 the 21^* of September 1803 ^ yet the Editor of the 
 evening post had not heard of it untill the 2<^ of De- 
 cember & then by a frind of Mine from Marietta, 
 befides, my frind Mr. Jofeph Nourse, Register of the 
 treasyry department in a Letter of the 7*^ of Janu- 
 ary 1804 in anfwer to one from me of the ly^'^ of De- 
 cember obferves " I had heard it reported that you 
 " were no Longer in office but as it had not ben 
 " anounced, was in hopes that it was erronious, untill 
 "you mentioned it in your Letter — " this I think 
 Looks a little Like a political Martyrdom which it 
 was Wished to conceal from public notoriety, that 
 my frinds might not have fo fair an oppertunity of 
 doing public Justice to my character — but be that 
 as it may, I am happy in haveing my name enroled 
 with many others who have fuffered the Like politi- 
 cal death, for adherence to those correct principles 
 & meafures in the purfuence of which our country' 
 rofe from a State of weaknefs disgrace & poverty, to 
 Strength, Honor & Credit 
 
 1 Page 439. 
 
OFFICIAL PAPERS 
 AND CORRESPONDENCE 
 
OFFICIAL PAPERS 
 AND CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 gen'' WASHINGTON ORDORS TO MARCH FOR NEW YORK 
 
 Head Quarters Cambridge 31. March 1776 — 
 
 Sir 
 
 You are hereby Order'd to march to New York, 
 by the way of Providence — When you arrive at 
 Providence you are to deHver Governor Cooke the 
 Letter directed for him and afford him your best 
 advice and afsistance in the Construction of the 
 Works there. — At New York you are to apply to 
 the Commanding Officer of the Continental Forces 
 & follow such Orders & directions as you may from 
 time to time receive from him. — 
 I am Sir 
 
 Your most humble Servant 
 
 G° : Washington 
 Col° RuFUS Putnam — 
 
 COPPY OF LETTER TO GEN'' WASHINGTON 
 
 Peaks Kiln November 1776 
 Sir 
 
 Sence your Exelency Left this place I have Ben 
 
 to Antonies Nose, and I Deleave there is no danger, 
 
 of the Enimy atempting to pofefs it. I Returned 
 
 this day from a Toure up Peaks kiln Hallow about 
 
 Eleven mile N Eaftward then through the High 
 
 Lands into the fifh kiln Country and down to the N 
 
 River then Returned by the Pofte Roade I have the 
 
 Pleafure to Inform you that I think it Impofable for 
 
 a Carrag to pafs the High lands by this Eaflern Pafs 
 
I30 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 But it may be well to have a guard keept Here- 
 abouts as there is a Number of Torys Sheltering 
 them Selves in thefe mountains Waiting an opper- 
 tunity to git to the Minifleral Army about 4 mile 
 further Eaft is another Pafs through the Mountains 
 But I am Informed by good authority that this is 
 much Worfe then the Lafl mentioned one another 
 Pafs about 20 mile from the Peaks kiln landing 
 Leading from bedford through the High lands the 
 tel me is a Very good one this I mean to See to 
 morrow the Barracks and other works Here are 
 Pufhing as fall as Pofable I have defired L* Mechin 
 to Strenghen the Pofls on the River by Redoubt and 
 other out Works as much as Pofable. I am more 
 then Ever Convinced of the Neceflity of keep- 
 ing a pofl at Croton or Pine Bridge as a Protection 
 to that part of the Country from and through which 
 Supplys muft be Drawn for this Pofl and alfo as a 
 means to prevent the Enimy from makeing any 
 Excruilions during the Winter for the Purpos of git- 
 ting Supplys I Shall after my next toure be able to 
 Send your Exelency a Ruff Draft of this part of the 
 Country which I Shall loofe no time in Performing 
 
 LETTER FROM HIS EXELENCY GEN*- WASHINGTON 
 
 Head Quarters Valley Forge i i"" April 1 778 
 Sir, 
 
 I have been favored with yours of the 10*^ Feb & 
 
 12*^ March to which I should have replied fooner 
 
 had I not been taking fome Heps to inquire whether 
 
 the Rank of Col° of Engineers conferred upon you 
 
 August, 12*^ 1776 would entitle you to take Rank 
 
 in the Mafsachusets line as from that time. I am 
 
 inclined to think it would give great disfatisfaction to 
 
 those Colonels who were elder Lieut. Col°^ than you 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 131 
 
 were. They allow that you have Rank in the great 
 line of the army from the date of your appointment 
 as Col° of Engineers, but in the line of Mafsachusets 
 they contend that you only Rank from the time you 
 were appointed to the Command of a Regiment by 
 the State. There were so many of the Field Officers 
 absent who are interested in the fettlement of this 
 matter that a Board of Gen^ Officers who met to de- 
 termine it could not effect it to their fatisfaction, and 
 I therefore wish that you would let your claim rest 
 until it can be more fully discufsed. 
 
 I am S*" 
 
 Your most Obet S* 
 
 G° Washington 
 Col° Putnam 
 
 LETTER TO HIS EXELENCY 
 
 Camp White Plains Auguft 30"' 1778 
 Sir 
 
 Haveing Seen a Lift of the Maffachufett line of 
 Collonels Said to be the arangement made by a 
 Board of Gen^ officer as they are in future to Rank, 
 to gather with the Committee of arangemet being 
 arived in Camp I hope your Exelency will Con- 
 fider as a Sufficient apollogie for my Adrefsing you 
 at this time on the Subject of my owne Rank 
 
 In your letter of the 11*'' of April lafl^ you Say the 
 MalTachufetts Col° " Allow that I have Rank in the 
 " grate line of the Army from the Date of my ap- 
 
 " pointment as Col° of Engeneers but in the line 
 
 " of Maffachfits they Contend that I only Rank from 
 " the Time of my apointmet to the Command of a 
 " Regiment by the State 
 
 However Jufl this Reafoning may appear to Some 
 
 ^ Page 130. 
 
132 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 I can by no means Confent too it : I have no Idea of 
 Commanding a Col° of one of the other State who 
 may Command a Col° of the MalTachufetts State, 
 that (by this Rule) will Command me at the Same 
 time Should three officers under thefe Circumftancs 
 be ordored on duty togather nither of them Could 
 have the Command of the whole becaufe they would 
 all be Commanded by one a nother. Whitch would 
 bring all in to Confufition and Injure the Service 
 
 if thefe Gentelmen Should admit that in this Cafe 
 the Malfachufetts line of Rank Should give way to 
 the grate line of the Army and the MalTachufetts line 
 Should be held too only when on Duty with MalTa- 
 chufetts officers it would Releave us Very little and 
 opens a dore for the worfl of Confequences — as it 
 Tends in my opinion to prevent any Reguler Line 
 of Rank ever being Eflablifhed through the army 
 but admit that this would be a good Rule in future it 
 ought to be Rejected in the Prefent Cafe for till the 
 Refolve of the Congrefs 1776 ordoring 88 Battallions 
 to be Raifed during the war and propotioning the 
 Number to Each State there was no Such thing as a 
 MalTachufetts line So far from it that when the Reg* 
 ware Raifed for the Servis of ye year 1776 there was 
 Some Pains Taken to Inter mix officers of the Dif- 
 ferent Stats in the Same Regiment, and there was 
 No State appointment in the Army wherefore thefe 
 Gentelmens Pretention to Rank in the MalTachufetts 
 line in the Prefent Army cannot arife from there former 
 Rank that line becaufe there was no Such line, but 
 from there former Rank in the line of the Army at 
 large northing I think Can be more fancifull then 
 this and therefore no Reafon I prefume Can be given 
 why in Setling the Prefent MalTachufett line I Should 
 not Receve Equil advantage from my appontment 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 133 
 
 as Col° of Engineers in that line as in the grate line 
 of the Army, according to their argument L* Col° 
 Sherman of Col° Webbs Reg* Shall have no advan- 
 tage of Rank in the Connecticut line from the Ma- 
 jourity he had in 1776 becaufe it was under a MalTa- 
 chufett Col'' nor I from my L* Colonecy becaufe I was 
 
 that year under a Connecticut Col° the gentel- 
 
 men Ranked befor me in the lift which I have Seen 
 and which I think ought not to be is Col° Shepard 
 and Col° Wigelfworth the one is the 3^^ the other 
 the 4*^ and I am the 5*^ in 1775 Col° Shepard and I 
 were L* Col° togather and he out Ranked me I know 
 alfo that had he obtained the Regt when Col'' Learned 
 Refigned he would Still out Rank me but this was 
 not the Cafe if it Should be Said that his Command- 
 ing the Reg* before my apointment alters the Cafe I 
 anfwer that I Commanded a Regimet in 1775 after 
 Col° David Brewer was Dismifsed as long as Col° 
 Shepard did in ye year 1776 Before my apointmt to 
 the Rank of a Col° and that he had not the Rank of 
 a Col° in the Army till Neer three months after I had 
 therefore I See no Reafon of his being aranged Be- 
 fore me 
 
 Col° Wigelsworth I am Told was not in the army 
 at all in 1775 — the first I ever heard of him was in 
 1776 he Commanded a Regt of New Levies to the 
 Northward : it is Pofable if I had Quited the Service 
 in the fall of 1775 that I might have had one of thofe 
 Regiments I knew a Major who was Rejected by 
 the Gen^ officer as a Major in 1775 who obtained one 
 of them and a L* a Major in the Same Regiment I 
 Speek not this to Detract from Col° Wigelsworth I 
 elleam him much but to Ihew where this Rule will 
 Carry us if Purfued. 
 
 my own Pretentions are as follows I was foure 
 
134 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 years the lall War in the actual Service of my Coun- 
 try [?] the lafl of which I had an Enfigns Comnition 
 I Left home the 19*^ of April 1775 from which time 
 till the 12 of august 1776 I Served as L* Col° when I 
 was appointed Engeneer with the Rank of Col° in 
 the army 
 
 that under thefe Circumflances any Gentelman 
 who began his Service in 1776 in the maner Col° 
 wigelsworth did Should be aranged before me I Con- 
 cive to be Very Injurious not only to me but all other 
 in my Sittuation (Exclucve of the Idea of my ap- 
 pointment as Col° of Engeneers — 
 
 if this arangment is not fully Eflablifhed I pray 
 your Exelency to take my Cafe in Confideration and 
 order Some Meafurs to be Taken for my obtainig 
 Jullice : if this arangment is Unalterably Eflablifhed : 
 Honour the first Prinfible of a Soldier obliges me to 
 alk a discharge which I defier your Exelency will 
 grant or procure Granted by Congrefs 
 
 LETTER FROM GEN^ M'^DOUGALL 
 
 Head-Quarters Peek's-Kill 
 
 Feby 27th 1779 — 
 Sir 
 
 I did not intend Nixons shou'd have marched 
 with you, but from present appearances the Service 
 will not Suffer by it — Col° Loring has four boxes of 
 Spare Amunintion with him ; as the Enemy is retir- 
 ing, he will be found on the North Castle Road, lead- 
 ing to the Plains. — If the Enemy move, or appear 
 in Force on the River, or a movement on it in force 
 shou'd apparently be intended, — quicken the march 
 of the Brigade, on the best & Shortest routs to 
 Pecks-Kill, & let your Regiment halt at M'^ Lents, 
 where the New Road leads to Kings Ferry, — there 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 135 
 
 wait Orders ; — If you retire on the North River 
 Road, In this Case, drive all the Horses Cattle & 
 Sheep before you 
 
 Your humble Servant 
 
 Alex M<^Dougall 
 Col° Commit 
 Putnam 
 
 LETTER TO GEN*- M^DOUGAL 
 
 Hayns House Near Croton Feby 28 1779 
 Sir 
 
 agreeable to your ordor of the 26 Inllent Rec^ 12 
 Clock P M I marched with my owne Reg* as soon as 
 posible to Joyne Col° Burr and ordored Nixons to 
 follow, as I had not then the lealt doubt of its being 
 your Intention they Should as in Major Platts letter 
 there was no deftintion of Reg*^ Except the Pirticu- 
 ler Route of Graton as the Movements of the Enimy 
 Should Point out I was Senfible it was Drawing all 
 the Troops from Kings ferry and peeks kill but I 
 Supposed Learneds Brigade w^are ordored down to 
 that Quarter. I was there fore much Supprifed on 
 Reciving your Letter of the 27*^^ to find I had acted 
 Contrerar}?- to your Intention you are kind enough 
 by way of apoligie for me ; to Say " but from prefent 
 " appearance the Service will not Suffer, but this Sir 
 is in my opinion No Excufe for me for the Enimys 
 Movements might have ben Different you might not 
 have known Nixons Reg* was gon and the Service 
 might have Suffered by this mistake as much as in 
 any mistake (or even Diobedence of ordor) what- 
 ever. I am Sir perfectly in Humour but a Mistake 
 has ben Commited by Some Body and I have a Ser- 
 tain Quallity about me that bids me git Rid of it if 
 
 1 Page 134. 
 
136 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 I can fairly, which I think I Shall Very elily when 
 your Honour Confiders Major Platts letter and a 
 Col° Duty when he Commands a Brigade ; I beleave 
 its the Invariable Cuflom in this Cafe that he takes 
 no more Command of his owne Reg*^ then any other 
 unlefs he is Pirticularly ordored So to do and I must 
 Confefs from Major Platts letter I have no I dear that 
 my Command was to be come Regimental only, but 
 to have done with Subject when I arrived at Tarry 
 Town I heard Col° Burr was Marched in Quest of 
 the Enimy I Sent Major Trotter Immediately for- 
 ward to know his Sittuation and advife with him 
 what ordors to Send to Col° Loreing about 3 Clock 
 P M y^ 27^^^ I meet Col° Hammond a Mile below 
 White plains Major Trotter Sent me a Billit by him 
 that the Enimy had given Col° Burr the Slip at Mar- 
 rinek and advised me to Halt, which I did in about 
 half an hour after I had Intiligance that Col° Burr was 
 on his Return I Sent Immediately to halt Col° Smith 
 and Col*^ Loareing I Suppofed would not Come 
 farther then North Callle with out Further ordors 
 
 I Sent Major Trotter this morning early to Turne 
 Col° Loreing Back and Returned with the other two 
 Regiment to there old Quarters 
 
 when I was with you lafl I mentioned a New 
 Route from Col° Drakes to the New Bridge I came 
 Home that way and find it Exceeds my Expectation 
 if the Commefary and artificers are obliged to Ritire 
 it will be by that Route 
 
 the Gaily that Came up to Tarrytown on the 26* 
 lise there yet. I think if the Guards do there duty I 
 am efetually provided againfl any Supprise if there 
 Should any Number of Gallys come up as far this 
 place I fhould think it best to have the Quarters of 
 the Brigade lefs Extenlive which might be effected 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 137 
 
 by Quartering them in Barns as well as Houfes 
 which may be don with out much Inconveenency to 
 the men, in any wathe the Gallys will be likely to be 
 up the River, and the Guards might be better looked 
 in too and the duty much efir for the Men 
 
 REPORT TO HIS EXELENCY PREVIUS TO THE ATTACK OF 
 
 STONEY PONT 
 
 Constitution Island July 13th 1779 
 Report of obfervations made at Vanplanks Point 
 taken this Morning 
 
 the Roof of the Block Houfe in Fort De La Fy- 
 atte taken oH Proverbelly with a Defigne to add 
 another Story of Timber work — the Block houfe on 
 Stonney hill quite inclofed with a parrepet. a New 
 flafh or Redan in a line of there other works Next 
 the Block houfe on the North River a New work 
 on the old Barbitt battery, — built by the americans 
 Enlarged and Eambrafure made which Rake the 
 beach and flats towards the bridge, the abbette 
 [abatis] in front of there works continued down the 
 bank and acrofs the beach to Low warter marke 
 
 from the Bridge acrofs the Marfh towards the 
 Stone houfe is about Eighty Rod the Beach here at 
 low warter, is about three Rod wide nearly on a levil 
 with the Marfh where was a Small fier where I appre- 
 hend a night picket is ported after you leave the 
 Marfh between the high bank and the warter the 
 beach is not Quite So wide the distence to march 
 here before you are in the Rear of there line of works 
 is alfo about Eighty Rod directly in front and under 
 the Rake of the afore Said american battery which 
 is Retiered from there line of Works and is built on 
 a part of the Point that projects more in to the bay 
 
138 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 and Servs as a kind of flank and in front of which 
 there Encampment mufl be entered 
 
 I had in my party a Number of intiligent Soldiers 
 of Col° Nixon Regiment who were Stationed in the 
 Spring of laft year ; and this at the Stone houfe I 
 proposed to them laft eving to pilate me acrofs the 
 crick below the bridge in ordor as I pretended to 
 take of Some of the out guards they told me about 
 three Rod from the bridge they Could take me 
 acrofs where the warter at lo tide was not more then 
 knee deep I wilhed them to carry me further oflf in 
 ordor to avoide a Sentry which I apprehended might 
 be pofted at the bridge they told me they could not 
 I afked them why they Said the flats was mire knee 
 deep in general and Some places much deeper I 
 afked them if they were Sure of it they Said yes 
 they had often waided in upon them and Some of 
 them had on a bar that Run out ben Quite to the 
 Island I afked them if there was no giting to the 
 Beach in Rear of the bridge from the Island they 
 Said no. I afked then if there was no weidening 
 place up the crick in the Marfh they Said there was 
 Nearly oppofit the block house but the did not know 
 if they could find it in the night and aded the Crick 
 was very winding Runing Quite acrofs the Marfh 
 Several times and they knew of but one place that 
 it was fordable — I afked them if this crick had 
 communication with the other above the point they 
 Said they beleved not. they had gon from the grate 
 Rode by a Sertain log houfe (which they defcribed) 
 to the Stone houfe on the Point in a foot path in 
 which they crofsed only a Very Small Rum and that 
 it was hard ground in general 
 
 the bridge over the crick at the upper end of the 
 point is not only Striped of the plank but the String 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 139 
 
 pieces are most of them gon the butment only Re- 
 main good — I took my Stand this morning before 
 light a few Rods from the old church the morning 
 was not So favourable as I could have wifhed but I 
 had Several fair obfervation as the Sun pafsed through 
 the openings of the clouds I could See very little of 
 the works on Stonney Point Northing to contradict 
 my obfervation made from the hill on the weft Sid 
 the River — on the beach South of the crick that 
 Sepperets Stonney point or Island from the main 
 I discovered a Small guard Round a fier — and on 
 Vanplanks Point neare the edge of the hill coming onto 
 the Marfh from the Stone houle towards the bridge 
 was alfo a fier where I conclude they had a picket 
 in the night and from which a Sentr}^ it is most pro- 
 verble is pofted on the beech at or neare the Bridge 
 haveing made all the obfervations in my power and 
 being determened to come Immediately to camp I 
 marched my party which confifted of fifty (Rank & 
 file) and paraded them in open Vew Near the church 
 they maned there works and the guad at the Stone 
 houfe Turned out which Confifted of one officer and 
 about 20 men. the Exceftive Rain while I was out pre- 
 vented my being abel to perform the Service Sooner 
 I am Sir your Humble Serv* 
 
 Exelency Genl WASHINGTON 
 
 there is no posability of carrying artillery from peaks 
 kill to the brick Houfe or church without pafsing the 
 common Rode in that part oppofit the upper end of 
 the Point 
 
 Sence I Saw your Exelency in converfation with 
 L* Col" Smith and Major Thompfon they Informed 
 me that when a part of Col° Nixons Regiment was 
 Stationed in Forte De La Fyette, they Examined 
 
I40 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 the foot path (Spocken of by the Soldiers) leading off 
 between the two cricks in ordor to make their Re- 
 treat that way in cafe the Enimy had polTeftion of 
 the two Bridges Col° Smith and Major Thomfon 
 gave the Same account as mentioned by the Soldiers 
 and add that at prefent no cariages can pafs that 
 way but it may be made a Tollarable Rode, when I 
 had determind to Return I Shew my party neare the 
 church they maned there works and an officers 
 guard of about 20 parraded by the Stone Houfe 
 which Remains only Inclofed with an abbettee 
 
 the bridge over Peeks kill below Continental vil- 
 lage was brook up when our people left that Quarter 
 
 LETTER TO HIS EXELENCY 
 
 Light Infentry Camp Auguft 8th 1779 
 Dear General 
 
 Inclofed is a Coppy of a letter Just Recived from 
 Col° Fleury. I have Some time meditated an attack 
 on the Enemyes picket but from defertions from our 
 parties below which has happened almoll every day 
 this week pall I have ben diverted from it Col° 
 Fleury yeflerday propofed going down I thought 
 the Wether favorable to the Defigne and hoped the 
 event would have ben fortunate 
 
 Col° Butler was down a few days ago with 150 
 men he brought an ordor for them from General 
 Wayne I know northing of his plan or the obferva- 
 tion he made 
 
 the Enimy have a Roe Boat up as far as Sailsburys 
 Island 
 
 I have nearly Complected a Circuler Flafh with 
 two Embrefures at Fort Montgommery which Rake 
 the River Quite from Antonys Nose to Fort Clinton 
 — and one Embrefure that looks up the River 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 141 
 
 I shael begin no other work with out your furthe 
 orders 
 
 I am with the Highest Refpect your 
 Excelencys Humble Serve* 
 
 LETTER FROM GEN'' WAYNE ^ 
 
 ACQUAKENCUNK BRIDGE 15th Nov. 1 779 
 
 One oclock. A. m. 
 
 Dear Sir 
 
 I am favored with yours of lo oClock last Even- 
 ing & approve of your halt until you are fully In- 
 formed of the truth or falsity of the Report, — 
 should it prove true, you'l endeavor to discover the 
 Enemie's numbers &c. & if thought practicable to 
 attempt them, I will join you with the Remainder of 
 the troops, — otherwise you'l retire with Caution, 
 
 looking well to your left at Closter [?] Landing 
 
 as the Enemy may Otherwise throw you by the 
 Paramus Route — should it be a false alarm we per- 
 haps may not have an Other Opportunity to Effect 
 the businefs 
 
 Yours Sincerely 
 
 Ant^ Wayne 
 (^oio Putnam 
 
 A LETTER FROM GEN^ WAYNE 
 
 Light Infantry Camp Second River 
 nth Dec 1779 
 Dear Sir 
 
 His Excellency is very desirous to ascertain 
 whether the Enemy have made an Embarkation 
 or not, — I am Informed that from Peth Amboy 
 which is about 20 Miles from this place, a very good 
 view may be had of the Bay & Sandy Hook — 
 
 1 In the collection of Charles G. Slack, Esq., Marietta, Ohio. 
 
142 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 which together with accounts to be procured from 
 the Inhabitants, may enable you to determine whether 
 an Considerable number have sailed 
 
 I have directed an Officer & Eight Dragoons to 
 attend at your quarters — and wish you to pro- 
 ceed to that place or some other good lookout as 
 soon as pofsible — you had better return as far as 
 Eliz*^ Town this Evening — perhaps Col° Seeley 
 may save you the trouble of proceeding further by 
 Certain Intelligence of their Sailing — I wou'd there- 
 fore wish you to call on him on your way down 
 
 I am Sir your Hum^ Ser^ 
 
 Ant^ Wayne 
 
 NB you will find an Order 
 on any forage Master for 
 such Hay or Grain as you 
 may want for the use of the party ^ 
 
 Col° Putnam. 
 
 COPPY OF LETTER TO PRESIDENT OF COUNCILL.^ 
 
 Soldiers Fortune April ye 22<i 1780 
 Sir 
 
 Agreeable to ordors recived from Major General 
 Howe I have Sent Cap* Benj" Gardner Enfigne Pel- 
 etiah Everitt and Enfign Clark with a Noncommif- 
 lioned officer into the State on the recruting Service 
 
 I have directed them to Notefie there arrivel to the 
 Honorable Councill & Major General Heath and to 
 follow their or his Inflructions or the Directions of the 
 Field officer who may be appointed to Superintend 
 the Recruiting Service 
 
 I wilh them much Sucefs but I greatly feare they or 
 any others will have little : one thing which I think 
 
 1 Jeremiah Powell. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 143 
 
 will Greatly Impead there Succefs is the Deduct- 
 ing the Town Bounties in Ballancing the Soldiers 
 accounts 
 
 The Soldiers know very well how to Diflinguifh 
 between Bounty and wages & that at the time of 
 Inlifling ; the Town, as well as State and Contnantal 
 Bounty was a part of the Contract Intirly Seperate 
 from his wages and had no more apprehention of 
 haveing it taken from him then any other part of his 
 property 
 
 I have not the Vanity of being thought a politician 
 nor the Prefumtion to Teach the Senators of my 
 Country — but I think the Honorable Council & 
 Afembly ought to know and that it is my duty to tell 
 you what the General Sentments of the officers of 
 the army are on this head 
 
 That the Town bounties are the legal acquired pro- 
 perty of the Soldier, as much as any he Poffeses ; is 
 to me a Self evident propofition and he that Should 
 deny it would want better evidence then his Eyes to 
 prove that the Sun Shined in a clear Day, nor will 
 any I Suppole deny but the Soldiers Property is 
 as Legally obtained, and as Sacred as other peoples 
 for althoe by a Body I would ever Revere the offi- 
 cers of the Army are Excluded from Some of the 
 priviledges of Denizens, yet I beleve none will ever 
 pretend that the men who at your Call Steped forth 
 into the field as it ware With Halters about there necks 
 for the defence of Liberty and property ; who never 
 have nor never Wilh to forfake its Caufe ; who thoe 
 many times Naked and dellitute yet have Perfe- 
 veared through could Wet and dry with a Virtue 
 Unperleled in Hillory — I Say I Beleve none will 
 ever pretend that the property of thefe men Should 
 be lefs guarded then others or that any Leglifhleture 
 
144 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 on earth Shall Wantonly or Illegally Deprive them 
 of a penny — 
 
 Wherefore I conclude that if it be True that the 
 Town Bountis was a Part of the Contract Intierly 
 Separat from the Idea of Wages that this Bounty is 
 the Soldiers legal acquired property as much as any 
 he polTeses that this is as legally acquired and to be 
 as Sacredly Guarded as other peopels 
 
 Then it follows that it is not in the Power of any 
 Leglifhlature on earth to Discese him of it without 
 Violateing the Natural Rights of mankind — Unlefs it 
 be by legal Forfiture — What crime is chargable on 
 the Soldier I am at a lofs to concve. I am told the 
 deducting the Bounties is on the prinfible of equil 
 Juflice. this Idea Implys that it was Injufl or unlawfull 
 for the Soldier after Serveing one and prehaps two 
 Campaigns (and doing what they call there own 
 turn) to Recive a Hire or bounty to do a Turn for 
 any other Individuals or the Town at large ; that 
 money obtained by Such Sail of Service even althoe it 
 was don on the prinfible of makeing the Burden of 
 the War Equil is no better then Robery and the party 
 comes very well off if he meets with no other punifh- 
 ment then the forfiture of the money So obtained — 
 or this principle of doing equil Juflice mull Imply 
 that the Soldiers Should have no Ideas of Seperate 
 property or of acquired perfonal property but that 
 What they have ben taught to conlider as there own, 
 is really the property of the State which they have a 
 right to take when they pleafe or at leall Such a part 
 of it as will leve the Soldiers Equelly Poor 
 
 on Such Ideas of Equil Juflice or any that can be 
 drawn from the premifes I can concive no greater 
 abfurdity in leveling the property of the whole Com- 
 munity then in deducting the Town Bounty from the 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 145 
 
 Soldiers the one may be more difiquelt then the 
 other to effect which is the only differenc I can Con- 
 cive — I am aware that it will be objected that by 
 the Refolve of February 1779 Refpecting Makeing 
 good the depretiation of the Soldiers Wages the 
 Town Bounties ware to be taken Into Confideration 
 — to which I anfwer that the Court might as well 
 have Refolved not to make good any depretiation 
 as to have Refolved they would make it good only 
 in part or which is the Same thing that the Town 
 Bountys Should be Taken into Confideration and 
 Charged as wages — to Say the leafl the only dif- 
 ference is the one is a grater act of Injustice the 
 other a lefs. but if the fore going proportions are 
 true the former is by no means of So dangerous a 
 Tendency as the latter for as the Refufeing to make 
 good the depretiation of the money would have ben 
 no more then the Refufeing to pay a Jufl debt on 
 the Same prinfiple that paper money Should pay 
 Silver debts, there would be no want of a prefident 
 in its favor nor Pretended Reafons in its favor but 
 for a Legliflature to take from me the property that 
 I have acquired by privet Contract or any othe law- 
 full means and for no other Reafon then Becaufe I 
 have Traded to better advantage then othes — is 
 
 a Meafure 1 will not name — and is big with a 
 
 Mifchief I Shuder to think of 
 
 Thus I have Indeavored to give you a Jul! Idea of 
 the opinon the Army (So far as I am acquainted with 
 there Sentments) entertain of the Matter and which 
 to them appears an Infermountable obflical to the 
 Recruiting men for the War — I may have don it 
 in a language prehaps Quite UnCourtly and too In- 
 dilicate for the ears of So August a Body to hear yet 
 I can only apologize by Saying they are the sent- 
 
146 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 merits of an Independent Honeft Hart ; & my only 
 motive (in the painfull Tafk) is to give you that Infor- 
 mation he thinks you ought to have that you 
 
 may not have too grate dependence on filling your 
 Regiment by Voluntary Inliflment when he thinks 
 the profpect So very Small 
 
 if I am MiHaken and there fhould be any confider- 
 able Number InliHed I fhall be moll happily disap- 
 ponted — but if the Contrerary and there Should be 
 few Raifed or the Regiments filled with levies for a 
 Ihort time which from the nature of there Ingagemt 
 can by no means be depended on equil with Reguler 
 Troops and any fatal Confequences fhould Enfue the 
 World will Judge whither the Gentelmen of the army 
 and they only are to Blame 
 
 LETTER FROM COL° THOMPSON 
 
 Long Island New Utricht May i. 1780 
 Dear Sir 
 
 Yours of April 19*^ Came to hand accept my Sin- 
 cere thanks for your kind Wishes — as you Observe 
 I have taken a Different Post from what I Expected 
 but hope I shall Support it with the Fortitude of a 
 Soldier, if Humanity is the Truly & Distinguished 
 Characteristic of the Brave I am among those who 
 are Truly So meaning the particular Family I live 
 in — I am happy to hear my Friends In the Army 
 are well, and that my Friend cap* Goodale is Better 
 — your hopes of a General Exchange I fear are frus- 
 trated—please make my Compliments to all the 
 Gentlemen of my Acquaintance In the Army — Ac- 
 cept the Thanks of the Whole of the Mafsachusets 
 Officers for your very kind Afsistance to their Agent 
 In procuring the Supply he has brought us. & De- 
 pend they E^ch wish the Oppertunity to give you 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 147 
 
 Thanks in person. In hopes this May foon be the 
 Case — 
 
 Believe Me to be 
 Dear Sir 
 Your Much Oblig'd 
 & Most Obed* 
 Hum'^ Servant 
 
 Joseph Thompson 
 Col. Putnam 
 
 LETTER FROM GEN'- HOWE 
 
 Head Quarters Highlands. 
 May 24th 1 780 
 Dear Sir 
 
 I have ordered sevanty five Men under a Maj"" from 
 Gen^ Glovers Brigade, to hold themselv's in constant 
 readinefs to Join you when ever you should order it, 
 which you will do when you think it necefsary — 
 
 I think Col. Miller should be inform'd of your ap- 
 proach, and design, and that you should aid, and 
 cooperate with each other should it become requisite. 
 If you should outstay the Provision you have been 
 served with, and can not supply yourself where you 
 are, you will apply to Commifsary Forsyth, or any 
 other Commifsary you think proper — It would not 
 be improper to have some look outs upon the River 
 below you, lest the Enemy while they amuse us an- 
 other way, should operate that way, especially as the 
 Gen^ Writes me that they have Vefsels in the North 
 River 
 
 I am Dear Sir 
 NB With Respect 
 
 I enclose you a letter to Y*" Most Ob^ Se* 
 
 Col. Miller, which you will Rort Howe 
 
 read Seal and forward to 
 him as soon as pofsible 
 
148 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 Sir if you should have 
 occasion to send to me you 
 will find me at M"" Beckmans 
 or hear of me there 
 
 LETTER TO GEN^ HOWE 
 CONTINANTAL ViLAGE, May 24th 1780. loClock A M 
 
 Dear General 
 
 on further Confideration of the Matter I have de- 
 termined to take poft between the New Bridge and 
 Pines Bridge So as to be able to fall in with the 
 enimy in cafe they attempt to Steal a March by the 
 Fords and from whence I fhall be ready to move to 
 the right or left in cafe they Should pafs by eithr of 
 the Bridges which I think is mofl proverble as a 
 Body of Horfe mull be Exceedingly embarrafed in 
 there march by any other Rout, my opinion is that 
 they will Come up by Pines bridge and Return by 
 the New and proverblay a Body of Infentry may 
 advance if not Crofs at the New Bridge to cover 
 there Retrete with the Booty and the Sittuation I 
 propofe from the nature of the Country will Inable 
 me to Fall in with the Horfe while Seperated from 
 the foot while the party from the Ferry and the 
 guard at Colla Bergh will be able to amufe the foot 
 Should any appere or act againfl the Horfe as oca- 
 tion may offer 
 
 100 men from Nixons officers Included left this 
 place at Sunrife this morning — I have waited for 
 Glovers till now that I might Send you there Num- 
 ber — they are not arrived I wait no longer 
 
 the Troops have taken three days provition, 
 Should any more be ordored on plefe to let it be 
 lodged at Hayns where the officer of the guard for 
 the Newbridge keeps if you write to me this day or 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 149 
 
 night Major Strong [?] will direct the Exprefs where 
 I may be found northing Turning up tomorrow 
 morning I fhall be at Hayns 
 
 I am Dear Sir yours with 
 Refpect 
 
 RuFus Putnam 
 
 LETTER FROM GEN^ HEATH 
 
 ROXBURV May 25th 1780 
 
 Dear Sir 
 
 Your favor of the 23''^ ulto came duly to hand. I 
 would have made application to the Hon^^^ the Gen- 
 eral Afsembly for the promotions mentioned in your 
 Letter, had not a Refolve of Congrefs which I appre- 
 hend you had not seen at the Time of writing your 
 Letter barr^ it. I hope to have the pleafure of take- 
 ing you by the hand in a few Days, and have many 
 things to say, will defer the whole to that time. — 
 We have no news except from the Southward. 
 I am with great regard 
 Dear Sir 
 
 Your Obedient Serv* 
 
 W Heath 
 Colonel Putnam 
 
 LETTER FROM GEN'' HOWE 
 
 Headquarters Highlands 25th May 1780 
 Dear Sir 
 
 My Intelligence makes me certain the Enemy 
 have heard of our Movements & have temporarily 
 suspended the Execution of their Plan, at the same 
 time as I hear the Horse they have collected are not 
 return' d to their former Owners & Stations, which 
 they would not be at the Expence of foraging were 
 their Intentions absolutely laid aside. — I think it 
 may not be improper by some Movements to imprefs 
 
I50 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 them with the Idea that you have retired to the 
 Highlands by which Means they may be led to exe- 
 cute their Scheme — & you have an Opportunity of 
 entrapping them — For this Purpose three or four 
 Days Provision for you shall be sent to King's Ferry, 
 instead of sending it to Haine's, & you will make 
 your Movements in such Manner as is best calcu- 
 lated for deceiving the Enemy, which by moving off, 
 & by other Methods, & by returning in the Night 
 with Suddennefs & Secresy to some convenient Post, 
 may pofsibly be effected. — 
 
 You will endeavour to obtain every pofsible Infor- 
 mation of the Enemy's Motions & Designs, of which 
 you will give me the earliest Information — 
 I am Dear Sir 
 
 with great Respect 
 your most obedient 
 
 Robert Howe 
 
 LETTER TO GEN^ HOWE 
 COLLABERGH May 25th 1780 6 Clock P M 
 
 Dear General 
 
 I Sent your letter by Exprefs to Col° Millir yefter- 
 day, a line from him is this moment come to hand 
 — no Intilligence of the enimy in his Quarter — (he 
 is on the Rode from Pine bridge — Youngs) — the 
 Patrolls I Sent to wards Singfmg lafl night Reported 
 that the Inhabitent Informed them the Enimy ware 
 up as far as Stincoxs [?] above Tary Town on the 
 River Rode but by accounts from perfons I Sent 
 down this Morning I beleve they ware not but that 
 the Report was fpread lafl night by Some Villins who 
 went of[ to New york from Singling I fhall Poft my 
 Self this night between the Bridges and may be herd 
 of tomorrow at Pine Bridge 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 151 
 
 Our Provition will be out tomorrow night I have 
 Sent my orders to M"" Forfyth for Provitions for four 
 days to be Sent to Hayns Houfe unlefs you think 
 Proper I Should Retire when the prefent Supply is 
 out — I have no doubt but they have Intiligence in 
 New york of my being in this quarter and will Pro- 
 verbly delay there Ravage till they here I am Re- 
 tired and may then undertake it if you think Proper 
 I Should tarry longer I beg leve to Suggest whither 
 it would not be Proper to ordor the Provitions I have 
 wrote for to Kings Ferry that I fhould on Saturday 
 Morning give out that I am coming up to the High 
 lands and March accordingly for that Quarter but 
 altering my courfe march to kings Ferry and Return 
 the first or Second Night to a proper poll in this 
 Quarter, whither it might not be more likely they 
 would come out Soon then my continuing here 
 
 I hoope for your further directions by the bairer 
 Should you order me up when my prefent Supply is 
 out or that I Should retire to Kings Ferry it will be 
 NefelTary Major Campbell Should have your ordor 
 where to Send the Provition otherwife I Suppose 
 they will Com on to Hayns agreeable to what I have 
 wrote to him 
 
 I am &= — 
 Gen^ Howe 
 
 LETTER FROM GEN"- HOWE 
 
 Head quarters Highlands 26'h May 1780 
 Dear Sir 
 
 The enclos'd letter ^ written previous to the Recep- 
 tion of your favour 2 which came to me just now, will 
 shew you how much we Coincide in opinion. You 
 will therefore take your measures Accordingly — 
 
 1 Page 149. 2 Page j^q. 
 
152 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 Capt" Bannister wrote me the last Evening that you 
 had Called for the Fatigue men from Verplanks 
 Point, if they are not immediately necefsary, I should 
 wish them returned as I want these works Completed 
 as soon as pofsible, and you may Call them out 
 Again the moment you find it requisite. You will 
 guide your Self however as to Returning them or 
 Calling them out, as circumstances and your own 
 Discretion shall point out to be proper. I am sir 
 with much Respect 
 
 Your most ob* Servant 
 
 R Howe 
 
 LETTER FROM GEN'^ HOWE 
 
 Verplank's 28th May 
 Dear Sir 
 
 I make no doubt you will pursue every Measure 
 to gain Intelligence of the Enemy's Movements, of 
 which you will transmit me an instant Account. I 
 shall remain at, or about this Place until Eve^. — I 
 have ordered Nixon's Brigade to advance to Peek's 
 Kill Church, near to M"" Beckman's — should it be- 
 come necefsary for them to advance, you will trans- 
 mit them Orders, — notifying however the matter to 
 me, that I may know what you are doing, & govern 
 myself accordingly. 
 
 I am Dear Sir 
 Your most obedient Servant 
 
 Robert Howe 
 
 LETTER TO GEN'' HOWE 
 
 Sing Sing May 28th 1780 — 4Clock pm 
 Dear Gen^ 
 
 There was about 40 of the Enimy Horfe here about 
 7 or 8 Clock in the morning but Retired foon being 
 Informed there ware 300 men at the bridge — I 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 153 
 
 arrived my Self at Collabergh by 12 & immediatly 
 Dispatched a Ser* & Six Soldiers of the guard on 
 Horfe back to obferve there motions and bring me 
 Intiligence I have had no Return as yet therefore I 
 prefume the enemy have Retired at left as far as 
 Terry Town — on the Troops arriveing here I dis- 
 patched an officer and party to march in Som of 
 the bye Tracts as far down as pofable and Return 
 
 to-morrow M"" Odel this moment arrived 3 mile 
 
 below Terry Town Informs that the enimy pafsed 
 his houfe on there Return about 1 1 Clock AM — 
 he thinks there ware about 50 or 60 on Horfe back 
 he Saw no foot but heard of Small partys being out 
 and Plundering Some bye Settelments he beleves 
 the Horfemen had about 40 head of cattle with them 
 — they carry*^ of Som Inhabitents prifonr Justice 
 Shearwod was made prifonr but parolled with Some 
 others 
 
 Unfortunate for me I was not at the bridge as they 
 were Informed they are now beyond my Reach 
 
 Nixons Brigade cannot be wanted — Benfon will 
 Return to the Point this night 
 
 I fhall take my Quarters at Collabergh where I 
 Shall be a day or two makeing Proper menover in 
 the night 
 
 I am fir with efteem y"" 
 Humble Ser\^nt 
 
 RuFus Putnam 
 Gen' Howe 
 
 LETTER TO GENL HOWE 
 
 COLLA BERGH June ye I St 1780 
 
 Dear Gen' 
 
 Your favor of equel date is before me in my laft I 
 informed you that it was Sill my opinion the enimy 
 would not attempt any thing on this Side Croton 
 
154 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 while I continued in this Quarter that if you 
 
 Should think proper to continue me here for any 
 time I Should wifh to have it in my Power to detach 
 Small party from time to time at leaft as low as 
 Dobs ferry with Six or Eight days provition to form 
 Ambufhments on the publik Roads and privet ways 
 by which the enimy commonly advance as a means 
 of gaining the earlieft Intiligence and which would 
 be a mofl Proverble method of Surprizeing Some of 
 there Small parties — that in ordor to do this either 
 a Commefary Store Should be keept here or Some 
 Extra provition Should be lodged here for the Sup- 
 ply of Such Small parties that if you thought proper 
 to ordor a Brigade here leaveing all there havay bag- 
 gage behind a Boate or two would always Secure the 
 Stoars — they would be a fupport to Col° Miller in 
 cafe of any movement againt him and In my opinion 
 Efectually Cover Crompond — which I think ought 
 to be protected if pofable 
 
 Sence I wrote you lafl I have marched with the 
 paty in the mofl unfrequented Routs through Woods 
 Field &c — to Sing Sing — North Caflle Pines Bridge 
 — Crompond and Returned here to day. I have now 
 three days provition on hand — a Scout Conlisting 
 of a I Sub — I Ser* 2 Cop^ 20 privet March this 
 night on the prinfiple before Sugested with ordor to 
 Continu out till there provition is expended Whene 
 ever I have bin here a picket Commanded by a Sub 
 is Polled on the North Sid of Croton to Patroll in the 
 night between the two Bridges at Day light they 
 Crofs the River Traverfe the Country foure or five 
 mile South and Return in the after noon 
 
 as I have not taken any pirticular Stand till now 
 I have not medeled with the guard at the New Bridge 
 but as the River is Fordable in almoU any Place 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 155 
 
 Should the Enimy advance to Crompond the Rout 
 they are Likely to take is more Determinable by the 
 Perticuler Raing of Mountains &*= &*= then any other 
 circumllance — on this prinfiple I Shall tomorrow 
 ordor the Sub & that part of his guard now at this 
 place up to Pine bridge with ordors to occupie Dur- 
 ing the night Some perticuler Pafs in that Quarter 
 I am Sir your Humble 
 
 Ser^ 
 
 LETTER FROM GEN' HOWE 
 
 Head Quarters Highlands 3d June 1780 
 Dear Sir 
 
 Intelligence I have received makes it necefsary to 
 conipact our Force, & to be attentive rather to defen- 
 sive than offensive Operations ; for this Reason it 
 will be proper for you to return to your Brigade, 
 most of the Troops under your Command, & the 
 situation of Matters does not admit of Delay — 
 
 As every Means pofsible should be fallen upon for 
 obtaining Provisions to support the Troops here 
 where Investiture is not improbable, I should wish 
 you to take Measures to collect, principally in the 
 Counties towards the Enemy, a Number of Cattle in 
 the Manner least distrefsing to the Inhabitants — 
 
 This you may effect either in Person or by Direc- 
 tions to Col Miller & to carry into Execution the 
 Measure, the Imprefsing Horses may not be omitted, 
 should it be necefsary — ) 
 
 If you find it convenient to go in Person, which I 
 should rather wish, take a Detachment of fifty men 
 of your present Command, & proceed to or direct 
 Col Miller to meet you at such Place as you shall 
 appoint — still holding in Mind your Relation to this 
 Post, & the Necefsity of repairing to it with Expi- 
 dition the Moment it become." requisite — 
 
156 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 (The Cattle taken should be particularly noticed, that 
 the Persons deprived of them may have them safely 
 return' d should we not use them (which in Cases of 
 Necefsity alone will happen) & that they may be paid 
 for them should Occasion compel us to make use of 
 them — 
 
 An Officer of your Prudence & Knowledge of Ser- 
 vice need not be told that all your Vigilance will be 
 requisite upon this Occasion, & that as the Enemy will 
 certainly counteract your Measures if they can, that 
 Expidition is the Soul of your Enterprise & the only 
 Foundation upon which the Succefs of it depends — 
 I am Dear Sir 
 
 With Respect 
 Your most obedient Servant 
 
 I do not mean you should go much lower than our 
 Lines to collect the Cattle I mention because I can 
 not suppose many can be obtain' d from thence, but 
 those Cattle which are most expos' d to the Enemy 
 within our Lines & those below them which can safely 
 & expiditiously be had should first claim Attention — 
 
 You will inform me from Time to Time where you 
 may be found, that I may send to you should it be 
 necefsary — 
 
 I inclose a Letter to Col Miller which is open for 
 your Inspection — Be pleas' d to read & forward it — 
 
 LETTER FROM GEN*- HOWE 
 
 Highlands 4th June 1780 
 Dear Sir 
 
 From late Intelligence I'm induced to believe the 
 Operations of the Enemy will not be so sudden as I 
 have expected — you will therefore continue with your 
 Command upon the Lines until you shall hear fur- 
 ther, from me — Those of your Men detached in 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 157 
 
 Consequence of my Orders of Yesterday, I shall 
 immediately replace from this Post — 
 I am Dear Sir 
 
 Your most obedient 
 
 RoB^ Howe 
 
 LETTER TO GEN^ HOWE 
 
 COLLA BERK June ye 4th 1780 
 
 Dear Gen^ 
 
 your favor of the 3^ inllent^ came to hand at 12 
 Clock lafl night, with an open letter to Col° Miller 
 (my letter was not Signed nor directed but on the 
 Rapper) I have marked the contents of bothe — as 
 I have not noted any cattle Southward of Croton but 
 a few Milk Cows and as Col°Miller is much better 
 acquainted with the Number of cattle in his Quarter 
 then I am a Detachment of 50 men will March for 
 his Quarter this Morning — to enable him to Execute 
 your ordors of which I Shall Send him Such extracts 
 as will be necelTary for him to have — the Remainder 
 of the detachment will march to Joyne there Brigade 
 by II- or 12 this day to which time I Shall wait for 
 the gentry below as I have Recei*^ Information from 
 below that makes it not ImProverble they will be up 
 to day either in Small numbers or in Force — 
 I am Sir with refpect you Humble 
 Serv^ 
 
 RuFus Putnam 
 Gen^ Howe 
 
 LETTER FROM GENERAL HOWE 
 
 Head Quarters Highlands 
 June 5«h 17S0 
 
 Dear Sir — 
 
 I was over at West Point when your last letter 
 arrived, and in coming over some way or other it got 
 
 1 Page 155. 
 
158 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 lost, so that I know not its contents — Please imme- 
 diately inform me what it contained — 
 
 I think you had better continue out a few days 
 longer, and if you think it necefsary send out some 
 Parties where you think it proper to do so, if there 
 is any object for it — The Enemy have not yet re- 
 turned the Horses they imprefsed to the owners of 
 them, and I dare say mean to come out again, it will 
 therefore be necefsary for you to have good intelli- 
 gence of their motions, and to be guarded at all 
 Points as they may come out in Force against you — 
 I am Dear Sir 
 With Respect 
 
 V Most Ob'i Hum Ser* 
 
 Robert Howe 
 
 LETTER FROM GEN'' HOWE 
 
 Head Quarters Highlands 
 June 6th 1780 
 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 The information of last night & this morning, 
 various ways receiv'd confirm me that the Enemy 
 are coming out in Force. Colo Sproat will deliver 
 you the Gen^ Order of today. I wish you to move 
 with the utmost dispatch with such Troops as you 
 can get ready, and let the rest follow you. — Your 
 object is what it was when you went out before, 
 your then Orders will do for you now — another 
 smart Detachment of Guards join'd Delancy yester- 
 day morning, and some more Horse, the men were 
 all served with ammunition, their arms scrutinously 
 examined, and some new arms served out. Boats 
 were collected and collecting, their Gaily the last 
 evening came higher up the River, they mean to 
 act both by land and Water, you will therefore have 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 159 
 
 all your Eyes about you, and let Colo. Miller know 
 of this, and also how to commune and cooperate 
 with you — 
 
 I am Sir 
 
 with Respect 
 P S Your most O.b. Ser* 
 
 You need not halt ROBERT HoWE 
 
 at Peekskill but 
 proceed where service 
 Requires you — 
 
 LETTER TO GEN"" HOWE 
 
 CoLLA BERGH — Barrats House June 8th 1780 
 Dear Gene^ 
 
 I arrived about 2 Clock the night we left the vil- 
 age — northing new has transpired in this Quarter 
 Sence 
 
 the letter forwarded with this I receved from Col° 
 Miller 
 
 I Send you prifoner a perfon who Calls him Self 
 George Moulton Sais he belongs to Burgoins Con- 
 vention troops Deferted from them when they ware 
 on there March to Virginia — that he Returned to 
 
 Maffachusetts State Inlifled in one of there 
 
 Regiments Some months pafl Re^ 300 Dollars State 
 bounty of M'' Newell at Leicefler Muller Muflrd for 
 the County of Worceller that he marched for Camp 
 with a Ser* whofe name he has forgot as alfo the 
 name of the Col° or Lt C° of the Reg* he was to 
 Joyne that he deferted the Ser* neare Doc- 
 tor Perreys in Crompond was taken up by Som men 
 going to Col° Millers about 3 mile from Pines bridge 
 
 Col° Miller Sent him to me laft evening 
 
 I am Sir with due Refpect 
 your Humble Serv* 
 
 RuFUs Putnam 
 Gen> Howe 
 
i6o OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 LETTER TO GEN'' HOWE 
 
 COLLA BERGH June ye 9th 1780 
 Dear General 
 
 Northing new m this Quarter Sence my laft — I 
 send you a perfon who calls him Self James Griffin 
 and that he is a Difarter from the i f^ Reg* of Britifh 
 Light Draggoons he was taken up at Sing Sing by 
 a Scouting party yellerday morning Sais he was 
 going from Connecticut to philidelphia to Seek 
 labour but it is a doubt with me wether he was not 
 going 
 
 I have Directed the Commefary of gen^ Nixons 
 Brigade to move his Store to Peeks kill landing, and 
 Shall draw my Supplys of provition from him 
 
 If you think proper to ordor M"" Auflin Conducted 
 to the Brigade now at Fifli kill or any other Con- 
 ducted to lodge three Hundred Dozen of Cartridgs 
 with Capt Banefter we can Supply our Selves from 
 that Quarter when ever we have ocation 
 I am Sir with elleam your 
 Humble Servent 
 
 LETTER TO GEN^- HOWE 
 
 CoLLABERGH — June !!*•» 1780 
 Dear General 
 
 I Send you under guard a perfon who calls him 
 Self Philip Conner Sais he diferted the Enimy I 
 inclofe you the account he gave of himfelf here 
 
 I alked him many Quellion Relateing to the Cores 
 number and Sittuation of the Enimy but could git 
 northing from him he was taken up between Pins 
 bridge and Sing Sing by a patroll who meet him in 
 the Roade on the top of a hill So that it was not in 
 his power to efcape them after they came in fight he 
 was armed in Cow boy moade I have detained him 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE i6i 
 
 two days in hops to git Some further account of his 
 Real Carractor as its doubtfull to me' whither he is a 
 Diferter or not but can learn northing further then 
 his own account — we have No accounts from below 
 I am Dear Gen' with Refpect 
 your Humble Serv* 
 
 RuFus Putnam 
 Gen' Howe 
 
 CoLLABERGH June ye nth 17S0. loh a: M: 
 Dear General 
 
 by a perfon from below arrived this moment I 
 am Informed that it is reported and fully beleved 
 by Whig and Tory in the Neighbourhood of Kings 
 Bridge that the enimy have had a Sevear Drubing 
 in the Jerfey a Heffian gen' killed and a Britifh Mor- 
 tally Wounded that between three & foure hundred 
 Wounded are brought into New york that yefler- 
 day or the day before all the Troops that could be 
 fpaired ware drawn from York & long Island as 
 a reinforfement that all the Britifh horfe except De- 
 lances are in the Jerfys — I hope this is all true I 
 beleve the Varafety of the Man is not to be doubted 
 and that our frinds below fully beleve the report — 
 but my Informant dos not Stop here — he Sais the 
 Refuges cannot be reinforced and now is the time to 
 take them off — for my own part was there a proper 
 garrifon at West Point and it dependencs, I Should 
 prefs your Honnor for leve to make the attempt In 
 Conjuntion with Co\° Shepard and Col°. Miller — 
 but whither the Beeting is So Compleat as reported 
 whither the Troops Said to be drawn off as a rein- 
 forcement may not be now on Board of Tranfports 
 in the Bay, whither the Troops reembarking from 
 
i62 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 Elifabeth Town the whole may not proceed Imme- 
 diately up the river haveing Drawn his Exelency 
 Gen^ Wafhington quite down in to that Quarter are 
 
 Quellions I think ought to be Coniidered and 
 
 whither in cafe of our making the attempt and an 
 accident Should befall us the Confequence might 
 not prove fatal to the pofl of Well Pont — from 
 thefe Confiderations I cannot Importune for leve but 
 if you think proper to ordor it it will gratifie many 
 officers and will be 
 
 Cherfully undertaken by 
 
 Sir your mofl obedient 
 Humble Servent 
 
 RuFus Putnam 
 
 LETTER FROM GEN^ HOWE 
 
 Dear Sir 
 
 I am obliged to you for the informations you give 
 
 me, and hope they are true 1 imagine I shall 
 
 meet official accounts at Kings Ferry where I shall 
 be to day, in order to make some arrangments. If 
 you are at Callaberg and can without inconvenience 
 come to Kings Ferry, I should be glad to speak with 
 you. if you can not come if you send a Person to 
 me I should be glad, as I may have something to do 
 in consequence of the Exprefs I hope to have from 
 Head Quarters, dont come if service will suffer by 
 it if not I should be glad to see you I shall be there 
 and there about until afternoon and shall look for 
 you as soon as posfible if as I said above it is con- 
 venient I am with Respect Dear Sir 
 
 yr most ob serv 
 
 R Howe 
 
 Monnday, June 12* 1780 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 163 
 
 LETTER FROM GEN'' HOWE 
 
 Dear Sir 
 
 The news I have had from Morristown, instead of 
 puting it in my power to act offensively, requires me 
 to Compact my Force — You will therefore retire to 
 Callaberg, or in a situation so much in the Vicinity 
 of West Point — that You can repaire to it upon the 
 
 shortest notice — 
 
 I am Dear Sir Your 
 June 1 2th 80 Obedient Ser^ 
 
 R Howe 
 Colo Putnam 
 
 LETTER [orders] FROM GEN^ HOWE 
 
 Head Quarters i6th June 1780 
 Dear Sir 
 
 The Gen^ directs that you instantly return with 
 the Troops under your Command to your old Can- 
 tonment at the Village ; No Time is to be lost — 
 your most obedient 
 
 W Sargent 
 Aide de Camp 
 
 LETTER TO GEN^ HOWE 
 
 Collabergh June y^ 16'^ 1780 
 Dear General 
 
 Cap* Serjents letter of this day ^ Signifiing your 
 Pleafure that I fhould Return to the Vilage is before 
 me 
 
 I fliall be there before Morning at leaft as far as 
 
 Peeks kill or the Bald Hill except a Scout which 
 
 are below I fhall notifie Col° Miller of my with- 
 drawl — the lafl accounts from Below is that the 
 
 1 Page 163. 
 
164 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 prifoners ware Removed out of the Shugar Houfe 
 on Board of Ship 
 
 the air is clear and no VelTels appear in the River 
 I am Dear Gen yr Humble 
 Serv* 
 
 LETTER FROM GEN*' HOWE 
 
 Head Quarters Highlands 
 June 1 8th 1780 
 Dear Sir — 
 
 The Enemy with some of their Ships are off Fal- 
 lows point, and others lie at Sing-Sing, in their way 
 up they came to, and cannonaded the Shore off Sing- 
 Sing, and its thought Landed men. I would wish 
 you to set out, so as to arrive at or about Collebar- 
 rack by daylight with a small party of Twenty five, 
 or Thirty men in order to make observations and 
 gain Intelligence. — I have directed Col° Miller who 
 is at Crompond to move to Collebarrack, so as to be 
 there about the same time, and have ordered him 
 (without taking notice that you were Detached) in 
 case he fell in with a Superior officer to join him if 
 necefsary, or if with an Inferior officer (not Attached 
 to a Post) to order him to join his command should 
 it be requisite. You will therefore govern yourself 
 accordingly, and not communicate the contents of 
 this letter, you are not to forget that you are to re- 
 pair to this Post whenever it is requisite, and not to 
 leave it so far in your Rear, but that you can be up 
 to it in time. You will acquaint me where you are, 
 and give me the earliest notice of any thing worthy 
 of observation. — 
 
 as Patrolling Parties of Sheldons, Millers, and 
 Banisters [?] may be out, you will be careful no 
 mistake happens. — 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 165 
 
 Should a small Party of Horse of Ten, or Twelve 
 be requisite to you, write to Col. Sheldon at Crom- 
 pond in my name, and they will I doubt not be fur- 
 nished. — 
 N B I am Sir 
 
 I have written to Col° Graton With Respect 
 to detach you, but should he your Most Ob^ Sert 
 be out of the way, you will Rob"^ Howe 
 
 not wait his return, but pro- 
 ceed with the Party agreeable 
 to this order — 
 
 LETTER FROM GEN"^ HOWE 
 
 Head Quarters Highlands 24th June 1780 
 Dear Sir 
 
 The Enemy are Advanceing- in great Force on the 
 West side of the River by Land, and are imbark'd 
 and progrefsing up the River with a considerable 
 Body of Troops in Vefsels — 
 
 Be cautious they do not double you by Water from 
 their Vefsels, or crofs the River when you dont ex- 
 pect it and Surprise you, or cut off your Communi- 
 cation with this Post, to which you are not to forget 
 you are to repair, when your own Observation or 
 Orders from Hence make it necefsary — 
 
 My Intelligence you may depend is Authentic 
 I am Sir with respect and regard 
 Your most Ob^ H Ser* 
 
 Robt Howe 
 Colo Putnam 
 
 LETTER FROM GEN'^ HOWE 
 
 Head Quarters Highlands ist July 1780 
 Dear Sir 
 
 I am exceedingly anxious for very particular rea- 
 sons to have an Exact Account of the situation of 
 
i66 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 the Enemy — and wish you could Employ proper 
 Persons to Obtain it — 
 
 The Orders I have received you need not be told 
 restrains me from Enterprise — but as to any adven- 
 tures of a Day under the Restrictions you mention — 
 I should have no Objections to — though I confefs 
 as the Enemy are in force from Philips's to New 
 Rochelle, I do not discern the Object of it — I wish it 
 was Convenient for you to see me Early Tomorrow 
 Morning as I want to speak to you — 
 I am Dear Sir 
 
 with great Esteem 
 
 Your most Ob'^ H Ser* 
 
 R : Howe 
 
 LETTER TO GEN'' HOWE 
 
 COLLA Bergh July I — 1 780 
 Dear General 
 
 by an officer returned from Scout lafl night and 
 other Intiligence I am informed that the Enimy Some 
 day this week advanced in force by land from New 
 york and are now Encamped haveing there left on 
 the North River one mile above Philips and there 
 right on the Roade from Stephen Wards to E Chef- 
 ter (by this pofition there Right and left wyng is 
 about 5 mile dillent and from the Nature and Sit- 
 tuation of the Country there Camps is Detached or 
 Seperated there left Devition being on Philips Hill 
 between North River and Sawmill River there Cen- 
 ter Divition on Voluntines Hill between Sawmill 
 River and the Brunks there Right Devition between 
 the Brunks and E. Cheller a Sketch of the Country 
 which I gave you will from what I have Said give you 
 a Jufl Idea of there pofition — tis Said and I beleve 
 it to be a fact that a Number of waggon and Sythes 
 for Cuting of Forage Came out yellerday 
 

 1 
 
 1 ^ 
 
 ■••• ■•• I y 
 
 
 
 ,ff'"^^l ? f 
 
 
 
 ^,j^«X^=fe..^" 
 
 A'^'^-,v2^ 
 
 
 POSITION OF TIIK RRITISH AT IM I 1 l.I.l I'S. J L' I.V, 17.S0 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 167 
 
 I think if it be True that A french Fleet is really 
 on there way M"^ Clinton is come out to give his 
 Troops an airing after the fetegue and other Suffering 
 in a Southern Climate and at the Same time has a 
 Difgne to Secure or Dellroy all the Forage in his 
 Power which might otherwife be of advantage to us 
 — and I Should not be Supprized if he attempts A 
 general Ravage of the Country as far as Salem or 
 Danbury 
 
 I am Dear Gen' with Refpect 
 
 your Humble Servent 
 
 RuFus Putnam 
 Gen' Howe 
 
 LETTER TO GEN^ HOWE 
 
 COLLA Bergh July ye 5th 1 780 
 
 Dear General 
 
 A Prifoner is on his way up who calls himfelf 
 Robert Humble Sais he is a Soldier in the Britifh 
 Corps Called the Queens Rangers — was Taken in 
 New Jerfey about a Fortnight ago made his efcape 
 from a guard at Springfield Crofsed at kings Ferry 
 and was taken by my Scouts two days Sence near 
 M"^ Youngs on his way to New york — this may be 
 all true but he appears to me to anfwer very nearly 
 to the Defcription of one of thofe who brook from the 
 Provofl at Fort Put — a few days ago — there is alfo 
 coming on a Deferter from the Yajer Core who came 
 in yellerday 
 
 Lall evening came in Capt Cufhing from below — 
 the Britifh the 3^^ ware Incamped in the Same pofi- 
 tion I wrote you the other Day Viz there Right be- 
 low Stephen Wards at the Fork of the Roade leading 
 from E Chefler to White Plains and Philips there 
 left on the North River one mile above Philips Sir 
 
i68 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 Henry Clintns Quartrs at Philips Houfe — Report 
 Sais they are 8000 or mor and all agree Near all 
 there army except the Proper Garifons are out — 
 there Picket on the North River Roade is at Abra- 
 ham Vinfents two mile advanced and they Patrole 
 as far as Dobs Ferry every Morning either Horfe or 
 Foot and Some tims both that they have about 130 
 Horfe belides Delances Corps that the Shiping are 
 mollly in the Eall River that moll of thofe who lay 
 by Phillips fell down the 3^^ Inllent No Forageing 
 Parties in Front of there line was heard of 
 
 five or Six of the Enimy fired on Some inhabit- 
 ents [?] about one mile from the New bridge y® 2^ 
 and wounded one man badly but not Mortally 
 
 LETTER FROM GEN^ HOWE 
 
 Head Quarters 7^^ July 1780 
 Dear Sir 
 
 Those Ravages you speak of committed by a set 
 of Men who are wicked enough to build their For- 
 tunes on the Ruin of their Fellow Citizens, are you 
 may be afsured Circumstances of infinite Regret & 
 Anxiety to me. — I shall transmit a Copy of your 
 Letter to Governor Clinton, & enforce the Necefsity 
 of his immediate Influence & Exertions, & that is all 
 I can do, without He will call for, & point out a par- 
 ticular Mode of coercion in us — which if he will do 
 (& I will prefs it upon him) shall by me be adopted 
 with Pleasure. — I dislike the Removal of Sheldon's 
 Horse — it was done without my Knowledge, & I 
 shall remand him — I wish to have your Opinion 
 where he had better be, & whether you could not 
 be more advanced without suffering Surprise, & still 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 169 
 
 answering the Purpose of repairing to this Place in 
 Time — 
 
 I am Dear Sir with great Regard 
 your most obedient 
 
 R Howe — 
 
 This Letter was wrote before the Receipt of yours 
 by the Serjeant of your Detachment — the Gen' will 
 answer it fully to Morrow or next Day — 
 
 W Sargent — 
 
 LETTER TO GEN'' HOWE 
 
 Crom pond July ye 7th 1 780 De La Vans 
 Dear General 
 
 Haveing ben Informed by the people of Crompond 
 that Col° Sheldin had moved five or Six mile in the 
 rear of Cap^ De La Vans [?] (haveing Detached Cap* 
 Cufhing with his Company to North Caftle to Joyne 
 Cap* Sacket agreable to what was proposed when I 
 Saw you lafl) I Marched to this place yefterday Morn- 
 ing and as the Shiping are Hailed Round into the 
 Eafl River I Shall not return to Colla Bergh with out 
 you ordor or a movement of the Enimy make it 
 necelTary and while the Enemy continue there Ship- 
 ing in the Eall River I think that cannot happen 
 
 I Send you a Black who calls him Self Robert 
 Sais he belongs to Col° Moyland was taken Prifoner 
 last fall and now Diferted the British but Cap* Gush- 
 ing who took him up Sais he is Supposed to have 
 Diferted Moyland lail fall and came up now with 
 foure other on a Plundering match 
 
 I am with the highefl efleme 
 
 you Humble Serv* 
 
 R P 
 Gen' Howe 
 
I70 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 Crompond July ye 9th 1 780 
 Dear General 
 
 Major Horton is Returned from the Enimys lins 
 where he went with a Flag he was Clolly confined 
 the whole time he was there and got Very little In- 
 tiligenc the Sittuation of the Enimys Incampment 
 is the Same we have ben Heretofore Informed his 
 opinion from good informati(9n makes the Britifh 
 Horse Including Delances Core 400 — I cannot learn 
 any Sertainty of the Shiping being in the Eall River 
 — an officer of mine whome I Sent to Afertain that 
 matter is Jull Returned and Reports He could Dis- 
 covr none which he could not fail of doing had they 
 Lain at White Stone the ufiial place of randezsvos 
 when on there eallern Enterprize — but they might 
 have lain between Hell gate and Hunts Point — or 
 prehaps they may be between Hell gate and New 
 york — the High lands, between Cloller and Fort 
 Lee on the Weft Side the River is the beft place for 
 a look out of this kind 
 
 You favor of the 7*^ Inftn* ^ came to hand laft even- 
 ing I have now 4 days provition on hand and Shall 
 this night Crofs the Croton tomorrow night be at 
 Colla Bergh and the 4*^ day back to this Quarter In 
 this Toure I Shall be able to aquant my Self better 
 with refpect to the forage and other Ideas Sugefted 
 in you letter then at prefent I am — by Tuesday you 
 may expect to here from me again 
 
 I am Informed the Pay Masters have recv*^. Cloath- 
 ing for there refpective regiments I fhould be ex- 
 ceeding glad thofe gentelmen might be ordored to 
 Forward the proportion belonging to this Detachment 
 
 1 Page 168. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 171 
 
 to Cola Berg-h or Crompond on the 14*'' Inflent or on 
 any other day or place you Shall think proper and 
 I will be at the place with the Detachment the men 
 here are in much Want Some of the Pay Mailers 
 have wrote to have the men Sent up this cannot be 
 with out Injury to the Line 
 
 LETTER FROM GEN"- HOWE 
 
 Head Quarters Highlands 
 
 13th July 1780 
 
 Dear Sir — 
 
 Inclin'd as I have been and always shall be to an- 
 swer your letters, it has not been in my power untill 
 this moment, which I Embrace to do my Self that 
 pleasure, and now have scarce time to say five Words 
 
 I knew not of the manouvers of the Horse untill 
 some days after it was made and Disliking the Post 
 they took, directed Col° Sheldon to alter it — I will 
 now order him to Act with you — 
 
 I approve the movements you have made, and 
 shall have no Objections to any future ones you find 
 is Consistant with Prudence and Service to make, 
 always however holding in mind your Relation to 
 this Post, as has been before Set forth — 
 
 I want much to learn the Situation of the Enemy, 
 and to know if any Partizan Stroke could be made 
 where the Benefit would warrant the Risque — I 
 am laying my self out for this Purpose on both Sides 
 of the River, and should be glad you would do the 
 Same, and lay your intelligence before me. Very 
 discreet Sensible as well as Confidential Persons 
 should be imploy'd upon this Occasion, or ill Con- 
 siquenc's may Ensue — 
 
 I beg your Pardon for forgetting untill this mo- 
 ment what you requested about the Clothing — I 
 
172 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 have been in such hurry and Confusion that it in- 
 tirely SHpt my Memory — I hope no inconvenience 
 has happen' d, let me know the Clothing, and if I 
 can Still serve you in it, for I observe the Day you 
 appointed is too near now — 
 I am Dear Sir 
 
 with great Regard 
 
 Your most Ob'^ Ser* 
 
 LETTER TO GEN'' HOWE 
 
 Crom Pond July ye 14th 1780 
 
 Dear General 
 
 I mull once more Intreat that the Pay Mailers be 
 obliged to forward Cloathing to the Troops at Crom- 
 pond or that the men may be releved by thofe who 
 have Shos &*= — by Mens time Expiring by Some 
 being allowed to go to there Regn** to git cloathing 
 and not returning nor any in there room the conti- 
 nantal Troops now on the lins (except Cap* Cufhing 
 Company of which I have no late returns but from 
 the lail it cannot be above 50) is reduced to 163 non- 
 commiffioned officers & Privets foure of thefe from 
 the New Hampfhire line diferted lall night, from the 
 Infpection which I made (perfonally) yeflerday, 73 
 of thefe have no Shoes or Shuch as are very little 
 better than none many of them have only a Single 
 ragged Shirt to there back and Some have none at 
 all 
 
 the men of the MalTachufetts line know the Pay 
 Maflers have Drawn Cloathing very lately they are 
 Conllantly makeing application to come up for the 
 Purpos of giting Some — this mode I cannot by any 
 means think proper or Confistent with the Service 
 efpecially while our number on the lines are So Small 
 — in our prefent Sittuation we cannot under take 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 173 
 
 any more night marches nor are we in a Sittuation 
 
 to act offencively or Defencively in this Ruff country 
 
 the mens feet being very lame already for want of 
 
 Shoes 
 
 I am Dear Sir with 
 
 refpect you Hum 
 
 Ser^ 
 
 RuFus Putnam 
 Gen^ Howe 
 
 LETTER FROM GEN*- HOWE 
 
 Head Quarters Highlands i6th July 1780 
 Sir 
 
 You will please grant a Flag to carry down Phebe 
 
 Langdon and Hannah Vincent with seven children 
 
 and two waggons & Drivers with their Bedding & 
 
 wearing Apparel to the Enemy's Lines if you do not 
 
 like the Drivers get some you can Depend upon I 
 
 am Sir with Respect 
 
 Your most ob* Serv* 
 
 R Howe 
 
 LETTER TO GEN'' HOWE 
 
 Joseph Griffens House near Croton River July 21st 1780 
 
 Dear General 
 
 there being no Cloathing yet arrived from the 
 Point for the Troops in this detachement I have Sent 
 up 36 Rank & file under the Command of Cap* Sat- 
 well [?] who are So deftitute of Shoes — Shirts or 
 Bothe that Polify leafl they Should Difert the Service 
 as well as Humanity forbid there being keept on the 
 lines any longer — only 123 Rank & file of Col° 
 Millirs detachment are now left Capt Williams with 
 35 of Nixons Brigade who ware detached when I came 
 down are Still with Capt Sacket in North Callle which 
 
174 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 I conlider as doing efintial Service in covering that 
 part of the Country 
 
 a party of Horfe and foot of 3 or 400 of the Enimy 
 have ben up this week with in Six mile of Pins 
 Bridge ; it has ben Reported they ware repairing the 
 Roads from Eafl Chefter to New Rochell lall night 
 it was Reported they ware Retired beyond kings 
 bridge 
 
 L* Fuller has ben out 5 days for the purpos of 
 finding out the Sittuation of the Enimys guards, Pa- 
 trolls &*= I expect him to night whenever he comes 
 I Shall be in Some Mefure to comply with your re- 
 quest of the 13*^ inll"* ^ 
 
 I am with the Highell Refpect 
 You Humble Ser* 
 
 RuFus Putnam 
 Gen^ Howe 
 
 LETTER TO GEN'' HOWE 
 
 Griffins House nere Croton July 22d 1780 
 Dear Gen^ 
 
 L* Fuller is not yet Returned but by one of the 
 guids Sent up laft night I am Informed from a per- 
 fon below Tarry Town of good authority that Ad- 
 miral Graves is arrived with 6 or 7 Ships of the line 
 Some reported they ware 11. but it was beleved he 
 brough no Troops althoe Reported by the Torys he 
 had ten Thoufand land force with him that the brit- 
 ifh Troops appeared to be in motion as Reported to 
 return toward New york or on Some Expidition and 
 Rhode Ifland was mentioned that Sir Henry Clinton 
 went off a few nights ago at Midnight to New york 
 that Mofl of the Gen^ and field officers had lately ben 
 down to York and twas Said on a Councill of War 
 
 1 Page 171. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 175 
 
 My Intiligence from the Saw pitts Rec'^ this Morning 
 Sais the common Report was that Admirael Graves 
 was arrived with 7 Ships of the line and an Expidi- 
 tion was forming againfl Rhode Illand — A diferter 
 from the Anfpachers Jufl come in Sais the whole 
 Britilh Army Moved toward kings Bridge yeflerday 
 Morning at 9 oClock and twas Said they ware going 
 to Long Illand or Rhode Ifland and Some Said to 
 Philidelpha 
 
 I am not Fond of Conjecturing but if its true that 
 Admiral Graves is arrived I think Rhode Island is 
 proverbely the objects of there prefent movements 
 
 Col° Graton by letter Haveing Informed me that 
 it was your ordors to Send up the men on my detach- 
 ment who belonged to the Light Infentry Companys 
 of the Lt Brigade I was under the Neceffity of recall- 
 ing Capt William from North Caflle leveing only 
 Cap* Sacket in that Quarter by deducting thefe and 
 5 naked men Sent off today our whole detachment 
 except Capt Sackets Company Confifls of Cap*^ 3 
 Subs 7 Ser* 14 rank & file 134 and Several of thefe 
 are fo naked they muft be Sent up in a day or two 
 befides there is a much greater propotion of thefe 
 from Nixons Brigade then any other being left by 
 me at Collabergh when the Brigade was down and 
 brough down with me When I Joyned Col° Miller 
 of my retaining thefe Col° Graton Complains ; it is 
 equel with me what men I command but with out 
 your ordors I cannot think my Self authorifed to 
 fend them up 
 
 as the Command is now very Small and prehaps 
 you may think proper to releve the whole detach- 
 ment very foon or at left to ogment the numbers be- 
 fore it will be though proper to move lower down 
 I Shall be exceeding glad of leve of Abfence for 
 
176 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 five or Six days to Settle Some bulinef at Fredricks 
 burgh with the purchefing Commefary which cannot 
 be So well don after the prefent month ; Col° Millir 
 remaining with the datachment in the mean time 
 
 LETTER TO GEN"- HOWE 
 
 Devenports House two miles from Pins Bridge 
 
 July ye 23d 1780 
 
 Dear Genl 
 
 by L* Holden who left the White plains this morn- 
 ing I am Informed that he was told by a woman 
 from Eall chefter the Right Wyng of the Britiih Army 
 Struck tents yefterday Morning and She was told by 
 the Inhabitent they ware going to Long Island — 
 
 I beleve it Beyond doubt they have decampd but 
 where gon unfertain a party to gain Intiligence [?] 
 gos down to night 
 
 LETTER FROM GEN'' HOWE 
 
 Head Quarters Highlands 
 25'h July 1780 
 
 Dear Sir 
 
 I have been ingaged in such a seen of Hurry that 
 I have not had a moment to Drop you a line till 
 now — Lieu* Col° Hull with one Hundred and Fifty 
 men will Reinforce you tomorrow, it would be well 
 to Appoint to what Place he must repair — When he 
 arrives you may return the men you have with you 
 to their several Regiments for tho' I call it in Orders 
 a Reinforcement I mean it a Relief — you will if no- 
 thing happens below to forbid it make the Excursion 
 you Mention but you will I hope be as Expeditious 
 as pofsible in your return, as for particular Reasons 
 I would not wish you to be long Absent — I have 
 had from tolerable good Agints, information that the 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 177 
 
 Enimy Meditate an Enterprize Either against you or 
 Sheldon or both, I rather think against him ; I would 
 have you take Measures to be secure yourself, and 
 to secure him from Surprise, for if they do Act it will 
 be Rapidly and in pretty good Force, so that you 
 should be prepared to Retreat, or Act as prudence 
 and the good of the Service Points out — 
 
 I should be glad to see you when it is Conven- 
 ient — 
 
 I am Dear Sir 
 
 with Regard and Respect 
 Your most Ob'^ Ser* 
 
 R Howe 
 
 PSA Company of fifty men under Captain Ste- 
 vens of the new Levies are to join Captain Sacket on 
 the Lines & be under your command you will when 
 they join him order your Commifsary to Ifsue to them 
 Provisions in the mean time they will Draw from 
 Sheldons Commifsary when you serve them order 
 the other to cease 
 
 LETTER TO GEN*- HOWE 
 
 Davenports House July ye 25th 1780 
 Dear General 
 
 from a perfon below who may be depended on my 
 Intiligence is that three or foure Britifh & Hefiian 
 Regiments Embarked at Philips lafl Friday fell Im- 
 mediately down to the Hook and its Said went out 
 to Sea with Admirael graves who its Commonly re- 
 ported is gon to Rhode Island with the Six Ships of 
 the line he brough with him and two others which 
 was in — that a Number of Troops have Emparked 
 at Frogs Neck and Crofsed to long Island tis Said for 
 the purpes of Bringing the Stock from the eall End 
 
178 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 of the Island (but there number or Corps is not known) 
 Some alfo remained there when the others Crofsed 
 which from Some other accont mull be on Saturday) 
 That the yanjer Core is Incamped between m"^ 
 Cortlandts and kings Bridge, the Reft of the Brit- 
 ifti that moved down from Voluntins Hill & are 
 Incamped haveing there left nere Fort Independ- 
 ence and the Right towards the Britifh Redoubt 
 Number 8 — this was there polition yefterday at 12 
 oClock M. — 
 
 GENL MCDOUGALL'S MINUTES TO COMMITTEE 
 
 OF CONGRESS. 
 
 Notes Delivered by Major Genl McDougall to the Committee of 
 Congrefs appointed to confere with him in august 1780 Containing 
 the Substance of two Memorials of the General officers in behalf 
 of them Selves and the officers of the Army ^ 
 
 First — The General officers complain that their 
 pay was not advanced when that of the other officers 
 of the army was increased 50 p Cent from the first of 
 January 1777 — that it was not at any Time equel 
 to their Rank considering the expencies they are 
 Exposed to, and more Efpecially for Some time past 
 as all Foreign articels they want for them felves and 
 families have ben double and now are Treble the price 
 they ware at the commencement of the War, and the 
 Produce of the Country double the old price. So that 
 their pay if it had ben paid to them in Gold and Silver 
 would not be equel to half pay in 1776, even if it is 
 advanced from the i of January 1777 50 p Cent ; and 
 that their pay advanced 50 p Cent would not be equil 
 to half the pay and Emoluments of a Collonel in the 
 Enimes Service 
 
 1 The original is in Rufus Putnam's script. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 179 
 
 A Major Generals Pay now 166 Dollars advanced 
 50 p cent it will be 249- The first will not Purchafe 
 them more then the vallu of 55 ^ dollars the Second 
 but 83 dollars, Suppofeing it paid in Gold and Sil- 
 ver, as the Cittizens draw it from them for lefs then 
 half its vallu for their produce & Marchandize. Hence 
 it is clear on the most Moderate Calculation that the 
 Cittizens of America pay the army but half pay for 
 their Services, the General officers therfore think 
 that the prefent pay if advanced 50 p Cent from the 
 time aforefaid will not with the Rations alowed ena- 
 ble them to keep a Sutable table for their Rank & the 
 Honnor of their Country Efpecially when Serveing 
 with Forreign Troops — 
 
 2^ ^ The half pay is Clogged with Such Conditions 
 that the General officers cannot recive it becaufe 
 that they are Disfranchised by the Refolution which 
 grants it, as it ceafes if they hold any office of Profit 
 from the United States or either of them. However 
 Small or incompetant the Salery of Such office may 
 be for their Support. Befides they Say this half Pay 
 is given for past or future Servis. if for Past why 
 Should it debar them from the profit of any office 
 they may be called too by their fellow Cittizens when 
 it is expected they will do the duty of Such office, if 
 the half pay is intended for future Services or to hold 
 them engaged in their profesfion to the Community 
 it is incompetent for their Support when Clogged with 
 that Condition, thefe objections are raised by all 
 the Commifsioned officers of the line, befides thofe 
 objections the General officers add that they cannot 
 recive it without Dishonnoring themfelves as none of 
 them are to have but the Half pay of Colonels — they 
 are not Colonels in any refpect nor do they recive 
 the emoluments of Regiments which General officers 
 
i8o OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 do in foreign Services, thus degraded when they re- 
 turn to Civel life they are Subject to Expences from 
 the Connections & Acquaintence which Unavoidably 
 ware created by the Service & without Means pro- 
 potionate to other officers to defray it The officers 
 of the Eaflern States do not Contend for half pay if 
 they git Some equivelent in grofs at the Close of the 
 war as a reward for past Services to put them in bufi- 
 nefs as well as Compensation for lofs of time — this 
 they think is Just as their pay now, for the reafons 
 above afigned is not equel to half Pay althoe they 
 have recived Compenfation for Depretiation 
 
 ^diy 'pj^g officers of thofe States whofe Leglifhla- 
 tures have made a future provifion for them of half 
 pay claim the Depretiation of their pay for the reafon 
 above mentioned Viz that if paid in Gold or Silver 
 is but half pay. and on pay in General make this 
 Reflection, that if the War lafl Seven years and they 
 Should recive Seven years half pay it will be but 
 Seven years whole pay — as the Cittizens will have 
 recived the pay of the army for the War for half the 
 Quantety of Produce and Marchendize their pay 
 would have purchesed when the army was Raifed in 
 1776 & 1777 
 
 ^th ly js^[i ^YiQ officers of the lines of the different 
 States think it reafonable that a decent provifion 
 Should be made for the wives & children till of age 
 of Such of them as May die or be Slain in the Service, 
 and not be exposed to indigence or want or call on 
 the Parifh for a mean Subsistence, and they See with 
 inexprefable concearn the Families of officers of all 
 Ranks who have died or have ben Slain now Exposed 
 to thofe distrefses Still Unnoticed and Unprovided 
 for — 
 
 The Survivers antifipate the Calamaties that await 
 their owne in cafe they meet the like Misfortune — 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE i8i 
 
 ^th ly ^ Ration is incompetent for the decent Sub- 
 fistence of an officer elpecially a Field officer who in 
 attention to the Service is often obliged to entertain 
 officers of his own Rank and thofe who are Inferiour, 
 and the Subsistence money allowed for the retained 
 Rations will not purches a third of a Ration in the 
 Vicinety of Camp Therefore no reafonable allowance 
 for the Retained Rations will enable the officers to 
 live in proper Carracter among each other or the 
 Strangers [?] who Come into Camp and thefe Defi- 
 quelties will greatly increafe when the Army drawes 
 Near Newyork where the Country is laid waist or 
 where the People refuse paper money, as is the Cafe 
 in the lower parts of Weft Chefler County and the 
 like will take place on Long Island, to remedy thofe 
 Evils the officers Connected with Corps Should be 
 alowed to draw the whole of their Rations, but if the 
 Stock of Provilions wont admit of it at least the fol- 
 lowing Number of their Rations, and all the officers 
 paid the full Vallu of the Retained ones Viz Col° three 
 L* Colo three Major two — this may inable them to 
 Rub throug the Campaign in Some Decency as to 
 provifion, otherwife they mufl each eat his Morfel in 
 an Unfocial Maner & which will render them Con- 
 temptable to them Selves and to Strangers for paper 
 Money will not purches Neceffaries in the Places I 
 have mentioned 
 
 Lastly the officer are of opinion that they have 
 a Just Claim on their Country for a decent Subfist- 
 ence for them Selves and their families according to 
 their refpective Ranks while they are fighting her 
 Battels and when the hapy Hour of peace arrives 
 that they are Intiteled to Some reward for their Toils 
 and lost time and not to be marked out to their 
 Country men or her Enemies as Confpicious Beg- 
 
i82 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 grers — Further that as the Contefl is for property as 
 well as for Liberty & Empire they have a Just 
 Clame on the Community for a part of that which 
 they Protect for it, and that there are Lands of the 
 Crown and Trators which will far Surpafs any Com- 
 penfation which the Army wilh or afk for with out 
 iDreaking in upon privet property 
 
 APOINTMENT OF BRIGADE 
 
 West Point January 8th 1781 
 Sir 
 
 Whereas, at a meeting of the Officers of the first 
 Mafsachufetts Brigade, on the 15*^ of Dec : 1780, You 
 was chose to Represent the Brigade in a general 
 committee of the Mafsachusetts line, for the pupose 
 of fettling with the ftate, the amount of the arears 
 due the Officers and soldiers of that line on account 
 of the Depreciation of the currency, for the year 
 1780. Also to revise and conclude any other matters 
 respecting the ballance due the Officers and foldiers 
 on account of the Depreciation previous to the first 
 of January 1 780, which yet remains unfettled. This is 
 therefore to defire you to proceed to Bollon as foon 
 as pofsible, where you will be joined by a committee 
 from the other Brigades, as aforesaid. 
 
 In your proceedings in the said buifinefs, you will 
 be governed by fuch Inllructions as fhall be given 
 you by the whole line so far as they extend, and in 
 all other matters according to the best of your un- 
 derstanding. 
 
 In the Name, and by order of the Meeting 
 
 J. Greaton CoP I President 
 Col: RuFus Putnam. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 183 
 
 gen'- heaths letter 
 
 SiNGSING Augst 22nd 1 78 1 
 
 Dear Sir 
 
 I am this moment informed that Eight or nine 
 Barrels of Flour, private property belonging to a 
 Baker of the 2"*^ Connecticut Brigade was left at our 
 late Encampment, at a place in the rear of the 2'^'^ 
 Brigade If you think it practicable to get it off I 
 refer it to your consideration, the Flour will be use- 
 full for your detachment and prevent its falling into 
 the hands of the Enemy. The best mode of geting 
 the Flour off I leave to your own good Judgment. 
 I am with great regard 
 Dear Sir 
 
 your obed* Serv* 
 
 W Heath 
 Colo Putnam 
 
 N B — There were Sixteen Barrels of Flour left as 
 within mentioned & they were in the wood (care- 
 lefsly covered over) in the front of the faid Brigade 
 & not in the Rear — 
 
 gen'' heaths letter 
 
 Head Quarters Peeks kill augst 24th 1781 
 Dear Sir 
 
 Your favor p"" M"" Myrick, and the one by the sol- 
 dier who escorted the Deferter from Uphams Corps, 
 came duly to hand. The D Q M G will furnifh M'' 
 Myrick, with such articles requested by you, as he 
 has at Command. I am sorry they are far short of 
 your wants and wishes, hope it will soon be in his 
 power to afford you an ample supply. — I think the 
 mode of acting with your Corps, which you propose 
 a good one. Your knowledge of service, of the 
 
i84 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 Country in which you are to act, and known Pru- 
 dence induce me to repose a Discretionary Liberty 
 of acting to you. — I wish your movements may be 
 such as to leave no avenue open on your Flanks, 
 whereby the Enemy may pafs you unperceived and 
 strike the advance Pickets of this army, please en- 
 deavour to obtain all the Intelligence in your power, 
 and the news papers when it can be effected. 
 I am with very great regard 
 Dear Sir 
 
 Your obed* serv* 
 
 W Heath 
 MGeni 
 Colonel Putnam 
 
 Head quarters, Peeks kill, August 27. 1781. 
 
 Dear Sir 
 
 Your favor of the 25. with the cow-thieves, arrived 
 safe — I hope you will be able to hunt out that ne- 
 farious enemy — It is probable they will be active in 
 their fkulking, thieving way, and from the fituation 
 of the country it will be impofsible to rellrain them. 
 
 I will give orders that a quantity of hard bread and 
 faked meat be procured for the detachments — which 
 is efsentially necefsary. 
 
 With refpect to the cattle, grain and forage be- 
 low — whatever is taken, fhould be done by the 
 flate agent, or fome of his Afsiftants, one of whom 
 has generally attended the troops on the lines — He 
 will follow the inllructions given him by his Principal 
 as to the mode of certificates or payment. The afsift- 
 ants have generally taken from the inhabitants such 
 part of their grain, &c. as they have judged might 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 185 
 
 be fpared, leaving a fufficiency for the support of 
 their families — They will I suppofe continue in this 
 way. You will not take yourself, but where necefsity 
 compels, which will be the cafe in your difTerent ex- 
 curfions — And in this cafe, an officer of humanity 
 will diflrefs individuals, although enemies, as little 
 as pofsible. The defign of your command is to gain 
 intelligence of the movements of the enemy, and to 
 check their excurfions where it is practicable, — to 
 communicate such intelligence as you may obtain — 
 and, as far as pofsible, afford protection to the coun- 
 try. You are not sent out to collect grain, or threfh 
 it, or as foragers — although you are to cover both 
 as far as is in your power, fhould parties be fent out 
 for that purpofe — And in cafes where you can afsift 
 in getting off grain or forage, the service will be pro- 
 moted by your lending a hand for that purpofe ; but 
 you are by no means to entangle or encumber your- 
 self — you are at all times to be light, and move with 
 as much celerity as pofsible. 
 
 I wish it was in my power to order you some rum. 
 We have not had a drop fmce our arrival here, nor 
 is there any in flore. A quantity is expected — when 
 it arrives, you fhall not be forgotten. We fhall have 
 ample supplies of flour — Your Commifsary must 
 settle some effectual way for enfuring you a conflant 
 supply. 
 
 I think colonels Worm and Delancy will endeavor 
 to give you a blow — I will venture you with both 
 of them, both in point of policy or bravery. If your 
 numbers are not sufficient you fhall have a reinforce- 
 ment. 
 
 Spare no pains to get intelligence and the news 
 papers — We have no news here except reports that 
 
i86 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 a large fleet was feen on their way from the Wefl 
 indies to the continent. 
 
 I am with great regard, 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 Your obed. fervant 
 
 W Heath 
 M General 
 Colonel Putnam 
 
 GENERAL HEATHS LETTER 
 
 Head quarters, Peeks kill, Aug. 30, 1781. 
 My dear Sir, 
 
 Your favor of the 27. came to hand. I fee you. 
 Colonels Wormb and Delancy are manceuvring for 
 the wind, and I expect foon to hear you have had an 
 engagement. I hope you will fink, blow up, or take 
 the whole of them. However, act with caution and 
 policy. I know they dare not fight you unlefs they 
 can gain fome advantage of numbers or fituation — 
 and fuch, I am fure you will not give them. 
 
 I have ifsued orders that your detachment be kept 
 at all times complete by fupplying the places of such 
 as fall fick, &c. 
 
 This evening about forty teams will move down 
 to the new bridge, covered by about two hundred 
 and fifty rank and file, properly officered, and early to 
 morrow morning move down and forage near Stiver- 
 sons weft of Young's. I wifli you to make such move- 
 ments with your detachment as will feafonably and 
 moll effectually cover the foragers, & fecure all the 
 avenues in front. 
 
 Colonel Greaton will command the foragers. I wifh 
 you to fend him any advice you may think necef- 
 sary. 
 
 I repeat my requell that you will use every en- 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 187 
 
 deavor to obtain intelligence, the news-papers, &c. 
 and communicate them to me. 
 
 I am with great regard 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 Your obed* Serv* 
 
 W Heath 
 P. S. Two men of your detachment M Gen^ 
 
 by the names of Hymen Cool and 
 Ephraim Thomas, of the 4 regiment 
 are wanted as witnefses on a trial 
 now before a court martial — 
 Please send them up — they fhall 
 be ordered down again — 
 
 W H 
 
 GENERAL HEATHS LETTER 
 
 Head quarters, Peeks kill, Aug. 30: 1781. 
 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 Your favor of the 28. by major Trefcot was put 
 into my hand this morning — 
 
 The major is gone to the commifsary to obtain 
 some hard bread if pofsible — We have now a plenty 
 of flour, and your commifsary may obtain whatever 
 may be necefsary — If the hard bread cannot be 
 obtained now, it may be in a fhort time. 
 
 I am fully in fentiment with you refpecting the flags 
 which come up from the enemy — and I wifh you to 
 communicate to the enemy's out pofls, that their flags 
 are to come up on the Tarry town road only, and on 
 that road to the new bridge, or the advance guard 
 near the new bridge. 
 
 I think one light field piece fufficient for your de- 
 tachment. Captain Kemper cannot be indulged with 
 another. I am forry his command, in his opinion, is 
 not equal to his rank — but it is a misfortune to 
 
i88 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 which, in the present ilate of our army, officers of all 
 ranks are obliged to fubmit. 
 
 I am with very great regard 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 Your obedient fervant 
 W Heath 
 M General 
 Colonel Putnam 
 
 Head Quarters Peeks Kill Sep"- 2d 1781 
 Dear Sir 
 
 I have just obtained intelligence that a packett of 
 dispatches is on its way from Canada to New York. 
 The Bearer is a young man, shabbily cloathed, blue 
 eyes, fandy complexion, with short red hair. — It is 
 probable the dispatches may be shifted into other 
 hands. — I wish you to be very carefull, and enjoy n 
 on all your parties, to be critical in observeing and 
 examining all persons, who may be pafsing & detain 
 and convoy to you for further examination all such 
 persons as exhibit marks of being suspicious Char- 
 acters. — 
 
 I am with great regard 
 Dear Sir 
 
 Your Obed* Serv* 
 
 W Heath 
 M General 
 Colonel Putnam 
 
 gen'' heaths letter 
 Head Quarters Peeks Kill Sept 7 1781 
 Dear Sir 
 
 The Army will make a forrage tomorrow morning 
 in the neighbourhood of North Castle — Please to 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 189 
 
 make a disposition of your Detachment in such 
 manner as to cover the Forragers — the command 
 will be with you — 
 
 I am with great regard 
 Dear Sir 
 
 Your Obed* Serv* 
 
 W Heath 
 M General 
 The French fleet have 
 arrived in the Cheasapeak 
 and blocked up the Enemy — 
 
 W H 
 Colonel Putnam 
 
 GENERAL HEATHS LETTER 
 
 Head Quarters Peeks kill Sep' 8'^ 1781 
 Dear Sir 
 
 Your favor of the 7^^ Inst come to hand with the 
 prifoners Cow Boys &^ I have had a converfation 
 with Major Tallmadge respecting them. Your De- 
 tachment shall soon receive a reinforcment. 
 
 Both Cap* Richards and M"" Myrick must have 
 Joined you before this time. 
 
 I am with very great regard 
 Dear Sir 
 
 your obed* Serv* 
 
 W Heath 
 M General 
 Colonel Putnam 
 
 GEN*- HEATHS LETTER 
 
 Head Quarters Peekskill Sep« lo'h, 1781 
 Dear Sir 
 
 Should the Enemy at any time, advance in Force 
 that affords grounds to apprehend a defign against 
 
I90 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 the Posts in the Highlands, either by Land, or water, 
 you will move up with your detachment in such 
 manner, as to prevent the Enemy from cuting off 
 the Communication between you the army and Posts 
 in the Highlands. In such case you will bring off 
 any Guards or Pickets you find in your way, and 
 send detachments to drive back all Public Cattle and 
 Horfes in the vicinity of Crompond &^ towards Fred- 
 ricksburgh, and direct the Inhabitants should such 
 an event happen, to do the same. This you will 
 keep to yourself, it is a precaution, that should be 
 thought of, if never put in execution. 
 
 Your Opinion of M"" Clinton is verified, it is said 
 he is raveing, and that all is hurry and confusion 
 in New York, — all appearances indicate a capital 
 movement, — keep a sharp look out, we shall be 
 ready for them at all points. 
 
 I am with great regard 
 Dear Sir 
 
 your Obedient Servant 
 
 W Heath 
 M General 
 CoP Putnam. 
 
 GEN^ HEATHS LETTER 
 
 Head quarters. Peeks kill, Sept. lo. 1781. 
 Dear Sir. 
 
 Your favor of yellerday came fafe to hand. An- 
 other forage will be made tomorrow morning — 
 Pleafe order your detachment accordingly 
 
 Your opinion of M*^ Clinton I think is jull, but after 
 all his raving and flourifhing I trufl the trap is llrong 
 enough to hold him — We have only to guard againfl 
 his fcratching in his expiring agonies. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 191 
 
 I have not obtained a fingle word officially of the 
 enemy's conduct at New London, or even of their 
 landing there, from any perfon in authority in the 
 Hate — And I think there is every reafon to fuppofe 
 that 30 fail of vefsels you mention to have pafsed 
 towards New York the evening of the 7*'' were the 
 freebooters. It feems impofsible that the gentleman 
 who left Fairfield the morning of the 8*^' fhould know 
 that the enemy were Hill at New London the evening 
 of the 7^^ The diftance between Fairfield and New 
 London forbids it — I wifh therefore, unlefs you have 
 obtained fome other certain intelligence of the enemy's 
 being at New London or at fome other place in the 
 Sound on the Connecticut fhore, that you will imme- 
 diately on receipt hereof fend an exprefs to the de- 
 tachment to return and join you — It may be well 
 for them to do it by the time of the forage — Nothing 
 new fince yeflerday. 
 
 I am with great regard 
 Dear Sir 
 Your obed Serv* 
 
 W Heath 
 M General 
 
 P. S. Since writing the above, I have received infor- 
 mation that Gen^ Clinton is collecting all the force in 
 his power, and that the troops are embarking — The 
 conjectures concerning their defigns are various. The 
 intended forage will probably be delayed tomorrow 
 — But you will pleafe immediately to take the mea- 
 fures mentioned refpecting the detachment fent from 
 you. 
 
 W H 
 Colonel Putnam 
 
192 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 generl heaths letter 
 
 Head quarters, Peeks kill, Sept. ii. 1781. 
 Dear Sir. 
 
 Your favor of yellerday came to hand the lall 
 evening. M' Stevens the Deputy Commifsary of 
 Ifsues was abfent the laft evening, will return to day, 
 when meafures will be taken to fecure your Com- 
 mifsary. 
 
 M"" Bonton's [?] conduct in refufmg to take charge 
 of the ftores (at leafl until the principal of his depart- 
 ment could appoint fome perfon of his department 
 to take them) is highly reprehenfible. Such conduct 
 at particular times may occafion great lofs to the pub- 
 lic, as well as injury to the fervice. I gave M"" Bonton 
 my opinion very clofely lafl night on the fubject. 
 
 The army will this day remove to Bald hill for the 
 advantage of a more compact encampment, and hav- 
 ing it in our power effectually to cover Well point, 
 and make detachments to fuch other places as may 
 require them. 
 
 I wifh you immediately to eflablifh fome certain 
 mode of conftant intelligence from the Sound, and of 
 what pafses there. — This may be done by forming a 
 chain with general Waterbury. My views in this, are 
 to obtain the earlieft notice of any movements of the 
 enemy's fhipping to deftroy the fea-ports — and in 
 cafe of fuch movements at any time, I wifh you to 
 detach a part of your force towards fuch places as are 
 threatened, without waiting orders from me for the 
 purpofe. But in fuch cafe, fend me inftant notice of 
 your having made detachment, that meafures may 
 be taken to fupport you. A detachment of about 
 one hundred men will be fent to join you today, lefl 
 Major Tallmadge fhould not have returned. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 193 
 
 If pofsible, let me know whether the enemy's Ihip- 
 ping are yet in the Sound, or returned. 
 I am with great regard 
 Dear Sir 
 
 Your obed* Serv* 
 
 W Heath 
 M General 
 Colonel Putnam 
 
 GEN*- HEATHS LETTER 
 
 Head Quarters Peeks Kill Sepf ii'h 1781 
 Dear Sir 
 
 Your favor of the 10^ per Cap* Post, is just 
 come to hand. I am much obliged by the intelligence 
 you have communicated, it is not improbable that 
 Worm & Delancey, perhaps aided by some other 
 Troops mean to make a movement towards you, or 
 for a grand forrage, & driveing of Cattle from the 
 Town on the Sound — It is said that there about 300 
 light horse with the Enemy at New London. I do 
 not see how this can be pofsible, unlefs the 1 7^ Dra- 
 goons who were some time since on Long Island, 
 were sent on the expedition ; of this Colonel Sheldon 
 can probably form a good judgement — If the 17*^ 
 were sent they may on their return, be landed at 
 West Chester, & join Worm & Delancey ; or they 
 may be brought from Long Island — Their force 
 united will render them, I apprehend, superior to 
 Col° Sheldon, which will point it a peace of policy in 
 him to act with suitable precaution in case the enemy 
 move out. It may be their plan to amuse and draw 
 you down, & if polsefsed of a superiority in horse, 
 endeavour to turn your Flank and cut off your retreat. 
 — I think therefore if you act below Croton under 
 such a view you will act with the greatest liberty 
 
194 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 towards the left, avoid haveing your left turned, while 
 you are circumscribed on the right by the Hudson, 
 where they may also by the use of boats throw Troops 
 in your rear: But from the knowledge which you. 
 Colonel Sheldon, & Major Talmadge have of the 
 Country & probable movements of the Enemy you 
 are the best judges. — 
 
 You will revolve these hints in your mind & act your 
 discretion — If reinforcements are necefsary let me 
 know it, and if pofsible in season, for I am deter- 
 mined to counteract the Enemy if pofsible — Intel- 
 ligence is what I principally wish for ; collect what 
 you can from every Quarter, & compare one with 
 another. 
 
 I am with very great regard 
 
 Dear Sir 
 Your Obed* Serv* 
 Colonel Putnam W Heath 
 
 M General 
 P. S. 
 
 I have this moment received a letter from Major 
 Talmadge by Exprefs : — he was returning in com- 
 plyance with your orders ; had just received intelli- 
 gence of the Enemy continuing their depredations. 
 I have directed him to face about, & march towards 
 Newhaven — have ordered Gen' Huntington to 
 march with his Brigade towards the Sound — I think 
 M"" Clinton will be in great fury for a few days — 
 Choose your ground accordingly, either above or 
 below the Croton, as you may judge best especially 
 in the night time — But whatever steps you take 
 advise me of them. — 
 
 W H 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 195 
 
 GEN^ HEATHS LETTER 
 
 Head Quarters Cont Village Sep>* 12th 1781 
 Dear Sir 
 
 This will be handed to You by Colonel Weifenfels 
 an experienced good Officer who joins You with three 
 Companies of Levies (principally Officered with old 
 Continental Officers — Capt. Hunt will join Colonel 
 Weisenfels — Major Knapp will return with his De- 
 tachment — A Commifsary will be sent You immedi- 
 ately — 
 
 I am with great regard 
 Dear Sir 
 
 Your Obed. Serv* 
 
 W Heath 
 M General 
 Colonel Putnam — 
 
 gen'' heaths letter 
 Head Quarters Continental Village Sep* 15*^ 1781 
 Dear Sir 
 
 Your favor of yesterday is Just come to hand. If 
 Major Knapp has not returned when this reaches you, 
 you may detain him untill further orders 
 
 Please give my compliments to Colo. Sheldon and 
 request him to come to this place in the course of 
 a Day or two, on a matter of Importance Just com- 
 municated to me. — I have not time to write him or 
 you so fully as I wish. 
 
 I am with great regard 
 Dear Sir 
 
 Your obed* Serv* 
 
 W Heath 
 M Gen' 
 Colo Putnam 
 
196 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 gen'- heaths letter 
 
 Head Quarters Continental Village Sept 17th 1781 
 
 Dear Sir 
 
 your favor of this date p' Col° Sheldon came safe 
 to hand. I have directed Major Tallmadge to Join 
 you, after which I defire you to Send up the officers 
 and men of your detachment belonging to the 2"^^ 5*^ 
 and 8*^ Regiments, which Compose the 2"^^ Mafsachu- 
 fetts Brigade, that Brigade being ordered to Garrifon 
 West point, they are Sent in thus early that they may 
 prepare to pafs the winter Comfortably. 
 I am with great regard 
 Dear Sir 
 
 your obed* Serv* 
 
 W Heath 
 M General 
 Col^ Putnam 
 
 GEN^ HEATHS LETTER 
 
 Head quarters, Continental Village, Sept. 17. 178 1. 
 
 Dear Sir 
 
 In confequence of intelligence jufl received from 
 the northward, I have thought it advifeable to fend 
 colonel Weifsenfels regiment to Albany. You will 
 pleafe to put them in motion as foon as pofsible, in- 
 cluding captain Hunt's company. They are to march 
 to Pemart's landing, where vefsels will be ready to 
 receive them. 
 
 I am with great regard, 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 your obed* Serv* 
 
 W Heath 
 M General 
 Colonel Putnam. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 197 
 
 GEN^- HEATHS LETTER 
 
 Head Quarters Continental Village Sept 22nd 1781 
 Dear Sir 
 
 Your favor of yesterday came to hand last even- 
 ing, I thank you for the intelligence communicated 
 therein. 
 
 The prefent is a most interesting moment, please 
 exercife every endeavour to get intelligence, whether 
 the Enemy's Fleet with the embarked Troops have 
 Sailed from the Hook, what Garrifons they have left 
 in the differant works, on Long Island and in the 
 City, what Corps and how Strong, and the moment 
 you obtain intelligence Let me have it, and give your 
 opinion if any post affords an oppertunity of Striking 
 them a blow with a prospect of Succefs. 
 I am with very great regard 
 Dear Sir 
 P. S if pofsible Your Obed* Servant 
 
 obtain the news W HEATH 
 
 papers — M General 
 
 Colonel Putnam 
 
 GEN^ HEATHS LETTER 
 
 Head Quarters Continental Village Sept. 22nd 1781 
 Dear Sir 
 
 A Grand Forage will be made on Monday morn- 
 ing next four or Five miles below the New bridge 
 on Croten. one hundred and fifty rank and File pro- 
 perly officered under the Command of a Field officer 
 will be detached from the army as an escorte. you 
 will please to move your Detachment so as to cover 
 
198 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 the Foragers, the whole will be under your Com- 
 mand. 
 
 I am with great regard 
 Dear Sir 
 
 your obedient Servant 
 
 W Heath 
 M General 
 Colonel Putnam 
 
 THOUGHTS 
 ON A PEACE ESTABLISHMENT 
 
 FOR 
 
 THE UNITED STATES OF 
 AMERICA 
 
 Requsted by Gen' Washington 
 
 1783 
 
 America is by no means to place her principle 
 fecurity in Walled Towns and the multitude of her 
 Fortrefses : nor is fhe in time of peace to be at the 
 expence of an Reguler Army fufificient for the defence 
 of every Part of her Extensive Teritorys fhould they 
 be invaided — yet unlefs her Harbours, at least the 
 principle ones, are fecured by Fortrefses and Small 
 Garifons, her fea-ports are liable to be furprised plun- 
 dered and Burnt or laid under Contribution by a few 
 Ships of War, and if aided by land forces an enemy 
 might in Some of them So ellablifh him Self in a very 
 Ihort time as to render it Very Difiquelt to Dislodge 
 him — her Frontears fhould alfo be So Secured by 
 Forts and garifons as at least might retard the op- 
 peration of an Enemy till the Forces of the Country 
 could be collected to oppose him — 
 
 Among the Seports ; New york Claims the first 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 199 
 
 attention No Spot on the Continent in the pofsef- 
 sion of an enimy can So much Injure the United 
 States as that, yet in my opinion, with a very little 
 expence Compared to the Importance of the object 
 it may be rendered parfectly Secure against any Sur- 
 prize or Infult from the most formidable Fleat that 
 ever yet was in its Harbour 
 
 Falmouth in the provence of Main is the next Har- 
 bour eastward that ought to Claim the attention of 
 Congrefs it is in the very Neighbourhood of Halli- 
 fax have Severel Tribes of Indians on the North & 
 the Country but thinly Setteled the Harbour is deep 
 and fpacious, the Town on a peninfula and Should 
 an Enemy Eflablilh him felf their, the whole Eallern 
 Country would be greatly Indangered 
 
 Penopscot or Major Bagaduce is Still further East 
 has alfo a fpacious harbour and is the Source I am 
 told from whence the Eailern States are to Expect the 
 most of their Masts Spars and Lumber — 
 
 From New york Southerd Charles Town and 
 Georgia are the first that I fuppose are intiteled to 
 the notice of Congrefs in refpect of Garifons and 
 Troops they have the Spaniards on the Right and 
 Savages in their Rear, are properly the Frontear of 
 the Empire on that Quarter and I am Told are thinly 
 peopeled. the other Harbours and Seports are too 
 Numerous for them all to admit of Continantal Eflab- 
 lifhments the Expence to the feveral States in fecureing 
 or Fortifing them may be Nearly Equl in propotion 
 to their welth, and their owne Immediate Intrist will 
 Induce them to attend to the matter Befides carying 
 the general Suystim too far may create a Jalousy in 
 Some of them but the Southern and Eallern Fronter 
 togather with N york and the post on the Hudfon 
 Should always remain in the hands of Congrefs but 
 
200 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 if any of them Should be So foolish as to neglect So 
 Importent a object and leve them Selves liable to the 
 Infults of every Pirate or Surprize of an open Enimy 
 the Damage to the United States, in general, would 
 be much Lefs then for Charles Town and Georgia on 
 the one hand or thee provence of Main on the other 
 to be Seeazed on by Surprize because thefe places 
 might not be recovered through a long War, whereas 
 none of the others could reafonably expect to be fo 
 unfortunate 
 
 But in Point of Importence, Next to the Citty and 
 Harbour of New york — the North River or the Com- 
 munication between New york and Canady ought to 
 Clame the first attention, for whoever attempts the 
 Conquest of America, will in my opinion, if he acts 
 right, endever to ellablifh him felf on the Hudfon and 
 by a Chain of Posts in that Quarter to Seperate the 
 Eallern from the Midle and Southern States, on this 
 River then Congrefs Should always keep an eye and 
 Never Suffer an Enimy Foreign or Domistic to fix 
 him felf Quietly on any part of it, or the Lakes to- 
 wards Canada 
 
 Well Point is prehaps as well Sittuated for the 
 Grand Arfanal of America as any Place whatever and 
 by Dismanteling most of the out Works — a much 
 Smaller Garifon will be required then in its prefent 
 State — they fhould conlist cheifly of Artillery men — 
 Includeing alfo Some artificers — Here Should all the 
 Cariges and apperatus for the artillery be made here 
 fhould the art of Gunnery Fortification &c &c be 
 Taught and from hence Should the artillery Com- 
 panys (detached) to other Posts be regurly releaved 
 at lest one in Two years. I confider Stoney Point as 
 an appandage to west Point whither the former re- 
 main in its prefent State or a reguler fortification be 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 201 
 
 built there, which is a Subject worth Confideration — 
 Befides West Point there will Undoubtedly be other 
 Arfinals Ellablilhed both East and well that will re- 
 quire Small guards — 
 
 In order to prevent a Supprize from Canada by 
 way of Lake Champlain if the Sittuation will admit 
 a Fort Should be built at Wind Mill Point Pont au 
 Fear [Point au Feu] or Some place near the 45*^ 
 Degree of lattitude and the River or Lake So ob- 
 flructed as to prevent the pafage of any British Vef- 
 sell into it — 
 
 This matter I concive to be worth attention, and 
 examination, for if practicable in cafe of a War with 
 Great Britton it will prevent their makeing them 
 Selves Masters of the lakes and at the Same time it 
 will give Protection to the Country called Vermont 
 with the Inhabitents near the Lake and aid us in 
 Introducing an army into Canada. 
 
 In the mean time it will be a means of Checking 
 any Illisit Trade in that Quarter, Interrupt the 
 wicked Corrispondence and be a good means to 
 prevent the revolt of the Vermontears fhould they 
 have it in Contemplation, and it will alfo further any 
 Corrispondence we may wifh to hold with the Inhab- 
 itants of Cannada — 
 
 But if no place can be found further Nothward 
 then Crown Point Sutable for a Fortification that 
 Should be fixed on the lake there is efily obilructed 
 and the Sittuation Elligable a good Fortrefs with a 
 Small Garifon Some where in that Quarter is necef- 
 sary and will be able to prevent any Sudden Errup- 
 tion from Canada into the Provence of New york a 
 Circumflance by all means to be guarded against — 
 the Idea of a post Some where on Lake Champlain 
 will make it Necefsery to have two Intermediate ones 
 
202 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 between that and Albany for the lodgment and Se- 
 curity of the Stoars that may be Sent northward Viz 
 one at Fort George and another at the Landing on 
 the further end of lake George but a Block House 
 or even a Stockade with a very few Troops will be 
 fufficient 
 
 Albany will no Doubt requier Som Troops as it 
 will be the place for lodging at least for a time the 
 Stoars defigned for the Northern and Western Fron- 
 ters 
 
 To keep the Western favages in awe, to protect 
 and regulate our Trade with them and prevent any 
 Inlidous Practice of our Britifh or Spanifh Neighbors 
 as far as posable, Some Fortrefses and a Small regu- 
 ler Ellablifhment is abfolutely necefsary Perticulerly 
 at Fort Stanwix Ofwego Niagary Fort and Carying 
 Place — Detroit and Michilinmackanac on the Lakes 
 — Illinois Fort Mafsac Post Vincent Fort Pitt and 
 other Posts that it may be found necefsery to garifon 
 on the Frontears of the Midle and Southern States 
 
 The Britifh ufed to Send their Supplys to Nagara 
 and Detroit from Cannada & of confequence ware 
 under no necefsity of keeping a Post at ofwego and 
 I beleve they had none at Fort Stanwix, but in our 
 littuation if we wifh to keep up a Communication 
 with Niagara and Detroit by way of Lake Ontario a 
 Post at Ofwego is Indefpensible for the lodgment of 
 the Stoars Sent from Albany for the Supply of the 
 Weflern World as well the Security of the Peltry [?] 
 that may be brought from that Quarter in return. 
 Fort Stanwix will alfo be a place of Some Confe- 
 quence for the like purpofes and for the protecton of 
 the Convoyes and Trade from Savage Insult Several 
 other Small post on the Communication between 
 Albany and Ofwego will undoubtedly be necefsary, 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 203 
 
 to Secure our Selves against any Surprize from the 
 British to awe the Savages in thofe Quarters to 
 protect the French Setlers about Detroit and Incour- 
 age their Emigration from Cannada our Force in 
 the Neighbourhood of the Grate lakes even In time of 
 peace, Should be much grater then what the Britifh 
 ufed to keep 
 
 In time of War a navel Superiorety on the Lakes 
 may be more likely to fall to the Share of the British 
 then to us ; or at least our Superiorety may be un- 
 fertain I wifti to Suggest the propriety of opening 
 Some other Communication with Lake Erie (then 
 that through Lake Ontario) by which Niagara De- 
 troit &c &c may Recive Supplys. and Befids the 
 Idea of the Britifh haveing a Navel Superiorety in 
 Lake Ontario Should Niagara by any Miffortune be 
 Surprized and taken with it we must loofe the whole 
 Western World unlefs Some other communication is 
 opened with it then the prefent 
 
 This Communication may be made from Fort Pitt 
 to Prefque Ifle, but I think the most Elligable is from 
 Fort Pitt either by Kishkuske and Cayahoga to Lake 
 Erie or down the River from Fort Pitt to Yallow 
 Creek from thence by Tuscarawas to Cayahoga. but 
 I would fuggest for confideration a much more 
 Extencive proposition. Viz a Post at the Mouth of 
 Cayahoga another at the i mile Portage between 
 the head of Cayahoga River and of Muskingum at 
 Tuscarawas one at the Forks of Muskingum or the 
 Dellaware Town below a 4*^ at Wills Town a 5*'* 
 Mouth of Muskingum a 6*'^ Hockhocking a 7**^ 
 Great Kanhawa an 8*^ Some Such chain of Posts 
 in that Quarter I concive would give Such Incour- 
 agement not only to those who have lands on this 
 Side the Ohio but alfo to Such as may obtain grants 
 
204 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 on the other Side as would Induce fuch Emigration 
 to that Quarter that within a few years the Country- 
 west of the Alleghany Mountains would not only be 
 able to Feed all our Garisons in the Weftern World 
 but render that whole Frontear perfectly Secure 
 against every forreign Enemy and the Savages 
 about the Warters of the Mohawk Susquehanne 
 Ofwego and Ohio would be Induced to behave 
 very fubmifsively or move father afield — 
 
 The expence to Build the Chain of Posts will be 
 very Small ... a good Stockade with Flankkers 
 inllead of Bafleons Built in form of Block Houses 
 will be abundently fufificient in all Inflences except 
 that at the Mouth of the Cayahoka which will requier 
 more attention — 
 
 Nor will it increfe the Number of Troops necefsery 
 for the general Protection becaufe the Garifons of 
 Fort Pitt Detroit Illinois &*= &<= may be as much lefs, 
 then otherwife may be necefsery, as this proposed 
 chain of posts would requier to Garifon them pro- 
 perly 
 
 one Regiment of Infentry on the prefent Ellablifh- 
 ment would be Quite fufificient to Garifon the whole 
 and in a few years a Much lefs number as the Set- 
 lers would undoubtedly in the first Inflence plant 
 them felves near the Several garifons for the Sake 
 of their protection and would aid in their defenc 
 
 Haveing made thefe obfervations let me next pro- 
 pose for confideration the Following Ellablishment 
 Viz Six Regiments of Infentry on the Ellablifliment 
 of October 1780 one Regt of 12 Companys of Artil- 
 lery and one Company of Artificers this eflablifh- 
 ment is deduced from the following Detail of Post 
 and garifon 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 205 
 
 West Point and down to New York &" 
 
 to Shut an enimy out of lake ) 
 
 Champlain or Stop him for a time ) 
 
 at Albany and the Commun[icatio]n ) 
 Northward > 
 
 in Provence of Main and > 
 Maggizene in Eaftward | 
 
 North & South Carolin Georgie > 
 and Magazeans in that Quarter ^ 
 
 Niagara 4 Ofwego 3(4) Fort Stanwix and | 
 Communtin with Albany 2 Infentry 
 
 Detroit and its Dependency 
 
 Michiclamackanac and Dependencis 
 
 ; 
 
 224 
 Fort Pitt Mafsac Illinois Post 
 
 Post H — [?] 
 Vincent and Magazens 
 
 4 
 
 is Post ) 
 
 ^ . c 
 
 in Virginia) 
 
 H 
 
 1- 
 
 6 
 
 4(5) 
 
 4 
 
 I 
 
 1(2) 
 
 (( 
 
 9(4) 
 
 I 
 
 9(4) 
 
 I 
 
 9(10) 
 
 I 
 
 5(4) 
 
 h 
 
 4 
 
 i 
 
 9 
 
 I 
 12 
 
 5-^ 
 
 
 1 Total 
 
 But if the Chain of Posts in proposed [plan] from 
 Cayahka to Kanhawa be ellabHfhed then the fol- 
 lowing arrangment in that Quarter may be adopted 
 Viz 
 
 1 The discrepancies in this and the following table are due to the fact 
 that General Putnam altered his first draft, placing one figure above 
 another ; his later figures are in parentheses. The underlined words were 
 erased and Post H — was placed above them. 
 
2o6 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 Detroit — 
 Michiclamackanac — 
 Mouth of Cayahoca 
 Head of Cayahoca River or Portage 
 
 Tuscarawas 
 
 Forks of Muskengum 
 
 Wills Town 
 
 Mouth of Muskengum — 
 Mouth of Hockhocking — 
 
 Grate Kanhawa 
 
 Post Vincent 
 
 Illinois — 
 
 Fort Mafsac — 
 
 Fort Pitt and Magazene in Virgin 
 
 3(2) 
 
 3(2) 
 2 
 
 (2) 
 
 i 
 i 
 i 
 
 which make the Same Total as on the other plan 
 the number in each Regt of Infentry and the artillery- 
 Company to be the Same as the Ellablifhment of 
 October 1 780, Except that the Regimet Staff should 
 always be included in the number of Platton or Com- 
 pany officer Such an EUablifh may be fufficient to 
 give the alaram and prevent the Progrefs of an En- 
 imy for a Time efpecially on the first breaking out of 
 a War, which is all that can be expected from them, 
 and all that Congrefs ought to attempt by a proper 
 Reguler Eflablilhment 
 
 The Pay and Subsistence of the officer to be the 
 Same as at prefent First because I concive it is Be- 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 207 
 
 low that of the British or that of any other Nation 
 when all their Emolumets are taken into Confidera- 
 tion 2d ly Because whoever engages as an officer 
 in a peace Eftablifhment is Supposed to make Arms 
 his profefsion for life and the prefent Eftablifhment 
 of pay and fubsistence is quite little enough to give 
 Bread to a Man agreeably to the rank in Life which 
 an officer is Supposed to hold 
 
 The pay of the Noncomfd officers and privets 
 Should not exceed 5 Dollars per month or one Sixth 
 of a Dollar per day out of which one third Ihould be 
 ftoped to provide him with a Coate wescot Breeches 
 Shirts and other Necefseres, and all arearages to be 
 annually Setteled and paid the pay of officers and 
 Solder if posable to be weakly 
 
 The officers to be taken in the first Inllence in as 
 near a propotion as Pofable from the Several States 
 (not Rank but age Merit abilities and Conflitution 
 Should Determin the Choise) But it ware to be wifhed 
 that in future State lines may be totally laid afide and 
 in ordor to Introduce fuch a Suystim the pirticuler 
 officers to Compleat the Eilablifhed Reg*^ being fixed 
 on in the formation of thofe Regiments, officers who 
 now belong to different State lines Should be Incor- 
 porated into the Same Coars as much as posable this 
 would not only be a means of removing those local 
 prejudices among officers which are too apt to prevail 
 but would make the distrebution of the three years 
 Men now in Service among the Regimets thus 
 formed much more elligable 
 
 Such an arrangement of officers Such an Incorpo- 
 ration of Men and Such a Detaching them to the dif- 
 erent parts of the Empire will I think be Some means 
 of Uniteing and Sementing the whole 
 
2o8 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 To be ready to meet an Enimy on the first Break- 
 ing out of a War with an army of Refpectable 
 Troops their fhould be an Eflablifhment of a reguler 
 Continantal Militia — the Following Scheem is Sug- 
 gested for Confideration 
 
 Scheem, of Contmantal Militia 
 
 All able Bodied Men between the age of i8 & 25 
 year (not Exempt by any law already made in the 
 refpective Stats) from Military Service Shall be en- 
 rolled and liable to Service as Continantal Militia, 
 prehaps those of age between 20 & 25 may be 
 thought more Sutable out of them Shall be raifed 
 24 Regiments each Regement Sixteen Companys 
 
 Subdivided into 4 Battallion of 4 Companys 
 
 each — each Company to conlist of 
 
 Staff to each Battallion 
 
 to be taken from among the 
 
 Company officr ocationly 
 
 for which their fhall be no 
 
 alowance but that 
 
 of being accoutered [?] 
 
 tof 
 
 I Captain 
 I Lieutent 
 
 •< 
 
 I Enfigne 
 5 Sergnt 
 3 Corporal 
 I Drumer 
 
 
 I Fifer 
 
 
 1^65 privet 
 
 I Adjutnt 
 I Qr Mailer 
 
 I Sert 
 iQr. 
 
 . Major 
 M Sert 
 
Regimental Field & Staff < 
 
 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 209 
 
 1 Colonel 
 
 2 Lieutn Colo. 
 2 Majers 
 I Adjutent 
 I Qu Mailer 
 I Pay Mailer 
 I Surgeon 
 I Mate 
 I Ser* Maj^ 
 I Qu M Se* 
 I Drum Maj*^ 
 I Fife Maj'' 
 
 24 Colonels 
 48 L* Colonels 
 48 Majors 
 384 Captains 
 384 Lieutenant 
 384 Enfignes 
 24 Adjutent 
 24 Pay Masters 
 24 Q Masters 
 24 Surgeons 
 1372 [sic] 24 Mats 
 
 24 Sert Major 
 24 Q M Segt^ 
 24 Drum Major 
 24 Fife Major 
 1080 Serjents [sic] 
 384 Drumers 
 384 Fiffers 
 261 12 Rank & File 
 Total Includeing officers 29448 
 
 The officers Should all be Commifsioned by Con- 
 grefs and be on the Same footing as to Rank as those 
 
 24 Regiment on 
 Such an Eflablifliment 
 would Consist of 
 
 29448 
 1372 
 
 28066 [sic] 
 
2IO OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 in actual Service but in cafe of relignation or re- 
 move! out of the dept they fhall loofe their Rank or 
 pretentions too it in Reason the Regimet Should be 
 all numbered with out deflintion of States next after 
 thofe on the Peace Eflablifhment and to take their 
 Rank in the first Inllence by lot Drawn for them in 
 Congrefs the Number of Men to be raised in each 
 State Shall be afefsed by Congrefs once in every 
 Seven year by the Same rate of propotion by which 
 the Continantal Taxes are laid, the year last preceed- 
 ing Such afefsment the Several Stats Shall each be 
 divided into as many Districts as it is required to 
 furnish regimets which regimental dept Shall be Sub- 
 divided into Battallions Districts, once in every Seven 
 year Viz the next year after that wherein the State 
 afefsmt for men is made by Congrefs each Battallion 
 District fhall again be fubdivided into Company 
 Dillricts Commifsioned officers for such Company 
 Shall refide with in their owne Dillrict The Field and 
 regimental Staff officers Shall be inhabitent of or refi- 
 dents within the Diflrict of the Regiment or Battal- 
 lion to which they are appointed all the Field Com- 
 mifsioned & Staff officers of a Regiment Shall be 
 appointed by the Executive athorety of the State to 
 which they belong and be Commifsiond by Con- 
 grefs. on the removel of an officer out of his District 
 his place must be Confidered as Vacant and the va- 
 cancy to be filled by Succefsion of Rank from the 
 Colo to the Enfigne which Rule fhall be adopted for 
 filling all Vacancys but the appointment of all En- 
 figns Shall be in the Executive athorety of the State 
 unlefs they fhould neglect Such appointment for the 
 Space of three months after being duly certified of 
 the Vacancy by the Col<^ or Commanding officer of 
 the Reg* which he Should be obliged to do within 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 211 
 
 one month after Such Vacancy happened in which 
 cafe Congrefs to have the right of Such appointment 
 
 the company Districts being thus fixed the Captain 
 or Commanding officer of the Company Shall annu- 
 ally between the 15*^ and 31s* day of December Make 
 out a list with the ages of all the able Bodied men 
 within his District liable to Bare arms in the Conti- 
 nantal Militia and haveing apponted his Sergents 
 Corporals Drums & Fife he fhall Select Seventy of 
 the youngest that remains on the afore Said list (and 
 return the Names of the Reft to the Commanding 
 officer of the State Militia within whose District they 
 refpective refide) Sixty five of the Seventy taken as 
 above are to compose the privet of Such Company 
 for the Infuig year and the other five are to be 
 considered as fupenumeraries and only liable to be 
 called on Duty in cafe of Sicknefs Death or removel 
 of any of the Fixed Company 
 
 All able Bodied men (except Such as are exempt 
 from Military duty by the Laws of the State within 
 which they relide) between the age of Eighteen and 
 twenty five years, must be liable to Service in the 
 Continantal Militia and as Such perform all the Servis 
 required of them 
 
 The Contnantal Militia being thus formed they 
 Shall be liable (in Companys or Squads as Shall be 
 thought mos convenient) to fpend as many days in 
 Military Exercifes and Disepline as other Militia are 
 liable to perform in Companys and in Battallion as 
 Many as other State Militia are liable to by Regimint 
 for which they shall have no allowance and for thefe 
 exerfises and to be always ready in cafe of the most 
 Sudden alaram they Shall be provided with Arms 
 ammunition and acoutremet the Same as other Militia 
 by Law ought to be provided with, in addition to 
 
212 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 which they Shall always be provided with two white 
 Hunting Shirts and two pairs of White lining ovehalls 
 witli a Military hat or Cap and Fether all of which 
 shall be agreably to the ordor of the Commanding 
 officer of the Regt 
 
 In addition to thefe Dutyes this Militia Shall in 
 time of peace actually take the Field Some time the 
 Month of September annually where they Shall Con- 
 tinue thirty days and attend to the learnig all or part 
 of Disepline and the Dutis of an army as much as in 
 time of War — they Shall be Collected for that pur- 
 pus eithr by Regimet Brigads or Divifion as may be 
 thought most convenient for the good of Service but 
 during this period they are to be paid at the Same 
 Rate and Subsisted in the Same Maner as the Regi- 
 mets on the Peace Eftablishmet are — Belides this on 
 the Brakeing out of a War or when ever Congrefs 
 Shall Deam it necefsary they Shall take the Field 
 upon which they Shall be furniflied Paid and Subsisted 
 in the Same Maner as fhall be provided for the EUab- 
 lifhed Regimets. Befides which the noncommifsioned 
 officers and privets Shall recive five Dollors Bounty 
 anually So long as they Shall be held in Service, 
 on the fore going Scheem after the first formation of 
 the Compay the Captain or Commanding officer at 
 the Close of every year will have ocation only to Ob- 
 tain a list of all able bodied men belonging to His 
 Company Distr who have within that year arrived at 
 the age of i8 he will then Discharge So many of his 
 Disbled and Senior Soldiers as to reduce his Company 
 to the Standard and the Same Rule is to be obferved 
 in Recruting the Company in time of War as of peace 
 with this exception that in time of War the Captain is 
 not to Judge of the Debility of those who may claim 
 a Discharge on that accont — But the Recruts for the 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 213 
 
 Company or thofe lads who have arrived at Eighteen 
 within the past year Shall between the first and 
 Seventh Day of January be Infpected and Mullered 
 in the Same maner as recrut for the Eflablifhed Regi- 
 ments, and haveing Joyned the Company the Same 
 Number Shall be discharged the oldest Soldiers al- 
 ways being Intiteled to Claim it as their right except 
 where Invaleds of the Same Companys prefent them 
 Selves of whofe Claims Cognizence Shall be taken in 
 the Same maner as is don in the EUablifhed Regi- 
 ment in like cafes 
 
 by this Scheem every able Bodied man is liable to 
 Bair arms as a Contnantal Soldier at 18 years of age 
 and its posable that he continue So for Seven year 
 but as the Continal Militia and the eflablifhed Regi- 
 ments will not altogath amount to more then 7,6 of 
 the ratable Poles and not more the 7,0 of those liable 
 to bare arms the Proverbility is that no man will Seve 
 more then three year at farthest 
 
 I have made no Deftintion between Rich or Poor 
 in my Calculation in the Formation of the Companys 
 one reafon is because I think the Eflablifhing a Regu- 
 ler Militia on Such a Footing is utterly Impratable 
 consistent with the Idear of the Purpos of a Standing 
 army in the defence of the Country 
 
 to give force and fpirit to any Meafure of this Sort 
 it is necefsry to make it as Simple as posable Besides 
 when we want Men we must look where they are and 
 when money is wanted let us look where it is to be 
 found the Poor man can yeald perfonal Service, but 
 if this is not Sufificent to anfwer the objection that 
 may be raised on this Head — let each State make 
 provifion to equalize the money part upon the Pools 
 and eflates of each Company District, but no [one] 
 is to be excufed from yealding the Perfonal Service 
 required of him unlefs he provides a Subllitute 
 
214 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 In ordor that they may be always ready to take 
 the Field properly armed and acoutterd on the 
 Shortst Notice and in ordor that they may be per- 
 fectly Uniform in their Arms and acoutrement a Suf- 
 ficient number of Arms &c Shall (at the Expence 
 of the United States) be delivrd to the Col° or Com- 
 manding officer of the Regt and deposited nere the 
 plaoe of randezvos two good chest fhall be provided 
 for each Companys arms in which they are to be 
 cearfully Secured on the Regiments takeing the field 
 in the month of September the arms to be delivrd to 
 them the Captain or Commanding officer being ac- 
 countable for those of his Company as the Colo is for 
 those of his Reg* 
 
 In ordor to give Life & Motion to this Complex 
 Army of Continantal Regulars and Militia their must 
 be one Commander in Cheif from whome all ordors 
 for the Continantal Militia as well as the Reguler 
 Regiments are Mediately or Immediately to Ifsue, the 
 Same in peace as in time of War 
 
 Their Shall for the Militia Regiment be Six Major 
 Gen' but no Brigadiers & the Col'' when in the Field 
 recive Brigadier Subsistence but Colonels pay only 
 the Regt will in point of divs [division ?] * * as Br 
 [Brigades?] 
 
 The Infpeter General of the Eflablifhed Army 
 Should alfo be So to the Contint Militia and he will 
 appoint as many Deputys as may be thought proper 
 to Muster and Infpect the Continantal Militia for the 
 month they are out and Certifie the Rolls accordingly 
 which Shall be paid out of the Treafury of the United 
 Stats 
 
 the Pay Mafler is to have a proper allowanc f [or] 
 his Servis in obtaining and paying the money to the 
 Men, and the Qr Mafler for his expence in takeing 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 215 
 
 care repairing Transeporting &c the arms accortment 
 «&c &c 
 
 every Soldier is to be charged with any abuses or 
 damage do to his arms or accortments while in his 
 Pofsestion or lofs of ammunition and S [t] opage made 
 on the pay roll agreable to the Judgment of the Field 
 officer with the Int [crested ?] Capt who are at the end 
 of every month to make an Infpection of the Same 
 
 COPPY OF PETITION FOR THE OHIO COUNTRY 
 
 To His Excellency the prefident and Honorable Dele- 
 gates of the United States of America in Congrefs 
 afembled — 
 The petition of the fubscribers officers in the Con- 
 
 tinantal Line of the Army humbly Sheweth 
 
 that by a refolution of the Honnorable Congrefs 
 pafsed the 20*^^ day of September 1776, and other 
 fubsequent refolves, the officers (and Soldiers, en- 
 gaged for the War) of the american army, who fhall 
 continu in fervice till the eflablishment of Peace, or in 
 cafe of their Dying in fervice their Heirs, are entitled 
 to recive certain grants of land according to their 
 feveral graids, to be procured for them at the expence 
 of the United States — 
 
 that your petitioners are informed, that tract of 
 Country Bounded North on Lake Erie, East on Pynn- 
 falvania South eafl and South on the river Ohio, 
 West on a line begining at that part of the Ohio 
 which lies 24 mile west of mouth of the river Sioto, 
 thence runing North on a Meridian line till it inter- 
 sects the River Miami, which falls into Lake Erie, 
 thence down the midle of that river to the Lake — Is 
 a tract of country not claimed as the property of ; or 
 within the jurisdiction of any pirticuler flate in the 
 Union — 
 
2i6 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 that this country is of fufficent extent the lands of 
 fuch a qualety and its Sittuation fuch as may induce 
 Congrefs to aligne and mark it out as a tract or teri- 
 tory futable to form a distinct goverment (or Colloney 
 of the United States) — in time to be admited, one of 
 the Coiifedirated States of America — 
 
 Wherefore your petitioners pray that whenever the 
 Honnorable Congrefs fhall be pleafed to procure the 
 afore faid lands of the Natives, they will make provi- 
 lion for the Location and Survey of the lands to which 
 we are entitled, within the district aforefaid and alfo 
 for all officers & Soldiers who wifh to take up their 
 lands in that quarter — 
 
 that provilion may alfo be made for a further grant 
 of lands to Such of the army as wifh to become ad- 
 venturers in the new goverment, in Such quantetys 
 and on fuch conditions of fettlement, & purchefs, for 
 public fecurities, as Congrefs fhall Judge most for the 
 Intrift of the intended Govermt and rendering it of 
 lasting confequence to the American Empire 
 and as in Duty Bound 
 
 will ever pray^. 
 May 7th 1783 — 
 
 COPPY OF LETTER TO GEN*- WASHINGTON 
 
 New Winsor June i6t'i, 1783 
 Sir 
 
 As it is very unsertain how long it may be before 
 the Honorable Congrefs, may take the petition of the 
 officers of the Army, for lands between the Ohio River 
 and Lake Erie, into confideration, or be in a fittuation 
 to defide thereon ; the Going to Philidelphia to nego- 
 tiate the businefs with any of its members or Com- 
 
 1 For the names of the two hundred and eighty-eight petitioning officers, 
 see Manasseh Cutler — Life, Journals, and Correspondence, vol. i. pp. 160- 
 167. 
 
REFERENCES TO RUFUS PUTNAM'S PLAN OF 
 PART OF THE CITY OF MARIETTA 
 
 References ' 
 
 A B C D. Is the Remains of an ancient wall or rampert of Earth 
 whofe Bafe is from 25 to 36 feet and its height from 4 to 8 feet, at 
 a it is 5, at b, 4, at c, 8 & at d, 6 feet high, the chafms or open- 
 ings in the wall A C the largest 8 perch and the others 4 perch 14 
 links and the other chafms appeared to be of the Same propotion 
 Fig I is a mound of Earth with a Horizontol plane on the top 12 
 perch by 8 and its hight 9 feet with gradual projecting afsents for 
 going up on each Side while the other parts are as neer parpindic- 
 uler as a compofition of earth will admit 
 
 Fig 2 a mound of Earth whofe height is 8 feet, and the plain on 
 the top 9.3 perch by 8.2 p^ and is every other way like the other 
 except it has one Side indented — 
 
 Fig 3 is evidently an artificial work but not So high nor perfect as 
 the Figs I & 2 
 
 Fig 4 is a bank of earth in form as the Figs describe[dj rifeing 
 from 2 to 4 feet 
 
 Figs 5 & 6 are two parralel walls of earth, distent from each other 
 (from center to center) 14 perch, at e & f their parpindiculer height 
 is 21 feet, and base 42 feet at g & h their height is 8 feet, (this 
 height was taken on the infide or between the two walls, on the 
 out Side they are no where more then 5 feet high.) it apears 
 most probable that the margen of the plane was indented hear with 
 a natural hollow which was improved into a Spacious and beauti- 
 full pasage from the River to the principle work 
 Fig 7 has by Some ben confidiered as an artificial work, but it 
 may be justly doubted it rather appears a natural hollow way 
 E F G H are walls or banks of earth, their height & base ware 
 
 ' I""or additional minutes concerning General Putn.-im's survey of the ancient earth- 
 works, see Manasseh Cutlet — Life^ Journals, atui Corresfiontietue, vol. i. p. 418. 
 
 {References continued on back 0/ map.) 
 

 
 
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 I'l.AX OF PAR T OK 
 
 Af the confluence oltliL' livcrs Oliio ;iikI Mu 
 works tbuiid their. Surveveci fo?- ihe C) 
 
y^ 
 
 t^-^f^-Hr 
 
 -^ 
 
 I*'*' 
 
 
 
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 ti-'i^^'- 
 
 J^rdJ 
 
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 jl-^B 
 
 r\li C 1 I ^ M AKllilTA 
 
 iiiffuin tosratlicr with tlic miiuins (»f ancient 
 3 Company, l7^^'^. By Kiiliis ['utnnrn 
 
(Continued frotn front o/maf.) 
 
 not taken by meafure, but they appear to be about 20 feet bafe and 
 
 from 3 to 5 feet high 
 
 V\gs 8, 9, 10 are all imperfect traces of Somthing that appears like 
 
 artiffical walls or banks of earth 
 
 Fig II is the evident traces of a Rampert at the termination of the 
 
 plane 
 
 Fig 12 appears to be an artificial mound of earth whofe Bafe is in 
 
 form of an EHipsis and is about 3 feet high — 
 
 Fig 13 is an artifical mound of earth whofe Bafe is about 4 perch 
 
 Diameter and forms a hillock about 12 feet high 
 
 Fig^ 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, all of them appear to 
 
 be artificial hillocks of different dementions their Base? neerly 
 
 cerculer. none of them are more then 30 feet diameter nor then 
 
 5 feet high — 
 
 Fig 25 is a mound of Earth whofe Bafe forms a reguler cercle 115 
 
 feet Diameter and its Altitude 30 feet. See the elivation of this 
 
 Figur in the head [right upper corner] of the Plan — 
 
 Fig 26 is a level Space of 33 feet between the mound and Ditch 
 
 Fig 27 a Ditch 15 feet wide & 4 feet deep 
 
 Fig 28 a wall or Bank of Earth 4 feet high, whofe Circumference 
 
 is 45.9 perch, and its bafe 15 feet — 
 
 Fig 29 is a chafm or opening probably intended for Gate way. 
 
 Caves thefe places are by Some Suppofed to be artificial, but by 
 
 others to be northing more then natural Cavins 
 
 N B thefe works are all Situated on an Elivated plain, thoe not 
 
 perfectly level, for Suppose a line drawn through the center of the 
 
 principle work A I j C D to Figure 25 or the Great Mound, the 
 
 land decends gradually to the Margen of the Plain, where it Sud- 
 
 enly falls about Forty feet, to the Intervelor first bottoms, towards 
 
 the Muskingum and Ohio rivers, and in like maner towards the 
 
 rivulets in the opposet direction 
 
 Remember the high mound is too far South in this Plan 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 217 
 
 mitte to whome the petition may be refered, is a 
 meafure none of the petitioners will think of under- 
 takeing 
 
 The part I have taken in promoteing the petition 
 is well known and therefore needs know appologies 
 when I fay the figners expect I will take meafures to 
 have it laid before Congrefs ; under thefe circum- 
 flances I beg leve to put the petition into your Excel- 
 lencys hands and with the greater afurenc ask your 
 Patronage of it. — that Congrefs may not be wholly 
 unacquaint with the motive of the petition, I beg 
 you Indulgenc whil I make a few obfervations on 
 the policy and propriety of granting the prayer of it 
 and makeing fuch arangments of Garifons in the 
 Western quarter as fhall give effectual protection to 
 the fetlers and encourag emigration to the New Gov- 
 erment which if they meet your approbation, & 
 it is not too grate a favor, I must request your Ex- 
 cellency will please to give them your fupport & caufe 
 them to be forw^arded with the petition to the preli- 
 dent of Congrefs in ordor that when the petition is 
 taken up, congrefs, or their committee, may be in- 
 formed on what principle the petition is grounded — 
 
 I am Sir among those who confider the Cefsion of 
 fo grate a tract of Teritory to the United States, in 
 the Western World as a very happy circumflance ; 
 and of grate confequence to the American Empire — 
 — nor have I the least doubt but Congrefs will pay 
 an early attention to fecureing the Allegience of the 
 natives ; as well as provide for the defence of that 
 Country in cafe of a War with Great Britain ; or 
 Spain 
 
 one grate mean of fecuring the allegience of the 
 natives, I take to be the furnishing them with fuch 
 necefsaries as they want, and in exchange reciveing 
 
2i8 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 their Furs and Skins — tliey are become fo acustomed 
 to the use of Fire arms, that I doubt if they could gain 
 a fubsistence without them, at least they will be very 
 forry to be reduced to the disagreeable necefsity of 
 useing the Bow and Arrow as the only means for kill- 
 ing their gaim, and fo habituated are they to the 
 Woolen Blanket &c that an abfolute necfsity alone 
 will prevent their makeing use of them — 
 
 This confideration alone is, I think, fufficient to 
 prove the necfsity of ellablishing fuch Factories as 
 may furnish an ample fupply to thefe wretched crea- 
 tures — for unlefs they are furnifhed by the fubjects 
 of the United States they will undoubtly feek elfe 
 where and like all other people forme their atach- 
 ments where they have their commerfe, and then in 
 cafe of a war will always be fertain to aidowx enemys 
 — therfore if there was no advantage in view but 
 that of ataching them to our intrist, I think good 
 policy would dictate the meafure of carying on a com- 
 merce with thefe people, but when we add to this the 
 confideration of the profit ariseing from the Indian 
 trade in general, their cannot I prefume be a doubt ; 
 that it is the intrill of the United States to make as 
 earley provifion for the encouragement and protection 
 of it as posable. 
 
 For thefe and many other obvious reafons, Con- 
 grefs will no Doubt find it necefsery to eflablish gari- 
 fons at Oswego ; Niagara; Michillimakanac ; Illi- 
 nois ; and many other places in the Western World 
 
 The Illinois and all the post that fhall be eflablished 
 on the Mifsifippi, may undoubtedly be furnished by 
 way of the ohio with provifions at all times ; and with 
 goods whenever a War fhall interrupt the trade with 
 New Orleans. 
 
 but in case of a war with great Brittain unlefs a 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 219 
 
 communication is opened between the River ohio and 
 Lake Erie; Niagara^ Detroit; and all the posts 
 
 feated on the grate Lakes, will enevitably be lost 
 
 for with out fuch communication a Navel fuperiorety 
 on Lake Ontario^ or the feazing on Niagara; will 
 fubject the whole country bordoring on the Lakes to 
 the Will of the enemy — fuch a mifefortune will put 
 it out of the power of the United States to furnifh the 
 Natives ; and necefsity again will oblige them to take 
 part against us. — 
 
 Where and how this communication is to be opened 
 fhall next be confidered. if Cap* Hutchens and a 
 number of other Map makers are not out in their 
 calculations ; provifions may be fent from the fettel- 
 ments on the fouth fide the ohio by the Muskingum 
 or the Sioto ; to Detroit or even to Niagara, cheaper 
 then from Albany, by the Mohawk to thofe places — 
 to fecure fuch communication (by the Sioto all cir- 
 cumllances confidered will be the beft) let a chain of 
 post be eftablished. thefe Forts fhould be built on the 
 bank of the River if the ground will admit and about 
 20 mile distent from each other and on this plan the 
 Sioto communication, will require ten or eleven, 
 flockade Forts Flanked by Block houfes and a com- 
 pany of men will be a fufficient garifon for each ex- 
 cept the one at the portage which will require more 
 attention in the confl;ruction and a larger number of 
 men to garifon it. 
 
 but befides the fupplying the garifons on the great 
 Lakes with provisions, &c — we ought to take into 
 confideration, the protection that fuch an arrangement 
 will give to the Frontiers of Virginia Pennfylvania 
 and New-york, — I fay New-york for we ftiall un- 
 doubtedly extend our fettelments and garifons from 
 the Hudfon to ofwego ; this don and a garifon polled 
 
220 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 at Niagara, whoever will infpect the Maps — must 
 be convinced that all the Indians, liveing on the 
 waters of the Mohawk Ofwego ; Susquehannah and 
 Alegheny Rivers, and in all the country fouth of the 
 Lakes, Ontario and Erie, will be encircled in fuch a 
 maner as will effectually fecure their Allegience and 
 keep them quiet, or oblige them to quit their coun- 
 try — 
 
 Nor will fuch an arrangement of posts from the 
 ohio to Lake Erie be any additional expence for 
 unlefs this gap is fhut ; notwithllanding your garifons 
 on the Lakes, and from ofwego to the Hudfon, yet 
 the Frontier settelers on the ohio by Fort Pitt to the 
 Susquehannah and all the Country fouth of the Mo- 
 hawk will be exposed to favage infult ; unlefs pro- 
 tected by a chain of garifons which will be far more 
 expencive then the arrangment proposed ; and at the 
 fame time the protection given to these Hates will 
 be much lefs compleat. — befides we fhould not con- 
 fine our protection to the prefent fettelments ; but 
 cary the Idea of extending them at leail as far as the 
 Lakes Ontario and Erie, 
 
 thefe Lakes form fuch a natural barrier that when 
 connected with the Hudfon and ohio by the garifons 
 propofed, fettelments in every part of the ftate, of 
 New york and Pennfylvania may be made with the 
 utmost faifty — fo that thefe States must be deeply 
 intriHed in the Meafure as well as Virginnia — who 
 will have a grate part of her Frontier fecured and the 
 reft much flrengthened — 
 
 Nor is there a flate in the Union but will be greatly 
 benefited by the meafure, confidered in a nother point 
 of view — for without any expence except a fmall 
 allowance of purches money to the Natives ; the 
 United States will have within their protection about 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 221 
 
 i7,5oo,cxx) of acres of very fine lands, to dispose of 
 as they fhall think proper. — but I hasten to mention 
 fome of the expectations which the petitioners have 
 refpecting the conditions on which they hope to 
 obtain the lands ; this was not proper to mention in 
 the body of the petition efpecially as we pray for 
 grants to all members of the army who wifh to take 
 up lands in that quarter 
 
 The whole tract is fupposed to contain about 
 17,418240 acres and will admit of 756 Townfhips of 
 fix mile fquare — alowing to each Townfhip 3040 
 acres for the Minellry ; fchools ; Wast lands ; Rivers 
 ponds and Highways then each Townfhip will con- 
 tain of fetlers lands 20,000 acres and in the whole 
 15,120,000 acres — the lands to which the army are 
 entiteled by the refolves of Congrefs refered to in the 
 petition, according to my ellemate will amount to 
 about 2,106,850 acres which is about the 8**^ part of 
 the whole for the/itrvey of this the army expect to 
 be at no expence, nor do they expect to be under 
 any obligation to fettle thefe lands or do any duty 
 to fecure their title in them — but in ordor to induce 
 the army to become fetlers in the New Goverment 
 the petitioners hope Congrefs will make a further 
 grant of lands on condition of fettelment, and have 
 no doubt but that honorable body will be as liberal 
 to all who are not provided for by their owne States 
 as New-york have ben to the officers and foldiers 
 who belong to that Hate — which if they do it will re- 
 quire about 8,000,000 of acres to compleat the army 
 and about 7,000,000 of acres will remain which the 
 petitioner hope Congrefs will grant the army the 
 exclufive right, at leail for a time of purchesing with 
 pubic fecurity at a given [?] price 
 
 Thefe Sir ware the principels which gave rife to the 
 
222 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 petition under coniideration, the Petitioners, at least 
 fome of them, concive that found poHcy dictate the 
 meafure and that Congrefs ought to loofe no time in 
 eaflbHfhing fome fuch chain of posts as has ben 
 hinted at, and in procureing the tract of country- 
 petitioned for of the Natives — for the moment this 
 is don and agreeable tearms offered to the fetlers 
 many of the petitioners are ditermined not only to 
 become adventurers but actually to remove them- 
 felves to this country ; and their is not the least 
 doubt but many other valuable Cittizens will follow 
 their example ; and the proverbility is that the Coun- 
 try between the ohio and Lake Erie in a very few 
 years will be filled with Inhabitents ; and the faithfull 
 fubject of the United States, fo eflablifhed on the 
 Waters of the ohio and the Lakes as to banifh forever 
 the Idea of our Wellern Teritory falling under the 
 Dominion of any European power the Frontiers of 
 the old Hates will be effectually fecured from favage 
 alarams and the New will have little to fear from 
 their Infults. 
 
 but I cannot clofe this letter without obferveing 
 that the petitioners (at least fom of them) are much 
 oppofed to the monopoly of lands and wifh to guard 
 against large patents being Granted to indeviduals, 
 as in their opinion fuch a mode is very injurious to 
 a country and grately retards its fettelment, and 
 whenever fuch patannts are Tenanted, it throws too 
 much power in the hands of a few — for thefe and 
 many other obvious reafons the petitioners hope no 
 grants will be made but by Townfhips of fix mile 
 fquair or fix by twelve or fix by eighteen ; to be fub- 
 divided by the proprietors : to fix mile fquair that 
 being the llandard on which they wifii all calculation 
 may be made and that officers and foldiers as well 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 223 
 
 as thofe who petition for charters ; on purches, may 
 form their afofiation on one Uniform priciple as to 
 Number of perfons or rights to be contained in a 
 Townfhip — with this exception only that when the 
 Grant is made for reward of fervice already don or 
 on condition of fettelment, if the officers petition with 
 the foldiers for a pirticuler Townfhip, the foldier fhall 
 have one right only to three of the Captain and fo in 
 propotion with other officer, to be the better under- 
 flood I will propofe the following fcheam, each clafs 
 of proprietors for a grant or charter of land to con- 
 fist of 100 rights made up in the following maner ^ 
 
 COPPy OF A LETTER TO GEN'' WASHINGTON 
 
 Rutland April ye 5* 1784 
 Dear Sir 
 
 being unavoidably prevented from attending the 
 General meeting of the Cincinati at Philidelphia as I 
 had intended where I once more expected the opper- 
 tunity in perfon to pay my refpects to your Excel- 
 lency, I cannot denye my Self the honour of addrefs- 
 ing you by letter, to acknowledge with gratitude the 
 ten thousand obligations I feal my Self under to your 
 goodnefs and moll Sincearly to congratulate you on 
 your return to domistic hapinefs, to enquire after 
 your health and wifh the best of heavens blefsings 
 may attend you and your Dear Lady — 
 
 the Settlement of the ohio Country Sir ingrofses 
 many of my thoughts, and much of my time Sence I 
 left Camp has ben employed in informing my Self 
 and others with refpect to the Nature Situation and 
 circumflances of that country, and the pratability of 
 removeing our Selves there and if I am to form an 
 opinion on what I have Seen and heard on the Sub- 
 
 1 The original draft is incomplete. 
 
224 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 ject there is thousands in this quarter will Emigrate 
 to that country as Soon as the honourable Congrefs 
 make provision for granting lands their and locations 
 and Settlements can be made with Saifty, unlefs 
 such provision is too long delayed, I mean till ne- 
 cefsity turn their view another way which is the cafe 
 with Some already and must Soon be the cafe with 
 many more — you are Sencible of the necefsity as 
 well as the propriety of both officers and Soldiers 
 fixing them Selves in bulinefs Somewhere as Soon 
 as posable, as many of them are unable to lie long 
 on their oars waiting the desition of Congrefs on our 
 petition and therefore mufl unavoidably fix them 
 Selves in Some other quarter which when don the 
 Idea of removeing to the ohio Country will proba- 
 bly be at an end with refpect to most of them — 
 besides the Commonwealth of Mafsachusetts have 
 come to a refolution to Sell their Eastern Country for 
 public Securities, and Should their plan be formed 
 and their propositions be made public before we hear 
 any thing from Congrefs refpecting our petition and 
 the terms on which the lands petitioned for, are to be 
 obtained it will undoubtedly be much against us by 
 Greatly lefsening the number of ohio afsociates 
 
 Another reafon why we wiih to know as Soon as 
 posable what the intentions of Congrefs are refpect- 
 ing our petition is the effect Such knowledge will 
 probably have on the Credit of the Certificates we 
 have recived on Settlement of accounts those Secur- 
 ities are now Selling at no more then 3/6 & 4/ on 
 the pound, which in all probability might double if 
 no more the moment it was known that Goverment 
 would recive them for lands in the ohio Country — 
 from thefe circumllances and many others which 
 might be mentioned we are growing quite impatient 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 225 
 
 and the general enquir}^ now is when are we going to 
 the Ohio — among others Brigdear Gen^ Tupper L* 
 Col° Oliver and Major Afhley have agreed to accom- 
 pany me to that country the moment the way is open 
 for Such an undertakeing — 
 
 I Should have hinted thefe things to Some member 
 of Congrefs, but the Delegates from Mafsachusetts 
 althoe exceeding worthy men and in General would 
 wifh to promote the Ohio Scheme yet if it Should 
 Militate with the perticuler intrest of this State by 
 draneing her of inhabitants efpecially when she is 
 forming the plan of Selling the Eastern country, I 
 thought they would not be very warm advocates in 
 our favor and I dare not trust my Self with any of the 
 New york Delagates with whome I was acquainted, 
 becaufe that Goverment are wifely inviteing the 
 Eastern people to Settle in that State and as to the 
 Deligats of other States I have no acquaintance with 
 any of them 
 
 thefe circumflances must apologize for my trou- 
 bleing you on this Subject, and requesting the favor 
 of a line to inform us in this quarter what the 
 prospects are with refpect to our petition and what 
 meafures have or are like to be taken with refpect 
 to Settling the ohio Country — 
 
 I Shall take it as a very perticuler favor Sir if you 
 will be kind enough to recommend me to Some 
 Charractor in Congrefs acquainted with and attached 
 to the ohio caufe with whome I may prefume to open 
 a corispondence 
 
 I am Sir with the Highest refpect 
 your humble Servant 
 
 RuFus Putnam 
 
 Gen^ Washington 
 
226 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 gen'- washingtons letter 
 
 Mount Vernon 2d June 1784 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 I could not answer your favor of the 5*^ of April ^ 
 from Philadelphia because Gen^ Knox having mislaid, 
 only presented the letter to me in the moment of 
 my departure from that place. — The sentiments of 
 esteem & friendship which breathe in it are exceed- 
 ingly pleasing & flattering to me — and you may 
 rest afsured they are reciprocal. — 
 
 I wish it was in my power to give you a more fa- 
 vorable ace* of the Officers petition for Lands on the 
 Ohio, & its Waters than I am about to do — After 
 this matter, & information respecting the establish- 
 ment for Peace, were my enquiries as I went through 
 Annapolis solely directed but I could not learn that 
 any thing decisive had been done in either — Of the 
 latter I hear Congrefs are differing about their powers 
 but as they have accepted of the Cefsion from Virginia 
 & have resolved to lay ofE 10 New States bounded by 
 latitudes & longitudes it should be supposed that they 
 would determine something respecting the former 
 before they adjourn ; and yet, I very much question 
 it as the latter is to happen on the third — that is to 
 morrow — 
 
 As the Congrefs who are to meet in November 
 next by the adjournment will be composed from an 
 entire new choice of Delegates in each State it is not 
 in my power at this time to direct you to a proper 
 corrispondent in that body — I wish I could — for 
 persuaded I am that to some such cause as you 
 have afsigned may be afcribed the delay the petition 
 has encountered for surely \i justice da gratitude to the 
 
 ^ Page 223. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 227 
 
 Army — and gen^ policy of the Union were to govern 
 in this case there would not be the smallest interrup- 
 tion in granting its request — I really feel for those 
 Gendemen who by these unaccountable delays (by 
 any other means than those you have suggested) are 
 held in such an awkward & disagreeable State of sus- 
 pence ; and wish my endeavors could remove the 
 obstacles — at Princeton (before Congrefs left that 
 place) I exerted every power I was master of, & dwelt 
 upon the arguments you have used to shew the pro- 
 priety of a speedy decision — every member with 
 whom I conversed acquiesced in the reasonablenefs 
 of the petition — all yielded, or seemed to yield to 
 the policy of it, but plead the want of cefsion of the 
 Land to act upon — this is made and accepted & yet 
 matters (as far as they have come to my knowledge) 
 remain in Statu quo. 
 
 I am endeavoring to do something with the lands 
 I now hold, & have held in that Country these 12 or 
 14 years — The enclosed^ contain the terms upon 
 which I propose to Lease them — I am not sanguine 
 in my expectations that I shall obtain Tenants upon 
 them in this Country ; & yet, on Leases renewable 
 for ever, or for the term of 999 years I will not (con- 
 sidering the advantages of these Lands, in quality & 
 situation) take lefs — for a short term I care little about 
 the Rents because knowing the value and convenience 
 of the Land, I am certain that the improvements which 
 are conditioned to be made thereon, will enable me 
 thereafter to command my own terms — if you think 
 the promulgation of the Paper enclosed can be of 
 
 1 Page 228. 
 
228 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 Service to others or myself it is optional with you to 
 do it 
 
 I am — D-- Sir 
 
 With very sincere esteem & regard 
 y Most Obed Serv* 
 G« Washington 
 Brig Gen^ Putnam. 
 
 GEN^ WASHINGTONS ADVERTIZEMENT 
 
 [Enclosed in the preceding letter.] 
 
 Mount-Vernon, April 2, 1784. 
 
 The Subfcriber would leafe about 30,000 acres of 
 land on the Ohio and Great Kanhawa, for which he 
 has had patents ten or twelve years : Ten thoufand 
 of thefe, in three tradls, lie upon the Ohio, between 
 the mouths of the two Kanhawas, having a front upon 
 the river of fifteen miles, and beautifully bordered by 
 it. — The remaining 20,000 acres, in four other fur- 
 veys, lie upon the Great Kanhawa, from the mouth, 
 or near it, upwards. — Thefe four traces, together, 
 have a margin upon that river, by which it is bounded, 
 of more than 40 miles. 
 
 After having faid thus much of the land, it is almoU 
 fuperfluous to add that the whole of it is river low 
 grounds, of the firfl quality — but it is effential to re- 
 mark that a great deal of it may be converted into 
 the finefl mowing ground imaginable, with little or no 
 labour, nature, and the water-flops which have been 
 made by the bever, having done more to eflfedt this, 
 than years of hard labour in moll other rich foils ; and 
 that the land back of thefe bottoms, mufl for ever 
 render the latter uncommonly profitable for flock, on 
 account of the extenfivenefs of the range, as it is of 
 a nature, being extremely broken, not to be feated or 
 cultivated. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 229 
 
 Thefe lands may be had on three tenures — Firfl, 
 until January 1795, and no longer. — Second, until 
 January 1795, renewable every ten years for ever. — 
 Third, for nine hundred and ninety-nine years. 
 The RENTS, CONDITIONS, and PRIVILEGES, are as 
 follow : 
 
 First, An exemption from rent three years, upon 
 condition, that five acres for every hundred, and pro- 
 portionably for a greater or lelTer quantity, contained 
 in the leafe, fhall, within that fpace be cleared and 
 tilled, or in order for the latter ; and a houfe fit for 
 the comfortable accommodation of the tenant erected 
 on the premifes. 
 
 Second, That before the expiration of the term of 
 the leafes of the firfl tenure, or the firfl ten years of thofe 
 of the fecond and third, a dwelling-houfe of brick, or 
 Hone, or of framed work, with a Hone or brick chimney, 
 and a good barn, fuited to the fize of the tenement, 
 fhall be built thereon ; an orchard of good fruit, to 
 confift of as many trees as there are acres fpecified 
 in the leafe planted and inclofed ; and five acres for 
 every hundred, and proportionably for a greater or 
 lelTer quantity, improved into meadow, which, or the 
 like quantity, fhall always be retained for mowing. 
 
 Third, The land to be accurately meafured to each 
 grantee, w^ho will be allowed to take (in regular form 
 with an extenfion back proportioned to the front of 
 the river) as much as his inclination and ability may 
 require, which quantity fhall be fecured to him and 
 his heirs, by a leafe in the ufual form, with proper 
 claufes, binding on landlord and tenant, for perform- 
 ance of covenants. 
 
 Fourth, A Spanifh milled dollar of the prefent coin, 
 fhall pafs in payment for fix fhillings, and other gold 
 and filver in that proportion. 
 
230 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 Fifth, The flaple commodity, or other article of pro- 
 duce (for the greater eafe and convenience of the 
 tenant) may be fubllituted in lieu of money-rent in 
 the leafes, if the parties, at or before the firfl rent fhall 
 become due, can agree upon a medium value for it. 
 
 Sixth, If the exigency or policy of the State in 
 which thefe lands lie, fhould at any time impofe a tax 
 upon them, or their appendages, fuch tax is to be 
 borne by the tenant. 
 
 Seventh, Thefe conditions, &c. being common to 
 the leafes of the three different tenures, the rent of 
 the firfl will be Four Pounds per annum, for every 
 hundred acres contained in the leafe, and proportion- 
 ably for a greater or leffer quantity. — Of the fecond, 
 One Shilling for every acre contained in the leafe, 
 until the year 1 795 — Oiie Shilling ajtd Sixpence for 
 the like quantity afterwards, until the year 1805 — Two 
 Shillijtgs afterwards, till the year 18 15 — and the like 
 increafe per acre for every ten years, until the rent 
 amounts to and fhall have remained at Five Shillings 
 for the ten years next enfuing — after which it is to 
 encreafe Three-pence per acre every ten years forever. 
 — Of the Third, Two Shillings for every acre therein 
 contained, at which it will fland for 999 years, the 
 term for which it is granted. 
 
 The fituation of thefe lands are not only pleafant, 
 but in any point of view, in which they can be con- 
 fidered, muft be exceedingly advantageous ; for if the 
 produce of the country, according to the ideas of fome, 
 Ihould go down the Miffiffippi, they are nearly as 
 convenient for that tranfportation, having the flream 
 without any obHrudlion in it to defcend, as thofe which 
 are now fettling about the Falls of the Ohio, and upon 
 Kentucky — to the choice of which, among other rea- 
 fons, people were driven by the grants to the officers 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 231 
 
 and foldiers, of which thefe are part in the upper 
 country, and from the impracticability of obtaining 
 lands in extenfive bodies elfewhere. — If it fhould 
 come by way of Fort-Pitt to Potomack (which is the 
 moll natural) or to the Sufquehanna — by the Great 
 Kanhawa to James-River — or by the Lakes Erie 
 and Ontario to New- York, they are infinitely more fo 
 
 — being, according to Hutchins's table of diflances, 
 422 miles (all of which is againft the llream) nearer to 
 thofe markets than the fettlements lafl mentioned : — 
 And what in the prefent fituation of things, is a mat- 
 ter of no trifling confideration, no other claims can 
 interfere with thefe, patents having been long granted 
 for the land, and the property of it well known ; — 
 and belides, by lying on the fouth eafl fide of the 
 Ohio, can give no jealoufy to the Indians — the pro- 
 prietors of it therefore may cultivate their farms in 
 peace, and filh, fowl, and hunt, without fear or mo- 
 leflation. 
 
 Although I do not lay any Hrefs upon it, the pre- 
 fumption being that the Indians, during the late war, 
 have laid all in rtiins — yet it is on record in the 
 courts of Botetourt and Fincaille (in which counties 
 the land did lie) that buildings, meadows, and other 
 improvements, which were made thereon in the years 
 1774 and 1775, defignedly for the accommodation of 
 tenants, coll the Subfcriber, as appears by oaths of 
 fworn appraifers (conformably to the dire(5lions of an 
 acft of the AfTembly of Virginia, for feating and culti- 
 vating new lands) ;^.i568 i8j. 7)^, equal to ;^.i96i 
 3j'. 3^. Maryland Pennfylvania, or Jerfey currency. 
 
 Thefe lands being peculiarly well adapted for fmall 
 focieties, who may incline to be detached and retired 
 
 — Any fuch applying in a body, or by their pallors 
 or agents, fhall have every afliflance and encourage- 
 
232 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 ment, which can with convenience and propriety be 
 
 given, by 
 
 G. Washington. 
 
 Alexandria : Printed By G. Richards, and Company. 
 
 secretary thompsons letter 
 
 Office of Secretary of Congress 
 
 May 28th 1785 
 
 Sir, 
 
 I have the pleasure to inform you that the United 
 States, in Conformity to their Ordinance for afcertain- 
 ing the mode of dispofmg of lands in the western 
 territory, of which I enclofe you a copy, have pro- 
 ceeded to the election of Surveyors and have chofen 
 you one of them. You will please to inform me, as 
 foon as pofsible, of your Acceptance that I may make 
 Report thereof to Congrefs. — 
 
 I am 
 
 Sir your obedient 
 humble Servant 
 Cha Thomson 
 M^ RuFUs Putnam 
 
 copy of a LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT 
 
 New YORK July 24111 1790 
 
 Sir 
 
 I left Muskingum the 2^ inflent. Northing New in 
 that quarter Sence M"" Morgan came on except, that 
 a number of horfes ware Stolen and one man killed, 
 at Belle-vill (a Virginia Settlement about three mile 
 below the Great Hockhocking) which appears to be 
 a Mifschief altogather unprovoaked — and about the 
 28^^ of June a woman was taken on the Virginnia 
 Side neer BufFaloe Creek, and afterward murdered — 
 but this bufinefs was prefaced by the White people 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 233 
 
 Stealing a number of horfes from the Indians and 
 refuseing to deliver them up : 
 
 the New england people have had many horfes 
 Stolen last fall & this Spring. Some by white people, 
 but more by Indians, and there is Sufficient evidence 
 that the Dellewares & Wyndot who were at the last 
 Treety as well as the Shawones have ben concerned 
 
 in this Robery there is alfo good reafon to 
 
 beleve that Several belonging to thofe tribes who at- 
 tended the last treet[y] have ben concerned in mur- 
 dering the people and plundng the boats going down 
 the ohio the last winter & Spring, and it is alfo Said 
 that a number of White people were among that 
 Gang of Robbers it Seems they are provided with 
 Boats on the Sioto & haveing obtained any booty 
 retiere with it up that River, a Small Detachment of 
 Troops Stationed at the mouth of the Sioto I think 
 would in Great meafure if not wholly put a Stop to 
 this kind of bufmefs, and at the Same time give con- 
 fidence to the New Settlements commenceing between 
 that and the Great Kenhawa — 
 
 by letters recived at Muskingum from M'" Secretary 
 Sargent, I learned that Govn S^ Clair was Still in II- 
 lions [Illinois] country and would not probably return 
 to Muskingum till October. I alfo heard that Mifieurs 
 Syms and Turner ^ left the Miami, in the month of 
 May to attend the Govenor — under thefe Circum- 
 ftances I concived it best to return imediately for my 
 family and expect to be at Muskingum with them by 
 the time the Govenor Shall return — 
 
 I leve this on monday morning. Shall be in town 
 again the first or Second week in September on my 
 way to Muskingum 
 
 1 General Putnam's judicial colleagues. 
 
234 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 LETTER TO M" AMES ■^ 
 1790 
 
 Sir 
 
 In converfation with you at New-york in July last 
 (if I recollect right) you made this a question " ? can 
 we retain the western country within the goverment 
 of the United States : and if we can of what use will 
 it be too them " — 
 
 I confefs this Subject is far beyond my abilities to 
 do Justice too yet I feal my Self so intrested in the 
 question that I cannot forbare makeing a few obser- 
 vations thereon. 
 
 For that those countrys may always be retained 
 within the goverment of the United States, & that it 
 will be our intrest they Should is, at prefent, my 
 desided opinion — 
 
 that they may be retained appears to me evident 
 from the following consideration viz that it will al- 
 ways be their intrest they Should remain connected, 
 now Sir if I can prove this : I concive that the 
 proposition that they may be retained &c, will be 
 fully eftablished ; for it is unreafonable to Suppose 
 that a people will purfue meafures inconfistent with 
 their intrest : althoe it is posable they may. it is 
 true that Flour, Hemp, Tobacco, Iron, Pot-afh, and 
 Such bulky articles will go down the Mifsifippi to 
 New Orleans for Market, and be their Sold, or Shiped 
 to the Atlantic States ; Europe & the West Indies, 
 and it is alfo admited that the countrys west of the 
 mountains and lying below or to the Southward of 
 the Junction of the Ohio with the Mifsifippi ; may 
 Import goods from New Orleans ; and therefore it is 
 abfolutely necefsary that the people of the Western 
 
 1 Fisher Ames, Member of Congress from Massachusetts. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 235 
 
 Countn^ in Some way or other, at a proper period 
 Should be pofsefsed of the free navagation of the Mif- 
 sifippi river, but it dos not follow from hence that 
 it will be for their intrest to loose their connection 
 with the Atlantic States but the contrary will appear 
 if we consider : that all the Beef, Pork, & Mutton 
 (from a very Great part of the western countr}') will 
 come to the Seaports of Verginia, Maryland & 
 Pennfylvania to market, as will alfo most of the Furs 
 Skins, &c, obtained by the Indian Trade to those 
 places & New York much more to the advantage of 
 the West country people then they can be Sent to 
 New-orleans, or Quebeck 
 
 Befides, all the Goods for carrying on the Indian 
 Trade as well as Supplying the Inhabitants even to 
 the Kentucke and Wabafh Country, are, at prefe?tt, 
 imported into that country from Philidelphia, Balti- 
 more, Alexandria, &c &c &c much cheaper then they 
 can be obtained from New-orleans, or Quebeck. 
 And their is not the lest doubt but when the navaga- 
 tion of the Potowmack is compleated, with the carry- 
 ing place to the Monongahala, according to the plan 
 of the undertakers, the transport of goods, into the 
 western countr}^ will be lowered fifty per Cent — and 
 Should other communication be opened, which their 
 is no doubt but their will, between the Susquehannah 
 & Allegheny Rivers — James River and the Great 
 Kenhawa ; the expence of Transportation will be re- 
 duced Still lower. In Short from the Seaports of the 
 United States : to Niagara Detroit & even to the 
 Lake of the Woods ; goods can be Supplyed cheaper 
 then from any other quarter — 
 
 From this Statement of facts which I prefume can 
 never be disproved, I concive it fully appears to be 
 the intrest of the peopl of the Western country to 
 
236 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 remain a part of the United States, if it be Said they 
 may be Seperated and yet retain all the advantages 
 of Trade here mentioned, I anfwer that is pofable, 
 but by no means probable ; for (admit the Seperation 
 was not hostile) it is by no means reafonable to Sup- 
 pose that the Leglislature of the United States would 
 pay the Same attention to the Subjects of a Foreign 
 power as to their own ; nor is it to be prefumed that 
 thofe people will ever Forget, that while they remain 
 a part of the union, they will have their voice in all 
 the councils of the nation, and that no law can pafs 
 but what must effect their breathren on this Side the 
 mountain as well as themfelves to be deprived of a 
 commerce with the United States would be greatly 
 to the injury if not the ruin of that country, and to 
 voluntarily deny themfelves a voice in the regulation 
 of that commerce and trust them Selves (without any 
 check or controul) in the hands of those whose in- 
 trest would be distinct from their own, is a folly I 
 trust they never will be guilty of — 
 
 But it may be said their are advantages to be 
 gained which will over ballance all this lofs — pray 
 let us attend a little to this matter. ? will they put 
 them Selves under the Vice-Roy of Canada ? what 
 will be their gain here : a Leglislative Council of the 
 Kings own appointment ; gives law to the province, 
 except that the whole is under the controul of a 
 Military Govenor. a few by permifion from Lord 
 Dotchester, or Somebody else, may cary goods into 
 the Indian country, but the returns must be made 
 to Quebeck. Surely this Goverment can never Suit 
 their genus nor be for their intrest — Nor is the ad- 
 vantage to be derived from the Spanish Goverment 
 much better, it is True that New-orleans will be a 
 great Mart for their produce, but it is very doubtfull 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 237 
 
 if they ware Spanish Subjects whether they would 
 enjoy greater previledges then they might without 
 — The inhabitants would certainly have no voice in 
 the matter but must be Subject to the will of a Des- 
 pot, they could expect no indulgence but what 
 Should comport with the intrell of the govenor and 
 Spanifh Court and this they may reafonably expect 
 even Should they remain a part of the United States : 
 So that if the object be to unite them with Great Brit- 
 tain or Spain I See northing that is in the lest degree 
 worth their attention — 
 
 but prehaps the Idea is that they Should Set up 
 for a Seperate independent Goverment : this mag- 
 got I know is in the head of Some people ; therefore 
 we will consider of it a little and See if we can 
 find it to be for their intrest : and for argument Sake 
 we will Suppose the United States to consent to all 
 this, we will fuppose more, that they Grant a free 
 trade to the Subjects of this New goverment ; and 
 then pray tell me what they will be bettered for it — 
 nay ?will they not be in a much worse Situation 
 ? will they not incur a very Great expence to Support 
 their new Goverment beyond what their propotion 
 to the old can posably be : and ? can it then be for 
 their intrest to be Seperated. 
 
 it may be Said they want a free trade to New Or- 
 leans and thence to Sea, that while they remain a 
 part of the United States this is not likely to be ob- 
 tained, that the intrest of the old States and theirs in 
 this refpect is inconsistent with each other, that the 
 object is first to Seperate them Selves from the Union 
 and then to clear the river of the Spaniards — this I 
 have heard is the language of Some people at Ken- 
 tucke : but ? is it rational ? will the meafure be for 
 their intrest and if not for their intrest are we to Sup- 
 
238 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 pose the meafure will be purfued ? have thefe people 
 conlidered that the United States are deeply intrested 
 in oppofeing Such Seperation ? have they confidered 
 that driveing the Spaniards out of the River will not 
 give them a free Trade to Sea ? do they know that 
 the Harbours of Penfacola and the Havanna are So 
 Situated that a few Crufers from them Sent into 
 the Bay not one vesfel in a thousand going from or 
 returning to the Mifsisippi would efcape falling into 
 their hands, no Sir So far would Such a meafure 
 be from giveing them a free trade to Sea that it would 
 put an end to their prefent market and all reafonable 
 prospects of a compenfation for the lofs — nor do I 
 concive that the intrest of the atlantic States and the 
 western country as it refpects the Navagation of 
 the Mifsisippi by any means clalh — For if it is for 
 the intrest of the United States ; that Tobacco, Flour 
 Pot-afh, Iron & lumber of all kinds with Ships ready 
 built, Should be Sent to Europe and the West Indies 
 by way of remittence for goods obtained from thofe 
 Countrys — if Hemp, Flax, Iron and many other 
 raw meterials be of any use to be brought into the 
 Atlantic States for the purpos of manufacturing — 
 then it is the intrell of thofe States that the Nava- 
 gation of the Mifsisippi Should be free 
 
 Thus Sir I have endevored to prove that it is and 
 always will be the intrest of the Western country to 
 remain a part of the United States — I do not deny 
 but what Such circumstances may exist, as Shall not 
 only make it the wifh of Sum but of all the inhabit- 
 ants of that country to be Seperated from the old 
 States : but what I contend for is that thefe circum- 
 stances do not nor ever can (if I may be alowed 
 the exprefsion) exist naturely. I alow that Should 
 Congrefs give up her claim to the navagation of the 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 239 
 
 Mifiisippi or Ceed it to the Spaniards, I beleve the 
 people in the Western quarter would Seperate them 
 Selves from the United States very Soon. Such a 
 meafure I have no doubt would excite So much rage 
 and disafection that the people would Sooner put 
 themfelves under the despotic goverment of Spain 
 then remain the indented Servents of Congrefs — or 
 Should Congrefs by any means fail to give the in- 
 habitants of that country Such protection as their 
 prefent Infant State requires, connected with the in- 
 trest and dignity of the United States, in that cafe 
 Such events may take place as will oblige the inhabit- 
 ents of that country to put themfelves under the pro- 
 tection of Great Brittain or Spain : and I know alfo 
 that in every country their are ambitious minds who 
 paying more attention to the emoluments of office 
 then the public good, may Influence people to purfue, 
 as the object of their hapinefs, meafures which will 
 end in their ruin but thefe things make northing 
 against my proposition, for we are not to Suppose that 
 Congrefs will do wrong where it is their intrest to do 
 right, and this brings me to enquire of what ufe those 
 countr}^s may be to the United States, and first the 
 lands of the Western Teritory and which are the pro- 
 perty of the United States, except what claim the 
 natives have to them amount at left to — 169,600,000, 
 acres out of which must be referved for future Sale 
 14,133,333, acres agreably to the ordinance of the 
 late Congrefs, then 155,466,667 acres remain for 
 Sale now Suppose this Sold at half a Dollar per acre 
 (which is ^ of a Dollar below what any has ben Sold 
 for as yet) and it amounts to 77,733,333-5 Dollars, 
 but it may be Said this is the price in Public Securities, 
 and that the lands will not fetch more then a quarter 
 that Sum in hard money, be it So, and then the neat 
 
240 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 proceeds will amount to 19,433333.7 [sic] Dollars, 
 this Sir is no trifeling Som but is by no means the 
 Greatest advantage to be derived from thofe lands, 
 three lots of one mile Square is (by the ordinance 
 of the Late Congrefs) referved in each Township for 
 the future Disposition of Goverment and the Local 
 Situation of thefe lots are such as to command a high 
 price, and at the end of half a Century (in which time 
 they are to cost the goverment northing) it is a very 
 moderate calculation to rate them at four Dollars 
 the acre in Specie and then their amount will be 
 56,533,332, dollars a Sum Sufficient to build and 
 equip a Fleet Superiour to that any nation in Eu- 
 rope — we have before hinted that the produce of 
 the Western country will afford a Great Source of 
 remittence for European & West India Goods, and 
 in a very few years that country will be able to Sup- 
 ply the Atlantic States with Such abundence of the 
 raw meterials for makeing Duck and Cordage as 
 will prevent all necefsity of Sending abroad for thofe 
 
 the perticuler advantage to be derived from the 
 paltry Trade I am not able to afsertain, however, 
 this we know that it is confidered as a very Lucra- 
 tive bufmefs, that it affords meterials for manufato- 
 ries, much to the advantage of the Englilh Subject, 
 and the advantage this trade must be to us would 
 undoubtedly exceed what it is or can be to them — 
 in the year 1773 I heard M'' Chester, then Govenor 
 of Weft Florida, Say that from the duty paid in 
 London, on the American Peltry it appeared, the 
 Indian paid a Tax to the king of two Shiling Ster- 
 ling on each poll, includeing men women and chil- 
 dren, and why a revenue might not be derived to 
 the United Stats from this quarter I know not — 
 
 again while thofe countrys remain a part of the 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 241 
 
 United States they will pay the Same dutys on all 
 imported goods which they confume as the other 
 Subjects of the Union, which in cafe of a Seperation 
 would be totally lost, and the Same obfervation ap- 
 plys equelly to all Goods furnished for the Indian 
 Trade — at prefent this revenu may not exceed 
 20,000 Dollars but in the Course of half a Century 
 if we only Suppose the number of inhabitants to be 
 one Million & the goods they Shall confume, to be at 
 the rate only of three dollars and one third per per- 
 son (which is a very moderate allowance for an anuel 
 confumtion) this only at five per Cent, will amount 
 to 166,500, dollars pr annum 
 
 I am Sencible their will be Some expence attend- 
 ing this bufmefs for the Indian Treaties & prefents 
 we will alow 20,000 dollars a year, for fifty year, 
 which will amount to no more than one Million of 
 Dollars, and we will allow three regiments of Infentry 
 and an Artillery core equel to a regiment of Infentry 
 in expence and to this we will ad a Core of Horfe of 
 like expence. then we Shall have the anual expence 
 of five Regiments and we will alow the pay victual- 
 ling and cloathing of each Regiment to anually 
 Cost one hundred thousand Dollars, then the anual 
 expence of the whole will be half a million of Dol- 
 lars, this Sir is makeing a very extravagant charge 
 againft that country for its protection, yet when we 
 take into confideration the value of the lands when 
 Sold, the products of the Country for remittence 
 and manufactorys, the Peltry trade &c with the duty 
 on imported goods, Sent into that countr}' for the 
 Indian trade and the confumption of its inhabitants, 
 the Ballance in favor of retaining that teritory as a 
 part of the United States appears evident to be very 
 great — But their is another point of light in which 
 
242 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 we ought to consider this matter, for if we would 
 know the real advantages that country must be to 
 this, remaining United, we ought to consider what 
 probable mifschefs will enfue by a Disunion : and 
 among thefe may be reconed the lofs of more then 
 Seventy five million of Dollars in the Sale of lands, 
 an annual revennue of more then one hundred & 
 Sixty thousand Dollars on european, & west India 
 Goods, with all the advantages that can posably 
 arrife from the Peltry trade And what is matter of 
 Serious consideration, it is more then probable (in 
 cafe of a Seperation from the United States) that 
 country would be divided between Great Brittain 
 and Spain, for I can See no reafon to Suppose they 
 will maintain a Seperate existence, and then I Sup- 
 pose the western boundary of the United States must 
 be the Allegheny mountains ; a miferable Frontier 
 this (and yet the best to be found if we give up the 
 Western country) that will require more expence to 
 Guarde, then the protection of all the western Teri- 
 tory — The natural boundaries of the Great Lakes 
 and the Mifsilippi River aded to the inhabitants of 
 the Western quarter will give Such Strenght and 
 Security to the old States if properly attended too, 
 as they must, most Sensiably feal the want of in cafe 
 of a Seperation — 
 
 But I have no doubt, but you Sir and all the mem- 
 bers of Congrefs, will give the Subject a full exami- 
 nation, and ditermin on Such meafures as will most 
 promote the General good of the nation, and in that 
 cafe I think one might reafonably hope, Soon to See 
 the forces of the United States in the western coun- 
 try So increased in numbers that, if the British pofls 
 are not given up, yet Such eftablishments may be 
 made in the Indian country as to bring the natives 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 243 
 
 who at present remain hostile, to Submision And 
 protect the Nations who are well disposed towards 
 us, not only from their Savage Breethren who are So 
 much under Britilh influence, but alfo from the peo- 
 ple on the Frontiers of Pennfylvania & Virginnia, 
 too many of whome reguard not the authorety of their 
 own States, nor yet of Congrefs, more then the Sav- 
 ages themfelves — In this place Sir, I will take the 
 liberty to inform you that in the year 1 783 a petition 
 was prefented to the then congrefs praying for a grant 
 of lands in the western quarter ; that the utility and 
 policy of eftablifhing Posts and forming Settlements 
 that Should extend from the Ohio to Lake Erie was 
 clearly pointed out in a letter from the Commander 
 in Cheif, and other papers accompaning Said peti- 
 tion, and which I prefume are now among the files 
 of the late Congrefs, which I wiih you to confult at 
 your leafure. Beging leve at this time to add, that I 
 concive the more this Subject is examined the greater 
 will appear the confequence that it Should be effected 
 as Soon as practicable : for from Lake Erie, by a 
 very eafie navagation, and Short portages, an army 
 may decend by the Allegheny, Muskingum, Sioto, 
 Big Miami, or the Wabash Rivers into any part of 
 the Ohio Country, and So from Lake Erie as from a 
 common center fall on any part of the Ohio Country, 
 extending more then one thousand miles in length 
 on that river, and thus the whole western Teritor}'^ is 
 liable to be loft by Surprize, while on the other hand 
 was their posts eftablifhed on, or neer. Lake Erie, 
 even thoe we ware not in pofsestion of Detroit or 
 Niagara, the natives disposed to peace would be 
 protected, their numbers and attachment increesed, 
 the Indian Trade greatly augmented, and that coun- 
 try Soon filled with inhabitents in Such maner that 
 
244 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 every reafonable fear of loofeing it in cafe of a war 
 with Great Brittain would be for ever Banifhed — 
 
 was this protection given we might reafonably 
 hope to See So numerous a body of well informed 
 and well disposed Citizens placeing themfelves in 
 that quarter as would be able to counteract all the 
 meafures which any might attempt toward a Sepera- 
 tion from the old States — And if this protection is 
 Given ? might we not alfo hope from the lands al- 
 ready Granted for a University, and others appropri- 
 ated for the Support of Schools in General, with Some 
 further provisions of little expence, I Say might we 
 not hope, Soo7i to See Such means of education Set 
 on foot as will have a most favorable afpect on the 
 maners of the people in that country, and remove 
 the danger that in a State of Ignorence with the art 
 of defigning men they will always be under to mifs- 
 take their true intrest — 
 
 if Sir the Western country is to be retained as a 
 part of the United States, I concive the Immediate 
 protection and peopeling of that tract between the 
 ohio and lake Erie has a Direct Tendency and is the 
 first link in the chain of arrangments towards com- 
 pafsingthe Great object, and if neglected may prove 
 an infinite mifschief to the United States : for it was 
 in full confidence that Such protection would be 
 aforded that the ohio, Sioto and other companys 
 have contracted for lands to a very great amount. 
 Now Sir unlefs this protection is given thefe con- 
 tracts must all fail (to the lofs of many Million of dol- 
 lars to the United States) y2?r of what value are lands 
 without inhabitants^ and who will wifh to inhabit a 
 country where no reasonable protection is aforded — 
 
 Another circumflance which renders the present 
 moment importent, in point of giveing that diflrict 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 245 
 
 protection, Is, the people Settling at Muskingum & 
 the Miami, not haveing thofe prejudices against the 
 Natives which commonly arife from long wars with 
 them, are lead into Such a line of conduct towards 
 them, under the wise management of Govenor St 
 Clare and other principle carractors, as gives the 
 fairest prospect of peace and tranquilety to the fron- 
 tiers in general, if Such military force is eflablifhed 
 as Shall make the goverment of the united States in 
 the Western teritory a terror to evil doers, and a 
 protection to Such as Shall do well. — 
 
 I have already exceeded the common bounds of 
 a letter but their is one circumllance, I»cannot for- 
 bare mentioning which is the opposition that many 
 New-England people and perticulerly in Mafsachu- 
 setts, exprefs against the Settlement of the Western 
 country, efpecially by their own inhabitants remove- 
 ing thither, this oppofition I prefume arifes cheifly 
 from two Sources, viz. the drawing off her inhab- 
 itants and preventing the Settlement of her eastern 
 lands 
 
 as to the first I concive it will make no meterial 
 odds for if they do not remove to the ohio they will 
 emigrate to New york, or Vermont — while their is 
 any vacant lands to be come at the population in the 
 cultivated part of the country will remain neerly the 
 Same. I beleve in old Mafsachusetts the number of 
 pools has varied very little this many years, and the 
 reafon is obvious for within that tract their is no 
 room for new Settlements of any confequence. And 
 as to the eastern country it is a very fine place for 
 lumber, and in that refpect is of great Service to 
 Mafsachusetts : but any confiderable number of peo- 
 ple more in that district then to cary on this businefs 
 will be a diservice distroying the timber which ought 
 
246 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 to be preferved that country in General is not 
 
 fit for cultivation and when this idea is connected 
 with the climate, a man ought to conlider himfelf 
 curst even in this world who is doomed to inhabit 
 their as a cultivater of the lands only ; however I 
 cannot Suppose the ohio cuntry will much aflect the 
 Settlement of the eastern lands because those people 
 who have not a double curfe entailed to them will go 
 to New york or Vermont, rather then to the east- 
 ward — 
 
 Mafsachusetts Sir is in no danger of being depopu- 
 lated for the ohio country, nor even heaven it Self, 
 will not invite them in Such multitudes as to lefsen 
 her present numbers nor on the other hand will any 
 policy prevent the emigration of her inhabitants in 
 Such Swarms, as that her numbers Shall not greatly 
 increfe while their are vacant lands in any quarter 
 to be had — And to what country can the inhabit- 
 ants of the Mafsachusetts emigrage So much to her 
 advantage as the ohio ? is it not for the intrest of 
 New-england that the western country Should in 
 their, maners, morrals, relegion, and policy, take the 
 eastern States for their modle ? is the Genus educa- 
 tion, &c, of any people So favorable to republican 
 Goverment as theirs; and Should they not then by 
 throwing in of their Citizens endevor to take the 
 lead, and give a tone to the New States forming in 
 the western quarter — 
 
 Befides the products of the ohio Country will inter- 
 fere much lefs, or rather they will be of more utility 
 to Mafsachusetts then to any other of the atlantic 
 States, Tobacco, flour, hemp, flax, rice & Indego be- 
 ing the chief articles for exportation, nither of which 
 are raised in Mafsachusetts in any confiderable quan- 
 tety ; but when the navagation of the Mifsisippi Shall 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 247 
 
 become free will all find their way to the Seaports of 
 that State and much to the advantage of her citizens 
 who Shall be concerned in the Trade — 
 
 I have only to add, that however inaccurate this 
 addrefs may appear, yet none will deny but the Sub- 
 ject is importent — and I pray god it may have a 
 full and candid enquiery by all concerned in the 
 
 councils of the Nation 
 
 I have the honour to be Sir, with 
 much efteam your humble 
 Servent 
 
 Marietta Jany 6'^ 1 791 1 
 Dear Sir 
 
 Our profpects are much changed, in flead of peace 
 and friendlhip with our Indian neighbours a hored 
 Savage war Stairs us in the face the Indians in Head 
 of being humbled by the Deftruction of the Shawone 
 Towns & brought to beg for peace, appear ditermined 
 on a general War, in which our Settlements are al- 
 ready involved, on the evening of the 2^ inllent they 
 fell on a new Settlement about 40 mile up the Mus- 
 kingum, Surprized a Blockhouse killed 14 perfons & 
 carryed of three others, the perfons killed are John 
 & Philip Stacy, Sons of Col° W" Stacy from New 
 Salem — Ezra Putnam Son of Major Ezra Putnam 
 from Midletown in Mafsachusetts. John Camp from 
 the Same place. Jonathan Farewell & one Couch 
 & Patten from N Hamfhire Zebulon Troop from 
 Barre. W"^ James, from Connecticut Jofeph Clark 
 from Rhode Island, a man by the name of Meeks 
 with his wife & 2 children from Virginia, thefe ware 
 
 1 This letter bears no endorsement ; it was written by General Putnam, 
 possibly to the Secretary of War or to the Hon. Fisher Ames. Consist- 
 ent replies from them will be found on pages 249 and 250. 
 
248 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 all killed in & at the Blockhoufe — Frances & Ifaac 
 Choate from Leicester and one Shaw who kept at a 
 hutt about 50 rod from the Blockhoufe, ware not found 
 by the party who went out and it is hoped that they 
 are prifoner. what number of Indians ware concerned 
 in this mifchief or from what tribes we know not, but 
 from thofe Indians who till lately ufed to vifit our 
 Settlements every day : withdrawing themfelves in- 
 tirly from our Sight ever sence the expidition against 
 the Shawones their is little reafon to doubt but the 
 Dellewares & Windots as well as othrs have had a 
 hand in the bufnefs 
 
 it is impofsable for me to give you a Just Idea of 
 the diftrefs into which this event has trown the in- 
 habitants efpecially thofe of the out Settlements — 
 for my own part I have for Sometime ben of the 
 opinon that the Spring would open with a general 
 attack on the frontier in which event I did not expect 
 we Should efcape unlefs Goverment Should timely 
 Send Troops for our protection, which I was in hopes 
 would be the cafe, but it Seems the enimy are diter- 
 mined to take advantage of our defencelefs Situa- 
 tion and to wreak their vengence on the Inhabitants 
 before any Succour can be had — I consider this 
 event as a foreruner of other attacks of a more Seri- 
 ous nature & which may involve us in complet ruen, 
 unlefs prevented by Goverment imediately takeing 
 meafures for our protection, to their protection I 
 conceve we always had an Indupitable claim which 
 claim, if pofsable, is increasd by the circumflances 
 that has brought us under the refentment of the In- 
 dians and at lest in Some meafure produced the 
 Mifschief that we are fallen in into, in the first place 
 we purchased our lands under an Idea that they had 
 ben fairly obtained from the natives, for govermnt 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 249 
 
 told us So by their public acts, this however the 
 Indians on our arrivel in the country told us was 
 not true, and if the treaties made with them prior to 
 our coming are confulted I beleve it will appear the 
 Indians are right — and that the lands ware rather 
 wrefted then fairly purchased from them at lest the 
 Indians confidered it in this light — the Treaty made 
 by Govenor S* Clair at Fort Harmer wares a Differ- 
 ent face and by it the bufnefs Seems pritty well 
 patched up & I had hope that we Should have had 
 little or no trouble with them on that ace* not with- 
 ftanding that Some of their chiefs discovered that 
 they ware not very well Satisfied — & that Several 
 Chiefs among the tribes who treated with Govenor 
 S* Clair ware not prefent and never confented to 
 what was don 
 
 War-department, Jany 27th 1791 
 Sir. 
 
 I have received your letter of the 8'th inllant. I de- 
 plore the unhappy fate of the perfons who fell victims to 
 lavage barbarity on the 2'nd infltant. — I fmcerely hope 
 and believe that government will as foon as pofsible 
 take effectual meafures to prevent a repetition of In- 
 dian depredations by making a powerful inroad into 
 their country, and eflablishing flrong polls there. 
 
 Major Sargent will fet out for Muskingum in a day 
 or two who will be able to inform you generally of 
 the impulfe of the public mind on the fubject of the 
 late expedition. 
 
 I am Sir, 
 with great refpect, 
 Your moll obd* Serv* 
 
 H Knox 
 General RUFUS Putnam — 
 
250 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 LETTER FROM M" AMES 
 
 Philada Feb>y 22. 1791 
 Dear Sir 
 
 It was impofsible to read your letter giving an ace* 
 of the attack of the Savages on the Settlement at Big 
 Bottom without feeling a strong Sympathy with you 
 under the peculiar distrefses of your Situation. How- 
 ever your fears may have interpreted the sense of the 
 country tow^^ you, I am happy to perceive that they 
 are not indisposed to giving you effectual protection, 
 tho it will cost money. That circumstance too often 
 throws cold water on the natural emotions of the 
 public tow^^ their distrefsed brethren. I am happy to 
 learn by Governor Sinclair that the last intelligence 
 from Marietta &c left all quiet there Inured as you 
 have been to war and danger, I think your late alarms 
 must have exposed your fortitude to it's severest 
 trials. I wish they may not be repeated. You know 
 that my opinion of the proper policy of Congrefs is, 
 to manifest a fixed resolution to protect the most re- 
 mote parts of the union — to nurse the weak and to 
 console the suffering remote settlements with a degree 
 of tender solicitude proportioned to their defencelefs 
 condition — Congrefs has little occasion to make it- 
 self known to them except by acts of protection. The 
 most succefsful way to banish the ruinous idea of 
 the future independency of the western country is, by 
 doing good to the settlers, to gain their hearts. Our 
 Sun will set when the Union shall be divided. But 
 it is not necefsary to notice the idea any further. The 
 Meafures of the present Sefsion of Congrefs, I think, 
 will satisfy you that because you are remote you 
 are not forgotten & will not be abandoned to the 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 251 
 
 Savages. I inclose a Letter to my old fchoolfellow & 
 townsman, Mr Battelle, will you please convey it to 
 him — 
 
 Please to accept my sincere wishes 
 for your health & prosperity — 
 
 I am, dear Sir, with respect &c 
 your very hble ferv* 
 
 Fisher Ames 
 Major General PUTNAM 
 
 COPY OF A LETTER TO GEN'' KNOX 
 
 Marietta March ye 8th 1791 
 Sir 
 
 I am much obliged to you for your letter of the 
 27*^ of January last,^ Soon after the afair at the Big 
 Bottom Several Wyndot & Delleware men & women 
 at diflEerent times came in to trade at this place, we 
 treeted them with a little more caution, but in the 
 Same frindly way as heretofore none of them, as they 
 Said, had Seen the party who did the mifschif, except 
 one who Said he met the party going in to Sandusky, 
 that they consisted of about thirty ; ware mostly Min- 
 gos & had 5 prifoners — a few days after thefe peo- 
 ple left us a Soldier was taken within a few rods of 
 Fort Harmer but had the good fortune to make his 
 efcape the first night and the next day to git into 
 Belleprie the following night prehaps the Same In- 
 dians Visited a number of Deferted houfes in that 
 Settlement and kiled a Sheep & two hogs for Major 
 Goodale about ten days ago one man was killed 
 & another wounded on the Virginnia Side about 60 
 mile down the ohio all the Indians who have ben 
 in to trade told us that there was a great many 
 
 ^ Page 249. 
 
252 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 Indians going to War and that in a Short time we 
 might expect a large body of them to attack this place 
 but they would not own that the Wyndots and Delia- 
 wares had taken up the Hatchet : however this matter 
 is now afsertained — 
 
 on Saturday last John Miller arrived at our post up 
 the Muskingum from Sandusky he is an Indian lad 
 who came to this place with Gen' Varnum, and a very 
 honest fellow, he went into the Indian Country last 
 September or October with Doctor Burns or Burrell 
 (as he called him felf while here) an Indian who has 
 it Seems recived an Education in England or Scot- 
 land, the Substance of Millers account is this, that 
 he found Burns to be a great Rogue that he had ben 
 ufeing every means in his power to excite the Indins 
 about Sandusky and the Tawa River to war and was 
 now gon westward for the Same purpus that a num- 
 ber of Small partys were gon out already that a grate 
 many Warriours from different tribes ware collected 
 at Sandusky, that the Wyndots & Dellewars were 
 going [?] for war and gave out that as Soon as the 
 Water fell and Grass grew for their horfes they would 
 go against the yankeys with two or three thousand 
 men. that in ordor to Save his life and facilitate his 
 efcape he Joyned a War party of fourteen (formerly 
 our perticuler acquaintanc) bound to the Muskingum 
 Settlements that three days before he came in to our 
 post being verry lame he was left to take care of their 
 hevy lugage, that finding the way Clear he made a 
 raft and came down the Muskingum — by this fortu- 
 nate efcape & information of honest John I think all 
 uncertainty with relpect the intentions of the Wyn- 
 dots & Dellawares as well as the General views of the 
 Savages is removed — our Inhabitants are nearly all 
 Ported in which State we expect to remain till we are 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 253 
 
 dislodged by the Enimy — wich god forbid Should 
 be the cafe or releved by the Troops of goverment 
 which I pray god may be as Soon as pofiable 
 
 COPY OF A LETTER TO GEN'' KNOX 
 
 Marietta March 14th 1701 
 Sir 
 
 My last letter was of the 8*^ infhent ^ on the morn- 
 ing of the 11*^'^ the Indians fired on two lads neer L* 
 Grays post (20 mile up the Muskingum) one of which 
 is badly Wounded. 25 of the Enemy appeared in 
 view & in an infulting maner invited the people to 
 come out and fight them — they killed 1 1 Cattle and 
 drove off as many more — the Same morning two 
 men ware fired on neer the post at Belleprie but they 
 made their efcape unhurt — yesterday evening as 
 Capt Rogers & M"" Henderson (two perfons employed 
 as Spyes for this Town) ware returning from a Tour 
 in the woods about one mile from Campus Martins 
 they ware fired on by two Indians — Rogers was 
 killed and a Ball went through Hendersons Shirt and 
 graized his groin, two other Indians fired on him as 
 he run of and in his way in he met with four others 
 but he happily made his efcape from them all — we 
 are takeing every meafure in our power for a Viger- 
 ous defence but I fear our Cattle will be all killed or 
 Driven off for we are too week to detach parties to 
 oppofe them out of our works efpecially as we can 
 never afsertain their numbers ; have all the Reafon 
 in the world to fear a Decoy and ambufcade and the 
 lofs of a Small party from any of our posts would ex- 
 pofe the place to almost certain deflruction. you will 
 redily percive that our Situation with refpect to carry- 
 ing on our farming bufmefs is little better then if we 
 
 ^ Page 251. 
 
254 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 ware clofely Befeaged nor can it be better till the gov- 
 erment Shall releve us, which we flatter our Selves 
 will be Soon, by Detachments pufhed forard for our 
 Imediate protection till Such times as the general op- 
 peration of your army Shall take place 
 
 PS If in the ellablifhment for the army Chaplins 
 are intended I beg leve to recommend M*" Daniel 
 Story, now refident with us, as a worthy Carractor, 
 and very delirous to make the Campaign 
 
 LETTER FROM THE SEC^ OF WAR 
 
 War Department March 24, 1791 
 Sir 
 
 I have juH received your efleemed favor of the 8^ 
 inllant.^ 
 
 The information contained in your letter flrongly 
 indicates the hoflile difpofition of the weftern Indians, 
 and the intrigues of bad men may make the war 
 general. 
 
 The recent murder of fome friendly Indians at the 
 block houfe on Beaver Creek, is a circumflance which 
 merits rigid enquiry. Such actions tend to involve 
 all things into confulion and leaves nothing to be ex- 
 pected but a general Indian War — Major General 
 S* Clair who is charged with the cheif command upon 
 the frontiers fat out from this City yefherday for Fort 
 Pitt. But the roads being bad may prevent his arri- 
 val before this poft — 
 
 He will inform you of the extenfive arrangements 
 directed for the operations of the Campaign, and it 
 
 1 Page 251. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 255 
 
 is devoutly to be hoped they will be effectual and 
 produce the defired effect peace 
 
 I am Sir 
 
 with fentiments of 
 great refpect your 
 moft Obedient 
 Servant 
 
 H Knox. 
 
 RuFUs Putnam 
 
 one of the Judges of the territory of the U S 
 
 North West of the Ohio — 
 
 [from the secretary of war] 
 
 War Department, 
 
 7th April 1 79 1 
 Sir, 
 
 Your letter of the 14*^ of last month ^ has been just 
 received. — The accounts you give of the apprehen- 
 fions and dangers of the fettlements, in the vicinity 
 of Marietta, is jusdy alarming. — 
 
 If anything can be added to the efficacy of my 
 letter of the lo^'' instant, authorizing Major Sargent 
 to call forth as many of the militia for the defence 
 of the fettlements, as the occafion might require ; — 
 Major General S* Clair, who must be on the frontiers, 
 has ample powers for the purpose — 
 
 The Levies and regular troops are raising but I do 
 not believe many of them will be on the frontiers, 
 until the beginning of the next month — any rein- 
 
 1 Page 253. 
 
256 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 forcements which you may require, must be derived 
 
 from the MiUtia 
 
 I am, Sir, 
 
 With great Respect, 
 Your Obed* Serv* 
 
 H. Knox 
 Secy of War 
 Judge RuFus Putnam. 
 
 COPY OF A LETTER TO GEN'' KNOX 
 
 Marietta August 22d 1791 
 Dear Sir 
 
 I embrace the prefent oppertunity to thank you for 
 your letters of the 24*^ of March & 7th of April lafl : ^ 
 & I alfo thank God that notwithllanding we have 
 had no afsistance but from our own people till the 
 midle of July, and the Indians in Small parties con- 
 tinually harrafsing of us, yet Sence the death of 
 Cap* Rogers we have lost but one man killed & one 
 taken prifoner — we have lost a number of horfes 
 and upwards of fifty head of Cattle, on our part we 
 have killed one Indian whofe body we recovered and 
 have reafon to beleve Some others were Killed or 
 Wounded — we have collected most of our Englifh 
 grain without lofs & have a prospect of a Sufficient 
 Crop of Corn for the Support of the inhabitants the 
 
 coming year 
 
 I have the Honour to 
 be with every 
 
 pofiable Sentiment 
 of efteem. Sir 
 your humb^ Sev* 
 
 RuFus Putnam 
 
 Gen^ Knox 
 
 1 Pages 254, 255. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 257 
 
 FROM SECRETARY OF WAR 
 ANOUNCING MY APPOINTM'' OF BRIGADIER 
 
 War Department 
 May 5. 1792. 
 Sir 
 
 I have the honor to inform you that the President 
 of the United States by and with the advice and con- 
 sent of the Senate — has appointed you a Brigadier 
 General. 
 
 You will please immediately to signify your accep- 
 tance or nonacceptance of this appointment. 
 
 In order that you may judge of the pay rations 
 and emoluments for the commifsioned and non-com- 
 mifsioned Officers and privates in the fervice of the 
 United States, I enclose you the act of Congrefs rela- 
 tive to the military establishment 
 
 I have the honor to be 
 Sir 
 Your most obedient fervant 
 
 H Knox 
 Secy of War 
 Brig Gen^ RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 INSTRUCTIONS TO BRIGADIER GENERAL RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 Sir, 
 
 As you have at the request of the President of the 
 United States, agreed to attempt to be present at the 
 General Council of the hostile Indians about to be 
 held on the Miami River of Lake Erie, in order to 
 convince the said Indians of the humane dispositions 
 of the United States, and thereby to make a truce or 
 peace with them — it is proper, that you should re- 
 ceive all due information, and instructions, relatively 
 to your mifsion — 
 
258 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 You have herewith delivered to you, 
 First. A Copy of the treaty of Fort Stanwix made on 
 the twenty second day of October 1784. 
 Secondly. A Copy of the treaty of Fort M'=Intosh 
 made the 21. January 1785. 
 
 Thirdly. A Copy of the treaty with the Shawnefe, 
 made at the Miami, in January 1 786 — 
 Fourthly. And of the treaties with the Six Nations, 
 and with the Wyandots &c. concluded at Fort Har- 
 mar on the 9*^^ of January 1 789 — 
 
 These last mentioned treaties confirm nearly the 
 bounds of the treaties made at Fort Stanwix in 1784, 
 and Fort M'^Intosh in 1785. 
 
 And that there should be no mistake as to the 
 boundaries claimed by the United States, by virtue of 
 the said several treaties, you have herewith delivered 
 to you a map, whereon the boundaries are clearly 
 marked — You will observe, that there are several 
 reservations to the United States, marked within the 
 Indian lands — Information has been received, that 
 the Indians consider those reservations with great 
 uneasinefs — If upon your bringing this subject to 
 view at the Council, it should appear to be the case 
 you may exprefs your opinion, that upon an ultimate 
 adjustment of differences, the said reservations may 
 be relinquished by the United States, excepting for 
 those parts about the Fort at Detroit, which will be 
 necefsary for the Garrison. 
 
 The Chiefs of the five Nations of Indians, who 
 were so long in this City, lately, were astonished at 
 the moderation of our claim of land ; it being very 
 different from what they have been taught by design- 
 ing people to believe — 
 
 It would seem that the Indians have been misled 
 with respect to our claims, by a certain map pub- 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 259 
 
 lished in Connecticut, whereon are laid out ten new 
 ftates, agreeably to a report of a Committee of Con- 
 grefs. 
 
 The United States are desirous in any treaty which 
 shall be formed in future, to avoid all causes of War 
 relatively to Boundaries, by fixing the same in such 
 a manner as not to be mistaken by the meanest 
 capacity — As the basis therefore of your negocia- 
 tion, you will, in the strongest and fnost explicit terms, 
 renounce on the part of the United States, all claims 
 to any Indian land which shall not have been ceded 
 by fair treaties, made with the Indian Nations. 
 
 That we conceive the treaty of Fort Harmar to 
 have been formed by the tribes having a just right 
 to make the same, and that it was done with their 
 full understanding, and free consent. 
 
 That if however the said tribes should judge the 
 compenfation to have been inadequate to the object, 
 or that any other tribes have a just claim, in both 
 cases they shall receive a liberal allowance on their 
 finally settling all disputes upon the subject. 
 
 That with respect to the lands ceded or retained 
 by the treaty with the Shawanefe of the Miami of the 
 Ohio, doubts are entertained of any rights pofsefsed 
 by the said Shawanefe, excepting those of sufferance 
 by the tribes who justly claim the same — But, if the 
 rights to the Shawanefe should be conceded by the 
 other neighbouring tribes who should think proper 
 to confirm the boundaries marked for the said Shaw- 
 anefe, the United States will abide thereby. 
 
 As the United States have never made any treaties 
 with the Wabash Indians, although the said Indians 
 have been repeatedly invited thereto, their Claims to 
 the lands East and South of the said Wabash, have 
 not been defined. 
 
26o OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 This circumstance will be a subject of your inquiry 
 with the afsembled Indian tribes, and you may afsure 
 the parties concerned that an equitable boundary 
 shall be arranged with them. 
 
 You will make it clearly understood that we want 
 not a foot of their land, and that it is theirs, and theirs 
 only — That they have the right to sell, and the 
 right to refuse to sell, and that the United States will 
 guarantee to them their said just rights 
 
 That all we require of the Indians is a peaceable 
 demeanor, that they neither plunder the frontiers of 
 their horses, or murder the Inhabitants. That the 
 United States are bound to protect the Inhabitants, at 
 the risque of every inconvenience of Men and Money. 
 
 You will represent to them, that a new flate of 
 things has taken place in the United States — that 
 formerly we were an afsociation of several separate 
 states, like their several separate tribes, and that 
 there was no portion of Union and Strength sufficient 
 to regulate the several parts, as belonging to the 
 same machine 
 
 But, that now we have a general goverment em- 
 bracing all parts of the Union, as it respects foreign 
 Nations and Indian tribes. 
 
 That General Washington is placed at the head 
 of this Government, and that he or some person im- 
 mediately authorized by him, must make all treaties 
 with the Indian tribes. 
 
 That therefore, in future, all the Indian Nations 
 may rest with great confidence upon the justice, the 
 humanity, and the liberality, of the United States. 
 
 That it is not only the sincere desire of the United 
 States to be at peace with all the neighbouring Indian 
 tribes, but to protect them in their just rights against 
 lawlefs, violent, white people : if such should commit 
 any injury on the persons or properties of a peaceable 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 261 
 
 Indian, they will be regarded equally as the Enemies 
 of the General Government, as the Indians, and will 
 be punished accordingly. 
 
 Let the Indians at the said Council know fully. That 
 the United States are friends with the Creeks to whom 
 we give fifteen hundred dollars annually — With the 
 Cherokees (excepting a few Outcasts who have been 
 leagued with the Shawanese) to whom we also give 
 fifteen hundred dollars annually — That we have 
 treaties of peace with the Choctaws and Chickasaws 
 — to whom we shall probably afsign an annual allow- 
 ance as they have proved themselves our friends — 
 
 That we also have lately allowed the five Nations, 
 to wit, the Senekas, Cayugas, Oneidas including the 
 Stockbridge tribe — Onondagas, and Tuscororas, the 
 Sum of Fifteen hundred dollars annually. 
 
 That the United States are highly desirous of im- 
 parting to all the Indians tribes, the blefsings of civ- 
 ilization, as the only mean of perpetuating them on 
 the earth. 
 
 That we are willing to be at the expence of teach- 
 ing them to read and write, to plough and to sow, in 
 order to raise their own bread and meat with cer- 
 tainty, as the white people do. 
 
 In short, that the United States willing to believe 
 that the conduct of the hostile Indians hitherto, has 
 been more the effect of misrepresentation of bad peo- 
 ple, than any hardened malignity of the human heart, 
 are desirous of forgetting and burying deep forever, 
 all the evils which have past, and to administer such 
 good things to the said Indians, as will make them 
 rejoice for ever, at the annual return of the day on 
 which they may conclude a treaty with the United 
 States. 
 
 You will inform the hostile Indians, that these sen- 
 timents are not the offspring of the defeat of the 
 
262 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 fourth of November last, but that they arise from 
 the purest desire to avoid the further effusion of 
 blood. 
 
 That our dispositions for peace are not the conse- 
 quence of any apprehensions of the ifsue of the War 
 may be made apparent to the Indians by a compari- 
 son of the strength and resources of the United States 
 and the Indians. 
 
 That we entertained these dispositions for peace 
 early in the last year and attempted to send various 
 mefseng-ers accordingly but who were prevented by 
 unforeseen circumstances. 
 
 The Senekas who Colonel Procter persuaded to 
 accompany him to the Miami Village will be a good 
 Witnefs to the truth of this as will be Captain Hendrick 
 the Chief of the Stockbridge Indians who also made 
 considerable progrefs in his journey but was stopped 
 at the Grand River North of Lake Erie 
 
 Two persons were engaged in January last to re- 
 pair to the Miami Village, and actually proceeded as 
 far as Niagara where they were stopped their busi- 
 nefs not being known. 
 
 February the tenth General Wilkinson was directed 
 as you will particularly observe by the extract of my 
 letter herewith delivered to intimate by himself and 
 Major Hamtramck our desire for peace.^ 
 
 Doctor Brown was chosen to repair to the Miami 
 Village for this purpose, and it is probable that he is 
 on his mifsion accordingly 
 
 1 Lieutenant-Colonel James Wilkinson, commandant at Fort Washing- 
 ton (Cincinnati), and Major John Hamtramck, commandant at Fort Knox 
 (Vincennes), were ordered to send Indian and French messengers to the 
 hostile Indians to impress upon them that the desire of the United States 
 was not for their lands, but for peace. The Indians were urged to send 
 representatives to a council at Fort Washington as proof of their friendly 
 disposition, and were threatened with force if they should fail to comply. 
 Similar messages were sent by way of the Lakes. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 263 
 
 Major Hamtramck in his letter of the 31. March a 
 copy of which you have delivered you, Hates that be- 
 sides making peace with the Wea and Eel River In- 
 dians he has dispatched Agents to most of the hoftile 
 • Indians West of the Wabash and Omie Rivers ^ 
 
 You have also herewith delivered you copies of 
 the inllructions to Major Trueman and the speech 
 with which he was charged to the hoflile Indians 
 dated the 3*^ of April.^ Every thing which can be 
 effected by an ardent zeal may be expected from the 
 Majors Mifsion, and you will please to confide in and 
 employ him in your businefs agreeably to my letter 
 to him herewith delivered to you — The Chiefs of 
 the five nations, who were lately in this City, have 
 agreed to repair to the General Council about being 
 held — they departed this City apparently well im- 
 prefsed with the justice and humanity of the United 
 States and stipulated to use their highest exertions 
 to effect a peace — 
 
 Colonel Louis of the Cagnawagnas also came here 
 to inform the Government that the seven castles so 
 called in Canada had been invited to the Council to 
 be held at the Miami River of Lake Erie — He be- 
 ing also convinced of the justice of the United States 
 promised to use his influence towards a peace. 
 
 Captain Hendrick Aupaumut chief of the Stock- 
 
 ^ In March, before receiving his instructions to send out peace messen- 
 gers, Major Hamtramck had formally agreed with the Eel River and 
 Wea Chiefs that as they desired peace, a treaty should be held at Vin- 
 cennes ; that their lands should be confirmed to them by the United 
 States ; and that on their part they should cease all depredations, and share 
 their knowledge of any hostile designs of other Indians against the United 
 States. 
 
 2 In April, Captain Alexander Trueman was sent via Pittsburgh and 
 Fort Washington to carry a speech from the President to the Miami Vil- 
 lage, at the head of the Omie (Maumee) River. In this speech the In- 
 dians were urged to cease hostilities, and to send some of their principal 
 chiefs to a peace conference at Philadelphia. 
 
264 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 bridge Indians and his Brother have also gone spe- 
 cially charged to prepare the way for your reception 
 and to meet you at Fort Jefferson ; ^ his instructions 
 you have also delivered to you. 
 
 The recital of these several measures are made, in 
 order to show you that the businefs is in a consider- 
 able degree matured. 
 
 I have written to M*" John Heckewelder of Beth- 
 lehem to accompany you, which he has promised 
 to do ; but he cannot set out from Bethlehem until 
 the 25*^ instant, but he will probably overtake you 
 at Pittsburg or Marietta. This person superintended 
 one of the Moravian Towns in the Muskingum, and 
 has a general acquaintance with and influence over 
 the Wyandots and Delawares. 
 
 Much good may be expected from the agreement 
 made by Major Hamtramck with the Wabash In- 
 dians — It is hoped that it will be an happy intro- 
 duction to a general peace — their influence and 
 agency may be expected with the other Indians and 
 you may obtain from them escorts and mefsengers 
 to the hostile Indians 
 
 You have herewith delivered to you an invoice of 
 Indian Goods at Fort Washington and an order for 
 the same. These goods or part thereof may be pre- 
 sented to the Wabash Indians who have agreed with 
 Major Hamtramck provided it should be the joint 
 judgment of Brig"" Gen^ Wilkinfon and yourself but 
 under such restrictions as to preclude all abuses. 
 
 Besides these goods you have delivered to you, 
 twenty setts of silver ornaments for such of the prin- 
 cipal chiefs as shall come to a pacific agreement, and 
 also nose and ear jewels. 
 
 Besides the above a further provision of Goods 
 
 ^ Fort Jefferson was about sixty-seven miles north of Fort Washington, 
 on St. Clair's route to the Miami village. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 265 
 
 will be made immediately and forwarded to Fort 
 Pitt to a considerable amount the disposition of 
 which will be hereafter directed. 
 
 Your first great object upon meeting the Indians 
 will be to convince them that the United States re- 
 quire none of their lands. 
 
 The Second. That we shall guarantee all that re- 
 mains and take the Indians under our protection 
 
 Thirdly. They must agree to a truce and immedi- 
 ately call in all their War parties — it will be in vain 
 to be negociating with them while they shall be mur- 
 dering the frontier citizens. 
 
 Having happily effected a truce founded on the 
 above afsurances, it will be then your primary en- 
 deavour to obtain from each of the hostile and neigh- 
 bouring tribes, two of the most respectable Chiefs to 
 repair to the seat of the Government and there con- 
 clude a treaty with the President of the United States 
 in which all causes of difference should be buried 
 forever 
 
 You will give the chiefs every afsurance of personal 
 protection while on their journey to Philadelphia, and 
 should they insist upon it Hostages of Officers for 
 the safe return of the chiefs, and in case of their com- 
 pliance you will take every precaution by the troops 
 for their protection of the said chiefs which the na- 
 ture of the case may require 
 
 But if after having used your utmost exertions the 
 chiefs should decline the journey to Philadelphia, 
 then you will agree with them on a place for a gen- 
 eral treaty. 
 
 In considering upon this place — perhaps Pitts- 
 burgh or its vicinity would be as proper a place as 
 could be decided upon — Provifions could be pro- 
 cured in abundance and it would be the point to 
 which the goods could be easily transported 
 
266 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 In this event it will be necefsary that I should be 
 informed by the earliest opportunity in order that 
 the principles of, and arrangements for the treaty 
 should be fixed 
 
 It will also be of the highest importance that you 
 keep General Wayne constantly informed of your 
 progrefs and prospects as his movements will be 
 governed by your information — 
 
 As it may be necefsary for you to conciliate some 
 chiefs by money and also to obtain runners, you have 
 delivered you a warrant on the treasurer for one 
 thousand dollars for which you will be held account- 
 able. 
 
 Of all your disbursements either of money or goods, 
 you will keep fair accounts supported by vouchers in 
 all pofsible cases, or of witnefses as evidences of the 
 delivery of Goods. 
 
 As this will be considered as an extra service from 
 your military employment, your expences will be 
 paid by the publick, and if you succeed in effecting 
 a peace you are hereby promised in behalf of the 
 United States an handfome pecuniary reward. 
 
 In case any accident should happen to you while 
 employed on this mifsion you may rest afsured the 
 Government will make a suitable provision for your 
 family. 
 
 It has been conceived, that were you to repair to 
 Fort Washington and thence to Fort Jefferson that 
 you would more readily than from any other point 
 find a communication with the hostile Indians — upon 
 your nearer approach you will form your own judg- 
 ment and take your own measures — Having given 
 you a view of the objects and the train in which 
 things are, the rest must be left entirely to your 
 discretion — 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 267 
 
 But I cannot close these instructions without urg- 
 ing to you the highest pofsible exertions in bringing 
 the War to a clofe and of devifing every proper mean 
 for that purpose — An Indian war is destructive to 
 the interests of humanity and an event from which 
 neither dignity or profit can be reaped. It has been 
 imposed on the Government by strong causes which 
 it could not controul or prevent and the sooner it is 
 terminated the better — You may be afsured that 
 all the stipulation of rewards you make shall be fully 
 complied with and they ought to be liberal — 
 
 On your arrival at Fort Washington, all the 
 Women & Children belonging to those tribes with 
 whom Major Hamtramck has made peace are to be 
 well clad and released from their captivity — The 
 women to have some of the silver ornaments pre- 
 sented to them. 
 
 Enclosed you have a letter to Brigadier General 
 Wilkinson on the subject of the release of the above 
 described prisoners. 
 
 These instructions are given by the authority of 
 the President of the United States and are to be re- 
 garded accordingly. 
 
 Given at the War Office of the United States 
 this twenty fecond day of May 1 792 — 
 
 H Knox 
 Sec'' of War 
 
 COPY OF A LETTER TO GENERAL KNOX 
 
 Pittsburgh June s^^ 1792 
 Sir 
 
 I arrived at this place the 2*^ indent in the morn- 
 ing, and in the afternoon Capt Jef^ers arrived from a 
 Scout, whofe report I herewith enclofe — Takeing 
 into consideration the circumflances relative to the 
 
268 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 two Munsey Indians, brought in by Capt Jeffers, 
 perticulerly that they had never ben confined, nor 
 disarmed, and that the principle Warriours of the 
 Sennakas, who was with M' Jeffers on this Servis, 
 ware very defierous they Should be Set at liberty, I 
 concived it best to comply with their wifhes ; And 
 befides I thought it might promote the bufines I am 
 on to Send a Speech by them to the hostile nations, 
 and accordingly I made the propofition to them : 
 they deliered to confialt two of the principle Senakas 
 who had ben out with M"" Jeffers — thefe warriours 
 returned for anfwer that they might cary my Speech 
 to Capt Snake or Some other principle man among 
 the Munfies, who would no doubt Send it to the 
 more hostile tribes but that thefe men haveing ben 
 present when the two Dellawares ware Killed it 
 would not be Safe for them to carry it to the other 
 tribes — on the whole althoe this conveyance ap- 
 peared rather doubtfull, yet conlidering the uncer- 
 tainty of Major Trumans Succefs, and alfo that of 
 Capt Hendricks, and that northing might be left 
 undon that had a tendency to induce the hostile In- 
 dians to give me a hearing I have framed a Speech 
 for the purpos (a Copy of which is herewith enclofed i) 
 and I expect thefe Indians will Set out tomorrow on 
 their Journey. 
 
 Mr Heckenwelder arrived here the third inflent, 
 and I expect to leve this the day after tomorrow — 
 
 I hear there has ben a plan on foot among the 
 Militia of Wafhington and Some other Countys to 
 make an attack on the Sanduskey Towns. I beleve 
 their is no great danger of their puting the Scheme 
 in execution, however I would Suggest the propriety 
 of reflraining all ofeniive opperations on our part, for 
 
 1 Page 269. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 269 
 
 the prefent. the propriety of this meafure appears 
 to me So Just that did I not expect General Wain to 
 arrive at this place Soon or that Such orders would 
 Soon Issue from the War [Department] to the Mili- 
 tia in this quarter, I should have wrote to the Lieu- 
 tenants of the Countys on the Subject ; for while 
 Some Mefengers and Negotiators are gon, and others 
 going into the Indian Country ; Should any Stroke 
 be made on their towns it is more then probable 
 that goverment would be wholly frustrated in their 
 purpofes of accommodation, and every perfon within 
 the power of the enemy would fall a Sacrefise — 
 I have the honour to be 
 
 Sir your most obedient 
 humble Servant 
 
 R Putnam 
 Gen. Knox Secretary 
 at War — 
 
 COPY OF SPEECH TO THE INDIANS 
 
 Speech of Brigadier General Rufus Putnam, Com- 
 mifioner Appointed by the Great Chief General 
 Wafhington & his Council, viz the Congrefs of the 
 United States — 
 
 To all the Sachems and Warriours of the tribes 
 inhabiting the Miami or Tawa River, and the 
 waters of the Wabalh River : the Wyandots, Del- 
 lawares Chippawas, Ottawas, Pattiwatamas, Sha- 
 wones, Tweetwees and all other Indian Nations 
 refideing Southward of the Lakes, East of the 
 MiiTisippi and Northward of the River Ohio — 
 
 Brothers 
 
 The Great Councill of the United States haveing 
 Taken into conlideration the prefent Troubles fub- 
 
270 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 sisting between them and their Brothers of difEerent 
 Indian Tribes, have reafon to beleve, in Some mea- 
 fure, that thefe Troubles have arifen from Mifsunder- 
 flanding between the parties concerned, and being 
 delierous to remove every Just ground of Complaint 
 The Great Chief, General Wafhington more then 
 two Moons past Sent a Speech to you by Capt Tru- 
 man on the Subject of peace — And Capt Hendrick, 
 a Cheif of the Stockbridge Tribe has alfo ben dis- 
 patched to inform you of the frindly Disposition of 
 the prefident and all the Great Councill of the United 
 
 States toward all Indian Tribes 
 
 Brothers 
 
 Thefe and other meafures of the like nature have 
 ben taken preparitory to my arrivel on our Frontier 
 Settlements, who am appointed by Gen' Wafhington 
 in behalf of the Great Council, to enquire into all 
 your Grievances and to treat with you on the puerest 
 principle of Justice and humanity — 
 Brothers 
 
 I have weighty matters to communicate to you and 
 do not doubt but when we Shall meet togather and 
 have heard one another, your hearts will rejoice 
 and we Shall unite in Frindfhip and love 
 
 a String of 3 Branches 
 
 Brothers 
 
 All the Roads between you and us have ben Shut 
 for Some time past. I now request you to open the 
 path that leads to Fort Jefferson (the neerest of our 
 Forts to the Miami Towns) That you and I may be 
 able to meet one another and enter on this Great 
 work. I expect to be their my Self in about twenty 
 days and request that you will Send Some of your 
 men with Capt Hendrick to conduct me with a few 
 

 < 
 
 O 
 
 2; 
 
 CL, 
 
 o 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 271 
 
 frinds to the place you Shall fix on for our meeting — 
 your Mefsengers may approch Fort Jefferson without 
 fear, as meafures are already taken to prevent any 
 injury being don to them. 
 
 a String of 2 Branches 
 Brothers 
 
 You have heard what I have to Say at prefent. 
 fill your pipes with this (Tobacco) when you deliber- 
 ate on this my Speech, and above all let the Great 
 and good Spirit above guide you in your Coun- 
 cils and you will find that you will be blefsed with 
 peace and hapinefs — 
 
 a roll of Tobacco 
 Pittsburgh, June 5«^ 
 
 1792 RuFus Putnam B G &c &c 
 
 Commifsioner for 
 Treating with the 
 Indian Nations in 
 behalf of the United 
 Stats 
 
 tI' 
 
 LETTER TO GEN'' WAYNE 
 
 Marietta June 23d 1792 
 Dear General 
 
 I herewith enclofe you a Statement of the dispofi- 
 tion of the Troops Stationed at Marietta Belleprie 
 and Waterford with a Short defcription of the Local 
 Situation of the Several Stations reletive to each other 
 — I beg leve further to remark, that thefe Settlement 
 being more then one hundred miles from any other 
 Settlemets that can afford them releaf, are exceed- 
 ingly expofed to the Depredations of the Enimy, and 
 as I concive they have a Claim, So I have no doubt 
 they will have your attention — 
 
272 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 the Station at Waterford is more exposed then any 
 of the others : I concive it a proper place to be oc- 
 cupied by a conliderable force, for befids preventing 
 the deflruction of between twenty & thirty familis, if 
 a Company or two of Rifle men ware Stationed there, 
 to Scout up the Muskingum River and toward the 
 Hockhocking they would be a very great protection 
 to the Inhabitants of, Ohio and Wafhington Countys 
 as well as to the inhabitant in this quartr on Both 
 Sids of the ohio River — 
 
 I leva this place the 25* for Fort Wafhington 
 I have the Honor Sir 
 
 COPY OF LETTER TO GEN'* WILKENSON 
 
 Fort Washington July 3d 1792 
 Sir 
 
 I prefume the Secretary at War has informed you 
 that my prefent bufinefs in this Quarter, is to indevor 
 to bring about a Treaty with the hostile Tribes of In- 
 dians. In ordor fir, that I may act underflandingly 
 and the p [1] ans of Goverment appear Uniform it is 
 necefsary that I Should know what meafures has ben 
 taken by you relative the premifes, more efpecially 
 Sence your receipt of Gen^ Knoxs letter of the 11*^ of 
 February last I therefore request to be informed the 
 Speeches you have Sent to the Indians, the informa- 
 tion you have recived from or concerning them, and 
 ordors given to the of^cer commanding at Fort Jef- 
 ferfon & other out post relative to the approch of 
 Flags or Mefsengers — 
 
 In my inftructiohs from the Secretary at War is 
 the following — viz " you have herewith Delivered to 
 " you an invoice of Indian Goods at Fort Wafhington, 
 " and an ordor for the Same These goods or part 
 " thereof may be prefented to the Wabalh Indians 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 273 
 
 " who have agreed with Major Hamtramok provided 
 " it Should be the Joint Judgment Brigadier Gen* 
 " Wilkenfon and your felf, but under fuch reflrictions 
 "as to preclude all abufes " (again) " on your arri- 
 " vel at Fort Wafhington all the Women and Chil- 
 " dren belonging to thofe tribes with whome Major 
 ** Hamtramok has made peace are to be well clad 
 "and releafed from their Captivity — the women to 
 "have Some of the Silver ornaments prefented to 
 " them. 
 
 to this Extract from Inllruct of the Secretary at 
 War I wifh we may attend as Soon as pofiable ; For 
 every other matter relative to the profecution of the 
 object I am Sent on I fhall with pleafure recive your 
 opinion and advice, and Should we be So unfortunate 
 as not to effect a peace, yet I have no doubt but fuch 
 evidence will be given of our United effort to accom- 
 plifh the wifhes of goverment on this head as will 
 afford a pleafmg reflection in our own minds and 
 convince the Nation of the Necefsity of profecuting 
 the War with vigour 
 
 COPY OF LETTER TO GEN^ KNOX 
 
 Fort Washington July 5th 1792 
 Sir 
 
 My last letter was from Marietta June 23 '^. I was 
 not able to leve that place untill the 26'^ I halted one 
 day at Galipolis and arrived here on the 2'^ Inftent 
 at 8, oClock in the morning ; Soon after my arrivel 
 Gen^ Wilkinson returned from a Tour to Fort Jeffer- 
 son with the Disagreable News that on the 25**^ ult 
 about 100 Indians made an attack [on] a party of 
 men Cuting hay neer Fort Jefferson that 16 of our 
 people ware Killed and Mifmg, that four Dead bodies 
 only had ben found on whome was marks [of] the 
 
274 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 greatest emity & cruelty practised, a War Club alfo 
 with a very extreordinary Spike in the head of it 
 that the Indians had three horses with them, one 
 man was drefsed in a Scarlet Suite and the whole 
 (or at lest a great part) appeared in white Shirts — 
 Gen^ Wilkinson further informs me that on his arrivel 
 at the post he Sent out parties to trace the Enimys 
 back track or way they came as well as the rout they 
 went off, and that they both came from and returned 
 toward the lower part, or rapids, of the Tawa River ^ — 
 on the third inilent arrived M"" Vego ^ & two other 
 Gentlemen from fort Knox who inform that on the 
 20^^ ult Some Weya Cheifs Sent by Majr Hamtra- 
 mack to Eel river returned with News that four men 
 going from Some of our Forts with a Flag had ben 
 Fired on by a party of Indians three of the men ware 
 killed, the man with the Flag and papers was taken, 
 that after keeping him one day they killed him alfo. 
 that the Indians took the papers to Some white man 
 who could read and that they contained a long 
 and good Talk from a Great Cheif which when the 
 Indians underflood they ware Sorry for what they 
 had don. — if this ace* be true their is little reafon 
 to doubt but Col° Hardy and Major Truman have 
 fallen a Sacrefise and that Soon after they left Fort 
 Walhington as it was intended that they Should not 
 Travel far together — and their is alfo Some cir- 
 cumflances in the late affair neer Fort Jefferson which 
 if attended to I think renders the arrivel of Capt 
 Hendrick at that post for the purpose expected very 
 doubtfull. the number of Indians in that party, indi- 
 cates that they had in view an object of confiderable 
 confequence. their drefs was uncommon and Shews 
 
 1 The Maumee River. 
 
 2 Francis Vigo, a prominent citizen of Vincennes. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 275 
 
 they had ben very lately & very generally furnifhed 
 with new Shirts by the Britifh Superintendent, indeed 
 their war parties I beleve Seldom ware any Shirts 
 while Neer or Seeking their enemy — the Hay- 
 makers could not be their oreginal object for that 
 bufmefs had commenced but 5 days before and there- 
 fore could not be known to them when they Set out 
 on the Expidition provided they came from the 
 mouth of the Tawa River as is apprehended another 
 circumflance is that they made the attack on the 
 mowers the very day (or at most but one day after 
 the time) I had appointed to be at Fort Jefferson, as 
 notified to the Indians in my Speech Sent them from 
 Pittsburgh dated the 5^^' of June and which I have no 
 doubt reached the Grand Councill on the Tawa River 
 Sufficiently early to have a war party march from 
 thence to Fort Jefferson before the time the attack 
 was made, from all thefe circumflances I concive 
 their [is] great reason to beleve that my felf was the 
 oreginal object of that expidition, and if So and that 
 it was undertaken by General confent of the afsem- 
 bled Chiefs, I think there is little reafon to expect or 
 beleve they are at prefent inclined to treat of peace, 
 but prehaps thefe conjecturs are all wrong or that if 
 I was the object, yet the party came out through the 
 influenc of the Superintendent or Some Britifh em- 
 mifary with out the confent, and prehaps without the 
 knowledge, of the Chiefs in general if this Should 
 be the cafe Hendreck may Soon arrive with tiding 
 more agreable, then prefent circumllancs Seeme to 
 warrant reafonable expectation of — 
 
 With Mr Vego came Weya men whofe relations 
 are prifonrs here, and alfo an Indian by the name of 
 Billa who went out on the expidition with Gen^ S* 
 Clair was in the action was wounded & taken prif- 
 
276 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 oner by the Enimy and Soon after made his efcape 
 — an Interpreter is Sent for to Kentucke when he 
 arrives I Shall be able to Speek with thefe people 
 and not before, from Major Hamtramck letter and 
 the information of M"" Vego and others, the real in- 
 tentions of the Weya & Eel River Indian appear 
 to me very Doubtfull. to get back their prifonrs in 
 the opinion of the Gentlemen from Vincennes is the 
 principle object with them ; but whatever their in- 
 tentions may be I think meafures Should be taken to 
 compleat a treety with them agreably to the Stipula- 
 tions made with them by Major Hamtramack. for 
 however Defirablean object it may be to bring them 
 to Philadelphia, I beleve it altogather impraticable. 
 I am informed that they object Strongly against the 
 proposition made to them by Major Hamtramak of 
 coming to Fort Wafhington. they Say it is too far 
 and they ware promised a treaty at Fort Knox — 
 
 It is my opinion that a perfon be authorized to 
 hold a Treaty with them at Fort Knox & Compleat 
 the bufnefs as far as pofiable agreably to the articls 
 Stipulate [d] with Hamtramack that Some goods 
 be given them as an Evidence of the ability and 
 disposition of Goverment to Serve them that the 
 Boundarie of their lands be defined but no propoli- 
 tion of purchafe be made at prefent that Goverment 
 haveing by her Justice and a few acts of liberalety 
 (which will cost little) gained their confidence their 
 Chiefs may afterward be willing (& probably defier- 
 ous) to make a Journey to the Seat of Goverment, 
 that they will offer their lands for Sale before the 
 united States will have any ocation for them — that 
 begining in this way with the Tribs neerest to Ven- 
 cenneefs their is no doubt but others will Soon follow 
 their example and if by this meens the tribes west 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 277 
 
 of the Wabafh can be detached from the more hos- 
 tile Nations a point of very confiderable confequence 
 will be gained (the perfon to be appointed on this 
 Mission Should be one well disposed toward the In- 
 dians & against whome they entertain no perticuler 
 prejudice & it would be better Still if one can be 
 found with whom they are acquaint & for whom 
 they have a perticulr Kindnefs) 
 
 But to return among the more Hostile tribes I do 
 not yet dispair of Succefs for althoe I have no doubt 
 but many of the Shawones and others at prefent Shut 
 their ears against and reject every Idea of peace, 
 that they have murdered Major Truman and prehaps 
 every other white man that has ben Sent with Mel^ 
 sages of Peace, and that it was a party of thefe fel- 
 lows (countenanced and encouraged by prefents from 
 Some British agent) that came to Fort Jefferson with 
 a view to take me ofif yet I much doubt if thefe 
 meafures are Countenanced by the Chiefs in general, 
 I rather beleve they are the work of a few who by 
 Such means expect to distract the Councils of the 
 more moderate and prevent a Treaties takeing place 
 while a great Majorety are wifhing for Such an event 
 — the Same ace* that gives us reafon to beleve that 
 Truman & other Mefsengrs are murdered, informs 
 us that the Prefidents Speech was prefer\^ed. Inter- 
 preted & confidered a good one and that they ware 
 Sorry for what they had don. if the Defigne of the 
 party who came to Fort Jefferson was to murder me 
 that circumllance alfo proves that my Speech had 
 reached the Tawa River (and that it has reached the 
 Grand Council I have not the least dout, for I con- 
 fider the mode of conveyance as certain & Sure) add 
 to this the influence of Hendrick with the Deputys 
 from the Six nations C — [?] Le — [?] and ye Seven 
 
278 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 Castles in Cannada (when they arrive) will have, and 
 I think their is confiderable reafon to hope the Na- 
 tions in general will yet confent to treat of peace — 
 
 letter from b g wilkinson 
 
 Fort Washington 
 July sth 1 792 
 Sir 
 
 Altho the free & full verbal communications, which 
 succeeded your addrefs to me of the 3'''^ Inst.^ 
 which you did me the honor to put into my hand, 
 supercede the necefsity of a written reply, yet it may 
 be a matter of propriety to our respective stations, 
 that I should thus acknowledge the Receipt of that 
 Letter, & at the same time afsure you, that you will 
 find in me, not only a ready but a zealous coopera- 
 tion, in whatever may tend to the prosecution of the 
 Objects, of the very important mifsion confided to 
 you by the supreme executive, and in every other 
 instance which may Interest the public good, — 
 
 Nothwithstanding, the very systematic outrage, 
 recently commited in the vicinity of Fort Jefferson, 
 and a variety of concuring circumstances, bespeak 
 the sanguinary disposition of the Enemy, & their in- 
 veterate animosity, yet my anxiety to carry into com- 
 plete effect, the Views & prescriptions of the President 
 induced me on leaving Fort Jefferson the 29*^ Ult*"" 
 to instruct Major Smith the Commandant, agreably 
 to the following extract " Notwithstanding the re- 
 " cent outrage of the Enemy, you are to persevere 
 " in the plan of defensive measures, and are to re- 
 " ceive & to treat with due respect any flag which 
 " may present ; tho improbable, it is pofsible the late 
 " hostility may have been perpetrated by some Party 
 
 1 Page 272. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 279 
 
 " not apprized of the Pacific overtures now pend- " 
 "ing" — 
 
 Availing myself of the permifsion, which you have 
 given me, to offer you my opinion & advice, I will 
 take the Liberty to suggest ; that, as the original ar- 
 rangements which I had taken on the subject will not 
 only secure proper treatment to any Flag which may 
 present to our out Posts, but that the communication 
 of such circumstance will be announced here from the 
 most distant in thirty Six Hours after it may occur ; 
 I think your Personal attendance, at Fort Jefferson, 
 previous to the arrival of any deputation from the 
 Enemy, cannot be Interesting to the Public, & will 
 expose you, pent up as you must be in a crowded 
 Garrison, to great incommodation — You moreover 
 Sir know perfectly well how to estimate, after what 
 has happened, the probability of such an arrival at 
 that Post — 
 
 In carrying my views forward to the probable re- 
 sult of the pacific overtures now pending, I must con- 
 fefs to you, I am induced to believe, that Ft. Vincennes 
 under existing circumstances presents, as the most 
 elegible point for negotiation, and opens to us a pros- 
 pect of advantages, which may, in my humble Judg- 
 ment, if seasonably attended to, be pushed to great 
 extent & with great Effect ; on this Subject, I shall 
 at all times be ready to enlarge, and I cannot close 
 this Letter without testifying to you, the Heart-felt- 
 pleasure, I derive from the coincidance of Sentiment 
 manifested in the conferences we have held — Believe 
 me with all due respect for your superior age & ex- 
 perience, and with unfeigned Personal regard, 
 Your Obedient, ready 
 
 & very H^'^ Ser\^ant 
 
 JA : Wilkinson 
 Brig'' General PUTNAM 
 
28o OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 COPY OF LETTER TO GENERAL KNOX 
 
 Fort Washington July 8'^ — 1792 
 Sir 
 
 My letter to you of the fifth inflent ^ I gave into the 
 hand of M"" Vego at this place who is gon down to 
 the Rapids with an intent to proceed imediately for 
 Philadelphia by the way of Lexington where I expect 
 this letter will be put into his hands — 
 
 The more I reflect on the Subject, the more I am 
 convinced, that it will be best to proceed with the 
 Indians on the Wabash &c &c in the maner I have 
 hinted in my letter above refered to and as far as 
 pofiable detach them from the councils & Influenc of 
 the other Indians but I think it will not be necefsary 
 and prehaps not proper to Stipulate an annual allow- 
 ance of goods to the Wabafh Indians untill a purchas 
 of lands be made which I concive ought not to be 
 proposed to them untill the contest with the Shawone 
 and other hostile nations is ditermined — for this is 
 the argument made ufe of by our Enimies (and the 
 only one that would prevail on the Cheppaws & many 
 other tribes to Joyn in the War) and which is contin- 
 ually urged on the Western Indians to Joyne in the 
 confederalie : viz the Americans are after your lands 
 they mean to take them from you and to drive you 
 out of the country : I am informed from good au- 
 thorety that when the Dellawars Wyandot and Sha- 
 wones first invited the Chippawas & other tribs to 
 Joyne them in the War, they anfwered "for why 
 " Should we go to war we have no quarel with the 
 " Americans when our Farther (meaning the King of 
 " Great Brittain) was at war and called on us to Joyne 
 " him against a Set of rebelious Children we did So. 
 
 1 Page 273. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 281 
 
 " but our Father had now made peace with his Chil- 
 " dren and their is now no reafon why we Should g"o 
 ** to war against them, it will be enough for them 
 " [us] to go to war against the Americans when our 
 " father calls on us again — but you Said the Chip- 
 " pawas are always quareling with your neighbors 
 
 To this the Dellawars & Wyandots replyed that 
 " the thirteen fires ware endevoring to take their lands 
 "from them, that they challenged the whole country 
 "as their own, that they (the thirteen fires) had 
 " marked out to them a Small tract for hunting 
 " ground on which they could not live, well Sais the 
 " Chippawas, what is that to us they have not med- 
 " died with our lands and why Should we fight for 
 " your land you must fight your Selves for them and 
 "defend your Country their is reafon you Should, 
 " but we Shall get northing by it if we joyn in the 
 " war. its better therefore that we mind our own bufi- 
 " nefs and live in peace — 
 
 To this the Dellawars &c could find no anfwer un- 
 till a British emmefary whispered in their ear " Tell 
 " them that when the Americans have conquored you 
 " & got pofession of your country ; they will then 
 " take theirs alfo for that is their intention and they 
 " will never rest untill they have got the whol." " ah, 
 " Replyed the others, is that the cafe then we will fight 
 " too and imediately again took the Tomhawk from 
 the Dellawars Wyandots & Shawones who first moved 
 in the bufmes — I have ben the more perticuler in 
 relateing this anecdote (which is a fact that may be 
 relied on) becaufe it clearly Shows the reafon why So 
 many Nations are drawn into the War against us that 
 it must be Somthing more then mear Britifli influence, 
 may be clearly argued from their being a greater 
 number engaged in the prefent contest then the Brit- 
 
282 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 ish Govermt with all their arts ware able to perfuaid 
 to take up the hatchet in the western quarter during 
 the late war, & what can be their motive but the fear 
 of loofeing their lands, or in other words that the 
 Americans intend to take their lands from them when 
 ever they Shall think proper without their confent, 
 agreably to the Doctrine of the Treaties at Fort Mac- 
 intofh and the Big Mami [Miami] it is therefore in 
 my opinion [?] indispensably nefsr}^ to convince the 
 Western Indians as Soon as pofiable that thefe Sug- 
 gestions are falfe and Sence they will not agree to 
 com to Philadelphia, or even Fort Wafhington the [y] 
 Should be treated with at Vincennes as Soon as pofi- 
 able 
 
 in confidence that a Commifion will Soon arrive 
 impowering Major Hamtramack [or] Some other 
 perfon to hold a Treety at Vincenes agreably to the 
 Stipulations he has made with thofe Indians a part 
 of the Indian Goods here will be forwarded with the 
 prifoners to Vincennes 
 
 yesterday a Canoe going up the Ohio to Columbia 
 at two mile distenc from this place ware attacked, 
 one man killed one wounded a Boy taken prifoner — 
 a woman made efcape unhurt 
 
 this is another discourageing circumflance with 
 refpect to my hereing from Hendrick in the way ex- 
 pected, and with Some a conclufive evidence that the 
 grand council is brook up with a diterminat [ion] of 
 Continuing the War. but I doubt this for their has 
 ben Scarcely time Sence the Chiefs of the Six Nations 
 left Philadelphia for them first to report to the coun- 
 cil that was to meet at Buffaloe and then for the De- 
 puties to come forard to Tawa River, and I do not 
 beleve that under all circumflances the grand Council 
 at the Tawa would defide on the bufinefs and brake 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 283 
 
 up before the Deputies from the Seven Caflles and 
 the Six Nations had had an oppertunity to Speak their 
 Sentiments — I am ditermined to Send another 
 Speech to the BeHgerent tribes if I can perfuade any 
 of the Wabafh Indian here to carry it — I have Sev- 
 eral reafons for makeing this attempt. First if Some 
 Bad men have murdered our Mefsenge [rs] who ware 
 carrying the prefidents Speech — althoe the Speech 
 may be carried to the Council, they may confider it 
 as not properly coming before them, and the Chiefs 
 may be in doubt whether we will now receve a Mef- 
 sage from them or not the arrivel of a new Speech I 
 think will remove this doubt althoe I mention nor- 
 thing of the rumour I have heard befides by a Mefsage 
 of this Sort I expect to afsertain the fact whether our 
 Mefsengers are murdered or not and alfo to reduce 
 the matter to a Certainty whether they will let me 
 Speak with them or not. I propose to remain here for 
 the prefent as it is uncertain whether any Flag will 
 arrive from the enimy or at what post they may come 
 in, and Should Hendrick arrive at Fort Jefferson as 
 
 proposed, I Shall have notice in 36 hours 
 
 But Suppofe that after all rational means is ufed 
 to accommodate this bufmefs by treety we fail in the 
 attempt and that a continuance of the war is inevi- 
 table, pardon me Sir if unasked I offer Some Senti- 
 ments on the Subject. M"" Hutchens and others have 
 Said a great deal about the good Navigation of the 
 Alleghena River & French Creek, the Big Bever, the 
 Cayahoga, & Muskingum, the Hockhocking, Sioto, 
 & Sanduskey, the Wabafh & Tawa or Miami of the 
 lake, and it is true that they are all very fine Rivers 
 and at certain Sealbns many of them afford plenty of 
 water to float Craft of very confiderable burden for a 
 great Distance, but the fact is that not one of them 
 
284 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 will Sen'-e any Valuable purpus for transporting by 
 water the Bagage Stores & provifion of an army for 
 any conliderable distance, toward any object where 
 govermt can pofsiably mean to point their force in 
 any offencive opperation. even the Ohio at Some 
 Seafons is defecult if not quite impafsable at Some 
 parts, therefore all conliderable movements of an 
 army between the Ohio and lake Erie Should be cal- 
 culated to be by land — (you will permit me to Speak 
 freely I know you will not be ofended, becaufe my 
 intention is good and I write with the utmost defEer- 
 ence) to eflablifh a Capital post at the Miami Village 
 with a proper Number of intermediate Stations fuffi- 
 cient to Secure a communication from Fort Wafhing- 
 ton to that place is undoubtedly an object to be per- 
 feveared in, and I think if the bufinef is conducted in 
 a prudent maner may be effected with two thoufand 
 men without any hazard of confiderable lofs. but 
 to Stop here will by no means induce the Indians to 
 treat, it will be rather provokeing then distrefsing 
 to them, nor will the Territory [?] recive any confid- 
 erable protection thereby. My opinion is not to ad- 
 vance any farther in this quarter at prefent, but to 
 make arrangement for carr [y] ing a line of Stations 
 from the mouth of the big bever on the Ohio by 
 way of the Salt Spring to the mouth of Cuyahoga on 
 lake Erie where I would build a Strong Post which a 
 garifon of 200 men would be able to defend against 
 all the Indians in the world, here I would build 
 Such Water Craft as Should be thought necfsry to 
 transport the army I intended to make ufe of this 
 way into the mouth of the Tawa River as far as the 
 rapid 14 mile up or to Such place as Should be 
 found most convenant for Ellablifhing a post their 
 (for I will paun my reputation upon it, if from the 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 285 
 
 overturs now makeing the Indians are not brought 
 to a treaty they never will until! you eflablish a post 
 in the mouth of the Tawa river and prevent the 
 British agent with his Emifaris and Indians Coun- 
 celing their togather, or in the Indian language put 
 out their Council Fire in that place) this is the place 
 where every year the British agent distributes the 
 annual prefents to all the Nations far and neer inhab- 
 iting the Country South of Lake Erie and Westward 
 beyond the Miami villags while the army are Build- 
 ing the fort at Cuyahoga and preparing their Water 
 Craft the weflern army Should proceed with cau- 
 tion & erecting Stations advance toward the Miamy 
 Villags and Eflablifh them Selvs there the Indians 
 Seeing two armys advan[cin]g in different direc- 
 tions will probably be deflratd in their Councils, 
 they would probably confider the Country of Wyan- 
 dots Dellawars and Shawnes as lost their allies will 
 most if not all withdraw themfelves and the others 
 Sue for peace or quit their Country or if that Should 
 not be the cafe as they would never know when your 
 army would move nor where that from Cuyahoga 
 would Strike could never be able to prevent them 
 from landing and by works Securing them Selvs 
 against ten times their number, nor, Should they 
 Still be obflinate, could they prevent the two armies 
 from eflablifhing a line of communication [?] from 
 the mouth of the Tawa River to the post at the 
 Miami villages — the Security that Such an arang- 
 [me]nt would give to all the Country which would 
 be theirby encircled as well as to the Six Nations 
 and the Inhabitants in the Vicinity of the Alligany 
 river is too obvious to need Ilustration — it has ben 
 the opinion of Some that a post Should be Eflab- 
 lifhed on Lake Erie at Prisquele [Presque Isle] but 
 
286 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 I am by no means of that opinion. Becaufe the dis- 
 tance is much greater from Pittsburgh (or from any 
 place on the Allegena to which water Carriage [?] 
 is always certain) to Prifqueal then from the mouth 
 of Big Bever to Cuyahoga and the Country much 
 worfe for makeing a roade. Indeed from Big Bever 
 to Cuyahoga the country is very level and except 
 for about Seven or Eight mile very dry and good 
 for a road while the other is very hilly a greater 
 part of the way and for 1 5 mile very wet — Befides 
 the Distance is neerly Double from Prisquele to the 
 Tawa as from ye Cuyahoga & if a post is made at 
 Prisquele their must be a nother at Cuyahoge, for 
 Such is the Nature of the Navagation of Lake Erie 
 efpecially for Some Distance west from the mouth of 
 Cuyehoga that Boats or vefsels must always put in 
 at Cuyahoga in their pafsage westward ; and wait a 
 favorable time of wind and wether to pafs the Rockey 
 Shore which extends Some miles west of this River 
 (which is defcribed by this mark X, on Hutchens 
 Map) after pafs[ing] thefe rocks the Shore is good 
 and harbours numerous and Safe, on the west bank 
 of Cuyahoga is a rifeing ground from whence the 
 Country about is Commanded as well as the entrence 
 into the River, which is Deep & navigable for Vef- 
 sels of confiderable Burthen Seven or Eight mile up 
 — the rout from the mouth of Bever Creek I expect 
 will be on the weft Sid untill we are two or prehaps 
 three mile above Kifhkuske where is a ford and 
 water Shallow and here I expect would be the first 
 Station. 25 mile from thence the rout will be part on 
 the North Side of the Creek & part of the way on the 
 S pafsing neer Salt Lick & Mohoning villags to crofs 
 the Cayahoga about 10 miles from its mouth, the 
 number of intermediate posts will Depend on the 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 287 
 
 Distance it Shall be though [t] proper to place them 
 from each other alowing about 20 mile to be a pro- 
 per distance then four only will be required viz one 
 at crofsing the Bevor above Kifhkuske one where 
 we crofs the Cuyahoga and two between. I beleve 
 this to be the nearest and best rout by which a com- 
 munication can be opened between the ohio River 
 and lake Erie without having reguard to water navi- 
 gation, which whoever depends on will find them 
 Selves decived ; — althoe I doubt not but at Some 
 Seasons considerable advantage may be derived 
 from water carage on Most of the Rivers mentioned, 
 and I beleve the Big Bever and Cayahoga may 
 Some times be made a good ufe of for that purpos — 
 The facts I have mentioned in this Statement I 
 beleve may be relied on I have them from a Gentle- 
 man of Judgment and undoubted Verafety who has 
 had full oppertunty to examin the country not only 
 on the rout from big Bever to Cayahoga but has alfo 
 traveled by many diffrnt roads from the Big Bever 
 to Sandusky and Detroit and is fully acquainted 
 with all the Streams that make a part of the Muskin- 
 gum River as well as the Southern Shore of Lake 
 Erie and all the Streams that fall into it between 
 Cayahoga & Detroit — in Some part of this rout the 
 country is open in other parts are thickets of Brufh 
 to Cut out but the principle defeculty is a Swamp & 
 Wet ground for Seven or Eight mile the greatest 
 part of which must be caufwayed, but I am told that 
 timber is handy & plenty and if So one man will 
 eafily make one rod in a day and alowing 640 men 
 can be well employed they will make this part of the 
 road in 4 days however if it Should happen to be a 
 dry fall its doubtfull if one fouth part of the distance 
 mentioned will require Bridging in the first move- 
 
288 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 ment of the army I would be underflood that when 
 I Speek of makeing a good road I mean a Waggon 
 road, there is now a Pack horse path the whole dis- 
 tance which has ben much ufed by Indian War par- 
 ties — by this rout all Kind of provisions except, Beef 
 from Kentuckey can be Transported cheaper to the 
 Miami Village then through any other Chanel and 
 from there conveyed down the Wabafh or toward 
 Lake Michagan and Into the upper part of the Illinoi 
 Country to Supply any garrisons which govermt 
 may think proper to ellablifh in that quarter for the 
 protection of the Frindly Tribes and Security of 
 Traders that may be Sent among them to this may 
 be aded the Supply of the post at Detroit whenever 
 we Shall be in pofsestion of it 
 
 If the propofition Should meet with approbation 
 meafures for carrying it into Execution cannot be 
 too Soon adopted, for althoe the Seafon will be too 
 far advanced before the event of the prefent over- 
 tures now makeing to the Enimy is known to admit 
 of any offencive opperations of confequence in this 
 quarter, yet I concive it will not be the cafe with 
 refpect to the plan I have proposed. 
 
 I can See no objection aganst makeing an Eflab- 
 lifhment at the Big-Beaver (where we have long had 
 a post) even while our negotiations are depending. 
 Under this Idea then I would propofe that the Troops 
 as they arrive at pittsburgh Should be Sent down 
 to that place that the works their be repaird and 
 extended in a proper maner and Maggazeans of pro- 
 vifions Forrage &c &c &c Collected, for the expi- 
 dition. this cannot probably be compleated untill 
 October before that time I trust it will be know [n] 
 whether we Shall have a Treety with thefe fellows 
 or not : if they agree on a treaty it is probable they 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 289 
 
 will be as willing to hold it Somewhere on the Bever 
 Creek, or at the mouth of Cuyahoga as at any other 
 place, and in that cafe they can have no objection 
 to a road being made for Transporting the goods to 
 Cayahoga. at all events whenever we make peace 
 with them whatever we relinquifh in other refpects, 
 we must infist on Eflablifhing our Selvs at Cayahoga, 
 for the purpos of Supplying them with goods, to be 
 delivered their or farther westward So that the work 
 proposed at the Big-Beaver will not be lost provided 
 we come to a treaty, and if we are to have no treaty 
 we Shall be ready to execute the plan by force and 
 in that cafe if [we] are ready to move by the 15 of 
 September or even the first of October I think we 
 may Saifly venture on the Expidition. for allowing 
 16 days to erect the four Stations 4 days to make 
 the caufway and that we cut our road and March 5 
 mile a day we fhall reach Cayahoga in 40 days but 
 I have no doubt but we fhall be able to reach Caya- 
 hoga in half that time about the time intended for 
 the army leveing the post at Big bever the Enimy 
 may be menased from this quarter, and as they will 
 not be alarmed at Seeing you posted at Big Beaver 
 the army would probably reach Cuyahoga before 
 they could pofsiably be in a Situation to oppose them 
 and at the Same [Time] a Body of Volunteer Militia 
 might be Sent out from Buffaloe on Croffords rout 
 toward Sanduskey. 
 
 the Meafure I beleve will be very populer with 
 Ohio County and all the Western part of Pennfyl- 
 vania which will greatly facilitate the Bufmefs. For- 
 rage for any number of Horfes may be brought to 
 this place with little expence and if the body of Fed- 
 eral Troops which may be raised by the time and 
 Spaired for the purpos Should be thought infuffi- 
 
290 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 dent I have no doubt but an ample Supply of good 
 rifle men would voluntarily engage in the expidition, 
 a Sufficient number of whome live within three days 
 march of the Spot — 
 
 on the whole I have no Doubt but we may with- 
 out any unreafonable hazord eftablifh our Selvs at 
 Cayahoga by the Seting in of winter and that by 
 the first of May if not before, a Sufficient number of 
 boats may be built for Transporting the army into 
 the Tawa River But Should the fall prove unfavora- 
 ble and we could advance only part of the way yet 
 I think the object ought to be purfud, as we should 
 by that means be able to commence the operations 
 of next year much earlier befides that I think this is 
 the bell mode of carrying on the war. the Sooner we 
 Show our Selves on the bank of Lake Erie the better. 
 Such an apperance will be a conviction to the In- 
 dians that many things which British immafaris have 
 tole 'them is falfe and being convinced that Some 
 things are not true they may be led to Disbeleve the 
 reft — 
 
 COPY OF LETTER TO GENERAL KNOX 
 
 Fort Washington July 9th 1792 
 Sir 
 
 Whether the plan of makeing an EUablifhment at 
 the Cayahoga as proposed in my letter of yesterday ^ 
 be adopted or not, I beg leve to Suggest the pro- 
 priety of fixing a post Some where on the Muskin- 
 gum River to be occupyed by about one Company 
 of Musket men & two Companys Riffelmen. they 
 Should be employed in Scouting up the Muskingum 
 and to wards the Hockhocking. they would be a 
 great protection to Ohio County and Wafhington in 
 Pennfylviania, as well as the Settlements on the Mus- 
 kingum and the inhabitants on both Sides of the Ohio 
 
 ' Page 280. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 291 
 
 as far down as Bellevill, from whence their is no Set- 
 tlement untill we come to the Great Kenhawa. untill 
 offencive opperation are ditermined on thefe Troops 
 Should be posted at the Waterford Station twenty 
 three mile by water up the Muskingum and about 
 14 by land — 
 
 afterward they Should be Sent farther up the river 
 if practicable to Supply them with provifion they 
 Should [be] fixed at the mouth of Licking and the 
 defeculty of Supply here is the refque only for loaded 
 boats may go ther at almost any Seafon — 
 
 thefe troops on the advance of the Militia toward 
 Sandusky Should Joyne them on the March and after 
 alarmi [n] g Sandusky in [if] necessary may fall away 
 N Eastward and Joyn the army 
 
 COPY OF A LETTER TO GENi- WAYNE 
 
 Fort Washington July ioti> 1792 
 Dear General 
 
 I am Inllructed by the Secretary at War, "to keep 
 " you conflantly Informed of my progrefs and pros- 
 " pects relative to the treaty which I am Indevoring 
 " to bring about. I prefume that you are fully ac- 
 quainted that Capt Hendrick of the Stockbridge 
 tribe left Philadelphia in the month of May with a 
 defigne to repair to the grand Council of Indians 
 Supposed to be then Setting or about to convean 
 on the Oma, or Tawa River, and from thence was 
 to come to Fort Jefferson to conduct me to the In- 
 dian Council provided they Should agree to the 
 meafure. — I wrote you from Marietta the 23^ ult,^ 
 I left that place the 26*^ and arrived here the 2'^ In- 
 flent, where I learned that on the 25*^ ult a party of 
 neer 100 Indians attacked a party of hay makers neer 
 Fort Jefferson When the[y] killed & took 16, foure 
 
 1 Page 271. 
 
292 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 dead Bodies only were afterward found on the "j^^ 
 Inflent one man was killed one wounded and a lad 
 takin prifoner about three mile from this pice as they 
 were afcending the Ohio, thefe events are by no 
 means flattering to my hopes, and befides we have 
 a report from the Wabafh brought in from ouiata- 
 non the Miami or oma Indians had killed 4 men 
 going from one of our Forts with a Flag which if 
 true,. it is Supposed must be Major Truman and Col" 
 Harden however this report wants confermation, and 
 Some Wabafh Indians tell us the War Club left by 
 the party who did the Mifchef at Fort Jefferson be- 
 longs to the Charokees, a Baditte of out Calls that 
 live on the oma River but not admited into the Na- 
 tional Councils ; but are fit Inflrumnts for Britifh 
 Emmeferis to make ufe of if posiable to prevent a 
 treaty — I propofe to remain here for the prefent 
 and Shall write you by every oppertunity and Should 
 the wifhed for Capt Hendrick arrive I will by exprefs 
 give you notice as Soon as pofiable 
 
 COPY OF A LETTER TO GEN^ KNOX 
 
 Fort Washington July ii'ii 1792 
 Sir 
 
 Sence my arrivel her on the 2'^ Inllent, I have for- 
 warded three letter to [you] , via-Kentucke dated the 
 ^th gth & Qth Inllent ^ in which I informed you that on 
 the 25*^^ ulti'" about one hundred Indians attacked a 
 party of Haymakers neer Fort Jefferson that four dead 
 bodies had be [en] found and 12 ware mifsing — that 
 Some of the Wabafh Indians had reported to Major 
 Hamtramick, that four men going from one of our 
 Forts with a Flag and a Speech to the Indians had 
 ben killed &c &c which if true it was apprehended 
 it mufl be Major Truman & Col° Harden — 
 
 1 Pages 273, 280, 290. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 293 
 
 That by Major Hamtramicks letters to Gen^ Wil- 
 knson and information recived from M*" Vego and 
 Some other Gentlemen from Vincennes the Intention 
 of the Wabafh Indians appeared Doubtfull. that they 
 objected Strongly against coming to Fort Wafhing- 
 ton to treat and that it was my opinion they could 
 not be prevailed with to come to Philadelphia at pre- 
 fent. that it was my decided opinion they ought to 
 be treated with at Vincennes agreably to the Stipu- 
 lation made with them by Major Hamtramick and in 
 this way it was probable they might be detached from 
 the more hostile tribs — that in Confident expectation 
 a Commifion would Soon arrive to inable Major 
 Hamtramick or Some other perfon to treet with thefe 
 peopel in the fullell maner a part of the Goods now 
 here would be forwarded to Vincennes for the pur- 
 pos — 
 
 Sence writeing my last letter Genl Wilkenfon and 
 Col° Sargent, have recived letters from Vincennes and 
 the County of S* Clair, which further confirms me in 
 the opinion that if the Indians on the Wabafh and 
 Illanoi Rivers are properly attended to they may be 
 prevented Joyning or detached from the hostile tribs 
 and prehaps if necefsary be brought to Joyn the arms 
 of the United States — 
 
 In my letter of the Eighth inflent I ventured to 
 propose a plan of opening a communication from the 
 mouth of the Big Beaver on the Ohio to the mouth 
 of Cayahoga on Lake Erie. I may be thought very 
 officious but you will pardon me Sir I am, not only 
 as a Servent of the public but as a Citizen of this 
 Country, deeply Intrested in bringing this war to a 
 Speedy Ifsue, and I am cleerly of opinion that we 
 can have no lafting peace with the Indians untill the 
 United States eftablifh them Selves on Lake Erie and 
 
294 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 in the Oma or Tawa River, and that was this once 
 don the war with them would be at an end whether 
 the garifon at Detroit ware given up or not. that you 
 would have very little or no further ocation for troops 
 on the ohio River or the intermediate Stations be- 
 tween Fort Walhington and the Mami [Miami] Vil- 
 lage that goverment giving unequivocal evidence 
 to the Indians that they would never lay claim to any 
 of their lands but on the foot of fair purchafe they 
 would have no objection to your Eflablifhing posts on 
 the Oma or Tawa River & in the Wabafh and Illinoi 
 Countrys for their protection and the protection of 
 your trade with them. — 
 
 It may be objected that by Divideing our Force 
 Succefs can not be enfured in either quarter this must 
 depend on many circumflances. I would refque my 
 reputation on eflablifhing my Self at the Cayahoga 
 with the force of one Sub Legion I anfwer if Succefs 
 cannot be enfured, Defeat may be prevented by a pro- 
 per attention an army of one thoufand Musket men 
 may in four hours put them felvs in a Situation that 
 an equel number of Indians could not dislodge them, 
 and if proper care was taken by haveing good wood- 
 men and runers imployed, a body of one hundred 
 Indians could not approach an army on their march 
 without discovery in time Sufficient to be prepaired 
 for them — 
 
 But prehaps Such a meafure will be alarmig to the 
 Post at Detroit, may bring on a British war and by 
 their Water Craft on Lake Erie they will prevent 
 your pafsage from Cayahoge to the Tawa & Cut off 
 all Supplys of provifions Sent that way. If this be the 
 Cafe it is better the Nation knew it for if the Britifh 
 mean to oppose our protecting our Selves against the 
 Savages the buiiness had better be given up. if the 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 295 
 
 British really mean to Support the Indians in this war 
 the united States ought to meet them on lake Erie 
 and oppose force to force, or give up the Idea of pof- 
 sefsing our Selves of the Miami Village, for as I ob- 
 ferved in my former letter " to Stop here will rather 
 •' provoke then distrefs the Enimy nor will the fron- 
 " tiers recive any confiderable protection their by. 
 Indeed ware your polls (at the distance they now 
 are from Fort Wafhington to Fort Jefferson) extended 
 to the Miami Village and from there to the mouth of 
 the oma or Tawa River, the inhabitants on the Fron- 
 tiers would recive very little protection their by while 
 the Chippawas and other tribes in their Birch Canoes 
 are able to coast the West End and South Shore of 
 Lake Erie at pleafure and the British water Craft are 
 continually made ufe of by the Indian parties coming 
 Down the lake for War — 
 
 Befides if you depend on Supplying the posts at the 
 Miami Village and thofe you Shall Eflablifh on the 
 oma or Tawa River with provifions from Fort Wafh- 
 ington you may probably be disappointed, it has ben 
 and allways will be in the power of the Indians to cut 
 off your Convois pafsing that way. had Govenor S* 
 Clair taken quiet pofsestion of the Miami Village last 
 fall, if the Indians had don their duty he must have 
 Starved in one month and was your army their now 
 it is in the power of 500 Indians to Starve them in a 
 short time — 
 
 LETTER TO GEN'- KNOX 
 
 Fort Washington July 141^ 1792 
 Sir 
 
 Capt Armllrong the Commanding officer at Fort 
 Hamilton in his letter to Gen' Wilkinson of yesterday 
 writes thus "one man of the is* Reg* taken prifoner 
 
296 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 "on the 19*^ of October 1791 when under my Com- 
 " mand and one on the 4*^^ of November after our 
 " late defeat, have reached this post they made their 
 *' efcape from an Indian Village on the St Jofeph 50 
 " miles above the Miami, pafsed that place and early 
 " the next^day reached Jefferson they came through 
 " the place where our army was defeated & can no 
 " doubt give you much information. Three different 
 " Flaggs from us have ben recived at the Glaze River 
 " — when the Mefengers were Tomhawked and 
 ** thrown into the water, the last was a great Captain 
 (I Suppose poor Truman) 
 
 from this ace* it Seemes northing but War is to be 
 expected from the Indians collected at the Grand 
 Council on the Oma, or Tawa, River, that our only 
 prospect of effecting any thing by way of treaty is 
 with the more Western Tribes, my opinion with re- 
 fpect to them I have exprefsed in my letters of the 
 ^th 8t^ & II inilenti — 
 
 the Interpreter who (I informed you in my letter of 
 the 5*^) was Sent for to Kentucke arrived last even- 
 ing, he is a young man of a refpectable family by the 
 name of Wells, he tells me he was taken prifoner at 
 the age of about thirteen and has ben with the Eel 
 River Indians between Eight and nine year he was 
 adopted in the Tribe and in the family of one of the 
 Chiefs was at perfect liberty to go were he pleafed 
 and meeting with his Brother at Fort Knox about the 
 1 7*** of June last he came home with him he appears 
 to be a young man of good natural abilities and of an 
 agreable disposition ; I propose to employ him as an 
 interpreter and have encouraged him to hope that if 
 he is found capable and faithfull he will be continued 
 in that bufmefs — M"" Wells thinks that the Weya and 
 
 ^ Pages 273, 280, 292. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 297 
 
 Eel River Indians are disposed for peace that they 
 Say that is their wifh, but they are great Hers and he 
 cannot anfwer for their intention, that the great Chiefs 
 of the Eel River Tribe when he came away was gon 
 to See the Shawones and Dellawares and know what 
 their intentions was concerning the war 
 
 M'' Wells gives me reafon to hope that Some more 
 of the Wabafh Chiefs will arrive here in two or three 
 weeks, and if they Should prehaps it may give an 
 opening for a Treaty and through their influence a 
 greet number of Indians in the Western quarter, 
 may be drawn togather at Vincennes, agreably to 
 the plan I have before recomended in which cafe a 
 quantety of provision will be necefsry to be furnifhed 
 at that place for the purpos which circumflance can- 
 not be too early attended to 
 
 the prifoner who have made their efcape from the 
 Indians and are now at Fort Hammilton will be here 
 in a few days, after the examination of whome I 
 hope a more certain opinion of the Indian Bufmefs 
 in the North may be formed then at prefent 
 
 SPEECH OF THE INDIANS — 
 
 July 19th 1792 
 
 The following is the Substance of a Speech De- 
 livered this day by one of the Weya men, as inter- 
 preted by M"^ Wells 
 
 Companion or confident friend, I call you fo be- 
 caufe brothers may Sometimes differ but companions 
 never do. 
 
 I am no Cheif ; nor do I know well how to Speek, 
 this man (pointing to one Setting by) is a Cheif but 
 not a great Cheif nor can he Speek ; the man who 
 
298 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 is dead was a Cheif, but not the Greatest Cheif, and 
 Could Speek well 
 
 I fear thefe women and Children will all die if they 
 remain here much longer. I pray you will take us 
 all, along" to the O post as Soon as pofsiable. I fear 
 very few of our Cheifs if any will come to this place ; 
 but a great many Cheifs will meet you, there, who 
 can Speek well. I pray therefore that you will go 
 along with us to the O post as Soon as pofsiable 
 
 a String of Wampum 
 
 ANSWER TO INDIAN SPEECH — 
 
 July 20th I 7^2 
 
 Brother ! 
 
 You call me confident friend, which Name is very 
 exprefsive. (good) But I wish us to retain the Name 
 of Brother, since we were born on one Island, and 
 are of one Family, 'tis true. Brothers may sometimes 
 differ, yet they soon unite again — 
 Brother. 
 
 I feel Sorry for the lofs of Your Chieff who was a 
 great Man & a good Speaker, & who was to transact 
 the Buifmefs between You & me. You spoke to me 
 Yesterday with Tears in Your Eyes ; yet I under- 
 stood You. I cant say all to You this time what I 
 wish to say, but when our mourning shall have 
 ceased a little I shall be able to speak cheerfully. — 
 Brother 
 
 I wish to make You happy in every respect. Your 
 Woemen & Chilldren are under my care & Protec- 
 tion, & I am making the necefsary arrangements for 
 our Journey to the O Post, where I hope & expect 
 to see all Your Chieffs & great Men. There to con- 
 sult on, & make a lasting Peace between the Indian 
 Tribes inhabiting the Wabash Country & the People 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 299 
 
 of the United States (or the 13 great Fires) In 30, 
 Days I shall be ready to set out with You 
 
 COPY OF A LETTER TO GEN"- WILKINSON 
 
 Fort Washington July 21st 1792 
 Sir 
 
 So much time haveing elapsed Sence Some of the 
 Mefsengers Sent to the Indians on the Oma, orTawa 
 River ought to have returned, had they ben recived 
 in a frindly maner ; or that Capt Hendrick Should 
 have arrived at Fort Jefferfon had he Succeeded in 
 his mifsion, togather with the information of the 
 murder of the people of three flags Sent from this 
 place, renders it morally certain that the great coun- 
 cil met on the Tawa river, have rejected the overture 
 made to them by the United States in the Several 
 Speeches and Mefsages Sent them and that the 
 prospect of my Specking with thofe Indians through 
 the chanel first proposed is at an end — 
 
 And From the information recived from the Wa- 
 bafh I concive their is very little refon to expect any 
 more of the Chiefs from that Quartr to arrive here, 
 or if they Should, they will be of the inferior grades 
 and a Treaty with them will be of no confequence. 
 while on the other hand it appears highly probable 
 that the principle chiefs from nearly all the western 
 tribs, with a great number of warriours and others 
 may be collected at Vincennes and by a proper 
 management may be detached from thofe tribs which 
 have oreginated the war and keept in a State of 
 peace, which if it can be effected must be of very 
 efential Service to the United States, befides it ap- 
 pears to me that this is the only remaining chanel 
 by which their is any prospect that I Shall be able to 
 Speek with the more Hostile tribs. thefe confidera- 
 
300 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 tions have induced me to form the refolution of go- 
 ing to Vincennes as Soon as circumllancs will per- 
 mit. I have therefore to request that an Efcort may 
 be provided and other arrangements made to enable 
 me to leve this with Indian goods, the prifoners & 
 other Indian [s] now here in three or four weeks at 
 farthest as it is of great importance to meet the 
 Indians in council before the hunting Seafon com- 
 mences — 
 
 letter from genl wilkinson 
 
 Fort Washington 
 July 2 1 St 1792 
 6 o Clock p. M. 
 Sir 
 
 I beg pardon for not answering your Letter of this 
 date^ sooner — a variety of Engagements must be 
 my apology — 
 
 The deductions which you formd, upon the mani- 
 fest spirit & temper of the Savage Bands resident on 
 the Tawa or Omee River, appear to me to be well 
 grounded, and will, I flatter myself, justify your de- 
 termination in favor of a movement to F* Vincennes 
 where I am sanguine, your presence & your negotia- 
 tions seasonably applied, may be productive of the 
 best Effects. — 
 
 I accord with you in the Idea, that the captive 
 Indians now at this Post, & their visitants, should 
 accompany you, but I am also of opinion, that the 
 former should be made instrumental, to a general 
 Convention of the Nations in that Quarter, and that 
 thofe of the Eel River Tribe should not be released, 
 until the Body of that Tribe are brought to an Ami- 
 cable Interview. — 
 
 I shall with the utmost alacrity, make every prac- 
 
 1 Page 299. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 301 
 
 ticable exertion for the accommodation of the move- 
 ment you propose, & flatter myself I shall be able to 
 arrange to your satisfaction ; But to enable me to do 
 this, I must beg the favor of you, to furnish me the 
 following Estimates. Viz. 
 
 i^* The strength of the Escort you require — 
 
 2"diy xhe species & quantity of Provisions for the 
 Voyage — and 
 
 ^rdiy 'pj^g quantum of Rations which may eventu- 
 ally become necefsary to the subsistence of the Sav- 
 ages who may be drawn into the conference. — 
 
 I shall be happy to receive thefe last Estimates, 
 as soon as may suit your convenience, that I may 
 ifsue the necefsary ordors to the Contractors, and 
 I have the honor to be, with deference & Esteem, 
 Sir 
 
 Your most obed. 
 
 Hble Servt 
 
 JA. Wilkinson 
 Brig"" Gen^ Putnam 
 
 COPY OF A LETTER TO GEN'' KNOX 
 
 Fort Washington July 22d 1792 
 Sir 
 
 the prifoners I mentioned in my letter of the 14**' ^ 
 as haveing efscaped from the Indians and being then 
 at Fort Hamilton, have Sence arrived here, and by 
 the information they give, I think their is the highest 
 reafon to beleve that Freeman — Truman, and Har- 
 den ^ are all murdered, and all the people who went 
 with them except one whome they confidered as a 
 
 1 Page 295. 
 
 2 Freeman was a messenger to the Indians on the Maumee, sent out in 
 April by General Wilkinson. Colonel John Hardin was the companion 
 of Major Alexander Trueman, who bore a speech to the hostile Indians 
 from the President. These three messengers were killed. 
 
302 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 Servent, or perfon of no confequence and for that 
 reafon Spaired his Hfe. and if the Squaw told true it 
 Seems that Truman must be murdered by ordor of 
 the council, & as a confermation of their refolution 
 not to make peace and when I add to this the circum- 
 llance that I hear northing of Capt-Hendrick I con- 
 clude, the .Indians met on the Oma, or Tawa river 
 have rejected the [o]vertures made them by the 
 United States in the Several Speeches Sent them, 
 and that the prospect of my specking with them 
 through the channel first proposed is at an end. 
 from the information recived from the wabafh men- 
 tioned in my former letter togather with information 
 rec[iv]ed from M'" Wells the Interpreter & the In- 
 dians who are now here on a vifit to their families I 
 concive their is very little reafon to expect any more 
 of the Chiefs from that quarter to arrive here or if 
 they Should they will be of inferior Grades and a 
 treaty with them will be of no confequence — from 
 all these circumllancs I conclude that my tarrying at 
 this place much longer can be of no Service what- 
 ever except to receve your f urthr ordors which 
 
 I certainly Should do or return up the river but for 
 the following reafons viz It appearing highly prob- 
 able, that the principle Chiefs from neerly all the 
 western tribes with a great number of warriours and 
 others may be collected at Vincennes if the bufmefs 
 is Seafonably attended to, with the prospect that by 
 a proper management they may be detached from 
 thofe tribes, which have oreginated the war and re- 
 turn to or be keept in a State of peace, that this is 
 the only remaining channel by which there is any 
 prospect that I Shall be able to Speek with the more 
 hostile tribes, that it is efsen [ti] al to the Succefs of 
 the bufmefs that they meet in council before their 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 303 
 
 hunting Seafon comes on ; that if the Day Should 
 not be fixed on and the Indians advertized of it with- 
 out waiting your further inflruct [ions] So much time 
 will probably elapse before an anfwer to my letters on 
 this Subject, or any ordors in confequence of them 
 can arrive in this quarter as may render the whole 
 bufmefs abortive ; — for thefe reafons Sir I have ben 
 induced to form the refolution of going to post Vin- 
 cent for the purpos of holding a Treaty with the 
 western tribes about the 20*^ of September and Shall 
 take meafures to have them invited to meet there 
 about that time 
 
 haveing communicated my refolution to General 
 Wilkinfon and requested that " an efcort might be 
 " provided and other arrangements made to profecute 
 " the object, he has very politely afsured me that the 
 meafure meets his opinion and that he " Shall with 
 " the utmost alacrity make every practicable exertion, 
 " for the accommodation of the movement," — 
 
 I propofe to leve this with the Indians goods In- 
 dian prifon[ers] &c about the 15*^ of August: this 
 delay is partly on the Idea of a bair pofsability that 
 Capt Hendrick or Some other Mefsenger of peace 
 may yet arrive from the North and partly from the 
 probability that Some new ordor may arrive from 
 the war office, as I find by a Pittsburgh paper that 
 you are advertised of the murder of Freeman and 
 that Brant has ben to Philadelphia I hope that an 
 anfwer to my letters refpecting the bufmefs of the 
 Wabafh Indians will arrive before the time proposed 
 for the treaty, in which cafe if Major Hamtramack is 
 appointed the Commifsioner for the purpos, I Shall 
 feal my Self perfectly Satisfied in being excufed, and 
 at the Same time Shall cherfully afford him all the 
 aid in my power but if I Should be disappointed I 
 
304 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 Shall notwithflanding- profecute the bufinefs of mak- 
 ing a truce or peace as far as circumfla [nces] and as 
 far as my prefent inflructions will warrent me 
 
 Jean Krouch the principle Chief who arrived here 
 with M"" Vego on the 3*^ inflent died the 16*^ 
 
 COPY OF A LETTER TO GEN^ WILKINSON 
 
 Fort Washington July 23d 1792 
 Sir 
 
 In your letter of the 21^* inflent ^ you request me to 
 Furnifh you with the following eftemate viz — 
 
 " i^* The Strength of the Escort I require 
 
 « 2diy The Species and quantety of provisions for 
 " the Voyage. 
 
 « ^diy The Quantum of Rations which may eventu- 
 
 "ally become necefsary to the Subsistance of the 
 
 " Savages which may be drawn in to the conference — 
 
 In compliance with your request I beg leve to 
 
 propofe the following eftemate viz — 
 
 i^* The Escort from this to the mouth of the 
 Wabalh to confist of i Capt i Sub 4 Serg*^ 2 Mu- 
 feck 66 Rank & file to be joynend at the mouth of 
 the River by a party of Troops from post Vincent of 
 Sub^ I S* 2 — 30 R & File a party confisting of 30- 
 oarsmen with six Perouges Should alfo be procured 
 by Maj"^ Hamtramick at the post and Sent of So early 
 as to be at the mouth of the Wabafh the 4th of Sep- 
 tember — 
 
 My own family will confist of 5 perfons 
 
 The Indian prifoners and visitents will require 58- 
 Rations per day 
 
 The Voige from this to the Wabafh may be calcu- 
 lated at 20 days and from thence to Post Vincent at 
 ID days 
 
 1 Page 300. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 305 
 
 These premifes gives for the Voyage to post Vin- 
 cent 4840 rations Say 5000 Ration, for which Salt 
 meet must be furnished Say 5000 lb of Bacon allow- 
 ing for Extreordinis 
 
 The number of Savages that will attend the pro- 
 posed treaty is very uncertain or how long it will be 
 necelTary to feed them is alfo uncertain I beleve that 
 40000 — Rations will be a moderate calculation for 
 this purpos — 
 
 includeing rations for the efcort that goes from this 
 to the time of their return (if they are to return) or if 
 they do not return — they will increfe the Number of 
 Rations to be Ifsued at the post, and rations for the 
 guard that may go with the Cattle from the falls 
 Should alfo be provided for 
 
 COPY OF A LETTER TO MAJOR HAMTRANCK 
 
 Fort Washington July 24th 1792 
 Sir. 
 
 I am Sent into the Western country by the Prefi- 
 dent of the United States, authorized " to make a 
 "Truce or peace with the Indians, and charged to 
 " make the highest pofiable exertion to bring the war 
 " to a clofe, and to Divife every proper means for that 
 " purpos. — 
 
 The primary object was for me to go to the Omee 
 or Tawa River, where it was expected that the chiefs 
 from the Wabafh tribes as well as other nations 
 would afsemble, but by the murder of our flags this 
 plan is rendered impracticable. I have therefore diter- 
 mined to pay you a visit with a veew of Treating with 
 Such Indians as can be perfuaided to come to Post 
 Vincent, and to distribute Some articles of cloathing 
 among them — 
 
 By your letters to General Wilkinson brought by 
 
3o6 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 M"" Vego and the gentelman who had the charge of 
 his boats, I was fully convinced of the propriety and 
 necefsity of treating with the Western Indians at Post 
 Vincent agreably to your Stipulations and their wifhes. 
 haveing at that time no expectation of being able to 
 come that way I wrote to Gen^ Knox recommending 
 in the Strongest terms that Some perfon Should be 
 authorized for the purpos, & I have no doubt but my 
 letters will have their proper effect, but Should the 
 arrangements for a treaty be put off untill an anfwer 
 to my letters is recived the Seafon would be So far 
 advanced as to render the bufmes abortive, and my 
 object in the north being over for the reafons before 
 mentioned, I have Ditermined on this vifit to the 
 west and am to leve this place the 15*^ of august with 
 the Indian prifoners and their frinds, and alfo with 
 a quantety of Indian goods and provifions for feed- 
 ing the Indians that Shall afsemble on the ocation, 
 and depend on a Detachment from you with boats 
 and oarsmen to meet me the 4*'' of September at the 
 mouth of the Wabafh agreably to the ordor you will 
 recive from Gen^ Wilkinson 
 
 the time I propofe the Indians Should collect is 
 about the 20*^ or between the midle and last of Sep- 
 tember as you will percive by the inclofed Speech to 
 them,^ which I request you will Send to all the tribes 
 of the Wabafh and Illinoi Country, or as many of 
 them as time will permit or you in your discretion 
 Shall judge best, you will make out as many copys 
 of this speech and Send as many mefsengers as you 
 may think proper takeing care that the proper Strings 
 of Wampum &c be Sent with each Speech — and I 
 will be anfwerable for the expence in the maner you 
 Shall contract — 
 
 1 Page 307. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 307 
 
 the time of my aproch to the Wabafh ought not to 
 be made public, Lest the Savages Should form Some 
 plan to attack us in our afsent of the river — 
 
 Jean Krouch the Weya Chief who came here with 
 M"" Vego died on the 16*'' inllent — 
 
 P S as the Circumftancs of the Indian on the Wabafh 
 are better known to me then any other, I have made 
 out and Signed a Speech Directed to them, in the 
 other Speech you See the direction is left for you to 
 fill, this form of Speech I wifli you to Send to as 
 many nations as you think proper puting my name 
 thereto 
 
 SPEECH TO THE WABASH INDIANS 
 
 The Speech of Rufus Putnam, Agent of the Great 
 
 Chief General Wafhington — 
 To Kaweahatta The great Chief on the Eel River 
 
 And to all the Chiefs and Warriours of the Wyach- 
 
 tenos, and other Indian Tribes living on the waters 
 
 of the Wabafh River 
 
 Brothers 
 
 I am on my way from the great Councill fire of the 
 United States, where the great & good Chieff Gen- 
 eral Washington resides — I am coming with the 
 wishes of his heart to You which are very good, & 
 which I hope will make Your hearts 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, & believe no- 
 thing is wanting to make you fo, but that You & the 
 United States might once see & hear one another and 
 remove Such obstacles, against which we hitherto 
 have stumbled — In order to obtain this end, I have 
 
3o8 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 appointed the 20*^ Day of September for us to meet 
 
 each other at Post Vincent there to consult each 
 
 other in a friendly & brotherly manner, — to wipe off 
 
 all Tears — to sett our hearts aright — & to establish 
 
 a lasting Peace & friendship, taking one another by 
 
 the hands as true brothers, & loving one another from 
 
 our hearts. 
 
 Brothers, 
 
 You see something very good preparing for You — 
 
 make yourselves ready & come & see what it is — I 
 
 expect to meet you on the Day appointed — Your 
 
 friends & relations I shall bring with me. 
 
 RuFFUs Putnam 
 
 Commifsioner ect — ect — 
 Fort Washington 
 July 24 1 792 
 
 COPY OF A LETTER TO GEN'' KNOX 
 
 Fort Washington July 26ti> 1 792 
 Sir 
 
 I herewith enclofe a Duplicate of my letter of the 
 22*^ inllent with the copy of Some Speeches ^ which 
 is connected with the bufines mentioned in that letter 
 the Dispach to Major Hamtramick on the Subject 
 went off yesterday by exprefs. I have requested him 
 to forward the Speech to the Wabafh Chiefs and 
 Simelar ones in wapum to as many other tribes as he 
 Shall think proper — 
 
 I have confiderable expectation from this bufinefs 
 M"" Wells the Interpreter tells me that the Chief to 
 whome my Speech is directed on the Eel River is a 
 very Sensible man that the Britifh account him the 
 best Speeker among all the Indian nations, that he is 
 the Greatest Chief and has more influence then all 
 the Chiefs in the Wabafh country, that when he (M"" 
 
 1 Pages 301, 307. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 309 
 
 Wells left Eel River in June lall, this Chief was gon 
 to the Council on the Omee — but M^ Wells thinks 
 he is disposed to peace and as he has two Sisters who 
 are prifoners here and Some other relations M' Wells 
 has no doubt but on my Mefsage he will come to 
 the treaty althoe he declined it last winter on Major 
 Hamtramaks invitation — through the influence of 
 this man I am yet in Some hopes of being admitted 
 to Speak with their high Mightinefes the Shawonoes 
 and other hoftile Chiefs. 
 
 LETTER FROM COL*' SARGENT^ 
 
 Cincinnati County of Hamilton August s'h 1792 
 In addition Gentlemen to the Laws which we have 
 pafsed at this Time and the Bills under consideration 
 I take Leave to suggest an Opinion of the necefsity of 
 some effectual measures to guard against the evil 
 Practices of foreigners of a certain description in vari- 
 ous parts of this Territory — much mischief has been 
 complained of from them in the two western Counties 
 which perhaps might be sufficiently provided against 
 by the vigilance of the civil and military officers of 
 Government if ALL STRANGERS were obliged to re- 
 port themselves — This is invariably demanded of 
 our Citizens crofsing the mifsifsippi or visiting the 
 british Establishments and the Governour deemed it 
 necefsary to ordain such a regulation in the County 
 of S* Clair AND to direct that the Inhabitants should 
 entertain no strangers whatever without immediate 
 Information thereof to the senior officer present — 
 the present Circumstances of the Territor\% involved 
 in a grievous war with a subtle enterprising Enemy 
 
 1 Winthrop Sargent, Secretary of the Territory Northwest of the River 
 Ohio. 
 
3IO OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 whose Emifsaries from our Deficiency of Caution 
 may be frequently amongst us, seem to me more than 
 ever to demand such poHce — as well as that a power 
 should be somewhere vested for more effecttial De- 
 fence than is at present provided for by Law. 
 
 Courts martial having been called into view Gen- 
 tlemen by the militia Laws and ofificers in this and 
 other Counties subjected to Expences in that service, 
 besides the Lofs of their Time, some small provision 
 I humbly conceive should be made for this purpose 
 and other contingent Charges. 
 
 The Inhabitants of the two western Counties com- 
 plain to me of great Injury by Parties of Hunters 
 (living under the Spanish Government) infesting those 
 Districts and destroying great numbers of Deer and 
 Buffaloe whilst they are rigorously debarred of all 
 Indulgencies under that Government which perhaps 
 Gentlemen may be considered as demanding our at- 
 tention. 
 
 A Law to regulate Ferries in the different Counties 
 it appears to me proper should be adopted as soon 
 as may be — for the want thereof the Governour has 
 hitherto been constrained to take this Burden upon 
 himself. 
 
 In most wise Governments I believe Gentlemen it 
 has been the rule to regulate by Law the admifsion 
 of attorneys in the different Courts — and for the 
 want of due provision upon this subject I have too 
 much reason to think Inconveniences and Injuries 
 have accrued. 
 
 An act to prevent nusances it appears to me Gen- 
 tlemen is also very much wanting — for they are fast 
 multiplying in almost all the Settlements which have 
 been under my observation — but this and all the 
 other Subjects are submitted to you with Deference 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 311 
 
 and pure faith that they will receive every attention 
 which Circumstances can admit 
 
 I have the honour to be 
 Gentlemen 
 with much respect 
 your obedient humble Serv* 
 
 WiNTHROP Sargent 
 Hon''^^ Judg-es 
 Symmes 
 
 and Putnam 
 
 GENERAL WAYNES LETTER 
 
 Pittsburgh 6* August 1792 
 Sir 
 
 I am fmcerely sorry to inform you, that the report 
 of the murder of Col° Harding-, & Major Truman, 
 appears to be, but too well founded ; I have this mo- 
 ment examined two men, just from Detroit, by the 
 way of Niagara, who were taken Prisoners by the 
 Indians, one of them, near Fort Jefferson, on the 27**^- 
 of October, and the other, a M"" John Cleghom, near 
 the falls of Ohio, in April last, who was carried to 
 Michilimackinac & from thence to Detroit, where he 
 arrived on the 24*^ of June, and says that, whilst he 
 was at Michilimanckinac, accounts were received, that 
 Captain Harding, and one or two others, were killed 
 by the Indians, & the papers that were found upon 
 them, sent to Cap^ M'Kee — he was also informed 
 at Detroit, (where the report was common) that, a 
 Captain Truman, and another man were killed, near 
 the Miami towns, by two Indians, who were in com- 
 pany with them, in the Evening, that, the Indians, 
 affected to be very uneasy — upon which. Captain 
 Truman, told them, they might tie the other man, so 
 that their numbers shou'd be equal, which was accord- 
 ingly done, — that, they then shot Truman, & toma- 
 
312 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 hawed, the man that was tied ; that, the Interpreter 
 made his escape into a swamp or woods, that the In- 
 dians, called to him, and promised not to hurt him, 
 upon which he deliver' d himself up, & they carried 
 him to the Council, as a Prisoner ; and reprobated, 
 the foolish conduct, of Truman — (as they termed it) 
 for suffering the man, to be tied ; that these papers, 
 were also, given to Cap*^ M'Kee, and said, this was 
 the fifth flag they had killed^ nor had they any wish, 
 or intention, to make peace, as they had already been 
 deceived, by the Americans, last fummer, & before : 
 
 he further says, that a Certd^m Simon Girty — with 
 fi}ur hundred Indians had left Detroit some days 
 before he arrived, — say about the 15*^ of June, and 
 swore — that he wou'd make a stroke upon the Amer- 
 icans immediately, & either kill, — or be killed, in 
 the attempt, Query — may not this, be the person 
 in red, or fcarlet, who was seen with the Indians, in 
 the attack upon the fergeants party near Fort Jeffer- 
 son, on the 25^'' of June : 
 
 however this man Cleghorn, goes with the convey- 
 ance, to Fort Washington, where you can have an 
 opportunity of examining him more minutely ; Upon 
 the whole, I believe, that the Death, of those two un- 
 fortunate Gentlemen, is reduced to a certainty. 
 
 You will please to make Gen' Wilkinson, acquainted 
 with this disagreeable information ; Your letter of the 
 10*'' Ultimo,^ & that of the 18*'' June, arrived safe. 
 I have the honor to be with fmcere Esteem 
 
 Your most Ob* 
 & very 
 Hum' Ser* 
 
 Anty Wayne 
 The Honble 
 Brig^ Gen' RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 1 Page 291. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 313 
 
 letter from gen^ knox 
 
 War-department, 
 
 August 7th 1792. 
 Sir. 
 
 I have had the honor to receive your communica- 
 tions of the 5th, 8th, and 9th of July.^ 
 
 I have no doubt, but that poor Trueman has been 
 facrificed by favage barbarity ! But, it is Hill question- 
 able, whether the motive thereto has been the blood- 
 thirllinefs of an individual, the defire of the Shawa- 
 nefe and other inveterate tribes to frullrate a peace, 
 or, a dictate of the general council — If either of the 
 two former, peace may yet be attainable. 
 
 Captain Hendricks, accompanied by three friendly 
 Indians, probably fet out from Buffaloe for the Omee 
 river, about the i8th of June — The Senekas would 
 be later ; and Captain Brant would probably be at 
 Au Glaze, about the 20th of the prefent month — It 
 would be an uncommon afsemblage of unfortunate 
 circumllances if all our overtures fail. You will culti- 
 vate and make peace with the Wabash tribes to the 
 utmost of your power, and you will judge how far 
 your going to Post Vincennes, or any other place will 
 facilitate the object — Extend your treaties with one 
 tribe after another as far as pofsible, always fubject- 
 ing them to the ratification of the Prefident and Sen- 
 ate of the United States. 
 
 The United States require no lands of the Wabash 
 Indians not heretofore ceded — Imprefs this idea 
 upon all the tribes — Apply the goods at Fort Wash- 
 ington to the purpofes of the faid treaties. 
 
 If it fhould fo happen, that in purfuance of your 
 inflructions, you fhould have an immediate opportu- 
 nity of repairing to the hoUile Indians, you will ap- 
 
 1 Pages 273, 280, 290. 
 
314 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 point fuch time for afsembling, to the Wabash tribes, 
 and all their connexions, as not to militate with the 
 first object. 
 
 I will endeavor to have more Indian goods tranf- 
 ported to Fort Washington, and I hope that an 
 opportunity by a peace, will be prefented you, of 
 bellowing them to the benefit of the United States. 
 
 I have communicated a copy of your letter of the 
 8th inflant, to the Prelident of the United States. 
 
 The advancement of the public interefls being the 
 fole object of my purfuit, and not the ellablishment 
 of any particular opinion, I am fincerely obliged to 
 you for the propofitions relative to a different route 
 by the Cayahoga — The plan of operations was con- 
 fidered, and approved by the Prefident of the United 
 States, upon as full a view of all circumllances, politi- 
 cal as well as military, which could be obtained at 
 the time of decifsion. 
 
 We are in a delicate fituation, politically, with re- 
 spect to the british government — There are exifling 
 circumllances of fuch a nature as to render it highly 
 expedient to avoid all cafes of a pofsible collifion 
 with that power — Were we polled on the margin 
 of the lake, and had thereon a naval arrangement 
 of the moll diminutive fize, the peace and dignity of 
 the country might be committed to the difcretion of 
 a fubaltern's party — The Prelident has therefore 
 judged it prudent to keep at a dillance from the lakes 
 for the prefent — Hereafter, arrangements, limilar to 
 the one you propofed, may be adopted — At pre- 
 fent, the following objections have occurred to my 
 mind, to the Cayahoga route, which, with your pro- 
 pofitions, I have tranfmitted to major general Wayne, 
 for his confideration, and remarks thereon, to wit — 
 
 First — Reafons of national policy will rellrain 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 315 
 
 (during- the prefent neg-ociations relative to the pofls) 
 all arrangements on the lakes, which might occa- 
 fion collilions with the British inferior agents. This 
 is therefore a delicate point, & is not to be under- 
 taken. 
 
 Secondly. That in cafe of offenlive operations, a 
 divifion of the probable efficient force would be fuch 
 as to render the fuccefs problematical. 
 
 Thirdly — No immediate object could be found for 
 the operation of the faid force, moving by the way 
 of Cayahoga, provided the information by Captain 
 Brant, could be depended upon ; to wit, that the 
 Wyandots and Delawares have left Sandusky. 
 
 Fourthly — That even if the foregoing reafons did 
 not exill fo Urongly, the advanced feafon would 
 prevent the meafure this year, unlefs the motives 
 were fo powerful, as to be a realbn for the troops 
 encountering all the hardfhips and dangers of the 
 late feafon, as in the last campaign. 
 
 Fifthly. A poll, or polls, eflablished at, and below, 
 the Miami village, towards Lake Erie, would, it is 
 prefumed, have the direct effect to make all the hof- 
 tile Indians, hitherto refident to the eaflward of the 
 faid Omie River, as at Sandusky, and other places, 
 remove to the Wellward of the faid river, provided 
 they have not already removed, which is highly prob- 
 able. 
 
 If the Prefident of the United States, to whom I 
 have alfo communicated my objections, fhould judge 
 differently, I fhall communicate the refult to the 
 commander in chief. 
 
 I have alfo communicated to major general Wayne, 
 your letter of the 9th, relative to a poll on the Muf- 
 kingum, in order that he may take fuch meafures 
 thereon as he may judge proper. 
 
3i6 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 It will Hill be left to your difcretion, when to deliver 
 the prifoners — Brigadier General Wilkinfon feems 
 to think that most of them ought to be retained, to 
 fee what part their tribes will take. 
 
 The enclofed letter ^ is from General Ifrael Chapin, 
 who is the Agent to the five Nations, and which I 
 communicate to you, as important information. 
 I have the honor to be 
 Sir, 
 
 with great efleem, 
 Your very humble Serv* 
 H Knox 
 Sec^ of War 
 Brigadier General Putnam 
 
 [copy of a letter from general ISRAEL CHAPIN TO GEN- 
 ERAL KNOX] 
 
 [Enclosed in the preceding letter.] 
 
 Canandaugue July 17, 1792 
 Sir 
 
 Agreeably to the directions I received for the pur- 
 pose, I set out for Buffalo Creek the ninth Ultimo. 
 It was out of my power to dispatch Captain Hen- 
 drick, as soon as I could have wished. The Chiefs 
 of the five nations at first peremptorily insisted on 
 his waiting to accompany them, and it was not with- 
 out difficulties that they were induced to relinquish 
 the point. After a Council which was protracted for 
 several days they however gave their consent. He 
 set out in a bark Canoe on the eighteenth with suit- 
 able attendants and provisions. It was the opinion of 
 the Indians he would reach the place of destination 
 in eight days. — As I had pofsefsed myself with all 
 the information I expected I would have returned 
 
 1 Page 316. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 317 
 
 home after the departure of Captain Hendricks but 
 the Chiefs would by no means consent to my leaving 
 them while the treaty continued — and indeed I 
 have not since been sorry as I have reason to believe 
 that my continuance has been the means of more 
 perfectly reconciling the Onadaugas and Cyugas. 
 The far greater part of both nations have resided at 
 buffaloe Creek ever since the late war. On my first 
 arrival the principal chief of the Cyuaga nation com- 
 monly known by the name of the Fish Carrier and 
 indeed the whole of both nations were extremely dis- 
 affected, for the grounds of their disaffection, I must 
 refer you Sir, to the Speeches delivered me on the 
 occasion which I ordered to be taken down in writing 
 on the Spot, and transmit to you by this dispatch. 
 After several conferences with the Fish Carrier in 
 which I was greatly afsisted by several chiefs who 
 attended Congrefs he gradually relaxed in his sever- 
 ity and at last became perfectly friendly. A number 
 of young Warriors had gone off in the Spring to join 
 the hostile Indians. The Fish carrier promised me 
 that he would not only recall the party but would go 
 in person to the Southern treaty and use every exer- 
 tion to bring about a general pacification between 
 Congrefs and the Southern Indians, that after he had 
 been useful he would go and see General Washing- 
 ton and could then take him by the hand with confi- 
 dence and pleasure, few Indian chiefs have a more 
 extensive influence than the fish Carrier, the altera- 
 tion therefore of his sentiments could not but afford 
 me the highest pleasure. I can only imprefs it as my 
 private wish that all his reasonable requests might 
 be gratified. 
 
 You have no doubt heard Sir that a number of 
 Senecas were concerned with our people in cutting off 
 
3i8 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 a scout of hostile Indians. This event has occasioned 
 a good deal of uneasinefs among the five nations. 
 Their resentment is peculiarly excited against the 
 Commander at Fort Jefferson. They say that con- 
 trary to the advice they received from Congrefs he 
 has excited some of their thoughtlefs young men to 
 strike the tomahawk into the heads of their brothers. 
 That it has occasioned an uneasinefs towards the 
 whole of their nation and thrown obstacles in the way 
 of their influence in favor of their friends. 
 
 The Chiefs from Onida did not arrive during the 
 Council I should otherwise have been able to have 
 dispatched the Chiefs of the five nations to the South- 
 ern treaty, previously to my leaving Buffaloe Creek 
 two of the Mafsasioga Chiefs attended council with 
 the five Nations — their appearance was perfectly 
 friendly — The[y] exprefsed a wish to be made ac- 
 quainted with our great Men The Mohauks were 
 sent for from the Grand River but as Captain Brant 
 was absent and their principal Chief Sick they did 
 not attend Colonel Butler the Brittish Superintend- 
 ant of the Six Nations was also requested to attend. 
 He came as far as the Garrison. The Commanding 
 officer would not permit him to proceed further He 
 however sent a speech to the Indians in which he 
 told them they were in the right path and advised 
 them to continue in it. I was visited by several Brit- 
 tish Officers and Gentlemen from the Settlement of 
 Niagara, they behaved with a politenefs that seemed 
 nearly to approach to real friendfhip. 
 
 On the whole every circumstance that respects the 
 six Nations wears at present a moft flattering ap- 
 pearance. The Chiefs that went to Congrefs are our 
 most Zealous friends, the[y] particularly explained 
 to the nations who convened for the purpose the 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 319 
 
 Speeches they had made and received while absent, 
 The reception and treatment they received at Phila- 
 delphia, and I had the pleasure of observing that 
 they meet with universal approbation. 
 
 From the best intelligence I could procure the 
 southern Nations rest in quiet except the Delaware 
 and Shawanoes neither Can I learn that they at pre- 
 sent have any thoughts of sending out war parties 
 but are very attentive lest an enemy should surprize 
 their Villages, The grand Council of Indian nations 
 are now convening at the Falls of the Big Miami. It 
 is thought it will be the largest ever known, the In- 
 dians from Canada have been invited and are every 
 day expected at Niagara. No offensive step will prob- 
 ably be taken until after the General deliberation 
 and from the number of friends we shall have there 
 I am induced to expect a favorable ifsue. 
 
 The five Nations manifested gratitude to Congrefs 
 for their intention of erecting Schools among them 
 and providing them with Blacksmiths. I would how- 
 ever inform you Sir that it will be out of my power 
 to do either except greater encouragment is given 
 and if I may be permitted to give my private judg- 
 ment if Congrefs would establish at present only one 
 school to the west of Genesee River and endow it with 
 a Stipend that would make it an object for a Gentle- 
 man of Character it might prove of infinite fervice 
 both in conciliating the affections of the Indians and 
 in laying a foundation for their civilization. 
 
 I would wish, Sir, fome direction how far I am 
 to distribute to the Indians. I am continually sur- 
 rounded by a Cloud of them since my appointment. 
 They all expect to be fed from my Table, and made 
 glad from my Celler, some instances too of Cloathing 
 I have not been able to deny — I would Suggest the 
 
320 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 Idea whether a small ftore of Provifsions and goods to 
 be distributed on necefsary occasions might not be a 
 faving to the public. 
 
 I am with respect 
 
 Your moll humble ferv* 
 
 (Sign'^) Israel Chapin 
 
 General Knox 
 
 major hamtramcks letter 
 
 Fort Knox Post Vincennes 
 August 9th 1792 — 
 Sir 
 
 I have to Acknowledge your letter July 24*^1 — 
 
 every Arrangement to promote the Public Service 
 
 will be attended to with all Pofsible exactnefs — but 
 
 I am Affeared that the lownef of the water will make 
 
 it difficult for any Boats or Perogues to Afcend the 
 
 Wabash — Your Speech ^ to the Wabash Indians has 
 
 already been Dilivered to two Nations and will be 
 
 Dilivered to the Others as soon as pofsible — they 
 
 Appeared to be well pleased and everything will work 
 
 right if they are but sincere — I have also Sent your 
 
 Speech to the Potowatomees by the son of the first 
 
 King to that Nation who has been with me for some 
 
 time (I suppose as a Spye) and he afsures me that he 
 
 will bring his Nation to fee you — as they Sincerely 
 
 wish to be at Peace with the U States — I shall have 
 
 some Difficulty to send to the Illionois Country, owing 
 
 to the extravegant Price they ask. however it must 
 
 be done — if all the Indians attends they will draw 
 
 about Seven or Eight Hundred Rations p"" day — I 
 
 have the Honor to inclose you the State of the pro- 
 
 visfons now on hand — I beg to Observe that after 
 
 I have sent you the Sixty four Men to the Mouth of 
 
 1 Page 305. 2 Page 307. 
 
THE OHIO loMl'ANVs I,\XI) OFIICI', A I' MXRIIITA 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 321 
 
 the Wabash as I am directed, that the Garrisfon will 
 be left very weak for our total is but 94 and twenty 
 of them are Sicke — I would beg therefore that the 
 Escort which I am told is to come with the Cattle 
 from the Falls might be sent on so as to be here be- 
 fore the Perogues goes down, which will be the first 
 day of September — 
 
 I have the Honor to 
 be Sir with Very great 
 Respect your Most obedient 
 and Very humble Servant 
 
 J. F. Hamtramck 
 Brig'^ Genr. PUTNAM 
 
 COPY OF LETTER TO GEN^ KNOX 
 
 Fort Washington August i6th 1792 
 Sir 
 
 My last letter was dated July 26*^ with which I en- 
 clofed a duplicate of my letter of the 22*^ of the Same 
 month, with a copy of Some Speeches connected 
 with the bufmefs of treating with the Indians at Post 
 Vincent. ^ 
 
 I have ben in anxious expectation to recive Some 
 information from you or General Wayne, before this 
 time, that Should have removed every doubt with 
 refpect to Major Truman and the other Mefsengers 
 being murdered, as I concived Captain Hendrick 
 would afsertain that matter and have it in his power 
 to report to you or General Wayn, althoe he might 
 not be able to give me any information on the Sub- 
 ject, but hearing of northing from Hendrick or any 
 other quarter to contridict the Meafure, I Shall Leave 
 this tomorrow morning for Post Vincent, in purfuit 
 of the object I wrote you in the lett*^* "ed 
 
 1 Pages 301, 307 
 
322 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 to — the Indian prifoners and goods, for the treaty, 
 Started down the river this morning 
 
 I flatter my felf that a pritty large number of In- 
 dians will afsemble and accordingly have fent forward 
 goods Sufficient to Supply nearly 700 of different Sexes 
 and Sizes, with a Blanket, Stroud, leggens, and fhirt 
 each befides 30 Coats & 30 hats, for chiefs, — Sifsers 
 knives looking Glafses &c — And I take with me 
 Some of the Medals, Arm & wrill bands and other 
 Jewels — 
 
 I feal exceedingly embarrafed on the ocation lest 
 pofsiably Hendrick or Some other frindly Mefsenger 
 Should arrive from the North or that Some inllruc- 
 tions from the War office may have ifsued, with 
 which my Visit to post Vincent Should be inconlist- 
 ant. but the morral certainty of the murder of our 
 flags and So much time haveing elapsed without any 
 intiligence relative to the primary object for which 
 I came out, togather with the profpect of rendering 
 efencial Servis to goverment by takeing advantage 
 of existing circumllan [ce] s which would probably be 
 lost for ever if the prefent moment Should not be 
 embraced, I trust if my conduct is not approved I 
 Shall yet be excufiable. I mean Such circumlla [nces] 
 as that the chiefs have exprefsed a willingnefs to 
 come to post Vincent but no further & the agreement 
 of Hamtramck that they Should have a treaty at that 
 place which Should that agreement not be complyed 
 with on the part of goverment in a reafonable time 
 the mifschief might not eafily be remidied & if not 
 gratified in this by the influence of their Neighbours 
 they are in danger every moment of forming war 
 parties that the prifoners being taken along will 
 p 10 many to come in which otherwife 
 
 1 they Shall See thefe prifones 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 323 
 
 well cloathed and generously given up to their frinds 
 with the report of their good ufsage while prifoners 
 it must certainly have a great influence with all who 
 fhall be prefent a circumllance this which may never 
 exist again — 
 
 befides I am well afsured that Some of the first 
 carractors among the Wabafh Chiefs refused to come 
 in on Major Hamtramicks invitation becaufe he was 
 no more then a war Capttain, and the further I have 
 enquired into the bufmefs the more I am convinced 
 it is a matter of confiderable confequence and ought 
 to be attended to I find they have no Idea of War 
 Captains treating of peace this provence belongs to 
 other courts and it was for this reafon, Kaweahatta 
 the great Chief of the Eel river refused to See Major 
 Hamtramick last winter, but told his brother (who 
 was a War Captain) that he might go, that it was 
 proper one War Captain Should Speek with another, 
 to avoid this prejudice, and alfo that they might have 
 an Idea of the bufmefs I was charged with from their 
 corespondence with the britifh, I have taken the car- 
 ractor of " Agent of the Great Chief General Wafh- 
 ington, — and that I may be confistent have thrown 
 by my uniform and taken the habit of a civilian 
 
 Thefe circumflances are trivial with us and prehaps 
 with Some may be thought Laughable, but with thefe 
 barbaras people they are confidered as matters of 
 great moment and if we mean to make a peace with 
 them we ought to accommodate our felves to their 
 Ideas of propriety efpecially those which they con- 
 fider as binding on them 
 
 I Shall make every pofiable exertion in perfuaid- 
 ing thefe Western [Indians] to Send a deputation to 
 Philadelphia & I am not without hopes of prevailing 
 with them on that head 
 
324 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 I prefume that my letters as late as the 1 1*^ of July- 
 must have reached you by the tenth of August, and if 
 your anfwer is forwarded by exprefs from Pittsburgh 
 the dispatches will reach Fort Wafhington by the first 
 of September and General Wilkinfon will imedi- 
 ately forward them to me where at post Vincent they 
 cannot fail of arriveing by the tenth or fifteenth of 
 September I made this calculation when I appointed 
 the treety and I Still hope to recive your inllructions 
 before the time of opening it — 
 
 I enclofe you an Abflract of Indian goods flill re- 
 maining at Fort Wafhington. Some of thefe articles 
 are much damaged and ought in my opinion to be 
 Sold, & Some others are not fit for Indian purposes — 
 the 434>^ yards of Linsey is a llriped cloath, and 
 would anfwer very well to make into hunting fhirts 
 and over halls, to fupply rifle men or other fcouting 
 parties ocationaly when fent into the woods, as it is 
 much [m] ore healthy then linen and lighter then the 
 common woolen, and the colour will ferve for con- 
 cealment much better then the common uniforms 
 
 COPY OF LETTER TO GEN'' WILKINSON 
 
 Fort Washington August 17th 1792 
 Sir 
 
 you are perfectly acquainted with every circum- 
 ilance connected with the bufinefs I came out upon. 
 Should anything turn up in any quarter which you 
 concive it necefsary for me to be informed of I Ihall 
 thank you to give me the earliest inteligence in 
 perticuler if any Dispatches for me or Major Ham- 
 tramick should arrive from the War office I must re- 
 qust that you will forward them by exprefs as Soon 
 as pofiable 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 325 
 
 COPY OF LETTER TO GENERAL KNOX 
 
 Rapids of ohio August 21, 1792 
 Sir 
 
 the Escort with the Indian prifoners &c arrived 
 here yesterday without any accident the low Hate of 
 the water obliges us to hall the goods provifions &c by 
 the rapids in waggons which will be fome expence 
 and caufe two or three days detention — 
 
 I enclofe an extract from Major Hamtramcks letter 
 to me from Fort Knox dated august 9*^.^ 
 
 I wrote you very perticulerly the 16^^ inflent^ from 
 Fort Wafhington, and have northing new to add ex- 
 cept that I hear a perfon by the name of Harden who 
 lives fome where neer the ohio on this fide of Cum- 
 berland River is miditateing to flrike at the Indians 
 in fome quarter or other. I am told he is the fame 
 perfon who murdered fome frindly Indians neer post 
 Vincent about three years ago. fhould this wretch be 
 fuccefsfull in raifmg his party (which it is faid is to 
 consifl of 100 and that his advertisments inviteing 
 volunteers are posted up in divers part of the coun- 
 try) and fall on the Wabafh Indians at this time it 
 muH undoubtedly put an end to all profpect of peace 
 in that quarter, and all the expence which gover- 
 ment are at on the ocation be worfe then thrown 
 away 
 
 it is thought by fom that few will joyne in his pro- 
 posed expidition and that he will not be able to make 
 any flroke of confequence. but Sir fhall the United 
 States Suffer an Individule thus to infult her au- 
 thorety with impunity. I hope not and must entreet 
 that proper meafu[re]s be adopted to punilh this and 
 every fuch disturber of the public peace for untill 
 
 1 Page 320. * Page 321. 
 
326 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 fome examples are made of fuch perfons, the frontiers 
 will be continually involved in war and bloodfhed and 
 the united Stats in expence — 
 
 letter from general wilkenson 
 
 Fort Hamilton 
 
 August 28 1 792 
 Dear General 
 
 Having waited until this date, without receiving 
 Aid, Information or Advice from above, I am con- 
 strained to make ufe of the Garrison of Fort Steuben, 
 as an Escort to the Convoy of Beef Cattle, destined 
 to Fort Knox ; It is necefsary this Convoy should 
 return as soon as the public Service may permit and 
 I have ordered accordingly. — As all things in this 
 quarter remain as you left them, I have nothing to 
 add, but my best wishes for your Succefs and Safe 
 return, and with my respects to M' Hackenwelder 
 and Major Hamtramck, I remain with great respect 
 and Esteem 
 
 Sir 
 
 Your most Obd* Serv* 
 
 JA. Wilkinson 
 
 B General 
 
 P S. You will oblige me highly, and will confer a 
 particular favor on Judge Innes of Kentucky, if 
 you can at the treaty which may be held discover 
 and redeem, or put the Businefs in train for the 
 redemption of a Mulatto Fellow and two Black 
 Fellows all Slaves, taken from his Improvement 
 on Elk Horn near Frankfort in Kentucky about 
 the 25*^ of May jA. W. 
 
 Brig' Gen^ PUTNAM. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 327 
 
 LETTER FROM MAJOR HAMTRAMCK 
 
 Fort Knox Vincennes August 31st 1792 
 Sir 
 
 I Suppose you have received the letter which I had 
 the honor of writing you by the Exprefs who returned 
 to the Rapids of the Ohio, Since which I have Sent 
 to Different tribes of Indians agreeably to your Di- 
 rection — 
 
 it Certainly is very mortifying to Make overtures 
 of peace to the Indians while the ground is yet Reek- 
 ing with the blood of our Mefsengers, But as it is the 
 Intention of Goverment to Effect a truce for a Final 
 general treaty, and that this war is so disagreeable 
 to the people of the United States, I have every ex- 
 pectation that you will Be able (through this channel) 
 to bring the affair to a pacific Conclusion 
 
 I Suppose that you will meet with great Difficul- 
 ties in afcending the Wabash : I think that the Most 
 expeditious way, would be to leave a part of your 
 Effects on the Margin of the River with a Small guard 
 and for the pirogues to return immediately — 
 
 I have Sent all the men I Could Spare which is 
 fifty one, and a Frenchman to each pirogue — 
 I have the Honor to be 
 Sir with very great 
 
 Respect your Most obedient 
 and Very humble Servent — 
 
 J F HAMTRAMCK 
 
 Brigd G. Putnam — 
 
328 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 letter from general wilkinson 
 
 Fort Washington 
 
 Sept: 8th 1792 
 Sir 
 
 I arrived at this place last Evening from the out 
 Parts, & had the pleasure to receive the enclosed let- 
 ters & papers for you, which I have sent forward to 
 Louisville, to go from thence exprefs to Fort Knox, 
 where I trust in God they may find you in health, 
 & progrefsing to your satisfaction, in the important 
 Businefs on your Hands. — 
 
 I have recently made a tour to the unfortunate 
 Field of Action, where I discovered a Six & a three 
 Pound piece of Brafs ordinance ; from thence I pushed 
 forward a reconnitring Party, (properly provided for 
 taking the course & distance), to the S* Marys, the 
 nearest part of which by the Indian path is forty 
 miles from the Field of Action — this party marched 
 fifty one Miles, when they came to a very noted Sugar 
 Camp, known to one of them, & on the East side of 
 the S* Marys, about eight Miles from the Junction of 
 that River & the S* Joseph — I have now every thing 
 to be wished for, relativly to that Route. — From 
 the Field of Action, I fell back on Genl. S* Clairs 
 trace about eight miles, to free me from the Ponds & 
 Marshes, formed by the Head Waters of the Wabash, 
 & then Steering an E. S. E. course, I turned the 
 Sources of the Western Branch of the Big Miami, 
 which I find navigable above Fort Jefferson, (& in a 
 N. E. b. N. direction from that Post,) about Sixteen 
 miles. I descended that stream twenty miles, & found 
 the Bed thereof, from one hundred to one hundred & 
 twenty yards wide, flat & free from rapids — I have 
 in Person & by detachments, fully explored the Coun- 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 329 
 
 try between the Miami & Genl S* Clairs Route, and 
 find that He was much too far to the Westward — 
 which not only increased the distance but threw Him 
 into bad ground — a South course run from a Point 
 about ten Miles East of Fort Jefferson, struck Fort 
 Hamilton exactly ; I marched myself further East in 
 ordor to examine the River, which bears S. E. & 
 N. W. and after leaving it & runing upon courses 
 from S. S. E, to S. b. W. struck the main River about 
 
 Six Miles above Hamilton if thefe details answer 
 
 no other purpose, they may amuse you for a mo- 
 ment. — 
 
 A Woman taken on the 4*^ of November, (Mary 
 M^Knight) escaped from the Enemy & after fifteen 
 days travel, gained fort Jefferson on the 30*'^ Ult™°. I 
 got no satisfaction from Her, as she appeared to be 
 uninformed, was reduced to a Skeleton & withal was 
 very ill — She informed me however that most of the 
 Indians had gone to Detroit, but that Several Parties 
 of Pottawatamies had gone ofif to attend a Treaty 
 which they heard was to be held at S* Vincennes, — 
 one of thefe Parties a few days before, I verily believe 
 fired upon Fort Jefferson — . — 
 
 My last Letters from Genl. Wayne are under the 
 date of the 5^^ Ult™°, & I now transcribe & enclose 
 the Copy ^ of the most Interesting one for your satis- 
 faction — In this, you have every Information I pof- 
 sefs, as to the future views, plans or objects of Gov- 
 ernment — I have rec*^ no reinforcement, & but a very 
 small quantity of forage has arrived here. I anti- 
 cipate a terrible deficiency in that article, & was I 
 now to bring the Horfe from Kentucky, they would 
 probably starve before the Spring — I shall there- 
 fore continue them where they now are, until the 
 
 ^ Page 330. 
 
330 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 Dragoons arrive, and as for the Chickafaws I can find 
 no employ for them until offensive operations are re- 
 commenced. I shall therefore continue to rest the 
 Security of our Convoys & the Duties of Scouting & 
 recconnitring, upon the Kentucky Corps, which will 
 be kept up. — 
 
 The Enemy continue their depradations, generally 
 from this to the head of the River, in small preda- 
 tory parties ; Barbee [?] pursued a party which had 
 stolen fourteen of his Horfes, overtook them, killed 
 one & recovered his Cattle — in the -same manner 
 a fecond has been killed by the Militia of Columbia 
 — and the Rifle Corps is now in pursuit of a strong 
 party, which stole thirty or forty of the Q'^ M""^ & Con- 
 tractors Horfe from Fort Hamilton, the night before 
 last. — I do not recollect any thing I can add, worthy 
 your attention. I therefore with the warmest wishes 
 for your succefs in your Mifsion, & for your safe re- 
 turn, am with sincere respect & regard 
 
 Dear Sir Y^ Obd Sv* 
 
 JA. Wilkinson 
 Gen^ Putnam 
 
 pray remember me to Mr. Hackenwelder. 
 
 COPY OF LETTER FROM GENL WAYNE TO GENERAL WILKINSON 
 
 [Enclosed in the preceding letter,] 
 
 Pittsburgh 5* August 1792 
 Sir 
 
 Since writing you on the 31** Ultimo I have been 
 honored with yours of the 12*^ of July, enclosing 
 copies of letters to the Secretary of war, and other 
 papers ; I am obliged by your ideas, respecting the 
 Enemy we have to contend with, which perfectly, 
 coincide with my own, but I fear, that the feason will 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 331 
 
 pafs over previously, to our knowing the Ultimate 
 intentions of the Hostile Indians, with respect to 
 peace, or War, — nor can we attempt any thing, untill 
 that event is known, altho from present appearances, 
 there can be but little expectation of an Honorable 
 and lasting peace, with a victorious, haughty and in- 
 sidious enemy, — Stimulated, by British emifsaries, 
 to a continuence of the war, — or to dictate, terms of 
 peace, perhaps, disgraceful to the American Char- 
 acter ; — but, such was the prevailing disposition of 
 a decided Majority in Congrefs — that goverment, 
 was compeled to adopt the measure, of attempting 
 every pofsible means of procuring peace, — previ- 
 ously, to any Hostile operation. 
 
 I fear that Major Trueman, and Colonel Harding, 
 have been Martyrs to this State policy, — the account 
 brought by M"" Vigo from S* Vincennes of their 
 murder, is too strongly corroborated, by recent in- 
 telligence, by way of Detroit, & Niagara. M"" Rose- 
 crantz, who is on a mifsion to, & with, the five nations, 
 writes on the 19*^ Ultimo, that a vefsel has Just ar- 
 rived from Detroit, in which was an Indian from the 
 mouth of the Miami, of Lake Erie, who says, that an 
 officer, and one man bearing a flag, were killed on 
 their way to the Council of Hostile Indians, but that 
 the interpreter — who spoke the Delaware language 
 very well, was saved, and carried in as a prisoner. 
 Should this be really the case, it will soon be authen- 
 ticated ; as the five Nations have sent Cap* Henry, 
 a famous chief of the Unadago nation, with a mef- 
 sage from themselves, and a talk from the Prcsidcjit 
 of the United States, to the hostile Indians, and from 
 whom, they expected to hear every hour. — Rose- 
 crantz, waits his return. Nothwithstand [ing] all this, 
 I have very little expectation ; of any real intention, 
 
332 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 in the hostile Indians, for a permanent peace — and 
 therfore wish, it were pofsible, to secure a very large 
 quantity of hay at Fort Jefferson. 
 
 My intention, was, to reinforce you, with the three 
 companies of Rifle men mentioned in my last, im- 
 mediately, but, unfortunately, their Clothing- is not 
 yet arrived at this place ; owing to some unaccounta- 
 ble neglect. I expect the Dragoons for two troops of 
 Cavalry, at this place, in the course of a few days. 
 They marched from Trenton & Fredrick town, be- 
 tween the 20*^ & 24*^ Ultimo, the moment they ar- 
 rive, I will arm them with Muskets, & Bayonets, and 
 order them to descend the river for Fort- Washington, 
 carrying with them, the arms and accoutrements, 
 for the Cavalry, — you will therfore please, to give 
 the necefsary orders for the Horse, upon which they 
 are to be mounted, — (that have been purchased by 
 the Deputy Q. M. G. in Kentucky) to be collected at 
 fome fafe, and convenient place for the purpose ; you 
 may certainly expect them to Join you, within two 
 weeks, after the rec* of this — & probably, the Rifle 
 corps about the same time, or within twenty days at 
 farthest, which I presume, will be as early as you 
 could pofsibly obtain Volunteer Rifle Corps, from 
 Kentucky. 
 
 But, as the timely arrival of these troops is even- 
 tual, you are hereby authorised, to retain the Hun- 
 dred mounted Volunteers from Kentucky, untill Joined 
 by the troops before mentioned, and if you can do 
 the businefs, without risking too much, do exert every 
 nerve, to fecure as great a quantity of hay as pofsi- 
 ble, at Fort Jefferson. 
 
 I do not know what number of Chickasaws are 
 expected at Nashville — Should the war progrefs, 
 or that, in your opinion — these Indians will be ser- 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 333 
 
 viceable, — you may order them to Join you ; of this 
 however, you are constituted the Judge, & will act ac- 
 cordingly ; The troops collect very Slow — but I am 
 informed by the Secretary of War, that a considera- 
 ble number of recruits, are now on their march from 
 the Several States, to form a Junction at this place. 
 I have the honor to be with fmcere esteem 
 your most obed* 
 The Honorable ^ & very humble Servant 
 
 Brig*^ General > (Signed) Ant'^ Wayne 
 
 James Wilkinson J 
 
 SPEECH TO THE EEL RIVER AND WEYA INDIANS 
 
 Brothers 
 
 of the Eel River, and Weya Tribes — 
 
 I thank the great fpirit that has given us an opper- 
 tunity to See and fpeek to one another at this time — 
 Brothers — you have ben long mourning for your 
 frinds and relations, but this day reflores them to 
 your arms. 
 
 The Great Chief of the United States always wifhes 
 to make people happy, and therefore as foon as he 
 was informed of your agreement with Major Ham- 
 tramck he imediately, gave order that all your frinds 
 who ware with us fhould be rellored to you. And you 
 may rest afsured, that, from my heart, I feal happy 
 in haveing had the honour to put this ordor in exe- 
 cution, & bringing your frinds and relations to meet 
 you here. — 
 Brothers of the Weyas 
 
 one of your Chiefs has died while on a visit to fee 
 his family, on this account I See tears in your eyes, 
 but I have buried your Chief with all the refpect due 
 to a Chief of my own Nation, permit me then to 
 
334 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 wipe all tears from your Eyes, weep no longer for 
 the Dead but rejoice in the living 
 ViNCENNEs, Sept 13th 1792 R Putnam 
 
 addition all general matters will be attended to 
 when the Chiefs of the Several tribes expected fhall 
 arrive in the mean time you will retire to your Vil- 
 lage up the river and you will have notice when the 
 other Chiefs arrive — 
 
 COPY OF AN ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE OF VINCENNES 
 
 Publifhed both in Englifh & French 
 
 By Rufus Putnam Esquire, one of the Judges in 
 and over the Teritory Northwest of the River 
 Ohio Brigadier General in the Army of the United 
 States, and Agent for treating with the Indians — 
 
 To the inhabitants of the Town of Vincennes Frinds 
 and fellow Cittizens. 
 
 it is prefumed that none of you are Ignorent, that 
 a treaty is about to be holden with the Indians at 
 this place, and that for fome time pall they have 
 ben collecting for that purpos. nor can any of you 
 be uninformed of the Law that prohibits the Selling 
 any Spiritious liquors to Indians and it must be ob- 
 vious to every one who will reflect on the Subject 
 that this Law is founded on the principles of Mor- 
 rallity and humanity and therfore ought at all times 
 most relegiously to be obferved, but more efpecially 
 at the prefent time. — I do therefore with the Solici- 
 tude of a frind as well the authority of a Magistrate, 
 forbid all perfons, of whatever degree, thofe who have 
 obtained licence for tradeing with them as well as 
 others from Selling Spiritious liquors to the Indians 
 untill the treaty which is about to be holden Shall 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 335 
 
 be concluded — And all officers Civil and Military 
 are called on in an efpecial maner to exert them 
 felves in detecting and bringing to punilhment all 
 offenders, and the people in general are reminded 
 that it is their duty, and that all good Citizens will 
 not only keep the law themfelves but ufe their en- 
 devor to have the tranfgrefser punifhed — But Should 
 any be So lost to their duty and Intrest as to perlist 
 in tranfgrefsion under an Idea that no conviction 
 can be had on the testimony of an Indian Witnefs ; 
 they are informed that on Such evidence or on Cir- 
 cumllances that give reafonabl ground of Sufpition I 
 Shall not hisetate to take the party Suspected and 
 his licquors into custoday Securing the latter in the 
 public maggazean untill the treaty is over, and lay- 
 ing the party under Bonds or for want of Sureties 
 commit him, her or them to prifon 
 
 Given under my hand at Post Vincent this 16*^ 
 
 day of September 1792 
 
 R Putnam 
 
 A Copy — 
 
 A JOURNAL OF THE PROCEEDINGS AT A COUNCIL HELD WITH 
 THE INDIANS OF THE WABASH AND ILLINOIS AT POST VIN- 
 CENTS, BY BRIGADIER GENERAL PUTNAM 
 
 In consequence of General Putnams Speech of 
 the 24'^ of July last,^ the following Tribes viz* Eel- 
 River, Weaughtenows, Powtawattemows, Kekaw- 
 poos, Peankeshaws, Musquetans & Kaskaskias, met 
 him in the Councill Houfe at Post Vincents at 10 
 oClock in the forenoon of the 24.^^ Day of September 
 1792. 
 
 After a profound silence, General Putnam ad- 
 drefsed them : 
 
 1 Page 307. 
 
336 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 Brothers ! Let us Smoke a Pipe of Friendship. 
 Tobacco being presented & Pipes being lit by an In- 
 terpreter, he Shool<: hands with all present, beginning 
 with those who live in the East, and ending with 
 those who live in the West ; according to custom on 
 those occafions. after which he read by Periods the 
 following Speech viz* — 
 
 Brothers of the Eel-River, Weaughtenows, Powta- 
 wattemows, Kakawpoos, Peankeshaws, Musquetons 
 and Kaskaskias. 
 
 I congratulate you on our first meeting together 
 this day. My Speeches which I sent you 60 Days 
 ago have reached you, and you are now come to 
 hear what I have to say to You. We meet one an- 
 other for a good purpose ; and the great Spirit who 
 has preserved our Lives to this day, where we see 
 one another face to face, and shake hands together, 
 will be witnefs to all our Transactions. We meet to- 
 gether on no strange Ground. It is the ground on 
 which Your Anceflors have kindled a Council-fire, 
 and where You since have often met and Smoked 
 the Pipe of Peace. This fire must always be kept 
 burning bright, so that You and Your Allies may see 
 it and meet one another at all times without difficulty 
 or fear ; there to Smoke the Pipe of Friendship and 
 Love. 
 Brothers 
 
 I rofe from the great Council-Fire of the United- 
 States four Months ago. There I saw the Chiefs of 
 the five-Fires, and the Chiefs of the Cherokee Nation 
 smoke the Pipe of Peace with the great Chief of the 
 United States, General Washington. The Fire was 
 burning bright, and all that were arround it felt 
 happy. The great Chief wished this happinefs to 
 extend to all Nations. His Council-Fire is kindled 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 337 
 
 for the benefit of all Nations. He loves to see his 
 
 Brothers, to talk and Smoke with them. 
 
 Brothers 
 
 While the great Chief General Washington was 
 thus joyful with his Brothers that were with him, he 
 looked around, and saw with Sorrow that some of his 
 distant Brothers could not enjoy this happinefs with 
 him at present. He observed that a dark Cloud had 
 sprung up between them and the United-States some 
 time ago ; and that this Cloud had darkened the Sky 
 so much ; that his Brothers and the People of the 
 United States could not distinguish one another, but 
 stumbled against each other, and struck the Tom- 
 hock in each others heads. 
 Brothers ! 
 
 The great Chief wishing to have this dark Cloud 
 removed and dispersed — to see the Tomhock drawn 
 out of the heads of each other and buried in the Deep 
 
 — To take each other by the hand anew, and establish 
 a good and lasting Friendship between all his Brothers 
 and the United States : has appointed me his Agent 
 for this Purpose. I am therefore come to You in con- 
 fidence that we shall be able to accomplish this great 
 Work, and I may then return again to the great 
 Chief with Afsurances of Friendship and Peace. 
 Brothers 
 
 I told You in my Speech which I sent You ; that 
 when I came I should bring Your Women and 
 Children with me, and return them to their Friends — 
 They are now with You. 
 Brothers 1 
 
 I shall always speak to You from my Heart, not 
 from my Lip's only — Speak also from Your Hearts 
 
 — Tell me the caufe of Your Uneasinefs, and I will 
 endeavor to remove it. 
 
338 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 The above Speech being Interpreted by Periods 
 to the several Tribes by William Wells, Rene Co- 
 der, Capt" Mayet and John Baptist Constant, their 
 respective Interpreters ; General Putnam delivered 
 them a bunch of white Wampum containing Six 
 Strings. 
 
 After a long Silence, a Chief of the Eel River 
 Tribe rofe — shook hands, and after apologizing for 
 being Sick, said : 
 My Older Brother ! 
 
 All Your Brothers have heard You and rejoice at 
 what You have said — I shall say no more at pre- 
 sent, but we will consult among ourselves, and will 
 return You an Answer tomorrow — You are right, 
 by saying that we meet one another on no strange 
 ground — It is the very place where our former 
 Chiefs met and smoked together, (retired) 
 
 Next a Chief of the Weaughtenows rofe, shook 
 hands and said. 
 My Older Brother ! 
 
 I am very glad that what I always told the Na- 
 tions, is come to pafs. 
 My Older Brother 
 
 I never told a falsehood to my Father the French, 
 nor to my Brothers the Americans — We are all 
 glad at what You have said, and will consider upon 
 it, and give You an Answer to-morrow. 
 Another Chief of the Weaughtenows rofe and desired 
 the Nations not to detain the General, but to dispatch 
 the Bufsinefs. 
 
 Another Chief of the same Nation rofe, shook hands 
 and said to General Putnam — You, Major Ham- 
 tramck and Mr Prior, told me there would be a 
 Treaty : Now it is come to pafs : and we are met for 
 that purpose — At such important meetings delib- 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 339 
 
 eration and time are necefsary — Let us not then be 
 
 in too great a hurry — We will consider with one 
 
 another upon it, and return an Answer to Your 
 
 Speech. 
 
 A Chief of the Poutewattemows next rofe, shook 
 
 hands & said : 
 
 Father ! 
 
 All white People who have hitherto spoken to Us, 
 always called Us Children : I shall therefore call You 
 Father. We are all Your Children — You have 
 spoken well to Us — You have spoken from Your 
 Heart — We will likewife Speak from our Hearts — 
 I am glad at this Opportunity of speaking to You — 
 The great Spirit directed right that we should meet 
 on this ground — It is ours altho we have a Yellow 
 Skin, and not Yours ; — but when we have a mind 
 to give away any, we will do it — (shook hands) and 
 added : — to morrow we will Answer Your Speech 
 A Kekapoo Chief rofe & said 
 My Older Brother 
 
 What I have to say, has already been said by 
 those who spoke before me — We shall Answer 
 fully to-morrow — We now wish to retire ; our Wo- 
 men and Children being hungry. 
 A Chief of the Kaskaskias Tribe, John Baptist Du- 
 coigne rofe and shook hands with Ceremony ; then 
 said : 
 My Older Brother 
 
 I shall always call You my older Brother — I re- 
 joice from my Heart to see You — My body is not 
 only come here ; my Heart is also here to speak to 
 You — I rejoice to see the Indian Nations take You 
 by the hand — I always recommended to them, to 
 be friends to Congrefs, General Washington and all 
 the Americans — I now desire them to listen with 
 
340 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 attention to what is said to them, and to return You 
 an Answer sincerely — I mean to do so for my own 
 part — (shook hands and retired) 
 A Queen of the Weaughtenows rofe, and shaking 
 hands with General Putnam, apologized for her Sons' 
 not being here ; saying : They are wicked when 
 they are drunkk — They have done a great deal of 
 Mischief — Yet she should say something for them. 
 Their Older Brothers (meaning the Miamis &"= In- 
 dians) spurr'd them to do mischief — They were not 
 therefore altogether to blame. 
 
 A Peorian Chief rofe and shook hands in Ceremony : 
 then said : 
 My Older Brother 
 
 I wish men of more Sense than I am, would rife 
 and speak ; yet I will say something — The Old 
 Chiefs make me strong — Upon You I look as my 
 Friend — I will stand by You — The old Chiefs will 
 hear and make You an Answer — The white People 
 have more sense than we, who have a Yellow Col- 
 our — They were made first, and they ought to be 
 hearkened to. (retired) 
 
 General Putnam then rofe and addrefsed the Tribes 
 thus : 
 
 Brothers I You are very right in postponing the 
 Answer till to-morrow ; and if You want more time, 
 You shall have it. Now we will drink a Dram to- 
 gether, and retire for to day. 
 
 Adjourned at 2 °Clock. 
 The Council met at 10 °Clock forenoon 25*'' Sep- 
 tember. 
 
 Some old Diplomas, Pafses and Recommendations 
 were presented by several Indians, which after pe- 
 rusing, General Putnam returned again. — then — 
 
 Ducoigne a Chief of the Kaskaskias rofe with a 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 341 
 
 long Pipe, well adorned and lit, addrefsing the Gen- 
 eral : 
 My Older Brother 
 
 You are now to smoke with us out of the Pipe of 
 Peace of our Ancesters — He next held the Pipe to 
 the General to smoke, and then to evry person pre- 
 sent ; in Ceremony — In the mean time a Weaugh- 
 tenow Chief rose and said : 
 My Older Brother 
 
 Permit us to deliver our Answer to Your Speech, 
 through our Younger Brother of Kaskaskias (Du- 
 coigne) for tho he is Young, he is the best Speaker ; 
 and therefore we have chosen him to speak our Sen- 
 timents. He is unanimously chosen by all the Tribes 
 present for that Purpofe. 
 
 Ducoigne then came forward with the same Pipe 
 in his hands & made the following speech. — 
 
 My Older Brother, (shaking the Generals hands in 
 his with great fervour) 
 
 All my Brothers listen to me. we shall now talk 
 of fair weather. — 
 
 My older Brothers, Congrefs, General Washington 
 & all Americans open your ears and pay attention to 
 what I Ihall say. We all, together with our Queens, 
 present you with this Pipe, which has never been 
 stained. It will incline you to respect truth, and to 
 pay attention to what I say. We all have one heart. 
 I am called upon to speak truth from that heart. 
 We wish you to conceal nothing ; to speak truth and 
 make the hearts of our women & children glad. — 
 My Older Brother. 
 
 Be strong. We are come to talk of Peace. Be 
 strong. 
 My older Brother. 
 
 Take this Pipe and present it to the great Chief 
 
342 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 General Washington. We expect that he will smoke 
 out of it, (He here presented the pipe to General 
 Putnam.) then he took up a large Belt, with thirteen 
 diamonds wrought in it, and turning to the Indians 
 addrefsed them as follows. — 
 
 You my Brothers of all nations present : I am glad 
 you are afsembled here. I call upon you to hearken 
 to what I say to our Brother of the United States. 
 Pay good attention to the Speech made to us yester- 
 day by our older Brother. I should have been glad 
 if matters had remained as they were in the days of 
 the French. Then, all the Country was clear & open. 
 — (He repeated the same words again) — Then turn- 
 ing to the General and shaking hands with him he 
 said, 
 My Older Brother. 
 
 The French English & Spainards never took any 
 lands from us. We expect the same of you. — 
 My older Brother, 
 
 These are the sentiments of the Indian Tribes. 
 We would regret the lofs of our beds. The Author 
 of life created us on these lands ; and we wish to live 
 and die on them. — No person can take them from 
 us but he who gave them to us 
 My older Brother. 
 
 Were the French, English or Spainards to attack 
 us, what would become of us. We request of you 
 never to usurp our Lands. Neither to destroy our 
 Game. — 
 My older Brother, 
 
 I tell you the plain truth. Our Lands have been 
 stained with blood, which grieves us. But now we 
 are glad, you are come for the purpose of Peace. — 
 My Older Brother, 
 
 Do not blame us for striking you. It was the Eng- 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 343 
 
 lish that gave us the Tomhock to strike you. You 
 cannot be ignorant of the cause of the war. — 
 My older Brother. 
 
 This war has destroyed many of our People who 
 would otherwise be here, but I am convinced you 
 will wipe off the stains that have been made on our 
 lands. This is the wish of all of us. — 
 My older Brother, 
 
 You are many and so are we. Were we on the 
 same land we might quarrel. It is best that the white 
 People live in their own Country & we in our's. 
 Formally our Lands were extensive. Now they are 
 but small. Therefore we wish to keep what we have. 
 We desire of you to remain on the other side of the 
 river Ohio. These are the sentiments of all the Chiefs 
 & Warriors. 
 My Older Brother, 
 
 Observe how clear the sky is today. — It is a good 
 Omen. It has been clear, since we began to speak. 
 It promises that our negociation will succeed. Which 
 is the ardent wish & defire of all the Tribes here 
 present. — 
 My older Brother, 
 
 The English & Spainards by giving us goods 
 endeavour to keep us strangers to you. — It is the 
 cause that there are no more of us here. — We desire 
 you to consider our Poverty, and to send us some- 
 thing every spring to make us comfortable. — You 
 have it in your power to render us all happy, and 
 to rejoice our women & children. We desire you to 
 send Traders among us. 
 My Older Brother, 
 
 Here is the belt — (now he delivers it) — which we 
 request you to deliver to the great Chief General 
 Washington. Salute him from us all ; and tell him 
 that all have made peace. 
 
344 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 My Older Brother, 
 
 As to myself I fear you. — I am acquainted with 
 your strength. Nobody can overset you ; the great 
 Spirit has ordered it so. I wish to live in peace with 
 you always. — 
 My Older Brother, 
 
 All these Chiefs have named me to speak their 
 sentiments, 'tho I am the Youngest, Now I have fin- 
 ished this Talk. — 
 
 He then turned to the Tribes and strongly recom- 
 mended to them to pay attention to what their older 
 Brother General Putnam said. — To leave ofi stealing 
 Horses from the Americans, whom they reduced to 
 the necefsity of hoeing instead of plowing. He wished 
 all evils to cease. To walk in the road that was now 
 open & clear. — Made a bow to the General & re- 
 tired. — 
 
 A Chief of the Weaughtenows rose and said, 
 My older Brother, 
 
 I wish to say something in behalf of this Chief who 
 has just spoken. He being a man of sense we chose 
 him to speak our sentiments. He has fulfilled it faith- 
 fully. — You know now our sentiments respecting 
 lands. All I have to say is to ask you to take pity 
 on our women & children. 
 
 He then said he was to speak for a Chief who had 
 a pain in his back. — 
 My older Brother, 
 
 The words I will speak are the sentiments of my 
 heart. Let us from this time lay every evil aside. I 
 have no more to say. He presented two strings of 
 white Wampum. — N^ i ^ 
 
 And turning to the nations urged the necefsity of 
 
 1 This and subsequent numbers refer to the list of Extracts of Indian 
 Speeches per yournal which follows. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 345 
 
 Peace. He recommended to them to follow the advice 
 of the Chief who died lately, who had always advised 
 them to peace. — 
 
 A Powtowattemow Chief rose and said. 
 My Father, 
 
 I have but litde to say. Our younger brother has 
 told you our sentiments. I will do as he does. You 
 see, my Father, how clear the sky is. It is a good 
 sign. — In the days of the French we lived in peace. 
 Since the English and the Americans became our 
 fathers we have had wars. — 
 My Father, 
 
 I rejoice in what you have told us. All of us are 
 glad to see you among us this day. We fhall always 
 be happy to see you, but never take our lands from 
 us. This is all I have to say ; To-morrow I fhall open 
 my heart wider, and tell you more. He shook hands, 
 then called up two young Chiefs of the Musquetons, 
 informed General Putnam, that he was to speak for 
 them, they being young & bashful. — They presented 
 four long white strings which they said they received 
 from General S* Clair, saying they were clean & they 
 had kept them so. — N° 2 
 
 Another young Chief rose and said, 
 My older Brother, 
 
 I am too young to speak ; but I will do what you 
 desire of me — He presented several Papers. — 
 
 An Ottowey Chief rose and said. 
 My Older Brother, 
 
 This is the first time you have seen me. Gen^ S* 
 Clair has seen me and spoke to me. — I have followed 
 his advice. I am glad the sky is clear. I am indeed 
 glad of it : We are all glad. I will tell my nation all 
 I shall hear you say. — 
 
346 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 A Chief of the Eel-river Tribe rose and said, 
 My Older Brother, 
 
 I return thanks to the United States for what you 
 have done. The hearts of us Indians are all placed 
 on the left side : Therefore I ftiake hands with the left 
 hand. I fhall speak with my mouth but I fhall tell 
 you the sentiments of my heart. — My bed has been 
 disturbed (aludingto Gen^ Wilkinsons Expedition.) — 
 here he delivered two strings of black wampum. 
 And took up two of white saying, N° 3 
 My Older Brother, 
 
 Now all darknefs is removed. The sky is clear 
 and I can speak with chearfulnefs. The reason why 
 we spoke by our brother of the Kaskaskies is because 
 he is wise, & acquainted with the United States. 
 Sometimes the younger Brothers have more sense 
 than the Older. We expect the great Chief General 
 Washington will smoke out of the good pipe pre- 
 sented to you in behalf of our tribes, (pointing to the 
 pipe on the Table) — And that he may see the smoak 
 rise upwards out of it ; an effect produced by the 
 clearnefs of the sky. — 
 My older Brother, 
 
 Fulfil what you have said on your part, & we will 
 on ours. All our women and children will rejoice 
 then. Perhaps the great Spirit is now looking down 
 upon us. You told us he would be witnefs to every 
 thing we did. Perhaps he is so now. We desire of 
 you to make us known to General Washington and 
 request of him to confirm all you have said. Continue 
 as you have begun : Speak always the truth. Your 
 Brothers will likewise do so. You have told us good 
 things. You have desired us to bury the Tomhock. 
 It is true we have made use of it, but it did not ori- 
 ginate with us. It was sent to us by the nations who 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 347 
 
 are now at war with you. We now bury it behind us 
 in the Deep. The great Spirit sees we do it. — 
 My Older Brother, 
 
 Our Father the French never craved our Lands. 
 Why fhould any person do otherwise. Perhaps were 
 any person to rob us of our Lands it would provoke 
 the great Spirit. It was he that placed us upon them. 
 We think it best for you to live Yonder, with your 
 faces towards us, and we to live here with our faces 
 towards you. When we want to go to see you we 
 can go thither ; & when you want to come & see us 
 you can come hither. — 
 My Older Brother, 
 
 We are indeed glad you appointed this Council 
 Fire for the place of our meeting. The road is now 
 open for you & the nations of the Wabash to meet 
 & see one another at this place. He shook hands & 
 retired. — 
 
 A chief of the Weaughtenows rose and said. 
 My Older Brother, (leading up a Queen of his nation) 
 
 I am to speak for this Queen. If I should say 
 any wrong, I beg to be forgiven. I promised to the 
 Commandant of this place, that when my father the 
 American would come, I fhould come to speak to 
 him of peace. This woman, who is my sister wishes 
 that this land may no more be stained with blood. 
 She desires you to keep at a distance. He then pre- 
 sented for her four white strings. N° 4 
 
 He next turned to the nations and desired them to 
 take pity on their women and children. To respect 
 peace, that they might live, as they formarly did ; 
 and he retired. — 
 
 Another Chief of the same nation rose and said. 
 My Older Brother, 
 
 I shall take hold of this great Chiefs hands with 
 
348 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 both mine, for I rejoice at what he has told us. Then 
 taking hold of Gen^ Putnams hands he went on. — 
 
 I believe sincerely what you have said. I am a 
 great war Captain. • I confirm the Speech which Du- 
 coigne delivered for us at our request. 
 My Older Brother 
 
 The great Spirit made you. Perhaps we are sprung 
 from the Fish (fhook hands saying) 
 
 I can say with truth I never struck the white Peo- 
 ple. — 
 My Older Brother, 
 
 This has always been a place where we have af- 
 sembled to counsel, and it is to remain so. Our 
 Ancestors have prepared this place for that purpose. 
 Much businefs of importance has been transacted 
 here. — And now, perhaps, those who are dead & 
 buried beneath where we are sitting look up to us. — 
 My Older Brother, 
 
 The great Spirit placed us upon this land. I hope 
 therefore we will enjoy it in peace. Do not any more 
 set fire to our Towns. The French never did so. — 
 My Older Brother, 
 
 You have rendered us all happy. We thank you 
 for all the good words you have spoken to us. We 
 expect you will render us still more so, before you 
 leave us. — I have no reason to fear I never hurt 
 anybody. — (fhook hands & retired.) — 
 
 A Kekapoo Chief rose with a long Pipe adorned 
 & lit, which he held to the General to smoke out of 
 it, and then handed it round the council in cere- 
 mony. — He then said, 
 My Older Brother, 
 
 I am young and cannot speak loud. I am of the 
 same mind with my older Brothers who have spoken. 
 It was they who put me in the right road. — 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 349 
 
 My Older Brother, 
 
 Out of this Pipe of Peace many have smoked. 
 Observe how the smolce rises up straight in the sky. 
 — It is a token that everything will be clear. I ex- 
 pect the great Chief General Washington will smoke 
 out of it. — Every thing now has the appearance of 
 peace. It is true there has been blood spilt on the 
 Wabash. We hope it will never more be the case. — 
 My Older Brother, 
 
 The sentiments of our tribe have been made known 
 to you already by our Brother Ducoigne. I have 
 only to add, that since on both sides there are foolish 
 people, it is best for us to live at a distance. — I wish 
 you to remain on the other side of the Ohio ; But yet 
 we wish to have a trade with you. — 
 My Older Brother 
 
 Since we have met together for the purpose of 
 speaking with one another: and of establishing a 
 peace. We ought to speak our sentiments freely and 
 do the businefs compleatly. — 
 
 (He then shook hands and retired) — 
 
 A Peorian Chief rose, shook hands & said. 
 My Older Brother, 
 
 I come in to speak the last, and may be compared 
 with a Stearsman. I shall therefore act as such and 
 keep the Perogue straight. 
 My Older Brother, 
 
 I am glad the sky is clear. While you spoke my 
 heart was glad. I am now truely rejoiced, I take 
 fast hold of the United States, as I do of your two 
 hands. — fhook hands with fervour. — 
 My Older Brother, 
 
 I hope the land will be as clear as the sky : and 
 the fires in every Vilage will burn bright. — 
 
 He presented three short white strings N° 5 
 
350 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 My Older Brother, 
 
 Continue as you have begun. Wipe off all the 
 stains. Make our women & children happy. What- 
 ever you do this with will please them, and they 
 and our children will gather it up. — Consider our 
 poverty. — And send us something for our women 
 and children every spring. — He retired. 
 
 A Peankeshaw Chief rose and jocosely said. 
 
 The great Chief, who has spoken to us wants 
 peace and I want a wife. If he will give me a wife I 
 will give him peace. Then 
 
 He shook hands heartily and went on. 
 My Older Brother, 
 
 I am of the same way of thinking with my brothers 
 here who have spoken already. — Our Ancestors 
 were buried here and this is the proper place for us 
 to speak in. — 
 My Older Brother. 
 
 You have called us from a-far ; And since we 
 came you have rejoiced our hearts. We hope you 
 will consider the want of our women and children 
 before you leave us ; for we are all very poor 
 My Older Brother, 
 
 I agree with those who spoke before me, that 
 the Whites should remain on the other side of the 
 Ohio. 
 
 He delivered two white strings, and retired. — N° 6 
 
 General Putnam then rose and said, 
 Brothers. 
 
 I have listened to all you have said. I have trea- 
 sured it up in my heart. — To-morrow I shall give 
 you an answer. — 
 
 Brothers, We shall now drink a glafs and retire till 
 to-morrow. 
 
 Adjourned at 3 OClock afternoon. — 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 351 
 
 In Council 10 OClock forenoon 26*^ Sepf^ 
 A Chief of the Powtowattemows rose and said, 
 I desire my Father the American and all my 
 Brothers to pay attention to what I am going to 
 say. 
 
 When I received the mefsage that a great Chief 
 would arive here from the United States ; And that he 
 wished to speak to us, I expected the businefs would 
 be of another nature, not that I find it to be. I did 
 not expect that we would spend our time in speak- 
 ing of Land, as I find the case to be — I have often 
 been asked by the British to sell them Land, but 
 Merchandize never tempted me — I never yet have 
 hearkened to thofe who came to speak of buying 
 Lands — I foresaw, that if I parted with my land, I 
 should reduce the Women and Children to weeping 
 — If your Land was dear to You, why did You give 
 it away — Were my Father to meet me on my ground, 
 I would give him a better treatment — Then turn- 
 ing to General Putnam, he said : My Father 
 
 I never took the Tomhock of the British all last 
 War — The French and Spaniards desired me never 
 to take it against the United-States, but to live in 
 Peace with them — It is my Intention — You see the 
 Sky is clear ; — And since we all wish that every one 
 were happy, and every stain wiped off the ground ; 
 and the Blood washed away : let us join together 
 and bury the Tomhock forever — Let all past mis- 
 chief be forgotten. 
 
 (He shook hands and turning to the Tribes said) 
 You know I have no complaints to make to the 
 United-States for lost Women and Children as you 
 have — Whenever I went to War, it was again 
 against my own colour — Alter Your Conduct — Let 
 the Tomhock remain forever hurried — Have pity 
 
352 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 on Your Women and Children — Chiefs, encourage 
 Your Young Men to Peace ! — Young Men Usten to 
 Your Chiefs ! — Hearken to each other, and afsist 
 one another in that which is good. 
 
 He next took up two white Strings, and said he 
 was to speak the sentiments of the Musquetons 
 Tribe, whose Chiefs, (tho' present) were bashful ; re- 
 questing of the General not to be offended if they 
 said anything that might be disagreeable. — 
 He took one of thefe Chiefs forward, and shaking 
 hands began. 
 
 I shall always do as my own Father has done, 
 who lived in Peace with the White People — I think 
 as all good Men ought to do — I live on my own 
 River quietly by Hunting ; and my Women are em- 
 ployed in raising Corn — The French who always 
 pafs through my Country, shew Charity to the 
 Women and Children — I wish it may always re- 
 main so — My Heart is pleased at what you have 
 said — It is placed where Decoign's is — I shall do 
 as he does. 
 
 (: Presented two white strings and shook hands :) 
 N° 7. 
 
 He then brought forward the other Chief and said. 
 
 My Father 
 
 Altho / never went to War on You, yet because 
 You sent for me, I came — I will hearken and pay 
 evry attention to all You have said, and what You 
 may say to me ; and carry Your Words to my Vil- 
 age. — Shook hands & presented 2 strings. N° 8 
 
 A Young Chief of the Potawattemows rising, said : 
 My Older Brother ! 
 
 I agree to all that has been said by Ducoigne — I 
 have heard Your Sentiments and my Heart is glad 
 — I will report them in my Village — I now salute 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 353 
 
 You, and form an acquaintance with You — (pre- 
 sented 2 white Strings) N° 9 
 
 The Tribes having now said all they had to say 
 at the opening of this days Council ; and all being 
 seated : General Putnam rofe, and made the follow- 
 ing Speech. 
 
 Brothers of the Eel-River &*= as before 
 After You had lit the Pipe of Peace Yesterday, you 
 told me that the Sky was very clear — That we now 
 would Smoke together, and should observe that the 
 Smoke would ascend straight upwards — You then 
 gave me the Pipes, and desired me to present them 
 to our great Chief General Washington, that he 
 might also smoke out of them. 
 Brothers 
 
 You next told me : that You had desired Your 
 Younger brother to speak the sentiments of all the 
 Nations present — You said that altho' he was 
 Young, he was capable of speaking best — I listened 
 to him attentively ; and shall report all he has said 
 to me ; and deliver the Belt you gave me, to the great 
 Chief General Washington at the same time when I 
 shall present the Pipes to him 
 Brothers 
 
 When we first met together the sky was indeed 
 very clear as You had observed to me — but in the 
 course of our Councill, I discovered a Cloud had 
 arisen in some obscure part of the Sky, which pre- 
 vented my understanding what You meant by part 
 of what You had said to me. 
 Brothers 
 
 Let us understand one another right — You told 
 me it was best for the White People to remain in 
 their Country, and You in Yours — You said : as the 
 Whites were a powerful People, they ought to live at 
 
354 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 a distance from You — You said, that the Americans 
 had best remain on the other side of the Ohio. 
 Brothers 
 
 Speak plain that I may understand You, and there 
 be no mistake made — Do you mean that we shall 
 get up from this place and other Settlements on the 
 Mifsisippi, and go over the Ohio ? Do you mean that 
 this Garrison which is built for the Protection of the 
 Settlement and Trade, shall be evacuated ? 
 Brothers 
 
 I have often heard that You had permitted Your 
 Father the French to sit down on the Wabash River 
 a great many Years ago, and had given him Lands 
 to raife Corn on, and a range for his Cattle — I have 
 since heard : that when Your Fathers Family had 
 encreased, and you saw them so much crowded : 
 that You then extended their limits, so that they 
 might have land enough to raise Corn, and Range 
 enough for their Cattle — I also heard that the cafe 
 was nearly the same with the other Settlements on 
 the Mifsisippi. 
 Brothers 
 
 Let me inform You, that the United-States are 
 bound to protect all its subjects — And since their 
 Alliance with France, are become as one People. 
 They live not only here in this place together ; but 
 are so throughout the United-States. 
 Brothers. 
 
 The United-States do not want to take away Your 
 lands — When You become their true Friends, they 
 will become Your Protectors — They will protect You 
 in your lands, and in your Hunting — They will never 
 take any of Your lands away from You, against your 
 consent. But if at any time You should wish to sell 
 any of them, they will buy them of You honestly. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 355 
 
 Brothers 
 
 When the White People give away a thing, they 
 never ask for it back again — And what they have 
 once sold, they never any more look upon it as theirs 
 Brothers 
 
 I now desire You to inform me, how far your lands 
 extend up and down the Ohio. I wish also to know 
 how much land You have given to the French at this 
 place. I wish to know the grants and Sales you have 
 made to the Settlements on the Mifsisippi. 
 Brothers. 
 
 You have wise men among You — These will 
 consult one another on these weighty matters, and 
 give me a plain Answer. (Strings of white Wam- 
 pum) 
 
 The above being Interpreted by the Interpreters 
 of the respective tribes, General Putnam requested of 
 all those [who] felt themselves interested to return a 
 direct answer to which they agreed. — 
 Adjourned at 2 OClock. 
 
 In Council Afternoon — 
 
 Ducoigne rose with two strings of white Wampum, 
 shook hands and addrefsed himself to the Tribes : 
 saying, 
 Brothers, 
 
 This is not a new thing for us to meet to counsil 
 together It has been the custom of our Ancestors 
 always. 
 
 Then turning to General Putnam, Ihook hands and 
 said. — 
 My older Brother, 
 
 Be afsured all the Chiefs here present rejoice at 
 what you have said. — All the Chiefs have put into 
 my mouth the Answer I am to give you. It is not our 
 intention that any persens setded on this side the 
 
356 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 Ohio, should move away. — Our request is that no 
 other settlement fhall be made. — 
 My older Brother, 
 
 Consider, were [we] to sell the graves of our An- 
 cestors would not he who gave us life, and placed us 
 on these lands be displeased. I believe there is no 
 son so unworthy of his Ancestors as to sell the graves 
 they are buried in. Were we to sell our lands, we 
 must sell their graves : and the Game which affords 
 us daily subsistance. — We, therefore, wish you never 
 to take our lands by force. — There is nothing will 
 prevent a lasting peace and friendship between us 
 but your attempting to take our Land from us. Ful- 
 fil what you have said — Why would I make a new 
 handle for the Axe ? I know it would be impofsible 
 for us to overcome you in the end. And we believe 
 you have no intention of destroying us. — 
 My older Brother, 
 
 We have already informed you that our Ancestors 
 lighted the fire here first. We are glad now that you 
 have made it up anew. — 
 My older Brother, 
 
 We all wish you to make known to Gen* Wash- 
 ington all we have said, and all we have to say 
 yet. — 
 
 The whole you will see is ; that by leaving us our 
 Lands you secure to yourselves our friendfhip. — We 
 do not wish you to be strangers to us. We wish to 
 be your good Neighbours and you to send Traders 
 among us, to furnish us for our wants as the French, 
 English and Spainards have done. — The white Peo- 
 ple cloath their women and children ours are running 
 naked. Take pity on them & send something every 
 spring to make them glad. — 
 He delivered two strings, and introduced a Young 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 357 
 
 Chief of the Peankashaw tribe, who held two strings 
 of old grey Wampum ; saying, N° 10 
 
 You see this Wampum. It represents the bones of 
 our Forefathers, who have been dead long ago. — It 
 shows our poverty. You have it in your power to 
 make us happy. — 
 
 He delivered the Wampum. — N° 11 
 
 Then addrefsing the Indians said, 
 You who live near the British, shut your ears to all 
 bad things they may tell you. — Never listen to any 
 things they may say to you about the Axe. — If 
 they have a mind to quarrel with our brothers of the 
 United States, let them settle that among them- 
 selves. — 
 
 (Shook hands with Gen^ Putnam) — 
 Our throats are dry. A dram would not hurt us, 
 And after that we will retire to eat. — 
 
 A Chief of the Weaughtenows rose & said. 
 Our Wampum is almost expended ; and it seems the 
 businefs is near a close. You have got our senti- 
 ments in your hands. — They are all true. — 
 My older Brother, 
 
 I am indeed happy that we have met and have 
 made an acquaintance together. — We have said a 
 great deal, but it all tends to peace — You know 
 jelousies are occasioned by many things. — We hope 
 every cause is now removed. — We want Traders 
 among us, who will supply us with our wants : And 
 we hope you will always find something that will 
 make our women and children comfortable. — 
 My older Brother, 
 
 We hope you and the French are as one. — we 
 wish it to be so. — 
 
 He shook hands with General Putnam and then 
 recommended peace to all the Tribes. — 
 
358 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 And shaking hands with a Powtowattemow Chief 
 said, 
 
 We and you live on the Wabash. — We are glad 
 you join with us in peace ; and retired. — 
 
 The General returned an answer to the Tribes 
 thus, 
 Brothers, 
 
 I have but little to say this time. All the difficul- 
 ties are now removed except that the Bounds have 
 not been defined, but as that concerns but a few of 
 you, I will not detain others on that account. — I 
 have no doubt but the great Spirit, who witnefses 
 every transaction will direct us to do this with har- 
 mony and contentment to all parties. — We will 
 meet to-morrow to transact the main part of the 
 treaty — 
 
 Let us now drink a Dram. — 
 
 Adjourned in the Afternoon late. — 
 
 In Council at lo OClock forenoon 27*'' Sepf — 
 
 A Peankeshaw Chief rose, shook hands and said, 
 My older Brother, 
 
 This is the first time I ever met in council with 
 my brothers of the United States. I fhall now inform 
 you what has pafsed between our Ancestors and the 
 French. — I am positive my brother the Tobacco 
 and the other Chiefs have long since given a quantity 
 of Land to the French. — We have given to the 
 French the land between Cut-point above the Post 
 and white River below the Post, with as much on 
 each side of the Wabash as there is between those 
 two marks. We have not only given this land to 
 them for themselves only, but also for them, their 
 children and children's children forever. — 
 My older Brother, 
 
 We know nothing of your measures, but depend 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 359 
 
 we are not come to play, and be laughed at. — We 
 have had this writing and signed it. — And it is to 
 these writings we refer for the truth. — I speak the 
 sentiments of all of us present. — 
 
 Another Chief of the same tribe rose and said, 
 My older Brother, 
 
 Be afsured I never have, nor ever will forget the 
 French. — They are our friends. — They always 
 have furnished us with our wants. — We and They 
 have lived to gether — Our Ancestors and theirs are 
 burried together — What we have given them must 
 remain forever theirs. 
 My Older Brother 
 
 I recommend this matter to You, to General Wash- 
 ington, and to the United States — When the French 
 first came here, we opened the Roads for them — 
 We gave them Lands, and they must never be taken 
 from them — He shook hands and said. 
 My Older Brother 
 
 I hope You will regard and keep the writings 
 sacred which we gave the French — Writings, when 
 they are justly executed never Lye — Let them 
 therefore be respected — (shook hands and retired) 
 
 Ducoig^e rofe and said ; presenting a Young Chief 
 My Older Brother 
 
 Here is a Young Chief whose Father was killed by 
 the People of Kentucky, while he carried them Meat 
 
 — Nothwithstanding this, he gives You his hand, and 
 forgets the crime. He is my Relation. I wish you 
 would give him a Recommendation from your hand 
 
 — His Sister is not here, but she will come shortly 
 from the Illinois. 
 
 The Chief retired and Ducoigne continues : 
 My Older Brother. 
 You have heard our sentiments, and those of the 
 
36o OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 great Chief Tobacca — Evry one present know they 
 are true — tho some are dead, yet they direct us to 
 confirm what they gave to the French, (shaking 
 hands went on) 
 My Older Brother 
 
 I was the first who took You by the hand — all the 
 others have done so since. 
 My Older Brother 
 
 Our Father the French never took any land from 
 Us on the Mifsisippi. I hope you will do as he did 
 — I never will tell lies, neither will / take anything 
 from another — Tell General Washington what I 
 have said — When we hear from him, we will open 
 our Ears wider. 
 My Older Brother 
 
 You know what lands I have given to the French 
 on the Mifsisippi — You know what lands I have 
 given to the Americans 
 My Older Brother 
 
 I expect everything will go well — Report all that 
 has been done and said between us, to the great 
 Chief General Washington — Let us have a Confir- 
 mation from him, of what has been done — This is 
 all we have to say. (shook hands fervently and re- 
 tired :) 
 
 General Putnam then rofe, laid the Belts at full 
 length on a Stroud spread over the Table ; and after 
 shaking hands with all present ; addrefsed them in 
 the follow manner : 
 Brothers ! 
 
 We have been for some time past industriously 
 employed in making Peace — I believe all parties 
 are now agreed. 
 Brothers 
 
 The White People commit to writing what they 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 361 
 
 transact, that the paper may speak when they are 
 dead. Your custom is to record by Belts. We shall 
 do it both ways. Here are now the Articles of the 
 Treaty, to which if we agree ; we will subscribe our 
 Names, I will now read it to You. 
 
 (: Here come the Articles, which being unanimously 
 agreed to :) General Putnam said : 
 According to our custom, I will subscribe this in Your 
 presence, and in the presence of the White People 
 here. You will also sign it. 
 
 (: They having signed the Articles of the Treaty :) 
 General Putnam rofe, and delivered the following 
 Speech to the Chiefs of the several Tribes. 
 Brothers Si'^'' as before. 
 
 Listen to what I say, 
 
 We have been for some Days past industriously 
 engaged in a good Work, namely in establishing 
 a Peace ; And we have happily succeeded thro' the 
 influence of the great Spirit. 
 Brothers 
 
 We have wiped off the Blood — We have hurried 
 the Hatchet on both sides ; and all what is past, shall 
 be forgotten. (: takes up the Belts :) 
 Brothers : 
 
 This is the Belt of Peace, which I now present You 
 in the Name of the United-States — This Belt shall 
 be the Evidence of, and the Pledge for the perform- 
 ance of the Articles of the Treaty of Peace, which we 
 have concluded between the United-States and Your 
 Tribes this day. 
 Brothers 
 
 Whenever You look on this Belt, remember that 
 there is a perpetual Peace and Friendship between 
 You and Us : And that You are now under the Pro- 
 tection of the United-States. 
 
362 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 Brothers 
 
 We both hold this Belt in our hands — Here at this 
 end the United-States hold it ; and You hold it by the 
 other end — The Road, You see is broad, level and 
 clear — We may now pafs to one another easy and 
 without difficulty. 
 Brothers 
 
 The faster we hold this Belt, the happier we shall 
 be — Our Women and Children will have no Occa- 
 sion to be afraid any more — Our Young Men will 
 observe, that their Wise Men performed a good 
 Work. 
 Brothers 
 
 Be all strong in that which is good — Abide all in 
 this path Young and Old ; and You will enjoy the 
 sweetnefs of Peace. (: delivers the Belts :) 
 And after some silence says 
 Brothers 
 
 I have brought some cloathing with me for Your 
 Women and Children ; and some Amunition for 
 Your young Men to hunt with ; which I shall distrib- 
 ute among You, before You go away. 
 
 Peace being now Proclaimed ; General Putnam in- 
 formed them : that he should have a piece of Artiliry 
 fired on the Occafion. and that he would fire the first ; 
 and that each of thofe Chiefs who had received the 
 Belts, should follow his Example. The General fired 
 and the Indians, and white People joined the report 
 with three cheers of acclamations. 
 
 (: returned to the Council-house :) 
 General Putnam now told them, thet he would give 
 them Beeves, Bread & Whisky to Feast upon. 
 
 (signed) WiLLM 'Intosh sworn Clerk 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 363 
 
 EXTRACTS OF INDIAN SPEECHES PER JOURNAL 
 
 Page 5 — [344] N° i Weaughtenows 
 
 2 Strings White Waumpum 
 Page 6 [345] N° 2 — two young Chiefs of 
 
 the Musquetons 4 long White 
 [346] N° 3 Elle River 2 Strings 
 
 Black waumpum — 
 Page 9 — [347] N° 4 Weaughtenow Queen 
 
 4 white Strings 
 page 1 1 [349] N° 5 — 3 Short White Strings 
 
 Peorian Chief 
 
 Page 12 — [350] N° 6 Peankefhaw Chief 
 
 2 white Strings 
 
 Page 13 — [352] N° 7 Musquetons 
 
 2 white Strings 
 
 page 14 [352] N° 8 Musquetons 
 
 2 white Strings 
 
 page 14 [353] N° 9 — Potawattemows 
 
 2 white Strings 
 
 Page 18 — [357] N° 10 ducoigne 
 
 2 Strings 
 [357] N° II — young Peankashaw 
 
 2 Strings Gray Waumpum. 
 
 COPY OF THE TREATY BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND THE 
 WABASH & ILLINOI INDIANS^ 
 
 A Treaty of peace and Frindfhip, made and con- 
 cluded between the Prefident of the United States of 
 America, on the part of the Said States, and the Un- 
 
 1 This treaty was not confirmed by the Senate, the fourth article being 
 deemed particularly objectionable. For the legislative action concerning 
 it, see the yournal of the Executive Proceeditigs of the Senate, vol. i. pp. 
 128, 134, 13s, 144, 145, 146. 
 
364 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 derfigned Kings Chiefs and Warriours of the Wabafh 
 and Illinoi, Indian Tribes on the part and behalf of 
 Said Tribes. — 
 
 The parties being dellerous of eflablifhing per- 
 minent Peace and frindfhip between the United 
 States and the Said Indian Tribes, and the citizens and 
 members thereof and to remove the caufes of War : 
 The Prefident of the United States, by Rufus Putnam, 
 Jud [g] e of the Teritory of the United States North- 
 west of the River Ohio and Brigadier General in the 
 Army, whome he hath vested with full powers for thefe 
 purpofes : And the Said Wabafh and Illinoi Indian 
 Tribes by the Underfigned Kings Chiefs and warri- 
 ours reprefenting the Said Tribes have agreed to the 
 following articles viz. — 
 
 Article First 
 There fhall be perpetual peace and frindfhip between 
 all the citizens of the United States of America, and 
 all the individuals, villages and tribes of the Said 
 Wabafh and Illinoi Indians 
 
 Article Second 
 The Underfigned Kings, Chiefs and warriours for 
 themfelves and all parts of there villages and Tribes, 
 do acknowledge themfelves to be under the protection 
 of the United States of America. And Stipulate to 
 live in amity and frindfhip with them. — 
 
 Article Third 
 The Said Tribes Shall deliver as Soon as practicable 
 to the Commanding officer at Fort Knox all citizens 
 of the United States, white inhabitants or negroes 
 who are now prifoners among any of the Said 
 Tribes — 
 
 Article Fourth 
 The United States Solemnly guarantee to the Wa- 
 bafh and Illinoi Nations or Tribes, of Indians all the 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 365 
 
 lands to which they have a just claim, And no part 
 fhall ever be taken from them but by a fair purchafe 
 and to their fatisfaction. That the lands oreginally 
 belong to the Indians, it is theirs and theirs only, 
 that they have a right to Sell and a right to refuse 
 to Sell and that the United States will protect them 
 in there Said just rights — 
 
 Article Fifth 
 The Said Kings Chiefs and Warriours, Solemly 
 promise on their part that no further hoflilities or 
 depredations Shall be committed by them, or any 
 belonging to the Tribes they reprefent, against the 
 perfons or property of any of the Citizens of the 
 United States : That the practice of Stealing Negroes 
 and Horfes from the people of Kentucke and other 
 inhabitants of the United States fhall forever here- 
 after ceafe. That they will at all times give notice 
 to the citizens of the United States, of any defignes 
 which they may know, or fuspect to be formed in 
 any neighbouring Tribe, or by any perfon what- 
 ever, against the peace and intrest of the United 
 States — 
 
 Article Sixth 
 In cafes of violence on the perfons or property of the 
 individuals of either party, neither retaliation or re- 
 prifal fhall be committed by the other, untill Sat- 
 isfaction Shall have ben demanded of the party of 
 which the aggrefsor is, and fhall have ben refused. — 
 
 Article Seventh 
 All animofities for past grievances fhall hence forth 
 ceafe, and the contracting parties will carry the fore- 
 going Treaty into full execution, with all good faith 
 and Sincerity. — 
 
 In Witnefs of all and every thing herein diter- 
 mined between the United States of America and 
 
366 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 the Villages and Tribes of The Underfigned Kings 
 Chiefs & Warriours, the parties have hereunto Set 
 their hands and Seals, at Post Vincent on the Wabafh 
 river This twenty feventh day of September one 
 Thoufand seven hundred ninety two 
 Don in prefence of 
 J. F. Hamtramcri 
 
 B GEN^ PUTNAMS SPEECH TO THE INDIANS 
 
 Brothers, 
 
 I thank the great Spirit who has inclined our 
 Hearts to do good ; and to establish a Peace be- 
 tween You and the United States — 
 Brothers 
 
 Let us endeavour to restore Peace and happinefs 
 to all as far as lies in our Power ; and for this pur- 
 pofe I request that You will send a Speech to Your 
 Neighbours the Miamis, Dellawares, Shawanos and 
 other Tribes, who have hitherto stopped their Ears, 
 and refused to Speak with the United States about 
 Peace ; altho many Speeches have been sent to them 
 for that purpofe — 
 Brothers, 
 
 I propose to send one Speech more requesting 
 them to open a Road to some place or other, where 
 we may meet and Speak to one another ; And I 
 trust with Your afsistance, that the great Spirit will 
 caufe this good Work to succeed — 
 
 1 This copy of the Treaty, which is in General Putnam's script, bears 
 no other signatures. On his separate list of the Signers of the Treaty 
 there are the names of thirty-one Indian chiefs. The witnesses were 
 eight officers of the First American Legion, H, Vanderburgh, John 
 Heckewelder, two interpreters, and the clerk. There were present at 
 the Council 686 Indians — men, women, and children. 
 
T KrcK 
 
 a CJca^JftO G-htLini %' cl/ii.e/n.<-^ 
 
 I'l.AN OF ini': hi\i:k wahasii, 1792 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 367 
 
 Brothers, 
 
 Our great Chieff General Washington is very 
 desirous to see a Number of Your Chieffs ; to take 
 them by the hand and smoke the Pipe of Peace with 
 them at his Council! fire — there to brighten the 
 Chain of Friendship, and personally convince them 
 of the goodnefs of his Heart, and show how strong 
 he and all the great ChiefFs of the United States 
 hold You. 
 Brothers, 
 
 If You agree that one or two Chief^Fs from each 
 Tribe should visit the great Chieff General Washing- 
 ton as I propofe : I shall provide for every expence 
 of the Journey, and a fafe Convoy and accomoda- 
 tion both going and returning — The rout will be 
 from here to the Falls of Ohio by Land — thence by 
 Water to Pittsburgh, and from thence by Land to 
 Philadelphia. 
 Brothers, 
 
 If You listen to me in this, I have no doubt but 
 You will find the interest and happinefs of Your 
 Tribes greatly encreased, by the good things which 
 the great Chieff will do further for You. 
 Brothers, 
 
 I wish You to take my Words into Consideration, 
 and return me an Answer as soon as you have de- 
 termined thereon. 
 
 Spooken Sept 29th 1792 — 
 
368 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 SPEECH SENT TO THE DELLAWARES & OTHER TRIBES 
 
 The Speech of Rufus Putnam Agent to General 
 Washington for the purpofe of treating with the 
 Indians North-west of the Ohio, and concluding 
 a Peace with the Same — 
 
 Brothers of the Dellawares, Shawnefe, Miamis, Wy- 
 ondots, and all other Tribes inhabiting the Country 
 on the Miamis & Sandusky Rivers, and on the 
 Lake — 
 
 The great Chief! of the United States, General 
 Washington has sent since early in the Spring Mef- 
 sages to You of Peace. And I who have come from 
 this great Chief! and his Councill more than 4 Months 
 ago, have also sent a Speech to You for that pur- 
 pofe. 
 Brothers 
 
 After waiting a long time for Your Answer and 
 not recieving any ; I was encouraged to speak to the 
 Nations on the Wabash and Illinois Rivers ; and 
 finding their Ears open, I held a Treaty with them 
 at Tschubhicking (: Post Vincennes :) where we have 
 hurried the hatchet, wiped off all the stains of Blood ; 
 and concluded a firm and everlasting Peace. 
 Brothers, 
 
 I believe were You but once agreed to hear what 
 I have to say to You, and should meet, see and 
 hear me ; you would find that it would be for Your 
 good. As long as we dont see and hear one an- 
 other, but listen to the singing Birds which fly to 
 and fro ; we are carried away with evr}'- story, and 
 not only remain Strangers to one another, but En- 
 emys also. 
 Brothers, 
 
 Open Your Ears to the Truth — I speak from my 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 369 
 
 Heart, not with my Lips only. I wish to see You 
 happy — I wish a Peace established between You 
 and the United States — I wish to see Your Woemen 
 and Chilldren go to rest without fear, and Your 
 young Men become industrious Hunters, so that You 
 all Young and old may live comfortably. 
 Brothers, 
 
 All this can be the cafe if You chofe it. The United 
 States dont mean to wrong You out of Your Lands 
 
 — They dont want to take away Your Lands by force 
 
 — They want to do You Justice. 
 Now Brothers, 
 
 I send You this my Speech by some of thofe who 
 have been here at this great Treaty — They have 
 seen and heard me, and are Witnefses to all what 
 has pafsed between Us, and they will tell You the 
 Truth. 
 Brothers, 
 
 When You have heard my Speech, and all what 
 my Mefsengers have to say to You : I desire Your 
 Wise Men to consider it well. The great and good 
 Spirit will then convince them of the good Intentions 
 of the United States, and that the Road is yet open 
 to them to become a happy People — 
 Brothers 
 
 I desire You to send some of Your Wife Men with 
 my Mefsengers to meet me at the Mouth of Muskin- 
 gum, that we may see one another and speak to- 
 gether before I return again to our great Chief! Gen- 
 eral Washinton. I shall direct evr}^ thing so, that 
 You will have nothing to fear Arife then, come and 
 see me, and let us shake hands with one another. 
 Post Vincent 
 October 6'^ 1792 — 
 
 A Belt. 
 
370 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 INSTRUCTIONS TO M" WELLS 
 
 Post Vincent September [October] 7th 1792 
 Sir 
 
 The Speech ^ you carry to the Indians fully informs 
 you [of] the great object I have in view. If the Sev- 
 eral tribes So far listen to my words as to Send Some 
 of their Cheifs to Speeke with me at Muskingum, 
 you, with Piankafhaws, will accompany theme to 
 that place where I Shall wait your arrive! ; If you do 
 not Succeed ; So far as to make it fafe to come to the 
 mouth of Muskingum by land, I expect you will come 
 into Fort Wafhington (or Some other Station on the 
 ohio) where you will find provifion made for Trans- 
 porting you to Mufkingum. I wifh you to make all 
 the expidition pofiable which the nature of the bufi- 
 nefs will admit. I have great expectation that through 
 the Influence of the Eel river Chiefs, and of Chiefs 
 of the five fires which I expect are now among them, 
 thefe tribes will liflen to terms of peace but whether 
 they will or not is the fact I am extreamly anxious to 
 know I mufl therefore emprefs it on your mind that 
 if polsiable before you leave their country you afser- 
 tain the matter, whether they wjll treat of peace with 
 the united States or not 
 
 I am lir your Ob 
 MR W^ Wells 
 
 COPY OF LETTER TO GENERAL WILKINSON 
 
 Fort Washington November 28th 1792 
 Sir 
 
 you will pleafe to recollect that by my inflructions 
 
 from the Secretary of War of May last, The whole or 
 
 Such part of the Indian goods under the care of the 
 
 Quarter Master at this post as you and I Should 
 
 1 Page 368. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 371 
 
 Jointly Judge proper ware to be put into the hands 
 of Major Hamtramck to be distributed to the In- 
 dians but under Such reflrictions as to prevent all 
 abufe — 
 
 It is my opinion Sir that all thofe goods Still re- 
 maining at this post be forwarded to Major Ham- 
 tramck at Post Vincent for the purpofes aforesaid — 
 Except the following articls — viz 480^*^ of Damaged 
 Tobacco 14 old Hats, 21 old Bridles, 434 >^ yards of 
 Linsey 3 pecies of black broad Cloath 10^ yards 
 of black broad Cloath, 18 brafs kettles 98 Com 
 Hoes I peace of Black and blue Flanen [flannel], 
 I peice yallow d° — i Bundle of Gartering Dam- 
 aged — 
 
 you will pleafe to let Major Hamtramck know that 
 he will be held accountable for the goods put into 
 his hands and that it is an inflruction from the Sec- 
 retary at War, that either receipts from the party 
 reciveing, or the certificate of a third perfon will be 
 required as evidence of the delivery of goods to the 
 Indian in all cafes whatever and Sir if your mind 
 Suggests any additional chik [check] as his com- 
 manding officer you will undoubtedly be justified in 
 impofing it on him the circumftance of M*" Wells 
 being in the Indian country you are well acquainted 
 with. Should he come in to this post I must intreat 
 you will Send him forward to Muikingum with all 
 Poliable dispatch. 
 
 COPY OF LETTER TO GEN*- KNOX 
 
 Marietta December the 20th 1792 
 Sir 
 
 I have the honour to transmit to you the oreginal 
 treaty of Peace ^ with Sundry tribes of Indians, 
 
 J Page 363. 
 
372 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 Signed at post Vincennes the 2y^^ of September last 
 of which Major Hamtramick forwarded a Copy by 
 M*" Prior I alfo enclofe you, A Journal of the pro- 
 ceedings during the negotiation/ together with my 
 Speech to the Indians on the 29*^ of September ^ (in- 
 viting them to Send a Speech to their hostile neigh- 
 bours, &c — &c &c) and a Speech I Sent to the Delia- 
 wares & other tribes Dated the 6*^ of October,^ with 
 my inftructions to M"" Wells the Mefsenger * 
 
 I am extreamly mortified that So much time has 
 elapsed before it was in my power to forward thefe 
 papers 
 
 the circumflancs which has ocationed this delay 
 are thefe. on the 25*^ of September I was taken with 
 the ague and fevor which returned upon me every 
 2^ day untill the 30^^ from which time the fitts re- 
 turned every Day Succefsively for three days, and 
 the fevor run So high as rendered me incapable of 
 any bufi [nefs] untill the 6*^ of October in which time 
 Major Hamtramick thought proper to Send oflE the 
 chiefs which on the 28*^ of Sep* departed [?] to go to 
 Philadelphia befides it would not have ben proper 
 to refque the oreginal treaty with M*" Prior by land 
 to the falls, for their was real danger not only from 
 the hostile Indians but from parties of Militia who 
 ware about that time frequently out in that quarter 
 in purfute of Stolen horses 
 
 on the 6*^ of October the feavor left me. althoe 
 very weak and feable I Set out from Post Vincennes 
 by warter for the falls of Ohio, on the 18*^ I was 
 taken with a relaps of the Same disordr and it was 
 the 29**> before I got afhore at the falls haveing for 
 12 days Suffered much being without any Phifictian 
 or Medicen and no acommodation but what the 
 
 ^ Page 335. 2 Page 366. » Page 368. * Page 370. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 373 
 
 Barge afforded — after arriving at the falls my dis- 
 order returned So that I was not able to leve there 
 untill the 19*^ of November, when the fits being 
 partly broke I Set out, and fortunately I have had 
 but two fits Sence, but from haveing bad oars men 
 the State of the warter and Shortnefs of the days I 
 was not able to reach this place untill the iS*** in- 
 llent. — 
 
 you will obferve by my Speech of October 6th 
 Sent to the Dellawars & others, that I invite them to 
 Send Some of their wife men with my Mefsengers 
 to the mouth of Muskingum, confidering the State 
 of my health at the time I Sent the Speech, the Sea- 
 fon of the year and other circumllances I confidered 
 this as the most proper place to invite them to and 
 this being Ditermined on, made it necefsary for M"" 
 Hackenwelder to Stop here ; for althoe he has ben 
 of very efential Service to me in carrying on the 
 negotiations below, yet if the Dellawares &c &c 
 come in to this place his prefence would be much 
 more necefsry as he is the only interpreter of there 
 language within my reach But So much time has 
 elapsed Sence I Sent my Talk from Vincennes as 
 before mentioned, that I have no hope of the remain- 
 ing hostile tribs Istining to peace, yet I concive it 
 necefsary for me to waite Some time longer for M"^ 
 Wells and the Indian Chief who went with him for 
 if they are not murdered they certainly will be here 
 as Soon as pofiable whether they Succeed in per- 
 fuaiding the Dellawares &c &c to accompany them 
 or not however if I hear northing from them before 
 the 10*^ or is^^ of January I Shall my Self with M^ 
 HackingTA'elder Set out for Philadelphia 
 
 you will obfer\''e that by the fourth article of the 
 Treaty the United States Guarantee to the Indians 
 
374 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 all the lands to which they have a Just Claim. I 
 chofe this general mode of expretion becaufe I was 
 not furnifhed with documents to afsertain the lands 
 they have given away or otherwife disposed of, & 
 alfo becaufe I concived it most agreable to my in- 
 llructions haveing before the Signing the treaty good 
 reafon to beleve I Should perfuaid them to Send a 
 deputation to Philadelphia — (the tract on the Wa- 
 bafh river which they [declared] in the proceeding 
 of the 26*^ of September to have ben given to the 
 french is at least 50 mile Square) 
 
 Your favor of the 7*^ of August/ I met with at 
 Fort Wafhington the 26*^ of November on my return 
 up the river, their must have ben Some Delay in for- 
 warding this letter to Fort Wafhington, or othecwife 
 it would have reached me before the opening of the 
 treaty (which would have given me great Satisfac- 
 tion) however I am happy to find I had anticipated 
 your wifhes ; my motives for doing of which was 
 fully explained in my letter to you of July 22*^2 
 the remaining Indian [goods] which I left at Fort 
 Wafhington in august as ware Sutable for the pur- 
 pos I requested Gen^ Wilkenson to forward to Major 
 Hamtramick 
 
 Should the two Interpreters who came on with M"" 
 Prior be Settled with before I come to Philadelphia 
 they must be charged with monies advanced by 
 Major Hamtramck on my account and recepted for 
 to me as follows viz. Myah or Malliot Seventy Seven 
 Dollars Jacko or Dumais fifty nine Dollars — 
 
 1 Page 313. 2 Page 301. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 375 
 
 COPY OF LETTER TO GEN^ WAYNE 
 
 Marietta December 21st 1792 
 Sir 
 
 Your favor of the 6*^ of Augnst^ reached me at 
 Vincennes, but I have not had it in my power to ac- 
 knowledge the receipt of it untill now — When M' 
 Prior left Vincennes I was fcarcely able to Speek, 
 much lefs to write, and Sence that time untill the 
 Eighteenth inftent I have ben either confined by 
 Sicknefs on the way or purfuing my Journey to this 
 place. What pafsed at Vincennes untill M"^ Prior fet 
 out, I delired Major Hamtramck to communicate 
 both to you and the Secretary at War — on the 7*^ of 
 October I Sent a Speech to the Dellawars and other 
 hostile tribes inviteing them to Send Some of their 
 wife men to this place to Speek with me on the Sub- 
 ject of peace, but I hear northing from them yet Nor 
 have I ever had much expectation that they would 
 harken to the invitation. I Shall however wait to the 
 lo*'^ or 15 of January and then Set out for Philadel- 
 phia, and endevor to convince, as far as my Opinion 
 and Influence extend, all the advocates for Treaties 
 that northing but a Sevear whiping will bring thefe 
 proud Savages to a Sence of there intrest 
 I have the honour to be Sir 
 with much refpect your 
 humble Servant 
 Maj' Gen' WAYNE 
 
 COPY OF LETTER TO GEN'" WAYNE 
 
 PiTTS-BuRGH Jany 21** 1793 
 Sir 
 
 when I left Mufkingum it was my intention if prac- 
 ticable to have come, at leafl, as far as Legion Ville 
 
 1 Page 311. 
 
376 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 by water, but on my arrive! at BufFaloe, I found my- 
 felf So unwell, and the wether So threatening that 
 I dare not make the attempt. I am very forry that I 
 am disappointed of the honour of paying- my re- 
 fpects to you in perfon at this time ; but the ill State 
 of my health at prefent and the wifh I have to be at 
 Philadelphia as Soon as Pofiable must appologize 
 for my not makeing Tour from this place to Legion 
 Ville — 
 
 I have heard northing from below Sence I wrote 
 you by Maj Swan M"" W"" Wells who I Sent with fome 
 Eel Creek Chiefs to the hollile tribes with a Speech 
 Dated at Post Vincent the 6^^ of October I fear has 
 Sheared the fate of poor Truman for other wife he 
 would have ben at Muskingum before I left it ^ the 
 only hope I have is that he may have made his efcape 
 back to Post Vincent by Some means or other ben 
 detained by the way, & if So he may yet be expected 
 up the River on his way to Philadelphia, and agreably 
 to my inllructions left for him at Muskingum will 
 wait on your excellency. But whether he be dead or 
 alive, confident I am that the tribes to whome he was 
 Sent have not listened to the v [o] ice of peace, nor do 
 I beleve they ever will untill they get a good whiping. 
 Much is Said in Some late papers of there dispofition 
 to treat &c &c. from what authority I know not, but 
 I am much mifstaken in my conjecturs if it dos not all 
 oreginate from a Defigne to impofe on govement, 
 and induce them to relax in there meafures for profe- 
 cuting the war with vigour. I fhall be happy to find 
 myfelf Mifstaken but northing fhort of the event will 
 ever convince me that I am fo. for admit that the 
 Britifh goverment wifh the Indians to be at peace with 
 
 1 William Wells was not killed, but the Indians to whom he was sent 
 would not consider the peace overtures. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 377 
 
 us and admit that the Indians have made propolitions 
 to treat with us agreably to what has ben publifhed 
 in the News paprs, yet while I know they are under 
 the influence of the greatest Villens in the world, I 
 Shall doubt their Sincerrity in every propofition of 
 the kind they Shall make, unlefs accompaned by cir- 
 cumllances which do not exist in the prefent cafe, 
 when they Ihall propofe a proper time & place for 
 holding a treaty : and give us Hostags for the Se- 
 curity of the Commifions who fhall venture beyond 
 the protection of our army to treat with them, I 
 fhall begin to think they are in earnest ; and not 
 before — 
 
 If M"" Wells arrivs I must requst that you will give 
 ordor for his being Afsisted in his Journey to Phila- 
 dlphia 
 
 LETTER FROM GEN'' KNOX 
 
 War-department, Feby iith 1793. 
 Sir. 
 
 I beg leave to request to be informed, by you, in 
 what fenfe the Fourth Article of the Treaty, made by 
 you, with the Wabash Indians, on the 27th day of 
 September 1 792 was underflood by you, and by them, 
 at the time of forming the fame — That is, whether 
 it was underflood, that any other power, than the 
 United States, had the right of purchafmg when the 
 indians fhould be difpofed to fell their lands ? 
 
 I am Sir, 
 
 with great refpect. 
 Your very humble Serv* 
 H Knox 
 Secy of War 
 Brigadier General 
 RuFUS Putnam. 
 
378 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 ANSWER TO gen"- KNOX LETTER 
 
 (Copy) Philadelphia 
 
 February ii'ii 1793 
 
 Sir 
 
 In answer to your question of this day ^ I reply that 
 it was never contemplated by me, nor the Indians 
 who met me in council at Vincennes that the United 
 States conceded to them any right to fell their lands 
 to any other power then the Goverment of the 
 Union, under whofe protection they then freely ac- 
 knowledged themselves to be 
 
 I am Sir With great respect 
 
 ¥•■ Most ob ferv* 
 
 R. Putnam 
 Hon*'^^ Gen^ Knox 
 
 LETTER TO GEN'' KNOX 
 
 Feby 13th, 1793 
 Sir 
 
 in explination of the proceedings of the Council at 
 Vincens Sep* 1792 ^ of my letter of November [De- 
 cember] 20*** 1 792 ^ and of my Certificet of Feb^ 6^^ 
 1793 I beg leve to obferve as the Chiefs did not 
 exprefs them Selves clearly in council with refpect 
 to the lands they had given away or Sold, I made 
 it a point to enquire of Some principle Chiefs with re- 
 fpect to a Sale made to Louis Viviatte * and others, 
 and was informed (by Rene Codert) an inhabitent of 
 
 1 Page 377. 
 
 2 Page 335. 
 8 Page 371. 
 
 * In the original manuscript the name Louis Viviatte is not in General 
 Putnam's script. In 1775 Louis Viviat, acting as agent for the Wabash. 
 Land Company, obtained a deed from eleven Piankeshaw chiefs for a 
 tract of more than thirty-seven million acres. See Dillon's History oj 
 Indiana, pp. 104-109. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 379 
 
 Vincens and an Adopted Chief among the Pianke- 
 lliaws, and by W°^ Wells, who has previous to June 
 last refided eight or nine years with the Eel Creek and 
 is an adopted Chief in that tribe (both Sworn inter- 
 preters at the Treaty) that the Indians disclaimed the 
 Validity of that pretended Sale, alledging that it was 
 don by those who had no right to Sell, that none by 
 the Piankefhaws recived the pay or ware concerned 
 in the bufmefs and that the lands belonged to all the 
 Wabalh Tribes in Common 
 
 RuFus Putnam 
 
 COPY OF A LETTER TO GEN'' KNOX 
 
 Philadelphia Feby 14th 1793 
 Sir 
 
 In looking over my former communications I find 
 I have made no official report, relative to the Indian 
 prifoners which I reflored, the Cloathing distributed 
 at the Treety, nor the Silver ornements which I re- 
 cived from you ye 22^ of May 1792. I therefore con- 
 fider it my duty to prefent you the enclofed papers 
 and beg leve to make the following remarks. — 
 
 I arrived at Vincens the 12*^ of September with 
 ^all the women & Children who had ben prifoner at 
 Fort Wafhington on the 13*^ the Eel Creek and 
 Weauchtenos alTembled when I reflored to them 
 there frinds and delivered the Speech ^ contained in 
 the inclofure N° i — there Speeches on the ocation was 
 not taken down : but they all ware exprefsive of there 
 gratitude, and I am fully convinced that this uncon- 
 ditional act of generosity on the part of the united 
 States had a great influence in produceing that con- 
 fidence in the American goverment which appears in 
 
 1 Page 333. 
 
38o OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 their Speeches in council, and of induceing them to 
 Send a number of there Chiefs to Philadelphia — 
 
 The Cloathing taken on for the treaty was receipted 
 for to the Quartermaster at Fort Walhington By Capt 
 Peters who Commanded the efcort and delivered at 
 Vincens to M*^ Jofeph Baird a perfon I heard recom- 
 mended by Major Hamtramck for the purpus of take- 
 ing charge of the Same and delivering it agreably to 
 such ordors as he Should recive. — 
 
 The enclofure N° 2 contains an abflract of the De- 
 liveries of cloathing agreably to certain papers put 
 into my hands by M"^ Beard the day before I came 
 away, on which I wrote to Major Hamtramck as 
 follows — 
 
 "Post Vincennes October 9th 1792 
 "Sir 
 
 Neither time nor the State of my health will per- 
 " mit me to examin the account of M"" Beard to See 
 " whether the Delevery of goods to the Indians, and 
 " thofe remaining on hand corifpond with the invoice 
 " of goods he recived of Capt Peters. I must there- 
 " fore refer this bufmefs to you for Settlement, as alfo 
 " the affair of powder and lead, purchased of Major 
 " Vanderburgh for the Indians, and put in your Mag- 
 " gazean — -, 
 
 " I have to request that you will recive the re- 
 
 " maining Indian goods from M'^ Beard and distribute 
 
 " them to frindly Indians from time to time accord- 
 
 " ing to your discretion — I have the honour to be 
 
 " &c &c 
 
 RuFus Putnam 
 
 on this abflract, I beg leve to obferve farther, that it 
 appears there was a greater number recived Blankets 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 381 
 
 then ware included in the provifion return for any one 
 day of the Treety this may be accounted for partly 
 by the cloathing deliv[ere]d to the Illinoi Indians for 
 there wives who ware not prefent & partly for the 
 cloathing delivered for the Infirm, both women & 
 Children of the Eel Creeks, Weauchtenos and Pian- 
 kefhaws who did not attend the treaty, but this is 
 partly conjectural as I was not able to attend the 
 delivery my felf, but left it to Major Hamtramck — 
 on the enclofure N° 3 I obferve that none of the or- 
 nements ware delivered to the Chiefs who came to 
 Philadelphia becaufe I concived they would be pre- 
 fented with Something of the kind by the Prefident 
 or your felf & they ware given to underfland that 
 they might expect it, befides as I was Still purfuing 
 meafures to Speek with the Dellawars, & other Hostile 
 tribs I thought it necefsary to referve the principle 
 part of the Silver ornements, untill there high Mighti- 
 nefses might agreably to my Speech Sent from Vin- 
 cens Speek with me if they pleafed — 
 
 P S. I engaged M"" W"^ [Wells] as an Interpreter at 
 one dollar per day from July 14 1792, and befides his 
 wages when he left Vincenne the j^^ of October to 
 carry my Speech to the Dellaware &c I promifed to 
 allow him and his companions 300 Dols and if he 
 Succeeded So far as to induce the Chiefs of the hostile 
 tribes to Send a deputation to Muskingum I engaged 
 to encres this to 500 Dollar — 
 
382 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 
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384 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 COPY OF A LETTER TO GEN KNOX 
 
 Philadelphia February 14th 1793 
 Sir 
 
 you know the motives that induced me to accept 
 of an appointment in the army last May, and be 
 afsurd I Entertain the Same refpect for the Prefi- 
 dent of the United States now as I did at that time, 
 nor have I lefs enclination to Serve my Country in 
 any compatible with my Situation — But from age 
 and infermeties efpecially Sence my long Sicknefs 
 the last year, I find my Self unable to under go the 
 fateagus and hardlhips incident to a Military life — I 
 therefore herewith enclofe my Commifsion of Brig- 
 adier Gen^ and request that I may be discharged 
 from further Servis in the army of the United Stats 
 I have the honour to be 
 
 with all pofiable affection 
 Sir your most obed"* 
 humble Serve* 
 
 TO GENL KNOX 
 
 Philadelphia April 1793 
 Sir 
 
 At the request of M"^ Mathews I beg leve to fubmit 
 a few obfervations to your confideration refpecting[?] 
 Some works erected at Gallipolis by Mefsers Mathews 
 & Bodwell 
 
 When I was at Gallioplis on my way down the 
 River last June I examined the Situation of the place 
 and am clearly of opinion that the New Block houfe 
 and Stockade and the repair of the old one or fome 
 other additional work more extencive was abfolutely 
 necefsary for the reception of the inhabitants and 
 accommodation of the Troops who have Sence occu- 
 pied them in cafe of an attack, which there was 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 385 
 
 every reafon to apprehend might Soon take place 
 after the Defeat of Gen' S* Clare the people without 
 Some place to repair to where they might combine 
 there force must in all probability have fall [en] a 
 Sacrefife — 
 
 I am told Mathews and Bod wells ace* is objected 
 to becaufe they Began the work before any conti- 
 nantal troops arrived and without authority from any 
 public officer. I beg leve to obferve that General 
 S* Clare did make an arrangement imediately after 
 his Defeat, to post troops at Gallipolis and had it 
 not ben for Some Mifsconflruction of ordors either 
 Haskel or Tillinghast must have ben there before 
 the commencement of thefe works ; and had they 
 arrived they could not remain without cover, nor 
 ought they or any ofBcer to have remained any time 
 with out puting the place in a State of Defence — 
 for besids the Security of the troops which it would 
 be his duty to provide for what protection could a 
 Small Detachment afford to the Settlem [en] t with- 
 out Securing a Small part of the village by Stock- 
 ade as an asilum to the Inhabitants in cafe of an 
 attack. 
 
 I am fenciable of the propriety of a previous ordor 
 from the Secretary at war or fome public officer to 
 authorize Such kind of expences, but can not the 
 Secretary at war as well Judge of the propriety of 
 the mafure now as before the work was don. if it be 
 faid the inhabitant [s] ought to be at the expence of 
 their own fortification, and for the Troops, they might 
 have covered themfelves — I anfwer I am fure the 
 Secretary at War will never make this objection, he 
 is too fensiable of the distrefs and fuffering, of a 
 Frontier Settlem [en] t to impofe Such a Tax on them, 
 efpecial the French Settlers at Gallipolis & there are 
 
386 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 few others ther. if then it is in your power to au- 
 thorize the liquedation of this ace* I hope you will 
 do it and not fufler an expence to fall on thefe two 
 men who from my perfonal knowledge are ill able to 
 bear it — 
 
 LETTER FROM COLO PICKERING 
 
 General Post Office 
 
 Philadelphia May 24. 1794. 
 Dear Sir. 
 
 It is proposed to attempt the carriage of a mail 
 from Pittsburg to Wheeling by land, and thence 
 by water to Limeflone.^ From Limeflone by a new 
 road on the fouthern fide of the Ohio to the mouth of 
 ^Licking, opposite to Fort Washington, where it will 
 crofs over. From Limeflone the mail will be carried 
 thro* the Hate of Kentuckey ; the pofl-road thro' the 
 Wildernefs, in this case, to be discontinued. — I have 
 given directions to have three boats conflructed 
 for the purpose, to be formed in the bell manner 
 for ease and expedition, in pushing up Hream, to be 
 managed by five hands each. I hope they will be run- 
 ning fome time in June. 
 
 Marietta will be a flation for the boats to flop at 
 as they pafs ; and doubtlefs it will be convenient to 
 have a poft-ofifice there. Herewith I send a packet 
 addrefsed to you, to be put into the hands of the 
 person you judge moft suitable for pollmaster. He 
 will there fee the forms in which the businefs is to be 
 transacted, with which he Ihould make himfelf ac- 
 quainted. The law now fent will expire in a few days ; 
 it is fubstantially the fame as the new law, as to the 
 regulations. The latter will be forwarded when pre- 
 pared. — The person you designate for poflmaster 
 fhould be careful and trusty, and there will be an 
 
 1 Maysville. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 387 
 
 advantage in having one whose residence will be 
 near the Landing place of the mail boats. 
 
 The advantages of regular mail will be fo great to 
 your fettlement, I am fure you will omit nothing to 
 fecure them. 
 
 I am with respect & esteem 
 P. S. I suppose a dear fir, 
 
 polloffice may be Your mofl obed* ferv* 
 
 eligible at Gallipolis : TIMOTHY PICKERING 
 
 for which reason I 
 send a second packet 
 addrefsed to you, to 
 be disposed of as you 
 
 think fit. You will be fo good as to favor me with 
 an answer as foon as pofsible 
 General RuFUS Putnam 
 
 Marietta. 
 
 LETTER FROM COL PICKERING 
 
 General Post Office June 7 1794 
 Sir 
 
 I wrote you on the 24th ult° ^ & sent two packages, 
 for the establishment of post-offices at Marietta and 
 Gallipolis. Major Craig informs me that the mail- 
 boats which are preparing at Pittsburg will soon be 
 ready. I supposed their crews would have been en- 
 gaged there : but Major Craig writes me, that he 
 had consulted Capt. Mills of Marietta, who told him 
 that he would procure at Marietta a trusty boat- 
 master and four good hands, for one boat, to ply 
 between that place and (jallipolis, and that another 
 set of excellent hands might be engaged at Gallipolis, 
 for the boat which is to ply between that place and 
 Limestone. It does not appear that Major Craig has 
 
 1 Page 386. 
 
388 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 given any directions for raising this tiiird set ; if 
 he has he will inform you ; and on defect of such 
 information, permit me to ask of you the favour to 
 take such steps as you shall deem effectual & best 
 to engage this third boat's crew, expeditiously. Be 
 pleased to speak with Capt Mills on the subject, and 
 to advise Major Craig at what time both setts will 
 be ready. — Perhaps they may be so engaged that 
 their pay need not begin till near the time when their 
 actual service will commence. — 
 
 Col° O'Harra & Major Craig both informed me 
 that hands could be engaged at 12 dollars a month 
 and rations at 15 cents each : now they think that 
 good hands cannot be obtained under 15, nor boat- 
 masters under 20 — The difference of three dollars 
 a month will increase considerably the expence of the 
 undertaking, which without such addition will be 
 very great. 
 
 However it must now be encountered if unavoid- 
 able. 
 
 I am with respect & efteem. 
 Sir, 
 
 your moll obed* ferv* 
 Timothy Pickering 
 General RuFUS Putnam 
 
 LETTER TO COLO PICKERING 
 
 Marietta June ye 9th 1 794 
 Dear Sir 
 
 your favor of the 24*^ Ult.^ with the packets re- 
 fered to have come to hand. I have engaged M'' 
 Return Jonathan Meigs Junior ^ to undertake the buli- 
 
 1 Page 386. 
 
 2 Return Jonathan Meigs, Jr., was Postmaster-General from 1814 to 
 1823, and held other unportant offices. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 389 
 
 nefs of Postmaster at this place ; he is a gentleman 
 of probity, is Attorney at Law for the United States 
 in this County and keeps his office with in a few yards 
 of where Boats will naturly land both on ace* of con- 
 venience & Security 
 
 with refpect to Gallipolis I am not fo well ac- 
 quainted there as to fix on anyone with out fome 
 further information, which I expect to obtain in a few 
 days. 
 
 I very much rejoice that an attempt is to be made 
 to carry a male by this rout, and I have no doubt it 
 will fucceed and you may rest afsured that Northing 
 will be wanting at this place to give them Secur- 
 ity and expidition I have long wondered that the 
 united States have never yet ellablifhed a po [s] t neer 
 the mouth of the Sioto River ; it is very evident to 
 me that much the greater part of the Mifsch[ief]don 
 to boats pafsing the ohio has ben effected by Indians 
 coming down the Sioto in Canoes, & other Craft and 
 fpreading them felves along the Shores of the Ohio 
 for fifty or fixty mils abov and below the mouth of 
 the Scioto. I prefume that ninteen twentieth of the 
 Depredations committed on the river fence I have 
 lived in this Country has happened within thofe dis- 
 tences ; Several Score (I am certain) and I belive 
 more then one hundred people have ben murdered 
 in that quarter within five year and much property 
 deflroyed and carryed up the Sioto ; a grate part of 
 which I have no doubt would have ben prevented, had 
 there ben only a Block houfe and ftockade erected 
 and a fubbaltern Command placed at, or Neer the 
 mouth of the Sioto ; it is that part of the river which 
 is cofmdered by far the most dangerous in pafsing 
 Down or up — and I query if the danger will not in- 
 crefe when it is known (as it certainly will be) that 
 your mail regulerly pafses up and down — 
 
390 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 Pardon Sir the liberty I have taken in giveing" 
 thefe hints. I have no view but that of giving in- 
 formation, & a wifh to fee pubHc fervis promoted and 
 the Hves and propertiy of the Citizens preferved, 
 which I must fay I have thought was too much neg- 
 lected in the inflence I have mentioned — 
 
 LETTER FROM COL° PICKERING 
 
 General Poft Office Philadelphia 
 June 20. 1794. 
 Sir. 
 
 I wrote you on May 24th & June 7th ^ relative 
 to the carriage of a mail by the Ohio, and the es- 
 tablishment of poll-ofifices at Marietta & Gallipolis. 
 Those letters I hope will have reached you, and per- 
 sons have been designated for poll-masters at those 
 places. 
 
 To-day I received advice from Major Craig that 
 one boat and crew were ready, and that the other 
 two would be ready to follow her weekly. At Lime- 
 stone the mails by the Ohio are to be fent by land to 
 Fort Washington. George Mitchell Esq. was named 
 to me for poilmaster at Limestone, and I desired him 
 to make proviiion for carrying the mail thence to 
 Fort- Washington. 
 
 I inclose herein a key for the postmaster at Mari- 
 etta, for the lock which will fecure the mail ; and 
 a packet for the postmaster at Gallipolis, also inclos- 
 ing a key, to which I requeft you to give the proper 
 direction. 
 
 The persons accepting the offices mull give bond 
 with fureties, and take the oaths prescribed by law. 
 These are now forwarded, for both places. 
 
 1 Pages 386, 387. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 391 
 
 I hope fhortly to have the pleasure of an answer, 
 and remain, dear fir. 
 
 Your moll obed* fervant 
 
 Timothy Pickering 
 RuFUS Putnam Esq. 
 
 LETTER FROM COLO PICKERING 
 
 Geni- Post Office Augt 8th 1794. 
 Dear Sir 
 
 I this day received your letter of the 27th ult° — 
 I also received in due time your favour of June 9th 
 — The pafsage in your letter relative to the establish- 
 ment of a poll at Scioto I marked to be extracted & 
 fent to the Secretary of War, & I think it was done. 
 I alfo fpoke to him on the fubject. It Uruck me as 
 important ; and I blame myself for not pursu [i] ng 
 the matter to effect. Gen^ Knox has this day left 
 town to go to the Province of Maine, and will not 
 return perhaps under two months — too late, I fup- 
 pose, to make an establishment at Scioto this year, 
 if the orders for the purpose have not been already 
 given. 
 
 I fhall be greatly obliged by a free communication 
 of your opinion of any alterations & improvements 
 which you think would be ufeful in the carriage of 
 the mail by the Ohio, and information of the man- 
 ner in which it is conducted — whether with due care 
 and dispatch, or otherwife. 
 
 I inclose a commifsion for M"^ Meigs the pofl- 
 master, and the new law for regulating the depart- 
 ment of the poll office. 
 
 I received a letter from M"" Mills mentioning the 
 detention of letters deHined for Marietta, at Pittsburg, 
 where they have been advertised in the news-papers. 
 
 1 Page 388. 
 
392 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 Please to inform him that I have written this day to 
 the poflmaster M"" Scull, to forward all fuch letters, 
 and others for other flations below Pittsburg, in the 
 mail. 
 
 I accept with thanks the tender of your fervices, 
 which I shall call for with freedom, knowing the cor- 
 diality with which the tender was made. 
 
 I am, with fmcere respect & eideem 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 Your moll obed* Serv* 
 Timothy Pickering 
 General RuFUS Putnam, 
 
 Marietta 
 
 COPY OF LETTER TO COL^ PICKERING 
 
 Marietta August 30 1794 
 Dear Sir 
 
 Enclofed I Send you Francis De Hebecourts Bond, 
 and Certificate of the oaths fubscribed by him as 
 Deputy Post Master at Gallipolis 
 
 your favor of the 8^^ inflent ^ was duly recived and 
 I have prefented the enclofure to M"^ Meigs — 
 
 The Male boat returned the 22^ inflent from Galli- 
 polis without any Mail from Lime Stone, that Boat 
 not haveing arrived at Gallipolis when they left that 
 place fo that the Lime Stone male is now a week be- 
 hind, whether this Mifsfortune is oweing to accident 
 or Negligence in the people of the boat I cannot tell : 
 that Tour I know may very well be performed within 
 the time limeted, at the prefent feafon of the year, 
 and Hate of the water. I have heard that they ware 
 detered from feting out from lime Stone fo loon as 
 they ought from a report that there ware Indians on 
 the river 
 
 1 Page 391. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 393 
 
 the Boats from this to Whealing and alfo from this 
 to Gallipolis perform there Tours very ealily, at pre- 
 fent, while the water is low, in about five days, and 
 I have no doubt but they will always be able to do 
 it within the week except when obHructed by Ice 
 which will fildom happen, and when the boats cannot 
 pafs on ace* of the Ice, the mail may be forwarded in 
 good time by a Couple of the hands takeing it on by 
 land — 
 
 But the distance from Gallipolis to Lime Stone is 
 fo Grate, that when the river is high and the days 
 Short and Cold, I am fully of opinion that the pafsing 
 a Mail between thofe places Weekly will be imprac- 
 ticable, prehaps if they are industrous they may 
 perform the tour about twice in three weeks. 
 
 this opinion of mine is not founded meerly on the 
 report or opinion of others acquainted with the navi- 
 gation of the river but from my own experence and 
 obfervations in feveral voiges which I have made 
 between this and Fort Wafhington in Different feafons 
 of the year and Hate of the Water, and what ever 
 may be the opinion of others on this fubject I am 
 confident that experience will prove that mine is well 
 grounded 
 
 The improvement on the prefent plan of Carrjnng 
 the male which I would fugest for your confideration 
 is, that a Boat fhould ply between Gallipolis and the 
 mouth of the Sioto, and between the Sioto & Fort 
 Wafliington (which fhould Deliver and recive the 
 Kentucky Mail at Lime Stone) with this alteration 
 I concive there would be a moral certainty of a reg- 
 uler weekly conveyance of the Mail provided the 
 people employed ware faith [ful] to their Trust, ex- 
 cept in very extreordinary Cafes 1 know that 
 
 fuch an arangement cannot take place untill a post 
 
394 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 is ellablifhed at the Sioto, a circumllance I hope you 
 will not loofe Sight of for reafons which I have hereto- 
 fore Sugested, as alfo that you will fail of a regular 
 Weekly Mail for neer half the year without fuch eftab- 
 lifhment 
 
 I hope northing I have faid or any other circum- 
 flance will opperate as a Discouragement fufficient 
 to prevent the fending a Mail by this rout, for if it 
 is confidered in a Political light only, the information 
 by this means obtained of the meafures of gover- 
 ment on the one hand & State of the people on the 
 other, the knowledge diffused among the people by 
 Newspapers, by corrispondence between frinds and 
 other communic [a] tions with thefe remote parts of 
 the American Empire may be of infinite confequence 
 to the goverment. Northing can be more fatal to 
 a republican goverment then Ignorence among its 
 Citizens, as they will be made the eafy dupes of De- 
 ligning men & infled of fupporting the laws, the rea- 
 fon and policy of which they are ignorent, they will 
 flock in thousands after a Demagouge who Sets up 
 [to] oppose every meafure of goverment which he 
 is able to perfuade them is not for there intrest : in 
 fuch circumllancs the well disposed are born down 
 and carryed away with the flood they [are] inca- 
 pable of opposing for want of that information which 
 thofe within the circle of political information are 
 polTefsed of 
 
 In this point of view I was exceedingly pleafe[d] 
 with the fending a mail by this rout and I hope the 
 expence will not prevent the continuence althoe it 
 Should rife confiderably beyond what was at first 
 contemplated 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 395 
 
 LETTER FROM COLO PICKERING 
 
 General Post Office Jany 16. 1795. 
 Dear Sir. 
 
 Tho' appointed to the department of War, yet as 
 no one has yet been appointed poftmaster general, 
 I occasionally do businefs in that department. I feel 
 particularly concerned to do it when it respects ar- 
 rangements which I began, but which from any 
 cause have not fully fucceeded. 
 
 I believe you know that at firll it was proposed to 
 employ four boats to ply between Pittsburg, or rather 
 Wheeling, and Fort Washington. Afterwards it was 
 found that the mail might be carried by land from 
 Limellone to Fort Washington. This lefsened the 
 distance about 70 miles : and as on enquiry, there 
 appeared to be no llations for exchanging the mails 
 but Marietta, Gallipolis & Limellone, thefe were fixed 
 on for the purpose. The confequence was, that the 
 Boat, N° 3. plying between Gallipolis, 145 miles, was 
 seldom if ever in time. To remedy this mischief, 
 Col° Mitchell fuggested to Major Craig that he could 
 fend a canoe to meet the mail from Gallipolis ; and 
 from Major Craig's letter to the Gen^ Poll Office, 
 rec'^ during my absence on a treaty with the Six 
 Nations, it was understood that this proposition of 
 Col° Mitchell's had been carried into effect. But on 
 examining Col° Mitchel's letters to the PoU Office, 
 I conclude that the measure was merely fuggested, 
 & not executed. The Consequence of the failure of 
 the 3d boat has been fuch intollerable delay of the 
 mail, as almofl to discourage a prosecution of the 
 plan of conveying a mail by the Ohio — combining 
 with the delay, the great expence attending it. 
 
 Lately the Kentuckey gendemen have proposed 
 
396 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 that the mail ihould stop at Preston} 25 or 26 miles 
 on this fide Limeflone. This will reduce the range 
 of the 3d boat to 120 miles. I have afsented to this 
 proposition ; and lall week wrote to Col° Mitchel to 
 fend the poll rider from Limeftone up to Preston, to 
 take the mail thence by land to Washington (which 
 is 4 miles from Limeftone) & thence to Fort Wash- 
 ington. This will increafe his ride to near 100 miles, 
 and give him pretty conftant employment. — M"^ 
 John and George Graham are the gentlemen at Pres- 
 ton to whom I have written to receive the mail from 
 the boat, & deliver the one from below. — I have 
 further proposed that the Boat N" 2. which by one 
 of your letters I fee had two fpare days, to wait one 
 or both of them for the arrival of boat N° 3. and in 
 like manner Boat N^ i. muft wait for boat N° 2. In 
 this manner I have hopes that a regular conveyance 
 of this mail may be effected. 
 
 But, my dear fir, I have not given you this detail 
 merely for information : I am folicitous to commit 
 the whole businefs to your direction. Your fituation 
 is peculiarly favourable for the purpose, as two boats 
 weekly arrive at Marietta. I know too that for your- 
 self as well as the country where you refide, you feel 
 much interefted to give fuccefs to fome plan of 
 carrying the mail by the Ohio. I have therefore to 
 requeft — and you are hereby fully authorized to 
 make fuch arrangements for the purpose as you fhall 
 judge beft. — I am told that the duty of the boats 
 N° I. & 2. is fo light, that 2 out of the 4 hands are 
 alternately left at home. Now this cannot be right. 
 If not necefsary for the fervice, they ftiould be dis- 
 charged. Or if ftill the duty of boat N° 3. ftiould be 
 
 ^ Preston ( Preston ville) is on the Ohio River below the mouth of the 
 Kentucky. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 397 
 
 too fevere, one or two hands may be added to their 
 present complement. 
 
 What I have faid in this letter respecting the man- 
 agement of the boats, you will be pleased to consider 
 merely as hints : the actual arrangement to produce 
 an efficient carriage of the mail, I beg you to make. I 
 fliall drop a line for Major Craig & Col'' Mitchel to ap- 
 prize them of the measures I have defired you to take. 
 
 I fhall desire Major Craig to pay regularly all the 
 men employed, & to pay ofl any that may be dis- 
 charged. 
 
 Your arrangements you will of course communicate 
 to the General Post Office, where I fhall fee them. 
 
 Should the Indian War be continued (which God 
 forbid) I fhall not fail to communicate to the President 
 your opinion of the utility of a fmall poll at the mouth 
 of the Scioto. I sent your letter on the fubject to 
 Gen' Knox foon after I rec'* it. 
 
 I remain Dear Sir, 
 P. S. It has been fug- with great refpect & efleem 
 gested to me that Your mofl ob* ferv* 
 
 the mail boats are TIMOTHY PICKERING 
 
 much too heavy for 
 pushing with the requifite 
 speed. Will you favour 
 
 me with your ideas on this fubject — and of the fize 
 & form of the boats befl adapted to that fervice ? 
 General RUFUS PUTNAM 
 
 Marietta. 
 
 COPY OF A LETTER TO COL° PICKERING 
 
 Marietta February 9''' 1795 
 Dear Sir 
 
 your favor of the 16*'^ ult^ was recived by the Last 
 
 Mail. I most fmcearly Congratulate both you and my 
 
 1 Page 395. 
 
398 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 Country on your appointment to the office of Secre- 
 tary at War — with refpect to the fubject of your let- 
 ter I will attend to the bufinefs agreably to your re- 
 qust, and no time will be lost in makeing the necefsary 
 enquiries in ordor to make up an opinion of what 
 alterations if any may be made for the better : I shall 
 endevor to afsertain Myfelf of all the caufes which 
 have contributed to prevent the reguler arrivel of the 
 Several Boats at their places of Distination in Due 
 time and adopt Such Arrangments as fhall appear to 
 me the most likely to afure punctuality in time to 
 come ; which will be forwarded to the General post 
 office agreebly to your Direction 
 
 COPY OF A LETTER TO GEN^ PICKERING 
 
 Marietta February, 20* 1795 
 
 Dear Sir 
 
 After considering the fubject in every point of 
 view in which I am capable of contemplateing it, 
 The plan contained in the enclofed paper ^ promifses 
 the fairest to enfure a reguler and efficient carrage 
 of the Mail between Wheeling and Preflon of any 
 I can think of, under prefent circumllances. I Ihould 
 have prefered Wednesday infleed Thursday for the 
 Boats arriveing at Preflon, but was fearfull this might 
 interfere too much with the prefent arrangement of 
 the Post riders below and thereby occation a Deten- 
 tion of the Boats which always ought to be avoided 
 if poffible, as it tends to beget negligence and gives 
 a pretext for excufe fhould they not return to Marietta 
 in due time, and I did not think myfelf authorized to 
 interfere in matters below further then to prefs on 
 Col° Marfhall the necefsity of the Mail below being 
 punctual in her arrivel at Prellon by Twelve oClock 
 
 1 Page 402. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 399 
 
 on Thursday ; and befides Boate N° i haveing fre- 
 quently failed reaching Marietta untill monday owe- 
 ing as I have ben informed to the Mail from Pitts 
 burgh not arriveing at Wheeling in Due time, a 
 Doubt arofe from that Quarter whether the Boats from 
 Marietta would always be able to reach Preston be- 
 fore Thursday ; but if the bufmefs above can be fo 
 regulated as that the boate ihall not waite at Wheel- 
 ing after three oClock on Saturday for the Eastern 
 Mail, and the bufmefs below can be fo arranged as 
 that Wednesday Twel [v] e oClock fhall be the post 
 hour at Preilon it will in my opinion much improve 
 the Plan, for in that cafe the Boats will be able, al- 
 ways, to leave Marrietta on Sunday evening and to 
 arrive at Preflon on Wednesday by twelve oClock 
 with the greatest eafe : by which one intire day will 
 be gained for her returning up the river, which will 
 allways be very convenient to the hands, and in fhort 
 days and a high Frefh may be abfolutely necefsary to 
 enfure their arrivel at Marietta in Due time ; for the 
 Defference in afsending the river when the Water is 
 in a proper flate ; and in a high frefh I believe is full 
 one third in point of time, and one half as it refpects 
 the labour of the hands. I have no doubt of the pre- 
 fent Plans fucceeding for fix or eight month of the 
 year provided the boats are not obliged to waite at 
 Wheeling and Preflon beyond the hour appointed : 
 and if the alteration which I have fugested can be 
 effected and punctuality on the part of the Post riders 
 below and from Pitts burgh Produced I am very con- 
 fident that compleat fuccess will attend the Boats : 
 except in fome few inflences in the Dead of Winter 
 when PolTibley the Ice in the river may prevent their 
 pafsage 
 
 on enquirey I find the Distence between Gallipolis 
 
400 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 and Lime Stone was not the only reafon why Boate 
 N° 3 has fo often failed of being up in time : for gen- 
 erally they might have performed the voige if the 
 hands had exarted themfelves in a proper maner ; want 
 of industry and fubordination among the Crew and in 
 fome inflences Deferting the Boat with the Difficulty 
 of procuring other hands in that quarter to fupply 
 the Deficiency, there frequently haveing Pafsengers 
 on Bord, are among the circumflances that have 
 contributed to the Mifsfortune to which may be aded 
 that haveing a more Dangerous and harder fervice 
 to perform then the other Boats, it opperated as a Dis- 
 couragement and gave them a pretext for excufe. 
 But I trust most of thefe Difficulties are removed or 
 will be overcom by the arrangment I have proposed, 
 for in the execution of the Plan it is intended that 
 Boat N° I fhall take her Tour Down to Preflon with 
 the other Boats, (and the reafon why this circum- 
 flance is not taken Notice of in the first inflence is 
 becaufe I am told that the Crew of that Boate ware 
 engaged for the perticuler part of the river they now 
 occupy and I did not think proper to ordor them on 
 a more fevear fervice untill I fhall have an oppertunity 
 of Specking with them) however I have no doubt 
 but they will comply (if not others will eafily be pro- 
 cured) And the Service of the Boats being perfectly 
 equel, not only all ground of complaint on that head 
 will be removed but emulation excited, and being all 
 under the imediate infpection of one man, any delin- 
 quency or other improper conduct among the hands 
 will be more eafily discovered and if Necefsar}^ the 
 party discharged with out hazord : for industrous 
 fober men may always be had in this quarter in cafe 
 of emergency. And as I know, from my own experi- 
 ence of the Navagation that it is practicable for the 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 401 
 
 boats to perform every think required of them by the 
 System proposed, no excufe for any Failure (under 
 ordinay circumflances) will be admitted, except De- 
 tention from the Deputy Postmaster or other Perfons 
 from whome they are to recive the Mails, and in 
 ordor the better to Detect any Delinquency that may 
 happen among the boat people I beg leave to Sugest 
 to the Post Master General the propriety of his in- 
 flructing the Deputy Postmasters with in the range 
 of thefe boats to forward a note with each Mail to 
 the Post office at Marietta flateing the time of each 
 Boates arrivel and Departure, with the caufe of De- 
 tention if any beyond the proper hour. — 
 As to 2 out of 4 hands of Boate N° i being left at 
 home &c I am told the fact is other wife. 4 hands 
 inllead of 5 has in one or two inflences come down 
 in her to Marietta, which was undoubtedly wrong be- 
 caufe the rifeing of the water is always fo uncertain 
 it never ought to be trusted, however if the plan I 
 have proposed fhould be approved of by the Post- 
 master general and this Boat takes its tour down the 
 river I belive the Service will be fevear enough 
 
 you mention in your letter that Major Craige will 
 be defiered to pay the men &c, but fay northing of 
 the mode or maner how or by whom the accounts 
 are to be certifyed and the money Drawn : If I may 
 be indulged with giveing an opinion on this head, I 
 Should recommend that M"" Meigs the Deputy Post- 
 master at Marietta fhould be Charged with this bufi- 
 nefs as his fituation will enable him to do it with lefs 
 trouble to himfelf then any other person, as well as 
 to guard against any impofition or claim for fervdce 
 which was never performed — 
 
 you tell me " It has ben fugested to you that the 
 Male Boats are hevy &c " at prefent it is my opinion 
 
402 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 that they are not the best that Can be conllructed, 
 and as foon as I can fix my own mind on the fize 
 and form of one which I dare refque my reputation 
 on recommending I fhall write you fully on the 
 
 fubject 
 
 I am &c 
 P. S. punctuality it is hoped will R PUTNAM 
 
 attend the post riders above and 
 below, the boat masters are how- 
 ever inllructed to waite for the 
 mails they are to re[c]ive and 
 even to pufh as far as Lime Stone 
 if necefsary 
 
 PLAN ADOPTED BY GENERAL PUTNAM FOR THE CARRAGE OF 
 THE MAIL BETWEEN WHEELING & PRESTON ON THE OHIO RIVER 
 
 [Enclosed in the preceding letter.] 
 
 Being Requested and Duely authorized by General 
 Pickering to Take the Direction of the Mail Boats 
 on the ohio river between Wheeling and Preflon or 
 Grahams flation. In ordor to procure an efficient 
 Carrage of the Mail between thofe places, The follow- 
 ing regulations are to take place from and after Sun- 
 day the First day of March next — viz one Boat to 
 ply as heretofore between Wheeling and Marietta : 
 and the other two between Marietta and Preflon and 
 to commence and purfue their opperations in the 
 follow ordor untill the fame fhall be altered or Discon- 
 tinued by the Postmaster General or other Proper 
 authorety — 
 
 First Boat N° i Will Leave Marietta every Monday 
 Morning at Five oClock or on the evening before if 
 She chufes. She will make her paisage up the river 
 fo as to Deliver the Mail at the Post office at Wheel- 
 ing the next Wednesday Evening, unlefs a very 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 403 
 
 extreordinary Frefh in the river Ihall render it em- 
 practicable which will very fildom if ever happen. 
 She will leave Wheeling every Saturday at three 
 oClock in the afternoon and arrive at Marietta the 
 Next evening by Six oClock. 
 
 Secondly Boat N° 2 will leave Marietta on Monday 
 the 2^ of March at five oClock in the morning (or 
 the evening before if She chuses) She will arrive at 
 Prellon the Thursday following by Twelve oClock 
 Delive[r] the Mail, and return (with the one from 
 below) to Marietta the next Sunday Sennight by five 
 oClock in the afternoon. 
 
 Boat N° 3 Will leave Marietta on Monday the ninth 
 of March at five oClock in the Morning, or on the 
 evening before as She Chuses, Proceed to Prellon in 
 the fame maner and return to Marietta with in the 
 time prefcribed for N° 2. And thus the Boats N° 2 & 
 3 are to follow each other in reguler rotation whereby 
 one of them will arrive at Marietta every Sunday 
 evening or before, and the other at Prellon every 
 Thursday by Twelve oClock. thefe Boats both in 
 going Down and returning up the river will Deliver 
 the mail at the Post office at Gallipolis which the 
 post Master must redeliver in one hour that the Boats 
 may proceed on their voige 
 
 Thirdly No Perfon is on any account to be permit- 
 ted to take pafsage in either of the Mail Boats when 
 afsending the river For as every increefe of Weight 
 must necefsarily retard the progrefs of the Boats, the 
 pafsage of confequence will be longer as well as more 
 tedious and render their arrivel in Due time un- 
 certain — 
 
 The feveral boat Masters and hands must never 
 fale to purfue their voyage up the river with Dili- 
 gence lest an unexpected Rife of water Should pre- 
 
404 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 vent their arrivel at the place of Distination with in 
 the time limetted — 
 Marietta February 17^1 1795 
 
 N B General Pickering has wrote to M"" John and 
 George Graham at Prellon to recive the Mail from 
 the boats and to Deliver the one from below, and 
 Col° Marfhel has Direction to fend the Mail from be- 
 low forward to Prellon. but as its unfertain whether 
 Col° Marfhel has recived General Pickering letters 
 in time to put the bufmefs in train fo foon as the 
 first of March : the Boats N° 2 and 3 will proceed 
 to Lime Stone unlefs they shall meet the Mail at 
 Prellon or they be informed by Missers Graham that 
 it is expected at Prellon in confequence of Meafurs 
 adopted by Col° Marf [he] 1 for that Purpus — 
 
 LETTER FROM COL° PICKERING 
 
 General Post Office Philaa 
 March 25. 1795. 
 
 Dear Sir. 
 
 I have received your favour of Feb'' 20*^^ ^ It was 
 due the 21^' inllant but fome obstruction, I fuppose 
 at the Susquehannah or other waters, prevented its 
 arrival till the 23d. 
 
 I am much obliged by your attention to the Ohio 
 mail : I doubt not the arrangement you have made 
 will prove fuccefsful. 
 
 As the immediate direction of the businefs will 
 be at Marietta, and the performance of duty by the 
 boatmen be there afcertained ; and as the boats N** 
 2, & N° 3. as well as N° i. arrive there in their turns, 
 it will certainly be proper to have them paid there. 
 This I shall advife to have done, thro' M*" Meigs the 
 
 1 Page 398. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 405 
 
 pollmaster, as you fuggest — until a new Pollmaster 
 General shall otherwife direct. 
 
 I have thought that as soon as peace shall be 
 made with the Indians north of the Ohio, the mail 
 might be carried by land — not only incomparably 
 cheaper, but with more expedition & certainty. I 
 wifti you to think of this matter, and of the mofl eli- 
 gible route. — I feel much confidence that we fhall 
 have peace with the Indians ; and then I fuppose 
 ferries will be established by settlers at all the deep 
 waters to facilitate the pafsing of travellers. 
 
 I am, Sir, 
 with great respect & esteem 
 Your ob* fervant 
 Timothy Pickering 
 General RUFUS Putnam. 
 
 LETTER FROM SECRETARY AT WAR 
 
 War-Office March 25. 1795. 
 Sir. 
 
 Inclosed is a copy of my letter of this date to Gov- 
 ernor S* Clair.^ He may be absent ; and hence your 
 advice to Col° Sproat on the fubject may be the more 
 needful. At all events, I could wifh your judgement 
 interposed, in the considering of the numbers of mili- 
 tia really necefsary to be employed in gxiarding your 
 fettlements on and about the Muskingum, & at Gal- 
 lipolis, from furprize and injury by the Indians. If 
 the Governor be absent, I shall desire Col° Sproat 
 to confult you, & to let the ileps he shall take re- 
 ceive your approbation, before he proceeds to exe- 
 cute any plan of defence. I hope you will excuse my 
 troubling you in this and other matters of public 
 concern. The only apology I can make is, that mea- 
 
 ^ See The St. Clair Papers, vol. ii. p. 338. 
 
4o6 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 sures which receive your approbation, will be calcu- 
 lated to promote the public interefls, which, especially 
 in distant places, are too often sacrificed to private 
 views. — I also inclose a copy of my letter to Col° 
 Sproat : ^ and am, very respectfully, 
 
 Sir, 
 Your mofl ob* fervant 
 Timothy Pickering 
 General RuFUS Putnam 
 
 COPY OF A LETTER FROM THE SEC OF WAR TO COL SPROAT^ 
 
 [Enclosed in the preceding letter.] 
 (Copy) 
 
 War Office March 25 1795 
 
 Sir 
 
 I have received your Letter of the 23** February, 
 relative to the Militia Guards and Scouts for the 
 defence of the Settlements on and about the Mus- 
 kingum and at Gallipolis My Ideas on the fubject 
 are contained in the enclosed Copy of my Letter of 
 this Date to Governor S* Clair. Should he be absent, 
 I request you, before you take any order in the Busi- 
 nefs to consult Gen^ Putnam. His knowledge of the 
 Country, and his judgment and experience as a mili- 
 tary man, will be useful ; and his approbation of the 
 Plan of defence you shall propose to adopt, while it 
 gives confidence to you in their propriety, will ensure 
 the public approbation 
 
 The Rations furnished by contract, are to be de- 
 livered at Pittsburg and Fort Washington — All other 
 Places are to be supplied from those two. Mus- 
 kingum and Gallipolis will depend on Pittsburg. As 
 soon therefore as the number of Men to be employed 
 
 1 Page 406. 
 
 2 Ebenezer Sproat was the superintendent of the military affairs of the 
 United States in Washington County, Northwest Territory. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 407 
 
 as aforementioned shall be determined on, it will be 
 necefsary for you to give immediate information 
 thereof to Major Craig, as well as to this office — 
 
 The pay of the Militia in Service is augmented — 
 A Copy of the act regulating it is enclosed. 
 
 I am Sir, 
 Your obed* Serv* 
 Signed 
 
 Timothy Pickering 
 
 Sec^ of War 
 
 P S. I have read a Letter to you from my prede- 
 cefsor, dated the 26*^ [?] of last November — The 
 documents which he then declared necefsary to be 
 rendered by you relative to the expenditure of Public 
 Money placed in your hands, have not yet appeared ; 
 and he afsured you, that until they were rendered, 
 no further advances could be made. Let it suffice 
 for me to remind you of this. 
 Col Ebenezer Sproat 
 
 COPY OF LETTER TO COL° SPROAT 
 
 Marietta April 15th 1795 
 Sir 
 
 In compliance with your request, agreably the in- 
 structions of the Secretary at War, that in the absence 
 of the govenor you Should obtain my opinion re- 
 fpecting the Military defence necesfary to be keept 
 up for the protection of the Settlements in this quar- 
 ter and Gallipolis, haveing considered the Subject in 
 every point of view in which it has Struck my mind 
 I am of opinion That under present circumstancs 
 and prospects, the permenant or Stationary Militia 
 Guards at all the Stations may very well be dispenced 
 with ; that a few Spyes or Scout men under proper 
 direction will afford every reafonable Protection 
 
the distence 
 between thefe 
 places is between 
 17 & i8 mils 
 
 408 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 against the Small Sculking' parties of Savages which 
 will doubtlefs continue to infest the Settlements more 
 or lels in ordor to take Scalps, Steal horses and drive 
 of Cattle as heretofore untill a general peace is es- 
 tablifhed or prehaps untill Detroit is in our hands or 
 our post are extended down the Miami So as to ren- 
 der Detroit & other British post lefs convenient for 
 carrying our Cattle to Market then at present 
 
 the number of Spies I Should recommend to Scout 
 in the Vicinity of Marietta Belleprie and Waterford 
 is 12 to be disposed of in the following maner — 
 viz 
 
 4 to have their rendezvos at"^ 
 Goodales Sation at Belle- 
 prie and > 
 
 4 at Col° Olivers Mills on Wolf 
 Creek 
 
 each of thefe parties Should in alternate rotation 
 Scout Quite acrofs the Country from one of thofe 
 Stations to the other, thole who randezvos at Good- 
 ales During the Tour of the other party between the 
 Stations, Should Scout bak of Sawyers and Newbury 
 Station as far [as] the Water of the Great Hockhock- 
 ing — and thofe who randezvos at Olivers Mills dur- 
 ing the tour of the Belleprie party between the 
 Stations Should be employed in Scouting up the 
 West Branch of Wolf Creek and from thence acrofs 
 to the Muskingum as high as the Big Bottom, or at 
 lest as the Standing Rock and from thence acrofs 
 the great Bend to the Muskingum again opposit 
 Shermans Station and from thence to there randezvos 
 at the Mills, thefe Scouts if they do there duty (of 
 which doubtlefs you will inform your felf by Col** 
 Oliver at the mills and fome other Militia officer at 
 Belleprie under whofe imediate infpection I advis 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 409 
 
 you to place them) will I concive be fufficient on our 
 weft Bordor — and for our Northern & Eastern 
 Q [u] arter I would recommend two Spies to randez- 
 vos at Shermans Station above Waterford and two 
 at Chapmans Station on Duck Creek to be employed 
 in Scouting in rotation between thofe Station in the 
 Same maner as it is proposed for the other between 
 goodals, and Ollivers mills. Thofe at Chapmans 
 during the toure of the other party between the 
 Stations, to Scout fouthward to the Ohio and North- 
 ward as far as the Forks of Duck Creek and thofe 
 who randezvos at Shermans in like [?] maner to 
 Scout on the North Eastern Side of Muskingu [m] 
 as high as Meigs Creek and Back of Waterford Set- 
 tlements as [far] down as Judge Devols Station 
 
 With refpect to Gallipolis if 4 Spies are keept 
 Scouting every day back of the Settlement, as far up 
 the ohio as by Kenhawa and occationally crofsing 
 Chickamaga and pufhing Westward and Southerly 
 as far a[s] Racoon in the prefent compact State of 
 that Settlement I concive we ought to expect that 
 no other military force is necefsary for their protec- 
 tion 
 
 it may be well however not to dismifs your present 
 guard untill the end of the present month and in the 
 mean time make your arrangements for engageing 
 your Spies in cafe you Should adopt the Ideas which 
 I have Sugested 
 
 Colo Sproat 
 
 LETTER TO OLIVER WOLCOTT 
 
 Marietta May 12th 1796 
 Sir 
 
 by the papers herewith enclosed you will perceive 
 
 that the Lands proposed by the act of Congrefs, of 
 
4IO OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 the 3*^ of March 1795, to be granted to the French 
 inhabitens of Gallipolis, are Surveyed and afsigned 
 to the Several perfons entitled thereto (as I trust) 
 agreably to the intention of the aforementioned act 
 & your inftructions of the 29*^ of September 1795 — 
 M"" Martin met me at Galliopolis the 2^ of November 
 and within a few days comenced his Survey which 
 he complected as Soon as could be expected, but 
 from an 111 State of helth as he informs me he was 
 not able to make the returns before the 25*^ ulta. I 
 proceeded to galliopolis as Soon as I could with con- 
 venience and the Several lots ware afsigned to in- 
 dividuals on the 3^^ inflent in maner Certified in the 
 list of Drafts and I beleeve the whole bufmefs has 
 ben conducted to the intire fatisfaction of all con- 
 cerned — 
 
 M*^ Martin States the Distence run in executing 
 this Survey to be 152 miles, 72 chains & 98 links and 
 the time necfsarely employed in makeing Duplicate 
 plans & Certificets 34 days. 
 
 my agreement with him was to excute the Survey 
 at the rate of Three Dollers per mile for every mile 
 actually run including the pay of afsistents and all 
 expence of the Survey and for makeing Duplicate 
 plans and Certificats of the courfe distencs & Bound- 
 aries — two Dollers per day for the necfsry time. I 
 have furnifhed M"^ Martin with a Certificate of the 
 compenfation Contracted for and that he has exe- 
 cuted the Surveys agreably to the act of Congress 
 and returned Duplicate plans Certifecits &c to me 
 but refered him to the Treafury Department for 
 auditing his ace* which I fupposed was your expec- 
 tation the other Plat & Minuts or Certifecates of the 
 Survey I Shall agreably to the act and your inllruc- 
 tion return to the Secretary of the Teritory 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 411 
 
 LETTER FROM SEC*^ STATE 
 
 (private) Department of State Sept. 30. 1796. 
 
 Dear Sir. 
 
 Accompanying this you will receive a letter cover- 
 ing a commifsion conftituting you Surveyor General 
 of the United States : ^ I hope the appointment will 
 be acceptable to you. The act of Congrefs establish- 
 ing this office and describing its duties you will 
 receive with your commifsion. Contemplating a va- 
 cancy by this appointment on the judicial bench of 
 the north western territory, I take the liberty of asking 
 from you the names and places of residence, in the 
 territory, of the gentlemen who may be considered as 
 candidates for the office of judge, with your opinion 
 of those who for their character, talents and integrity 
 are entitled to a preference : but particularly I re- 
 quest your opinion of M'' Oilman, your neighbour. I 
 forget his christian name ; but I mean the gentleman 
 who married Mifs Ives of Salem. I once knew them 
 both, & that they were much respected. M'' Oilman 
 must be now more than fifty years old. I beg you to 
 write me freely & fully, as you may in confidence, 
 only for the President's information. I consider So- 
 briety in a judge as an e/senfml quality to enfiire re- 
 spect to the law and the government. The notorious 
 want of it in one of your bench may occafion another 
 vacancy ; which is the reason that I enquire for more 
 than one candidate. Be fo good as to write me as 
 early as pofsible. 
 
 I am with llncere respect and esteem 
 
 D*^ Sir, your ob* ferv* 
 General RuFUS Putnam T. Pickering 
 
 P. S. Do you know of any respectable man, qualified 
 
 ^ Page 412. 
 
412 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 for a judge, who is not at present, but is going to 
 become an inhabitant of your territory ? ^ 
 
 letter from secyty of state 
 
 Department of State 
 
 I. October 1796. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 The President of the United States desiring to 
 avail the public of your fervices as Surveyor General, 
 I have now the honor of enclosing the Commifsion, 
 and of exprefsing to you the fentiments of the most 
 perfect respect and esteem with which 
 
 I am. Sir, 
 Your most ob* Servant 
 
 Timothy Pickering 
 RuFUS Putnam Esqn 
 
 Surveyor General 
 of the U S. 
 
 V 
 
 COPY OF letter to COL PICKERING 
 
 Marietta October 15th 1796 
 Sir 
 
 Your favor of the First inftent ^ enclofeing a Com- 
 mifsion from the Prefident of the united States by 
 which he is pleafed to honour me with the office of 
 Surveyor General was duely recived — 
 
 this expretion of the Prefidents good opinion of my 
 integrity and abilities demands my warmest acknow- 
 ledgments, and I wifh him to be informed that I most 
 fincealy thank him for the appointment. But as I 
 
 ^ In his confidential reply to this letter General Putnam suggested the 
 names of Joseph Oilman, Peregrine Foster, Return Jonathan Meigs, Jr., 
 and Dudley Woodbridge as citizens of the Territory who would be suit- 
 able judicial candidates. He also mentioned Colonel Ives, of Great Bar- 
 rington, and William Judd, of Farmington, as prospective settlers qualified 
 for the office. Joseph Gilman was appointed General Putnam's successor. 
 
 2 Page 412. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 413 
 
 concive my acceptence of this office will or may be 
 fupposed to vacate that of Judge, the intrest of the 
 Goverment requires that I fhould delay the matter a 
 few days Becaufe the General Court of the Teritory 
 ought to Set in this County next week which it can- 
 not do without my attendence — but as Soon as this 
 Court is over I Shall accept the appointmet Shall 
 take the oath of office required by Law & be ready 
 to recive your further communication 
 
 T Pickering 
 
 LETTER FROM M'' HABERSHAM POST MASTER GENERAL 
 
 General Post Office 
 Philadela Dec"- 16. 1796. 
 Sir 
 
 Col. Pickering delivered me your Letter to him of 
 the 11^^ of June on the subject of the Ohio Mail and 
 I am much obliged to him for thus introducing to 
 my acquaintance a Gentleman of your character and 
 Information 
 
 For some time I had determined to drop the route 
 down the Ohio and resume that through the Wilder- 
 nefs as lefs expensive and more certain, for the many 
 failures which happened during the course of last 
 Winter in a great measure interrupted the intercourse 
 with the North Western Territory and the State of 
 Kentucky, and tended to destroy all confidence in 
 that Mail — Some obstacles however have occurred 
 to resuming the route through the Wildernefs, which 
 determined me to make a further trial of that down 
 the Ohio, especially as I had an opportunity of placing 
 the Contract in the hands of M*" Greene in whom I 
 have the most perfect confidence. M^ Greene is of 
 opinion that light and safe Boats may be constructed to 
 be navigated with fewer hands to much greater advan- 
 
414 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 tage in stemming the current of the Ohio than those 
 hitherto employed which he represents as quite unfit 
 for that service. I have agreed to allow him an ad- 
 ditional Boat and to provide four new ones at the 
 public expence on the construction which he thinks 
 will answer best. The mails should be carried in Port- 
 manteaus as in case of accidents they can be most 
 conveniently removed and I presume the Boats will 
 be large enough to admit of boxes fixed in such a 
 manner as will secure the Mails from water — if boxes 
 are made, to render them perfectly secure, it will be 
 necefsary to have them covered with oil cloth. 
 
 I now enclose you a Blank Bond, Oaths and Con- 
 tract and I have to request the favor of you to see 
 them executed by M"^ Greene. This Contract is only 
 to continue for a Year at the expiration of which time 
 I think it is probable that the Mail will be carried on 
 M*" Zanes route from Wheeling to Limestone — this 
 road I am told is already opened and has been pafsed 
 by some persons who represent the distance to be 
 about Two Hundred Miles, in this event Marietta may 
 be accomodated with a crofs Post to connect with the 
 route from Wheeling to Limeston 
 
 I shall thank you for any information you can give 
 me respecting this road. 
 
 I have been very free in writing to you respecting 
 this businefs as I know how much you are interested 
 in having the Mail regularly carried on the Ohio and 
 as I cannot write particularly by this Post to M"" 
 Greene I will thank you to shew him the contents of 
 this Letter. 
 
 I am with much esteem 
 Sir 
 
 V mo. ob* Serv* 
 
 Jos. Habersham 
 General RuFUS Putnam. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 415 
 
 COPY OF LETTER TO MR. HABERSHAM 
 
 Marietta January 25th 1787 [1797] 
 Sir 
 
 your favor of the 16*^ ult^ with its enclofures ware 
 duely recived. I fhall allways efteam myfelf happy 
 in rendering any fervis, or giveing fuch information 
 as is in my power to the officers of goverment, and 
 am certainly as much obliged to Col° Pickering for 
 introduceing me to an acquaintence with the Post 
 Master General as you poflibly can be. 
 
 I have ben long fensible of the unavoidable inter- 
 ruption of a regular Mail on the ohio by Water in 
 the Winter feafon. I know alfo that there has ben 
 a few failures in the boate between Gallipolis & 
 Preston, partly from the great distence and partly 
 from the negligence of the boat men I know like- 
 wife that there has ben many failures of the Mail 
 arriving at Wheeling from Pittsburgh in due feason 
 but from what caufe I cannot fay. but under your 
 Contract with M"" Greene I think there will be no 
 failure except what arifes from circumflances unavoid- 
 able, the prefent winter is extreamly unfavorable, the 
 ohio has ben fhut up with Ice for a long time no 
 Boat has or could pafs for many weeks what Mails 
 has arrived have ben transported on the back of 
 Footmen there being no horfe road on the ohio open 
 for any confiderable Distence — 
 
 I believe a road from Wheeling by Marietta to 
 Preflon (or Limeilone) will in procefs of time be 
 opened which which will be a few miles neerer then 
 that opened by Col° Zanes ; but I much doubt if it 
 ever ought to be made the general Post Road to 
 Kentuckey and the Northwest Territory Becaufe 
 Zanes Road untill it reaches the Hockhocking river 
 
 1 Page 413. 
 
4i6 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 (or a roade very nearly in that rout) penetrates into 
 the very hart of the Country which agreably to the 
 ordinance of Cong^refs is to compofe the South eall- 
 ern Diflrict or New State Northwest of the River ohio 
 and is alfo the proper rout to Post Vencent on the 
 Wabafh & Kafkaskias on the Miffifippi indeed fo 
 far as I am acquainted with the Geography of the 
 Country at or not far from where Zanes Road crofses 
 the Hockhocking is a very central pofifition from 
 whence to communicate by Crofs posts to different 
 places — to Lime Stone it will be about one hundred 
 mile, to Cincinnati one hundred & fifteen — to Fort 
 Hamilton one hundred and ten — to Greenevill one 
 hundred & Twenty five and about the fame to Lore- 
 mers [Loramie's] Store from whence is the portage to 
 S* Mary^ Creek Leading to Fort Wayne &c — fo that 
 if I am not Decived in the Geography of the Country 
 which I believe I am not Marietta and the other 
 places on the Ohio between Wheeling [and] Lime- 
 flone ought to be content with Crofs posts communi- 
 [ca] teing with a generel Post Road pafsing through 
 the hart of the Country not far from where Zanes 
 has opened his Road — however in the courfe of the 
 prefent year I expect to be more correctly informed 
 of the Geography of the Country in general and of 
 Zanes Road in pirticuler then I am at prefent, and 
 fhall not fail to communicate to you every matter 
 which may be of confequence in Ditermining the rout 
 of the Mails in this quarter after the prefent year — 
 M"" Greenes Contract Bond and oath I here with 
 
 enclofe 
 
 I am with much efleem 
 Sir 
 Joseph Habersham Esq' V M^ Ob* Serv* 
 Post Master Gen^ — 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 417 
 
 LETTER FROM COL° PICKERING 
 
 Philadelphia March 17, 1797. 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 The post-master general informs me that M'' Green, 
 the contractor for carrying the mail on the Ohio, has 
 failed in the execution of his contract ; and from the 
 information he has received, he is fearful that it will 
 never be duly executed. The disappointments which 
 have happened fince the river has been open, already 
 excite much uneasinefs. If I mistake not, M"^ Green 
 had your recommendation. At any rate, as well as 
 a public officer to whom a regular and expeditious 
 pafsage of the mail will be very interefling, as an 
 inhabitant of the Ohio country, and a well-wifher to 
 every ufeful public inflitution, I am fure you will 
 cheerfully promote any measures which may be 
 proper to remedy the mischief complained of. Per- 
 mit me then to request, that you will take the trouble 
 to enquire into this matter, and ascertain whether M'' 
 Green can and will in future execute his contract 
 with punctuality ; and if either power or disposition 
 be wanting, that you wdll have the goodnefs to ex- 
 prefs the fame freely, either to the poflmaster general, 
 or to me. — The late Postmaster at Marietta, M"^ 
 Meigs, is I believe, M'' Green's furety. 
 
 I am forry to give you this trouble, and more 
 forr}^ that there fhould be occasion for it. If M"^ Green 
 cannot execute the contract, he had better frankly 
 give it up. He mufl excaite or renounce it. I know 
 that the poflmaster general cannot and ought not to 
 fuffer fuch material failures without being obliged, as 
 well by a fense of duty as the complaints of the pub- 
 lic, to attempt, and promptly, to provide a remedy. 
 — The measures of the poflmaster general will, I 
 
4i8 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 believe, much depend on your communications ; which 
 I therefore request may be fpeedily made. 
 With true esteem & respect 
 I am, dear fir, 
 Your ob* fervant 
 
 Timothy Pickering 
 RUFUS Putnam Esq' 
 
 LETTER FROM COL^ PICKERING 
 
 Philadelphia March 17. 1797. 
 Dear Sir. 
 
 Bifhop Ettwein, President of the incorporated So- 
 ciety of Brethren in the United States afsociated for 
 propagating the gospel among the Heathen, has 
 written me on the nth inftant, that the Directors of 
 the Society, being very desirous to have furveyed, 
 the lands granted to the Society on the Muskingum, 
 comprehending the Christian Indian towns of Salem, 
 Gnaden Hutten & Schoenbrun, that thofe Indians 
 may resume their fettlements there without delay, 
 have appointed Mefs"^ John Heckewelder (whom you 
 know) and William Henry Esq"" (a member of the 
 Society and a very worthy man) their deputies, to 
 attend the furvey of those lands, and the subdivifion 
 thereof to accommodate the fettlers. The bishop has 
 requested me to addrefs a few lines to you, doubtlefs 
 in the expectation of its facilitating the execution of 
 the part of the businefs depending on you : but you 
 will need no urging to perform a public duty. At 
 the fame time I persuade myself that it will not be a 
 matter of indifference with you to gratify my wifhes, 
 in giving dispatch to a businefs which will not inter- 
 fere with any fuperior duty. And as this will, I ima- 
 gine, be a service quite detached from, any other, a 
 furveyor may at once be designated to perform it. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 419 
 
 The deputies will defray the expence, in the first in- 
 ftance. — This letter will be handed to you by Mefs*^ 
 Heckewelder & Henry, whose known merit authorises 
 me to recommend them to your attention : and I 
 shall take the liberty of sending you a copy by this 
 day's post, by which means you will have time to 
 make the proper dispositions for their affairs, againft 
 their arrival. They propose to fet off in about three 
 weeks. 
 
 I am, dear fir, 
 
 with fmcere respect & esteem, 
 your ob* fervant 
 
 Timothy Pickering 
 RuFUS Putnam Esq' 
 Surveyor General of the U. States 
 
 COPY OF LETTER TO M"* WOLCOTT 
 
 Marietta December 2d 1797 
 Sir 
 
 I herewith enclofe the plans of three tracts of Land 
 which I have caused to be Surveyed for Ebenezer 
 Zane agreably to the act of Congrefs entitled "An 
 Act To authorize Ebenezer Zane to Locate certain 
 Lands in the Teritory of the United States North- 
 west of the River Ohio " and in purfuence of your 
 inflruction of the 14*'^ of June 1796. 
 
 I have not traveled the Road my felf but have ben 
 credibly informed that it is opened to a proper width 
 — when I met Col° Zane on the Muskingum in ordor 
 to fix on the general rout, I was very defierous to 
 have the road Crofs the Muskingum at the mouth of 
 Salt Creek ten mile below M*=CoIlock Ferry where it 
 now Crofses — but from the apperance of the Coun- 
 try west of Muskingum and from the alTureance of 
 people acquented with the Country further west I 
 
420 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 was led to believe that it was best on the whole that 
 the road fhould Crofs the Muskingum neer the mouth 
 of Licking althoe fomething further about and ac- 
 cordingly consented it fhould Crofs there. 
 
 I have fence had fome reafon to believe that a road 
 may be had to Crofs the Muskingum neer the mouth 
 of Salt Creek, as I first proposed, but I have not had 
 oppertunity fence I recived the information to afser- 
 tain the fact, that the Road ought to crofs the Hock- 
 hocking and Sioto at the places where it now does I 
 have no doubt and that the general course is right I 
 have no doubt except the bend made in Crofsing the 
 Mufkingum as before mentioned of this I have at 
 prefent fome doubts, althoe I had none at the time I 
 agreed it fhould crofs at Licking 
 
 Whether admitting the general courfe of the road 
 to be good, it is opened in all inllences on the best 
 ground is hard to ditermin. in a covered Country 
 altho great pains is taken we must be very fortunate 
 if we dont fall into many errors. — 
 
 I have the honor to be with great Refpect 
 Sir your most obedient 
 The Honbi Serv* 
 
 Oliver Wolcott Esq' 
 Secretary of the Treafury 
 
 LETTER TO M** WOLCOTT 
 
 Marietta January iS^^ 1798 
 Sir 
 
 I herewith forward my account for the Last quar- 
 ter of the year 1797, with Sundry Vouchers of pay- 
 ment, among the Items you will observe two hun- 
 dred & fifty Dollars paid to W^ Rufus Putnam ^ for 
 his Servis fix months as Clark or afsistent in the Sur- 
 
 1 William Rufus Putnam was the eldest living son of General Putnam. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 421 
 
 veyor Generals office. In your letter of the 14^^ of 
 March Last you observe " that a Clark would be 
 necessary " and whoever will attend to the require- 
 ments in the latter part of the Second Section of the 
 Law which points out the duty of the Surveyor Gen- 
 eral, must be convinced that he must have a Clark 
 or afsistent in his office capable of Protracting & 
 casting the contents of Platts in the first inllence as 
 well as Copying and recording plans & minuts in a 
 neat & accurate maner That without fuch an afsist- 
 ent it will be impoffible that the requirments of the 
 Law can be complied with in a reafonable time & 
 maner. 
 
 I am fencible there is no exprefs provision for 
 Clarkship in this office but from the mode of expref- 
 ion in that part of the Law above mentioned (viz to 
 Cause certain things to be don) as well as the Num- 
 ber of Plans & Descriptions to be made and re- 
 corded, with the number of Copies it is incumbent 
 on the Surveyor General to furnish ; one of which is 
 to be keept ope7i at his office for public inforynation : 
 I even concived that the Necefsary expence of Clark- 
 ship was to be alowed togather with Stationary as 
 in other departments : under this imprefsion I ac- 
 cepted the office and althoe you informed me that 
 you was not authorized to Stipulate for the United 
 States in this bufmefs, yet in confidence that Con- 
 grefs would authorize any necefsary and reafonable 
 expence (as foon as the businefs of the department 
 was fo far advanced as to require it) I contracted 
 with M*" Putnam at the rate of Five hundred dol- 
 lars a year : an allowance as moderate I believe as 
 any person capable of the businefs can be procured 
 for 
 
 If you are not already authorized to alow^ this and 
 
422 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 the like Charge for Clarkfhip in future I must request 
 you to lay the matter before Congrefs for there con- 
 sideration : that I may in future govern my felf agre- 
 ably to there Ditermination ; when the expence of 
 the frequent tours which I have and fhall be obliged 
 to make in to the woods and which are unavoidable 
 in the due execution of the Surveys — the expence of 
 attending the Sales of Land at Pitts burge & Cincin- 
 natia, with the ocational Jornies that must be mad to 
 the Seete of Govermt with all the expence of keep- 
 ing an office open &c &c are deducted from the pre- 
 sent Sallery : the ballance remaining will be found to 
 be but a very moderate compenfation for the time & 
 Servis of any man capable of fulfilling the dutis of 
 the ofBce of Surveyor Gen^ and therfore I trust it will 
 not be expected that I should Charge myfelf with 
 the expence of a Clark with out an alowance from 
 Govermt therefor — 
 
 Stationary is another article I ever expected would 
 be furnished on public account, by your direction 
 M"^ Nourse has furnished me with fome paper and 
 Minute Books I wish to know if I am to apply to 
 him for what Stationary I may want, or if I am at 
 liberty to fupply my felf and Charge the United 
 States — 
 
 In my Letter of December 2<^ M informed you that 
 two of the Surveyors employed in runing out the 
 Military tract had completed there work in the woods 
 (these ware, Mathews and Jackson who had the two 
 Smaller or midle Districts) Ludlow, Martin & Biggs 
 I have heard northing from for feveral months the 
 Severity of the Season I fear must have driven 
 them out of the woods before they compleated there 
 
 1 Page 419. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 423 
 
 work, and if fo they will not be able to make there 
 return before the opening of the Spring — 
 I am with great Refpect 
 Sir your most obedient 
 Servent 
 Honb' 
 Oliver Wolcott Esqur Secretary of the Treafurey 
 
 LETTER TO M'* WOLCOTT 
 
 Marietta March 9th 1798 
 Sir 
 
 I have lately recived a Letter from Capt Ludlow 
 informing me that he had compleated the Survey of 
 the Western District of Military lands and that his 
 returns will be ready in a Short time. — 
 
 Martain and Biggs have disappointed me exceed- 
 ingly they both commenced there Surveys last June 
 and by contract were to compleat them in four 
 months which they might eafily have don if no mif- 
 fortune or negligence had taken place, their Districts 
 were feperate althoe their Contract was Jo[i]nt. 
 Martain is more then two thirds in arear and Biggs 
 neerly one half. Capt Biggs excufe is that he was 
 taken Sick the Second of August and obliged to re- 
 tire from the woods and was not able to reafume his 
 work untill the 23*^ of October and that he was 
 obliged to quit again on the 22^ of November on ac- 
 count of the Severity of the wether : he afsures me 
 that he will be out again this Spring as Soon as the 
 Season will permit 
 
 Capt Martain I have not yet Seen : but learn that 
 he left the woods fometime in July or august and has 
 not ben out Sence of which circumflance I had no 
 notice untill within a few weeks his excufe is Sick- 
 
424 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 nefs in his Family : but I find this must have ben late 
 in the fall and I apprehend after the time had elapsed 
 which by contract he ought to have compleated his 
 work in the field : Capt Martin has formerly exe- 
 cuted fome furveys for the united States with accu- 
 racy and punctuallity which induced me to give him 
 a District in preference to fome others but at prefent 
 I am quite dissatisfied with his conduct and if he 
 does not exert himfelf to compleat [the] Survey of 
 his District early this Spring I Shall employ fome 
 other means to effect it 
 
 With Refpect to the other public lands my inten- 
 tion is to Survey in the Course of the present year 
 all the lands lying fouth of the Military tract and 
 west of the Ohio Companys purchas and the Seven 
 Ranges extending Westward as far as the Sioto 
 River, ellemated at about 3.150.000 acres the Sur- 
 vey of this tract will employ Six Surveyrs and 
 arangements are makeing accordingly — 
 I alfo propose to Survey in the course of the present 
 year that tract of land lying below the Great Miami 
 River and above the mouth of Kentuckey River 
 extending West toward the Indian boundary as far 
 as Shall be judged prudent without giveing Caufe of 
 alarm : at the Same time by runing out one or two 
 Rangs of Townfhips on the West Side of the great 
 Miami extending as far North a[s] Fort Recovery 
 and the Fork of Lorimis [Loramie's] Creek I fhall 
 be able to afsertain the true course of the Indian 
 Boundary line without the Expenc of runing a ran- 
 dom line as we ware obliged to do at the North- 
 ward 
 
 as Soon as this is don General Wilkenson will be 
 notified of the time and place when & where we Shall 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 425 
 
 be ready to commince runing the Indian boundary 
 line from the Fork of Loremies Creek to Fort Re- 
 covery and thence to the ohio agreably to Gen' 
 Waynes Treaty — 
 
 As Soon as the Indian boundary lines are com- 
 pleated it is intended to compleat as Soon as may be 
 the Survey of the whol tract of land west of the great 
 Miami included within thofe boundary Lines 
 I have the honor to be with due refpect 
 Sir 
 
 your obedient 
 
 Servent 
 
 RuFus Putnam 
 The Honbi 
 Oliver Wolcott Esqr Secretary of the Treafury 
 
 m" wolcotts letter 
 
 Treasury Department 
 
 June I St 1798. — 
 
 Sir. 
 
 Your letter of the 21^* of April last, has been duly 
 received. — 
 
 It is to be regretted, that the progrefs made in the 
 Survey of the military lands, has not been such as I 
 had reason to expect — I shall fully rely upon your 
 exertions for urging the persons employed in that 
 businefs to complete their Districts so as to enable 
 you to return a general platt to this Office. 
 
 I have not seen your letter of the 18*^ of January 
 last,^ enclosing your Accounts — With respect how- 
 ever to the charge for Clerkship, I can only observe, 
 that altho' no exprefs provision has been made by 
 
 1 Page 420. 
 
426 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 Law for that object, I am of opinion — that the af- 
 sistance of a Clerk is indispensably necefsary. — 
 I am with consideration 
 Sir, 
 Your mo : Obed* Serv* 
 
 Oliv: Wolcott. 
 
 ,re 
 
 RuFUS Putnam Esq"" 
 
 Surveyor General of the 
 United States 
 Marietta — 
 
 FROM M'* PICKERING 
 
 Department of State, August 2, 1798. 
 Sir, 
 
 You will doubtlefs have observed in the newspa- 
 pers a resolve of Congrefs directing the printing and 
 distribution of ten thousand copies of the instruc- 
 tions to and dispatches from the Envoys of the U. 
 States to the French Republic, under the orders of 
 the Secretary of State. The object of the resolve is, 
 to communicate such important information to the 
 citizens of the United States ; " particularly in such 
 parts thereof wherein the difsemination of informa- 
 tion, through the medium of news-papers, is most 
 obstructed." The most beneficial distribution, I have 
 thought, could be made by some well informed and 
 faithful citizen in each state. To such gentlemen I 
 have concluded to transmit them. And to render the 
 distribution easy and expeditious, I have caused them 
 to be made up in packets of five and ten and franked 
 them ; so that the persons to whom I send them, 
 may have no other trouble than to direct the packets 
 to gentlemen, in all parts of their respective states, 
 on whose care and fidelity they can rely, for the most 
 prompt and useful distribution to individual citizens ; 
 who after reading the dispatches themselves, will put 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 427 
 
 them into the hands of their neighbours ; to give all 
 pofsible extent to the important knowledge the dis- 
 patches will convey. 
 
 Having given this explanation of the views of 
 Congrefs, and of my own ideas of the best manner 
 of fulfilling them, you will permit me to transmit to 
 you the packets mentioned below destined for distri- 
 bution in the Marietta District, and to request that 
 you will have the goodnefs to complete their super- 
 scription, and put them into the proper train for 
 conveyance. 
 
 As the gentlemen to whom you will addrefs the 
 packets will need information of the design and plan 
 of distributing these pamphlets, and it would be too 
 troublesome for you to write a letter to each, I send 
 herewith as many printed and franked copies of a 
 letter, adapted to the object, to be signed by you, as 
 there are packets committed to your care. I think 
 it will be a fair construction of the resolve, to dis- 
 tribute the pamphlets not only where few or no news- 
 papers circulate, but where news-papers of a tendency 
 to mislead, by their falsehoods and misrepresentations 
 have the freest circulation : for by such the correct 
 " information " meant by Congrefs to be difsemi- 
 nated, is " most obstructed " 
 
 I have the honor to be 
 P. S. I send 100 copies to ^ with great respect 
 Gov"^ S* Clair, to be distributed \ Sir, 
 in the lower country 
 of the N. W. Territory 
 
 > 
 
 your ob* serv* 
 T. Pickering 
 
 2 Packets containing 10 copies each — 20 
 6 Do Do 5 D° — 30 
 
 50 
 General RUFUS PUTNAM. 
 
428 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 LETTER FROM M" WOLCOTT 
 
 Treasury Department 
 
 Trenton September 24, 1798. 
 Sir, 
 
 It has been represented to me, that a number of 
 Persons from Kentucky, have formed an intrusive 
 settlement on the lands lying Northwest of the Ohio 
 — and above the mouth of the River Kentucky, in 
 which the titles, of the Indian Tribes have been ex- 
 tinguished by the Treaty with General Wayne on 
 the third of August 1795. 
 
 It being of the utmost importance to the United 
 States, that all such lawlefs proceedings should be 
 checked at the first outset — I have to request, that 
 you will immediately take measures for ascertaining 
 how far this representation is correct, and report the 
 result of your enquiry to me. — 
 
 I hope you will be able to return the plans of the 
 military lands in November next as mentioned in 
 your letter of the 3^ of August last — that I may 
 have it in my power to make a report thereon to 
 Congrefs early in the Sefsion. 
 
 Enclosed is a packet for Jacob Burnet Esquire 
 which you will be pleased to have conveyed to him. 
 ■ — It was rec<^ by me from M*" Boudinot Director of 
 the Mint 
 
 I am 
 Sir, 
 
 very respectfully 
 
 Your Mo : Obed* Serv*. 
 Oliv Wolcott. 
 RuFus Putnam Esq. 
 Surveyor General 
 of the United States. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 429 
 
 LETTER TO M« WOLCOTT 
 
 Marietta October 30111 1798 
 
 Sir 
 
 Sence reciveing your Letter of the 24*^ of Septem- 
 ber 1 I have had information, which may be depended 
 on, that many persons have Set them Selves down 
 on the Lands of the United States Northwest of the 
 ohio, perticulerly in that tract lying Westerly of the 
 ohio & Big Miami rivers & above the mouth of Ken- 
 tucky river in which the titles of the Indian Tribes have 
 ben extinguished. And also on the Easterly Side of 
 the Sioto River it is Supposed the intrusive Settlers 
 in these two districts amount to three hundred Fami- 
 lies, it is Said they are chiefly emigrent from Ken- 
 tucky and are daily increaseing 
 
 I am alfo informed that the profefsed designe of 
 the first of these Settlers was to purchas the lands on 
 which they Set down as they Should be offered for 
 Sale by the United States ; but of late there are Some 
 efpecially among the later emigrents from Kentucky 
 who Say they mean to hold the Lands for Settling on 
 without purchasing ; provided there numbers Should 
 increese So far as to give them a prospect of Suc- 
 ceeding in a meafure of that kind I do not under- 
 stand that thefe sentem[en]ts are genrally & pub- 
 iickly avowed but I have it from a gentleman of whose 
 verrafaty I can not doubt that Such Sentem[ent]s 
 have ben exprefsed to him by Some of them 
 
 Besides thefe kind of Settlers in the places above 
 described there are prehaps 50 or more Scattering 
 families on the Waters of the Muskingum & other 
 parts of the country, East of the Sioto who I believe 
 have no connection with the other no [r] do I con- 
 
 1 Page 428. 
 
430 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 cive there is any Mifchief to be apprehended from 
 them except the damage they may do in cultivating 
 the land or destroying the timber belonging to the 
 
 public 
 
 Y' 
 
 R Putnam 
 
 O WOLCOTT Es 
 
 TO J HABERSHAM 
 
 Marietta February 26th 1800 
 Sir 
 
 I herewith prefent you with a plan of a part of 
 the Southeast division of the Northwest Teritory 
 in which the local Situation of all the places in the 
 Teritory, therein delineated, have ben afsertained by 
 actual Survey and the roads & distences from place 
 to place may in general be depended on being in 
 most cafes afsertained by the boundary Lines of the 
 Towns and Sections through which they pafs (except 
 between the Sioto and little Miami Rivers of which 
 tract of Country I have not any Minuts or plans of 
 Survey & therefore the courfe of the roads and dis- 
 tences in this quarter are noted according to the in- 
 formation recived from others — the local Situation 
 of the Post Towns noted in the plan. Situate in 
 Pennfylvania &c is taken from Bradleys General Map 
 of the United States, Except the distence from Mari- 
 etta to Clarks burgh which has ben Meafured — 
 
 a roade from Belleprie by Gallipolis to the mouth 
 of Sioto was opened the last fall and a mail may 
 now be very well carried by land from Wheeling by 
 Marietta to Washington in Kentucky and the dis- 
 tence but nineteen miles further then by the rout the 
 Mail at prefent Travels, the people on the Ohio are 
 daly increasing very fast & new Towns & Counties 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 431 
 
 forming on both Side the river which at prefent re- 
 cive little or no advantage from any public Mail 
 
 except a few in the Vicinity of Marietta 
 
 I Should have wrote you on the Subject much 
 fooner but waited to be fully afsertained of the road 
 from Gallipolis to the mouth of Sioto being opened 
 and the pratability of a Mail pafsing by that rout 
 
 I am with due confideration 
 Sir your obedient 
 Servent 
 
 R Putnam 
 Joseph Habersham Es 
 
 from m"* gallatin 
 
 Treasury Department 
 June 26th 1802 
 Sir 
 
 A Law of last Sefsion having authorized the Sec- 
 retary of the Treasury to lay out roads in the North- 
 Western Territory, and having concluded to have 
 one opened from Marietta in a North-easterly direc- 
 tion, I wish to know to which spot it would be most 
 eligible to direct the same ; due regard being had to 
 the nature of the ground, to the advantage resulting 
 to the inhabitants principally of Marietta and its vicin- 
 ity, and to the effect it may have in promoting the 
 sales of the public lands. — S* Clairville, and the 
 mouth of Wheling have appeared to me on a general 
 view of the Map to be the most eligible. — I wish 
 also to know what the expense will be for laying out 
 and opening the same ; on the two suppositions of a 
 Waggon road twenty feet wide ; or, of a horse road 
 twelve feet wide. — As to the laying out, it would be 
 most eligible that it should be done by order of the 
 two County Courts, the United States paying only 
 
432 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 the expense of the surveyor, which will leave so much 
 more money to be applied to the opening of the road, 
 and will secure its future maintainence. — 
 
 Another road in contemplation is from Opposite 
 the mouth of Grave-Creek by Lancaster, the mouth 
 of Walnut-Creek, and that of Mad-River to the West- 
 ern Indian boundary. — That part extending to the 
 Scioto is at present the only one under consideration ; 
 and if the ground is favorable, is to the United States 
 the most eligible that can be opened ; as the whole 
 of it runs in a Western direct course through the 
 center of the public lands. — Any information you 
 may be pofsefsed of on that subject will be accepta- 
 ble ; and as connected with it, the knowledge of the 
 several existing roads already opened or laid out 
 through the country lying between the Scioto and the 
 Steubenville district would be desirable. — 
 I have the Honor to be 
 with Respect 
 
 Sir 
 Your Obed* Serv* 
 
 Albert Gallatin. 
 RuFus Putnam Esq "^ 
 Surveyor General 
 Marietta 
 
 P. S. In order to improve this season, I authorize 
 you, if the road from Marietta to S* Clairsville shall 
 be thought the most useful in a northeasterly direc- 
 tion from Marietta, to contract for the opening of the 
 same at once, provided that that share of the expense 
 of laying out & surveying which shall be defrayed 
 by the United States, shall not, together with the 
 expence of opening the same 20 feet wide fit for a 
 waggon with a common load to travel, exceed six dol- 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 433 
 
 lars per mile. Should a different course be more eli- 
 gible, or the expense greater, you will be pleased to 
 write the same to me, before you shall act thereupon. 
 
 A. G. 
 from m» gallatin 
 
 Treasury Department 
 August 9th 1802. 
 Sir, 
 
 M' P. Foster has communicated his intention of re- 
 signing his office of register. The place is hardly 
 worth having, though to a person residing in Marietta 
 it may not be inconvenient to hold it. I will thank 
 you to recommend two or three persons who may be 
 willing to accept the appointment, and whose capa- 
 city and integrity may be relied on. 
 I am, very respectfully 
 Sir, 
 
 Your Obd* Servant 
 
 — Albert Gallatin 
 RuFUS Putnam Esqr. 
 Surveyor General 
 Marietta 
 
 TO M" GALLATIN 
 
 Marietta August i8th 1802 
 Sir 
 
 Conceiving it might be a Service aceptable to you 
 
 I have taken the liberty to transmit extracts from the 
 
 minutes of Survey defcribing the face of the country 
 
 & quality of the Lands on & neer the courfes of the 
 
 roads contmplated in your letter to me of June 26*^^ ^ 
 
 and alfo on fome other courfes or routs for which in- 
 
 quiery has ben made at my office by request of M"" 
 
 Hoge, Register of the Land office at Steubinville, &c 
 
 &c 
 
 1 Page 431. 
 
434 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 Thefe extracts include a tract Several mile in wedth 
 on each route defcribed ; and give a correct idea of 
 the face of the country and quality of the Land : and 
 by compairing- them with the general plats in your 
 office the probability of the fale of Lands on and neer 
 thofe courses as well as the practicability of makeing 
 roads may be better judged of then by any other 
 means fhort of a perfonal view — 
 
 Their is but little doubt of makeing a good road 
 from Marietta to Wheeling ; by a pritty direct courfe 
 to S* Clair-ville, the only difficulty apprehended is in 
 the Sixth Townfhip of the Fifth Range, which has 
 not ben Subdivided, if this proves broken & hilly, as 
 reported, we may be obliged to keep more Westward 
 and increafe the distence prehaps two or three mile ; 
 at most 
 
 From the ohio opposit to grave Creek on a line 
 Westward to Lancester untill we enter the Sixth 
 Range the lands are Said to be very hilly and broken 
 however a way is opened by which they travel from 
 Grave Creek &c to the Salt Springs of the Muskingum 
 and from thence to the Muskingum & Westward by 
 different routes 
 
 on the route from the ohio to Lancester after we 
 arrive in the Sixth Township of the Sixth range the 
 greatest difficulty in obtaining a pritty direct & tolla- 
 rable good road I apprehend will be found neer the 
 Muskingum river efpecially on the Westerly Side 
 however I believe the difficulty of the Muskingum 
 hills may be furmounted — 
 
 In the course defcribed from the ford of Muskin- 
 gum river at the foot of Duncans falls, to the falls 
 of Hockhocking the Muskingum hills &c in the lo 
 & ii'^ Townships of the 13*^ Range are very high 
 and the Country uncommonly broken, but it is pre- 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 435 
 
 fumed that by winding the hills a pafsable road 
 may be obtained and after entering the 14*'' Town- 
 ship of the 14^^ Range I expect a good roade may 
 be had to the falls of Hockhocking without much 
 difficulty — 
 
 From the Hockhocking river to Chillacothe the 
 probability is that after falling into Dunmores path a 
 little fouthward of the falls we must follow a winding 
 course through the 18*^ 19*^ & 20^^ Ranges into the 
 flat Country a few Miles north of Chillacothe — 
 
 From the falls of Hockhocking to the Salt Springs 
 of Scioto I have no information but what is obtained 
 from the Minuts of Survey : from them the probability 
 is that a pritty direct & tollarable good roade may be 
 found — 
 
 With refpect to the " existing roads already opened 
 or Laid out through the country lying between the 
 Scioto and the Steuben ville district" I can give but 
 little information. I am told that a wagon road has 
 ben opened from Georgetown on the ohio neer the 
 Mouth of Little Bever, to Gnadenhutten on the Mus- 
 kingum & is confiderably traveled and a horfe road 
 from Gnadenhutten by or neer the river down to Zane- 
 ville : alfo a road from Wakatomaka to Scioto neer the 
 mouth of Whetilone river and a roade from Zane- 
 ville up Licking Creek to interfect the last mentioned 
 road I have alfo ben informed that their is a horfe 
 road opened from the ohio opposit Charlestown to 
 the post road at the crofsing of Wills Creek thefe are 
 all the roads North of the post road and properly 
 lying between Steubenville diflrict and the Scioto that 
 I have heard of worth mentioning and I prefume 
 none of them have ben laid out or ellablished by legal 
 authority — 
 
 to the fouth of the post road ; befides the road 
 
436 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 already mentioned from Grave Creek to the Salt 
 works ; a road has ben opened from the post road a 
 few miles West of Wills Creek to the Salt works and 
 a good Waggon road from thence to the Muskingum 
 at the ford below Duncans falls : and from thence a 
 horfe road was a few years Sence opened in a pritty 
 direct courfe into the post road Some miles Eastward 
 of Lancester 
 
 A road has lately ben laid out by ordor of the 
 County Court from Marietta to Zaneville which 
 enters the public Lands in Section N° 33 Township 
 N° 6 Range N° 9 leaving the old horse path to the 
 West untill it approaches within five or six mile of 
 
 the Salt works 
 
 I have the honor to be with 
 great refpect 
 Sir 
 your obedient Servent 
 The Hon^i 
 
 Albert Gallatin Esquire 
 Secretary of the Treafury — 
 
 from m"* gallatin 
 
 Treasury department 
 October 6 1802 
 Sir. 
 
 Your letter of the 23^^ August was received during 
 a temporary excursion to New- York, It had been 
 delayed longer than was expected, and M*" Woods 
 had received a commifsion before its receipt. 
 
 The circumstance of the capacity of M'' Edwin 
 Putnam to fill the office, was known to me, before I 
 had written to you on the subject ; but there appeared 
 some incompatibility in the son of the Surveyor 
 General, being appointed Register of the Land-Office ; 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 437 
 
 not that it was an objection which could not be over- 
 come, for it was my intention to have recommended 
 him to the President, if no respectable recommenda- 
 tion could be obtained for another person ; but if 
 another could be found, it was considered as more 
 eligible. 
 
 I have the honor 
 to be, very respectfully 
 Sir, 
 RUFUS Putnam Esq' Your obed* Serv* 
 
 Surveyor General ALBERT GALLATIN 
 
 Marietta 
 
 TO M"* GALLATIN 
 
 Marietta March 28th 1803 
 Sir 
 
 haveing communicated to the County Courts, of 
 Wafhington and Belmont, your proposition of open- 
 ing a road from Marietta to Wheeling by the way of 
 S* Clairvill (exprefsed in your Letter to me of the 
 26**^ of June last ^) they in December last appointed 
 Committes to examin the ground and lay the road : 
 confident of the utility of this road : not only for the 
 accommodation of the travel in general, but also 
 in promoteing the Sale of the public Lands through 
 which it pafses & that it would be a Saveing of ex- 
 pence to employ a Surveyor in the first inllence I 
 accordingly agreed to furnish one : which meafure 
 I hope you will approve of 
 
 this new road leaves an old one already opened, 
 about five mile from Marietta & in about two mile & 
 a quarter enters the public lands and continues in 
 them to St Clairville except crofsing a few Sections 
 neer that Town which have ben Sold — the Distence 
 
 1 Page 431. 
 
438 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 Surveyed is Seventy mile & a few Chains — the Sur- 
 veyors bills @ three Dollars per day while in the 
 woods & two Dollars per day while making their 
 returns amount to $84.50 — 
 
 with refpect to the expence of opening the road I 
 find different opinions among those who have viewed 
 the ground : but none Suppose that a Waggon road 
 can be made twenty feet wide for Six Dollars per mile 
 including the Survey ; Some Suppose that it will cost 
 double the labour on twenty feet wide that it would 
 on twelve — on the whole I am of the opinion that four 
 Dollars per mile for opening & makeing a pafsable 
 Wagon road, twelve feet wide, is as low as may be ex- 
 pected that people will contract and in that propotion 
 for a greater wedth — and confidering the nature of 
 the country in general through which this road pafses 
 I am of opinion that an opening of fifteen feet wide 
 will anfwer very well 
 
 In ordor to have the work don at the lowest pofsi- 
 ble rate I beg leave to Sugest the propriety of Some 
 person being authorized (within Such limits as you 
 Shall prescribe) to contract with the lowest bidder 
 
 I have the honour to be 
 with the highest refpect 
 
 Sir your obedient Servent 
 
 Albert Gallatin Esquire 
 Secretary of the Treafury 
 
 from m** gallatin 
 
 Treasury Department 
 April 16" 1803 
 Sir 
 
 Your letter of the 28*^ March ^ has been duly re- 
 ceived. 
 
 1 Page 437. 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 439 
 
 As you have taken the pains of having the road 
 from Marietta to S* Clairville surveyed, I will thank 
 you to contract with the lowest bidder for opening 
 the same, and making it pafsable for a waggon, pro- 
 vided that the price shall not exceed five dollars per 
 mile. The amount of that contract and the Account 
 of the Surveyor, being both certified by you, will be 
 discharged by the register of the land office at Steu- 
 benville, who has received instructions on that sub- 
 ject. — 
 
 I am, very respectfully 
 Sir, 
 
 Your Obed : Servt 
 — Albert Gallatin 
 RuFUS Putnam Esq'' 
 
 Surveyor General 
 Marietta. 
 
 FROM M'' GALLATIN 
 
 Treasury Department 21 Septer 1803 
 Sir 
 
 The President of the United States having ap- 
 pointed Jared Mansfield of Connecticut Surveyor 
 General of the United States, I have to request, that 
 on his arrival at Marietta, you will deliver over to 
 him the public papers, records, documents & other 
 public property in your pofsefsion, and take, in con- 
 cert with him, such arrangements respecting the 
 completion of contracts for surveying not yet fully 
 executed, as will prevent any embarrafsment in the 
 public businefs and in the settlement of the accounts. 
 You will be pleased to consider yourself authorized 
 to act till M*^ Mansfield's arrival at Marietta, at which 
 time your salary will cease & his will commence. 
 After that date, it will not be proper for you to make 
 
440 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 any further drafts on the Secretary of the Treasury ; 
 but you will be pleased to transmit, as early as con- 
 venient thereafter, your accounts to that time ; any 
 balance of public monies then in your hands you 
 will pay to your succefsor taking duplicate receipts 
 for the same ; and if any balance should be due to 
 you, it will, on the settlement of your accounts, be 
 transmitted in a draft on one of the receivers of pub- 
 lic monies. At what time M"" Mansfield may reach 
 Marietta, I cannot with precision determine, but pre- 
 sume it will be within a month from this date. 
 
 The ag-ency in completing the road from Marietta 
 to S* Clair' sville being altogether distinct from the 
 ofBce of Surveyor General, I wish, that you would, 
 if not inconvenient to yourself, finish what relates to 
 that object. 
 
 I have the honour to be 
 with great respect 
 Sir 
 
 Your obed* Serv* 
 Albert Gallatin 
 RuFUS Putnam Esq""® 
 Surveyor General 
 Marietta 
 
 TO M" GALLATIN 
 
 Marietta February iS'h 1804 
 Sir 
 
 M"" Manffield arrived at Marietta the 25*'^ of Octo- 
 ber But did not take charge of bufinefs in the office 
 untill the first of November, to which time I con- 
 tinued in the office with my Clerks, have paid them 
 accordingly & expect you will direct the payment of 
 my Salary to that period — 
 
 Your request to " deliver over the public papers 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 441 
 
 records documents and other public property in my 
 pofsefsion to" M"" Manffield "and take in concert 
 with him fuch arangments refpecting the complea- 
 tion of contracts for Surveying not yet fully executed 
 as will prevent any embarrafment in the public bufi- 
 nefs and in the fettlement of the accounts " has ben 
 attended to with as much care as I Should have don 
 had I had the honour of refigning my office and M"" 
 Manffield on my recommondation ben appointed to 
 fucceed me ; prehaps you may imagine this conduct 
 looks like pafsive obedience and nonrefistence, or 
 that I am courting favor, mistake me not I have don 
 no more then what I concive to be the duty of every 
 public officer in like circumflances, and I am too in- 
 dependent to be influenced by the prejudices of the 
 times 
 
 I had drawn for no more money then to balance 
 my account closed to the 30*^ of September, therefore 
 none to pay over to my Succefsor 
 
 I have transmitted two accounts to the auditor for 
 Settlement. N° i besides Clerk hire for the month 
 of October last contains an account of contingent 
 expences in my office of various items, Sence its 
 first opening but I trust their is none but what have 
 ben admitted as a good Charge against the United 
 States in Similar cafes, a few remarks may be necef- 
 sary. the Charge for office rent is as low as ever 
 paid in this town, the printing by M"" Collerick was 
 Blanks for Leafing the referved fections, 203 leafes 
 had ben ifsued and the remaining Blanks have ben 
 delivered to M"^ Mansfield, as the Law made no pro- 
 vision for demanding a fee from the tennants, none 
 was taken, the expence therefore I concive to be a 
 good charge against the united States, efpecially as 
 the Writing them out would have taken up much 
 time of the Clerks — 
 
442 OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 to pay the postage of the Registers returns, was 
 an expence I could not avoid, as the Law required 
 thefe returns to be made I was undoubtedly bound to 
 recive them but furely Goverment could not intend 
 that fuch expence Should entirely be born by her 
 officers 
 
 If any doubt is entertained with refpect to the 
 weight of these returns it may in a Meafure be afser- 
 tained by those in the office of the Register of the 
 Treafary of which thefe are Copies. 
 
 I have forwarded another account N° 2 for Service 
 &c before I was appointed Surveyor General, & a 
 tour in the Woods fometime after on the fame bufi- 
 nefs. I ought to have prefented this to M'^ Wolcott 
 when I was at Philadelphia in 1799 but I forgot to 
 take the papers with me at that time, and having 
 contemplated paying a vifit to the Seat of goverment, 
 I omitted Sending on the account untill now. — the 
 amount of my claims are as follows 
 
 viz. per account N° i $385.68! 
 
 per do N** 2 62.20 
 
 For my Salary for the month of October 
 
 last i66.66| 
 
 614-55 
 
 I have to request that you will give fuch directions 
 for the fettlement of thefe accounts as to justice ap- 
 pertains, and for the balance found due to me please 
 to forward a draught on one of the recivers of public 
 moneys in this quarter — 
 
 My Contract for opening the road to St Clairville 
 was at five Dollars per mile 
 
 70 mile I Ch" $350.06 
 
 Expence of the Survey 84.50 
 
 434.56 
 
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE 443 
 
 The undertakers report that they have compleated 
 the work, this was the last of December and the Sea- 
 fon has ben fuch Severe as to for bid my having the 
 work examined, this however will be don before I 
 draw any money from M"" Hoge 
 
 M' Gallatin 
 
 from m"* gallatin 
 
 Treasury Department 
 
 April 25th 1804. — 
 Sir, 
 
 Two Accounts in your favor having been settled 
 at the Treasury, one amounting to $245.82, being for 
 your own and Clerk's Salaries, from the i^* to the 31^* 
 day of October 1803, and one amounting to $62.20, 
 being for your expenses & trouble in superintending 
 the road from Wheeling to Limestone, in the year 
 1796, the Treasurer has been directed to remit these 
 sums to you in drafts on Elijah Backus late Receiver 
 of public monies at Marietta. 
 
 As it is pofsible that M"" Backus may have paid 
 over the monies in his hands to his Succefsor, you 
 will please in that case to apply to M"^ Tupper, who 
 is directed to pay the Drafts. 
 
 I am, very respectfully 
 Sir, 
 
 Your obed : Serv* 
 RuFus Putnam Esq*" — Albert Gallatin 
 late Surveyor General. 
 
INDEX 
 
 References to correspondence occupy the first paragraph ; letters written precede those 
 received ; and the arrangement is chronological. 
 
 Abercrombie, Gen. James, attack 
 on Ticonderoga, 22-25. 
 
 Acadians on the Mississippi, 41. 
 
 Albany, N. Y., military importance, 
 202. 
 
 Ames, Fisher, to Putnam, 1791, 
 Indian war, protection and loy- 
 alty, 250. — From Putnam, 1790, 
 loyalty of the West, 234. 
 
 Amherst, Gen. Jeffry, reputation, 
 26 ; advance on Lake Champlain, 
 26. 
 
 Armstrong, John, children captured 
 by Indians, 123. 
 
 Army, Putnam's plan for peace es- 
 tablishment, 198-215; strategic 
 points and their control, 198-202 ; 
 arsenal and school, 200 ; frontier 
 posts and communication, 202- 
 204 ; size and disposition, 204- 
 206 ; pay and subsistence, 206, 
 207 ; elimination of state lines, 
 207 ; composition and regulation 
 of militia, 208-214; arms, 214, 
 215; general officers, 214. See 
 also Indians, Northwest Terri- 
 tory, Revolution. 
 
 Ashley, Major Moses, in the Rev *^' 
 lution, 96 n. ; interested in ^^^^^ 
 to settle on the Ohio, 225. 
 
 Attorneys, necessary legislaf'°" °"' 
 in Northwest Territory, y ' 
 
 Austm, , 160. , ., 
 
 Ayers, Elizabeth. Putnar^ ® ^"^' 
 marriage and death, 35. , , . 
 
 Ayers, William, Putnam's ^^^'^er-m- 
 law, 35. 
 
 Backus, Elijah, rec'" "^ P'^^^^^ 
 
 moneys, 443. vincennes -Sn 
 Baird, Joseph, at^,'""""^^',''^°- 
 D ■ i e lu captam m the Re- 
 Bannister, Seth, '^ 
 
 Barker, Joseph, 383. 
 
 Battelle, Ebenezer, at Marietta, 
 
 251. 
 Beard, William, 382. 
 Beaver Creek, Ohio, murder of 
 
 friendly Indians on, 254. 
 Beaver River, Pa., post at mouth, 
 
 288. 
 Bedel, Timothy, colonel in the Re- 
 volution, 74. 
 Belleville, W. Va., Indian attack, 
 
 232. 
 Belpre, Ohio, settled, 109. 
 Beman, Thomas, captain in the 
 
 French and Indian War, 33. 
 
 Benson, , 153. 
 
 Big Bottom, Ohio, Indian attarV - 
 
 112,247,250. 
 
 Biggs, , surveyor, 422. <— 3- 
 
 Blanchard, , plant? ^='0" o" the 
 
 Mississippi, 42. 
 
 pa3anent to, for 
 
 Bodwell, Elij;.'--' Pt.y^f."^ ^o, toi 
 blockho"- - ^' Gallipohs, 384-386, 
 
 Bontr-- ■' ■; ' 192- 
 
 g^ston, siege, 54-58. 
 
 Tijounty, trouble over town, to sol- 
 diers, 91, 143-146. 
 
 Bradstreet, Col. John, Abercrora- 
 bie's quartermaster-general, 23. 
 
 Brant, Joseph, Iroquois chief, in 
 Philadelphia, 303, 313, 315, 318. 
 
 Brewer, David, colonel in the Revo- 
 lution, 54 ; dismissed, 133. 
 
 Brooks, John, lieutenant-colonel in 
 the Revolution, at Freeman's 
 Farm, 68 ; on committee of griev- 
 ances, 93 ; commands a regiment, 
 94, 95, 97- 
 
 Brown, H. Y., lieutenant in the 
 French and Indian War, 17. 
 
 Brown, Dr. , peace messenger 
 
 to the Indians, 262. 
 
 Browning, William, husband of Abi- 
 gail Putnam, 36 n. 
 
446 
 
 INDEX 
 
 Buckingham, Ebenezer, husband of 
 
 Catharine Putnam, 36 n. 
 BuUard, Eleazar, 383. 
 Burgoyne, Gen. John, campaign, 
 
 67-73- 
 Burlingame, Christopher, husband 
 
 of Susanna Putnam, 36 n. 
 Burnet, Jacob, 428. 
 Burnham, Major John, at Gallipolis, 
 
 no. III. 
 Burns, educated Indian, incites war, 
 
 252. 
 Burr, Aaron, colonel in the Revolu- 
 tion, 135, 136. 
 Burrell, educated Indian, incites 
 
 war, 252. 
 Butler, Col. John, British Indian 
 
 agent, 318. 
 Butler, Zebulon, colonel in the 
 
 Revolution, 140. 
 
 Camp, John, killed, 112, 247. 
 
 Campbell, WilUam, major in the 
 Revolution, 151. 
 
 Campus Martins, 105, 107. 
 
 Canada, futile plan to invade, in 
 1778, 74, 75 ; relation of the West 
 to, 236. 
 
 Carpenter, , plantation on the 
 
 Mississippi, 42. 
 
 Champlain, Lake, Amherst's cam- 
 paign, 26; plan of defence, 201. 
 
 Chapin, Gen. Israel, to Knox, 1792, 
 Iroquois and the Indian war, 
 316. 
 
 Chapman's Station, Ohio, 409. 
 
 Charleston, S. C, strategic impor- 
 tance, 199. 
 
 Cherokee Indians, friendship and 
 subsidy, 261 ; outcasts, 261, 292 ; 
 chiefs at Philadelphia, 336. 
 
 Chester, Peter, governor of Florida, 
 
 Chickasaw Indians, friendship, 261 ; 
 military aid from, 332. 
 
 Chillicothe, Ohio, route of proposed 
 road to, 435. 
 
 Chippewa Indians, reasons for join- 
 ing the hostiles, 280. 
 
 Choat, Francis, Indians capture, 
 112, 248. 
 
 Choat, Isaac, Indians capture, 112, 
 248. 
 
 Choctaw Indians, friendship, 261. 
 
 Cincinnati. See Washington (Fort). 
 
 Clark, Joseph, killed, 112, 247. 
 
 Clark, Theophilus, ensign in the 
 Revolution, 142. 
 
 Clarksburg, W. Va., 430. 
 
 Cleghom, John, 311, 312. 
 
 Cleveland. See Cuyahoga River. 
 
 Clinton, Gen. George, at White 
 Plains, 62. 
 
 Clinton, Sir Henry, reported excite- 
 ment of, in 1781, 190, 191, 194. 
 See also Revolution. 
 
 Coburn, Major Asa, at Marietta, 
 107. 
 
 Coder, Rene, interpreter at Vin- 
 cennes, 338 ; on the Viviat pur- 
 chase, 378. 
 
 Collerick, , printer, 441. 
 
 Collings, James, lieutenant in the 
 French and Indian War, 11-13. 
 
 Connecticut, British raid in 1781, 
 190-194. 
 
 Conner, Philip, British deserter, 
 160. 
 
 Constant, J. B., interpreter at Vin- 
 cennes, 338. 
 
 Cook, Nicholas, governor of Rhode 
 Island, 58. 
 
 Cool, Hymen, soldier in the Revo- 
 lution, 187. 
 
 Couch, James, killed, 112, 247. 
 
 Council of Massachusetts, from Put- 
 nam, 17S0, recruiting, town boun- 
 ties, 142. 
 
 Courts-martial, necessary legisla- 
 tion on, in Northwest Territory, 
 310. 
 
 Cow-boys in the Revolution, 184, 
 189. 
 
 Craig, Major Isaac, 387, 390, 401, 
 
 407- 
 
 Creek Indians, friendship and sub- 
 sidy, 261. 
 
 CrotoiJ River, N. Y., Putnam's de- 
 tachment duty near, in 1780, 86, 
 147-178. 
 
 Crown Point, N. Y., French aban- 
 don, 26; strategic importance, 
 200. 
 
 Gushing, Nathaniel, at Marietta, 
 107 ; cap\tain in the Revolution, 
 167, 169. 
 
 Cutler, Rev. iManasseh, contract 
 with Duer, iic^, m. 
 
 Cuyahoga Rivei', Ohio, strategic 
 importance, 2(^3, 284-287, 289, 
 
INDEX 
 
 447 
 
 293-295 ; objections to post at, 
 314. Sis- 
 Darby, Samuel, major in the Revo- 
 lution, 93. 
 
 Davis, Deacon , of Boston, 89. 
 
 Davis, Eliza, wife of Edwin Putnam, 
 36 n. 
 
 Davis, Jonas, killed, 115. 
 
 Davis, William, 37. 
 
 De Lancey, James, Tory comman- 
 der, 158, 170, 185, 186. 
 
 Delaware Indians, hostility sus- 
 pected, III, 233, 248, 251, 252, 
 319; speeches sent to, 269, 368; 
 supposed hostile counsel, 280, 
 281; move westward, 315. See 
 also Indians. 
 
 Denau, Pierre, messenger, 382. 
 
 Despatches, British, to be inter- 
 cepted, 188. 
 
 Detroit, strategic importance, 202, 
 294 ; as an Indian market, 408. 
 
 Devol, Gilbert, station in Ohio, 409. 
 
 Dexter, Ichabod, in the French and 
 Indian War, 21. 
 
 Donal (Donnell, Nathaniel?), cap- 
 tain in the Revolution, 87. 
 
 Dorchester Heights, Mass., forti- 
 fied, 56-58. 
 
 Doyle, Capt. Thomas, 382. 
 
 Duck Creek, Ohio, settlement on, 
 no. 
 
 Ducoigne, John Baptist, Kaskaskia 
 chief, speeches at Vincennes 
 council, 339, 341, 355' 359- 
 
 Dudley, Jonathan, Putnam's guar- 
 dian, 9n. 
 
 Duer, William, purchase from the 
 Ohio Company, no, in, n6, 
 
 Dumais, interpreter, 374. 
 
 Education in the West, 244. 
 
 Edward, Fort, N. Y., in 1757, ii- 
 15; plan, 15; in 1777, 67. 
 
 Edwards, Thomas, lieutenant in the 
 Revolution, 93. 
 
 Eel River Indians, at Vincennes 
 council, 121, 335; peace, 263, 
 296 ; speech to, 333 ; Wilkinson's 
 expedition against, 346. See also 
 Wabash Indians. 
 
 Elliott and Williams, 383. 
 
 Enos, Capt. Roger, trip to Florida, 
 
 37- 
 
 Erie, Pa. See Presqu' Isle. 
 
 Erie, Lake, communication with the 
 Ohio River, 203-206, 219, 220, 
 243, 244, 284-290, 293-295 ; posts 
 on, not desired, 314. 
 
 Ettwein, John, Moravian bishop, 
 418. 
 
 Everett, Peletiah, ensign in the Re- 
 volution, 142. 
 
 Falmouth, Me., strategic impor- 
 tance, 199. 
 
 Farewell, Jonathan, killed, 112, 247. 
 
 Felty, John, 382. 
 
 Ferries, necessary legislation for, 
 in Northwest Territory, 310. 
 
 First Massachusetts Brigade, to 
 Putnam, 1781, to present griev- 
 ances, 182. 
 
 Fish Carrier, Iroquois chief, and 
 the Indian War, 317. 
 
 Five Nations. See Iroquois. 
 
 Fleury, F. L. de, lieutenant-colonel 
 in the Revolution, 140. 
 
 Florida, expected military grant in, 
 36 ; exploration, 36-50 ; failure 
 of grant, 53. 
 
 Foot, , captain in the French 
 
 and Indian War, 29. 
 
 Foreigners, necessary legislation 
 on, in Northwest Territory, 309, 
 310. 
 
 Forsyth, , commissary in the 
 
 Revolution, 147. 
 
 Foster, Peregrine, suggested for 
 judgeship, 412 n.; resigns regis- 
 tership, 433. 
 
 France, in the American Revolu- 
 tion, 86, 189 ; relation with the 
 western Indians, 342, 345, 347, 
 
 348, 354, 358, 359- 
 
 Freeman, murdered, 301. 
 
 Freeman's Farm, N. Y., second 
 battle, 67-73. 
 
 French and Indian War, Putnam 
 enlists, 11 ; around Fort Edward 
 in 1757, n-13. 15; capture of 
 Fort William Henry, 13-15; de- 
 sertion and overland winter march 
 of Massachusetts troops, 16-21 ; 
 Abercrombie's attack on Ticon- 
 deroga, 22-25 '< Putnam enlists 
 as a substitute, 25; Amherst's 
 advance on Lake Champlain, 26; 
 campaign of 1760, 34. 
 
448 
 
 INDEX 
 
 Frye, Joseph, colonel in the French 
 and Indian War, 1 1 ; captured, 
 
 15- 
 
 Fuller, John, lieutenant m the Re- 
 volution, 174. 
 
 Fuller, Jonathan, grandfather of 
 Putnam, 9. 
 
 Gage, Gen. Thomas, in the French 
 and Indian War, 23. 
 
 Gallatin, Albert, secretary of the 
 treasury, to Putnam, 1802, road 
 survey and routes, 431 ; recom- 
 mendation for register, 433, 436 ; 
 1803, road contract, 438 ; removal 
 from office, 439; 1804, account, 
 440. — From Putnam, 1802, road 
 survey and routes, 433 ; 1803, 
 same, 437 ; 1804, removal from 
 office, account, 440. 
 
 Gallipolis, Ohio, settlement, no; 
 population in 1795, 123; Putnam 
 has charge, 125; payment for 
 defences at, 384-386 ; post-office, 
 387, 389 ; postmaster, 392 ; sur- 
 vey of public lands ifor French 
 inhabitants, 409, 410. 
 
 Gardner, Benjamin, captain in the 
 Revolution, 142. 
 
 Gates, Capt. Benjamin, at Free- 
 man's Farm, 69. 
 
 George, Fort, N. Y., built, 25. 
 
 Georgetown, Pa., road to Gnaden- 
 hutten, 435. 
 
 Georgia, strategic importance, 199. 
 
 Gilman, Joseph, territorial judge, 
 411, 412 n. 
 
 Girty, Simon, on war-path, 312. 
 
 Glover, Brig.-Gen. John, at Free- 
 man's Farm, 68 ; on committee 
 of grievances, 93. 
 
 Gnadenhutten, Ohio, Christian In- 
 dian town, 418 ; roads to George- 
 town and Zanesville, 435. 
 
 Goodale, Major Nathan, gallantry 
 at Freeman's Farm, 69-73 ; ar- 
 rives at Marietta, 107 ; killed, 
 
 "5- 
 Goodale's Station, Ohio, 408. 
 
 Goodrich, naval captain, 41. 
 
 Graham, George, at Prestonville, 
 
 Ky., 396, 404. 
 Graham, John, at Prestonville, Ky., 
 
 396, 404. 
 Graves, Admiral Thomas, arrival 
 
 at New York, 174; reported de- 
 parture for Rhode Island, 177. 
 
 Gray, Lieut. Archibald, Indian at- 
 tack on, 253. 
 
 Great Britain, accused of inciting 
 the Indians, 119, 275, 281, 285,294, 
 342, 357, 377 ; relations with, in 
 1792, 314 ; and the Indian lands, 
 342. See also French and Indian 
 War, Revolution. 
 
 Greaton, Col. John, at Freeman's 
 Farm, 68 ; leave of absence, 74, 
 79 ; on grievance committee, 93 ; 
 rank, 94 ; in 1780, 175; presides 
 over brigade meeting, 182 ; com- 
 mands foragers, 186. 
 
 Greene, , contract for mail car- 
 riage, 413-415; failure, 417. 
 
 Greene, Gen. Nathanael, at White 
 Plains, 63; tour in 1778, 79. 
 
 §reenville, Ohio, 416. 
 ridley, Richard, colonel in the 
 Revolution, 58. 
 Griffin, James, British deserter, 160. 
 Grosvenor, Thomas, major in the 
 
 Revolution, 77, 78. 
 Guitteau, Jerusha, wife of W. R. 
 Putnam, 36 n. 
 
 Habersham, Joseph, postmaster- 
 general, to Putnam, 1796, mail 
 route, 413. — From Putnam, 1800, 
 map, new road, 430. 
 
 Hale, , lieutenant-colonel in the 
 
 Revolution, 77, 78. 
 
 Half-pay, objections, 179. 
 
 Hammond, , colonel in the Re- 
 volution, 136. 
 
 Hamtramck, Major J. F., command- 
 ant at Vincennes, to Putnam, 
 1792, preparation for Indian coun- 
 cil, 320, 327. — From Putnam, 
 1792, Indian council, 305 ; Indian 
 goods, 380. 
 
 Favors a council, 120; sends 
 chiefs to Philadelphia, 121 ; to 
 pacify the Indians, 262 ; agree- 
 ment with chiefs, 263, 276, 282, 
 293. 303 ; i^ot suitable as peace 
 commissioner, 323 ; witnesses the 
 treaty, 366 ; to distribute presents 
 to the Indians, 371. 
 
 Hardin, , rumored preparation 
 
 for raid on the Indians, 325. 
 
 Hardin, Col. John, peace messenger 
 
INDEX 
 
 449 
 
 to the Indians, killed, 119, 274, 
 292,301^311,312. 
 
 Harmar, Col. Josiah, proprietor in 
 Oliio Company, 107 ; expedition 
 against the Indians, no, 113. 
 
 Harmar, Fort, treaty, loS, 249, 259. 
 
 Haskel, Capt. Jonathan, 385. 
 
 Hawks, Fort, Mass., 20, 21. 
 
 Hazen, Moses, colonel in the Revo- 
 lution, 74. 
 
 Heath, Gen. William, to Putnam, 
 
 1779, reconnoissance on Ver- 
 planck Point, 80; 1780, promo- 
 tions, 149 ; 1781, detachment 
 duty, 87 ; flour, 183 ; supplies, im- 
 pressment, and instructions, 183, 
 184 ; forage, De Lancey's move- 
 ments, 186 ; supplies, parley, 
 rank, 187 ; enemy's despatches, 
 188; forage, 188; cow-boys, rein- 
 forcement, 189; safety of com- 
 munication, 189; raid in Con- 
 necticut, 190, 192, 193; reinforce- 
 ment, 195 ; officers to report, 195 ; 
 reduction of force, 196; enemy's 
 movements, 197 ; forage, 197. 
 
 Hebecourt, Francis de, postmaster 
 at Gallipolis, 392. 
 
 Heckewelder, Rev. John, Moravian 
 missionary, accompanies Putnam 
 to the Vincennes council, 121, 264, 
 268, 373 ; attends survey of lands, 
 418. 
 
 Henderson, Edward, wounded, 253. 
 
 Hendrick, Stockbridge chief, peace 
 messenger to the hostile Indians, 
 119, 262, 263,270, 274, 291, 299, 
 302, 313, 316, 321, 331. 
 
 Henry, William, to attend survey 
 of Moravian lands, 418. 
 
 Hoge, David, register at Steuben- 
 ville, Ohio, 433, 443. 
 
 Holden, John (Levi), lieutenant in 
 the Revolution, 176. 
 
 Horton, , major in the Revo- 
 lution, 170. 
 
 Howe, George, Viscount, affection 
 of soldiers for, 23; death, 23. 
 
 Howe, Gen. Robert, to Putnam, 
 
 1780, detachment duty at Croton 
 River, N. Y., reinforcement, sup- 
 plies, 147; movement to deceive 
 the enemy, 149 ; works at Ver- 
 
 l planck Point, 151 ; intelligence of 
 the enemy, 1 52 ; defensive opera- 
 
 tions, impressment, 155; con- 
 tinuance of the detachment, 156, 
 157 ; expected attack, 158 ; meet- 
 ing, 162 ; retirement, 163 ; scout 
 on enemy's movements, 164, 165 ; 
 enemy's advance, 165 ; ravages, 
 168 ; partisan stroke, clothing, 
 171; flag of truce, 173; relief, 
 excursion, expected attack, 176. 
 — From Putnam, 1780, position 
 of detachment, 148 ; enemy's po- 
 sition, supplies, 150, 152; scout- 
 ing parties, 153; impressment, 
 157; deserters, 159, 160; reported 
 victory in New Jersey, 161 ; re- 
 tirement, 163 ; advance of the 
 enemy, French fleet, 166, 167 ; 
 enemy's position, clothing, 170; 
 clothing, 172, 173; arrival of 
 Graves, reduction of command, 
 174; retirement of the enemy, 
 176, 177. 
 Movement on Verplanck Point, 
 
 83- 
 
 Hudson River, strategic impor- 
 tance, 200. 
 
 Hull, William, lieutenant-colonel in 
 the Revolution, 176. 
 
 Humble, Robert, British prisoner, 
 167. 
 
 Hunt, Thomas, captain in the Revo- 
 lution, 195, 196. 
 
 Huntington, Jedediah, general in 
 the Revolution, 194. 
 
 Hurlburt, Benona, killed, 114. 
 
 Hutchins, Thomas, on western geo- 
 graphy, 219, 283. 
 
 Illinois River, post on, 218. 
 
 Impressment of provisions, 184. 
 
 Indians, prevent surveys in 1785, 
 loi ; Fort Mcintosh treaty, 102; 
 negotiation with the Penobscot, 
 103 ; Fort Harmar treaty, 108, 
 249, 259; raid in 1789, 109; Har- 
 mar's expedition against, 1 10, 
 113, 248; militia guard of the 
 Ohio Company, in 1790, no; at- 
 tacks on the Ohio Company set- 
 tlements in 1791, 112, 114, 115, 
 247, 253, 256; Ohio Company's 
 militia and defensive measures, 
 113, 114, 252, 271, 272; further 
 losses of the Ohio Company, 1 15, 
 123; defeat of St. Clair, no; 
 
450 
 
 INDEX 
 
 cost of the war to the Ohio 
 Company, 117, 118; Putnam in- 
 structed to attend council of hos- 
 tile, 119, 257-267; speeches sent 
 to the hostile, 119, 268-271, 368- 
 370 ; attempt to attend council 
 fails, 119, 275, 277-279, 305; at 
 tack near Fort Jefferson, 119, 
 273-275. 278, 291, 292, 312; sus 
 picion of British aid, 119, 275 
 281, 285, 294, 342, 357, 377 
 peace messengers and their fate, 
 119, 262-264, 270, 274, 277, 291 
 292, 296, 301, 303, 311, 313, 316, 
 331,376; council with the Wa 
 bash, 130; tribes present at the 
 council, 121 ; chiefs visit Phila- 
 delphia, 121, 258, 265, 276, 318, 
 336, 367, 372 ; Putnam's plan of 
 posts to control, 202-206, 217- 
 220, 242-245, 283-291, 293-295, 
 314, 315; trade, 202, 217, 218, 
 235, 240, 343. 349. 356. 357; 
 attacks in 1790, 232, 233; fa- 
 vorable disposition toward, of 
 Ohio Company, 245 ; government 
 measures against, 248-250, 254- 
 256; dissatisfied over land pur- 
 chases, 249; tribes concerned in 
 the war, 251, 252, 319, 340, 346; 
 murder of friendly, 254; govern- 
 ment policy as to lands, 258-260, 
 265, 282, 313, 354, 364, 369, 373, 
 377, 378 ; reservations in Indian 
 country, 258, 354, 355, 358 ; de- 
 mand for peaceful behaviour, 
 260 ; federal government to be 
 explained to, 260 ; promise of 
 protection, 260, 354, 364, 378; 
 friendship with Iroquois and 
 southern, 261 ; subsidies to, 261 ; 
 government desire for peace, 261, 
 262, 267, 313, 327, 331; desire 
 of Wabash, for peace, 263 n., 264, 
 267, 296 ; presents for, 264-266, 
 272, 3M. 322, 324. 362, 370, 371. 
 374, 379-381 ; prisoners at Fort 
 Washington released, 267, 273, 
 298, 300, 304, 306, 316, 322, 333, 
 337 ; plan to attack, on the San- 
 dusky, 268 ; advisability of and 
 preparation for council at Vin- 
 cennes with western Indians, 
 275-277, 279-282, 293, 297-309, 
 313, 320-324, 233 > fear of losmg 
 
 their lands, 280-282, 342, 343, 
 
 345. 347. 349. 35 1. 35^; termma- 
 tion of the hostile council, 282 ; 
 Iroquois and the war, 282, 316- 
 319, 331 ; further effort to reach 
 the hostile, 283, 288, 299, 302, 
 313. 322, 3^6, 368-370, 373, 375, 
 376 ; St. Clair's wrong tactics, 
 295, 328 ; war to continue, 296, 
 
 299. 300, 302, 373. 375-377; 
 speeches with the Wabash In- 
 dians, 297-299, 307, 333, 334; 
 hostile council, 319; blacksmiths 
 and schools for the Iroquois, 
 319; desire for gifts, 319, 343, 
 35°. 357 ; necessity of high civil 
 agent to negotiate with, 323 ; re- 
 port of intended private raid on, 
 325; return of slaves held by, 
 326, 364, 365 ; Wayne's prepara- 
 tions, 329, 332, 333 ; depredations 
 continue, 330 ; uncertainty of 
 peace or war, 330-332 ; aid from 
 the Chickasaws, 332 ; sale of 
 liquor to, at Vincennes council 
 forbidden, 334; journal of Vin- 
 cennes council, 335-362, 366, 367 ; 
 Ohio River desired as boundary 
 with the whites, 343, 349, 350, 
 354-356; land policy of the 
 French, 342, 345. 347. 348 ; Wil- 
 kinson's expedition, 346 ; sale of 
 lands to the French, 354, 355, 
 358-560; signing of the Vin- 
 cennes treaty, 361, 362; text of 
 the treaty, 363-366 ; proceedings 
 forwarded to Knox, 371; inter- 
 pretation of the treaty, 377, 378 ; 
 invalid sale to Wabash Land 
 Company, 378 ; cost of Vincennes 
 council, 382, 383 ; boundary line 
 under Wayne's treaty, 424, 425. 
 
 IngersoU, Joseph, lieutenant-colo- 
 nel in the French and Indian 
 War, 26. 
 
 Innes, Judge Harry, slaves of, held 
 by Indians, 326. 
 
 Iroquois Indians, subsidy, 261 ; 
 chiefs at Philadelphia, 258, 318, 
 336; and the Indian war, 282, 
 316-319, 331 ; schools and black- 
 smiths for, 319. 
 
 Isle-aux-Noix, siege in 1760, 34. 
 
 Ives, Col. , 412 n. 
 
 Ives, Miss, of Salem, 411. 
 
INDEX 
 
 451 
 
 Jacko, interpreter, 374. 
 
 Jackson, , surveyor, 422. 
 
 Jackson, Henry, colonel in the Re- 
 volution, 93. 
 
 James, Thomas, Indian trader on 
 the Mississippi, 45. 
 
 James, William, killed, 112, 247. 
 
 Jeffers, Capt. John, 267. 
 
 Jefferson, Thomas, Putnam's opin- 
 ion, 100, 125; removes Putnam, 
 125, 126. 
 
 Jefferson, Fort, Ohio, Indian attack 
 near, 119, 273-275, 278, 291, 292, 
 312. 
 
 Judd, William, 412. 
 
 Kanawh.i River, Washington's ad- 
 vertisement of lands on, 227- 
 232. 
 
 Kaskaskia Indians at Vincennes 
 council, 121, 335. 
 
 Kaweahatta, Eel River chief, 307, 
 
 309- 
 Kelly, James, killed, 115. 
 Kelly, Joseph, Indians capture, 
 
 "5- 
 
 Kemper, Jacob, captain in the Re- 
 volution, 187. 
 
 Kerr, Matthew, killed, 114. 
 
 Kickapoo Indians at Vincennes 
 council, 121, 335. 
 
 King, Capt. Zebulon, killed, 109. 
 
 Kirby, Samuel, 382. 
 
 Kiree, , quartermaster in the 
 
 Revolution, 88 n. 
 
 Knapp, Moses, major in the Revo- 
 lution, 195. 
 
 Knox, Gen. Henry, secretary of 
 war, to Putnam, 1791, govern- 
 ment aid against Indians, 249 ; 
 troops, St. Clair, 254, 255 ; 1792, 
 brigadier - generalship, instruc- 
 tions for attendance at Indian 
 council, 257 ; treaty with Wabash 
 Indians, frontier defence, 313; 
 1793, interpretation of treaty, 377 ; 
 resignation, praise, 120. — From 
 Gen. Chapin, 1792, the Iroquois 
 and the Indian war, 316. — P'rom 
 Putnam, 1791, Indian war, 251, 
 253, 256 ; 1792, brigadier-general- 
 ship, 118; speech sent to the 
 hostiles, 267 ; Indian council, 
 frontier defence, 280, 290, 292, 
 295; advisability and preparation 
 
 for Vincennes council, 301, 308, 
 321 ; private raid on Indians, 
 325; treaty, illness, continuation 
 of war, 371 ; 1793, interpretation 
 of treaty, 378; Viviat purchase, 
 378 ; Indian presents, account, 
 379 ; resignation, 384 ; payment 
 for defences at Gallipolis, 384. 
 At siege of Boston, 58. 
 
 Knox, P"ort. See Vincennes. 
 
 Kosciuszko, Thaddeus, with Gates's 
 army, 73. 
 
 Krouch, Jean, Weya chief, death, 
 298. 304, 333- 
 
 Lafayette, Marquis de, and the plan 
 to invade Canada, 74, 75. 
 
 Lafayette, Fort. See Verplanck 
 Point. 
 
 La Loiras plantation on the Mis- 
 sissippi, 40. 
 
 Lancaster, Ohio, proposed road 
 through, 432.. 434- 
 
 Land. See Indians, Northwest Ter- 
 ritory, Survey. 
 
 Langdon, Phoebe, 173. 
 
 Larned, Simon, captain in the Re- 
 volution, 93. 
 
 La Vans, Capt. de, 169. 
 
 Learned, Ebenezer, captain in the 
 French and Indian War, 1 1 ; de- 
 serts with his company, 16, 22 ; 
 overland winter journey, 17-21 ; 
 colonel and general in the Re- 
 volution, 22, 68; refeigns, 94, 
 
 133- 
 
 Legislation, necessary in North- 
 west Territory, 309-311. 
 
 Limestone, Ky., station on mail 
 route, 386; postmaster, 390. 
 
 Lincoln, Gen. Benjamin, commis- 
 sioner to Penobscot Indians, 103. 
 
 Liquor, sale of, to Indians during 
 council forbidden, 334. 
 
 Loan certificates, value of, and the 
 western lands, 224. 
 
 Loramie's store, Ohio, 416. 
 
 Loring, Jotham, colonel in the Re- 
 volution, 134, 136. 
 
 Ludlow, Israel, surveyor, 422, 423. 
 
 Lyman, Gen. Phineas, in the French 
 and Indian War, 24 ; and the 
 land grant in Florida, 36. 
 
 Lyman, Thaddeus, trip to Florida, 
 37' 
 
452 
 
 INDEX 
 
 McCulloch's ferry on the Muskin- 
 gum, 419. 
 
 McDougall, Gen. Alexander, 1780, 
 memorial to Congress on pay, 
 178. — To Putnam, 1779, detach- 
 ment duty, 134; 1 78 1, inspection 
 of Stony Point, 88. — From Put- 
 nam, 1779, detachment duty, 135. 
 At White Plains, 64; com- 
 mands West Point, 75 ; and the 
 movement against Verplanck 
 Point, 81-85. 
 
 Mcintosh's plantation on the Mis- 
 sissippi, 42. 
 
 Mcintosh, Fort, treaty with the In- 
 dians, 102. 
 
 McKee, Capt., British Indian 
 agent, 311. 
 
 McKnight, Mary, Indians capture, 
 
 329- 
 
 Mail route on the Ohio, establish- 
 ment, 386, 390, 391 ; boats and 
 crews, 387, 388, 396, 397, 400- 
 402 ; postmaster at Marietta, 388 ; 
 importance of station at Scioto 
 River, 389, 391, 393, 397 ; ineffi- 
 ciency, 392, 393, 395, 398, 413- 
 415 ; suggested improvements, 
 393' 395-405; importance, 394; 
 pay of carriers, 401, 404; land 
 route desired, 405 ; Zane's route, 
 414-416; renewed failure, 417; 
 land route along the river, 430. 
 
 Maine, Putnam's survey, 100-103 ; 
 settlement of, desired, 224 ; valu- 
 able for timber only, 245. 
 
 Malliot, interpreter, 374. 
 
 Mansfield, Jared, appointed sur- 
 veyor-general, 126, 439; enters 
 on duties, 440. 
 
 Map, Indians misled by, 258 ; por- 
 tion of Northwest Territory, 
 
 430- 
 
 Marietta, Ohio, survey and de- 
 fences, 104; Campus Martins, 
 105 ; post-office, 386 ; postmas- 
 ter, 388 ; road to St. Clairsville, 
 431-434, 437-440, 442; road to 
 Zanesville, 436. See also Ohio 
 Company. 
 
 Marshall, John, error on battle of 
 Freeman's Farm, 67, 68. 
 
 Marshall, Col. Thomas (.?), 398. 
 
 Martin, William, surveyor, 410, 
 422-424. 
 
 Massac, Fort, importance, 202. 
 Massachusetts, soldiers' grievances 
 
 as to pay and clothing, 90-93, 
 
 182 ; town bounties, 91, 143-146; 
 
 opposition to the settlement of 
 
 Northwest Territory, 224, 225, 
 
 245-247. 
 Massisioga Indians, council with 
 
 the Iroquois, 318. 
 Mathews, Daniel, Putnam's master, 
 
 10. 
 Mathews, John, surveyor, 107, 422 ; 
 
 payment for Gallipolis defences, 
 
 384-386. 
 Mayee, J. P., interpreter at Vin- 
 
 cennes council, 338, 374. 
 Maysville, Ky. See Limestone. 
 
 Mechin, 
 
 lieutenant in the 
 
 Revolution, 130. 
 Meeks, Isaac, killed with family, 
 
 112, 247. 
 Meigs, Col. R. J., at Marietta, 107. 
 Meigs, R. J., Jr., postmaster at 
 
 Marietta, 388, 391 ; to pay mail 
 
 carriers, 401, 404; recommended 
 
 for judgeship, 412 n. 
 Meigs Creek, Ohio, settlement on, 
 
 109. 
 Mercer, Gen. Hugh, in New Jersey, 
 
 59- 
 Miami Indians, hostile, iii ; speech 
 
 sent to, 368. See also Indians. 
 
 Michilimackinac, Mich., military 
 post, 202, 218. 
 
 Mififlin, Gen. Thomas, reconnois- 
 sance near New York, 60. 
 
 Military Adventurers, meeting on 
 land grant in Florida, 36 ; ex- 
 ploration, 36-50 ; attitude of 
 Florida government, 38, 51 ; at- 
 tempted emigration and failure 
 of grant, 53. 
 
 Militia, Putnam's plan for, composi- 
 tion and control, 208-211 ; train- 
 ing and pay, 211-213; length of 
 service, 213; liability to duty, 
 213; strength and activity in 
 Ohio Company in 1791, 113; 
 guard in Northwest Territory in 
 1795, 405-409; rations, 406 ; pay, 
 407 ; scouts and their rendez- 
 vous, 407-409. 
 
 Miller, , colonel in the French 
 
 and Indian War, 29 ; in the Revo- 
 lution, service in 1780, 147, 150, 
 
INDEX 
 
 453 
 
 154. 155. 157. 161, 163, 164, 173, 
 
 175- 
 Miller, John, Indian, brings news of 
 
 rising, 252. 
 Mills, Capt. William, at Marietta, 
 
 387. 391- 
 Mingo Indians, supposed hostility, 
 
 251. 
 
 Mississippi River, lower, in 1773, 
 39-50 ; Putnam's computation of 
 distances, 44 ; importance of free 
 navigation, 234, 237-239._ 
 
 Missoutin Indians at Vincennes 
 council, 121. 
 
 Mitchell, George, postmaster at 
 Limestone, Ky., 390, 395. 
 
 Money, depreciation of paper, and 
 soldiers' pay, 91, 182. 
 
 Monroe, Col. George, at Fort Wil- 
 liam Henry, 14. 
 
 Montgomery, Fort, N. Y., 85, 140. 
 
 Montreal, capture in 1760, 34. 
 
 Moravian lands, survey, 418. 
 
 Morgan, , at Marietta, 232. 
 
 Morse, Capt. Joseph, at Freeman's 
 Farm, 69. 
 
 Moulton, George, British deserter, 
 
 159- 
 Muskingum River, Ohio, posts on, 
 
 advised, 203, 290, 315. See also 
 
 Marietta. 
 Musquetan Indians at Vincennes 
 
 council, 335. 
 Myrick, , 183, 189. 
 
 Nash, , 41. 
 
 New London, Conn., British raid, 
 191, 193. 
 
 New Orleans as a market for the 
 West, 234, 236-238. 
 
 New York. See Revolution. 
 
 New York City, fortifications, 59 ; 
 evacuated, 60 ; strategic impor- 
 tance, 199. 
 
 Newbury, Ohio, 109, 408. 
 
 Newhall, Ezra, lieutenant-colonel in 
 the Revolution, 96 n. 
 
 Newport, R. I., Putnam plans for- 
 tifications, 55, 58. 
 
 Niagara, Fort, N. Y., importance, 
 202, 218. 
 
 Nixon, Gen. John, at Freeman's 
 Farm, 68, 69 ; winter quarters, 79 ; 
 movement on Vcrplanck Point, 
 82-85 ; resigns, 94. 
 
 Northwest Territory, army officers 
 petition for land, 100, 215, 216; 
 the Indians and the survey, loi, 
 232 ; establishment of govern- 
 ment, 107 ; defence and communi- 
 cation, 202-206, 218-220, 242-245, 
 250, 283-291, 293-295, 314,315; 
 conditions of settlement desired 
 by army officers, 221, 225 ; protest 
 against large individual grants, 
 222 ; opposition of Massachusetts 
 to settlement, 224, 225, 245-247 ; 
 delay in opening for settlement, 
 226 ; outlaws, 233 ; navigability 
 of rivers, 283 ; necessary legisla- 
 tion in 1792, 309-311; militia 
 guard in 1795, 405-409 ; character 
 and appointment of judges, 411, 
 4x2 ; squatters, 428-430. See also 
 Indians, Mail, Ohio Company, 
 Roads, Survey, West. 
 
 Nourse, Joseph, register, comment 
 on removal of Putnam, 126. 
 
 Nuisances, necessary legislation on, 
 in Northwest Territory, 310. 
 
 Number Four, Fort, Mass., 34. 
 
 Odell, Jonathan, 153. 
 
 O'Hara, Col. James, 3S8. 
 
 Ohio Company, organization, 102; 
 journey of first settlers, 103, 104; 
 survey and defences of Marietta, 
 104 ; first planting, 105 ; allotment 
 of land, 105-109 ; settlers in 1788, 
 107; immigrants in 1789, 109; 
 first Indian attack in 1789, 109; 
 new settlements in 1790, 109; 
 settlement contract with Duer, 
 no, III, 116; French settlers, 
 no, 123; defensive measures, 
 no; immigration in 1790, no; 
 severe frost, in ; Indian attack 
 in 1791, 112, 114, 115, 248-256; 
 militia in 1791, 113; petition to 
 Congress for relief, 115-117 ; In- 
 dian war expenses, 117,118; pop- 
 ulation in 1790, 122; deserters, 
 122; additional land grant, 123; 
 losses during Indian war, 123; 
 defensive measures in 1792, 271, 
 272. See also Indians, Mail, 
 Northwest Territory, Roads, 
 Survey. 
 
 Ohio River, communication with 
 Lake Erie, 203-206, 219, 220, 243, 
 
454 
 
 INDEX 
 
 244, 284-290, 293-295, 314,315; 
 
 mail route on, 386-405, 413-415, 
 
 417. 
 Oliver, Col. Robert, interest in Ohio 
 
 Company, 215, 225 ; mill on Wolf 
 
 Creek, 408. 
 Ontario, Lake, communication with, 
 
 220. 
 Oswego, N. Y., importance of post, 
 
 202, 218. 
 Ottawa Indians, speech sent to, 
 
 269 ; at Vincennes council, 345. 
 Outlaws on the frontier, 233. 
 
 Page, William, captain in the 
 French and Indian War, 26, 32. 
 
 Paijet, Guillaume, messenger, 382. 
 
 Pantoosuck, Fort, Mass., 22. 
 
 Parsons, Gen. S. H., director of 
 Ohio Company, arrives at Mari- 
 etta, 106; territorial judge, 107. 
 
 Paterson, Gen. John, to Putnam, 
 1782, question of resignation, 95. 
 Movement on Verplanck Point, 
 83-85. 
 
 Patten, James, Indians capture or 
 kill, 112, 247 ; pilot on the Ohio, 
 382. 
 
 Pay memorial of officers in the Re- 
 volution, 178-182. 
 
 Penobscot, Me., strategic impor- 
 tance, 199. 
 
 Penobscot Indians, commission to, 
 103. 
 
 Pensacola, Fla., in 1773, 38. 
 
 Pensions for officers' widows asked, 
 180. 
 
 Peoria Indians at Vincennes coun- 
 cil, 121, 340. 
 
 Perth Amboy. See South Amboy. 
 
 Peters, Capt. William, 380, 382. 
 
 Piankeshaw Indians at Vincennes 
 council, 121, 350. 
 
 Pickering, Timothy, postmaster- 
 general, secretary of war and of 
 state, to Putnam, 1794, mail route 
 on the Ohio, 386, 387, 390, 391 ; 
 1795, same, 395, 404 ; militia 
 guard, 405 ; 1796, surveyor-gen- 
 eral, territorial judges, 411 ; 1797, 
 mail route, 417 ; survey of Mora- 
 vian lands, 418 ; 1798, X. Y. Z. 
 mission, 426. — To Col. Sproat, 
 1795, militia guard, account, 406. 
 — From Putnam, 1794, mail 
 
 route, 388, 392; 1795, same, 
 397.398; 1796, surveyor-general, 
 412. 
 
 Pittsburg, importance of post, 202 ; 
 communication with Lake Erie, 
 203. 
 
 Piatt, Richard, major in the Revo- 
 lution, 135; treasurer of the Ohio 
 Company, held for debt, 116. 
 
 Point au Feu, N. Y., strategic im- 
 portance, 201. 
 
 Pool, Samuel, lieutenant in the 
 French and Indian War, 22. 
 
 Portland, Me. See Falmouth. 
 
 Postmaster-General. See Haber- 
 sham, Pickering. 
 
 Pottawatomie Indians at Vincennes 
 council, 121, 329, 335; speech 
 sent to, 320. 
 
 Presqu' Isle, strategic importance, 
 203, 285. 
 
 Prestonville, Ky., mail station, 396. 
 
 Prior, Lieut. Abner, conducts In- 
 dians to Philadelphia, 121 ; at 
 Vincennes, 338. 
 
 Proctor, Col. Thomas, peace mes- 
 senger to Indians, 262. 
 
 Putnam, Abigail, daughter of Ru- 
 fus, 36 n. 
 
 Putnam, Ayres, son of Rufus, 6 ; 
 death, 35. 
 
 Putnam, Catherine, daughter of Ru- 
 fus, 36 n. 
 
 Putnam, Daniel, son of Israel, 8 ; 
 descendant, 8 ; trip to Florida, 
 
 37- 
 
 Putnam, Edwin, son of Rufus, 6, 
 36 n. ; descendants, 7 ; recom- 
 mended as register, 436. 
 
 Putnam, Elizabeth, daughter of Ru- 
 fus, 36 n. 
 
 Putnam, Ezra, killed, 112, 247. 
 
 Putnam, Franklin, son of Rufus, 6, 
 36 n. 
 
 Putnam, Gen. Israel, genealogy, 7, 
 8; at Fort Edward, 13; general- 
 ship, 13 ; trip to Florida, 37 ; at 
 West Point, 75. 
 
 Putnam, John, emigrates to Amer- 
 ica, 3 ; descendants, 3-8. 
 
 Putnam, Martha, daughter of Rufus, 
 36 n. 
 
 Putnam, Persis, daughter of Rufus, 
 36 n. 
 
 Putnam, Rufus, 1783, memorandum 
 
INDEX 
 
 455 
 
 on a peace establishment, 198. 
 
 — To , 1791, Indian war, 
 
 247. — To citizens of Vincennes, 
 1792, sale of liquor to Indians, 
 334. — For correspondence with 
 Fisher Ames, Council of Massa- 
 chusetts, Delaware Indians, Eel 
 River Indians, First Massachu- 
 setts Brigade, Gallatin, Haber- 
 sham, Hamtramck, Heath, Robert 
 Howe, Knox, McDougall, Pater- 
 son, Pickering, Sargent, Sproat, 
 Joseph Thompson, Charles 
 Thomson, Wabash Indians, 
 Washington, Wayne, Waterbury, 
 Wea Indians, Wells, Wilkinson, 
 Wolcott, see these names. 
 
 Genealogy, 3-8 ; parents, 9 ; 
 birth and early years, 9, 10 ; guar- 
 dian, 9 n. ; lack of education, 10 ; 
 apprenticeship, 10 ; enlists in 1757, 
 II ; religious views, 11, 22, 25, 31, 
 35, 124; at Fort Edward, 11-16; 
 scout, 11-13; deserts, 16, 17; 
 overland winter journey, 17-21 ; 
 enlists in 1758, 22; in Abercrom- 
 bie's attack on Ticonderoga, 22- 
 25 ; enlists in 1759 as a substitute, 
 25, 25 n. ; with Amherst, 26 ; has 
 charge of a sawmill, 27, 28, 34 ; 
 not paid for extra services, 28, 31 ; 
 adventure on Lake George, 29, 
 30; abjures soldiering, 31, 35; 
 settles in New Braintree, 32 ; re- 
 cruits a company in 1760, 32 ; 
 commissioned ensign, 33 ; in cam- 
 paign of 1760, 33, 34; and Major 
 Skean, 34; millwright, 35; stud- 
 ies surveying and navigation, 35; 
 first marriage, 35 ; death of wife 
 and son, 35 ; second marriage, 
 36 ; children, 36 n .; interested in 
 Florida land grant, 36 ; journey 
 to Florida and on the Mississippi, 
 36-53 ; estimate of distances on 
 the Mississippi, 44. 
 
 In the Revolution : commis- 
 sioned lieutenant-colonel, 54; 
 plans fortifications before Boston, 
 54, 55 ; and at Newport, 55, 58 ; 
 recommissioned lieutenant-colo- 
 nel, 56; devises plan to fortify 
 Dorchester Heights, 56-58 ; or- 
 dered to New York, 58, 129 ; lays 
 out defences of New York City, 
 
 59 ; appointed engineer, 59 ; re- 
 connoissance report causes aban- 
 donment of New York City, 60 ; 
 plan for corps of engineers, 60, 
 61 ; reconnoissance before battle 
 of White Plains, 61-64 ; examina- 
 tion of the country in rear of the 
 army in New York, 65, 129; colo- 
 nel of a Massachusetts regiment, 
 66 ; recruits his regiment, 67 ; 
 campaign against Burgoyne, 67 ; 
 second battle of Freeman's Farm, 
 67-69 ; and Kosciuszko, 75 ; win- 
 ter quarters at Albany in 1777, 
 73 ; superintends West Point for- 
 tifications, 73-75; in temporary 
 command of the brigade, 74, 79 ; 
 preparation for invasion of Can- 
 ada, 74, 75 ; posted in Connecti- 
 cut in 1778, 76; reconnoitres 
 routes in Connecticut, 76-79 ; re- 
 connoissance for cantonments, 
 79; winter quarters in 1778, 79; 
 special duty at Croton River in 
 1779. 79. 134-137 ; leave of ab- 
 sence, 79, 86, 94 ; reconnoissance 
 on Verplanck Point in 1779, 80- 
 83, 137-140; commands regiment 
 of light infantry under Wayne, 
 85 ; erects battery on site of Fort 
 Montgomery, 85, 140; tour to 
 South Amboy, 85, 141, 142 ; com- 
 mands detachment at Croton 
 River in 1780,86, 147-178; de- 
 tachment duty in 1781 before 
 New York City, 87, 183-198; 
 selects winter quarters, 87 ; ex- 
 amines works at Stony and Ver- 
 planck Points, 88 ; appointed on 
 grievance committees, 89, 93 ; 
 efforts to prevent mutiny, 89 ; so- 
 licits relief for the soldiers and 
 prisoners from Massachusetts 
 government, 89, 142-147 ; on for- 
 age commission, 93 ; promotion 
 or resignation, 94-98 ; brigadier- 
 general, 99 ; furlough and dis- 
 charge, 99 ; evidences of Wash- 
 ington's friendship, 99 ; question 
 of rank, 130-134. 
 
 /// the West : territorial judge, 
 99; surveys in Maine, 100-103; 
 appointed surveyor of western 
 lands, 100, 232 ; sends substi- 
 tute, loi, 102 ; joins Ohio Com- 
 
456 
 
 INDEX 
 
 pany, 102 ; commissioner to 
 Penobscot Indians, 103 ; serves 
 against Shays, 103 ; justice of tlie 
 peace, 103; representative, 103; 
 appointed superintendent of Oiiio 
 Company's settlement, 103 ; win- 
 ter journey to the Ohio, 103, 104; 
 surveys and lays out defences at 
 Marietta, 104, 105 ; and the land 
 allotment, 106; contract with 
 Duer, no, in, 116; takes his 
 family to Marietta, in ; activity 
 for new settlements, in n. ; ap- 
 pointed brigadier-general, 118, 
 257 ; instructed to attend hostile 
 Indian council, 119, 257-267 ; 
 sends speech to hostile Indians, 
 
 119, 268-271; attempt to attend 
 council fails; 119, 273-275, 278, 
 291, 292, 312 ; invites western 
 tribes to council at Vincennes, 
 
 120, 298, 307, 308; council with 
 the Indians at Vincennes, 120, 
 
 121, 335-367, 370-374, 377-383; 
 resigns military office, 120-122, 
 384; illness at Vincennes, 121, 
 372 ; surveys lands for French at 
 Gallipolis, 123, 125, 410 ; ap- 
 pointed superintendent of surveys 
 by Ohio Company, 124; interest 
 in establishing a mail route on 
 the Ohio, 124, 386-405, 413-418 ; 
 consulted by cabinet officers, 125 ; 
 superintends laying-out of Zane's 
 road, 125, 419, 420; surveyor- 
 general, 125, 411-413; removed 
 from office, 125, 126, 439-441 ; 
 opinion of Jefferson, 125, 126; 
 plan for western defences, 202- 
 206, 217-220, 242-245, 283-291, 
 293-295, 314, 315 ; on western loy- 
 alty, 234-247 ; remuneration for 
 attending Indian council, 266 ; 
 advisability of and preparation 
 for Vincennes council, 275-277, 
 279-282, 293, 297-309, 313, 320- 
 3-4, 333 ; further effort to reach 
 hostile council, 283, 299, 302, 322, 
 366, 368-370, 373, 375, 376; plan 
 for militia guard in 1 795, 405-409 ; 
 recommends men for judgeship, 
 411, 412 n. ; to survey Moravian 
 lands, 418 ; question of clerk hir- 
 ing, 420-422, 425; plans for sur- 
 veys in 1798, 424; asked to dis- 
 
 tribute X. Y. Z. mission docu- 
 ments, 426, 427 ; superintendence 
 and advice on road-building, 431- 
 439, 442 ; asked to recommend 
 man for registership, 433, 436 ; 
 account as surveyor-general, 441- 
 
 443- 
 
 Putnam, Susanna (Fuller), mother 
 of Rufus, 9. 
 
 Putnam, Susanna, daughter of Ru- 
 fus, 36 n. 
 
 Putnam, William Rufus, son of 
 Rufus, 6, 36 n. ; descendants, 7 ; 
 clerkship, 420. 
 
 Putnam, Fort, at West Point, 75. 
 
 Rations of officers in the Revolu- 
 tion, 181. 
 
 Recovery, Fort, Ohio, 424. 
 
 Reed, Joseph, adjutant-general in 
 the Revolution, 61. 
 
 Register of land office, recommen- 
 dation for, 433, 436. 
 
 Revolution, beginning, 54; siege of 
 Boston, 54-58 ; New York cam- 
 paign of 1776, 59-65, 129; corps 
 of engineers, 60, 66 ; battle of 
 White Plains, 61-65; Burgoyne's 
 campaign, 67-73 > defences at 
 West Point, 73-75 ; plan to in- 
 vade Canada in 1778, 74, 75; 
 movements in New York in 1778, 
 76-79 ; movement on Verplanck 
 Point in 1779, 79-S5, 137-140; 
 battery at Fort Montgomery 
 in 1779, 85, 140; reconnoissance 
 from South Amboy, 85, 141 ; 
 affairs around Croton River in 
 
 1780, 86, 147-178; junction of 
 French and American armies, 86; 
 march to Virginia, 86 ; affairs in 
 New York, August-October, 
 
 1781, 87, 88, 183-198 ; grievances 
 and claims of the officers, 89, 178- 
 182; threatened mutiny in Massa- 
 chusetts line, 89 ; relief of pris- 
 oners, 89, 146; grievances of the 
 Massachusetts line as to pay, 
 clothing, and bounty, 89-93, '43- 
 146, 182; pay for forage, 93; 
 dissatisfaction over rank and pro- 
 motion, 94-99, 130-134; officers 
 petition for land north of the 
 Ohio, 100 ; affairs at Croton 
 River, February, 1779, 134-137 ; 
 
INDEX 
 
 457 
 
 impressment of cattle, 155-157, 
 184; rumor of British defeat in 
 New Jersey in 1780, 161 ; lack of 
 clothing, 170-173; Graves's fleet, 
 174, 177 ; rumor of British ex- 
 pedition to Rhode Island, 175; 
 French fleet, 189; reported ex- 
 citement of Clinton, in Septem- 
 ber, 1 78 1, 190; British raid in 
 Connecticut, 190-194. 
 
 Rhode Island, reported British ex- 
 pedition to, 175, 177. 
 
 Rice, Persis, Putnam's wife, 36. 
 
 Rice, Judge Thomas, commissioner 
 to the I'enobscot Indians, 103. 
 
 Rice, Zebulon, Putnam's father-in- 
 law, 36. 
 
 Richards, William, captain in the 
 Revolution, 189. 
 
 Ritlium, , captain in the Revo- 
 lution, 87. 
 
 Rivers, navigability of western, 283. 
 
 Roads, Zane's, 125, 414-416, 419, 
 420 ; importance and route, be- 
 tween Lake Erie and the Ohio, 
 283-289 ; from Belpre to Ports- 
 mouth, 430 ; between Marietta 
 and St. Clairsville, 431-434, 437- 
 440, 442 ; proposed, through Lan- 
 caster, 432, 434; cost, 431, 432, 
 438, 442 ; routes to the Scioto, 
 434> 435 i existing, in Ohio in 
 1802, 435, 436. 
 
 Robertson, Col. James, Amherst's 
 quartermaster-general, 28. 
 
 Rochambeau, Count de, makes 
 junction with American army, 86. 
 
 Rogers, Capt. Joseph, in Ohio, 112 ; 
 killed, 114, 253. 
 
 Rosecrantz, , mission to the Iro- 
 quois, 331. 
 
 Rosolen, P'ort, on the Mississippi, 
 
 43- 
 
 Ruggles, Timothy, colonel in the 
 French and Indian War, 22. 
 
 Sacket, Richard (J. M.), captain in 
 the Revolution, 87, 169, 173, 175. 
 
 Sadler, Capt. John, Putnam lives 
 with, 9, 10. 
 
 St. Clair, Gen. Arthur, governor of 
 Northwest Territory, 107, 233, 
 405, 427 ; arrives at Marietta, 
 107; Fort Harmar treaty, 108, 
 249, 259; defeat, 116; to com- 
 
 mand against the Indians, 254 ; 
 wrong tactics, 295, 328. 
 
 St. Clairsville, Ohio, road to Mari- 
 etta, 431-434. 437-440, 442. 
 
 Salem, Ohio, Christian Indian town, 
 418. 
 
 Sanburn, Enoch, of Machias, Me., 
 
 lOI. 
 
 Sandusky River, Ohio, plan to at- 
 tack Indians on, 268. 
 
 Sargent, Winthrop, secretary of 
 Northwest Territory, to Putnam 
 and Symmes, 1792, necessary 
 legislation, 309. 
 
 Leaves for Marietta, 249. 
 
 Satwell (Sartwell), Simon, captain 
 in the Revolution, 173. 
 
 Sawyer's Station, Ohio, 408. 
 
 Schoenbrun, Ohio, Christian In- 
 dian town, 4;8. 
 
 Scioto River, Ohio, strategic impor- 
 tance of mouth, 389, 391, 394, 397. 
 
 Scull, , postmaster at Pittsburg, 
 
 392- 
 
 Secretary of State. See Pickermg. 
 
 Secretary of the Treasury. See Gal- 
 latin, Wolcott. 
 
 Secretary of War. See Knox, Pick- 
 ering. 
 
 Seeley, , colonel in the Revolu- 
 tion, 142. 
 
 Seven Castles, Indians in Canada, 
 263, 277. 
 
 Shaw, Thomas, Indians capture, 
 112. 
 
 Shawnee Indians, hostility, in, 233, 
 313, 319 ; expedition against, 248 ; 
 land treaty with, 259; speeches 
 sent to, 269, 36S ; supposed hostile 
 advice, 280, 281. See also Indians. 
 
 Shays's Rebellion, 103. 
 
 Shearwood, Justice, 153. 
 
 Sheldon, Elisha, colonel in the Re- 
 volution, 87, 164, 168, 169, 193, 
 195. 
 
 Shepard, William, colonel in the 
 Revolution, resigns, 95, 98 ; rank, 
 
 133- 
 Sherman, Abel, killed, 115. 
 
 Sherman, Isaac, lieutenant-colonel 
 
 in the Revolution, 133. 
 
 Sherman's Station, Ohio, 408. 
 
 Simonds, Joseph, wounded, ii5- 
 
 Six Nations. See Iroquois. 
 
 Skean, Major Philip, and the pro- 
 
458 
 
 INDEX 
 
 vincials, i6, 17 ; and Putnam, 27, 
 
 34- 
 
 Slaves, return of those taken by 
 Indians, 326, 364, 365. 
 
 Smith, Lieut.-Col. Calvin, at Ver- 
 planck Point, 83, 139; absent on 
 leave, 95 ; at Croton River, 136. 
 
 Smith, Major John, commandant 
 of Fort Jefferson, 278, 318. 
 
 Snake, Capt., Munsee chief, 268. 
 
 South Amboy, N. J., reconnois- 
 sance from, 85, 141. 
 
 Spain and the Indian lands, 342. 
 
 Sproat, Col. Ebenezer, from Picker- 
 ing, 1795, militia guard, account, 
 406; from Putnam, 1795, militia 
 guard, 407. 
 
 Conducts a party to the Ohio, 
 103 ; surveyor for Ohio Com- 
 pany, 107 ; commands militia, 
 113 ; in the Revolution, 158. 
 
 Stacy, John, killed, 112, 247. 
 
 Stacy, Philip, Indians capture, 112; 
 death, 123. 
 
 Stacy, William, killed, 247. 
 
 Stanwix, Fort, N. Y., importance, 
 202. 
 
 Stevens, , captain in the Re- 
 volution, 177. 
 
 Stevens, , commissar)', 192. 
 
 Stevens, Col. Ebenezer, at Free- 
 man's Farm, 69. 
 
 Stirling, Lord, at White Plains, 62. 
 
 Stony Point, N. Y., capture, 82, 83 ; 
 strategic importance, 200. See 
 also Verplanck Point. 
 
 Story, Rev. Daniel, at Marietta, 
 109, 254. 
 
 Strong (?), , major in the Re- 
 volution, 149. 
 
 Sumner, Major Job, command on 
 Lake Cham plain, 72. 
 
 Survey, surveyor-general, 99, 100, 
 125, 126, 411, 412, 439-441; in 
 Maine, 100, loi ; of western lands 
 prevented, 100-102; of Marietta, 
 104; of Ohio Company lands, 
 106, 124; of lands for French- 
 men at Gallipolis, 123, 409, 410; 
 cost, 410, 438, 439; of Zane's 
 lands, 125, 419; of Moravian 
 lands, 418 ; clerk for surveyor- 
 general, 420-422, 425 ; of the mil- 
 itary tract, 422-425 ; of other 
 public lands in 1798, 424 ; map of 
 
 portion of Northwest Territory, 
 430 ; of road between Marietta 
 and St. Clairsville, 431-434, 437. 
 
 Swan, Major Caleb, 376. 
 
 Symmes, J. C, territorial judge, 
 107, 233. 
 
 Tallmadge, Benjamin (?), major in 
 the Revolution, 189, 194, 196. 
 
 Thomas, Ephraim, soldier in the 
 Revolution, 187. 
 
 Thompson, Col. Joseph, to Putnam, 
 1780, relief of prisoners, 146. 
 
 Thomson, Charles, secretary of 
 Congress, to Putnam, 1785, sur- 
 veyor of western lands, 232. 
 
 Ticonderoga, Fort, N. Y., Aber- 
 crombie's attack, 22-25 ! French 
 evacuate, 26. 
 
 Tilghman, Tench, colonel in the 
 Revolution, 82. 
 
 Tillinghast, Lieut. John, 385. 
 
 Tobacco, Indian chief, 358. 
 
 Trade, illicit, in Vermont, 201 ; In- 
 dian, 202, 217, 218, 235, 240; 
 western, 234-241, 246 ; Indian 
 desire for traders, 343, 349, 356, 
 
 357- 
 
 Treaty, Fort Mcintosh, 102, 258 ; 
 Fort Harmar, 108, 249, 258, 259 ; 
 Vincennes, 120, 335-366, 371, 
 377. 378 ; land, with the Shaw- 
 nees, 258, 259; Wayne's, 425. 
 
 Trescott, Lemuel, major in the Re- 
 volution, 187. 
 
 Troop, Zebulon, killed, 112, 247. 
 
 Trotter, John (.?), major in the Re- 
 volution, 136. 
 
 Trueman, Capt. Alexander, peace 
 messenger to the Indians, killed, 
 119, 263, 270, 274, 292, 296, 301, 
 
 3"-3i3- 
 
 Tupper, Major Anselm, surveyor 
 of western lands, loi, 102 ; at 
 Marietta, 107. 
 
 Tupper, Gen. Benjamin, interested 
 in settlement of the West, 102, 
 225 ; arrives at Marietta, 107. 
 
 Tupper, Benjamin, husband of Mar- 
 tha Putnam, 36 n. ; receiver of 
 public moneys, 443. 
 
 Turner, George, territorial judge, 
 
 233- 
 Tweetwee Indians, speech sent to, 
 269. 
 
INDEX 
 
 459 
 
 Urqurhart, George, plantation on 
 the Mississippi, 42. 
 
 Vanderburgh, Major Henry, at 
 Vincennes, 380, 383. 
 
 Varnum, J. M., director of Ohio 
 Company, arrives at Marietta, 
 106; territorial judge, 107. 
 
 Vermont, control, 201. 
 
 Verplanck Point, N. Y., captured 
 by British, 79 ; reconnoissance 
 on, in 1779,80, 137-140; move- 
 ment on, 81-85. 
 
 Vigo, Francis, 274. 
 
 Vincennes, Ind., Indian treaty at, 
 120; importance of post at, 202 ; 
 agreement for peace at, 263 n., 
 264, 267 ; advisability of, and 
 preparation for council at, 276, 
 279-282, 293, 297-309, 313, 320- 
 324, 333 ; sale of liquor to Indians 
 at council forbidden, 334 ; journal 
 of council, 335-362 ; sale of site 
 by Indians, 354, 358 ; treaty, 363- 
 
 366, 371, 377, 378; expense of 
 council, 382, 383. 
 
 Vincent, Hannah, 173. 
 
 Viviat, Louis, land purchase, 378. 
 
 Wabash Indians, council with, 120; 
 chiefs go to Philadelphia, I2i, 
 
 367, 372 ; make peace, 263 n., 264, 
 267, 296 ; presents, 264, 362, 370, 
 371 ; prisoners at Fort Washing- 
 ton, 267, 273, 298, 300, 304, 322, 
 333 ; advisability of, and prepa- 
 ration for council with, 276, 279- 
 282, 293, 297-309, 313, 320-324, 
 333; lands of, not desired, 313 ; 
 speech sent to, 307, 308 ; neces- 
 sity of a high civil agent as nego- 
 tiator with, 323 ; journal of ne- 
 gotiation with, 335-362 ; fear of 
 losing lands, 342, 343, 345, 347, 
 349, 351,356; desire for traders, 
 343. 349. 356. 357 ; lands sold to 
 the French, 354, 358; text of 
 treaty, 363-366 ; lands guaranteed 
 to, 364 ; final speech to, 366, 367 ; 
 to carry speech to hostiles, 366, 
 370 ; interpretation of treaty, 377, 
 378 ; Viviat land purchase, 378 ; 
 cost of council, 382, 383. See 
 also Indians. 
 
 Wabash Land Company, purchase, 
 378. 
 
 Walker, Sylvanus, lieutenant in 
 French and Indian War, 17. 
 
 Washington, George, 1784, adver- 
 tisement of his western lands, 
 228. — To Congress, 1776, prepa- 
 rations at New York, 59 ; corps of 
 engineers, 61,66. — To Putnam, 
 1776, ordered to New York, 129; 
 engineer, 59 ; obstructions, 65 ; 
 regimental command, 66 ; 1778, 
 rank, 130; reconnoissance, 76; 
 1779, pass, 80; 1782, resignation 
 or promotion, 96 ; 1784, western 
 settlement, 226. — From Putnam, 
 1776, reconnoissance, 129; 1778, 
 rank, 131 ; reconnoissance, 77 ; 
 1779, reconnoissance on Ver- 
 planck Point, 137 ; detachment 
 report, 140; 1782, promotion, 97 ; 
 1783, Major Nathan Goodale, 69; 
 settlement and protection of the 
 West, 216; 1784, same, 223 ; 1790, 
 Indian attacks, outlaws, 232. 
 
 Before Boston, alternative 
 plans, 56; before the battle of 
 White Plains, 63 ; movement 
 against Verplanck Point, 81-85; 
 evidences of friendship for Put- 
 nam, 99, 100. 
 
 Washington, Fort, mail station, 
 386. See also Wilkinson. 
 
 Washington, Ky., mail station, 396. 
 
 Waterbury, Gen. David, to Putnam, 
 1781, winter quarters, 87. 
 
 Waterford, Ohio, settled, 109; In- 
 dian attack, 112, 114; defensive 
 measures, 272. 
 
 Waterman, Sherman, killed, 115. 
 
 Wayne, Gen. Anthony, to Putnam, 
 1779, reconnoissance, 141 ; 1792, 
 murder of peace messengers, 311. 
 
 — To Wilkinson, 1792, peace or 
 war, preparations, 330. — From 
 Putnam, 1792, disposition of 
 troops, 271 ; attack near Fort 
 Jefferson, 291 ; illness, war to con- 
 tinue, 375; 1793, same, 375. 
 
 Attack on Stony Point, 82 ; 
 commands light infantry corps, 
 85 ; in command in the West, 266, 
 269 ; treaty, 425. 
 Wea Indians, to Putnam, 1792, 
 speech at Fort Washington, 297. 
 
 — From Putnam, 1792, speech at 
 Fort Washington, 298 ; and at 
 Vincennes, 233- 
 
460 
 
 INDEX 
 
 At Vincennes council, 121, 335; 
 peace, 263, 296; chief at Fort 
 Washington, 275. See also 
 Wabash Indians. 
 
 Weaughtenon Indians at Vincennes 
 council, 121, 335. 
 
 Webb, Charles, colonel in the Re- 
 volution, 133. 
 
 Webb, Gen. Daniel, at Fort Ed- 
 ward, 14; reputation, 15. 
 
 Weisenfels, Frederick, lieutenant- 
 colonel in the Revolution, 195, 
 196. 
 
 Wells, William, from Putnam, 1792, 
 instructions as peace messenger, 
 
 37°- 
 
 Indian interpreter, 296, 338 ; 
 on the Viviat purchase, 371 ; mur- 
 der of, feared, 376; wages, 381. 
 
 West, the, defence, 202-206, 218- 
 220, 242-245, 250, 2S3-291, 293- 
 295, 314, 315; Washington's ad- 
 vertisement of his lands, 227-232 ; 
 commercial interests and loyalty, 
 234-239 ; value of, to the Union, 
 239-242 ; education, 244. See also 
 Northwest Territory. 
 
 West Point, fortifications, 73-75 ; as 
 site for arsenal and military 
 school, 200. 
 
 Whitcomb, Joseph, captain in the 
 French and Indian War, 22. 
 
 White, Major Hatfield, conducts 
 party to the Ohio, 103. 
 
 White Plains, N. Y., Putnam's 
 scout before the battle, 61-64 ; 
 battle, 64. 
 
 Wigglesworth, Edward, colonel in 
 the Revolution, 133. 
 
 Wilderness Road, mail route dis- 
 continued, 386, 413. 
 
 Wilkinson, Gen. James, to Putnam, 
 1792, preparation for Vincennes 
 council, 278, 300 ; convoy, cap- 
 tured slaves, 326; exploration, 
 Wayne's preparations, Indian 
 raid, 328. — From Putnam, 1792, 
 preparation for Indian councils, 
 272, 299,304, 324; Indian goods, 
 
 370. — From Wayne, 1792, peace 
 or war, preparations, 330. 
 
 Commandant at Fort Wash- 
 ington, peace messenger, 262 ; 
 brings news of attack near Fort 
 Jefferson, 273 ; attack on Eel 
 River Indians, 346. 
 
 Willard, Aaron, captain in the 
 French and Indian War, 26. 
 
 Willard, Abijah, colonel in the 
 French and Indian War, 33. 
 
 William Henry, Fort, N. Y., cap- 
 ture, 13, 14- 
 
 Williams, , captain in the Re- 
 volution, 173, 175. 
 
 Wolcott, Oliver, secretary of the 
 treasury, to Putnam, 1798, clerk 
 for surveyor-general, surveys, 
 425 ; squatters, 428. — From Put- 
 nam, 1796, surveys, 409; 1797, 
 Zane's lands and road, 419 ; 1798, 
 clerk for surveyor-general, sur- 
 veys, 420; surveys, 423; squat- 
 ters, 429. 
 
 Wolf Creek. See Waterford. 
 
 Woodbridge, Dudley, recommended 
 for judgeship, 412 n. 
 
 Woods, Joseph, register of land of- 
 fice, 436. 
 
 Worm (Wurmb), Hessian com- 
 mander, 185, 186. 
 
 Worth, Robert, killed, 115. 
 
 Wyandotte Indians, hostility sus- 
 pected, III, 233, 248, 252 ; treaty 
 with, 258; speeches sent to, 269, 
 368 ; supposed hostile counsel, 
 280, 281 ; move westward, 315. 
 See also Indians. 
 
 Wyllis, Samuel, colonel in the Re- 
 volution, 56. 
 
 X. Y. Z. mission, dissemination of 
 instructions, 426, 427. 
 
 Zane, Ebenezer, lands and road, 
 
 125, 414-416, 419, 420. 
 Zanesville, Ohio, roads to Gnaden- 
 
 hutten and the Scioto River, 435 ; 
 
 to Marietta, 436. 
 
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