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litir

MARIETTA COLLEGE
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS

EDITED BY
ARCHER BUTLER HULBERT

VOLUME III

THE MARIETTA HISTORICAL
COMMISSION
(Created by the Trustees of Marietta College, February, 1916)

CHARTEE MEMBERS

Ed-wy R. Beo-wn
A. Geobqe Bullock
Mary C. Bullock
Charles S. Dana*
Beman G. Da-WES
Charles G. Da-wes
RxiPus C. Da-wes

Erancis H. De-wey
Arthur P. Estabrook
Charles A. Hanna
Harry B. Hott
John Kaiser
Marietta College
Ed-wakd E. MacTaggaet

John Mills
William W. Mills
William P. Palmer
Benjamin B. Putnam
Ed-win P. Eoeebeck
Benj. P. Strecker
Peter G. Thomson

SUSTAINING
M. j. A-verbeck
Willis A. Bailey
Homer C. Bayless
George C. Best
Charles H. Bos^worth
William W. Boyd
Ed-ward H. Brenan
J. La-wrence Bubll
ro-wena buell
Warren Burns
H. G. Chamberlain
J. Plumer Cole
John Dana
Theodore P. Da-vis *
Henry M. Da^wes
Lee S. Devol
William W. Dollison
Charles P. Dyar
Isaac C. Elston, Jr.
Aaron A. Ferris
Ed-ward B. Pollett
Seymour J. Hatha-way

MEMBERS Julia E. Hickok
James P. Hovey
George H. Ho-wtson*
Karl G. Kaiser
Thomas H. Kelley
Jesse V. McMillen
Marietta Public Library
Ed-ward A. Mertdith
Clarence C. Middles-wart
Ed-ward C. Mookb
Charles Penrose
Beman A. Plumer
Horace Porter
Daniel J. Ryan
John E. Sater
Harvey E. Smith
Harry P. Wareener
Asa Wilson Waters
George White
Walter A. Windsor
George M. Withington
William H. Wolfe

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE
ARCHER BUTLER HULBERT, Chairman
Professor of American History, Marietta College
GEORGE JORDAN BLAZIER, Secretary and Treasurer
Liira/rian, Marietta College
¦ Deceased

OHIO COMPANY SERIES
VOLUME III

OHIO IN THE TIME OP
THE CONFEDERATION

(iWamita ffloUege- historical dollerfiotw, '^ahane 3

OHIO IN THE TIME OF
THE CONFEDERATION

EDITED WITH INTRODUCTION AND NOTES BY
ARCHER BUTLER HULBERT
Professor of American History, Marietta College; Chairman Marietta
Historical Commission; Lecturer, National War Work Council, Y. M.
C. A. of the United States

PUBLISHED BY THE
MARIETTA HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MARIETTA, OHIO
1918

THE TORCH PRESS
CEDAR RAPIOS
IOWA

CONTENTS
Inteoduction: A Teeeitoey in the Making xi
Paet One: The Antecedents of the
Ordinance of 1784 .... 1
Part Two : Ohio in the Papers of the Con
tinental Congress  92
Part Three: Journal of John Matthews 187

ILLUSTRATIONS
A Map of the Ohio Company Purchase 20
(From a plate loaned by the Western Reserve His
torical Society)
A French Plan of the Lands of the
Ohio and ** Scioto" Companies . . 100
(Prom a plate loaned by the Western Reserve His
torical Society)
Martin's Map of Ohio Surveys . . 180
(By permission of the author)

INTRODUCTION
A Territory in the Making
This volume, chronologically, should have been
the first in the present Series. There was a pro
priety, however, in permitting the original rec
ords of the Ohio Company to have the right of
way, as being the most important and significant
document to be issued under these auspices.
The purpose of this book is to fill a want, felt
by the editor and many colleagues who conduct
classes on the history of the West, in the shape
of a volume giving the documentary materials in
convenient form which any class or reader must
study in order to understand the ideas and ideals
which slowly crystallized into our first Territory
— the "Territory North West of the River
Ohio. ' ' This growth is not sensed by a study of
the ordinances and land laws of 1784, 1785, and
1787 alone, even when supplemented by the ex
cellent writings of Adams, Hinsdale, Turner,
Alden, Alvord, Barrett, Treat, or Thwaites and
Kellogg. In order to make the volume fully
serve the time-saving purpose suggested, the
editor has been emboldened to devote a number
of pages to reprints of documents not easily to be
secured in the average library and not always

xii Introduction

orderly arranged in the students' perspective
when once in hand.
FoUovsdng the pages of reprints of theories
and plans of trans-Ohio colonization and State-
making, the reader will find the most important
documents in the Papers of the Continental Con
gress which relate to the Ohio region in this pre-
territorial period, mostly relating to Thomas
Hutchins's activities in surveying the Seven
Ranges, with tangible sidelights on the irrepress
ible character of the squatter movement across
the Ohio River.
Taking a hint from the satisfaction expressed
by many charter and sustaining members of the
Commission in the value to the non-professional
of an introduction which links the documents
presented into an understandable whole, the edi
tor will briefly sketch the story contained in the
material here published. With it as a guide,
student, as well as general reader, will find, it is
hoped, a completer interest in the documents
themselves. To succeed in this respect were
better than to satisfy the formulae of the scien
tific critic.
One might loosely describe the grovd;h of the
territory north and west of the Ohio River in
terms of evolution, as sub-organic, organic, and
super-organic. Of the middle and latter period
many students have developed treatises, on the

Introduction xiii

ordinances, the creation of States, and the mani
fold problems of statehood. Of the nebulous
primary era, we have had the international
phases of territorial and land colonization pro
jects made clearer by several writers, particu
larly Alden and Alvord. There is need and room
for more adequate treatment of the purely
American schemes and theories for the coloniza
tion and government of what is commonly known
as the "Old Northwest." There is a double
importance in emphasizing them because, while
they show the aims and ideals of individuals and
reflect the spirit of the times, they came to some
thing — they created ordinances and founded
Commonwealths. There is an Old Testament
history of the West and a New Testament, and
the break between the two was greater — meas
ured in everything save years — than the biblical
parallel will show. The documentary material
of England's imperial designs relating to the
West does not contain the seeds of the New Dis
pensation — the theories of Deane and Paine and
Pelatiah Webster, of Bland, Putnam, Pickering,
Howell, Washington, and Jefferson. The Que
bec Act with its extension "of the same absolute
rule" (as the author of the Declaration of Inde
pendence phrased it) was of Malachi ; the plan of
Deane 's federated, self -governed State at the con
fluence of the Ohio and Mississippi, is of St.
Matthew.

xiv Introduction

It was for Silas Deane of Groton, Connecti
cut, secret agent for the Continental Congress in
France, first to offer suggestions concerning the
use of western territory as a national asset. Al
ready, as outlined elsewhere,^ Congress, in Sep
tember, 1776, had made its offer of bounty lands
to men and officers who would enlist in the ser
vice ; while it is not so stated it is clear that in the
back of their heads the members of the Congress
contemplated fulfilling this promise by granting
land in the "Old Northwest" — thus mortgaging
for public benefit a conquest it was hoped their
armies would make. In December of the same
year Deane wrote the Secret Committee from
Paris outlining the first definite plan to charge
this war bill to western lands. The plan as here
in outlined in detail,^ called for the grant of a
tract of twenty-five million acres at the junction
of the Ohio and Mississippi, in the present State
of Illinois, to a company of Americans and Euro-
1 These Collections, i, xv ; the act of Congress read : ' ' That Con
gress make provision for granting lands, in the following propor
tions: to the officers and soldiers who shall so engage in the service,
and continue therein to the close of the war, or ¦until discharged by
Congress, and to the representatives of such officers and soldiers as
shall be slain by the enemy.
"Such lands to be provided by the United States, and whatever
expense shall be necessary to procure such lands, the said expense
shall be paid and borne by the states in the same proportion as the
other expenses of the war, viz. To a colonel, 500 acres; to a lieuten
ant colonel, 450; to a major, 400; to a captain, 300; to a lieutenant,
200 ; to an ensign, 150 ; each non-commissioned officer and soldier,
100." — Journals of the Continental Congress (1906), v, 763.
- Doc. i.

Introduction xv

peans. One-fifth of every "settlement" should
be reserved by the Congress for sale by the na
tional government; the company should engage
to place a certain number of inhabitants on the
land within seven years and regulate civil gov
ernment, taking the advice of Congress in such
measures, and thus "form a distinct State Con
federated with and under the general regulations
of the United States General of America."
Deane estimated that a company could be formed
in Europe with a capital stock of one hundred
thousand pounds to establish the State on the
Mississippi as outlined. The scheme is an in
teresting medley of ancient and modern ideas,
the retaining of "one-fifth part of all land®,
mines, etc." harking back to Columbus and
Cabot, and the plan allowing "the company" to
"form a distinct State" bespeaks the new consti
tutional era of a decade later, the clause permit
ting the inhabitants to have "a voice in Con
gress" as soon as they are "called on ... to
contribute" to public expenses is a plain putting
in practice the doctrine of the Declaration of In
dependence. The reservations for the national
government forecast the "Congress Lands" of
the later ordinances.
The obvious obstruction in the path of carry
ing out any plan like Deane 's (aside from the
detail of ending European claim of sovereignty
by winning the war) was the need of having the

xvi Introduction

several States claiming western land relinquish
those claims. In our brief sketch of the process
by which this was accomplished ^ the psychic and
moral influence of the theories like Deane 's, of
eventual-federated-statehood for the western
provinces, was only mentioned; and while the
economic disturbance to be caused in the older
commonwealths by the opening of unlimited re
gions for healthy and adventurous pioneering
and a resultant loss of a "balance of power"
were potent arguments, the great plain facts of
the case were that the rich West would be occu
pied by friend or foe, that the logical dream of
every far-seeing man was a republic of conti
nental dimensions — let what upsettings of equil
ibrium come that might.
Thomas Paine was such a man, and though his
proposed "State" — outlined in his Ptiblic Good
in 1780 — was south of the Ohio River it was a
western State and his ideas concerning it secured
the attention that any work by the author of
Common Sense and The Crisis received. In
these treatises he advocated the use of western
lands for the creation of a fund "for the benefit
of all," with Congress acting in the role of "con
tinental trustees. ' ' * Later Paine advances a plan
of a new State of between twenty and thirty mill-
3 These Collections, i, xv-xxiv.
*Doc. ii. For the words "continent" or "continental" the un
initiated must supply ' ' nation " or " national " as we use those words
today.

Introduction xvii

ion acres bounded in general by the Allegheny
Mountains on the east, the Ohio River on the
north, the North Carolina line on the south and
on the west by a straight line from the ' ' Palls of
the Ohio" (Louisville) to the southern boun
dary.'' He called this "fighting the enemy with
their own weapons" because his State occupied,
in part, the proposed site of the Vandalia colony
which was to have redowned to "the emolument
of the Crov^Ti of England" ; to use it now, by way
of securing a fund to fight England, aroused all
of Paine 's latent enthusiasm.
He estimated that twenty million acres could
be sold (through land offices established in Eu
rope) for four million pounds — a fund sufficient
to carry on the war three years. To satisfy Vir
ginian objections to the loss of a western empire
Paine brilliantly forecasts the probable aliena
tion of the trans- Allegheny Virginians, in effect
casting a true prophesy of what took place when
Kentucky broke from the Old Dominion; he
points out the value of a buttress State and the
value of the import trade which must pass
through Virginia. Among other suggestions and
prophecies which tumble with such facility from
Paine 's pen, one notes the idea of western lands
being used to reimburse those whose property is
despoiled by war, as happened by the grant of
the "fire-lands" later in Ohio.
Although antedated by Silas Deane in advo-
5 Doc. iii.

xviii Introduction

eating the amalgamation of western States with
the "original Thirteen" on terms of equality,
Paine may well be remembered as the chief
early champion of this epoch-making idea ; more
accurately than was done by any other at the time
does he trace the probable steps — the settling
of the matters of boundaries, the creation of an
organic law by the national Congress which
should be supplanted, when the State acquired a
given population, by a constitution drafted by
the inhabitants themselves; he advocates the
right of an embryonic western State to a non
voting representative in Congress and reechoes
his argument in Common Sense concerning the
necessity of a constitutional convention of aU the
States to define and describe the powers of Con
gress. It is plain that real progress was being made
in the development of men's ideas in these years
1776-1780 as to what should be the character of
the first American State west of the Alleghenies.
While the departures from the ideas which were
in the thoughts of those who planned the w^estern
States of the Revolutionary period like Vandalia
are marked — necessitated by the separation of
the Colonies from the Mother Country — certain
of the olden theories remained; in the reserva
tion called for in the Vandalia grant of three
hundred acres "for the purpose of a glebe for

Introduction xix

the support of a minister of the church of Eng
land" we have the kernel of the later reserva
tions for schools and religion of the Ordinance
of 1787 ; in general, however, the charters for the
proposed colonies followed the ancient type, as
that of the Massachusetts Bay charter.^
By 1780 these ideas crept into the acts passed
by the Continental Congress. The question of
western cessions was precipitated by Maryland,
and various representatives began to show
friendship in proportion to the shallov^naess of
their States' claim, as witness New York.
By October, 1780, Congress was ready to out
line in plain words the position of the govern
ment toward the West as soon as the States
claiming that region should relinquish their
claims, namely that it "be settled and formed
into distinct republican states which shall become
members of the federal union, and have the same
rights of sovereignty, freedom, and independence
as the other states."' The main point at issue
being settled, all details were waived for future
determination, excepting only the probable di
mensions of the future States; one hundred
miles square was set as the minimum size and
one hundred and fifty the maximum.
Prom this date on public interest and discus-
« George Henry Alden, New Governments West of the Alleghenies
Before 1780, 29.
' Docs, iv and v.

XX Introduction

sion centered in the manifold questions raised
by the problem which Congress had settled in
outline. The main discussion was led in 1781 by the
able retired clergyman-economist Pelatiah Web
ster who came into large reputation five years be
fore for his advocacy of "continental currency"
to meet the struggling Colonies' debts. Mr.
Webster strongly opposed selling or mortgaging
western lands to foreigners and boldly advanced
fresh plans that seemingly won the respect of all
thinking men and, more than any one man on
definite record, hastened the day when the Or
dinance of 1784 could be passed.^ In his homely
but graphic phrase he urged that Congress pre
serve the goose which could in time lay a golden
egg a day instead of killing it "in order to tear
out at once all that was in her belly." In out
spoken confidence in the future value of western
lands and of future growth of western popula
tion he is outranked only by the Washington who
wrote that classic "Letter to Harrison" three
years later. Every thought of his as to the de
tail of handling the western country was "path-
breaking" in its effect.
He first proposed that all emigrants be vigor
ously kept out of the West until a portion could
be surveyed into tiers of townships of from six
8 Doc. vi.

Introduction sxi

to ten miles square ; survey-bef ore-sale and com
pact settlement were thus advanced simultan
eously. He proposed that no land be sold at less
than a Spanish dollar an acre, and that a second
tier of townships should not be put on sale until
the first had been disposed of. The plan, he
said, would obviate the inconveniences and dan
gers of hit-or-miss settlements as had been made
in the South ; it would effectually prevent spec
ulation by absentee promoters as no land would
be sold except to an actual settler; public senti
ment in favor of law and order would advance
methodically with the advancing tiers of town
ships; by such a uniform advance could the
problem of Indian relations be handled best.
From any view-point, although his ideas may
only in a measure have been original with him,
all generations which have profited from the wis
dom and liberality of the Ordinances of 1784 and
1785 must recognize Pelatiah Webster's manful
wrestling with the many-sided problem and the
vital contribution that he made, or the ideas, at
least, of which he became chief spokesman.
A new and important element now enters into
the development of the western problem with the
conclusion of the Revolutionary War — an army
clamoring for a fulfillment of the government's
promise of bounty lands and standing ready to
accept, in payment for services, the only asset
in the governments possession, western lands.

xxii Introduction

The two schools of thought, heretofore represent
ed by Paine and Webster, the one favoring the
killing of the goose for its immediate egg and the
other favoring its preservation for steady fu
ture production, find their counterpart in the
post-Revolutionary period in the writings of
Pickering and Bland who offered the "Army"
and the "Financier's" plans.
With this changing phase in the discussion the
new ideas are found to be much more similar in
character than is true of Paine 's and Webster's
plans, the one marked difference being that no
longer did men plan a western State to be dis
posed of by setting up land offices in Europe and
the sale of lands to individuals or companies
across the sea. Though the two new schools
which supplanted the old had much in common,
as the names suggest, one had migration and set
tlement as its chief objective and the other the
use of the West as a national asset. In working
out a final decision, through numerous compro
mises, both ideas contributed to the final solution.
Timothy Pickering, who, as Adjutant-General
and Quartermaster-General, had won for himself
an enviable reputation during the Revolution,
became spokesman for the army with reference
to western lands and Statehood.^ The "Pick
ering Plan" called for the creation of a new
8 Doc. viii.

Introduction xxiii

State bounded by the Pennsylvania line, the Ohio
and Maumee river and Lake Erie; the western
line was to be a meridian running northward
from a point on the Ohio River thirty miles west
of the mouth of the Scioto River. This State
was to be settled by those of the disbanded army
entitled to bounty lands banded together as "as-
sociators," the government, in a parental way,
to aid the movement by supplying means of
transportation, rations, utensils, arms, etc., etc.
The unclaimed lands were to be sold by the State
for its ovm benefit ; the associators were to adopt
their own constitution and the State was to be
admitted into the Union on equal terms with the
original States. Compared with the earlier
plans, Pickering's scheme is notable because it
ignores Webster's compact settlement and sur
vey-bef ore-sale ideas, also because it first voices
the use of money accruing from the sale of undis
posed lands for "schools and academies" and the
"total exclusion of slavery" from the new State.
This general plan, as we have suggested, was
Pickering's probably in the same sense that the
Declaration of Independence was Jefferson's —
it voiced the ideas of his coterie of friends and
advisers and was framed in his language. How
ever, no document of the hour, written by the
adherents of the "army" school, quite equals in
interest the broad outlook and sane judgment of
General Rufus Putnam's contemporaneous

xxiv Introduction

"Thoughts on A Peace Establishment for The
United States of America"" and his letter to
General Washington of Jime 16, 1783. Though
different in purpose and character, the two docu
ments play into each other. The original copy
of the "Thoughts on A Peace Establishment" is
endorsed on the back "Requested by Gen'l Wash
ington"; it is a military survey of the United
States, its chief harbors, defenses, and lines of
communications and is remarkable for its pro
posal to defend the trans-Allegheny provinces by
a line of forts stretching from the Ohio River at
Yellow Creek to Lake Erie, at the present site of
Cleveland. Following this outline of the strate
gic military keys of the continent, is a well con
sidered plan of a "regular Continental Militia"
calling for the maintenance of fifty-four com
panies of infantry, twelve companies of artillery,
and one company of artificers. Writers on our
military history, who have decried our studied
policy of unpreparedness, would do well to note
that one trenchant writer of the Revolutionary
era, of wide experience, was advocating at this
time an army of some proportions (30,000 men
and officers) on a basis of compulsory military
service. General Putnam's letter to Washington ac
companied the "Petition of the Subscribers, Offi
cers in the Continental Line" which we have
10 Doc. X.

Introduction xxv

printed elsewhere." That petition was based on
the Pickering outline; it called for the setting
apart of a State between the boundaries drawn
by Pickering which was "in time to be admitted
one of the confederated States of America."
General Putnam's accompanying letter" de
serves high place in the annals of the building
of the "Old Northwest;" its breadth of view, its
amazing foresight and its ring of hopeful pa
triotism are, alike, unequalled by any document
of the time. The lines of Putnam's State coin
cided with those of Pickering's, the whole to
contain about seventeen and one-half million
acres; like Webster, he advocates the township
system, and, like Pickering, he suggests lands
allotted for schools; but Putnam goes a step
further than either and includes land for the
support of religion. He opposes large grants to
individuals but forecasts his own Ohio Company
of 1788 by suggesting that others beside officers
and soldiers be allowed to "petition for charters
on purchase." His scheme, however, is pre
eminently that of a soldier's, and he repeats his
arguments in favor of military establishments at
strategic points. Clearer than any man at the
time he foresees the dangers that lurk in Spain's
grasp on the Mississippi; nor does the impor
tance of fortifying the lake frontier "in case of a
11 Vol. i, xxvi-xxviii.
12 Doc. xi.

xxvi Introduction

war with Great Britain" miss his eye; and he
closes with a strong plea for the opening of the
land to the proposed adventurers who, establish
ed on the Ohio and the lakes, will "banish forever
the idea of our western territory falling under
the dominion of any European power." His
choice of West Point (which he later laid out)
as the "Grand Arsenal of America" is worthy
of special mention.
We have slightly broken into the correct
chronological order by treating the Pickering
and Putnam plans in sequence; but as one is a
complement of the other it was proper to do so.
But between the two, in point of time, was voiced
what is called the "Financier's Plan," Theo-
doric Bland, a member of Congress from Vir
ginia, being its chief spokesman." As the name
implies, it was the plan of those who had on
their shoulders the heavy task of meeting with
an empty treasury the demands of the Army cry
ing for pay long over due. It was embodied in
a motion made by Bland in Congress June 5,
1783, to enact an ordinance laying out "a tract
of unlocated or vacant territory" in "districts"
two degrees of latitude in length and three de
grees of longitude in width. Hitherto men had
planned western States on natural geographical
lines ; with the Bland ordinance we have the in-
13 Doc. ix. »

Introduction xxvii

troduction of arbitrary lines which took less ac
count of watersheds, river valleys, and lake
shores. Each "district" was to be surveyed into
townships and be admitted "a separate, inde
pendent, and sovereign State"; each soldier was
to have thirty acres for every dollar owed him
by the government — over and above the regular
bounty in land due to him. Ten thousand acres
from each hundred thousand were to be reserved
to the government and the money accruing
therefrom was to be used in payment of the civil
list, for erecting forts and founding ' * seminaries
of learning"; any surplus remaining was to be
used in "building and equipping a navy and to
no other use or purpose whatever." Of all the
schemes for western States Bland's alone made
provision for use of funds for the protection of
the eastern sea-coast by a navy. The plan is of
no little importance for its contribution of the
arbitrary line idea; otherwise it reechoes most
of the old ideas of federated States, government
survey, and reservations to promote education,
the tovniship system, etc. No action on Bland's
ordinance was taken.
In contrast to the arbitrary line idea is that of
General Washington's, outlined in a letter to
James Duane three months later — September 7,
1783.^* A careful student of geography and
frontier transportation, Washington was partic
le Doc. xii.

xxviii Introduction

ularly interested in the relation of the boundary
question to that of Indian relations ; he drew the
new State along the lines of Pickering and Put
nam with one exception. He inclined toward
making the Miami and Maumee River valleys the
western line, with an extension or "gore" to in
clude a strip of land along the St. Clair and De
troit Rivers to include the site of Detroit; this
projection, however, he affirms to be illogical and
favors throwing Detroit over into the next State
to be formed to the westward.
Five months later, February, 1784, we find
David Howell, the Rhode Island jurist and mem
ber of Congress, outlining a new plan of state-
building^' — a matter which he considered of
equal importance with any then demanding the
attention of Congress. Howell strikes a new note
when he affirms in a letter to Jonathan Arnold
that the republicanism of the trans- Allegheny
pioneer — "the gods of the mountains" — will
be the sheet-anchor of the young Republic when
the people of the "eastern shores" shall become
"rich and luxurious and ready to yield their lib
erties into the hands of a tyrant. ' '
The basic idea of the new plan seems to be an
attempt to check the possible power of a "tj-
rant," or the overpowering influence of one sec
tion, by the use of a balance-of -power scheme to
15 Doc. xiv.

Introduction xxix

play off one section against another. The Union
was to be divided into three tiers of States ; the
most westerly tier was to lie between the Missis
sippi River and a meridian drawn through the
FaUs of the Ohio (Louisville) from the Gulf of
Mexico to upper Lake Michigan; the next tier
was to be bounded on the east by a meridian
dravni from the North Carolina line to Lake
Erie through the mouth of the Great Kanawha,
and on the south and north by the Carolina line
and the Great Lakes, respectively; the eastern
tier embraced the remainder of the Union south
of the Carolina line and east of the Great Kana
wha meridian. Fourteen new States were to be
erected in the two westerly tiers, containing two
degrees of latitude each, the meridians to deter
mine their longitude. The first State was to be
bounded by the Great Kanawha meridian, the
Pennsylvania line, the Ohio River and Lake
Erie. Howell, taking the debates of Congress at
Princeton as mentor, outlines for the first time
the progressive stages through which these dis
tricts shall move before attaining full Statehood.
In the first stage they are to complete a local or
ganization, choose a constitution of one of the old
States, pay taxes and have a "sitting member"
in Congress. On attaining a prescribed number
of inhabitants the second heaven is entered and a
constitution of their own making shall be al-

XXX Introduction

lowed. When the population of the district is
equal to any of the original States such district
shall be admitted to the federal union on sub
scribing to certain stipulations. These included
a renunciation of the right of ceding from the
Union, the payment of their proportional part
of the national debt, the abandonment of slavery
after 1800, the surrender of any hereditary title
on the part of any citizen on penalty of forfeit
ure of citizenship.
A review of this discussion of over a decade of
years, if only the arguments of the most impor
tant men are considered, makes it possible for one
to estimate accurately the origin of the famous
Ordinance of 1784 which now followed." While
in some particulars it introduces new elements
and ideas, hardly a fundamental proposition is
found in it that was not suggested in these years
of discussion and debate. It is only by recog
nizing the seedlings as scattered by these real
"Fathers" of the West and noting what were
good and brought forth fruit and what were not
of value and east aside, that we can feel and know
that these great documents were human in all
senses of the word. By knowing something of
the maze of alternatives that confronted the Con
gress that passed the Ordinances of 1784, 1785,
and 1787, by knowing that its members chose
IS Doc. xv.

Introduction xxxi

with rare judgment wheat from chaff, it becomes
possible for us to give honor where it is due and
be impressed as never before by the earnestness
and fidelity and foresight of those who labored
in behalf of a territory in the making. No more
important precedent was established in our his
tory than the precedent of the creation of the
"Territory North West of the River Ohio"; it
was to make itself felt in every word of legisla
tion passed concerning every foot of land that
lay between the Alleghenies and the Pacific.
The Ordinance of 1784 followed the general
lines of the discussions as outlined by Howell ; it
was written by Thomas Jefferson, who, with
Chase of Maryland and Howell, completed the
committee which reported the bill. Its original
draft contained the prohibition of slavery pro
posed by Timothy Pickering, but, in the vote on
the final draft, this was stricken out; had not
Mr. Monroe been absent on account of illness the
slavery proviso would have been retained.
This Ordinance has been loosely called "in
operative " ; by this it should be understood that
it provided no actual plan for the disposition of
the western lands by Congress. This problem
was taken up the year following by the appoint
ment of a committee consisting of three members
from Southern States, Jefferson, Williamson,
and Read, and two members from the North,
Gerry and Howell. How far the Ordinance

xxxii Introduction

which they finally reported reflected the ideas
of Webster, Pickering, and Putnam, may be
seen by comparing the ideas of those men here
in reproduced with "An Ordinance for Ascer
taining the Mode of Disposing of Lands in
the Western Territory," commonly known as
the Land Ordinance of 1785." The northern
township system and survey-before-sale plan
was unanimously adopted. The first lines were
to , be run by the Geographer of the United
States, Thomas Hutchins, from the crossing
place of the Pennsylvania line on the Ohio Riv
er, straight north and west. These lines were
to be the eastern and southern boundaries of
seven ranges of townships, each six miles square.
Already by the Treaty of Fort Mcintosh, dated
January 21, 1785, the Indian title to this region
had been quieted."
Many of the documents relating to the military
phases of these important years of 1785, 1786,
and 1787, from the Harmar Papers and the files
of the War Department, have been published."
The material here presented, with exception of a
few quotations from these sources, relates to the
surt'eys of the Seven Ranges from the Papers
of the Continental Congress ^° and fills the gap in
17 Doe. xvii.
18 Doc. xvi.
19 W. H. Smith, The St. Clair Papers, ii, 1-22.
20 Docs, xviii-xlvii.

Introduction

XXXIU

the record of the territory in the making up to
the passing of the Ordinance of 1787 which was
immediately endorsed and made legal by the first
Congress under the Constitution. Thomas
Hutchins with his corps of surveyors began the
first survey of the Northern line of the Seven
Ranges September ,22-October 23, 1785, when
the Indians compelled him to desist. Taking
up the work again in July, 1786, more than
four ranges were surveyed before the end of
February, 1787. The papers here reproduced,
many from Hutchins's hand, portray the diffi
culties of this undertaking. Their very miscel
laneous character illustrate the temper of the In
dians, the difficulties of surveying so far beyond
settled limits and give us a glimpse into the for
ests of old Ohio not found elsewhere. A reading
of them proves what a virgin field lies open to
the historians of Ohio who will make use of all
the materials extant.
The picture shows on the one hand a large body
of eager lusty pioneers, supreme in their disdain
of the surly Indians, unique in their strong sense
of democracy, crowding the Ohio 's shores ; hun
dreds boldly cross the river, build homes, elect
magistrates and call on their fellows far and wide
to elect delegates to meet at the mouth of the
Scioto to form a State convention and adopt a
constitution." On the other hand we see the sur-
21 Doc. xxi.

xxxiv Introduction

veyors under the lead of the Geographer of the
United States taking their stand where the Penn
sylvania line crosses the Ohio and lay down the
first of that great net-work of lines that shall
stretch to Oregon and California and around
Kentucky to the last sandy dune of the Floridan
peninsula, creating the township system. These
surveyors are protected by that kernel of troops
which shall become the United States army.
These troops nail to the Ohio trees the proclama
tion of Congress ^^ that no trespassers will be al
lowed on the land, burn the cabins of the embit
tered vanguard but fail to eradicate them. And
on the confines of the scene lurk the banditti of
Mingoes and Cherokees who dispute the author
ity of the Delawares, Wyandots, and Chippewas
who signed the Treaty of Port Mcintosh ceding
these lands.^^
No thinking person can read the documents
which hint at, rather than describe, these doubly
critical days in the Old Northwest without being
impressed anew and more poignantly with the
great wisdom with which "the Fathers" handled
this enormously important theme, their sturdi-
ness of purpose and steadfast refusal to allow the
"tomahawk claim" system to break across the
Ohio. A precedent was here set of immeasur
able importance and it should be remembered to
22 Doc. xxvii.
23 Doc. xvi.

Introduction xxxv

the honor of the Congress that is so often char
acterized as a "weakling," a government "by
supplication." The actors in this trans- Alle
gheny episode — the surly borderers, the recal
citrant savages and the alert but fearful survey
ors — did not recognize it as such !
The concluding pages of the volume are given
up to the one detailed account in existence of the
daily routine and experiences of the surveyors
who were running the lines of the Seven Ranges.
This is the Journal of John Matthews. Its sim
ple descriptions of forest and meadowland prob
ably exerted a greater influence on the New Eng
land imagination than came from any other
source. The document was presented to Dr.
Samuel P. Hildreth by the Reverend William
Harris, Treasurer of Princeton University, in
1886 and forms a part of the "Hildreth Collec
tion" in the Marietta College Library.
Archer Butler Hulbert
Camp Travis,
San Antonio, Texas
April 7, 1918

PAET ONE
THE ANTECEDENTS OF THE
OEDINANCE OF 1784^

Silas Deane on Western Lands (1776)^
. . . From these and other considerations, on
which I need not be minute, emigrations from Eu
rope will be prodigious immediately on the estab
lishment of American independence. The conse
quence of this must be the rise of the lands already
settled, and a demand for new or uncultivated; on
this demand I conceive a certain fund may now be
fixed. You may smile, and recollect the sale of the
bearskin in the fable, but at the same time must be
sensible that your wants are real ; and if others can
be induced to relieve them, it is indifferent to you
whether they have a consideration in hand or in
prospect. I trace the river Ohio from its jimction to its head;
thence north to Lake Erie, on the south and west of
that lake to Fort Detroit, which is in the latitude of

1 The reprint of the succeeding documents supplements Prof. Pay-
son J. Treat's antecedents of the Land Ordinance of 1785 (The
National Land System, 29-40) and Jay A. Barrett's antecedents of
the Ordinance of 1787 (Evolution of the Ordinance of 1787).
2 Extract from a letter to the Secret Committee of Congress, dated
at Paris, December 1, 1776 — from American Archives, fifth series,
iii, 1020-1021.

2 Marietta CoUege Historical Collections
Boston ; thence a west course to the Mississippi, and
return to the place of my departure. These three
lines, of near one thousand miles each, include an
immense territory in a fine climate well watered and
by accounts exceediugly fertile; it is not inhab
ited by any Europeans of consequence, and the
tribes of Indians are inconsiderable, and will de
crease faster than the lands can possibly be called
for, for cultivation. To this I ask your attention, as
a resource amply adequate, under proper regula
tions, for defraying the whole expense of the war,
and the sums necessary to be given the Indians in
purchase of the native right. But to give this land
value, inhabitants are necessary. I therefore pro
pose, in the first place, that a grant be made of a
tract of land at the mouth of the Ohio, between that
and the Mississippi, equal to two hundred square
miles, to a company formed indiscriminately of
Europeans and Americans, "which company should
form a distinct State, confederated with and under
the general regulations of the United States General
of America. That the Congress of the United States
shall out of such grant reserve the defraying or dis
charging the publick debts or expenses, one-fifth
part of all the lands, mines, etc., within said tract,
to be disposed of by the Congress in such manner as
good policy and the publick exigencies may dictate ;
the said one-fifth to be sequestered out of every
grant or settlement made by the company, of equal
goodness with the rest of such grant or settlement ;
the company on their part shall engage to have in
seven years after the passing such grant [blank]
thousand families settled on said grant, and civil

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 3
government regulated and supported on the most
free and liberal principles, takihg therein the advice
of the honorable Congress of the United States of
North America. They shall also, from and after
their having one thousand families as above said,
contribute their proportion of the publick expenses
of the contuient, or United States, according to the
number of their inhabitants, and shall be entitled to
a voice in Congress as soon as they are called on thus
to contribute.^ The company shall at all times have
the preference of purchasing the Continental or com
mon interest thus reserved, when it shall be offered
to sale. The company shall consist, on giving the
patent or grant, of at least one hundred persons.
These are the outlines of a proposed grant, which
you see contains more than twenty-five millions acres
of land, the one-fifth of which, if a settlement is car
ried on vigorously, will soon be of most prodigious
value. At this time a company might be formed in
France, Germany, etc., who would form a stock of
one hundred thousand pounds sterling, to defray the
expense of this settlement. By such a step you in
the first place extend the circle of your connection
and influence, you iacrease the number of your in
habitants, proportionably lessen the common ex
penses, and have in the reserve a fund for publick
exigencies. Further, as this company would be in
a great degree commercial, the establishing com
merce at the junction of these large rivers would
immediately give a value to all the lands situated on
3 It is to be noted that Deane in a shadowy way here outlines the
' ' progressive ' ' idea afterward adopted for the western territories
which automatically advanced from a state of probation into a full
federated condition.

4 Marietta College Historical Collections
or near them, within the above extensive descrip
tion; and further grants might admit of larger re
serves, amply sufficient for defraying the expenses
of the war, and possibly for establishing funds for
other important purposes.
It may be objected, this is not a favorable time
for such a measure. I reply, it is the most favorable
that can happen. You want money, and by holding
up this early -^ew a certain fund, on which to raise
it, even the most certain in the world, that of land
security, you may obtain the loan and engage the
moneyed interests of Europe in your favor. I have
spoken with many persons of good sense on this
subject, which makes me the more sanguine.
. . . I will now dismiss this scheme. . . only
adding, or rather repeating, what I have in a
former letter wrote, that a large and generous al
lowance ought immediately be made for the officers
and soldiers serving in the present war. . . This
will make the Army consist hterally of a set of men
fighting for freehold ; and it will be a great encour
agement to foreigners, with whom five hundred or a
thousand acres of land has a great sound.

II
Thomas Paine on Western Lands (1780)*
. . . Another reason why the present time for
separation from Great Britain is preferable to all
others, is, that the fewer our numbers are, the more
* Extract from ' ' Common Sense" — Paine 's Works (1878) , 40 seq.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 5
land there is yet unoccupied, which, instead of being
lavished by the king on his worthless dependents,
may be hereafter applied, not only to the discharge
of the present debt, but to the constant support of
the government. No nation under heaven hath such
an advantage as this. . .
Should affairs be patched up with Britain, and
she remain the governing and sovereign power of
America, (which, as matters are now circumstanced,
is giving up the point entirely) we shall deprive
ourselves of the very means of sinking the debt we
have or may contract. The value of the back lands,
which some of the provinces are clandestinely de
prived of, by the unjust extension of the limits of
Canada,' valued only at five pounds sterling per hun
dred acres, amount to upwards of twenty-five mil
lions Pennsylvania currency; and the quit-rents at
one penny sterling per acre, to two millions yearly.
It is by the sale of those lands that the debt may
be sunk, without burden to any, and the quit-rent re
served theron, will always lessen, and in time, will
wholly support the yearly expense of government.
It matters not how long the debt is in paying, so that
the lands when sold be applied to the discharge of
it, and for the execution of which, the congress for
the time being, will be the Continental trustees.

5 The Quebec Act.

6 Marietta College Historical Collections
III
Thomas Paine on Government of Westeen
Teeritory (1780)"
The succession of the United States 'to the vacant
Western territory is a right they originally set upon ;
and in the pamphlet "Common Sense," I frequently
mentioned those lands as a National fund for the
benefit of all; therefore, resuming the subject where
I then left off, I shall conclude with concisely re
ducing to system what I then only hinted.
In my last piece, the "Crisis Extraordinary," I
estimated the annual amount of the charge of war
and the support of the several governments at two
million pounds sterling, and the peace establishment
at three quarters of a million, and, by a comparison
of the taxes of this country with those of England,
proved that the whole yearly expense to us, to de
fend the country, is but a third of what Britain would
have drawn from us by taxes, had she succeeded in
her attempt to conquer ; and our peace establishment
only an eighth part ; and likewise showed, that it was
within the ability of the states to carry on the whole
of the war by taxation, without having recourse to
any other modes or funds.
To have a clear idea of taxation is necessary to
every country, and the more funds we can discover
and organize, the less will be the hope of the enemy,
and the readier their disposition to peace, which it is
now their interest more than ours to promote.
I have already remarked that only the United
6 Extract from "Public Good" — Paine 's Works (1894), ii, 61
seq.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 7
States, and not any particular state, can lay off new
states and incorporate them into the Union by repre
sentation; keeping, therefore, this idea in view, I
ask, might not a substantial fund be quickly created
by laying off a new state, so as to contain between
twenty and thirty millions of acres, and opening a
land office in all countries in Europe for hard money,
and in this country for supplies in kind, at a certain
price. The tract of land that seems best adapted to an
swer this purpose is contained between the Alleghany
mountains and the river Ohio, as far north as the
Pennsylvania line, thence extending down the said
river to the falls, thereof, thence due south into the
latitude of the North Carolina line, and thence east to
the Alleghany mountains aforesaid. I more readily
mention this tract, because it is fighting the enemy
with their own weapons, as it includes the same
ground on which a new colony would have been
erected, for the emolument of the crown of England,
as appears by the letters of lords Hillsborough and
Dartmouth, had not the revolution prevented its be
ing carried into effect.^
It is probable that there may be some spots of
private property within this tract, but to incorporate
them into some government will render them more
profitable to the owners, and the condition of the
scattered settlers more eligible and happy than at
present. If twenty millions of acres of this new state be
patented and sold at twenty pounds sterling per
7 The Vandalia Company — • see G. H. Alden, New Governments
West of the Alleghenies Before 1780, 23-28.

8 Marietta College Historical Collections
hundred acres, they will produce four million pounds
sterling, which, if applied to continental expenses
only, will support the war for three years, should
Britain be so unwise as to prosecute it against her
own direct interest and against the interest and
policy of all Europe. The several states wiU then
have to raise taxes for their internal government
only, and the continental taxes, as soon as the fund
begins to operate, will lessen, and if sufficiently
productive, will cease.
Lands are the real riches of the habitable world
and the natural funds of America. The fimds of
other countries are, in general, artificially construct
ed; the creatures of necessity and contrivance; de
pendent on credit, and always exposed to hazard and
uncertainty. But lands can neither be annihilated
nor lose their value ; on the contrary, they universal
ly rise with population, and rapidly so, when under
the security of effectual government. But this it is
impossible for Virginia to give, and therefore, that
which is capable of defraying the expenses of the
empire, will, under the management of any single
state, produce only a fugitive support to wandering
individuals. I shall now inquire into the effects which the
laying out a new state, under the authority of the
United States, will have upon Virginia. It is the
very circumstance she ought to, and must, wish for,
when she examines the matter in all its bearings and
consequences. The present settlers beyond her reach, and her
supposed authority over them remaining in herself,
they will appear to her as revolters, and she to them

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 9
as oppressor ; and this will produce such a spirit of
mutual dishke, that in a little time a total disagree
ment wiU take place to the disadvantage of both.
But under the authority of the United States the
matter is manageable, and Virginia will be eased of
a disagreeable consequence.
Besides this, a sale of the lands, continentally,
for the purpose of supporting the expense of the war,
will save her a greater share of taxes, than the small
sale which she could make herself, and the small
price she could get for them would produce.
She would likewise have two advantages which
no other state in the Union enjoys; first, a frontier
state for her defense against the incursions of the
Indians; and the second is, that the laying out and
peopling a new state on the back of an old one, sit
uated as she is, is doubling the quantity of its trade.
The new state which is here proposed to be laid
out may send its exports down the Mississippi, but
its imports must come through Chesapeake bay, and
consequently Virginia will become the market for
the new state ; because, though there is a navigation
from it, there is none into it, on account of the rapid
ity of the Mississippi.^
There are certain circumstances that will produce
certain events whether men think of them or not.
The events do not depend upon thinking, but are the
natural consequence of acting, and according to the
system which Virginia has gone upon, the issue will
8 This argument is reechoed four years later by Jefferson but in
favor of Virginia's refusing to cede land east of the Great Kanawha
meridian — Jefferson to Washington, March 15, 1784, Old South Leaf
lets, vi, 16.

10 Marietta College Historical Collections
be, that she will get involved with back settlers in a
contention about rights, till they dispute with their
own claims ; and, soured by the contention, will go to
any other state for their commerce;" both of which
may be prevented, a perfect harmony established,
the strength of the states increased, and the expenses
of the war defrayed, by settling the matter now on
the plan of a general right; and every day it is de
layed, the difficulty will be increased and the advan
tages lessened.
But if it should happen, as it possibly may, that
the war should end before the money, which the new
state may produce, be expended, the remainder of
the lands therein maybe set apart to reimburse those
whose houses have been burnt by the enemy, as this
is a species of suffering which it was impossible to
prevent, because houses are not moveable property ;
and it ought not to be that because we cannot do
everything, that we ought not to do what we can.
Having said this much on the subject, I think it
necessary to remark, that the prospect of a new
fund, so far from abating our endeavors in making
every immediate provision for the army, ought to
quicken us therein; for should the states see it ex
pedient to go upon the measure, it will be at least
a year before it can be productive. I more freely
mention this, because there is a dangerous species of
popularity, which I fear, some men are seeking from
their constituents by giving them grounds to believe,
that if they are elected they will lighten the taxes ; a
measure which, in the present state of things, cannot
9 In illustration, note the petition of Kentuekians to be permitted
to remove across the Ohio ; Doo. xxxiii.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 11
be done without exposing the country to the ravages
of the enemy by disabling the army from defending
it. Where knowledge is a duty, ignorance is a crime ;
and if any man whose duty it was to know better,
has encouraged such an expectation, he has either
deceived himself or them; besides, no country can
be defended without expense, and let any man com
pare his portion of the temporary inconveniences
arising from taxation with the real distresses of the
army for the want of supplies, and the difference is
not only sufficient to strike him dumb, but to make
him thankful that worse consequences have not fol
lowed. In advancing this doctrine, I speak with an honest
freedom to the country ; for as it is their good to be
defended, so is it their interest to provide that de
fence, at least till other funds can be organized.
As the laying out new states will some time or
other be the business of the country, and as it is yet
a new business to us, and as the influence of war has
scarcely afforded leisure for reflecting on distant
circumstances, I shall throw together a few hints
for facilitating that measure whenever it may be
proper for adopting it.
The United States now standing on the line of
sovereignty, the vacant territory is their property
collectively, but the personsby whom it may hereafter
be peopled will also have an equal right with our
selves ; and therefore, as new states shall be laid off
and incorporated with the present, they will become
partakers of the remaining territory with us who are
already in possession. And this consideration

12 Marietta College Historical Collections
ought heighten the value of lands to new emigrants ;
because, in making the purchases, they not only gain
an immediate property, but become initiated into
the right and heirship of the states to a property
in reserve, which is an additional advantage to
what any purchasers under the late government of
England enjoyed.
The setting off the boundary of any new state will
naturally be the first step, and as it must be sup
posed not to be peopled at the time it is laid off, a
constitution must be formed by the United States,
as the rule of government in any new state for a cer
tain term of years (perhaps ten) or until the state
becomes peopled to a certain number of inhabitants ;
after which, the whole and sole right of modelling
their government to rest with themselves.
A question may arise, whether a new state should
immediately posses an equal right with the present
ones in all cases which may eome before Congress.
This, experience will best detemine ; but at a first
view of the matter it appears thus: That it ought
to be immediately incorporated into the Union on the
ground of a family right, such a state standing
in the line of a younger child of the same stock ; but
as new emigrants will have something to learn when
they first come to America, and a new state requir
ing aid rather than capable of giving it, it might be
most convenient to admit its immediate representa
tion into Congress, there to sit, hear and debate on
all matters, but not to vote on any till after the ex
piration of seven years."
10 Silas Deane, we have seen, expressed the idea of a western state
having at first a ' ' voice ' ' in the national Congress ; Paine here first

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 13
I shall in this place take the opportunity of re
viewing a hint which I formerly threw out in the
pamphlet "Common Sense," and which the several
states wiU, sooner or later see the convenience if not
the necessity of adopting; which is, that of electing
a constitutional convention, for the purpose of form
ing a continental constitution, defining and describ
ing the powers and authority of Congress.

IV
Continental Congress on the Cession of
Western Lands (1780)"
Congress took into consideration the report of the
Committee to whom were referred the instructions of
the general assembly of Maryland to their delegates
in Congress, respecting the articles of confederation,
and the declaration therein referred to, the act of
the legislature of New York on the same subject,"
and the remonstrance of the general assembly of
Virginia ; which report was agreed to, and is in the
words following:
' ' That having duly considered the several matters
to them submitted, they conceive it unnecessary to
examine into the merits or the pohcy of the instruc
tions or declaration of the general assembly of
suggests the plan finally adopted of a "sitting" member without a
vote. 11 Extract from Journals of the Continental Congress, xvii, 806-807.
12 We have elsewhere quoted Professor Treat's opinion as to the
"positive" infiuence of New York in the cession matter (i, xvii,
note) ; it is clearly brought out in the present document.

14 Marietta College Historical Collections
Maryland, or of the remonstrance of the general as
sembly of Virginia, as they involve questions, a dis
cussion of which was declined on mature considera
tion, when the articles of confederation were debat
ed; nor, in the opinion of the committee, can such
questions be now revivfed with any prospect of con
ciliation; that it appears more advisable to press
upon these states which can remove the embarrass
ment respecting the Western country, a liberal sur
render of a portion of their territorial claims, since
they cannot be preserved entire without endangering
the stability of the general confederacy; to remind
them how indispensibly necessary it is to establish
the federal union on a fixed and permanent basis,
and on principles acceptable to all its respective
members; how essential to public credit and confi
dence, to the suport of our army, to the vigour of our
councils and success of our measures, to our tran
quillity at home, and our reputation abroad, to our
present safety and our future prosperity, to our
very existence as sovereign and independent people ;
that they are fully persuaded the wisdom [ ] ^^ of
the respective legislatures will lead them to a full and
impartial consideration of a subject so interesting
to the United States, and so necessary to the happy
establishment of the federal union; that they are
confirmed in their expectations by a review of the be-
forementioned act of the legislature of New York,
submitted to their consideration ; that this act is ex-
13 Words here stricken out: "and magnanimity of the patriotic
legislators of these states will on an occasion of such vast magnitude,
prompt them to prefer the general security to local attachment, and
the permanency of the confederacy to an unwieldy extent of their
respective limits. ' '

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 15
pressly calculated to accelerate the federal alliance,
by removing, as far as it depends on that state, the
impediment arising from the Western country, and
for that purpose to yield a portion of territorial
claim for the general benefit ; [ Y*. Whereupon,
Resolved. That copies of the several papers re
ferred to the committee be transmitted, with a copy
of the report, to the legislatures of [ ]^° the sev
eral states, and that it be earnestly recommended to
those states, who have claims to the Western country,
to pass such laws, and give their delegates in Con
gress such powers as may effectually remove the only
obstacle to a final ratification of the articles of con
federation; and that the legislature of Maryland be
earnestly requested to authorize their delegates in
Congress to subscribe the said articles;"

V
Continental Congress on the Formation of
the States in the Western Tereitoey (1780)"
Congress resumed the consideration of the report
of the committee on the motion made by the dele
gates of Virginia ; and thereupon,
1* Words here stricken out: "an example which in the opinion of
your committee deserves applause, and will produce imitation."
15 Words here stricken out: "Virginia, North Carolina and
Georgia. ' '
16 Words here stricken out: "and that a copy of the aforemen
tioned remonstrance from the Assembly of Virginia and act of the
legislature of New York, together -with a copy of this report, be
transmitted to the said legislature of Maryland. ' '
17 Extract from Journals of the Continental Congress, xviii, 915-
916.

16 Marietta College Historical Collections
Resolved, that the unappropriated lands that may
be ceded or relinquished to the United States, by any
particular states, pursuant to the recommendation of
Congress of the 6th day of September last, shall be
[ ]" disposed of for the common benefit of [ ]"
the United States [ ] ^° and be settled and formed
into distinct republican states, which shall become
members of the federal union, and have the same
rights of sovereignty, freedom and independence, as
the other states ;^^ that each state which shall be so
formed shall contain a suitable extent of territory,
not less than one hundred nor more than one hundred
and fifty miles square, or as near thereto as circum
stances will admit ; [ y^
That the necessary and reasonable expenses which
any particular state shaU have incurred since the
commencement of the present war, in subduing any
of the British posts, or in maintaining forts or gar
risons within and for the defence, or in acquiring any
part of the territory that may be ceded or relinquish
ed to the United States, shall be reimbursed.
That the said lands shall be granted and settled at
such times and under such regulations as shall here
after be agreed on by the United States in Congress
assembled, or any nine or more of them. [ ]-'
That no purchases and deeds from any Indians
18 Omitted : ' ' granted and. ' '
"Omitted: "aU."
20 Omitted : ' ' that shall be members of the federal Union. ' '
21 The first official statement concerning the ultimate federation of
western territory.
22 Omitted: "and that upon such cession being made by any State
and approved and accepted by Congress, the United States shall
guaranty the remaining territory of the said States respectively. ' '
23 Omitted: "That all purchases made of the Indians of any of
said lands by private persons, without the approbation of the Legis-

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 17
or Indian nations, for lands within the Territory to
be ceded or relinquished, which [ ]^* shall not
been ratified by lawful authority, shall be deemed
valid or ratified by Congress.

VI
Pelatiah Webstee on Our Western Unlocated
Lands (1781)^=
V. Tho ' the title and right of the said six States ^*
to their whole western extent should be indisputa
ble, yet the preservation and use of it are secured to
them, and the whole must for ever be defended, by
the arms and at the expense of the States-general.
The quotas of this expense ought to be proportioned
to the value and extent of the thing secured and de
fended by it; qui sentit commodum, sentire debet
quoque onuss but if the quotas of the said six States
should be increased in proportion to the great extent
of their territory, or even the value of the same, it
would bring such a very pressing weight on the pres
ent inhabitants, as might be beyond their strength or
at least inconvenient to them.
For here it is to be considered, that the expense of
the war is not to be estimated merely by the cash it
has cost; but the devastation of the enemy, the loss
lature of the State to -whom the right of preemption belonged, shall
not be deemed valid to make a title to such purchases. ' '
2* Omitted: "have been made without the approbation of the legis
lature of the state -within whose limits it lay for the use of any pri
vate person or persons -whatsoever make a title to the purchases. ' '
25 Extract from Webster's Political Essays (1791), 491 seq.
26 Seven states claimed western lands: Virginia, New York, Con
necticut, Massachusetts, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia.

18 Marietta College Historical Collections
of lives, etc. are to be brought into the account ; and
when the estimate comes to be made on these princi
ples, it will rise very high on such parts of the in
terest defended as could lose no lives, because it
had no inhabitants; and was incapable of devasta
tion, because it had no improvements which could be
destroyed. Besides, as all the States have exerted themselves
with equal ardor, danger, and effort in carrying on
the war, it is but reasonable they should all share
alike in the advantages resulting from it. To these
might be added many more strong reasons why the
said six States should cede or grant their western
uncultivated lands to the States-general, to remain
a conunon stock, till they can be disposed of for the
good of the whole.
But I deem it needless to urge this matter farther,
because I am informed that a general conviction of
the expediency of this measure prevails thro' all
the States, and that it is freely agreed on the part
of the said six States, to make such a cession or
grant to the States-general, as above mentioned, and
that the same will soon be done.
We wiU suppose, then, that this is done, and the
right and title of these western uncultivated lands
vested in the States-general ; what is to be done with
them? i. e. how are they to be managed, in order to
obtain the greatest national benefit possible from
them? Some people think we ought to sell or mortgage
them to foreign States, for money in our present dis
tress. But I have many reasons against this method.
The first is.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 19
That it is capable of the most demonstrative proof,
that no importation of money can help us, even if it
was given to us, much less if our lands are to be
mortgaged for it. We are in much more danger
from the plenty of money coming from all quarters
in upon us, than from any scarcity of it ; our salva
tion must arise from the wealth and virtue which
abounds in the country, not in hunting abroad for
money. Besides, I abhor the very idea of strangers having
their paw on any of our lands in any shape whatev
er; and.
Further, they would bring mighty little in this
way, i. e. very little present benefit, tho' enough of
future trouble ; it would be like killing the goose that
laid an egg every day, in order to tear out at once
all that was in her belly. But every idea of this sort
is painful to me ; I wish not to dwell longer on it, but
beg leave to propose a method which appears to me
more for our advantage.
I. Let the ceded territory be divided from the un-
ceded by the plainest fines, and let it be kept in its
present imcultivated state, and preserved from the
intrusion of any settlers whatever, hj the most rigid
and effectual prohibitions, till the lands adjoining
are fully settled ; then,
II. Survey out townships of six, eight, or ten
miles square, continuous to the unsettled country,
and sell the lands at vendue to the highest bidder,
on the following conditions :
1. That none be sold at less than a Spanish dollar
per acre.
2. That every purchaser be obliged to settle and

20 Marietta College Historical Collections
improve his purchase within two or three years, or
forfeit his lands ; the particular regulations of which
should be pubhshed at the time of sale, and be rigid
ly executed; and when the first course or tier of
townships are sold, and the settlement of them
secured, lay out another tier, sell them in like man
ner, and so on thro' the whole. This method will
have the foUowing advantages, viz.
1. All the lands sold will bring at least a doUar
per acre ; and if we admit, as above computed, those
300,000,000 acres ^' of our western territory to be
come the public property of the States-general, and
allow 100,000,000 acres for lakes, ponds, beds of
rivers, barrens, etc. there will remain 200,000,000
acres of good land to be sold ; which, at a dollar per
acre, will produce 200,000,000 hard dollars for the
treasury of the United States ; the annual interest of
which, at 5 per cent, will be 10,000,000 dollars per
annum; a sum much more than sufficient to defray
the whole public expenses of the Thirteen States, in
a time of peace, and, of course, a large surplus to
be exi>ended on a navy, roads, canals, and many
other improvements of our country, with a sufficient
sum to be laid up for a time of war.
2. This method will push our settlements out in
close columns, much less assailable by the enemy,
and more easily defended, than extensive, thin pop
ulations ; there will be people here for defence near
the frontiers; they will have the inducements of a
near interest to animate them to the service; their
27 The origin of this estimate of western acreage is difficult to
find. It persisted at least do-wn to 1803, when Senator Ross of Penn
sylvania used such an estimate in his speech in Congress, February
14th. The Old Northwest contained 169,959,680 acres.

From a plate loaned iy the Western Reserve Historical Society
A Map of the Ohio Company Ptjkchase from the "May Papers"

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 21
course of life and acquaintance with the country
will render them much more fit for the service, than
people drawn from the interior parts of the country ;
and the necessary force may be collected and put
into action much quicker, and with much less ex
pense, than if the same was drawn from distant
parts. These and many more and great advantages wiU
naturally result from our pushing out our settle
ments in close columns, which cannot be expected or
hoped for from a vastly extended frontier thinly in
habited. Add to this, that every new beginner makes his
first improvement in company of near neighbours,
and at but small distance from older settlements,
much m,ore easily than he could do alone in a wilder
ness, where he could receive no helps from neigh
bours, let his necessity be ever so great.
3. This method would obviate one abuse very
hurtful to new settlements, most injurious to the in
dividuals who first migrate and bear the hardships
of first cultivation, and which greatly retards the
population and improvement of a new country, viz.
large quantities of land lying unimproved in the
hands of non-residents or absentees, who neither
dwell on the land, nor cause it to be cultivated at aU,
but their land hes in its wild state, a refuge for
bears, wolves, and other beasts of prey, ready to
devour the produce of the neighbouring farmers,
bears no part of the burden of first cultivation, and
keeps the settlers at an inconvenient distance from
each other, and obstructs the growth and riches of
the townships in which it lies ; whilst the owner, by
the rise of the land, makes a fortune out of the labor

22 Marietta College Historical Collections

and toils of the neighbouring cultivators. This is a
most cruel way of enriching one man by the labor of
another, and so very hurtful to the cultivation of the
country, that it ought to be restrained by the most
decisive measures.
4. This method will give every inhabitant of the
Thirteen States an equal chance of availing himself
of any advantage of procuring lands for the accom
modation of himself or family; whilst, at the same
time, the ceding State will reap great benefit from
the produce and trade of the adjoining settlements,
which will, at the same time, become a secure barrier
to their frontiers, against the incursions of an enemy
on that side.
5. In this method we can extend our laws, cus
toms, and civil police as fast and as far as we extend
our settlements; of course, our frontier people will
enjoy every benefit of civil society and regular ad
ministration of justice ; which cannot take place with
equal perfection in the great extent of a thin settled
frontier. 6. Another thing very necessary to be observed
in the whole management of this affair is, to culti
vate a good and friendly correspondence with the
Indian natives, by a careful practice of justice and
benevolence towards them. They are an innumer
able race of people, probably extending over a vast
country to the west seas, and very great advantages
may be derived from their trade, if we can gain and
preserve their confidence.
Whereas nobody ever yet gained any thing by an
Indian war. Their spoils are of no value; but their
revenge and depredations are terrible. It is much

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 23
cheaper to purchase their lands, than to dispossess
them by force; and justice in all cases is more profit
able than violence and wrong.
It may be noted here, that many inhabitants are
already on the lands supposed to be ceded. What is
to be done with them? I answer — if their continu
ance is matter of uneasiness to the Indians, and is
likely to produce broils with them, they are by all
means to be removed. For it is unreasonable that
the public tranquility should be endangered for the
sake of the convenience of a few people, who, with
out the least pretence of right, have fixed themselves
down on lands not their own.
But notwithstanding this, if their continuance will
not endanger the public security, let them keep their
possessions on express condition, viz. that, when the
townships in which their possessions shall be in
cluded when the future surveys shall be made, shall
be sold, they shall pay as much for their lands as the
other purchasers of the same township pay on an
average for theirs, excluding every idea of favor, to
which they may think themselves entitled for their
first migration and cultivation. For I esteem all
this very wrong and injurious to the public, which
rather deserves punishment than reward.
But there is another objection more forcible,
which, I suppose, wUl be pretty readily made to my
scheme, viz. all the benefits of this scheme are future,
are a great way off ; but we want present supplies, to
relieve the present necessities of our country. This
was Esau's argument when he sold his birthright for
a mess of pottage, and is certainly a very good one,
when really grounded on fact; for no doubt a man

24 Marietta College Historical Collections
had better give his whole fortune for one meal of
victuals, than starve to death for want of it; but I
think wise men will examine this fact very closely,
and be very decidedly convinced, that the supposed
present necessity is really great enough to induce us
to forego all the fore-mentioned advantages for the
sake of the pittance, the trifle of money which those
lands woidd now bring, attended with all the shock
ing and mortifying disadvantages of giving any for
eigners a footing in our country, and a claim upon
our most essential and central interests.
But I think the objection itself is grounded on an
error; for I think the present advantages resulting
from my plan greater than could arise from any kind
of mortgage or alienation of these lands ; for I con
sider them like a rich, valuable, and sure reversion,
which never fails to give the owner a great estima
tion, credit, and respectability in the eyes of his
neighbors, tho' he receives no permenancy of present
profits ; but if this reversion was sold or mortgaged
for a trifle, and soon dissipated (as doubtless would
be our case) the owner would appear in a light more
contemptible, and in every view much more disad
vantageous, than if he had never owned the right.
It cannot be too often repeated, that we are not
capable of being saved, or even helped, by the im
portation of foreign money; it wUl destroy our in
dustry, it will introduce luxury; the increase of
quantity and ease of acquirement will depreciate it,
and thereby defeat its own uses.
This is as true as the diurnal rotation of the earth,
but, like it, not obvious to the perceptions of every
kind. Unhappy for us ! the nature of money, and the

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 25
radical essence of the public finance, depend on prin
ciples too latent for easy comprehension; and what
makes the matter more dangerous, like many delu
sive appearances in the natural world, is, they seem
to be perfectly easy and obvious, when they are least
understood; and therefore it has been observed in
all ages, that they work like magic under the direc
tion of unskillful men, ever producing effects the
least expected, as well as failing of those most san-
guinely computed upon.
Their operations, like other doctrines which de
pend on an affinity of relations, are governed by so
many co-operating causes, that their delineation is
very difficult, and their demonstration intricate, and
not to be understood without a long and deep atten
tion. They make a part of the great law of proportions,
which nature never faUs to regulate and adjust with
perfect exactness, but which the greatest and strong
est intellects, with the most nervous attention, can
but imperfectly comprehend.
Therefore, in this, as in all other branches of phys
ical knowledge, our safest cue and surest principles
must be drawn from experiment. But to return to
my subject —
I do not apprehend the actual permenancy of prof
its from our western lands, when disposed of accord
ing to my plan, so very distant as many may imagine.
The argument of analogy, from what has been to
what will be, is generaUy aUowed to be a good one.
If, therefore, upon this rule of reasoning, we may
suppose that the increase of population in our coun
try shall continue the same in time to come as we

26 Marietta College Historical Collections
have experienced in time past, viz. that the number
of souls double once in 25 years, it will appear very
probable that our own eyes may five to see the com
mencement of a great demand and rapid sale of our
western territory. The number of souls in the
Thirteen States in 1775, was generally computed at
3,000,000. (Some people of great observation were
of opinion, this number was much exceeded.) On
the aforesaid scale of computation, the number of
souls in these states, at the end of the next century,
will amount to 96,000,000 ; enough to extend over the
whole territory of our Commonwealth, and more
than Spain, France, Germany, and Italy now contain.
7. I will here subjoin one thing more, which may
perhaps be thought worthy of some consideration,
viz. that in surveying and granting the western
lands, all salthcks, and mines of metallic ores, coals,
minerals, and all other valuable fossils (in all which
the country greatly abounds) may be reserved and
sequestered for public use: a great revenue may
grow out of them: and it seems unreasonable that
those vast sources of wealth should be engrossed
and monopolized by any individuals. I think they
ought to be improved to the best public advantage-,
but in such manner, that the vast profits issuing from
them should flow into the public treasury, and there
by inure to the equal advantage of the whole com
munity. The foregoing considerations open to view such
great objects, such prospects of vast population and
national wealth, as may at first sight appear chimer
ical, illusory, and incredible. A great minister of
state was formerly so astonished at the very mention

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 27
of the vast supplies predicted by the prophet Elisha,
that he, with amazement mixed with unbelief, ex
claimed, "7/ the Lord would make windows in
heaven, might this thing be!" But I mean to subject
this Essay to the most rigid examination. Please to
review every proposition, and closely examine every
argument and inference I make, and if they do not
justify the conclusion, reject them; but if you find
the facts alleged, true, the propositions just, and the
inferences fairly drawn, do not start at your own
good fortune, or shrink from the blessings which
Heaven pours on your country. The boundaries
herein described, by which the contents of our ter
ritories are computed, are taken from Mitchel's map,
published in 1755, at the request of the Lords Com
missioners of Trade and Plantations, and is chiefiy
composed from draughts, charts, and actual surveys
of different parts of the English colonies and planta
tions in America, great part of which have been late
ly taken by their Lordships' orders, and transmitted
to the plantation-office, as is certified by John
Pownal, secretary of said office, and is perhaps a
map of the best authority and greatest accuracy of
any extant. The facts are of public notoriety. The
computations are all made on obvious principles, and
may be corrected by any body, if wrong. The senti
ments are my own, and are cheerfully submitted to
the most rigorous scrutiny that can consist with
truth and candor. The subject is very large; I do
not pretend to exhaust it, or that this Essay is a fin
ished piece ; it is a sketch only, a draught of outlines,
which, I hope, will be allowed to deserve at least a
candid attention. I wish it might be sufficient to

28 Marietta College Historical Collections
produce a full conviction, that it cannot be the in
terest of the United States either, 1st. to suffer such
vast and valuable blessings to be ravished from us
by our enemies ; or, 2d. to consent to their being sold
and alienated to foreigners, for any Uttle, trifling
present considerations ; such foolish bargains must
originate in very narrow views of the subject, and
terminate in shame and loss, and in every stage be
marked with mortification, disputes, and embarrass
ment. I will conclude by just observing, that this Essay
is whoUy confined to one branch only, to one single
resource, of our public revenue ; only one item of our
national wealth: an income vast indeed, not drawn
at all from the purses of the people, but capable of
being so conducted, that every individual who chooses
to be interested in it, may find a good profit resulting
from the concern. I do not doubt but if the whole
great subject was properly surveyed by a mind
capable of such reflections, many other sources of
revenue might be found, of vast utiUty to the public,
and in no sense injurious, but highly profitable, to
individuals. So to graft the revenue on the pubhc
stock, so to unite and combine public and private in
terests, that they may mutually support, feed, and
quicken each other, is the secret art, the true spirit
of financiering ; but we must never lose sight of this
one great truth, viz. that all resources of public
wealth and safety are only materials put into our
hands for improvement, and will prove either profit
able or hurtful according to the wisdom or folly with
which they are managed. Ruin may grow out of na
tional wealth, as well as from national poverty. Per-

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 29
haps it may require more great and good talents to
support an affluent fortune than a narrow one.
Affluence has at least as many dangers as indigence.
All depends on the characters of the men who man
age them. The happiness and wretchedness of na
tions depend on the abUities and virtue of the men
employed in the direction of their public affairs.
And I pray God to impress a due sense of this great
and most important doctrine on the minds of all
electors, and others concerned in the appointment of
public officers.

VII
Continental Congeess and the Pre-Revolu-
TioNARY Land Companies (1781)''
The delegates of Virginia representing to Con
gress, that the committee to whom were re-commit
ted the territorial cessions of Virginia, New York
and Connecticut, with a memorial signed J. Wilson,
by order of the United Illinois and Wabash com
panies, and the memorial of WiUiam Trent, in be
half of himself and other members of the Indiana
Company, had given them notice that they should,
on Saturday last, confer with the agents of the said
companies, on the subject of their several memori
als; that the said delegates conceiving that no claim
ought to be received from the said companies ad
verse to the cession of Virginia, or any other State,
because if the lands to which pretensions made by
those companies lie within the limits of such State,
28 Erom Jownals of the Continental Congress, xxi, 1057-1058.

30 Marietta College Historical Collections
by its authority alone can the merits of their claims
be enforced, because the jurisdiction of Congress in
territorial questions, being confined to an adjust
ment of confronting claims of different states, if the
lands claimed by those companies lie without the
limits of Virginia, or any of the other states, Con
gress are interdicted by the Confederation from the
cognizance of such claims, and because it derogates
from the sovereignty of a State to be drawn into
contest by an individual, or company of individuals,
and therefore that it was not the intention of Con
gress to authorize the committee to confer with the
said agents in such manner as to receive from them
claims adverse to the cessions of any of the states
abovementioned ; the said delegates did request the
committee to forbear such conference uutU the sense
of Congress on the subject should be known, and pro
posing that the question be now taken :
Whether it was the intention of Congress to au
thorize the committee to receive claims, and hear
evidence in behalf of the said companies, adverse to
the claims or cessions of Virginia, New York or
Connecticut. . . The yeas and nays being re
quired . . . the previous question was lost.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 31
VIII
Pegpositions foe Settling a New State by
Such Opficees and Soldiees of the Pedee-
AL Aemy as Shall Associate foe That
PuEPOSE (1783)'^
1. That the United States purchase of the natives
that tract of coimtry which is bounded by Pennsyl
vania on the east, the River Ohio on the south, a
meridian line drawn thirty miles west of the mouth
of the River Scioto on the west — this meridian to
run from the Ohio to the Miami River, which runs
into Lake Erie — and by this river and Lake Erie
on the north.
2. That, in the first instance, lands be assigned to
the army to fulfill the engagements of the United
States by the resolutions of the 16th of September,
1776, August 13th and September 30th, 1780, to wit:

To a brigadier-general .

850 "

To a colonel

500 "

To a heutenant-colonel .

450 "

To a major ....

400 "

To a captain ....

300 "

To a Ueutenant

200 "

To an ensign or cornet .

150 "

29 April 7, 1783, in a letter to Richard Hodgdon, Timothy Picker
ing "enclosed ... a rough draft" for "a new State westward
of the Ohio" in his own handwriting. On its being read to Col.
Pickering's school-fellow, Stephen Higginson, he exclaimed, "This is
Pickering, I swear." Prom Octavius Pickering, The Life of Tim
othy Piekermg, i, 546-549. This is kno^wn variously as the "Picker
ing" or "Army" plan.

32 Marietta College Historical Collections
To a non-commissioned officer and
soldier  100 "
To a director of the mUitary hospitals 850 ' '
To chief physician and purveyor, each 500 "
To physicians, surgeons, and apoth
ecary, each  450 "
To regimental surgeons and assistants
to the surveyor and apothecary, each 400 ' '
To hospital and regimental surgeon's
mates, each  300 "
3. That all associators who shall actually settle
in the new state within one year after the purchase
shall be effected, and notice given by Congress or the
committee of the associators that the same is ready
for settlement (such notice to be published in the
newspapers of all the United States), shall receive
such additional quantities of land as to make their
respective rights in the whole to contain the follow
ing number of acres, to wit :
A major-general .... 2,400 acres.
A brigadier-general

A colonel
A lieutenant-colonel
A major .
A captain
A lieutenant .
An ensign or cornet
A sergeant
Other non-commissioned officers and
soldiers, each .... 600 "
And fifty acres more for each member of a family
besides the head of it.

2,2002,000 1,800
1,6001,4001,200
1,000 700

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 33
4. That the rights of the officers in the medical
department be increased in like manner on the same
condition. 5. That all officers in the other staff departments,
who shall actually settle in the new State within the
time above limited, shall receive rights of land in
the proportions last stated, on an equitable compari
son of their stations with the ranks of the officers of
the Une and the medical staff.
6. That this increased provision of lands shall
extend to all officers of the line and staff, and to all
non-commissioned officers and soldiers, who during
the present war have performed in the whole three
years ' service, whether in service or not at the close
of the war, provided they present their claims and
become actual settlers in the new State by the time
above limited.
7. These surplus rights being secured, all the
surplus lands shall be the common property of the
State and disposed of for the common good; as for
laying out roads, building bridges, erecting public
buildings, estabUshing schools and academies, de
fraying the expenses of government, and other pub
lic uses.
8. That every grantee shall have a house built
and  acres of land cleared on his right within
 years, or the same shall be forfeited to the
State. 9. That, to enable the associators to undertake
the settlement of the new State, the United States
defray the expenses of the march thither, furnish
the necessary utensils of husbandry, and such live
stock as shall be indispensably requisite for com-

34 Marietta College Historical Collections
mencing the settlement, and subsistence for three
years, to wit, one ration of bread and meat per day
to each man, woman and child ; and to every soldier
a suit of clothes annuaUy; the cost of these articles
to be charged to the accounts of arrearages due to
the members of the association respectively.
10. That for the security of the State against In
dians, every officer and soldier go armed, the arms
to be furnished by the United States and charged to
the accounts of arrearages. Ammunition to be sup
plied in the same way.
11. That a Constitution for the new State be
formed by the members of the association previous
to their commencing the settlement, two-thirds of
the associators present at a meeting duly notified for
that purpose agreeing therein. The total exclusion
of slavery from the State to form an essential and
irrevocable part of the Constitution.
12. That the associators, so assembled, agree on
such general rules as they shall deem necessary for
the prevention and punishment of crimes, and the
preservation of peace and good order in the State ;
to have the force of laws during the space of two
years, unless an Assembly of the State, formed
agreeably to the Constitution, shall sooner repeal
them. 13. That the State, so constituted, shall be ad
mitted into the confederacy of the United States,
and entitled to all the benefits of the Union, in com
mon with the other members thereof.
14. That, at the above-mentioned meeting of the
associators, delegates be chosen to represent them in
the Congress of the United States, to take their seats
as soon as the new State shall be erected.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 35
15. That the associators, having borne together
as brethren the dangers and calamities of war, and
feeling that mutual friendship which long acquain
tance and common sufferings give rise to, it being
also the obvious dictate of humanity to supply the
wants of the needy and alleviate the distresses of the
afflicted, it shall be an inviolable rule to take under
the immediate patronage of the State the wives and
chUdren of such associators who, having settled
there, shall die, or, by cause of wounds or sickness,
be rendered unable to improve their plantations, or
f oUow their occupations, during the first twenty-one
years ; so that such destitute and distressed famiUes
shaU receive such pubhc aids, as, joined with their
own reasonable exertions, will maintain them in a
manner suitable to the condition of the heads of
them; especially that the children, when grown up,
may be on a footing with other children whose par
ents, at the original formation of the State, were in
simUar circumstances with those of the former.

IX
Pinanciee's oe Bland's Plan for Organization
OF Western Territory (1783)^"
Whereas, It has pleased the Almighty Disposer of
human affairs to put a period to a long and bloody
war, which has terminated in the estabUshment of
independence to these United States, and whereas it
is the duty as well as the wish of congress to remove
30 Motion of Theodorio Bland in Congress, June 5, 1783. — George
Bancroft, History of the Constitution of the United States, i, 312-314.

36 Marietta CoUege Historical Collections
as speedily as possible every cause which might dis
turb the tranquility and harmony of these states, so
happily united in one great political interest, as well
as to reward the brave and virtuous who have by
their valor and perseverance established that inde
pendence and strengthened that union, and to pro
vide for the future government and prosperity of
these states —
Resolved, Therefore, that congress will and do
hereby accept the cession of territory made to the
United States by the act of the assembly of Virginia,
having date the [blank] day of [blank] , 178 [blank] ,
on the terms therein stipulated ; except so far as re
lates to a specific guarantee of the remaining terri
tory reserved by the said state.
Resolved, That, if the aforesaid acceptance shaU
be agreeable to the said state, and they shall be will
ing to withdraw the said stipulation, and if the con
sent and approbation of the army of the United
States shall be signified to the following act of the
United States in congress assembled, then and in
that case the following ordinance shall begin to take
effect and be in full force for aU and every the pur
poses herein mentioned, viz :
It is hereby ordained by the United States in con
gress assembled, that, in heu of the commutation for
the half pay of the army, and in lieu of the arrear
ages due to the officers and soldiers of the armies of
the United States, and of all other debts due to the
said officers and soldiers who now constitute the said
army, or who have served therein for a term not less
than three years during the war, and for the repre
sentatives of such officers and soldiers who shall

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 37
have died in the service, that there shall be assigned
and set apart a tract of unlocated or vacant terri
tory laying within the boundaries of the United
States, as ceded by the preliminary articles between
Great Britain and America, and bounded as foUows,
viz,: (here insert the boundaries) ; that the said ter
ritory shall be laid off in districts not exceeding two
degrees of latitude and three degrees of longitude
each, and each district in townships not exceeding
[blank] miles square; that the lines of the said dis
tricts shall be run at the expense of the United
States by surveyors appointed by the United States
in congress assembled, and amenable to congress for
their conduct; that each of the said districts shall,
when it contains 20,000 male inhabitants, become and
ever after be and constitute a separate, independent,
free and sovereign state, and be admitted into the
union as such with aU the privUeges and immunities
of those states which now compose the union; that
each officer and soldier now in the army of the
United States shall be entitled to and shall have a
grant for thirty acres of the said land for every dol
lar which shall appear to be due to such officer or
soldier from the United States for his services in
the army, over and above the bounty promised by
an act of congress of the [blank] day of [blank],
1776. And, moreover, that every officer and soldier
who shall make it appear that he has served three
years in the army of the United States, shall be en
titled to receive a grant of the said lands equal to
the bounties promised to officers and soldiers serv
ing during the war, in Ueu of all debts due for their
services, half pay, etc. Where the said debts have

38 Marietta College Historical Collections

been liquidated, they shall be entitled to receive a
grant of thirty acres for every dollar ascertained to
be due to them in like manner as the officers and
soldiers whose commutation and arrearages have
been liquidated. And be it further ordained, that
out of every hundred thousand acres so granted
there shall be reserved as a domain for the, use of
the United States ten thousand acres, each of which
ten thousand acres shaU remain forever a common
property of the United States, unalienable but by
the consent of the United States in congress as
sembled; the rents, shares, profits and produce of
which lands, when any such shaU arise, to be appro
priated to the payment of the civil list of the United
States, the erecting of frontier forts, the founding
of seminaries of learning, and the surplus after such
purposes (if any) to be appropriated to the building
and equipping a navy, and to no other use or pur
pose whatever. And be it further ordained, that the
said lands so granted to the officers and soldiers
shall be free of aU taxes and quit-rents for the space
of seven years from the passing this ordinance.

General Rufus Putnam's "Thoughts on a
Peace Establishment for the United
States of America" [1783]''
America is by no means to place her principle se
curity in Walled Towns and the Multitude of her
Fortresses; nor is she in time of peace to be at the
31 From an original manuscript of the author in the Library of

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 39
expence of an Reguler Army sufficient for defence of
every Part of her Extensive Teritorys should they
be invaided — yet unless her Harbours, at least the
principle ones, are secured by Fortresses and Small
Garisons, her seaports are liable to be surprised
plundered 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 establish him Self
in a very short time as to render it Very Difiquelt to
Dislodge him — her Frontears should also be So Se
cured by Forts and garisons as at least might retard
the opperation of an Enemy tUl the Forces of the
Country could be collected to oppose him
among the Seports ; New york Claims the first at
tention No Spot on the Continent in the possession
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 Surprize or
Insult from the most formidable Fleat that ever yet
was in its Harbour
Fahnouth in the provence of Main is the next Har
bour eastward that ought to Claim the attention of
Congress, it is in the very Neighbourhood of HaUi-
fax have Severel Tribes of Indians on the North &
the Country but thinly Setteled the Harbour is
deep and spacious, the Town on a peninsula and
Should an Enemy Establish him self their the whole
Eastern Country would be greatly Indangered
Marietta CoUege, exactly as written in 1783. The lay reader must not
infer from the reproduction of this duplicate copy of the original
manuscript that General Putnam's orthography was, in any marked
degree, unusual. A comparison of the Sparks 's and Ford's edition
of Washington's writings proves what editors can do by way of
modernizing manuscripts. Cf. Doc. XI by way of illustration.

40 Marietta CoUege Historical Collections
Penopscot or Major Bagaduce is Still further East
has also a spacious harbour and is the Source I am
told from whence the Eastern 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 suppose are intiteled to
the notice of Congress in respect of Garisons 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 thin
ly peopeled, the other Harbours and Seports are too
Numerous for them all to admit of Continantal
Establishments the Expence to the several States in
secureing 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 Be
sides carying the general Suystim too far may create
a Jalousy in Some of them but the Southern and
Eastern Fronters togather with N york and the post
on the Hudson Should always remain in the hands
of Congress but if any of them Should be So fooUsh
as to neglect So Importent a object and leve them
Selves Uable to the Insults of every Pirate or Sur
prize of an open Enimy the Damage to the United
States, in General, would be much Less then for
Charles Town and Georgia on the one hand or the
provence of Mam on the other to be Seeazed on by
Surprize because these places might not be recov
ered through a long War whereas none of the others
could reasonably expect to be so unfortunate
But in Pomt 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

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 41
Clame the first attention, for whoever attempts the
Conquest of America, wiU in my opinion, if he acts
right, endevor to establish him self on the Hudson
and by a Chain of Posts in that Quarter to Seperate
the Eastern from the Midle and Southern States, on
this River then Congress Should always keep an eye
and Never Suffer an Enimy Foreign or Domistic to
fix him self Quietly on any part of it, or the Lakes
towards Canada
West Point is perhaps as well Sittuated for the
Grand Arsanal of america as any Place whatever
and by Dismanteling most of the out Works a much
Smaller Garison will be required then in its present
State — they should consist cheifly of Artillery men
— Includeing also Some artificers — Here Should all
the Cariges and apperatus for the artillery be made
here should the art of Gunnery Fortification &c &c
be Taught and from hence Should the artUlery Com-
panys (detached) to other Posts be regurly releaved
at lest one in Two years, I consider Stoney Point as
an appandage to west Point whither the former re
main in its present State or a reguler fortification be
built there, which is a Subject worth Consideration
— Besides West Point there will Undoubtedly be
other Arsinals Established both East and west that
will require SmaU 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 MUl Point Pont au
Fear [Point au Feu] or Some place near the 45"'
Degree of lattitude and the River or Lake So ob
structed as to prevent the pasage of any British
Vessell into it —

42 Marietta College Historical Collections

This matter I concive to be worth attention, and
examination, for if practicable in case of a War with
Great Britton it wiU 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
Introduceing an army into Canada,
In the mean time it wUl be a means of Checking
any lUiset Trade in that Quarter, Interrupt the
wicked Corrispondence and be a good means to pre
vent the revolt of the Vermontears should they have
it in Contemplation, and it will also further any Cor
rispondence we may wish 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 esily obstructed
and the Sittuation ElUgable a good Fortress with a
Small Garison Some where in that Quarter is neces
sary and will be able to prevent any Sudden Errup-
tion from Canada into the Provence of New york a
Circumstance by all means to be guarded against —
the Idea of a post Some where on Lake Champlain
will make it Necessery to have two Intermediate ones
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 wiU be
sufficient Albany wUl no Doubt requier Sone [some] Troops
as it wiU be the place for lodging at least for a time

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 43
the Stoars designed for the Northern and Western
Fronters To keep the Western Savages in awe to protect
and regulate our Trade with them and prevent any
Insidious Practice of our British or Spanish Neigh
bors as far as posable. Some Fortresses and a Small
regular Establishment is absolutely necessary Pir-
ticulerly at Fort Stanwix oswego Niagary Fort and
Carying Place — Detroit and Michilinimackanac on
the Lakes — Illinois Fort Massac Post Vincent Fort
Pitt and other Posts that it may be found necessery
to Garison on the Frontears of the Midle and South
ern States
the British used to Send their Supplys to Nagara
and Detroit from Cannada & of consequence ware
under no necessety of keeping a Post at aswego and
I beleve they had none at Fort Stanwix, but in our
sittuation if we wish to keep up a Communication
with Niagara and Detroit by way of Lake Ontario a
Post at Oswego is Indespensible for the lodgment
to the Stoars Sent from Albany for the Supply of
the Western World as well the Security of the
[Peltry] that may be brought from that Quarter in
return Fort Stanwix will also be a place of Some Conse
quence for the like purposes and for the protection
of the Convoyes and Trade from Savage Insult Sev
eral other Small post on the Communication between
Albany and Oswego will undoubtedly be necessary,
to Secure our Selves against any Surprize from the
British to awe the Savages in those Quarters to
protect the French Setlers about Detroit and Incour-

44 Marietta College Historical Collections

age their Emigration from Cannada our Force in
the Neigh hour hood of the Grate lakes, even In time
of peace. Should be much grater then what the Brit
ish used to keep
In time of War a navel Superiorety on the Lakes
may be more likely to faU to the Share of the British
then to us ; or at least our Superiorety may be un
certain I wish 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 Besids the Idea
of the British haveing a Navel Superiorety in Lake
Ontario Should Niagara by any Misfortune be Sur
prized and taken with it we must loose the whole
Western World unless Some other communication is
opened with it then the present
This Communication may be made from Fort Pitt
to Presque Isle but I think the most EUigable 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 Caya
hoga, but I would suggest for consideration a much
more Extencive proposition. Viz a Post at the Mouth
of Cayahoga another at the 1 mile Portage between
the head of Cayahoga River and of Muskingum at
Tuscarawas one at the Forks of Muskingum or
Dellaware Town below a 4'" at Wills Town a 5"^
Mouth of Muskingum a 6'" Hockhocking a 7""
Great Kanhawa an 8"" [blank] Some Such chain
of Posts tn that Quarter I concive would give Such
Incour agement not only to those who have lands on
this Side the ohio but also to Such as may obtain

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 45
grants on the other Side as would Induce such Emi
gration 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 Western
World but render that whole Frontear perfectly Se
cure against every forreign Enemy and the Savages
about the Warters of the Mohawk Susquehenne Os
wego and Ohio would be Induced to be have very
submissively or move farther afield —
The expence to Build the Chain of Posts will be
very Small ... a good Stockade with Flankkers
instead of Basteons Built in form of Block Houses
will be abundently sufficient in all Instences except
that at the Mouth of the Cayahoka which will requier
more attention
Nor will it increse the Number of Troops neces
sery for the general Protection because the Garisons
of Fort Pitt Detroit Illinois &c &c may be as much
less, then otherwise may be necessery, as this pro
posed chain of posts would requier to Garison them
properly one Regiment of Infentry on the present Estab
lishment would be Quite sufficient to garison the
whole and in a few years a Much less number as the
Settlers would undoubtedly in the first Instence
plant them selves near the Several garisons for the
Sake of their protection and would aid in their de-
fenc Haveing made these observations let me next pro
pose for consideration the Following Establishment
Viz Six Regiments of Infentry on the Establish
ment of October 1780 one Regt of 12 Companys of

46 Marietta College Historical Collections 
ArtUlery and one Company of Artificers this estab
lishment is deduced from the following Detail of
Post and garison

Compeny Infentry

Compeny Artillry

S'-g
6-5

2
West Point and down to New york &=

4(5)

6

1

to Shut an enimy out of lake )
Champlain or Stop him for a time j

4
1
(t
at Albany and the Commun[icatio]n )
Northward  ]
1(2)
I (
1 1
in Provence of Main and 1
Maggizene in Eastward j
9(4)
1
it
North & South Carolin Georgio
and Magazeans in that Quarter
9(4)
1
1 1
Niagara 4 oswego 3(4) Fort Stanwix and)
Communtin with Albany 2 Infentry j
9(10)
1
Detroit and its Dependency
5(4)
4
1 1
Miohiclamaekanac and Dependencis
4
i
2 2 4
Fort Pitt Massac Illinois Post 1
PostH— [?] 8 I
Vincent and Magazens in Virginia
9
1
Total 3ia I 54
12
But if the Chain of Posts in proposed [plan] from
Cayahka to Kanhawa be established then the follow
ing arrangement in that Quarter may be adopted
Viz
3ia Later estimates are in parenthesis ; words in italics were erased,
Post H — - (Harrodsburg?) being substituted.
Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 47

Detroit —

3(2)

V2

Michiclamackanac —

3(2)

V2

Mouth of Cayahoca

2

Vs

Head of Cayahoca River

or Portage

Tuscarawas 
Forks of Muskengum 
—
Wills Town 
Mouth of Muskengum ¦ —
Mouth of Hockhocking -
-
Grate Kanhawa 
Post Vincent 
Illinois —
1(2)
Vs
Fort Massac —
Fort Pitt and Magazene
in Virgin
Vs
which make the Same Total as on the other plan
the number in each Regt of Infentry and the artil
lery Company to be the Same as the EstabUshment
of October 1780. Except that the Regimet Staff
should always be included in the number of Platton
or Company officir Such an Establish may be suf
ficient to give the alaram and prevent the Progress
of an Enimy for a Time especiaUy on the first break
ing out of a War. which is aU that can be expected
from them, and all that Congress ought to attempt
by a proper Reguler Establishment To be ready to
meet an Enimy on the first Breaking out of a War
with an army of Respectable Troops their Should
48 Marietta College Historical Collections
be an Establishment of a reguler Continantal Militia
— the Following Scheem is Suggested for Consid
eration The Pay and Subsistence of the officir to be the
Same as at present First because I concive it is Be
low that of the British or that of any other Nation
when all their Emolumets are taken into Considera
tion 2d ly Because whoever engages as an officir in
a peace Establishment is Supposed to make Arms
his profession for life and the present Establishment
of pay and subsistence 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 Noncomsd officirs and privets
Should not exceed 5 Dollars per month or one Sixth
of a DoUar per day out of which one third Should be
stoped to provide him with a Coate wescot Breeches
Shirts and other Necesseres, and all arearages to be
annually Setteled and paid the pay of officirs and
Solder if posable to be weakly
The officers to be taken in the first Instence in as
near a propotion as posable from the Several States
(not Rank but age Merit abilities and Constitation
Should Determin the Choise) But it ware to be
wished that in future State Unes may be totally laid
aside and in order to Introduce such a Suystim the
pirticuler officers to Compleat the EstabUshed Reg'"
being fixed on in the formation of those Regiments,
officers who now belong to different State Unes
Should be Incorporated into the Same Coars as
much as posable this would not only be a means of
removing those local prejudices among officers which

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 49

are too apt to prevaU but would make the distrebu-
tion of the three years men now in Service among
the Regimets thus formed much more eUigable
Such an arrangement of officers Such an Incorpo
ration of Men and Such a Detaching them to the
different parts of the Empire will I think be Some
means of Uniteing and Sementing the whole
Scheem of Continantal Militia
All abled Bodied Men between the age of 18 & 25
year (not Exempt by any law already made in the
respective Stats from Military Service) ShaU 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 raised 24 Regi
ments each Regement Sixteen Companys  Sub
divided into 4 Battallion of 4 Companys each each
to consist of 1 Captain
1 Liutent
1 Ensigne
5 Sergnt
3 Corporel
1 Drumer
1 Fifer
65 privet
Staff to each Battallion
to be taken from among the
Company officr ocationly
for which their shall be no
alowance but that
of being [accoutered?]

1 Adjutnt
1 Qr Master
1 Sert Major
1 Qr M Sert

50 Marietta College Historical Collections

1 Colonel

2 Lieutn Colo.
2 Majers
1 Adjutent
1 Qu Master
Regimental Field & Staff
1 Pay Master
1 Surgeon
1 Mate
1 Ser* Maj^
1 Qu M Se'
1 Drum Maj'
a Fife Maj'
24 Colonels
48 L' Colonels
48 Majors
384 Captains
384 Lieutenent
384 Ensignes
24 Regiment on
24 Adjutent
Such an EstabUsh
ment
24 Pay Masters
24 Q Masters
29448
24 Surgeons
1372 [1392]
1372 [1392] 24 Mats
28066 [28056]
24 Sert Major
24 Q M Seg'=
24 Drum Major
24 Fife Major
1080 Serjents
384 Drumers
384 Fiffers
26112 Rank & FUe
Total Includeing
officer
s 29448
Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 51
The officers Should all be Commissioned by Con
gress and be on the Same footing as to Rank as those
in actual Service but in case of resignation or re-
movel out of the dept they shall loose their Rank or
pretentions too it in Reason the Regimet Should be
all numbered, with out destinction of States next
after those on the Peace Establishment and to take
their Rank in the first Instence by lot Drawn for
them in Congress the Number of Men to be raised
in each State Shall be assessed by Congress once in
every Seven year by the Same rate of propotion by
which the Continental Taxes are laid, the year last
preceeding Such assessment the Several Stats Shall
each be divided into as many Districts as it is re
quired to furnish regimets which regimental dept
Shall be Subdivided into Battallions Districts once
in every Seven year Viz the next year after that
wherein the State asessmt for men is made by Con
gress each Battallion District shall again be subdi
vided into Company Districts Commissioned officers
for such Company Shall reside with in their owne
Districts The Fild and regimental Staff officirs
Shall be inhabitent of or residents within the Dis
trict of the Regiment or Battallion to which they are
appointed all the Fild Commissioned & Staff officers
of a Regiment Shall be appointed by the Executive
athorety of the State to which they belong and be
Commissiond by Congress, on the removel of an
officir out of his District his place must be Consid
ered as Vacant and the vacancy to be fiUed by Suc
cession of Rank from the Colo to the Ensigne which
Rule shall be adopted for filling aU Vacancys but
the appontment of all Ensigns Shall be in the Ex-

52 Marietta College Historical Collections

ecutive othorety of the State unless they should neg
lect 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 one month after Such Va
cancy happened in which case Congriss to have the
right of Such appointment
the company Districts being thus fixed the Cap
tain or Commanding officer of the Company ShaU
annually between the 15'" and 31"' 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
Continantal Militia and haveing apponted his Ser-
gents Corporals Drums & Fife he shall Select Sev
enty of the youngest that remains on the afore Said
list (and return the Names of the Rest to the Com
manding officir of the State Militia within whose
District they respective reside) Sixty five of the
Seventy taken as above are to compose the privet of
Such Company for the Insuig year and the other five
are to be considered as supenumeraries and only lia
ble to be called on Duty in case of Sickness 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 -nuthin
which they reside) between the age of Eighteen and
twenty five years must be Uable to Service in the
Continantal Militia and as Such perform all the
Servis required of them
The Contnantal MUitia being thus formed they
ShaU be liable (in Companys or Squads as Shall be
thought most convenient) to spend as many days in
Military Exercises and Disepline as other Militia

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 53
are liable to perform in Companys and in Battallion
as Many as other State MiUtia are liable to by Reg-
imint for which they shall have no allowance and for
these exersises and to be always ready in case 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 addi
tion to which they Shall always be proAdded with
two white Hunting Shirts and two pars of White
lining ovehalls with a -Military hat or Cap and
Father all of which shall be agreably to the ordor
of the Commanding officer of the Regt
In addition to these 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 this
purpus eithr by Regimet Brigads or Division as
may be thought most convenant for the good of Ser
vice but during this period they are to be paid at the
Same Rate and Subsisted in the Same Maner as the
Regimets on the Peace Establishmet are — Besides
this on the Brakeing out of a War or when ever Con
gress Shall Deam it Necessary they Shall take the
Fild upon which they shall be furnished Paid and
Subsisted in the Same Maner as shall be provided
for the Established Regimets. Besides which the
Noncommissioned officers and privets Shall recive
five DoUors 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

54 Marietta College Historical Collections

Commanding officer at the Close of every year wUl
have ocation only to Obtain a Ust of all able bodied
men belonging to His Company Distr &c who have
within that year arrived at the age of 18 he wUl
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 observed 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 DebUity of those who may claim a Dis
charge on that accent — But the Recruts for the
Company or those lads who have arrived at Eighteen
within the past year Shall between the first and
Seventh Day of January be Inspected and Mustered
in the Same maner as recrut for the Established
Regiments, and haveing Joyned the Company the
Same Number Shall be discharged the oldest Sol
diers always being Intiteled to Claim it as their
right except where Invaleds of the Same Companys,
present, them Selves of whose Claims Cognizence
Shall be taken in the Same maner as is don in the
Established Regiment in hke cases
by this Scheem every able Bodied man is Uable 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 established Reg
iments wiU not altogath amount to more than ^ of
the ratable Poles and not More the tV of those liable
to bare arms the Proberbility is that no man will
Save more than three year at farthest
I have made no Destintion between Rich or Poor
in my Calculation in the Formations of the Com
panys one reason is because I think the Establish
ing a Reguler Militia on Such a Footing is utterly

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 55
Impratable consistent with the Idear of the Purpos
of a Standing army in the defence of the Country
to give force and spirit to any Measure of this
Sort it is Necessry 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 personal Ser
vice, but if this is not Sufficent to answer the objec
tion that may be raised on this Head — let each
State make provision to equalize the money part
upon the Pools and estates of each Company Dis
trict, but no [one] is to be excused from yealding the
Personal Service required of him unless he provides
a Substitute 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
Sufficient 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
place of randezvos two good chest shall be provided
for each Companys arms in which they are to be
cearfuUy 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 Regular and Militia their must
be one Commander in Cheif from whome all orders
for the Continantal Militia as well as the Reguler
Regiments are Mediately or Immediately to Issue
the Same in peace as in time of War

56 Marietta CoUege Historical Collections
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 * * as Brigads
The inspeter General of the Established Army
Should also be So to the Contints Militia and he wiU
appoint as many Deputys as may be thought proper
to Muster and Inspect the Continantal Militia for
the Month they are out and Certifie the Rolls accord
ingly which Shall be paid out of the Treasury of the
United Stats
the Pay Master is to have a proper allowanc f [or]
his Servis in obtaining and paying the money to the
Men, and the Qr Master for his expence in takeing
care repairing Transeporting &c the arms accort-
ment &c &c
every Soldier is to be charged with any abuses or
damage do to his arms or accortments while in his
Possestion or loss of ammunition and S[t]opage
made on the pay roll agreable to the Judgment of
the Field offi[cer] with the Int [crested?] Capt who
are at the end of every month to make an Inspection
of the Same

XI
Rufus Putnam's Plan for a Western State
(1783)^^
New Windsoe, 16th June, 1783.
Sir: — As it is very uncertain how long it may be
before the honorable Congress may take the petition
32 This is General Putnam 's letter to Washington accompanying

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 57
of the officers of the army for lands between the
Ohio River and Lake Erie into consideration, or be
in a situation to decide thereon, the going to Phil
adelphia to negotiate the business with any of its
members, or committee to whom the petition may be
referred, is a measure none of the petitioners will
think of undertaking. The part which I have taken
in promoting the petition is well known,^^ and there
fore needs no apology, when I inform you that the
signers expect that I wUl pursue measures to have
it laid before Congress. Under these circumstances,
I beg leave to put the petition into your Excellency's
hands, and ask, with the greatest assurance, your
patronage of it. That Congress may not be wholly
unacquainted with the motives of the petitioners, I
beg your indulgence while I make a few observations
on the policy and propriety of granting the prayer
of it, and making such arrangements of garrisons
in the western quarter as shall give effectual pro
tection to the settlers and encourage emigration to
the new government, which, if they meet your appro
bation, and the favor not too great, I must request
your Excellency will give them your support, and
cause them to be forwarded with the petition to the
President of Congress, in order that when the peti-
the Petition of the OflScers at Newburg given in these Collections, i,
xxvi-xxviii. With the background of his keen analysis of the mili
tary needs of the West given in preceding pages in mind, his presen
tation of a western state along the lines of the Pickering or ' ' Army ' '
plan is very interesting, particularly as he goes all other participants
one better in forecasting the troubles with Spain on the Mississippi
and the second war with England. — Cutler, Manasseh Cutler, i, 167-
172. 33 Chairman of the Newburg petitioners. The reasons for Put
nam's selection we have noted, i, xxv.

58 Marietta College Historical Collections
tion is taken up. Congress, or their committee, may
be informed on what principles the petition is
grounded. I am, sir, among those who consider
the cession of so great a tract of territory to the
United States in the western world as a very happy
circumstance and of great consequence to the Amer
ican Empire. Nor have I the least doubt but Con
gress will pay an early attention to securing the al
legiance of the natives, as well as provide for the
defense of that country, in case of a war with Great
Britain or Spain.
One great means of securing the allegiance of the
natives, I take to be, the furnishing them such neces
saries as they shall stand in need of, and in exchange
receiving their furs and skins. They are become so
accustomed to the use of firearms, that I doubt if
they could gain a subsistence without them, at least
they wUl be very sorry to be reduced to the disagree
able necessity of using the bow and arrow as the on
ly means for killing their game, and so habituated
are they to the woolen blanket, etc., that an abso
lute necessity alone will prevent their making use
of them. This consideration alone is, I think, to
prove the necessity of establishing such factories as
may furnish an ample supply to these wretched
creatures ; for unless they are furnished by the sub
jects of the United States, they will undoubtedly
seek elsewhere, and like all other people form their
attachment where they have their commerce, and
then in case of a war, wUl always be certain to aid
our enemies.
Therefore, if there were no advantages in view
but that of attaching them to our interest, I think

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 59
good policy will dictate the measure of carrying on
a commerce with these people ; but when we add to
this the consideration of the profit arising from the
Indian trade in general, there can not, I presume,
be a doubt that it is the interest of the United States
to make as early provision for the encouragement
and protection of it as possible. For these and
many other obvious reasons. Congress will, no doubt,
find it necessary to establish garrisons at Oswego,
Niagara, Miehilimackinac, Illinois, and many other
places in the western world.
The Illinois and all the posts that shall be estab
lished on the Mississippi may undoubtedly be furn
ished by way of the Ohio with provisions at aU times,
and with goods whenever a war shall interrupt the
trade with New Orleans. But in case of a war with
Great Britain, unless a communication is open be
tween the River Ohio, Lake Erie, Niagara, Detroit,
and all posts seated on the Great Lakes will inevi
tably be lost without such communication, for a naval
superiority on Lake Ontario, or the seizing on Ni
agara, will subject the whole country bordering on
the lakes to the will of the enemy. Such a misfor
tune will put it out of the power of the United States
to furnish the natives, and necessity will again oblige
them to take an active part against us.
Where and how this communication is to be open
ed shall next be considered. If Captain Hutchins ^*
and a number of other map makers are not out in
their calculations, provisions may be sent from the
settlements on the south side of the Ohio by the
34 Thomas Hutchins, New Map of the western parts of Virginia,
Pennsylvania, Maryland and North Carolina. . . London, 1778.

60 Marietta College Historical Collections
Muskingum or Scioto to Detroit, or even to Niagara
at a less expense than from Albany by the Mohawk,
to those places. To secure such communication (by
the Scioto, all circumstances considered, will be the
best), let a chain of posts be established.^^ These
forts should be built on the bank of the river, if the
ground will admit, and about twenty miles distant
from each other, and on this plan the Scioto com
munication will require ten or eleven stockaded
forts, flanked by blockhouses, and one company of
men will be a sufficient garrison for each, except the
one at the portage, which -will require more attention
in the construction and a larger number of men to
garrison it ; but, besides supplying the garrisons of
the great lakes with provisions, etc., we ought to
take into consideration the protection that such an
arrangement will give to the frontiers of Virginia,
Pennsylvania, and New York. I say New York, as
we shall undoubtedly extend our settlements and
garrisons from the Hudson to Oswego. This done,
and a garrison posted at Niagara, whoever wiU in
spect the maps must be convinced that aU the In
dians living on the waters of the Mohawk, Oswego,
Susquehanna, and Alleghany Rivers, and in all the
country south of the Lakes Ontario and Erie, will
be encircled in such a manner as will effectually se
cure their allegiance and keep them quiet, or oblige
them to quit their country.
Nor will such an arrangement of posts from the
Ohio to Lake Erie be any additional expense, for
35 It was by means of such a chain of forts northward from Fort
Washington (Cincinnati) that the conquest of the Northwest was
accomplished, 1790-1794.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 61
unless this gap is shut, notwithstanding the garri
sons on the Lakes and from Oswego to the Hudson,
yet the frontier settlers on the Ohio by Fort Pitt to
the Susquehanna, and all the country south of the
Mohawk, will be exposed to savage insult, unless
protected by a chain of garrisons, which wUl be far
more expensive than the arrangement proposed, and
at the same time the protection given to these states
wiU be much less complete; besides, we should not
confine our protection to the present settlements, but
carry the idea of extending them at least as far as
the Lakes Ontario and Erie.
These Lakes form such a natural barrier that,
when connected with the Hudson and Ohio by the
garrisons proposed, settlements, in every part of
the states of New York and Pennsylvania, may be
made with the utmost safety, so that these states
must be deeply interested in the measure, as well as
Virginia, who will, by the same arrangement, have
a great part of its frontiers secured and the rest
much strengthened ; nor is there a state in the Union
but will be greatly benefited by the measure consid
ered in another point of view, for, without any ex
pense except a small allowance of purchase money
to the natives, the United States will have within
their protection 17,500,000 acres of very fine lands
to dispose of as they may think proper.
But I hasten to mention some of the expectations
which the petitioners have respecting the conditions
on which they hope to obtain the lands — this was
not proper to mention in the body of the petition,
especially as we pray for grants to all members of
the army who wish to take up lands in that quarter.

62 Marietta College Historical Collections
The whole tract is supposed to contain about
17,418,240 acres, and will admit of 756 townships
of six miles square, allowing to each township 3,040
acres for the ministry,^^ schools, waste lands, rivers,
ponds, and highways; then each township will con
tain, of settlers' lands, 20,000 acres, and in the
whole, 15,120,000 acres. The land to which the army
is entitled by the resolves of Congress referred to
in the petition, according to my estimate, wUl
amount to 2,106,850 acres, which is about the eighth
part of the whole; for the survey of this they ex
pect to be at no expense, nor do they expect to be
under any obligation to settle these lands, or do any
duty to secure their title to them; but, in order tg
induce the army to become settlers in the new gov
ernment, the petitioners hope Congress will make a
further grant of lands, on condition of settlement,
and have no doubt but that honorable body wiU be
as liberal to aU those who are not provided for by
their own states as New York has been to the officers
and soldiers who belong to that state, which, if they
do, it will require about 8,000,000 of acres to com
plete the army, and about 7,000,000 acres wUl remain
for sale. That the petitioners, at least some of
them, are much opposed to the monopoly of lands,
and wish to guard against large patents being grant
ed to individuals, as in their opinion such a mode
is very injurious to a country, and greatly retards
its settlement, and whenever such patents are ten-
anted, it throws too much power into the hands of a
36 This is the first public advocacy of reservations in the West in
favor of the ministry. This idea was embodied in the Land Ordi
nance of 1785 and created the "ministerial lands" reservations.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 63
few. For these and many other obvious reasons,
the petitioners hope no grants will be made but by
townships of six mUes square, or six by twelve, or
six by eighteen miles, to be subdivided by the pro
prietors to six miles square, that being the standard
on which they wish all calculations may be made,
and that officers and soldiers, as well as those who
petition for charters on purchase, may form their
associations on one uniform principle, as to number
of persons or rights to be contained in a township,
with the exception only that, when the grant is made
for reward of services already done, or on condition
of settlement, if the officers petition with the sol
diers for a particular township, the soldiers shall
have one right only to a captain's three, and so in
proportion with commissioned officers of every
grade. These, sir, are the principles which gave rise to
the petition under consideration; the petitioners, at
least some of them, conceive that sound policy dic
tates the measure, and that Congress ought to lose
no time in establishing some such chain of posts as
has been hinted at, and in procuring the tract of
country petitioned for of the natives, for the mo
ment this is done, and agreeable terms offered to the
settlers, many of the petitioners are determined, not
only to become adventurers, but actually to remove
themselves to this country ; and there is not the least
doubt but other valuable citizens will follow their
example, and the probability is that the country be
tween Lake Erie and Ohio will be filled with inhabi
tants, and the faithful subjects of these United
States so established on the waters of the Ohio and

64 Marietta College Historical Collections
the lakes as to banish forever the idea of our western
territory falling under the dominion of any Euro
pean power, the frontier of the old states will be
effectually secured from savage alarms, and the new
wiU have little to fear from their insults.
I have the honor to be, sir, with every sentiment
of respect, your Excellency's more obedient and
very humble servant,
(Signed) Rufus Putnam.
Gen. Washington.

XII
Washington on the Army Petition (1783)"
Headquabteks, Newbuegh, June 17, 1783.
Sir: — I have the honor of transmitting to your
Excellency, for the consideration of Congress, a
petition from a large number of officers of the army,
in behalf of themselves and such other officers and
soldiers of the continental army as are entitled to
rewards in lands, and may choose to avaU them
selves of any privileges and grants which may be
obtained in consequence of the present solicitation.
I inclose also the copy of a letter from Brig.-Gen-
eral Putnam, in which the sentiments and expecta
tions of the petitioners are more fully explained,
and in which the ideas of occupying the posts in the
western country wiU be found to correspond very
37 Washington's letter to the President of the Contiaental Con
gress accompanying the Officers' Petition received by him from Gen
eral Putnam. — The original is found in W. 0. Ford, Writings of
Washington, X, 267.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 65
nearly with those I have some time since communi
cated to a committee of Congress, in treating of the
subject of a peace establishment. I will beg leave
to make a few more observations on the general ben
efits of the location and settlement now proposed,
and then submit the justice and policy of the meas
ure to the wisdom of Congress.
Although I pretend not myself to determine how
far the district of unsettled country, which is de
scribed in the petition, is free from the claim of
every state, or how far this disposal of it may in
terfere with the views of Congress, yet it appears
to me that this is the tract which, from local position
and peculiar advantages, ought to be first settled in
preference to any other whatever ; and I am perfect
ly convinced that it can not be so advantageously
settled by any other class of men, as by disbanded
officers and soldiers of the army, to whom the faith
of government hath long since been pledged, that
lands should be granted at the expiration of the war
in certain proportions, agreeably to their respective
grades. I am induced to give my sentiments thus freely on
the advantages to be expected from this plan of
colonization, because it would connect our govern
ments with the frontiers, extend our settlements
progressively, and plant a brave, a hardy, and re
spectable race of people as our advanced post, who
woidd be always ready and wilUng (in case of hos
tility) to combat the savages and check their incur
sions. A settlement formed by such men would
give security to our frontiers; the very name of it
would awe the Indians, and more than probably

66 Marietta College Historical Collections
prevent the murder of many innocent families, which
frequently, in the usual mode of extending our set
tlements and encroachments on the hunting grounds
of the natives, fall the hapless victims to savage
barbarity. Beside the emoluments which might be
derived from the peltry trade at our factories, if
such should be established, the appearance of so for
midable a settlement in the vicinity of their towns
(to say nothing of the barrier it would form against
our other neighbors) would be the most likely means
to enable us to purchase, upon equitable terms, of
the aborigines, their right of pre-occupancy, and to
induce them to relinquish our territories, and to re
move into the UUmitable regions of the west.
Much more might be said of the public utility of
such a location, as well as of the private felicity it
would afford to the individuals concerned in it. I
wiU venture to say it is the most rational and prac
ticable scheme which can be adopted by a great pro
portion of the officers and soldiers of our army, and
promises them more happiness than they can ex
pect in any other way. The settlers being in the
prime of life, inured to hardship, and taught by
experience to accommodate themselves in every sit
uation, going in a considerable body, and under the
patronage of government, would enjoy in the first
instance advantages in procuring subsistence, and
all the necessaries for a comfortable beginning, su
perior to any common class of emigrants, and quite
unknown to those who have heretofore extended
themselves beyond the Appalachian Mountains.
They may expect, after a little perseverance, compe
tence and independence for themselves, a pleasant

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 67
retreat in old age, and the fairest prospects for their
children. I have the honor to be, with great consideration.
Your Excellency's most obedient servant,
(Signed) Geoege Washington.
His Excellency, the Peesident of Congeess.

XIII
Washington on a Western State (1783)''
From the best information and maps of that
[western] country it woiUd appear, that the terri
tory from the mouth of the Great Miami River,
which empties into the Ohio, to its confluence with
the Mad River, thence by a line to the Miami fort
and vUlage on the other Miami River, which empties
into Lake Erie, and thence by a line to include the
settlement of Detroit, would, with Lake Erie to the
northward, Pennsylvania to the eastward, and the
Ohio to the southward, form a government sufficient
ly extensive to fulfil all the public engagements, and
to receive moreover a large population by emi
grants; and to confine the settlement of the new
State within these bounds would, in my opinion, be
infinitely better, even supposing no disputes were
to happen with the Indians, and that it was not
necessary to guard against these other evils that
have been enumerated, than to suffer the same num
ber of people to roam over a country of at least five
38 Extract from a letter to James Duane dated Rocky Hill, Sep
tember 7, 1783. — Original in W. C. Ford, Writings of Washington,
X, 310.

68 Marietta College Historical Collections
hundred thousand square mUes, contributing noth
ing to the support, but much perhaps to the embar
rassment, of the federal government.
Were it not for the purpose of comprehending the
settlement of Detroit within the jurisdiction of the
new government, a more compact and better shaped
district for a State would be, for the Une to proceed
from the Miami fort and village along the river of
that name to Lake Erie ; leaving in that case the set
tlement of Detroit, and all the territory north of the
rivers Miami and St. Joseph's between the Lakes
Erie, St. Clair, Huron, and Michigan to form here
after another State equally large, compact, and
water-bounded. At first view it may seem a little extraneous, when
I am called on to give an opinion upon the terms of
a peace proper to be made with the Indians, that I
should go into the formation of new States. But the
settlement of the western country, and making a
peace with the Indians, are so analogous, that there
can be no considerations of the one, without involv
ing those of the other ; for, I repeat it again, and I
am clear in my opinion, that policy and economy
point very strongly to the expediency of being upon
good terms with the Indians, and the propriety of
purchasing their lands in preference to attempting
to drive them by force of arms out of their country ;
which, as we have already experienced, is like driving
the wild beasts of the forest, which will return as
soon as the pursuit is at an end, and fall perhaps
upon those that are left there; when the gradual
extension of our settlements wUl as certainly cause
the savage, as the wolf, to retire ; both being animals

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 69
of prey, though they differ in shape. In a word,
there is nothing to be obtained by an Indian war, but
the soil they live on, and this can be had by purchase
at less expense, and without that bloodshed and
those distresses, which helpless women and children
are made partakers of in all kinds of disputes with
them.

XIV
David Howell on Western States (1784)'"
There are at present many great objects before
Congress, but none of more importance, or which
engage my attention more than that of the Western
territory . . .
The western world opens an amazing prospect as
a national fund, in my opinion; it is equal to our
debt. As a source of future population and strength,
it is a guaranty to our independence. As its inhab
itants will be mostly cultivators of the soil, repub
licanism looks to them as its guardians.
When the states on the eastern shores, or Atlantic,
shall have become populous, rich and luxurious, and
ready to yield their liberties into the hands of a
tyrant, the gods of the mountains will save us, for
they wUl be stronger than the gods of the valleys.
Astraea will take her flight from the tops of the Alle
ghany when she leaves the New World.
It is proposed to divide the country into fourteen
new states, in the following manner. There are to
39 Extract from a letter -written by David Howell to Jonathan
Arnold, dated Annapolis, February 21, 1784. — W. R. Staples, Rhode
Island in the Continental Congress, 478-482.

70 Marietta College Historical Collections
be three tiers of states: — One on the Atlantic, one
on the Mississippi; and a middle tier. The middle
tier is to be the smallest, and to form a balance be
twixt the two more powerful ones. The western tier
of states is to be bounded eastwardly by a meridianal
line drawn through the lowest point of the rapids of
the river Ohio, and the eastern tier is to be bounded
westwardly by a meridianal line drawn through the
west cape of the mouth of the great  *" from
Lake Erie to the north boundary of South Carolina,
where the middle tier of states ends, and permits
South Carolina and Georgia to run west to the first
mentioned meridianal line, as their Atlantic coast
falls off west.
The new states are each of them to contain two
degrees of latitude, and what lies above the forty-
seventh degree is to be added to the state adjoining
south. The district lying east of the meridian of
[blank] and west of Pennsylvania, is to make a state
by itself. If you trace the aforegoing lines on a
map, the whole scheme will readily appear.
The mode of government, during the infancy of
these states, has taken up much time, and was largely
debated at Princeton last summer. On this head the
committee have agreed to report in substance, as
f oUows : —
As settlers will always readily know in which of
the states they are, for the states are to be named
as well as numbered, when a number of settlers shall
have planted themselves in any particular state,
either on their petition, or the order of Congress,
they are to hold a general meeting of aU the free
*o Great Kanawha.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 71
males, and to chose, out of all the constitutions of
the present thirteen states, one constitution, and to
adopt the laws of such state also, which are to be
subject to alterations by their ordinary legislature.
They are also, in this first and general meeting, to
divide the State into counties or towns, for the choice
of their legislature; and this government is to be
originated among them. From this period they are
to be subject to pay a quota of taxes by the same rule
as the other states, and they are to have a setting
member in Congress, with a right of debating but
not of voting. This is the first stage. After the
settlers in any such state shall consist of [blank]
souls, the free males shall have a right to call a con
vention, and to form a constitution for themselves,
which is to be permanent, of the republican form,
and agreeable to the spirit of the Confederation.
This is the second stage.
After the settlers in any such state shall consist
of a number of souls equal to the least numerous of
the thirteen original states, such state shall be ad
mitted as a member in full of the Federal Union,
and vote as well as debate, on subscribing to the
Articles of Confederation.
The committee have also agreed to report that the
new states be laid off under the foUowing express
stipulations or perpetual covenants betwixt them
and the present states : —
1. They shall always remain within the United
States and be considered as part thereof.
2. They shall assume on themselves a propor
tional part of the national debt at the time, and be
bound, in due time, to subscribe to all the Articles of

72 Marietta College Historical Collections
Confederation, as they may then be, and to become
members of the Federal Union.
3. After the year 1800, there shall be no slavery
in any of the said states, nor involuntary servitude
other than as punishment for crimes."
4. No citizen thereof shall hold any hereditary
title, nor shall any person holding such title, or or
der, be capable of becoming a citizen of any such
state without a previous renunciation thereof.
About the most elegible mode of disposing of these
lands, there are various opinions. It has been the
custom of the southern states to issue warrants from
a land office. The person taking the warrant has to
look for unlocated lands to cover with his warrant,
of which he makes a return. In this way the good
land is looked out and seized on first, and land of
little value and in all shapes, left in the hands of the
public. But this, I am told, soon rises in value, and
is bought by the holders of the adjacent good lands,
in their own defence. In the eastern states as you
well know, the custom has been to sell a township by
bonds, or certain lots taken fiush, good and bad
together, and to pass out settlements in compact
columns. The measure to be finally adopted on this head
must be the result of mutual concession; and what
they will be remains quite uncertain. Whether our
general land-office ought to be opened — one in each
state — is a question undecided, there being different
opinions among the members present. But the prices
*i This is the first phrasing of the famous aiiti-sla;very clause
which was incorporated into the Ordinance of 1784 as originally
drafted.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 73
of the land is the chief question, after all. If the
liberties of this country are preserved, it will, in my
humble opinion, be done by paying and not by fund
ing the national debt. I am, therefore, of opinion
with those who are for making the most of what we
have to carry the market.
I find the public creditors are very apprehensive
that Congress wUl set a high price on their lands.
We are told of the immense tracts of land the par
ticular states have to dispose of, and of the lands at
the disposal of the British Crown adjoining their
water boundary, which it wUl be their interests not
only to give away, but to hire people to settle on, in
order to preserve their fur trade. A Major Gen
eral, a few days ago, told me that he did not think
our land would fetch us above an eighth of a dollar
per acre. I replied by asking if his conscience would
let him take eighty thousand acres of that land for
his commutation only, (for it would come to so much
nearly,) when no nation, not even the British, ever
gave any general officers more than a colonel's half-
pay. Some are of the opinion, that it would be policy to
throw aU our western coimtry into a bank and sell it
out as bank stock ; the stockholders to choose a com
pany of directors, and to make the most of their
property. But in my opinion, this would be of too
great magnitude to be effected in this country. It
might be more practicable in an ancient and wealthy
country, such as England or France. Such was the
Mississippi scheme in France, which paid the public
debt, though it ruined individuals.

74 Marietta College Historical Collections

XV
Ordinance of 1784*'^
By the UNITED STATES in CONGRESS As
sembled AprU 23, 1784
RESOLVED, That so much of the territory ceded, or to be ceded
by individual states, to the United States, as is al
ready purchased, or shall be purchased, of the In
dian inhabitants, and offered for sale by Congress,
shall be divided into distinct states in the following
manner, as nearly as such cessions will admit; that
is to say, by parallels of latitude, so that each state
shall comprehend from north to south two degrees
of latitude, beginning to count from the completion
of forty-five degrees north of the equator; and by
meridians of longitude, one of which shall pass
through the western cape of the mouth of the great
Kanhaway: but the territory eastward of this last
meridian, between the Ohio, lake Erie, and Pennsyl
vania, shall be one state, whatsoever may be its com
prehension of latitude. That which may lie beyond
the completion of the forty-fifth degree between the
said meridians shall make part of the state adjoining
it on the south ; and that part of the Ohio, which is
between the same meridians coinciding nearly with
the parallel of thirty-nine degrees, shall be substi
tuted so far in lieu of that parallel as a boundary
line. That the settlers on any territory so purchased
42a This is copied from a broadside printed by order of Congress
and agrees textually with the ordinance as printed in the Journals
of Congress. But in the Journal, no words are all Caps and the
designations 1st, 2d, &c are given thus (not written out).

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 75
and offered for sale, shall, either on their own peti
tion, or on the order of Congress, receive authority
from them, with appointments of time and place, for
their free males of full age, within the limits of their
state, to meet together, for the purpose of establish
ing a temporary government, to adopt the constitu
tion and laws of any one of the original states; so
that such laws nevertheless shall be subject to alter
ation by their ordinary legislature ; and to erect, sub
ject to a like alteration, counties, townships, or oth
er divisions, for the election of members for their
legislature. That when any such state shall have acquired
twenty thousand free inhabitants, on giving due
proof thereof to Congress, they shall receive from
them authority, with appointments of time and
place, to call a convention of representatives, to es
tablish a permanent constitution and government
for themselves. Provided that both the temporary
and permanent governments be established on these
principles as their basis:
FIRST. That they shall for ever remain a part
of this confederacy of the United States of America.
SECOND. That they shall be subject to the arti
cles of confederation in all those cases in which the
original states shall be so subject; and to all the
acts and ordinances of the United States in Con
gress assembled, conformable thereto.
THIRD. That they in no case shall interfere
with the primary disposal of the soil by the United
States in Congress 'assembled; nor with the ordi
nances and regulations which Congress may find
necessary for securing the title in such soil to the
bona fide purchasers.

76 Marietta CoUege Historical Collections
FOURTH. That they shall be subject to pay a
part of the federal debts contracted or to be con
tracted ; to be apportioned on them by Congress, ac
cording to the same common rule and measure by
which apportionments thereof shall be made on the
other states.
FIFTH. That no tax shaU be imposed on lands,
the property of the United States.
SIXTH. That their respective governments shall
be republican.
SEVENTH. That the lands of non-resident pro
prietors shaU, in no case, be taxed higher than those
of residents within any new state, before the ad
mission thereof to a vote by its delegates in Con
gress. That whensoever any of the said states shall
have, of free inhabitants, as many as shall then be
in any one, the least numerous, of the thirteen orig
inal states, such state shall be admitted by its del
egates into the Congress of the United States, on
an equal footing with the said original states ; pro
vided the consent of so many states in Congress is
first obtained as may at the time be competent to
such admission. And in order to adapt the said
articles of confederation to the state of Congress,
when its number shall be thus increased, it shall be
proposed to the legislatures of the states, originally
parties thereto, to require the assent of two-thirds
of the United States Congress assembled, in all
those cases wherein, by the said articles, the assent
of nine states is now required, which being agreed
to by them, shall be binding on the new states. Un
til such admission by their delegates into Congress,

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 77
any of the said states, after the establishment of
their temporary government, shall have authority
to keep a member in Congress, with a right of de
bating, but not of voting.
That measures not inconsistent with the principles
of the confederation, and necessary for the preser
vation of peace and good order among the settlers,
in any of the said new states, until they shall assume
a temporary government as aforesaid, may, from
time to time, be taken by the United States in Con
gress assembled.
That the preceding articles shall be formed into
a charter of compact ; shall be duly executed by the
president of the United States in Congress assem
bled, under his hand, and the seal of the United
States; shall be promulgated; and shall stand as
fundamental constitutions between the thirteen orig
inal states, and each of the several states now
newly described, unalterable from and after the sale
of any part of the territory of such state, pursuant
to this resolve, but by the joint consent of the Uni
ted States in Congress assembled, and of the par-
ticiUar state within which such alteration is pro
posed to be made.

XVI
Treaty of Port McIntosh (1785)*'
Articles of a treaty concluded at fort M'Intosh,
the twenty-first day of January, one thousand seven
43 Prom American State Papers, v, Indian Affairs, i, 11. By the
Treaty of Fort Mcintosh the southeastern three-quarters of what is

78 Marietta College Historical Collections
hundred and eighty-five, between the commissioners
plenipotentiary of the United States of America, of
the one part, and the sachems and warriors of the
Wyandot, Delaware, Chippewa, and Ottawa nations,
of the other.
The commissioners plenipotentiary of the United
States, in Congress assembled, give peace to the
Wyandot, Delaware, Chippewa, and Ottawa nations
of Indians, on the following conditions :
ARTICLE 1. Three chiefs, one from among the
Wyandot, and two from among the Delaware nations,
shall be deUvered up to the commissioners of the
United States, to be by them retained till all the
prisoners, white and black, taken by the said nations,
or any of them, shall be restored.
ARTICLE 2. The said Indian nations do ac
knowledge themselves and all their tribes to be under
the protection of the United States, and of no other
sovereign whatsoever.
ARTICLE 3. The boundary line between the
United States and the Wyandot and Delaware na
tions, shall begin at the mouth of the river Cayahoga,
and run thence, up the said river, to the portage
between that and the Tuscarawas branch of Mus
kingum; then down the said branch to the forks at
the crossing place above fort Lawrence ;" then wes
terly to the portage of the Big Miami, which runs
into the Ohio, at the mouth of which branch the fort
stood, which was taken by the French in one thou-
now Ohio was ceded to the United States by the four Indian nations
claiming that region. This step made possible the passing of the
Land Ordinance by Congress later in the year.
** Fort Laurens near Bolivar, Ohio.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 79
sand seven hundred and fifty-two; then along the
said portage to the Great Miami or Omie river, and
down the southeast side of the same to its mouth;
thence, along the south shore of lake Erie, to the
mouth of Cayahoga, where it began.
ARTICLE 4. The United States allot all the
lands contained within the said lines to the Wyandot
and Delaware nations, to live and to hunt on, and to
such of the Ottawa nation as now live thereon ; sav
ing and reserving for the establishment of trading
posts, six miles square at the mouth of Miami or
Omie river, and the same at the portage on that
branch of the Big Miami which runs into the Ohio,
and the same on the lake of Sandusky, where the fort
formerly stood, and also two miles square on each
side of the lower rapids of Sandusky river, which
posts, and the lands annexed to them, shall be to the
use and under the government of the United States.
ARTICLE 5. If any citizen of the United States,
or other person, not being an Indian, shall attempt
to settle on any of the lands allotted to the Wyandot
and Delaware nations in this treaty, except on the
lands reserved to the United States in the preceding
article, such person shall forfeit the protection of
the United States, and the Indians may punish him
as they please.
ARTICLE 6. The Indians who sign this treaty,
as well in behalf of all their tribes as of themselves,
do acknowledge the lands east, south, and west, of
the lines described in the third article, so far as the
said Indians formerly claimed the same, to belong
to the United States; and none of their tribes shall
presume to settle upon the same, or any part of it.

80 Marietta CoUege Historical Collections
ARTICLE 7. The post of Detroit, with a district,
beginning at the mouth of the river Rosine, on the
west end of lake Erie, and running west six miles up
the southern bank of the said river, thence northerly
and always six miles west of the strait, tUl it strikes
the lake St. Clair, shall be also reserved to the sole
use of the United States.
ARTICLE 8. In the same manner, the post at
MichiUmackinac, with its dependencies, and twelve
miles square about the same, shall be reserved to the
use of the United States.
ARTICLE 9. If any Indian or Indians shall com
mit a robbery or murder on any citizen of the United
States, the tribe to which such offenders may belong,
shall be bound to deliver them up at the nearest post,
to be punished according to the ordinances of the
United States.
ARTICLE 10. The commissioners of the United
States, in pursuance of the humane and liberal views
of Congress, upon this treaty's being signed, will
direct goods to be distributed among the different
tribes for their use and comfort.
SEPARATE ARTICLE
It is agreed that the Delaware chiefs, Kelelamand,
or Colonel Henry, Hengue Pushees, or the Big Cat,
WicocaUnd, or Captain White Eyes, who took up the
hatchet for the United States, and their famiUes,
shall be received into the Delaware nation, in the
same situation and rank as before the war, and enjoy
their due portions of the lands given to the Wyandot
and Delaware nations in this treaty, as fully as if

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 81
they had not taken part with America, or as any
other person or persons in the said nations.
GEO CLARK,
RICHARD BUTLER,
ARTHUR LEE.«
[Signed by the sachems and warriors of the Wyan
dot, Delaware, Chippewa, and Ottawa nations of
Indians.]

XVII
Land Ordinance of 1785*'
May 20, 1785
An ordinance for ascertaining the mode of dis
posing of lands in the Western Territory.
Be it ordained by the United States in Congress
assembled, that the territory ceded by individual
states to the United States, which has been pur
chased of the Indian inhabitants, shall be disposed
of in the following manner :
45 This Commission, consisting of George Rogers dark. General
Butler, and Arthur Lee, member of the U. S. Board of Treasury, ex
ercised the first powers of the National Government in the Old North
west. Created primarily to make and enforce an Indian treaty, they
also served as the agent of the government to preserve inviolate the
ceded region from the encroachment of "squatters" until the gov
ernment could carry out the survey-before-sale township system de
termined by the Land Ordinance now about to be passed by Congress
(Doc. xvii). It was this Commission that authorized the uprooting
of the squatter settlements on the western shore of the Ohio on Janu
ary 24th, three days after this treaty was signed. — W. H. Smith,
The St. Clair Papers, ii, 3, n.
46 Journals of Congress, iv, 520.

82 Marietta CoUege Historical Collections
A surveyor from each state shall be appointed by
Congress, or a committee of the states, who shall
take an oath for the faithful discharge of his duty,
before the geographer of the United States, who is
hereby empowered and directed to administer the
same ; and the like oath shall be adnunistered to each
chain carrier, by the surveyor under whom he acts.
The geographer, under whose direction the sur
veyors shall act, shall occasionally form such regu
lations for their conduct, as he shall deem neces
sary ; and shall have authority to suspend them for
misconduct in office, and shall make report of the
same to Congress, or to the committee of the states ;
and he shall make report in case of sickness, death,
or resignation of any surveyor.
The surveyors, as they are respectively qualified,
shall proceed to divide the said territory into town
ships of 6 miles square, by lines running due north
and south, and others crossing these at right angles,
as near as may be, unless where the boundaries of
the late Indian purchases may render the same im
practicable, and then they shall depart from this
rule no farther than such particular circumstances
may require. And each surveyor shall be allowed
and paid at the rate of two dollars for every mile,
in length, he shall run, including the wages of chain
carriers, markers, and every other expense attend
ing the same.
The first line, running north and south as afore
said, shall begin on the river Ohio, at a point that
shall be found to be due north and south from the
western termination of a line, which has been run
as the southern boundary of the state of Pennsyi-

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 83
vania ; and the first line, running east and west,
shall begin at the same point, and shaU extend
throughout the whole territory ; provided, that noth
ing herein shall be construed, as fixing the western
boundary of the state of Pennsylvania. The geo
grapher shall designate the townships, or fractional
parts of townships, by numbers progressively from
south to north; always beginning each range with
No. 1 ; and the ranges shall be distinguished by their
progressive numbers to the westward. The first
range, extending from the Ohio to lake Erie, being
marked No. 1. The geographer shall personally
attend to the running of the first east and west line ;
and shall take the latitude of the extremes of the
first north and south line, and of the mouths of the
principal rivers.
The lines shall be measured with a chain ; shall be
plainly marked by chaps on the trees, and exactly
described on a plat; whereon shall be noted by the
surveyor, at their proper distances, all mines, salt-
springs, salt-licks and mill-seats, that shall come to
his knowledge ; and all water-courses, mountains and
ether remarkable and permanent things, over and
near which such lines shall pass, and also the qual
ity of the lands.
The plats of the townships respectively, shall be
marked by subdivisions into lots of one mile square,
or 640 acres, in the same direction as the external
lines, and numbered from 1 to 36 ; always beginning
the succeeding range of the lots with the number
next to that with which the preceding one concluded.
And where, from the causes before mentioned, only
a fractional part of a township shall be surveyed.

84 Marietta College Historical Collections
the lots, protracted thereon, shall bear the same
numbers as if the township had been entire. And
the surveyors, in running the external lines of the
townships, shall, at the interval of every mile, mark
corners for the lots which are adjacent, always des
ignating the same in a different manner from those
of the townships.
The geographer and surveyors shall pay the ut
most attention to the variation of the magnetic nee
dle ; and shall run and note all lines by the true mer
idian, certifying, with every plat, what was the varia
tion at the time of running the Unes thereon noted.
As soon as 7 ranges of townships, and fractional
parts of townships, in the direction from south to
north, shall have been surveyed, the geographer
shall transmit plats thereof to the board of treas
ury, who shall record the same, with the report, in
well bound books to be kept for that purpose. And
the geographer shall make similar returns, from
time to time, of every 7 ranges as they may be sur
veyed. The secretary at war shall have recourse
thereto, and shall take by lot therefrom, a number of
townships, and fractional parts of townships, as
well from those to be sold entire, as from those to
be sold in lots, as will be equal to one-seventh part
of the whole of such 7 ranges, as nearly as may be,
for the use of the late continental army; and he
shall make a similar draught, from time to time,
until a sufficient quantity is drawn to satisfy the
same, to be applied in manner hereinafter directed.
The board of treasury shall, from time to time, cause
the remaining numbers, as well those to be sold en
tire, as those to be sold in lots, to be drawn for, in

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 85
the name of the thirteen states respectively, ac
cording to the quotas in the last preceding requisi
tion on all the states; provided, that in case more
land than its proportion is allotted to sale, in any
state, at any distribution, a deduction be made there
for at the next.
The board of treasury shall transmit a copy of the
original plats, previously noting thereon, the town
ships, and fractional parts of townships, which shall
have fallen to the several states, by the distribution
aforesaid, to the commissioners of the loan-office of
the several states, who, after giving notice of not
less than two nor more than six months, by causing
advertisements to be posted up at the court-houses,
or other noted places in every county, and to be
inserted in one newspaper, published in the states
of their residence respectively, shall proceed to sell
the townships, or fractional parts of townships, at
public vendue; in the following manner, viz: The
township, or fractional part of township No. 1, in
the first range, shall be sold entire; and No. 2, in
the same range, by lots ; and thus in alternate order
through the whole of the first range. The township,
or fractional part of a township. No. 1 in the second
range, shaU be sold by lots ; and No. 2, in the same
range, entire ; and so in alternate order through the
whole of the second range ; and the third range shall
be sold in the same manner as the first, and the
fourth in the same manner as the second, and thus
alternately throughout all the ranges; provided,
that none of the lands, within the said territory, be
sold under the price of one dollar the acre, to be
paid in specie, or loan-office certificates, reduced to

86 Marietta College Historical Collections
specie value, by the scale of depreciation, or certifi
cates of liquidated debts of the United States, in
cluding interest, besides the expense of the survey
and other charges thereon, which are hereby rated
at 36 dollars the township, in specie, or certificates
as aforesaid, and so in the same proportion for a
fractional part of a township, or of a lot, to be paid
at the time of sales; on failure of which payment,
the said lands shall again be offered for sale.
There shall be reserved for the United States out
of every township, the four lots, being numbered 8,
11, 26, 29, and out of every fractional part of a
township, so many lots of the same numbers as shall
be found thereon, for future sale. There shall be re
served the lot No. 16, of every township, for the
maintenance of public schools, within the said town
ship ; also one third part of all gold, sUver, lead and
copper mines, to be sold, or otherwise disposed of
as Congress shall hereafter direct.
When any township, or fractional part of a town
ship, shall have been sold as aforesaid, and the
money or certificates received therefor, the loan-
officer shall deliver a deed in the following terms :
The United States of America, to aU to whom
these presents shall eome, greeting:
Know ye. That for the consideration of doUars,
we have granted, and hereby do grant and confirm
unto the township, (or fractional part of a
township, as the case may be) numbered in the
range excepting therefrom, and reserving one-
third part of all gold, silver, lead and copper mines
within the same ; and the lots No. 8, 11, 26, and 29,
for future sale or disposition, and the lot No. 16,

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 87
for the maintenance of public schools. To have to
the said his heirs and assigns for ever; (or if
more than one purchaser, to the said their
heirs and assigns forever as tenants in common.)
In witness whereof, A. B. commissioner of the loan-
office, in the state of hath, in conformity to
the ordinance passed by the United States in Con
gress assembled, the 20th day of May, in the year
of our Lord 1785, hereunto set his hand, and affixed
his seal, this day of in the year of our
Lord and of the independence of the United
States of America
And when any township, or fractional part of a
township, shall be sold by lots as aforesaid, the
commissioner of the loan-office shall deliver a deed
therefor in the following form:
The United States of America, to all to whom
these presents shall come, greeting:
Know ye. That for the consideration of dol
lars, we have granted, and hereby do grant and
confirm unto the lot (or lots, as the case may
be, in the township, or fractional part of the town
ship, as the case may be) numbered in the
range excepting and reserving one-third part
of all gold, silver, lead and copper mines within the
same, for future sale or disposition. To have to the
said his heirs and assigns forever; (or if more
than one purchaser, to the said their heirs
and assigns for ever as tenants in common.) In
witness whereof, A. B. commissioner of the con
tinental loan-office in the state of hath, in
conformity to the ordinance passed by the United
States in Congress assembled, the 20th day of May,

88 Marietta College Historical Collections
in the year of our Lord 1785, hereunto set his hand,
and affixed his seal, this day of in the
year of our Lord and of the independence of
the United States of America
Which deeds shall be recorded in proper books,
by the commissioner of the loan office, and shall be
certified to have been recorded, previous to their
being delivered to the purchaser, and shall be good
and valid to convey the lands in the same described.
The commissioners of the loan-offices respective
ly, shaU transmit to the board of treasury every
three months, an account of the townships, fraction
al parts of townships, and lots committed to their
charge, specifying therein the names of the persons
to whom sold, and the sums of money or certificates
received for the same ; and shall cause all certificates
by them received, to be struck through with a cir
cular punch; and they shall be duly charged in the
books of the treasury, with the amount of the moneys
or certificates, distinguishing the same, by them re
ceived as aforesaid.
If any township, or fractional part of a township,
or lot, remains unsold for 18 months after the plat
shall have been received, by the commissioners of
the loan-office, the same shall be returned to the
board of treasury, and shall be sold in such manner
as Congress may hereafter direct.
And whereas Congress, by their resolutions of
September 16th and 18th, in the year 1776, and the
12th of August, 1780, stipulated grants of lands to
certain officers and soldiers of the late continental
army, and by the resolution of the 22d September,
1780, stipulated grants of land to certain officers in

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 89
the hospital department of the late continental army ;
for complying therefore with such engagements. Be
it ordained. That the secretary at war, from the re
turns in his office, or such other sufficient evidence
as the nature of the case may admit, determine who
are the objects of the above resolutions and engage
ments, and the quantity of land to which such per
sons or their representatives are respectively en
titled, and cause the townships, or fractional parts
of townships, hereinbefore reserved for the use of
the late continental army, to be drawn for in such
manner a? he shall deem expedient, to answer the
purpose of an impartial distribution. He shall, from
time to time, transmit certificates to the commis
sioners of the loan offices of the different states, to
the lines of which the military claimants have re
spectively belonged, specifying the name and rank
of the party, the terms of his engagement and time
of his service, and the division, brigade regiment or
company to which he belonged, the quantity of land
he is entitled to, and the township, or fractional part
of a township, and range out of which his portion
is to be taken.
The commissioners of the loan-offices shall exe
cute deeds for such undivided proportions in manner
and form herein before-mentioned, varying only in
such a degree as to make the same conformable to
the certificate from the secretary at war.
Where any military claimants of bounty in lands
shall not have belonged to the line of any particular
state, similar certificates shall be sent to the board
of treasury, who shall execute deeds to the parties
for the same.

90 Marietta CoUege Historical Collections
The secretary at war, from the proper returns,
shall transmit to the board of treasury, a certifi
cate, specifying the name and rank of the several
claimants of the hospital department of the late con
tinental army, together with the quantity of land
each claimant is entitled to, and the township, or
fractional part of a township, and range out of
which his portion is to be taken ; and thereupon the
board of treasury shall proceed to execute deeds to
such claimants.
The board of treasury, and the commissioners of
the loan-offices in the states, shall, within 18 months,
return receipts to the secretary at war, for all deeds
which have been delivered, as also all the original
deeds which remain in their hands for want of ap
plicants, having been first recorded ; which deeds so
returned, shall be preserved in the office, until the
parties or their representatives require the same.
And be it further ordained. That three townships
adjacent to lake Erie be reserved, to be hereafter
disposed of by Congress, for the use of the officers,
men, and others, refugees from Canada, and the
refugees from Nova-Scotia, who are or may be en
titled to grants of land under resolutions of Con
gress now existing, or which may hereafter be made
respecting them, and for such other purposes as
Congress may hereafter direct.
And be it further ordained, That the towns of
Gnadenhuten, Schoenbrun and Salem, on the Mus
kingum, and so much of the land adjoining to the
said towns, with the buildings and improvements
thereon, shall be reserved for the sole use of the
Christian Indians, who were formerly settled there.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 91
or the remains of that society, as may, in the judg
ment of the geographer, be sufficient for them to
cultivate. Saving and reserving always, to all officers and
soldiers entitled to lands on the northwest side of
the Ohio, by donation or bounty from the comnion-
wealth of Virginia, and to all persons claiming under
them, all rights to which they are so entitled, under
the deed of cession executed by the delegates for the
state of Virginia, on the first day of March, 1784, and
the act of Congress accepting the same: and to the
end, that the said rights may be fully and effectually
secured, according to the true intent and meaning of
the said deed of cession and act aforesaid. Be it
ordained, that no part of the land included between
the rivers eaUed Little Miami and Sciota, on the
northwest o£,the river Ohio, be sold, or in any man
ner alienated, until there shall first have been laid
off and appropriated for the said officers and sol
diers, and persons claiming under them, the lands
they are entitled to, agreeably to the said deed of
cession and act of Congress accepting the same.
Done by the United States in Congress assembled,
the 20th day of May, in the year of our Lord 1785,
and of our sovereignty and independence the ninth.
Charles Thompson, Secretary.
RICHARD H. LEE, President

PART TWO
Ohio in the Papers of the Continental Congress "
XVIII
Colles' Petition to Improve Ohio River Navi
gation (1783)*^
To the Honourable the Delagates of the United
States of America in Congress assembled.
The humble Petition of Christopher Colles
Sheweth, That your petitioner from a consideration of the
vast extent of the interior parts of this rising Em
pire is of opinion that a source of wealth & greatness
must speedily be open'd to this fertile country, if the
natural defects were removed by art, & the water
carriage improved by Inland Navigations.
That by a careful examination of Cap" Hutchins 's
47 The following miscellaneous documents from the Papers of the
Continental Congress in the Library of Congress throw light on
various phases of Ohio Valley history in the years 1783-1787, par
ticularly on the activities of Thomas Hutchins and his assistants who
were surveying the Seven Ranges and on the people south and west
of the Ohio who desired land in what are now Ohio and Indiana.
Under this general title were filed all communications, petitions and
reports made to Congress; they are to be distinguished from the
Journals of Congress which comprise the reports of proceedings and
have been published.
48 From the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 42, ii, 168.
Christopher Colles (1738-1816), eminent Irish-American engineer, was
publicly advocating canal lock-navigation as early as 1772; was
prominent in urging New York State to improve the Mohawk route
to Lake Erie by showing in 1784 the commercial advantages to be
derived, using the same argument as he here uses with Congress, con
cerning western trade.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 93
new Map of the River Ohio, the Book which he has
pubUshed,** & from other information which your
petitioner has receiv'd it appears, that that great
river is now navigable for large flat bottom boats
from Fort Pitt to the Ocean, except a small distance
(not more than half a mile) where the Navigation is
obstructed with such rapids as render it very danger
ous for any vessels to pass down, except at the time
of the floods which last but a very inconsiderable
part of the year.^°
That your Petitioner is of opinion that the expence
of improving the Navigation of these rapids (in the
manner practiced in England & other parts of Eu
rope) is perfectly inconsiderable when compared
with the vast advantage which would result from
putting such a design in Execution; & it appears to
him that nothing can contribute to populate all the
upper part of that great & extensive country so
much, as the prosecution of this business.
That your Petitioner begs leave to observe that
the Kentuck river falls into the Ohio Seventy miles
above these Rapids, & he is therefore clearly of opin
ion that the numerous settlers in these parts would
have their property much advanced by this under
taking. —
Your petitioner also apprehend that many other
advantages may be directly & speedily obtain 'd by
the prosecution of this design, a design which for the
49 " A map of the country on the Ohio & Muskingum rivers shew
ing the situation of the Indian to-wns with respect to the army under
the command of Colonel Bouquet." In An Historical Account of
the Expedition against the Ohio Indiahs in the Tear 1764. Phila.,
1765. 50 ' ' The Falls ' ' at Louisville, Ky.

94 Marietta CoUege Historical Collections
facility of its execution may be only considered as
an essay, but for the extent of its consequences high
ly beneficial, as it would improve an extent of coun
try fuU 700 Miles in Diameter, — by a further prose
cution may extend its influence to Lake Erie, & will
most certainly spread the luxurious branches of com
merce to an amazing distance on all points of the
compass. —
Your Petitioner begs leave to observe that it is
highly probable many useful communications may
be made hereafter between the head branches of the
Monongahela & Allegany, & some of the upper
waters of the Potomack & Susquehanna, whereby a
great trade may be drawn from these parts to the
settled parts of this country : But the execution of
these design when duly consider 'd wUl be found to
cost more than the design before mentioned, or the
country can now afford. —
Your Petitioner therefore prays that your honours
will take the premisses into consideration & make
him a Grant of Lands on the Rapids of Ohio, for
which he will make such payment as are usuaUy al
lowed for other crown lands, & he will engage to for
ward the proposed improvement with all possible
speed, & will make application to proper authority
for a Law to estabUsh a Company, & to regulate the
Tolls, for the passage of vessels thro these works.
And your Petitioner will Pray.
Christopher Colles.
[Indorsed:] Petition of Christ. CoUes
for facilitating the naviga
tion of Ohio. —
Read July 4. 1783.—

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 95
XIX
Petition to Settle Ohio Lands (1784)"
To the Honourable Congress of the United
States of America now sitting at Trenton —
The humble petition of the Inhabitants residing
near the Ohio River and frontiers of the States of
Pennsylvania and Virginia, having flattered our
selves with the pleasing hopes that when the Lands
were disposed of on the other side of the Ohio River,
that we should meet with every Indulgence in par
ticular that of Locating of Lands and time allowed
us for the payment of the monies for S* Lands, but
to our surprise we have seen a late ordinance of Con
gress published for consideration wherein no man
can take out a warrant for less than Eight hundred
and fifty acres, which we apprehend is more than
many of the people on our frontiers are able to pur
chase who would be glad to become Adventurers,
whose time has been taken up during the late war,
Not in heaping up of Treasure but in stoping the
inrodes of the savages, we humbly beg leave to in
form your Ho" :, that we pray that each one may be
51 From the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 42, vi, 106.
In our introduction to vol. i of these Collections (xxi-xxiv) we noted
the arrival, as early as 1779, of the first white men (not counting
French and Moravian missionaries and traders) to buUd homes in
what is now Ohio. The virile democracy both of those who came and
those who petitioned Congress to be aUowed to come is voiced in the
petitions herein printed. Before January 21, 1785, these "squat
ters" violated Indian sovereignty; after that date they violated the
decree of Congress which had ordered that region to be surveyed be
fore sales were made. In these petitions we have a new expression
from what Howell called the "Gods of the Mountains" in relation
to the ' ' tyrants ' ' of the East who were placing wise limitations on
the expansion movement into the unoccupied West.

96 Marietta College Historical Collections

indulged with taking out Warrants according to his
abiUties, and locating the same in what manner they
shall see fit — and your petitioners in duty bound
will ever Pray. —
The SO"' October 1784

Benjn Davis
W Scott
J. P. GUlespie
Andrew Ramsey
George M^Coy
Stepn Ji Francis
James Andrews
Predk Lamb
Aaron Delong
John Green
Bennet Truly
SUas Hedges
John Vanmater
Patrick M^Gahan
Zakries Sprigs
John Vanbuskirk
Louis Vanbuskirk
Joseph Wells
WUliam Sloane
Benjm Doolittle
David Hannah
Roger Curragan
thomas Strait Back
WiUiam McMahan
TeU Soloman
Jno M<=Cormick
Jas Miller
Moses Chapline
Rich:d Poslethwait
WUliam West
George Cox
Abraham Cuppy
Johu McCoy
John TUton
James parks
Absalam Wells

John McDonnell
Henry Nellson
Absolem Sparkes
Andrew Fowts
John Hufe
andrew Zane
Conrad Troup
Chas Beebe
Charles WeUs
Wm Briggs
Wm Lamb
Francis Huff
Peter Cox
Joseph Cox
John Cox
John Sweet
Vincin Calvin
Joseph Forman
Thomas Forman
Johannes Veller
WUliam Wood
Andrew Wood
Hezekiah Wood
Luther Calvin
Charles Stinson
William Sparks
Richard Wood
John Wood
John Lemon
John Smart
Abraham Leforge
Abraham Leforge Junr
Abraham Wood
Joseph Wood
David Wood
David Ritehey

Jos Ogle
Derick Hogland
Morgan Vandewater
James Mas 
WUliam foster
John Ramsey
John Rigdon
Jacob Paul
WUliam Mcintire
Samuel fulton
WUliam Walker
Joseph Farr
Daniel Cannon
Harmon Greathouse
Harmon Greathouse Junr
James Cunningham
William Cunningham
Jonathan Greathouse
Isaac Greathouse
David Cox
John WUliams
Ralph Cherry
Mathias Kem
Peter Kern
James WeUs
John WUkin
James Black
Thomas BueU
John McMiehel
Abraham faith
Thomas Faith
Jas Benford
Andrew mcmichael
John Lucky
John Faith

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 97

Jonathan Cox
James Parks Jur
Nathaniel West
Benjamin Martin
John Means
WiUiam hana
WiUiam Ross
Hugh Chain
George White
Moses Curry
Jams White
eiUiam Carson

Joshua Harbin
John Grow
Edward Gibbs
Ignatius Jones
WUliam West
WiUiam Williams
James Fleming
Alexr Robinsen
James Cuningham
Henry Do-wn
Isreal Cox
Joseph Winley

WUliam Anderson
John Bonnet
Wm Paterson
John WUson
Samuel Biggart
John Ramsey
Gerford Caius
Walter Cain
John AVinand
John Cochran

XX
Hutchins to Congeess (1785)"
Sir I have the honor to inform Congress of my return
from ascertaining the Boundary Line between Vir
ginia and Pennsylvania, for which purpose the As
sent of Congress was signified to me by his Excel
lency the late president. —
The Information I have acquired on this Service
52 From the Papers of the Continental Congress, no. 60, 177.
Thomas Hutchins (1730-1788), a native of New Jersey, was the first
"geographer of the United States." He went west in boyhood and
became ensign, paymaster-general, and deputy-engineer in the British
army. He laid out Fort Pitt, under General Bouquet, whose expedi
tion he described and mapped (see Note 49). Later he lived in
Louisiana and pubUshed a map and description of Louisiana and
West Florida. At the outbreak of the Revolution, being in London,
he resigned his commission, was imprisoned, and pennUess, reached.
France and finally the United States. Congress appointed him Geo
grapher in 1781, and he directed all surveys, especially those under
the Ordinance of 1785, though he died before their completion. — Seei
"A Topographical Description of Virginia, PennsyVvanioi, Maryland,.
and North Carolina" edited by Frederick Charles Hicks. Cleveland,,
1904.

98 Marietta CoUege Historical Collections
will I hope be of considerable Benefit to the United
States — I now wait on them for their Commands.
Intreating that the Report of the Committee on my
Memorial and Petition to Congress of the 8th of
Sepf 1783 may be previously acted upon.^'
I have the Honor to be with the greatest Respect
Your ExceUency's
most obedient hble Servant
New York 7th March 1785 — Tho : Hutchins
His Excellency the President of Congress. —
[Indorsed:] Letter 7 March 1785
Tho^ Hutchins
Referred to Mr Houstiwn
Mr Beatty
Mr HoweU
with report May 25, 1785

XXI
Call foe Election of Delegates to Poem a
State Convention West of the Ohio
RmsE (1785)'* March 12, 1785.
ADVERTISEMENT
Notice is hereby given to the inhabitants of the
west side of the Ohio River that there is to be an
53 The Memorial of Thomas Hutchins, Papers of tlie Continental
Congress, no. 41, iv, p. 107.
54 Reprinted from W. H. Smith, The St. Clair Papers, ii, 5. This
well-known but remarkable document containing the very essence of
western democracy assured the national authorities that somethius

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 99
election for the choosing of members of the conven
tion for the framing of a constitution for the govern
ing of the inhabitants, the election to be held on the
10th day of April next ensiung, viz : one election to
be held at the mouth of the Miami River, and one to
be held at the mouth of the Scioto River, and one on
the Muskingum River, and one at the dwelling-house
of Jonas Menzons ; the members to be chosen to meet
at the mouth of the Scioto on the twentieth day of
the same month.
I do certify that all mankind agreeable to every
constitution formed in America, have an undoubted
right to pass into every vacant country, and there to
form their constitution, and that from the confed
eration of the whole United States, Congress is not
empowered to forbid them, neither is Congress em
powered from that confederation to make any sale of
the uninhabited lands to pay the public debts, which
is to be by a tax levied and lifted (collected) by
authority of the Legislature of each State.
John Emerson [Amberson]
more was necessary to preserve the integrity of the ' ' Seven Ranges ' '
than mUd words and lukewarm attention. The author's name is
usually given as Emerson but John Armstrong gives it as Amberson
in his letter of April 12th- (Doc. xxiv). Amberson 's Bottom was a
well-known point on the Ohio River in the Ohio Company's Pur
chase — of. vol. i, 122. This " Advertizement " takes on fresh sig
nificance when compared with a petition from the people to whom it
was addressed herein printed for the first time (Doc. xxiii). A com
parison shows that while Amberson 's coterie were boisterously in
surgent, many others were ready to petition Congress humbly for
succor and support. It is not difficult to hazard the opinion that,
with the uprooting of the squatter settlements between March 31st
and April 12th, described in the following documents, the recalcitrant
Amberson refused to cross the Ohio and then made a settlement on
the river bottom which bore his name when the Ohio Company settle
ment was made in 1788.

100 Marietta College Historical Collections

XXII
Westeen State Peoposed by the Deputies of
Washington County, Pennsylvania (1785)''
Washington County April 7"" 1785
Sir They Deputies of the good people of this County
being deeply impressed with a sense of the situation
of their Constituents; the value of their CivU and
ReUgious Rights ; with the advantages of local Con
stitutions, and the American Union: They cannot
remain indifferent Spectators of Measures, that
must eventually affect their dearest interests. We
have maturely considered several Acts of Con
gress, — respecting the Western Country: and have
been constant observers of the proceedings of some
of the Southern States, claiming jurisdiction over it;
and the result of our enquiries and observations are ;
that the Western Inhabitants, can no longer be safe,
or useful in Society, without the protecting Arm of
the foederal government, and the privileges of an
independent State. The thinking part of the Com
munity, are particularly anxious to part with the
ancient Stock the eastern parts of Virginia in friend
ship and good humour, to introduce and maintain a
reciprocity of kind offices with her, and in reality be
one people in a national view.
When we turn our eyes to the Acts of your honor
able Body — our prospects are enlarged: The Ar
ticles in that of the Twenty third day of April last,'^
wUl form a basis for a Uberal and beneficial Com-
55 From the Papers of the Continental Congress, no. 48, 297.
5»The Ordinance of 1784 (Doc. XV).

\_jf P.miiK 1)1 lie i:i;ii

From a plate loaned hy the Western Reserve Historical Society
A Feench Plan of the Lands of the Ohio and "Scioto" Companies

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 101
pact; we are sorry to object to it, in the smallest
tittle, were it not that we know, we were not repre
sented when those Resolves were formed; and we
trust, that Congress on an attentive revision of the
subject, will conclude that natural boundaries will be
most convenient and satisfactory, especially when
they nearly coincide with the Meridians, and paral
lels already held out, as boundaries for the new
States. That Meridian that crosses the Ohio at the west
Cape of the Kanhawa is a striking instance; for to
the South, it wiU pass over a great number of the
most inaccessable and craggy Mountains in Amer
ica; and we have reason to believe, it will intersect
the Kanhawa in various places, notwithstanding its
being otherwise expressed in some Maps ; Whereas,
had that river been adopted as a boundary ; expence,
trouble, and inconveniency might have been avoided,
and both sides reap equal advantages. We will
avoid using argument, why the Sioto, and Sandusky,
may not be substituted, in place of a Meridian, on
the North side of the Ohio.
We beg leave further to represent, — that the par
allel of thirty seven degrees, and the Meridian that
passes the Ohio at the Rapids, would be inconvenient
in several respects. The Valley adjoining the Kan
hawa, above or South of the Ronceverte, or Green-
briar river, lies most convenient to those under lat
itude thirty Six, on the heads of the Cherokee river.
That the parallel of thirty seven extended to the
Meridian of the Rapids would sever the Kentuckey
Settlements, and be too far removed, from those on
Holstein.

102 Marietta College Historical Collections
Indulge us. Sir to mention what we beUeve would
be the most convenient and equitable limits of two
new States. Let that which will include the Ken
tuckey Settlements, be bounded on the East, by the
great Kanhawa, as high as the confluence of the Ron
ceverte ; the Ohio on the north ; and on the West, and
South, by a Meridian Une drawn from the mouth of
Salt-river, until it intersects the Shawanoe, or Cum
berland river, up that river, to the mouth of that
branch of it, called Rock-Castle, up the said River
Rock-Castle, to the Ansioto or Brush-Mountain,
thence a direct line, to the confluence of the Ron
ceverte That to the South which wUl include the Inhabitants
oh the heads of the Kanhawa and Cherokee-rivers,
be bounded by a Une extended due South from that
part of the Cumberland-river, where the Meridian
line drawn from the mouth of Salt-river will touch
it, until it reaches Elk-river, down that river to the
Tenasee, thence South to the top of the Apalachian
Mountain, eastwardly along the same to a point,
from whence a north line extended, would meet the
Kanhawa at the mouth of Little-river, near Ingles-
Ferry; and down that River, to the Ronceverte
Westwardly along the boundary, as above described
for the Kentuckey Country.
At this day, we find a new Society forming itself
back of North-Carolina, which if the requisition [of]
Congress of the twenty ninth day of April last, is
regarded, we of course will be annexed to ; and the
natural situation of the Country points out the con
nection; but are yet restrained, from formally join
ing them, by a deference to the opinions of those that
bear rule in Virginia, and the want of an orderly

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 1Q3
accession to Independence, under the auspices of
Congress; these obstacles we confide, that the Rulers
of the federal Government wiU remove : The interest
of America seems urgently to call for it, and the
peace and prosperity of the Western Inhabitants
wiU no longer admit of delay.
For further explanation of the subject we take the
liberty to enclose for the perusal of Congress, Copies
of some papers, containing Sentiments of the people
in the western Country.
We have the honor to be with all due deference &
Respect your Excellency's most Obedient &
devoted humble Servants
Signed by Order Cha^ Cummings Ch :
[Addressed:] His Excellency the President of Congress
honored by
W" Cocke Esq""
[Indorsed:] The Deputies of Washington
County Tho^ Cummings
Chairman 7 Ap' 1785

XXIII
Petition of Inhabitants West of the Ohio
RiVEE (1785)"
To the Honourable the President of the Honour
able Congress of the United States of America
The Petition, of us the subscribers now Residing on
the western side of the ohio; Humbly sheweth our

57 From the Papers of the Continental Congress, no. 41, vii, 320.

104 Marietta College Historical Collections
gratefuU Acknowledgments to those Patriots of our
Country who under Divine Providence so wisely
Directed and Steered the Helm of Government: in
that Great and UnparaleP Conflict for Liberty:
Bringing to a happy Period the Troubles of the
states Laying the Foundation (by the most Salutary
means) of the most Glorious form of government
any People on Earth Could ever yet boast of; and
that we have nothing more at hart than the Safety
and happiness of the Common wealth in all its mem
bers from the highest to the Lowest Station in life :
imwilling to Act any thing Directly: or Indirectly:
that is of a Publick Nature without the Consent and
Advice of the Legislature ; notwithstanding when the
JoyfuU sound of Peace had Reached our Ears; we
had scarce Enough left us to Support the Crying
Distresses of our families Occasioned wholy by being
Exposed to the ravages of a Cruel and Savage En
emy ; on an Open Frontier where the most of us had
the Misfortune to Reside through the whole Continu
ance of the war ; where the only Recourse was to Sit
Confin*; in forts for the Preservation of our lives;
by which we ware Reduced allmost to the Lowest
Ebb of Poverty; the Greatest part of us having no
Probably due to the publication of Amberson 's "Advertizement" the
military commander on the Ohio, Colonel Harmar, who had been au
thorized by the Commissioners for Indian Affairs to "employ such
force as he may judge necessary in driving off persons attempting to
settle on the lands of the United States," ordered Ensign John Arm
strong with twenty men to march from Fort Mcintosh to dispossess
all who had intruded. By the 12th of AprU the mission had been
executed as herein reported (Doc. xxiv). This Petition is from those
who suffered loss of property. Armstrong's report implies that the
Petition was written by residents near Menzon's or Hoglin's Town,
the present Martin's Ferry, Ohio.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 105
property in Lands: our stocks Reduced almost to
nothing: our Case seemed Desperate But viewing
as it Appeared to us an Advantage Offering of Va
cant Lands which with the Alarming Nesesitys we
were under Joined with the future Prospect of Bet
tering our Circumstances: invited us to Enter on
those Lands fully Determined to Comply with Every
Requisition of the Legislature : which we knew to be
our Indispensible Duty Pregnant with hopes of Fu
ture Happiness we sat Content in the Enjoyment of
our Scanty morsel: thinking ourselves Safe under
the protection of Government: when on the fifth of
this Instant we ware Visited by a Command of men
Sent by the Commandant at fort M^Entosh ; with or
ders from Government on purpose to Dispossess us
and to Destroy our Dwellings: which the Executed
in part when the first set out but our principles and
our Duty to Government Oblidged us to make an
offer of Performing the Task ourselves which was
agreed to on Conditions it were Executed Against
the Nineteenth of this Instant ; by which order it now
Appears our Conduct in Settling here is Considered
by the Legislature to be prejudicial to the Common
good ; of which we had not the Least Conception till
now; we are greatly Distressed in our present Cir
cumstances ; and humbly pray if you in your Wisdom
think proper to grant us Liberty : to Rest where we
are and to grant us the preference to our Actual Set
tlements when the Land is to be settled by order of
Government : where we shall Count it our Interest to
be Subject to such Law and Regulations as the Leg
islature in their wisdom may think proper to pre
scribe Consistent with the Rights and privileges of

106 Marietta CoUege Historical Collections

the good people of these states which ; if you in your
wisdom Grant; we your Petitioners as in Duty bound
shall Ever Pray
AprU the 11'" 1785 —
Signers Names

Wicom hougland
Robt Black
Jas Cochran
Exreal Cook
Henry CogsiU
James dark
his
Adam X House
mark his
Joshua X Fleeharty
mark
Jane Cochron wedow
Henry Hougland
Thomas Johnson
Thomas Dawsson
John nixon
Daved nowels
John McDonald
Thomas TUton
Daniel Dorman
WUli Huff

Isaac Van buscark
John Rigdon
John Vanbuscark
John Carpenter
James Harrison
george Nation
Francis Nation
Joseph nation
Wm Nation
Edward Carpenter
Richard power
George Carpenter
Absolom Sparks
Thomas farris
Jacob Light
James young
Alectiory BaUey
William Capes
William Bailey
Lawrance Huff
John Castleman
Joseph Ross Junr

Joseph allexander
John fleet
Rich Cook
Benjamin Lemaster
Nicholas Decker
Samson Beven
Charles Coy!
James Demoss
Richard West
Andrew Criswell
Walter Cain
Richard Lemaster
Edmund Butt
Isaac Lemaster
Wm Forgeson
Jacob Lemaster
Michal Stults
Jacob Lemaster senior
PhiUip Smith
John Lemasters

XXIV
Ensign Armstrong's Report to Colonel
Haemae '*
Fort Mcintosh, 12th AprU,
1785.
Sir: — Agreeable to your orders, I proceeded with
my party, on the 31st of March, down the river. On
68 From C. A. Hanna, Historical Collections of Harrison Co., Ohio,
49-50.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 107
the first instant we crossed Little Beaver, and dis
possessed a family. Four miles from there, we
found three families living in sheds, but, they having
no rafts to transport their effects, I thought it proper
to give them until the 31st inst., at which time they
promised to demolish their sheds and remove to the
east side of the river.
At Yellow creek [south of the site of Wellsville],
I dispossessed two famiUes and destroyed their
building. The 2d inst., being stormy, nothing was
done. The 3d, we dispossed eight families. The
4th we arrived at Mingo Bottom, or Old Town
[Mingo, Jefferson county]. I read my instructions
to the prisoner, [Joseph] Ross, who declared they
never came from Congress, for he had late accounts
from that honorable body, who, he was convinced,
gave no such instructions to the Commissioners.
Neither did he care from whom they came, for he
was determined to hold possession, and if I de
stroyed his house he would buUd six more within a
week. He also cast many reflections on the honor
able the Congress, the Commissioners, and the com
manding officer. I conceived him to be a dangerous
man, and sent him under guard to Wheehng. Find
ing that most of the settlers at this place were ten
ants under the prisoner, I gave them a few days, at
which time they promised to move to the east side of
the Ohio rover, and to demolish their buildings. On
the evening of the 4th, Charles Norris, with a party of
armed men, came to my quarters in a hostile manner,
and demanded my instructions. After conversing
with them some time, and showing my instructions,
the warmth with which they first expressed them
selves began to abate, and for some motive lodged

108 Marietta CoUege Historical Collections
their arms with me tiU morning. I learned from the
conversation of the party that at Norris' Town (by
them so called), eleven mUes farther down the river,
[probably the site of the present village of Warren-
town, at the mouth of Short Creek], a party of sev
enty or eighty men were assembled with a determina
tion to oppose me. Finding Norris to be a man of
influence in that country, I conceived it to my interest
to make use of him as an instrument, which I effected
by informing him it was my intention to treat any
armed parties I met as enemies of my country, and
would fire on them if they did not disperse.
On the 5th, when I arrived within two mUes of the
town, or place where I expected to meet with opposi
tion, I ordered my men to load their arms in the
presence of Norris, and then desired him to go to the
party and inform them of my intentions. I then
proceeded on with caution, but had not gone far
when paper No. 1^^ was handed me by one of the
party, to which I replied, that I would treat with no
party, but intended to execute my orders. When I
arrived at the town there were about forty men as
sembled, who had deposited their arms. After I had
read to them my instructions, they agreed to move
off by the 19th inst. This indulgence I thought
proper to grant, the weather being too severe to turn
them out of doors. The 6th I proceeded to Hoglin's,
or Mercer's Town [Martin's Ferry], where I was
presented with paper No. 2,™ and, from the humble
disposition of the people and the impossibility of
their moving, I gave them to the 19th, and I believe
59 Doc. no. xxiii.
80 Doc. no. xxi.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 109
they generally left the settlement at that time. At
that place I was informed that Charles Norris and
John Carpenter had been elected Justices of the
Peace; that they had, I found, precepts, and had
decided thereon. I then proceeded on till opposite
Wheehng, where I dispossessed one family and de
stroyed their buildings. I hope, sir, that the indul
gences granted some of the inhabitants will meet
your approbation. The paper No. 2 is a copy of an
advertisement, which is posted up in almost every
settlement on the western side of the Ohio. Three
of my party being landed, I left them about forty
miles from this place under care of a corporal. The
remainder I have ordered to their respective com
panies, and the prisoner I have delivered to the
prison guard. I am, sir, with great respect, your
obedient servant, John Aemsteong, Ensign.

XXV
Hutchins to Congeess (1785)"
Sir Congress has been informed that on the last Sum
mer I was employed in determining the Western Ex
tent of the Southern Boundary of Pennsylvania —
A North Line remains to be run from the Termina
tion of the Southern Boundary of Pennsylvania as
far as the River Ohio which is to be the Line of Divi
sion between the Citizens of Pennsylvania and those
of Virginia. — The Executive of the State of Penn-
61 From the Papers of the Continental Congress, no. 61, 181.

110 Marietta CoUege Historical Collections
syivania have been pleased to propose that I should
assist in running that Line. — The Commissioners
are to begin the 16th of May. — I am to request that
you would be so good as submit this application to
the Consideration of Congress that I may be in
formed whether that Honorable Body have any Ob
jection to my assisting in the above Work till they
have any Occasion for my services with the assur
ance that I shall on the first Notice attend to their
Commands. — I am with the greatest Respect
Your Excellencys
Most obedient and
most humble Servant
New York 21=' April 1785 — Tho : Hutchins
His Excellency the President of Congress
[Indorsed :] Letter 21st April 1785 from
Thomas Hutchins to the
President of Congress

XXVI
Rufus Putnam to Congeess (1785)"
Boston June y* 11'" 1785
Sir Your favor of the 28'" Ult°, encloseing the ordi
nance of the Honourable Congress, for Ascertaining
the mode of disposeing of lands in the Western ter
ritory; and informing, that Congress has been
pleased to appoint me one of their surveyors; has
come to hand. — I beg leve to express my obligations
83 From the Papers of the Continental Congress, no. 56, 161.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 111
to Congress on this ocation, and acceptance of their
appointment ; but I must in Justice to my self inform
them, that a wish to promote emigration from among
my friends into that country, and not the wages Stip
ulated, is my principle motive. —
I have the Honnor to be
Sir your obedient
humble Servent
Rufus Putnam
Seer"' Thomson Esq''
PS. before I was honour* with your letter I had en
gaged in the Service of this Commonwealth for the
Summer or all winter, in Surveying their eastern
territory and am now on my way for that purpos,
and should wish not to be called on to go westward
this year, but if Congress should require it a letter
for me directed to the Care of the Honourable Sam
uel Philips Jun'' Esqr at Boston or Adover will be
forwarded too me imediately, when I shall obey its
Summons as Soon as posable — °*
yours RP —
M'T [Indorsed:] Letter June 11. 1785
Rufus Putnam
accepts the Office of Surveyor
Read 20 June 1785. —
64 General Putnam continued in the service of Massachusetts and
General Benjamin Tupper was appointed as the Massachusetts repre
sentative on the corps of surveyors for the ' ' Seven Ranges. " As we
have hinted (vol. i, xxxviii), this was probably a deliberate plan on
the part of these men in order to get first hand knowledge of the two
regions, Maine and the Ohio Valley, as possible sites for the colony
they had determined to establish. Their decision seemed to lie bo-

112 Marietta CoUege Historical Collections
XXVII
Peoclamation of Congress on Westeen Lands
(June 15, 1785)"'*
Whereas, it hath been represented to the United
States, in Congress assembled, that several disor
derly persons have crossed the river Ohio, and set-
tween New York, Massachusetts, and the western lands to be opened
by the government. Writing to Washington, AprU 5, 1784, Putnam
said: ' ' The settlement of the Ohio country, sir, engrosses many of my
thoughts, and much of my time since I left the camp has been em
ployed in informing myself and others with respect to the nature,
situation, and circumstances of that country, and practicability of
removing ourselves there; and if I am to form an opinion on what I
have seen and heard on the subject, there are thousands in this quar
ter who will emigrate to that country as soon as the honorable Con
gress make provisions for granting lands there, and locations and
settlements can be made with safety, unless such provision is too long
delayed — ¦ I mean, till necessity turn their views another way, which
is the case -with some already, and must soon be the case with many
more. You are sensible of the necessity, as well as the possibUity,
of both officers and soldiers fixing themselves in business somewhere
as soon as possible, as many of them are unable to lie long on their
85 Journals of Congress, iv, 538. In response to a letter from
Colonel Harmar to the Secretary of War (St. Clair Papers, ii, 6-7),
Congress authorized Colonel Harmar to establish a new post on
the Ohio between the Muskingum and the Great Miami ' ' for fur
ther carrying into effect the before-mentioned orders ' ' concerning
repelUng the invasion of squatters. Six hundred dollars was ap
propriated for transferring troops and baggage. It was under this
order that Fort Harmar was erected at the mouth of the Muskingum
River. There is something almost uncanny in the way local histori
ans, centennial orators, etc., have overlooked the fact that Port Har
mar was erected, so to speak, against white men primarUy — to keep
soldiers posted where they could most easily drive back the army of
squatters until the lands could be surveyed and offered for public
sale. Congress had determined that the southern ' ' something-f or-
nothing" system of pioneering was not to prevail north of the Ohio
River. Fort Harmar was a monument to that epoch-making decision.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 113
tied upon their unappropriated lands ; and whereas
it is their intention, as soon as it shall be surveyed, to
open offices for the sale of a considerable part there
of, in such proportions, and under such other regula
tions as may suit the convenience of all the citizens
of the said states, and others, who may wish to be
come purchasers of the same; and as such conduct
oars, waiting the decision of Congress on our petition, and therefore
must unavoidably settle themselves in some other quarter, which,
when done, the idea of removing to the Ohio country wUl probably
be at an end with respect to most of them; besides, the common
wealth of Massachusetts have come to a resolution to seU their east
ern country for public securities; and should their plan be formed
and propositions be made public before we hear anything from Con
gress respecting our petition, and the terms on which the land peti
tioned for are to be obtained, it wiU undoubtedly be much against
us, by greatly lessening the number of Ohio associates.
"Another reason why we wish to know as soon as possible what
the intentions of Congress are respecting our petition, is the effect
such knowledge wiU probably have on the credit of the certificates
we have received on settlement of accounts. Those securities are
now seUing at no more than three shiUings and six pence or four
shUlings on the pound, which in all probability might double, if no
more, the moment it was known that government would receive them
for lands in the Ohio country. From these circumstances and many
others which might be mentioned, we are growing quite impatient;
and the general inquiry now is, when are we going to the Ohio?
Among others, Brig.-Gen. Tupper, Lt.-Col. Oliver, and Maj. Ashley
have agreed to accompany me to that country the moment the way is
opened for such an undertaking. I should have hinted these things
to some member of Congress, but the delegates from Massachusetts,
though exceedingly worthy men, and in general would wish to pro
mote the Ohio scheme, yet, if it should militate against the particular
interest of this state, by draining her of inhabitants, especially 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 myself with any of the New York delegates with whom I am
acquainted, because that government are wisely inviting the eastern
people to settle in that state; and as to the delegates of other states,
I have no acquaintance with any of them."

114 Marietta College Historical Collections
tends to defeat the object which they have in view, is
in direct opposition to the ordinances and resolutions
of Congress, and highly disrespectful to the federal
authority, they have therefore thought fit, and do
hereby issue this their proclamation, strictly forbid
ding all such unwarrantable intrusions, and enjoin
ing all those who have settled thereon, to depart,
with their families and effects, without loss of time,
as they shall answer the same at their peril.

XXVIII
The Sackett Memorial (1785)''
To The Honourable
The United States of America in Congress convened.
The
MEMORIAL of
Nathaniel Sackett, in behalf of himself and
his Associates ;
Humbly Sheweth,
That whereas, from various informations received
of the proceedings of the British and their associ-
60 From the Papers of the Continental Congress, no. 41, ix, 347.
This document was printed by S. KoUock, New York, in 1785. No
student can estimate properly the value and success of the Ohio Com
pany of Associates without taking into consideration the other pro
posals of a like nature which were made to Congress in the same
period. The Sackett proposal to rent for an ear of corn a year the
splendid parallelogram running across Ohio between the Scioto and
Muskingum rivers is in many ways the most interesting rival scheme
of that time. Its paternalistic features, as compared with the pro
posal of the Ohio Company to purchase a tract of land and develop

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 115
ates, and the unfriendly conduct of the Indians in
the vicinity of the western frontiers of the United
States (copies whereof are hereunto annexed,) it is
apprehended that danger may arise to the said
states, unless suitable measures are speedily adopted
for counteracting them; and as it is supposed, that
the settlement of a new state, upon the said frontiers,
will effectually answer this purpose; it is therefore
proposed. That a tract of country, beginning at the conflu
ence of the rivers Ohio and Scioto, and extending
from thence along the eastern bank of the Scioto, to
the termination of one hundred miles, thence in a
direct line to the southernmost extreme of Lake
Erie; from thence along the south-side of the said
lake to the termination of one hundred miles from
thence to the place where the White Woman's Creek
empties into the Muskingum River; then down the
western bank of the Muskingum River to its con
fluence with the Ohio; and from thence along the
northwestern bank of the Ohio to the place of begin
ning ; be granted, together with all mines, &c. and the
free navigation of Lake Erie, the Scioto, Ohio, and
Muskingum Rivers, to Nathaniel Sackett and his as
sociates, in fee simple : Provided always, that to pre
vent their having an undue influence, and to guard
against an aristocracy, neither the said Nathaniel
Sackett nor his associates, shall retain to themselves,
as his or their proper estate, more than one thou
sand acres of the said lands for each of them, but
it, outrival any proposal of its day. It seems probable, however,
that the influence of its advocates was sufficient to induce General
Parsons to seek to locate the Ohio Company Purchase beyond the
Scioto River. — Cf. vol. i, li-liv.

116 Marietta College Historical Collections
shall grant and convey all the residue to other ad
venturers, as occasion may from time to time occur.
That no consideration be paid the United States
therefor, except an ear of Indian corn annually, if
demanded, as an acknowledgment of their sover
eignty :
That the said Nathaniel Sackett and his associ
ates, shall hold the said tract of country expressly
on condition of settlement and cultivation:
That [blank] male white persons, above sixteen
years of age, and under sixty, be settled upon the
said land, on or before the [blank] day of [blank]
one thousand seven hundred and eighty-six ; each to
be provided with a good musket, bayonet, four
pounds powder, and twelve pounds leads ; and that
no person be admitted to settle upon the said tract
of land, who cannot produce satisfactory testimo
nials of his attachment to the American cause during
the late struggle for the establishment of our inde
pendence :
That in [blank] years from the arrival of the first
adventurers, under this grant, on the said tract of
land, there be one male settler thereupon for each
[blank] acres:
That each of the first male adventurers, having a
family, shall be entitled to one thousand acres for
himself, and one hundred for each of his children:
That each of the first male adventurers, being a
single man, shall be entitled to five hundred acres;
and that each settler receiving lands, be obliged to
clear and cultivate [blank] acres, for every hundred
acres he possesses, within seven years from the time
of his settlement thereupon:
That each of the first adventurers, being a single

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 117
man, and continuing an inhabitant of the tract of
country above described, shall be entitled to receive,
in case of his marrying, one hundred acres of land,
in addition to the five hundred acres above-men
tioned, and subject to the same conditions of cultiva
tion: That as soon as it can conveniently be done, the
whole tract of country within the limits above de
scribed, be divided into townships of six miles
square, or as nearly so as the limits will admit:
That in each township twenty acres, in the center,
be reserved for a house of public worship, school
house, parade, and other public uses; and that the
fractional parts of townships be appropriated as re
wards for such settlers as shall be singularly useful
to the community :
That when the settlers find it necessary, and cir
cumstances will permit, they may form a permanent
plan of civil government, upon repubUcan principles ;
and, as citizens of a free, sovereign and independent
state, be admitted to a representation in the union,
and pay their proportionable part of the public debt :
That effectually to prevent land- jobbing, no one of
the settlers be allowed to sell his land, or any part
thereof, in the said tract of country, to any person
or persons whatever, nor under any pretence what
ever, within the space of [blank] years, unless the
purchaser actually be or become a settler within the
said tract, and shall remain such for the space of
[blank] years after such purchase shall be made :
That as one main object of the proposed settle
ment is to form a barrier against all encroachments,
and to secure to the United States the lands compre
hended within their limits, which will render expedi-

118 Marietta College Historical Collections
tion, decision, and vigour in government essentiaUy
necessary, military government take place until such
an establishment is made upon the lands as will ad
mit of a change; after which the inhabitants shall
be governed by laws of their own making, provided
they shall not be inconsistent with the confederation
of the United States :
That one major-general, (who shall be the com
mander in chief) and six brigadiers general, be ap
pointed by the United States in Congress assembled,
and furnished with blank commissions for the in
ferior officers (who are to be chosen by the first ad
venturers out of their number,) and that every officer
shall take an oath of fidelity to the United States :
That in order to enable the settlers to defend
themselves and the country against all invaders, they
be furnished by the United States with artillery suit
able for that purpose, and ammunition for the said
artillery ; all other necessary articles to be provided
by the first adventurers at their own expence :
That fort Pitt be the place of rendezvous for the
first adventurers; and that they meet there on or
before the first day of May, one thousand seven hun
dred and eighty-six:
That being met they chuse the necessary officers,
under the rank of brigadier-general; to whom the
major-general (or commander in chief) shall deliver
suitable commissions; having first administered to
such officers the oath of fidelity to the United States ;
a certificate of which, together with the names of the
officers so chosen, shall be transmitted to the United
States in Congress assembled, and deposited among
their files :

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 119
That the commander in chief, the brigadiers gen
eral, and the officers chosen as above, shall before
they depart from fort Pitt, meet in council, and de
termine the route or routes to be taken by the first
adventurers, and the places at which the necessary
fortifications shall be erected :
That if any settlers shall be found upon the land
granted to Nathaniel Sackett and his associates,
such pre-oceupants having made improvements, or
cultivated the land upon which they have settled,
shall be considered as being of the company of the
first adventurers, and have a preference given them
respecting the land improved or cultivated as afore
said; provided they shall take an oath of fidelity to
the United States, and be subject to the government
hereby established ; and that no person be allowed to
remain there who shall refuse to take such oath ; the
said oath shall be required and administered by the
commander in chief:
That the said commander in chief and brigadiers
general, together with such other field officers as
shall be chosen as aforesaid, have power to exercise
government generally within the said tract of land ;
to grant lands, and to treat, from time to time as
occasion may require, with the native Indians for
the safety and well-being of the settlers, but not for
the purchase of lands.
That your memorialists apprehend, that a grant
of land upon the foregoing plan will answer the end
proposed, and greatly promote the public good:
They therefore PRAY, That a grant of the tract above de
scribed, to the said Nathaniel Sackett and his

120 Marietta CoUege Historical Collections
associates, conformable to the plan aforesaid,
may pass the great seal of the United States.
And your memorialists, as in duty bound,
shall ever pray, etc.
Nathaniel Sackett,
in behalf of himself and his associates.
New- York, Aug. 22, 1785.
The above Memorial was laid before Congress.
67
Remarks on the Memorial.
The United States in Congress Assembled, on the
15th day of October 1783. "Resolved, That it wiU
be wise and necessary, as soon as circumstances shall
permit, to erect a district of the western territory
into a distinct government, as well for doing justice
to the army of the United States, who are entitled
to lands as a bounty, or in reward of their services,
as for the accommodation of such as may incline to
become purchasers and inhabitants."
The time is now arrived when such a measure to
be both "wise and necessary," as circumstances not
only permit, but seem loudly to call for it; because
the British are fast settling and fortifying their
87 We omit the portions of the document relating to aUeged British
activity to fill the American Niagara frontier with settlers favorable
to her interest and to Indian unrest in the West making it necessary
to plant a colony there as soon as possible. It is to be remarked,
however, that the Ohio Company used no such arguments as these to
gain the favor of Congress; also it is plain that the Sackett peti
tioners counted without their host when they prophesied that England
would abandon the lake posts as soon as possible and thus render the
frontier more open to Indian raids. The sanity of General Putnam's
view of the danger from England along the Great Lakes (Doc. xi)
comes out clearly when compared with the Sackett idea as here
expressed.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 121
frontiers in our neighbourhood, and offer very great
encouragement to settlers. Our posts, now in their
possession, will probably be hastily evacuated as
soon as they are prepared for it, and our frontiers
exposed to the incursions and depredations of any
banditti who may chuse to invide them.
It is therefore in contemplation immediately to
form a respectable frontier settlement, composed of
persons whose attachment to the United States has
been evidenced by suitable conduct duing the late
contest with Great Britain. The situation which has
been thought of is supposed to be peculiarly favour
able to the purpose, as it includes the two war paths
from Lake Erie into the country, viz. between the
Pickaway Town and the Waters that fall into that
Lake, and between the Black Walnut Creek and the
waters that fall into the Lake. These two important
passes being in our possession, and properly forti
fied, the interior country will be immediately ren
dered secure, and the value of the lands therein very
greatly enhanced ; — here the hardy soldier may reap
the reward of his past labour, and in doing it will
render further essential services to his country.
The advantages which will arise to the United
States from the proposed establishment are many,
and too obvious to need being mentioned : All that
led Congress to determine, that the measure would
be "wise and necessary," are among them; and the
expence to the union will be no more than a few
pieces of artillery, and some ammunition.
With respect to the plan, it must speak for itself ;
it is supposed to be the best which circumstances
will admit of. As the situation of the first adven-

122 Marietta College Historical Collections
turers will be an exposed one, it is necessary they
should be prepared for defence; and that mode of
government seems most suitable which is most ener
getic, and can most expeditiously call into action the
force and vigour of the state. A military one is pre
ferred as such ; but although this is proposed at the
first outset, it is only through necessity, and will be
supplanted by civil institution, more friendly to free
dom, and compatible with republican principles, as
soon as circumstances will permit.
To The Honourable
The United States of North America in Congress
assembled, The
Memorial of the
Subscribers hereunto;
Respectfully Sheweth,
That your Memorialists having seen the copy of a
Memorial, bearing date the 22d August 1785, which
they understand has been presented to your Hon
ourable House, by Nathaniel Sackett, (which said
copy is hereunto annexed,) praying for a grant of a
tract of land, lying between the river Ohio and Lake
Erie, for the purpose of forming immediately a re
spectable settlement thereupon; beg leave to repre
sent it as our opinion, That such a grant will be pro
ductive of essential good consequences to the United
States, by securing the interior country from hostile
and rapacious incursions; encouraging and making
more easily practicable a settlement of that country,
greatly enhancing the value of the lands there which
wiU remain the property of the United States, and

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 123
thereby rendering them more speedily a more pro
ductive fund for the discharge of our national debt,
and other public purposes. Under this impression,
your Memorialists Pray, That a grant to the said Nathaniel Sack
ett and his associates, may pass the Great
Seal of the United States, agreeable to the
prayer of their Memorial above-mentioned ;
and your Memorialists, as in duty bound,
shall ever pray, &c.
September 29, 1785.
Signers Lancaster

WUliam Crawford

William MUler

Jacob Myar

Alexi- Grant

John Davis
Robert Creight
Benjamin Vernon
John Crawford
Abraham Henry
John Michael
John Stover
Samuel Taylor
Walter Brady
William Johnston
Nathi Rutter
John Taylor
Jas Dunlap
George Taylor
Isaac Richardson
Peter ReUly
Per Elm-r
Wm Henry
Rob' Hamilton
Chester
David Watson
Jno Oulbertson
Court
Signers
Signers
Montgomery County
Amos Sturgis Cpn
1
Mordai Morgan .Jnr
13
Isaac Rees
2
John Cross
14
John Sturgis
3
Jn:" Nelsom
15
Wm Moore
4
Isaac Moore
16
John Elliot Lt
5
Sami Evans
Rees Moore
6
Tobias Rambo
17
Edward Woodman C
7
Jesse Roberts
18
Ellis Pugh Carpentr
8
Thos Rossiter Jr
19
WiUiam Elliot
9
Jonatn Phillips
20
Moses Coates i"-
10
Elisha Evans
22
Robert Jones
11
Sami Holstein
23
Griffith Rees
12
John Eastburn
24
124 Marietta College Historical Collections

Thos Vose
Daniel Jackson
Henry Brockhouse
Joseph Bliss
Josiah Jackson
Willm Warren
Nathi Sherman
Thos Patten

Mountjoy Bayly member of
assembly
Joshua Dowe
Jon» Morris
Peter Grosh
Th:o Beatty high Sherrif
Elijah Beatty
Henry Bartin
Ezekael Beatty
Thos Beatty Junr
Isaac Morriss
Hanary Handman
William Bentley
Benjamin StUes Captain 68
Benjamin Stiles Jury Captain
Isaiah Stiles
Capt John Darby
Thomas Nesbitt
Benjamin Baldwin Major
Ebenezer Lyon
Icabod vallentine

Signers Jona Maynard
Stephen Bliss
Peter Fowl
Sam' Snow
Nathi Crane
John Spring
Thomas George
Henry Stow
Signers Taken at Predif Town
Recompence Stanbury
Wilhellum Poimel [?]
Jonathan Hutehings
David Hutehings
Jonathan H. Osborn
Wm King
Henry Osborn
Wiliam Duglass
James Clark
George Robertson
Samuel Clark
Joseph Halsey Jr
Thomas Thomson
Andrew Thompson
Joseph Coles
Jonathan Coles
Joseph Junr Coles
Henry Line
Hezekiah StUes
Richerd Sender
Abner Stiles
Ezekiel Clark

68 The associate of John Cleve Symmes who in 1788 came to the
Miami and acquired 30,000 acres near the present Lebanon Ohio.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 125
XXIX
Petition' OE Delay and Associates for Western
Grant (1785)"^
To the Honourable
The United States in Congress assembled The
memorial of Henry Delay of Harrison County
State of Virginia, John Holes of Essex County State
of New Jersey, Cornelius Ludlow of Morris County
State of New Jersey, Benjamin Stiles and Henry
Enocks both of the County of Washington and State
of Pensilvania. —
Humbly Sheweth,
That whereas from various informations received
of the proceedings of the Indians in the Western
Territory of the United States it is greatly to be
feared that danger wUl arise to the said States un
less suitable measures are spedily adopted for Coun
teracting the apparent designs of our Enemies and
it is supposed that a settlement established by Con
gress on said frontier will effectually secure to the
United States a great part of that extensive terri
tory, it is therefore proposed —
That a tract of Country Beginning at the grant
given to the inhabitants of Post Vincent^" from
thence Running up both sides of the Wabash River
extending to the grant given to the Indians so as to
include one hundred miles in breadth. That the
tract of Country above described be given to the
Settlers as an encouragement to settle in said Coun
try on as reasonable terms as Congress may pre
scribe —

69 From the Papers of the Continental Congress, no. 41, ii, 538.
70 Vincennes, Ind.

126 Marietta CoUege Historical Collections
And as the situation of the first adventurers wiU
be an exposed one that they should be entitled to
[blank] Acres of land as a reward for settling said
Country. And for the better enabling the first ad
venturers to guird and defend themselves and their
Country from the Enemy and to increase its popu
lation it is therefore petitioned that no person be
aUowed the privilege of purchasing any of said
Country for the space of five Years but those who
become settlers on the land.
That all such as are wiUing to become immediate
settlers in that Country shaU meet together next
spring at any place that Congress may appoint as a
place of rendezvous and there to come under mili
tary direction and march into the Country in a
body —
That Congress appoint a certain Gentleman whom
they shall think proper as Commander in Chief of
the Company of said adventurers also appoint such
other officers under him as they shall judge expedi
ent to Conduct a plan of that importance —
That the first adventurers be Governed by mili
tary law until such an establishment is made upon
the land as will admit of a change after which the
inhabitants shall be governed by the civil law —
which is more friendly to freedom and Compatible
with republican principles —
Whereas one main object of the proposed settle
ment is to form a barrier against encroachments of
the Enemy and to secure to the United States the
lands Comprehended within those limits we there
fore humbly request that Congress provide the first
adventurers with one Years provision ammunition

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 127
and artUlery suitable for that purpose all other nec
essary articles to be furnished by the first adven
turers at their own Expence —
That no person be admitted to settle in said Coun
try who cannot give satisfactory testimonials of his
attachment to the American cause during the late
struggle for Independence.
Should it be thought wise and necessary to form
a settlement on the foregoing plan may it please
Congress to publish it in the papers that each State
may have an equal opportunity of settling —
Your memorialists apprehand that their request
being granted will greatly promote the public good
and answer the end proposed —
Your memorialists therefore as in duty bound
shall ever pray
[Indorsed:] N" 26 —
Mem Henry Delay
John Hole
Cornelius Ludlow
Benj. Stiles
Henry Enocks
read 27 Dec^ 1785

XXX
Hutchins to Congeess (1785)"
Sir Accompanying these few Lines your Excellency
will receive a plan and Remarks of that part of the
71 From the Papers of the Continental Congress, no. 60, 225.

128 Marietta College Historical Collections
Western Territory through which an East and West
Line has been run agreeable to an Ordinance of Con
gress of the 20th of May last. — The plan was Copied
from the original by M'' William Morris surveyor
appointed by Congress from the State of New York.
The justice I owe to that Gentlemans merit and abil
ities, as well as for the active part which he took in
forwarding of, and assisting in, the Astronomical
business of the Geographers Department when in
the Western Territory, will I hope be admitted as a
sufficient apology, for my having taken the liberty of
mentioning his Name on this occasion.
I have the honor to be with the greatest respect
Your Excellency's
most obedient and
most humble servant
New York 27th Decem"- 1785 Tho : Hutchins
His Excellency the President of Congress.
[Indorsed:] Letter 27'" Dec'— 1785
Thomas Hutchins
with a plan & remarks upon
part of the W. Territory —

XXXI
exteacts feom an address to the western
Inhabitants (1785?)"
[Quotation from petition]
"Petitions, Remonstrances, and decent Representa
tions, have been disregarded. Your Bills of Credit,
72 From the Papers of the Continental Congress, no. 48, 289. This

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 129
your vacant Lands, your produce, and your aU, has
been iniquitously extorted from you, and disposed
of, not for an equal and general good ; but to depress
you, and aggrandise a few; this same spirit of in
equality and injustice, has caused the loss of Fleets,
of Garrisons, and of armies, in fine, it has been the
fruitful source, of all your misfortunes, and all your
disgraces."* * Turn your eyes to the events of 1776. That mem
orable era produced a declaration of Independence,
and a Confederation, which when expounded liber
ally, are, or ought to be, the Basis of all the sub
ordinate Institutions. They assert and define your
Rights, — Study and learn them well, cherish the
principles as an immense blessing, as a peculiar gift,
bestowed on the favourites of Heaven. ' ' —
[Reply]
Good and legitimate Government, will protect in
dividuals against the frauds and oppressions of one
another, as also, it will protect the public against the
encroachments, and depredations of public enemies :
And with equal truth it may be added, that it is also
the duty of Government, to protect a man against
himself, that is to say against his own passions, fol
lies, and vices; How far the government you have
brief extract from the pen of an unknown spokesman for the Govern
ment gives evidence that more petitions were received from the west-
em people — -evidently breathing anarchical sentiments — than are
recorded in the minutes and papers of Congress. The writer's op
timism in believing the Ordinance of 1784 to be a cure-all for the
evUs complained of, is noteworthy. The slow, toilsome process by
which good forms of government were worked out by hard-thinking
men in the face of all manner of criticism and crackerbox-oratory,
leading to the Ordinances of 1784, 1785, and 1787, is freshly em
phasized by such declarations as this.

130 Marietta College Historical Collections
lately submitted to, has produced these ends, your
own feelings and recoUections wUl furnish ample in
formation — It is needless now, to spend your time
in idle complaints, having tasted the bitter Cup of
aristocratical domination [as colonies of Great Brit
ain], the way for your deliverance is pointed out,
the outhnes of a generous and beneficial Compact *
is held out to you, it depends on your virtue, and
good sense when you will receive the Blessing.
[Indorsed:] Extracts from an address
to the Western inhabitants

XXXII
Account of Soil and Timber in the Seven
Ranges (1785?)"
A brief account of the Soil and Timber in that part
of the Western Territory through which an East
and West Line has been Surveyed — agreeable to
an Ordinance of Congress of the 20th of May 1785
* The articles expressed in the act of Congress of AprU 23, 1784.
73 From the Papers of the Continental Congress, no. 60, 229. It
is probably impossible for us to imagine with what interest many
men awaited the reports of the surveyors who flrst entered the region
west of the Pennsylvania line concerning the character of the soUs
found and the growths upon them. Trees, generally, were the guides
to good soUs, the nut-bearing trees being notoriously indicative
of superior soU. It was from such material as is afforded by this
document that prospectors and associates in land companies derived
their material for prospectuses. Often this material was jealously
guarded as state secrets, as witness the Ohio Company which de
clared that surveyors' reports were not pubUc property; surveyors
were not aUowed to keep copies of their surveys or observations
thereon (vol. i, 69).

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 131
Beginning on the North bank of the Ohio River, at
a point due North from the Western termination of
a Line which has been run as the Southern boundary
of the State of Pennsylvania.
For the distance of Forty six Chains and Eighty
six links West from the above mentioned Point, the
Land is remarkably rich, with a deep black Mould,
free from Stone, excepting a rising piece of ground
on which there is an improvement of about 3%
Acres, where there are a few Grey and Sand Stones
thinly scattered. The whole of the above distance is
shaded with large black and white Walnut Trees,
also with Black, Red and an abundance of white
Oaks, some Cherry Tree, Elm, Hoop-Ash, and great
quantities of Hickory, Sassarfrax, Dogwood, and in
numerable and uncommonly large Grape Vines pro
ducing well tasted Grapes of which Wine may be
made. All the Hills in this part of the Country seem
to be properly disposed for the growth of the Vine.
Near the termination of the above mentioned meas
urement is a thicket of Shoemack, Hazel and Spiece
bushes, through which a passage was cut for the
Chain-carriers. The first of these Bushes produces
an Acid berry well answering the purposes of sewer
ing for Punch, the Hazel yield an abundance of Nuts,
and the Spice bushes bear a berry, red when ripe of
an aromatic smell, as is also the Shrub on which it
growes; the berry is about the size of a large Pea,
of an Oval shape possessing some Medicinal virtues,
and has been often used as a substitute for Tea by
sick and indisposed persons.'* The Dogwood, the
74 Land companies (and the United States was now about to be
come such) always emphasized if possible that the regions offered

132 Marietta College Historical Collections

bark is used by the Inhabitants and is said to be
little inferior to Jesuits bark in the cure of Agues ;
the Tree produces a berry about the size of a large
Cranberry when ripe, but something longer and
smaller toward the Ends, excellent for bitters; and
decoctions made of the budds or blossoms have
proved very salutary in several disorders, particu
larly in BiUous complaints.
The whole of the above described Land is too rich
to produce Wheat, the aforementioned rising ground
excepted, but it is well adapted for Indian Corn, To
bacco, Hemp, Flax, Oats tfe" and every species of
Garden Vegetables, it abounds with great quantities
of Pea Vine, Grass, and nutritious Weeds of which
Cattle are very fond, and on which they soon grow
fat. Thirty three Chains and fourteen links from the
first measured distance, completes one Mile from
the Meridian or Place of Beginning. This last dis
tance is high dry Land excellent for the production
of Wheat, Rye, Barley, Oats, and Tobacco, it would
also yield good Indian Corn, but not so abundantly
as the very rich Lands before described. It is cov
ered with Black, Red and White Oakes, Hickory,
Bass-wood, Slippery Elm, Hornbeem, or Iron Wood,
Mulberry, Sassarfrax, and some Sycamore the latter
on a Brook near to the End of this distance, where
there is a great plenty of sand stone excellent for
Edge Tools. Here are pea vines. Grass, and a vari-
for sale were perennial apothecary shops, their soUs bearing all plants
and roots necessary to health and longevity. For a detaUed descrip
tion of the Ohio plants useful as medicine see Hulbert and Schwarze,
Zeisherger's History of the Northern American Indians, 157-170.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 133
ety of other vegetation well answering the purposes
of fattening Horses, Cows, and Hoggs.
For twenty two Chains and thirty seven links fur
ther than the completion of one Mile, the Land is
extraordinary good, and in some places it is too rich
for Wheat, where fine Meadow may be made. It is
Timbered with large Locust, Black Walnut, Mul
berry, Hickory, Elm, White Ash &'' and is pretty
free from brush or underwood ; and towards the End
of this distance, where there is the best of Wheat
Land, is an abundance of Hickory and White Oaks.
At Twenty One Chains further the Line crossed
over the summit of the End of a Ridge which is about
90 feet high, bearing N 45° E very narrow and com
posed of a light thin Soil, Shaded with Birtch, Hick
ory, Oaks, Dogwood, scrubby Chesnut and Maple,
there are also great quantities of smaU Grey and
Sand Stones dispersed over its surface ; but the Land
between the above last mentioned distance and this
Hill, is abundantly fertile, well adapted to the cul
ture of Indian Corn, Wheat &° and is covered with
Black and White Oaks, Hickory, ash. Black Walnut,
Mulberry, Shoemack and Grape Vines, and in sev
eral places it is tolerably free from brush or under
wood. At Six Chains and sixty links further than the top
of the above mentioned Hill is a Brook in which are
great quantities of sand Stone, this Brook runs about
S 20° W through a narrow fertile piece of low Land
fit for Meadow, producing Maple, Hickory, Ash,
Sugar Tree, Mulberry, poplar and Beech.
At Fourteen Chains and forty links further the
Line reached the top of a steep narrow Ridge, its

134 Marietta CoUege Historical Collections
perpendicular heighth nearly 170 feet, the East side,
lUie the East side of almost all the other Ridges in
this part of the Country, is very fertUe, several parts
of it is entirely faced with sand stone, some very
large of an excellent grit, and shaded with Oaks,
Hickory, Poplar, Mulberry, Chesnut, Dogwood,
Grape Vines, Pea-vines, Spikenard, sweet Brier,
Rasberry Brier, and Golden Rod, the latter when
timely used, and properly applied has been found
very efficacious in curing the bite of the most ven
omous Snake.
The Soil on the top of the last mentioned Ridge
may justly be said to be composed of about an equal
proportion of black mould and Sand, and tho' the
soil appears to be light yet it is fit for the culture
of Indian Corn, Wheat, Flax, and Melons in great
perfection. The summit of this part of the Ridge
is almost entirely free from large Trees, but there
are an abundance of young small Aspen saplins and
scrubby dwarf Oaks on it ; this place carries an ap
pearance of having been formerly cleared, or more
probably, the destruction of the Timber has been
occasioned by the frequent burning of the Woods,
and that a new growth has succeeded.
Thirteen Chains further than the last mentioned
distance there is level Land, the Line to this place
had a gradual descent along the side of the Ridge,
over a thin Soil, with yellow Clay, fit for Bricks, a
few Inches below its surface, through a thicket of
scrubby Dogwood, Oak, Chesnut, Aspen and Hick
ory saplins and bushes, almost without a single Tree,
the whole of this distance was cut through for the
Chain carriers to pass. The Soil is nearly similar

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 135
with that last described with the addition of a good
deal of Sand stone.
At the End of five Chains and sixty three Links
further over level Land capable of producing Indian
Corn, Wheat &f covered with White Oaks, some very
large, also with sugar Tree and free from brush or
underwood, reached the termination of another Mile,
which completes two Miles from the Meridian.
For the distance of four Chains and Seventy five
links further than the completion of the above two
Miles, the Land is level and free from underwood.
Timbered with Black and White Oaks, Sugar Tree,
Ash, Maple, Hickory, and Dogwood, and would
abundantly yield Indian Corn Wheat &°.
At Seventeen Chains and seventy links further
there is a Spring of wholesome Water, it directs its
Course through good Wheat Land shaded with sev
eral kinds of useful Timber.
At Ten Chains and thirty five links further are a
number of Grey coloured Rocks so very large that
they resemble small Houses at a distance, here the
Land would produce Wheat and other Grain tho it
is much incommoded with Rocks ; it is covered with
large black and white Oaks, Hickory &f also with a
Thicket composed of Dogwood, Sassarfrax Shoe
mack and Locust Bushes, through which a Way was
Cut for the Chain carriers.
At the distance of five Chains and twenty links
further the Line crossed a Spring, running through
good Wheat Land, but very Stoney, and in many
places Rocky.
At Nine Chains and thirty Links further the Line
reached the top of the South End of a Ridge, the

136 Marietta College Historical Collections
perpendicular heighth about 100 feet; This distance
is good for the growth of almost every kind of Grain,
the greater part of which was so much incommoded
with underwood that a Way was Cut along it for the
Chair carriers.
Seven Chains and twenty links further over a de
scent of rich Land, well Timbered with Oaks, large
Chesnut and Hickory Trees, free from brush,
reached a Spring ; the Soil here is favourable for the
growth of Indian Corn, Wheat and Tobacco.
Eight Chains and twenty seven links further to the
summit of a Ridge ; the sides of this Ridge are easy
in their ascent, the Soil is good for the raising of
Wheat and Timbered with large Hickory and Oaks.
From hence to Stoney Brook between two very
steep and high Ridges; it is eight yards wide, its
bottom is of Slate and Sand Stone, and in many parts
of it are large pieces of excellent Coal washed by the
Rains from the Neighbouring HUls; it is bordered
by low rich Meadow ground, producing Sycamore,
White-Walnut, Oaks &f and on it are several good
Seats for MUls. The perpendicular heighth of the
Easternmost [Ridge] is nearly 180 feet, very steep,
of poor blue Slate Land, tho well Timbered and
would produce Wheat; the Western Ridge is also
steep and 280 feet high, its East side is very fertile,
and covered with large Oaks, Hickory, Black Wal
nut, Dogwood &" and in some parts Rocky, but such
is the fertility of the Soil that it would grow Hemp,
Indian Corn &=.
New York Decem' 27th 1785
[Indorsed :] Remarks on that part
of the W. Territory thro

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 137
which the E & W Line has
been surveyed
Thomas Hutchins Esq'
Dec' 1785

XXXIII
Petition of Kentuckians foe Lands North of
Ohio Rivee"
To the Honourable Continental Congress
The Petition of a Number of the true and Loyal Sub
jects of the United States of America at large most
humbly Sheweth
That your Petitioners having heretofore been In-
habiters of the different States of America; Since
the Commencement of the Contest with Great Brit
ain for the Common cause of Liberty; Have ven
tured their hves in a Wild uncultivated part of the
75 From the Papers of the Continental Congress, no. 48, 235, 247.
The story of the petitioning element in Kentucky has been told by
Professor J. A. Robertson, Petitions of the Early Inhabitants of Ken
tucky (Filson Club Pub. no. 27). That collection does not include
petitions to the general government, of which this is one. On read
ing this petition Professor Robertson is inclined to think that the list
of signers ' ' does not represent the better element, as there do not
seem to be many of the prominent family names such as are to be
found on my lists. ' ' The Squire Boon mentioned was Daniel Boone 'a
brother. The engrossing of lands protested against is mentioned in
Petition No. 8 in Professor Robertson's volume wherein the signers
complain that many of them are deprived of securing ' ' so much as
one hundred acres of land" because of the "private gentlemen who
have men employed at this junction in this country at one hundred
pounds per thousand for, running round the land, which is too rough
a medicine ever to be digested by any act of people that have suf
fered as we have. . -" — Id. 46.

138 Marietta College Historical Collections

Continent on the Western Waters of Ohio called by
General Name of Kentuckey — Where they have
made Improvements; on what they allowed was
Kings Unappropriated Lands before the Commence-
m' of the said Contest ; and that in the face of a sav
age Enemy with the utmost hardships and in daily
Geopardy of being inhumanly murdered — Your
Petitioners further aUowed that the Honorable Con
gress would allow them a Reasonable in Lands for
the Services your Petitioner did, in defending and
Settleing, on their own expence, the Country afore
said, to the weakening of the Enemy, and the
Strengthening of the United States, whenever the
common contest with Britain should be desided in
favour of America —
In the full Assurance of which your Petitioners Sold
all their livings in the Settled parts of the Continent,
and have removed with their Wives Families and all
their Effects to the Country aforesaid, in order to
take possession of their improvements aforesaid —
But when they came found almost all their Improve
ments granted away by a Set of men which Acted or
pretened to Act under the late Act of Virginia;
which Act, also Allows large grants without any re
serve of Settling and improving the same. By which
means almost the whole of the lands in the Country
aforesaid are Engrossed into the hands of a few In
terest^ men, the greater part of which live at ease
in the internal parts of Virginia; while your Peti
tioners are here with their Wives and Children daily
Exposed to the Murders of the Savages to whom
Sundry of their Acquaintance have fell a Sacrifice
since their Arrival though as yet but a Short time ;

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 139
Again the late Acts of Virginia require your Peti
tioners to take a New Oath of Allegience to that
State; renouncing all other Kings princes and
States; and be true to the State of Virginia only;
and the prospect of MUitary Government taking
place shortly in this place ; give your Petitioners the
greatest apprehension of the most Severe usage un
less they comply with their mandates
Your Petitioners considering all those grievances
would gladly return into the Settled parts of the
Continent again; But having come Seven hundred
Miles down the River Ohio, with the expence of the
greater part of their fortunes find it Impracticable
to return back against the Stream with their Wives
and Children, were they to suffer the most cruel
death —
Your Petitioners being drove to the Extremity
aforesaid, have but three things to chooese; One is
to Tarry in this place take the Oath of Allegience to
Virginia, and be true to that State only, and also be
come Slaves to those Engrossers of Lands and to the
Court of Virginia ; The other is to Remove down the
River Ohio, and land on some part of Mexico and
become Subjects to the King of Spain ; And the third
to Remove themselves over the River Ohio; with
their Wives Children and their small Effects remain
ing; which is now in possession of the Savage En
emy, to whome they are daily Exposed to murders ;
The Two former appearing to your Petitioner to
have a Tendancy to weaken the United States; and
as it were Banish the Common Cause of Liberty;
Humbly pray the Honorable Continental Congress
to grant them Liberty of Taking the latter Choise ;

140 Marietta College Historical Collections

and removing with their Wives Families and Effects
to the Indian side of the Ohio, and take possession of
the same in the name of the United States of America
at large ; where your Petitioners suppose to Support
themselves in an Enemies Country on their own
risque and expence; which they humbly Conceive
will have a Tendancy to Weaken the power of the
enemy. Strengthen the United States at large, and
Advance the Common cans of Liberty — Your Pe-
tioners further pray the Honorable Congress, to
grant them hberty of making such Regulations
amongst themselves as they shall find necessary to
Govern themselves by, being subject to the United
States at Large, and no other State or power what
soever — Your Petitioners Humbly Pray the Hon
orable Continental Congress to Consider their Case
and Grievances in its true light, and grant them such
Relief, as You, in your great Wisdom shall see Meet
as such meashures which are at this time adopted
by Designing men are Likely to Lessen the Exertion
of a Great number of people which otherwise are
Well attached to the General Cause — And your
Petitioners in duty Bound shall ever pray —

Thos : Hargis
John Moore
James Dunbar
WiUiam isdal
Rob' : Holmes
John Johnston
Jeremiah Johston
John Thikston
Jonathan Thickston
William Sutherland
Edward Welch
WUlm : Armstrong
David Longhead

John WiUiamson
Charles Masterson
Joseph Berth
John Light
Willm: Little
Jonathan Harned
Samuell Wells
Peter Newkirk
Tobias Newkirk
Jas : Qurtermus
Peter Pohene
John Capp
Elisha Qurtermus

Edward Tyle
Benjm : Lin
John Turner
John Redley
Joseph Green
John Green
Adam Grounds
John Felty
Sami: KeUy
Moses Cane
John Nelson
Thos: Banfield
Thos: Patten

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 141

Arthur Park
George Cuavenston
WiUiam MitcheU
WUlm : Galoway
John mitchell
Jas : Miller
WUlm. MitcheU
George Somers
WiUm : Cumins
Albert Banta
Peter Demaree
John Banta
WiUm : Drennan
Johu Shaw
Jacob Banta
James McElharton
Cornelius Banto
Anthony Jenkins
John Galoway
James Galoway
Abraham Banta
ComeUus Voorhes
John BrookU
WUlm: MitcheU
Hardy HiU
Fredericd Bowfd
David Johnson
John Dorland
Jasa : Theaig
Jacob Vonmatar
John Keath
BazU Stocker
Edward Rewalens
George Neal
John Huewes
Isaac Imer
WiUm: ClenweU
James Huard
Moses WUliamson
Peter Young
Henry Hoos
Henry Wason
John Cadlett

John McCam
teni SweU
o Newkirk
Nathan Sellar
Joseph McClintock
John Swingle
Jas : Anderson
Joseph Kirkpatrick
Mathew Jaferes
John Kenedy
John Miller
Adam WaU
George Black
John Sumet
Thos Boyd
John Seller
Nathan Sellers
Da-vid Brinten
Joseph Borth
John Light
Henry Brenten
Reuben Blackford
John Finn
George Hinch
Chrisr: Schults
George Reading
Honkerson Ashby
Andrew Gradry
Seneca McRakin
Jas : Delany
Jas: Adams
WUlm : Logsdon
Martin Stull
John Martin
Rob' : Gilmore
Jacob Westervel
Gerardis Rekir
John dine
Thos : Applegab
Michal pauU
WiUm Irwin
Jas : Steward
George Steward

WiUm: Welch
Niclas Shirly
Frederick Fore
John Baley
Frederick Dunfield
Joseph Oldem
WUlm Winter
John Beson
Charles Crump
Jacob Dosson
Josiah Walls
John Little
David Davis
Charles Davis
Rob' : Insworth
James Purse
John Johnson
Aaron Rawlings
Charles Bilderbok
Jacob BUderbok
Thos : HamUton
David HamUton
WiUm : Greathouse
John Greathouse
Herman Greathouse
Joseph Tumblestone
John Tumlinson
Jesse Tumlinson
Ben jam": Tumlinson
Thos : Kennedy
WUlm : Hougland
John Hougland
Squier Boon
John Miller
Michal Woods
Andrew Dodds
Mikel Kenedy
Thos: CoUings
Thos : Putnam
George Rays
Francis Reach
David Kirkwood

142 Marietta College Historical Collections

Adam Row
John Wm; Privunce
Adia Harten
Evan Wilson
Jeremiah Fresar
Joseph Wm Province
Benjamin Hook
John ToU
Henry Wade
WiUm South
Jesse Crank
Joseph Grifinwalt
Aus' : Miller
Sami: Mason
Lewis Hickman
PhUip Mason
John Massey
Edward Soomes [Toomes?]
Peter Buzzard
Ezekiel Hickman
Tasyrk Greenwalt
John Unsel
Mikel Teatus
WUlm: Onie
John James
Richard James
Samuel Wadmes
Jonathan Cunningham
Benjamin Caselman
WUlm: Buruess
Daniel James
Samuel MUler
Joseph Listen
Isaac White
Solomon Resiner
Jacob Coseman
Jacob Salmon
John Esery
Martin Colmore
Banjamin Caselman
Edward Listen
Jacob Doom

Abram : Rommer
Jas : Johnson
Sami : Watkins
Jacob Barkman
Edward Irwin
John Irwin
Jas : Boys
Elijah Hart
Thos Spencer
Paul Humble
Thos: DiUen
Jacob Huffman
Christ"- : Huf man
Conrad Carito
Sa. Light
Sami: Lee
Jas: Dougherty
Ulunik Hernbank
Marttti Curts
Peter Bordmess
James Faye
John Overall
Peter Loves
Denis Downings
John Williams
Sponsor CoUings
George Crist
WUlm : CoUings
John Lee
George Eward [Coward?]
Benjamin Cleaver
Francis Daves
Jas: McKee
John Hose
Hec'"- : Simpson
John Wager
Isaac Froman
Joseph Mounts
Jas: McCoUaeh
James Campbell
Heny: Campbell
Samuel Dunn

WiUm Weedwood
Jas: CUmore [Gilmore?]
Sami ; Gilmore
Jas : Logan
John Logan
John M^Gee
Mathew Logan
Sami; Felin
Sami : Gordon
John Wilkeson
Dinis Davis
Thos : Pownser
Jacob Spears
Abram : Powell
John Moires
Daniel Spears
Benjamin Doslie
Mical Thomas
Michi: Little
Rudolph Hufman
Thos; Hargis
John Moore
Jas : Dunbar
Matthias Hook
Jacob Funk
Henry Houglan
Thos: Talbort
WUliam Look
John Greenlen
David McQuall
Willm Lin
Adam Money
John Jones
Da-vid Beach
Thos : Stansbury
John Vantreas
Joseph Inlow
WUlm: Bennet
Jas : Hamilton
John HamUton
WUlm : Ewing
Joseph Sulivan

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 143

Samuel Glass
John White
John Airwin
John iJougen
James HamUton
Henry Richards
John Listen
Thos: Dowdall
John Fregas
Joseph Brown
Joseph Thompson
Thos: Pursel
Reuben Oass
Judiah Huntington
Charles Dunkin
Zachariah Hold
Theophilus Cox
Jas : Pursely
Mashesh Carter
Hugh Begarstof
Joseph Johnson
Charles Secomp
Rob' : Sweny
Moses Speed
Smith Harsborough
Jas : Brovm
Joseph Little
Daniel Williams
John Ligwald
WUlm: Rice
Thos: Cavet
James Neavil
Amasa Frisel
Dinnes Pursel
Benjamin Byard
John Townapend
Benjamin Petteu
John Heart
Samuel Harris
Stephen Harris
John Mayhue Haris
Asuenah Harris
Jas : Haris

Rob' : Brusler
Gro : Campbell
Rob': Thirkman
Sami : Thirkman
Willm Lawrence
George dark
Michal Kirkham
George Tayler
John Hunt
Sami : Mason
Mathias Hooke
Jacob Funck
Moore
Thos. Roach
Andrew Corn
George Corn
Burgis White
Rob' Brown
Thos: Hart
Thos Cunningham
Charles Mason
John Write
James Brown
WUlm Brown
Allen Griffin
Richard Moore
Hugh Jackson
Jeremy Hardese
Ephrm : GUding
Gro : Gilmore
Jas : Burk
Mikel Tedenhaver
Thos Johnson
Mathew Rogers
Patrk. Gordon
Willm Sweden
Joseph Conaway
John Glasher
Charles Young
Alexr: Tutch
Jas: Toby
Jon : Mathews
John Ruth

Joseph Sulavan [Jr.?]
Jacob Drenning
Daniel Jones
Rob' : Hamilton
John Stuart
J. Cross
Charles west
John West
John deer
Jesey Stuart
Mickel kintner
Peter Paul
Isaac Boulder
Cumfort Busier
Gabi: Melter
Henry Prayter
John Rice
Harry Hougland
Thos Talbort
^'^illiam Look
J'^Ji Grunter
WUlm : Harker
David Hawkins
WUlm: Chraven
Zacheria Dye
John Thompson
John Hunter
John Grundy
Jas : Thompson
Thos: Whithedge
Joseph Grundee
David Hockins
Wiliam Overall
Harrison Overall
William Hopkins
Willm: CoUings
Willm : Colings
George Grundy
Thos PhiUips
Thos Stone
Thos Senderson
WiUm: dove
Cornelius Bogard

144 Marietta College Historical Collections
Thos. Welch James Johnson Joshua deaver
John WiUiams Sami; Criss Edward Skidmore
John CampbeU Charles Black John Pook

XXXIV
Hutchins to the Peesident of Congeess
(1786)'^
Sir I had the honour of writing to your Excellency the
Sth of July, when I informed you of my arrival at
Pittsburg, and of my intended departure for this
place : here I waited for the arrival of the Surveyors
untill the 21" of +(he same Month, when those from
+^ Eastern F/*^ks, as also from the States of New
York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland ar
rived:" On the same day I conveyed to them my
sentiments in a Letter of which the foUowing is a
Copy.* ' Gentlemen "In consequence of a Report made by the Indian
Commissioners of the friendly disposition of the
Indians to Congress, that August Body has been
pleased to order you Gentlemen and myself to this
part of the Country to execute such parts of their
Ordinance as respects the Geographers Depart
ment—I therefore desire your immediate attend-
76 From the Papers of the Contimental Congress, no. 60, 249, -with
enclosures from General Tupper, Colonel Harmer, and Jacob Springer.
77 The surveyors appointed were Benjamin Tupper (Massachu
setts), WiUiam Morris (New York), Alexander Parker (Virginia),
James Simpson (Maryland), Robert Johnson (Georgia), Isaac Sher
man (Connecticut), Absalom Martin (New Jersey), and Edward
Dowse (New Hampshire). — Journals of Congress iv, 700.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 145
ance to assist me in running the East and West Line
mentioned in the Ordinance of Congress passed May
the 20th 1785 ; also to carry into effect such further
parts of said Ordinance as relate to our duty.
With every sentiment of respect
I have the honour to be
Gentlemen your most obedient
and very hble servant
Tho: Hutchins
Camp at the Intersection
of the West bounds of Penn
sylvania with the Ohio
2r' July 1786 —
To the Gentlemen Surveyors"
The 22* I received a Letter from the Gentlemen
Surveyors of which the following is a Copy.
"Sir "After carefully perusing your Letter of the 21^'
"Instant addressed to the Surveyors coUectively —
"With the greatest regard for the service to which
"it relates and particularly that of carrying into
"effect, the Ordinance of Congress of the 20th of
"May 1785. We announce our disposition of ren-
" der ing you every assistance, not incompatible with
"the principles of safety — Made sensible, of the
"general ill temper of the Indians, from a variety
"of corroborating circumstances and the partial
"mischief which has resulted from that disposition,
"We think it our duty to inform you, as well for the
"publick good as our present protection, that a body
"of Troops will be necessary, to cover us in our
"operations — with every sentiment of respect we

146 Marietta College Historical Collections
"submit this to your consideration — In the mean
"time we have the honour to be"
"Sir "your most obedient
"and very hble servants
"In behalf of the Surveyors — Signed —
"Benj" Tupper"
"To Thomas Hutchins Esquire"
The aforesaid answer occasioned my immediately
writing to Lieut Colonel Harmer Commandant of
the Troops in the following words
"Sir The papers which I have the honour to enclose
for your perusal contains a request of the Gentlemen
Surveyors to assist me in carrying into effect the
Ordinance of Congress passed May the 20th 1785;
also their answer and reasons for not immediately
complying with my requisition; — The truth of the
Information on which they have founded their opin
ions, to me, seems not to be doubted; but even if it
was, as the Matter now stands, my operations are
equally effected, as in either case, I am deprived of
their assistance. — The good of the service therefore
constrains me humbly to request that you will be
pleased to order as soon as possible such a number
of Troops to cover the Surveyors as in your opinion
will be sufficient for their protection — The exceed
ing great anxiety of Congress to have as much as
possible of the Lands in the Western Territory sur
veyed with the utmost dispatch ; and conceiving the
success of my expedition to be so intimately con
nected with the most important Interests of the fed
eral Government that a second failure would be

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 147
calamitous indeed. — It therefore becomes my indis
pensible duty to endeavour to persue every method
in my power to fulfill the expectations of Congress ;
and as an application to you, seems to be the only
one left me; I am confident from your well known
Zeal for the service, and the experience I have al
ready had of your readiness cheerfully to comply
with every measure calculated to promote the pub
lick good, that you will be pleased to grant my re
quest. With every sentiment of regard and Esteem
July 22"^ 1786 I have the honour to be
Sir
To Lieut. Coll. Harmer your most obed' and
Commandant very humble servant
Tho: Hutchins"
In consequence of the above Letter Captain Ham-
tramck immediately marched with part of three
Companies and arrived here the 5th Instant, and on
the Sth he was joined by the remainder of his de
tachment amounting in the whole, including officers,
to about 150 Men, who are detained for want of pro
visions. — On the same day I applied to Captain
Hamtramck (who cheerfully evidences the best dis
position to support every measures calculated to
promote the good of the service) for, and immedi
ately obtained, as many Soldiers, as provisions could
possibly be collected to support during the time it
would take to complete the East and West Line of
the first Range, beginning at the place where I ended
last year. — The 10th I finished the north side of the
Range, and set a Surveyor to run it into Townships
which he is now industriously employed in doing.

148 Marietta CoUege Historical Collections
On my return to Captain Hamtramcks Encampment
which was on this day, I had the mortification to find,
notwithstanding every exertion in his power for the
obtaining Provisions, he was stUl without any, ex
cept, a smaU precarious supply of fresh Meat : How
ever, he has the strongest assurances that the Con
tractor will furnish a supply by the 15th Instant,
when the Troops will immediately proceed with the
Surveyors. The day on which I set out to Survey the afore
mentioned Range, I received a Letter from Lieut.
Coll. Harmer, of which the following is a Copy.
' ' Fort Harmer, at the Mouth of the Muskingum
"26th July 1786"
"Sir "I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt
"of your favour of the 22°* Instant enclosing me a
"Copy of your Letter to the Gentlemen Surveyors
"and their answer thereto, by which I observe you
"request me to order such a number of Troops to
' ' cover the Surveyors as in my opinion will be suffi-
"eient for their protection — I shall order the three
"Companies, which are at present stationed at the
"Merigo bottom," under Command of Captain Ham-
"tramck to remove from thence directly, to your
"Encampment for the purpose of covering you as
"effectually as lays in his power. — Captain Ham-
"tramck's command will consist of about one hun-
"dred & fifty Men — I have directed him to converse
"with you upon this subject, and as he will be on the
"spot, to make the best arrangement he can, for
"Escorting and Guarding the Surveyors — If this
"force should be found insufficient, upon your re-
78 Mingo Botton near SteubenviUe, O.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 149
"quest to me, Captain Hamtramck shall be rein-
" forced from hence with another company — If any
* ' thing material should transpire, I beg you to send
"me early Intelligence thereof — I shall be happy to
"hear from you frequently, where you are, and how
' ' the business goes on. ' '
"I have the honour to be
"with very great esteem
"Sir
"Your most obedient Servant"
"Captain Hutchins "Jos. Harmer"
Geographer to the United States."
I beg leave to observe that my making a second
requisition for Troops will very much depend on the
nature of the Intelligence I shall receive by the re
turn of the Messenger sent by me from Pittsburg
to the Indian Totstis. On the 11th Instant I received
a few lines from him, of which the following is a
Copy. "Lower Sundusky 19th July 1786"
"Sir "I arrived at this place the 15th after a tedious
"Journey occasioned by my Horse being lame — I
"was received very well by the Indians — No Chiefs
"at home only two old Men, who told me that the
"other Chiefs belonging to this Town were gone to
"Canada, and that it was out of their power to go
"with me, but would be willing could they leave
"home — Tomorrow I shall set out for the Upper
' ' Towns, where I here there are no Chiefs at home,
"but are all out a hunting: I expect I shall be de-
" tained there some days to get them together."
"I am Sir with respect"
" To M' Hutchins " " Jacob Springer ' '

150 Marietta College Historical Collections
Before I conclude this Letter or rather narrative
of facts I beg leave only to take up as much of your
Excellency's Time as to inform you that the Sur
veyors are arrived, all but those from the States of
Delaware, Virginia, and South Carolina, the latter
is hourly expected ; and from the favourable appear
ance of circumstances, I have great reason not only
to hope, but expect, that I shall be able to completely
finish the surveying of thirteen Ranges by the first
of December next, when I purpose returning to New
York.— As Occurrences arise worthy your Excellency's
attention, I shall embrace the earliest opportunity
of communicating them. —
I have the honour to be
with the greatest Respect
Your ExceUency's
most obedient and
most humble servant
Camp at the Intersection of Tho : Hutchins
the West bounds of Pennsylvania
with the River Ohio 13th Aug' 1786 —
[Indorsed:] Letter 13 Aug. 1876
Tho^ Hutchins
Read 11 Sept. 1786

XXXV
Hutchins to Congress (1786)"
I had the honour of writing to your Excellency
from Pittsburg the 8th of July last, when I men-
79 From the Papers of the Continental Congress, no. 60, 257.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 151
tioned my having sent a Messenger to the Wyandott,
Delaware and Shawanoe Nations requesting a chief
from each of them to accompany the Surveyors dur
ing the Time of their being employed in the Western
Territory. And on the 13th of August I transmitted
a brief account of the Occurrences relative to the
Geographers Department for your Excellencies
perusal. — Since the last mentioned Period I have
been indefatigably employed (even Sundays not ex
cepted) in measuring the East and West Line, and it
is with pleasure I inform your Excellency that I am
now engaged in the seventh Range, and am proceed
ing as rapidly as the nature of the Country admits
of. I could here enumerate many embarrassments
occasioned by mirey Swamps and the ruggedness of
several parts of the Country, but as both my duty,
and Inclination, leads me rather to surmount, than
complain of, difficulties, I will detain your Excel
lency no longer on this disagreeable subject, but pro
ceed to inform you of the arrival of my Messenger
from the Indian Towns, which was on the Evening
of this Day. — The enclosed paper ^" signed by him
self contains the substance of his transactions with
the Indians: from which it clearly appears to me,
that my finishing the thirteen Ranges this season,
will in a great measure, if not solely, depend on the
protection which will be afforded by the Troops. —
Colonel Harmer who upon all occasions where the
service requires it, cheerfully furnishes every As
sistance in his power, has detached all the force
he can consistently spare, about 196 Men, under the
Command of Captain Hamtramck, a spirited, Active
and good Officer who with his Detachment have been
80 Doc. xxxvii.

152 Marietta College Historical Collections
for some time past, and still are detained at the In
tersection of the West bounds of Pennsylvania with
the Ohio, for want of Provisions to enable him to
March and Cover the Surveyors. — Captain Ham
tramcks Exertions to forward the service merits
more praise than I have words to express : but Not
withstanding his best endeavours, the want of Pro
Adsions has put it out of his power to afford me a
larger Escort than a Subaltern and thirty Men. — I
am now advanced in the Wilderness more than thir
ty eight MUes, and all the Meat we get depends on
the precarious supplies of a couple of hunters, whose
success hitherto has been such that the detachment
with me have been without Meat for more than five
days together.*^ — If circumspection and good Con
duct alone were sufficient to frustrate the designs of
evil disposed Indians, Lieut. Kersey, who Commands
the few Soldiers with me, would be ample protection :
but I humbly conceive it may be presumed, that the
smallness of his Party, would rather induce, than be
able to repell, an attack, more especially, as they are
every Day divided, one half remaining for the pro
tection of the Camp, while the other half cover me
in my operations. — The above hints are only men
tioned to convey to your Excellency a faint Idea of
my present situation: For be assured, that I am
81 The genial picture of novelists and novelis,t-historians portray
ing the western hunter or pioneer as revelling daily in the game
secured by his "trusty rifle" is sadly upset by the few real records
we have of real men. The Indians on the Ohio were often in a state
of starvation (A. B. Hulbert, Washington's "Tour to the Ohio and
Articles of The Mississippi Company," Ohio Archaeological and
Historical Society Publications, xvii, 481) and, in the present in
stance, we see soldiers well armed unable to supply the camp.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 153
determined to carry the Ordinance of Congress re
specting the Geographers Department into effect,
unless prevented by superior force or the inclemency
of the season. — As this Epistle was written in a
hurry and at a late hour of the night, I hope your
Excellency will be pleased to excuse any inaccura
cies in it. I have the honour to be with every
Sentiment of Esteem and Respect
Your Excellencys
Camp on the East and most obedient and
West Line 38 Miles from most humble servant
the Ohio. 11 0 'Clock at Night Tho : Hutchins
13th September 1786 —
[Addressed:] Publick Service
His Excellency The President of Congress
New York
Letter 13 Sepf 1786
Tho' Hutchins
read 3 Oct 1786
enclosing the report of Jacob Springer
respecting the temper and conduct
of the Indians —

154 Marietta College Historical Collections
XXXVI
Speingee TO Hutchins (1786)''
38 Miles on the East and West Line
13th Sept' 1786
Sir Since my arrival at Lower Sandusky after the 15th
of July from which place I had the honour of writing
you on the 19th — I set out for Pipes Town distant
35 Miles, and the 23'* had the satisfaction of reach
ing it. The Indians at that place I found in such a
state of Intoxication owing to spirituous Liquors as
rendered them unfit for business of any kind. From
thence I proceeded to the Wyandott Towns (imme
diately) at Upper Sandusky which is about 6 MUes
further, here I stayed one day and was informed
that the Indians together with Capt. Pipe*^ were
sober which determined me the next day to go back
to Pipes Town, on my arrival there, I produced the
Instructions which the Geographer had charged me
with, together with his address to the Indians ; Upon
which Captain Pipe replied, that, he thought Us in a
great hurry to survey the Lands that as a prepara
tory to the business it was in his opinion We should
drive off and exterpate if possible the Cherokees and
Mingoes whom he said might be very troublesome
to Us. — He finally told me that I must wait untUl
the Half King of the Wyandotts returned from hunt-
82 From the Papers of the Continental Congress, no. 60, 253.
83 Delaware chieftain uniformly hostile to the whites; he was a
leader of the party which burned Crawford to the stake four years
before; both had been parties to the treaty signed iu 1778 at Fort
Pitt between the Delawares and the United States.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 155
ing upon what ground he then was none of them
knew, or I would have set out to him — On the 25th
I returned to the Wyandott Towns at Upper San
dusky, and on the 28th of July I was seized with a
Fever at that place where I remained ill and pre
vented my leaving it untill the 30th of August, dur
ing my detention there the Half King returned from
his hunt and on the 2°* of Sept' I had a Conference
with him, and the Indian Speech accompanying this,
together with a string of Wampum, will shew the
Contents. — Had I not have fallen Sick I should have
gone to the Shawanoes Towns — though strongly ad
vised against it by the Wyandotts and Delawares
who said positively that there was danger of being
kUled from the Mingoes and Cherokees who fre
quently were in the Shawanoe Towns. When I re
covered, the season fast elapsing, and apprehensive
of the Geographers uneasiness, I concluded immedi
ately to proceed to Fort MTntosh where I arrived
the 10th of Sept' Escorted by three Indians and one
I hired to look up my Horse, being too much weak
ened by sickness to do it myself. — It is my opinion
that the Chiefs of the Wyandotts and Delawares will
not consent to their young Men committing any hos
tilities upon the Surveyors without first desiring
them to leave off surveying. — But what the Ban
ditti consisting of about 200 Men composed of dif
ferent Nations known by the names of the Chero
kees and Mingoes, may do, I cannot take upon me to
say. I am with respect
To M' Thomas Hutchins Jacob Springer

156 Marietta CoUege Historical Collections
The foUowing is a Copy of a Speech of the Half
King of the Wyandotts, delivered by the Half King,
and agreed to by Captain Pipe who was present.
"My Friends and Brothers —
"We know what you all say, and Captain Pipe
"knows the same — You always teU me to let you
"know if the southern Indians** are for any Mis-
" chief — Now I tell you for to take care of them —
"Your people pass and repass through our Country
"and we never molest them —
"My Friends ad Brothers
"Now I tell you my reason that the Chiefs can-
"not comply with your request to come and deliver
"Up the Land,* for We are trying to bring the back
"Nations to terms (meaning the Ottawas Chepawas,
" Poutawatamies and Miamies) as well as ourselves
' * and we must hold a Council with them first before
"we can speak any with you concerning the above
"mentioned lands.
"My Brothers
"If you would caU a CouncU with the back Na-
" tions [Ottawas etc.] it would be very much in your
"favour and likewise in ours, for I am very much
"afraid that all We can say wiU be to little purpose
"with them —
"My Friends and Brothers
"I am now just between two fires for I am afraid
"of you and likewise of the back Nations.
84 The Cherokees are meant by this allusion to ' ' Southern ' ' tribes.
To this "banditti" is attributed the attack on the Ohio Company's
settlement at Big Bottom in 1791.
* The Messenger told the Interpreter to tell the Indians that the
Lands were already given up, that he wanted them to send some of
their Chiefs with the Geographer, they replied that it should remain
as it was expressed and not a word be altered.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 157
"My Brothers
"If you have anything to say don't keep it in
"your Hearts but let me know — You sent your
' ' Friend here to me and I have heard all you had to
"say, and now I send four of my people back with
"him for fear of any accident might happen him on
"the Way and then I should be to blame for it —
"Now my Brothers I send my People to you I expect
"you will take care of them and not let them be hurt.
"Now my Friends and Brothers I take you
by the hand.
"Gave a string of Black and White
Wampum. ' ' *^
"Upper Sandusky
2nd Sept' 1786
"To M' Thomas Hutchins
at Fort Pitt."

XXXVII
Feeguson on Indian ^HosTILITIES (1786)'°
Fort Pitt Sept' 14th 1786
A man who for many reasons wishes his name
not to be known makes the following Report
That he was made prisoner Six years ago by the
British and Indians and has since generally resided
in the Indian Country, that he left lower Sandusky
the 5th Instant, that in the course of last Spring the
Nations on the Waters of the South side of Lake

85 Belts of white wampum signified peace ; those of black, war ;
the mixture used in this instance was significant of an undecided
attitude. 88 From the Papers of the Continental Congress, no. 60, 279.

158 Marietta College Historical Collections
Erie, on the Miamis and Wabash held frequent
Councils amongst themselves, that afterwards some
from each of the Nations went to the Northward to
hold a Council with the six Nations, that a great
number of Chiefs were in CouncU a considerable
Time at a place to the North of Lake Ontario, that
no Interpreter or Person who understood English or
was not called to this CouncU was admitted, that the
Wyandott Chiefs were there when M' Springer (a
Messenger from Capt. Hutchins) arrived at the low
er Sandusky, and returned to lower Sandusky, the
day, or the day before that M' Springer sett off from
upper Sandusky to go back to Capt. Hutchins (Up
per Sandusky is distant from the lower thirty
Miles) — That seventy Warriors of the six Nations
were expected soon after who with the Chiefs of the
Wyandotts Delawares &c were to go to the Shaw
anoes Towns where a large body of Indians were
already collected with hostUe Intentions, the reason
of their being already assembled is their having re
ceived information that their country is to be sur
veyed which they are determined to oppose at aU
events — This is not only the sentiment of those al
ready assembled, but that of all the young Men of
the Indian Nations, who say that they will put their
old Men Women and Children behind them and will
defend their Country to the last extremity, if they
are beaten they wUl destroy what they cannot carry
off and will remove to the setting of the Sun — They
will give up all within the Pennsylvania Line, for
that they have promised, but no more. They are
determined that the Line now Cutting by Pennsyl
vania shaU bound them to the Sun rising, and the

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 159
Ohio shall be the boundary between them and the
big Knives'' — They have frequently enquired if
Captain Hutchins was out and say that the moment
they hear of his beginning to survey five hundred
Men will March from the Shawanoes Towns to cut
him off — that this will be the case the informant
verily believes, for they all seem greatly exasperated
and they are more united and better prepared in all
respects for War, than ever they were during the
time of his residence among them — He adds that
just before he left lower Sandusky he was informed
that some of the young Men intended to kill M'
Springer who was then at Upper Sandusky, that he
immediately dispatched a Man and Horse to bring
him to where he was, but Springer was gone before
the arrival of the Man at upper Sandusky — that he
was told, that when the purport of Springers Mes
sage was known at the Shawanoes Towns the young
Men were so angry at it, that they would not suffer
their Chiefs to hold a Council, which is customary
when they receive any News of consequence — he
further says, that thirteen Scalps and four prisoners
were brought into the Shawanoes towns that two of
the Prisoners Women, were burned, they were
Mother and Daughter of the name of Moore their
Names were known by Papers found with them.
I do certify that the above is a true Copy of the
Intelligence delivered by the above mentioned Per
son to me. Signed W" Ferguson Capt.
of Artillery
87 The Virginians.

160 Marietta College Historical Collections
XXXVIII
SuEVEYOEs TO Hutchins (1786)''
Camp, near the Ohio, 5 miles below little beaver
rivulet October 1 1786
Sir We were honoured with your letter of this date
with the several papers that accompanied it; upon
mature deliberation and a particular reference to
them, we conceive emminent danger in a prosecution
of the business upon an extensive scale, we are fully
perswaded of Major Hamtramck 's vigilance in af
fording us that military protection, which with pain
we observe is necessary from the present hostile in
tentions of the Indians — How far the operation of
our opinions in submission to your request may ef
fect the political interest of the United States let the
event decide —
With respect to our personal safety we conceive
ourselves rather bound by the nature of our employ
ments (unless ordered otherwise) to view with re
gret, rather than caution against ; We wiU, altho in
compatible with our interest, afford every assistance
in completing surveys to the fifth range, or as far be
yond as the Geographer may deem prudent and nec
essary —
You remind us of the consequences that impend
our operations, & on their success you particularly
dwell. Most of us have felt for our country, and we
have the confidence to reply that next to ourselves,
we would disregard every other consideration ; you
remind us also of the imbecility of the Public Treas-
88 From the Papers of the Continental Congress, no. 60, 273.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 161
ury, we are sorry for it, & can assure you it does not
stand as the only instance wherein most of us had
reason to lament it — However, fiattered with the
confidence you have hitherto reposed in us, and as
sured of the purity of your intentions, we hope our
reputations may be shielded from the poison of U-
liberal reflection, being well aware of the delicacy
that attends an opinion on matters so important as
you have represented — We have the honour to be
with Great Respect Sir
your most obedient humble serv'^
Benj Tupper
To W". W. Morris
Thomas Hutchins Esquire Absalom Martin
Geographer to the United James Simpson
States Sam' Montgomery
Mich". Duffy
And"". Henderson
Charles Smith
[Indorsed:] Rec* 1 Oct.

XXXIX
Hutchins to Congeess (1786)"
Sir The last Letter I had the honour of writing to
your Excellency was dated the 13th of September,
11 o'clock at night 38 Miles on the East and West
Line, when I transmitted the Occurrences of the
89 From the Papers of the Continental Congress, no. 60, 261.

162 Marietta CoUege Historical Collections
Geographers Department and of my situation at that
Time. — I am now to inform your Excellency that
in the afternoon of the 18th of the same Month, when
I had progressed almost 43 Miles, as I was superin
tending survey in the eighth Range, I received from
Major Hamtramck by Express, the Intelligence re
specting the hostile intentions of the Indians, con
tained in the enclosed papers N". 1 and 2 ; which I
layed before the surveyors then with me who abso
lutely refused proceeding any further on the sur
veying business: and after advising me to inform the
other surveyors with the Intelligence I had received,
gave it as their opinion, that I ought immediately to
retire to Major Hamtramcks detachment then at the
Ohio, or untill I should meet him in case of his hav
ing Marched to Cover me. — The next morning af
ter I had written by Express to the surveyors on the
3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Ranges, those of the 7th Sth
and 9th being with me, and cautioned them, against
discharging their Chain Carriers and himters untill
they should see me ; to lose no time in following my
example, I set out, and on the 2P' about 2, o'clock
P.M. met Major Hamtramck who had already ad
vanced with his whole Force 15 Miles for my protec
tion, the whole of his provisions amounting to two
thousand weight of flour and Eight small Bullocks.
— Here it was thought adviseable, as my hopes of
completing the thirteen Ranges from the present
complexion of affairs, were to my great mortifica
tion, rendered very doubtful, to wait the arrival of
the surveyors who were hourly expected, and take
their opinion relative to their proceeding to survey
the aforementioned Ranges including the seventh

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 163
Range, should they not be inclineable to survey any
further. — I had in contemplation, rather than relin
quish the business, the contracting my operations to
so smaU a Scale, that the troops might more ef-
fectuaUy Cover the surveyors. — On the 22°* finding
the surveyors had not yet arrived, the Troops re
tired three Miles further to a strong piece of ground,
with plenty of water, where they Encamped. — The
morning of the 23'*. I desired the surveyors with me,
would favour me with their sentiments, respecting
their returning to business ; who declined giving an
answer, untill the arrival of the other Gentlemen ; at
the same time they recommended our retiring to the
Ohio and there wait for them. — Agreeably to their
recommendation, I applied to Major Hamtramck to
put his Troops in motion, which he accordingly did,
and in the afternoon reached the Ohio where we En
camped. — The 24th the Troops occupied a strong
and commanding situation with the Ohio close in the
Rear, the same day Captain Martin who had been
employed surveying the second Range in stead of
Captain Hoops, whose indisposition obliged him to
decline the business for the present, arrived. — This
morning in company with the Commanding Officer
I viewed the ground for proper situations to erect
three Redoubts on; and the whole detachment, ex
cepting the Guards, were immediately set to work;
— About 11. o'clock A.M. I received a Letter from
M'. WUliam M'Mahan a Magistrate for Ohio Coun
ty, Dated the 21" of September 1786, of which the
following is a Copy.
[Paper No. 1]
"Sir, The difficulty of procuring hands, occasioned

164 Marietta College Historical Collections
'by the late alarms, is beyond conception. — Sev-
' eral have engaged and disappointed me. Weeling
'is become a Garrison, the Inhabitants to a Man, as
'high as Zeans's'" are fled, except TomUnson and
' Shepherd, and a few about the Mingo bottom, who
'are building Block-houses. — What is to be the eon-
' sequence I know not. however no pains shall be
'wanting on my part. — The Block-house near Us
'called Cox's Fort is about being erected by Cap-
'tain Swearingham.^' I cannot conceive any dan-
' ger as yet, however it is prudent to be guarded. —
'The alarm came by a certain M'. Newland who
'came from the Indian Towns and made Oath, a
'number of the Tribes had agreed to strike the sur-
' veyors and Weeling settlement. — That he was un-
'der promise not to inform, or spread the alarm,
'except to tell Zeans and Shepherd to be on their
'guard; the former of these (Zeanes) has made ev-
' ery necessary preparation. The latter ( Shepherd)
'has made none; rests assured, they cannot spare
'their Men in such numbers as Clarks Expedition
'is now in their Country. — Newland says a number
'of Indians from the West of Lake Erie had joined
'the others." —
The 25th, continued buUding the Redoubts. — The
26th the Soldiers who had been guarding Major Ser-
gent on the fifth Range, arrived and reported they
left the Major about 12 Miles below Yellow Rivulet ;
they expected him here in a day or two. — This af
ternoon the Redoubts being finished, the Troops En-
90 Ebenezer and Jonathan Zane made a settlement on the present
site of Wheeling, W. Va., in 1769.
91 Probably Captain Thomas Sweariagin, a famous Ohio Valley
pioneer.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 165
camped in the rear of them. — About 7 o 'Clock this
Evening Lieut. Ford arrived in five days from Fort
Harmer at the mouth of the Muskingum, and deliv
ered me a Letter from Colonel Harmer dated the
21" September 1786 — The following is an Extract
from it.
[Paper No. 2]
"I sincerely hope that you may meet with no inter-
"ruption from the Indians, but I have received In-
"telUgence that a large body of them, are assembled
"at the Shawanoe Towns with hostile Intentions,
"which account I have transmitted to Capt". Ham-
"tramck, that he may be upon his guard. — I have
' ' not the least intention that this Intelligence should
"operate so as to deter the surveyors from prosecut-
"ing their business. — I have written to Captain
"Hamtramck that I would rather sacrifice a Com-
' ' pany than not persevere in supporting you. ' ' —
Lieut. Ford also brought Information that all the
Inhabitants below Weeling had deserted their
houses; and that a house near Grave Rivulet 12
Miles below Weeling had been lately attacked by In
dians: who killed a Woman and a Girl, and wound
ed a Boy whom they made Prisoner ; that they fired
upon some White-Men and killed one of them, that
the Men returned the fire, killed three of the Indians,
defeated the rest, and released the wounded boy.
The 27th of September about 12 o 'clock dispatched
a third Express (the two former having miscarried)
in search of Colonels Sproat and Sherman. — The
28th Major Sergent arrived, in consequence of his
having received an answer dated the 21" of Septem
ber to a few lines he had written Major Hamtramck

166 Marietta College Historical Collections
a day or two before. — My Express to him of the 18th
having never come to hand. The 29th Captain M"-
Curdy arrived from Fort MTntosh and reported that
the day before his departure two white men Indian
traders, and an Indian came there, who declared that
near to where the East and West Line crossed the
Tuscarawas Path '^ they came to an Indian Encamp
ment, where there were two or three Indian Boys, of
whom the Indian with them asked several questions
in different languages, but obtained no answer, that
on looking round them they discovered twelve or
fifteen small marks, upon which the Indian told them
they must not stay there as the Indians of that Camp
were for War. that they instantly left the Camp,
when a Gun was fired by way of signal as they sup
posed, as immediately after they heard the yellings
of Indians, who to the number of about a dozen pur
sued them upwards of six Miles, but being mounted
on good horses lightly loaded they escaped safe to
MTntosh. This Morning Lieut. Bissell with a party was de
tached in search of the troops Escorting Colonels
Sproat and Sherman on the 3'* and 4th Ranges, also
to Reconnoitre to the End of the East and West Line
to make discoveries. — The 30th an opportunity of
fering I transmitted Colonel Harmer the Occur
rences of my department to this Day. — Late this
02 The "Great TraU" from Pittsburgh across what is now Ohio.
— A. B. Hulbert, Historic Highways of America, ii, 107. The records
of the surveyors of the Seven Ranges wiU make possible a more ac
curate delineation of the Indian traUs of eastern Ohio than has been
attempted. Conditions in Washington at the present time make this
research practically impossible. The editor hopes to present this
data in an appendix to a succeeding volume of these Collections.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 167
Evening the Express that had been sent in search
of Colonels Sproat and Sherman, returned and re
ported, that Sherman was at the Mingo Bottom, to
which place he went for Provisions for himself and
party, and he supposed Sproat was with him, from
the number of tracks he discovered leading from
their Ranges that Way. — As I was now satisfied re
specting the safety of Colonels Sproat and Sherman,
and being anxious to know the sentiments of the Sur
veyors relative to their immediately proceeding to
business, I was induced to write them a Letter of
which the foUowing is a Copy.
' ' Gentlemen,
For your mature consideration, I think it my duty
to lay before you the enclosed Intelligence : and prev
iously to your honouring me with your answer and
opinion, which I desire may be as soon as possible, I
beg leave to inform you, that Major Hamtramck has
declared to me his readiness to Cover you Gentle
men in the course of your duty as far as possible with
the number of Troops under his Command: and I
have the pleasure to assure you that I am also ready
to proceed with you. — Should any of you Gentlemen
happen to be of opinion, your accompanying me to
completely finish the thirteen Ranges this Season
may not comport with your personal safety, you will
afford me your assistance in finishing the fourth
Range at least, with as many more Ranges as you
may determine on ; that Congress may be enabled to
proceed to the Sale of part of their Lands immediate
ly after my return with your Surveys to New York.
It would be unnecessary for me to remind you Gen
tlemen how much depends on the success of our oper-

168 Marietta College Historical Collections
ations : however, you will no doubt take into consid
eration the poverty of the publick Treasury, the want
of means to discharge the foreign as weU as the
Domestic debts of the United States, and how far
the success of our endeavours to survey as much as
possible of the western Territory, will contribute to
wards supporting the most important Interests of
the federal Government. — I have the honour to be
with sentiments of Esteem and respect Gentlemen
Camp near the Ohio 5 Miles your most obedient
below little beaver Rivulet and most hble servant
October 1". 1786. Tho : Hutchins
To the Gentlemen surveyors in the Western Terri
tory. The answer I received in consequence of the above
Letter is contained in the enclosed paper N" 3. —
I beg leave to observe it has uniformly been my
opinion if no further unfavourable accounts arrived
than those already submitted to the consideration of
the Gentlemen surveyors, that the seventh Range
might be surveyed under Cover of the Troops with
as much safety as the fourth Range. I therefore de
sired M' Morris to propose it to the surveyors when
they were determining on the steps to be taken rela
tive to their returning to their duty; which he ac
cordingly did, and which they unanimously refused
complying with. Upon which I advised the Gentle
men who were to complete the second, third, and
fourth Ranges, to provide themselves with hands,
horses and provisions as soon as possible, which
they are now doing, and this morning Captain Mar
tin set out under Cover of a Subaltern and twenty

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 169
Men to finish the second Range. — This afternoon
Colonel Sherman arrived and expressed his willing
ness to finish his Range, and the day following, the
2°* of October, he set out to engage hands &" for the
purpose.October the 3'*. This afternoon Colonel Sproat ar
rived after having proceeded, so far on the fourth
Range as to complete four Townships, when being
out of Provisions, and receiving information that
the Indians had killed some people East of the Ohio
near to Weeling, he thought it prudent to retire, that
on the 19th of September he sent a soldier with a
horse from the Une where he was surveying to his
camp -distant about a Mile and a half. — that neither
the Soldier nor the horse have been heard of since.
Colonel Sproat further adds, that from the tracks
lately discovered by his hunter, he has reason to ap
prehend their having been taken off by some Indians.
— Lieut. Petre, who accompanied Colonel Sproat,
also lost a valuable horse, which he thinks was taken
off by Indians, as their tracks were followed a num
ber of Miles Westward by two hunters he had em
ployed to find his horse. — Colonel Sproat further
said that on his arrival at Mingo bottom the first of
October he was told that a few days before, two In
dians had taken a Negro Man Prisoner near that set
tlement, and on hearing some Bells one of the In
dians went off with an intention as the Negro sup
posed, to steal horses, that though the Negroes Arms
were pinioned, yet he found means to obtain so much
liberty with them as enabled him to kill the Indian
who was left to guard him — after which he went to
one Shepherds, being the nearest settler to him, and
reported what he had done ; upon which a small par-

170 Marietta College Historical Collections
ty marched to the place and found what the Negro
had said to be true. — Coll. Sproat having corrobo
rated the opinion of some of the surveyors, that the
best rout to return to their respective Ranges, and
the easiest way for the Troops to March, was by the
Mingo Bottom. Major Hamtramck in consequence
purposed setting out for that place immediately on
the arrival of Lieut. Bissels party who were hourly
expected. The 4th of October Colonel Sproat pro
ceeded for the Mingo Bottom, to engage hands pur
chase provisions &". — The 5th it rained all day and
great part of the Night, as it had almost constantly
done these five days past. — At 3 o'clock P.M. Lieut.
Bissel returned, and brought with him a Soldier of
Major Sergent 's party who had lost himself, and had
been nine days mostly without provisions. Lieut.
Bissel reported that he had discovered the tracks of
a Horse and also of two Indians, supposed to be those
who had taken Colonel Sproats horse and the Sol
diers who is still missing. , The Troops were detain
ed in Camp by wet weather untill the 7th of October,
when about 12 o'clock they crossed the Ohio on their
way to the Mingo bottom. — The Sth in the morning
I set out and arrived at the same place in the after
noon. The 9th at 10, o'clock A.M. the troops arriv
ed and continued their March to Buffaloe Rivulet'*
distant about four Miles below Mingo bottom, at
which place the surveyors were desired to attend to
receive the detachments destined to guard them re
spectively. — Here Major Sergent signified he was
ready and Willing to survey the fifth Range : he was
immediately furnished with a guard for the purpose :
and notwithstand the unfavourable accounts repeat-
93 Wellsburg, W. Va.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 171
edly received, I have the satisfaction to inform your
Excellency that I have the prospect of completing
five Ranges this season. — Having supplied the sur
veyors with the necessary guards, it was thought ad
viseable to proceed with the- remainder of the troops
and take such a position as to be able to afford the
speediest relief in case of necessity; for which pur
pose the troops Marched, and on the 11th reached
Cox's Fort, and on the same day recrossed the Ohio
on their way to take a central position some where
between the surveyors and the south limits of their
respective Ranges. — The 12th continued in Camp to
make some necessary arrangements previous to
Marching in the Woods. — Thus much for the oper
ations of the Geographers Department to this Day.
— As occurrences happen in future I promise myself
the honour of communicating them by every favour
able opportunity. Be pleased to permit me to con
clude this Journal of Facts by observing that the
many difficulties I have been obliged to encounter
in the course of my duty, have been greatly deviated
by the cheerful and ready assistance afforded me on
every occasion by Major Hamtramck.
I have the honour to be with every sentiment of
Esteem and Respect Your Excellency 's
most obedient and
Camp at the junction of most humble Servant
Weeling Rivulet and the
Ohio 12th October 1786— Tho: Hutchins
[Indorsed:] Letter 12 Oct. 1786
Thomas Hutchins
Read Nov' 1786

172 Marietta CoUege Historical Collections
XL
Indian Chieftains to G-eneeal Butlee (1786)°*
Sandusky 28th October 1786 —
We, Chiefs of different Nations, Especially the
Wyandotts, did inform you by your people who went
by here some time ago with Cattle it being quiet and
peaceable with us at that time. But since that time
there has been some of your people at the Shawanoes
Villages and destroyed them, and likewise killed ten
of the Shawanoes and five of them was the principle
Chiefs, and took a number of Prisoners, Women and
Children."^ We, Chiefs of different Nations was then at that
time gathering together from every quarter in order
to have a Council, concerning of settling affairs in
the best manner and the peaceablest between you and
Us both.
We, now acquaint you (since this affair has hap
pen 'd) that you by all means keep back your people
from coming this Way, for, or after, any sort of
business, and likewise you will inform the Survey
ors to halt and not to survey any more at present,
as we are going to have a great Council with aU Na
tions at the Wyandott Town — After our Council is
over we will give notice concerning our late misfor
tune and other affairs.
Signed Abraham Coon
Morrayet Haire
Wyandott Chiefs
To Rich*. Butler Gen' Superintendent of Indian
Affairs.

94 From the Papers of tlie Continental Congress, no. 60, 289.
05 Gen. George Rogers Clark's campaign in the fall of 1786; Col.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 173
XLI
Indian Chieftains to General Butler (1786)**
The answer of the Wyandotts and Delawares to
the Speech sent to them by General Richard Butler
Esquire Superintendent of Indian Affairs &° deliv
ered to them by James Rankin 23'* September 1786 —
Brothers of the Thirteen fires. We have heard
what you said to us the other day. The peace we
made at Beaver Creek [Fort Mcintosh] we will al
ways hold that Belt of Friendship fast and wish you
to do the same, and what you said about dividing the
Land we likewise stand to it, but its best not to let it
be divided yet. — There is something behind me I
don't hke, and something from your side does not
look good, if we force this work of the Land now it
may do mischief, its best let the Land alone till every
thing is right.
Brothers were we Wyandotts and Delawares, to
shew ourselves at the surveying of the Land we are
very sure the other Nations of Indians towards the
Sun Setting would whip us very sorely, for they
are very angry and says we are just like the Amer
icans. Brothers when we were at home we seen a black
Cloud come from the Sun setting. We Wyandotts
and Delawares pushed it back and it is still there.
But now we see one rising behind you; you must
look to it and push it away and make things clear. —
Brothers, what We Wyandotts and Delawares say to
you, you may be sure is right, and what News we
Logan destroyed a number of Indian vUlages in Ohio in retaliation
for constant raids directed against the Kentucky pioneers.
96 From the Papers of the Continental Congress, no. 60, 285.

174 Marietta College Historical Collections

hear we will always let you know ; and we thank you
for appointing General Butler to take care of us; and
that he wUl let us know what News you have.—
Brothers, We hear that Capt. Brant and some of the
Sis Nations are gone by to the Shawanoes, and to
the other Nations, and we are sent for; and we be
lieve you will be sent for that We may all hear what
they have to say. Brothers the Delaware Captain
Buekingeehilas is come home from the Chickasaws
Country and we are called on to go to his Town, to
hear the News he has brought with him.
[Indorsed:] Copy
Half King of the
Wyandotts & Capt.
Pipes answer.

XLII
Hutchins to Congress (1786)"
Sir I have the honour to inform your Excellency that
notwithstanding the many unfavourable reports and
disagreeable consequences which have very materi
ally contributed to retard the surveyors in their
operations four Ranges are completely finished, and
forty two Miles of the west side of the fifth Range
Run. — The first and second Ranges were surveyed
into Townships by Captain Martin, and the third and
fourth by General Tupper, Colonel Sproat, Colonel
Sherman and M' Simpson. The above mentioned
forty two Miles of the west bounds of the fifth Range
97 From the Papers of the Continental Congress, no. 60, 281.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 175
was Run by Major Sergant. — I was exceedingly
anxious to have the fifth, sixth and seventh Ranges
completed in the course of this Winter; but it was
the opinion of the surveyors that the severity of the
weather would greatly retard their progress, as well
as render the surveying business very expensive and
disagreeable, they have therefore thought it most
adviseable to retire from the business untill such
time as it shaU be found practicable to survey early
in the spring, when they wUl attempt finishing the
above mentioned Ranges. I shall be detained here
untUl such time as the Townships already surveyed
are delineated on paper, which will probably take till
the commencement of the ensuing year, when I shall
lose no Time in proceeding with them to New
York. — The latest and principal Intelligence re
ceived here since I wrote to your Excellency by
Major Doughty the 12th of November last is con
tained in the enclosed papers N" 1 and 2.*' — For fur
ther particulars permit me to refer you to Colonel
Sproat who is the bearer of these few Lines.
I have the honour to be with the greatest respect
Your Excellency's
Ohio County State of most obedient and
Virginia 2"* Decem' 1786 most humble servant
Tho: Hutchins
His Excellency the President of Congress
[Indorsed:] Letter Dec' 2. 1786
Thomas Hutchins
progress made in survey
speech of Indian chiefs
& answers
Read Feb^ 3* 1787 —

98 Docs, xl, xii.

176 Marietta College Historical Collections
XLIII
Hutchins to Congress (1787)°°
Sir I have the honour to acquaint your Excellency
that I left the western Territory the 1" Instant and
arrived here last Evening.
I have brought with me the Plats and descriptions
of four Ranges completely surveyed into Townships
containing in the whole Six hundred and seventy
five thousand four hundred and eighty Acres.
I have the honour to be with every
sentiment of esteem and respect
Your Excellency's
most obedient and
most humble Servant
New York Tho : Hutchins
22-* Feb^ 1787
His Excellency the President of Congress
[Indorsed:] Letter Tho^ Hutchins
22 Feb^ 1787
Read 26
that he has arrived with
plats of the Country which
is surveyed —

99 From the Papers of the Continental Congress, no. 60, 293.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 111
XLIV
Accounts with Surveyors op Seven Ranges
(1785-1786)^°"
D' The Surveyors of the Western Territory to the
Geographer of the United States.
Dollars. 90'iis Balances due
Adam Hoops D^
1785 & 1786, To Cash per Receipts DoUars 324 30
By Surveying 12 Miles of the
24 Range @ 2 doUars per MUe 24 300.30

William W. Morris Dr
1785 & 1786, To Cash, per Receipts 627. 4
By your expenditures in 1785, DoUars 303.12
By surveying 7% Miles in the 7'i>
Range 15 . 45

318.57

308.37

Benjamin Tupper, Dr

& 1786, To Cash per receipts
751.72
By your expenditures in 1785,
189.27
By Surveying 63 MUes, 2 chains,
and 37 Liuks of the 34 Range,
126. 5
By Surveying % Mile of the
Sth Range
1.45
316.77
434.85
Robert Johnerton, Dr
1786, To Balance due per your Receipts, 166.14
James Simpson, Dr
1785 & 1786, To Cash, per receipts, 575. 0
By your expenditures in 1785, 250.75
100 From the Papers of the Continental Congress, no. 60, 309.
178 Marietta College Historical Collections

By Surveying 30 MUes of the
6'ii Range,

60. 0 310.75

264.15

Amount carried forward  DoUars. . . .1474.90 Balances

due

Amount brought forward.

DoUars 1474.1

DoUars gO'Ss

Winthrop Sargent, Dr

To Cash, per Receipts

250.60

By Surveying 60 MUes of

the 5'ii Range,
120. 0
Ebenezer Sproat Dr
1786, To Balance due per your Receipts
Isaac Sherman I>
1787, To Balance due per your Receipts,
Edward Dowse,
1785, To Cash per receipts
By your expenditures in 1785,
Dr
Samuel Montgomery
1786, to Cash per Receipt,
Dr
Charles Smith
1786, To Cash advanced,
Dr
130.60
398.60
353. 0
394. 0
87. 0 307. 0
70. 0
66.12
Dollars... 2799
4390
NewYork 10'" March 1787.
[Indorsed:] Captain Hutchins's
Account of Monies paid
or advanced to Surveyors,
and of Balances due by
them.
Tho : Hutchins
Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 179
XLV
Audit of Surveyors' Accounts (1787)^"^
Office of Accounts New York 4'" May 1787.
Sir, I have examined the Account of Thomas Hutchins
Esquire Geographer to the United States and find:
That per the Register's Certificate here
with, he stands charged on the Treasury
Books of the United States with the sum of
Nine thousand seven hundred and forty one
dollars. Dollars 9741. 0
That he charges for his salary as Geog
rapher from the 27'" day of May 1785 to the
31" day of March 1787 inclusive, which is
equal to a period of 674 days @ 6 dollars
per day amounts to the sum of dollars. Dollars 4044. 0
Ditto for this sum paid the following Sur
veyors viz Benjamin Tupper, William W.
Morris, Alexander Parker, James Simpson,
Robert Johnston, Isaac Sherman, Absalom
Martin, and Edward Dowse, for their ex-
pences incurred in 1785, agreeably to a Res
olution of Congress of the 26'" day of Sep
tember 1786 to the amount of 1673 . 62
Ditto for this ditto paid Ebenezer Sproat,
James Simpson, Isaac Sherman, and Absa
lom Martin, for surveying 430 Miles, 55
Chains of the 1" 2* 3* and 4'" Ranges @ 2
dollars per mile 861.31
Ditto for this ditto paid Adam Hoops,
William W. Morris, Benjamin Tupper,
101 From the Papers of the Continental Congress, no. 60, 313.

180 Marietta CoUege Historical Collections
James Simpson, and Winthrop Sargent for
surveying 173% Miles, 2 Chains, and 37
links of the 2* 3* 5'" 6'" 7'" and 8'" Ranges @
2 dollars per mile 347 .

Amount brought forward. . . DoUars 6926. 8
Amount carried forward Dollars... 6926. 8
That he also charges sundry Contingent
expences necessarily incurred in the Geog
rapher's Department as follows Viz
This sum paid W. Wilson in full
for his services and expences in
curred in carrying a Message to
the chiefs of the Delaware and
Wyandott Nations the sum of 94 . 85
This ditto paid Robert Johnston,
his expences going to, and return
ing from Philadelphia for public
Monies for the use of the Geog
rapher's Department 115.46
This ditto paid Jacob Springer
for his services and expences in
curred in Carrying a Message to
the Shawanoes, Delawares, and
Wyandott 's Nations,  214 . 30
This ditto paid Samuel Sample
for a Canoe for the use of the said
Department, 10. 0
This ditto paid Daniel Britt for
a tin case for the purpose of put
ting Surveys and their descrip
tions in 1.0 435.71

DoUars... 7361.79

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's Map of Ohio Strveys
it the survey of the Seven Ranges began, is indicated by the arrow]

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Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 181
Leaving a Balance of Two thousand,
three hundred, and seventy Nine dol
lars, and Eleven Ninetieths of a dollar
due from Thomas Hutchins Dollars . . 2379 . 11

Dollars.. 9741. 0
Note, M' Hutchins charges in his account the sum
of 2799.||ths dollars, being the balances due to him
on Monies advanced to sundry Surveyors see his
account herewith marked A, and for which he hath
produced their Notes and receipts the aforesaid sum
of 2799 ths dollars, cannot be passed to the credit of
M' Hutchins, as the respective persons who signed
the Notes and Receipts in his favour are only ac
countable to Him. William Tiimey
clerk of accounts.
To John D. Mereier Esq'
Auditor
[Indorsed:] N" 5442.
State of the Account
of
Thomas Hutchins Esq'
Geographer.

To be Entered as within
Stated— J.M.
Entered accordingly y* 13'"
July 1787, in Blotter pa 2532.
J:N:

182 Marietta CoUege Historical Collections
XLVI
Hutchins to Congress (1787)"'
Sir Permit me to inform your Excellency that in my
attempts to execute surveys in the Western Terri
tory in the Years 1785, 86, and 87, it became abso
lutely necessary to advance to the respective sur
veyors certain sums of Money to purchase provi
sions, pay Chain carriers &" to enable them to exe
cute surveys agreeably to an Ordinance of Congress
of the 20th of May 1785.- 1 have already said this
advance was absolutely necessary, as without it, not
an Acre of Land would have been surveyed by
them. — Your Excellency will be pleased further to
observe, that from the enclosed Copy of a Receipt,
the surveyors oblige themselves to refund the Money
advanced them, in case it should not be appropriated
agreeably to the intentions of Congress. — permit me
to declare in justice to the Gentlemen Surveyors,
that I verily beUeve, the Monies they received from
me, were by them expended, in attempting to make,
and in executing of, surveys in the Western Terri
tory. — And as it appears by M' William Tinney,
Clerk of Accounts remark at the bottom of the state
ment of my General Account which is heremth also
enclosed, with the Auditors Report, that I have
charged in my Account 2799||ths Dollars being the
balances due to me advanced to sundry surveyors
appointed by Congress. See the Account herewith
marked A and for which I have produced their Notes
and receipts, the aforesaid Sum of 2799^ths Dollars,
cannot be passed to the Credit of my Account, as the
102 From the Papers of the Continental Congress, no. 60, 305.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 183
respective Persons who have signed the Notes and
Receipts in my favour are only accountable to me. —
I am now to observe that upwards of 9000 Dollars
were put into my Hands by the Treasury in the
Years 1785 and 86. — I humbly presume so large a
sum was not Solely intended only for the discharge
of my Salary as it would have been sufficient for that
purpose for many Years to come : but I rather con
ceive it was intended for the payment of the sur
veyors in, and the Contingencies relative to, the
Geographers Department. — That I have appropri
ated it to those purposes is evident from the Vouch
ers I have produced. — I therefore hope and expect
Congress wUl think it just and reasonable to pass a
Resolve directing that the Sum of 2799|5ths Dollars
be carried to the Credit of my General Account. —
Or that they will be pleased to signify that the above
sum has not been disposed of agreeably to the inten
tions of that Honorable Body, that I may have it in
my power to compel the Surveyors by legal prosecu
tion, in case of their refusing to return the Money
without it. I have the Honour to be
With the greatest respect & Esteem
your Excellency's most obedient
New York 9'" and most hble Servant
May 1787 Tho : Hutchins
[Indorsed:] Letter May 9'" 1787
Thomas Hutchins
respecting a sum of Money
advanced to the Surveyors

184 Marietta CoUege Historical Collections
Read May 9'" 1787
Referred to the Board
of Treasury to report —
Ace' Monies advanced to Surveyors
Marked A — sent to board of treasury
Octo. 16'" 1787
returned Oct. 22

XLVII
Benjamin Tupper to Congress (1787)^°'
To the Honorable the Congress of the United
States of America.
The Memorial of Benjamin Tupper Surveyor (on
the part of Massachusetts) of the western territory,
respectfully sheweth.
That your Memorialist has made several attempts
in the last and present year to execute the Ordinance
of Congress of May 20'" 1785.
That from experience he finds the two dollars per
Mile is by no means adequate to the unavoidable
expences attending the same, as will clearly appear
by the accounts of the gentlemen who made the sur
veys the present year; and as the expences will in
crease with the distance your Memorialist may be
from any supplies, it is impossible for him to pro
ceed on the business, without inevitable ruin to him
self. He therefore humbly requests that Congress
will be pleased to order a reimbursement of the pres
ent years expences, and make such other compensa-
103 From the Papers of the Continental Congress, no. 41, x, 263.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 185
tion as your Honorable body may think reasonable
for the time expended in your service.
You[r] Memorialist is emboldened to ask this
from the confidence that Congress cannot permit
their servants to suffer in their own fortunes, whUe
exerting themselves in promoting the public interest,
and a consciousness that they have used their utmost
endeavors to effect the surveys in the western coun
try upon the most extensive scale.
Your Memorialist having been under the necessity
of applying to the Geographer of the United States
for considerable sums of money to defray his un
avoidable extra expences, he prays that your honor
able body would enable him to discharge the same.
Your Memorialist as in duty bound shall ever
pray.— Benj* Tupper.
Ohio Nov' 10'" 1786
[Indorsed:] N° 27
Mem' B. Tupper
Read 20 March 1787
Referred to the
Board of Treasury to
report. —
see. Journal Oct' 3* 1787
[P. S.]"* An Account of my Expenditures while
endeavouring to Execute Surveys in the Western
Territory of the United States agreeable to the Ordi
nance of Congress of the 20'" of May 1785.—
To Simdry disbursements on my Journey to Pitts-
104 From the Papers of Continental Congress, no. 41, iv, 307.

186 Marietta College Historical Collections
burgh the place of rendezvous appointed by the
Geographer to the United States Viz. — DoP
To my Expences from the 12'" of July to the
15'" of August at 1 Dollar and ^ p' Day 49|2
To Boarding while at Pittsburgh 35 Days 47^
To the hire of one horse from the 6'" Day of
August to the first of October and three
horses from that time to the 18'" of October
at ^ of a DoUar p' Day 23||
To the Wages of 5 Men 17 Days 25|s
To flour and other necessaries purchased for
the Support of myself and five men while
Encamped at the mouth of Little Beever
Creek 31 Days 36|i
The amount in DoUars 177|
To other expenditures while adjusting our ac
counts when returned to Pittsburgh from
our encampment at the mouth of Little
Beever Creek 1155 80
A true account errors excepted 189^
Benj Tupper
[Indorsed:] Benjamin Tappers
acco' for 189
Dollars "Aoths

PART THREE
A Journal &c [of John Matthews, 1786]"'
Monday July 10th 1786. Left home this morning in
tending to visit the Ohio River found Cap' Mills
at Maj. Cashing in Brookfield, from there proceed
ed on the Journey in company with him Crossed
Conecticut River at Springfield put up for the
night at Maidens in West Springfield.
Tuesday, July 11'". Continued our Journey this
morning from Maiden took the road through
Granvel Little Malborough &c. to New Windsor
put up at night in Sanderfield at Lucuses.
Wednesday July 12'" Proceeded on our Journey
this day as far as Chamberlaines in the Edge of
York State.
105 The importance of this minute journal of the young Yankee
surveyor-school teacher, John Matthews, in primeval Ohio cannot be
over-estimated. It was the most careful report as to soU and climate
of the region of the proposed Ohio Company purchase that came back
to New England. Perhaps no influence was exerted of equal magni
tude in securing shareholders in the Ohio Company. A number of
omissions are made, indicated by stars, as the records of many days
are monotonously alike. It must be remembered, however, that it was
this very monotony in the description of uniformly valuable land that
gave the journal its power. Its greatest merit is in the aimpUcity
and sanity of its record ; this gave it credence and an influence beyond
that of studied efforts of other writers to arouse an artificial enthusi
asm. For data concerning John Matthews and persons mentioned in
the record, see the index in vol. ii of this series.

188 Marietta College Historical Collections
Thursday 13'" Continued our Journey this day and
arrived in the evening at Fishkiln Landing too late
to cross the Ferry.
Fryday 14'" Cross 'd the North River to New Wind
sor this morning Made inquiry for Mr. Ansel
Tupper and some other gentlemen who was to
meet us their found they ware not arrivd from
ther went to Newburgh & put [up] at M' De
Groves and waited for them.
Saturday 15'" Waited for M' Tupper untill 9 o 'clock
this morning they not arriving we thought best to
precede on our way put up at night at Cannidas in
Florida.
Sunday 16'" Preceded on our way this day and put
up for the night at the Widow Sniders 6 miles
from Sussex.
Monday 17'" Still continued on our Journey put up
at night at Whites in Greenwich 10 miles from
Eastown [Easton].
Tuesday 18'" Preceded to the Delaware this morn
ing crossed the Ferry and Breakfasted in Eastown
(on this road from New Burgh to Eastown the
land in general is of an ordinary Quality the soil
light and something stony (except on runs &c)
but produces very good wheat) after Breakfast
left Eastown stoped at Bethlem [Bethlehem] 12
miles from Eastown and refreshed our horses &c.
Bethlem is a small town very handsome built of
stone and pleasantly situated on a large run of
water is inhabited by a Society of Moravians road
from Bethlem to AUentown this afternoon and put
up for the night.
Wednesday 19'" Left AUentown this morning Break-

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 189
fasted at Swairses 8 miles from AUentown. Dined
at Maj. Baldes put up for the night on the E bank
of the Schoolkiln River 5 miles from reding [Read
ing].
Thursday 20'" Ford the Schoolkill this morning the
water being about 31/2 feet deep Breakfasted in
Reding &c put up for the night in Lebanon.
Fryday 21" Rode 10 miles this morning and put up
tel the next day to refresh our horses.
Saturday 22°* Continued our Journey this morning
took Breakfast at Lincolns in Hummelstown abot
noon crossed the Susquehannah at Harreses Ferry
[Harrisburg] (the Susquehannah here is about
one mile wide the water shole not exceeding 4 feet
in the deepest the country through which we came
betwene the Delaware and the Susquehannah Riv
ers is in general Rich and level producing excellent
wheat and other grains and watered by large
spring which forms fine runs of water bordered
with very good medows) put up this night in Car-
lile.
Sunday 23* Left CarlUe this morning and continued
our Journey Dined at Shipingsburgh 21 miles
from Carlile. from Shipingsburg we turn'd to the
right out of the waggon road to Pittsburgh in
order to cross the north mountains put up at night
at Clearks at the foot of the mountains."*
Monday 24'" Left Cleark about 6 this morning got
across the mountains into the main road by 11 be
ing about 9 miles (the road across the mountains
106 Matthews was following the road taken two years later by the
Ohio Company pioneers. It was at this point (Clark's) that they
were compelled to abandon their wagons. Of. vol. i.

190 Marietta College Historical Collections
is very bad but by coming this way we save 19
miles in the distance from Shipingsburg to Little
ton) refreshed our horses at Burds in Littleton
put up for the night at McDonnels at the foot of
Sidling HUl.
Tuesday 25'" Crossed Sidling hill this morning
Breakfasted at Col. Martains at the crossing of
the Juinatta River from this we made no Stop till
we arrivd at Bedford where we put up for the
night. From Cleark at the foot of the mountains
to Bedford the country is Mountainous rocky and
barren except Lands bordering on the runs and
betwene the mountains.
Wednesday 26'" Preceded on our way from Bed
ford refreshed our horses at the foot of Allegany
Mountain Crossed the Mountains this afternoon
found the Mountains not so bad to cross as several
other hills which we have crossed. Put up for the
night at Black's at Stony Creek, in Comeing this
way we left the Pennsylvania road on the right
and came what is cal'd the Glade road.
Thursday 27'" Preceded on our way this morning
took Breakfast and refreshed our horses at Beans
at the side of Lawrel Hill preceded on our way
over Lawrel Hill foimd the road mirey and rock
but no where very steep put up for the night at
Cap' WiUiamses in Leganear [Ligonier] Vally.
Fryday 28'" Left WiUiamses this morning crossed
chesnut ridge Put up for the night 24 [miles]
from Pittsburgh.
Saturday 29'" Arriv'd at Pittsburgh about 3 o'clock
P. M. found the Surveyor had gown down the Ohio
to Little Beve [Beaver] creek receiv'd directions

STAGES FROM N. WINDSOR TO PITTSBURG

Places Name

Florada

Sussex 
Hope Moravian.
Grenwich 
Eastown 
Bethleham 
AUenstown . . . .
Great Spring. . .

Reding 
Middletown ..
Lebanon 
Ballem 
Hummelstown Harrestown ..
Carlile 

Inkeepers

CannadasHogless . .
Snider . . .
WUlet ....

Whites .
Stannon

Dishlers Swyers .
Baldes .

Seltzer .. .
Grenaway
BaUem . . .
Lincoln . .
Hunter . . .

Dist.

Places Name

Shipingsburg 
The Gap 
Foot SidUng HUl 
Crossing of the
Juniatta 
Bedford 
Foot of the Allegany
Stony Creek 
Foot of Law HUl 
Liganier Valley 

Clearks . . .
McDonnels

Martains . ,
McGoughy

Blacks

22 14 6 6
16
12 1012 6 8
14 14^2 14
14 10 7
9
17

211% From N. Windsor to OarlUe

Pittsburgh

Inkeepers

WiUiames Myers ....
Dinkins . .

Dist.

21 10 7
1014 191012131/23412
1751/2397

From CarlUe to
Pittsburg.
From N. Windsor
to Pittsburgh.

O

^4.

Olo

55-
TOooa o

CD

192 Marietta College Historical Collections
from Gen'l Tupper by Col. Shairman ^°^ to go down
the river Col Shairman being to set out emediately
for Bevaer Creek we cross the Monongahela river
and road about a mile and I/2 ^.nd put up for the
night.
Sunday 30'" Preceded down S. E. side of the Ohio
river for Bever Creek put up at within 4 miles of
Camp.
Monday 31" Arrived at Camp on the E. bank of the
Ohio this morning where the Surveyors ware wait
ing for the Troops from Mingo who are to escort
them on there Survey. Thinking it not safe to go
on without.^"*
Tuesday [August] 15'" Foggy morning 9 A. M. fog
cleared away and a fine day foUow'd cross 'd the
river this day with Cap' Hoope ^"^ to begin the 2d
raing of Townships Camp'd 5 miles from the Riv
er on the E. and W. line on coming on line I found
the land hilly and uneven except near the Ohio and
of an excelent Quality many of the side hill moist
fit for grazing and the tops of the ridges level and
excelent for wheat.
Wednesday 16'" Cloudy morning 9 A. M. — De
camped 11 arrivd at the end of the 1st raing the
land uneven but good for wheat rye Indian corn
flax hemp &c. the groth white red and black oak ;
hickory &c. likewise innumerable speeias of weads
which make excelent food for horses run this day
on the E. and W. line 48 chain the land in general

107 See note 77.
108 See doc. xxxiv.
109 Mentioned in doc. xxxviu.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 193
good for wheat rye flax &c. except the tops of some
rid[g] es which is dry but good wheat land. Cloudy
the remainder of the Day.
Thursday 17'" Cloudy til 10 in the morning then
cleard and warm continued our line this morning
to the 1st mile then returned to camp to breakfast
the Remainder of this mile is much of the same
Quality the former but rather more level and if
any difference in point of soil better after Break
fast continued the line, at 24 rod crossed a small
brook on the sides of which some very good mow
ing mite be made quit at % of a mUe from the
1st mile post from the last mentioned brook is a
gentle rising and the land excelent for wheat.
Friday 18'" — Cloudy morning half past 7 began
where we left off last night the first 20 chains
through rich land gently rising on each side and a
small run of water betwene the rising ground the
timber all kind of oak hickory rock and white
maple ash and &c. the next 50 rod crosses a ridg
with rising ground on the South the ridge where
we cross 'd and the rising ground to the South is
dry and in some places Stony tho very good wheat
land 30 rod further crosses the head of a vally
which runs to the S. W. the ridges running dif-
f erente directions widens as it extends to the S. W.
and appears to be an excelent cut of land 20
chain further concludes the 2* mile the last 20
chains is a gentle Desent to the N. W. and most ex
celent wheat land the line pases a little to the
Northward of the ridge and the land on the South
Side is of an equal quality with the other, the 1"
20 chains; in the 3* mile: crosses poor points of

i

194 Marietta CoUege Historical Collections
ridges, and up a rocky side hill 20 rod further quit
for the day about 2 P. M. broke away and weather
pleasant the remainder of the day.
Saturday 19'" A fine pleasant morning wind in
N. W. half past 7, A. M. began to survey the 2* 20
chains of the 3* mile through rich level land the
timber all kinds of Oak hickory Dogwood &c 3
20 chains good wheat land and Desending to the
N. W. and rising ground on the Southward which
is light-soil'd and stony the last 20 chains ridgy
and lite soil'd except a bottom 8 rod wide with a
brook running through it and will make very good
mowing the 1" 20 chains of the 4th mile a little de-
sending to N. E. and very rich the timber all kinds
oak and hickory growing very tall and will pro
duce all kinds of grain likewise clover and all other
kinds of upland grass in the greatest abundance
the 2* 20 chains poor and stony the 3* 20 chains
level and good wheat land.
Sunday 20^^ Clear and warm the whole Day.
Monday 2T^ A Beautiful Morning and a prospect of
a fine day for Business half past 7 A. M. began our
work the last 80 rod of the 4th mile much of the
same Quality with the Preceding the 1" part of the
first 20 chains of the 4'" mile crosses a very good
bottom for meddow then rises a hill the fase of
which is stony then on to level good land the 2* 20
chains very rich land a little ascending to the W.
and fit for Indian Corn hemp &c. and will make
good upland mowing 3* 20 chains gentle inequal-
itys and very little inferior to the last the last 20
chains of the 5th mile not so good as the rest be-

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 195
ing on a ridg where the soil is lite but midling good
for wheat 40 rod from the 5 mile quit for the day
the whole day fair and warm.
Thursday 22* Haizy morning 7 A. M. began work
the 1" 20 chains desends to the W. timber white
oak and hickory the soil lite excep the last part at
the foot of the ridge the 1" part of the 2* 20 chains
across a good bottom for mowing the other part
cross a ridg lite soil'd on the top but good wheat
land the 3* 20 chains rich and level the last part
good mowing the last 20 chains runs obliquely
along a side hill which is moist and rich to the top
then along the top of the ridge which is lite solid
but good for wheat the mile conclude just at the
bottom of the ridge which conclude the 2* raing
where we quit for the day The middle and latter
part of the day clar and warm.
Wednesday 23* Clear and cool morning half past 7
A. M. began where we left off last night the 1" 20
chains desend to the S. except the last part which
crosses a good bottom for mowing 2* 20 chains
uneven and litish solid but midling good for wheat
3* 20 chains good wheat land the last 20 chains of
the 1" mile on the S. line ridgy and dry except the
valleys betwene the ridges at 10 outs from the 1"
mile quit for the day in the evening had a heavy
thunder shower.
Friday Sep' 1" 1786 Clear weather the whole day
Maj' Hoops having been for some time in a bad
state of health and growing more unwell Conclud
ed this morning to leave the line and return to

196 Marietta College Historical Collections
Camp at Little bever accordingly decam'd at 9
A. M. and got as far as the 5'" mile post on the N.
boundary of the 2 raing.
Saturday Sept. 2* Clear the whole day Arrived at
Little Bever at 3 o'clock P. M. Found the sur
veyors had all left camp except Gen'l Tupper,
Cap' Morris "" and M' Duffey.
Sunday 3* Clear and warm the whole day.
Monday 4'" Clear and warm.
Tuesday 5'" Stormy and southwardly winds
Wednesday 6'" Fair weather, made arraingments to
go on with Gen'l Tupper to begin the Eighth raing
of Townships.
Thursday 7'" Clear and warm Crossed the River
with our Baggage and about 2 o'clock P. M. got
our horses loaded and started for the woods
Camped at night 4 miles from Bever Creek.
Friday 8'" Clear and warm 7 o'clock A. M. de
camped and about 6 P. M. Camped 4 miles on the
3* Raing
Saturday 9'" Clear the greatest part of the day
This morning we was detained untill 10 o'clock a
looking for one of our Horses but not finding him
we loaded our Baggage on the other Horses and
preceded on our way Camped at the end of the
fourth Raing.
Sunday 10'" 7 o'clock A. M. decamped 4 o'clock in
the afternoon camped near the end of the 6'" Raing
Maj' Sergents"' he came to our camp and in-
110 See note 77.
Ill Winthrop Sargent, later secretary of the Ohio Company and sec
retary of the territory under General St. Clair. Major Sargent's
activity in this work of surveying and exploring comes out -vi-vidly in
this journal.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 197
form'd that one of his hands had left him which
very much embarresed him. Gen'l Tupper not
being reddy to begin work (as the Geographer had
not got through the 6'" Raing) I went with Maj'
Sergents to assist him for a few days and Gen'l
Tupper promised to send his sone"^ (who was
gone on as far as the geographer camp) the next
day on my way to this place after leaving the 2*
raing I found a great part of the 3* Raing poor
and uneven the Timber Pitch Pines and small oak
the 4'" Raing is very good wheat land in general.
the 5'" Raing is excelent for wheat Likewise sev
eral large Glades or swamps shaded with Willow
Elder Alder wine Bark &c. which will make excel
ent Low Medow.
Monday 11'" Clear and warm for the Season Got
on as far as the Second mile post % of the 2* mile
is through a large swamp coming from the S. E.
and running Northwestwardly the soil deep and
mirey in many places but when clear 'd will make
Excelent Low Medow M' Anselm came to us
about 10 o'clock and he and my self carry 'd the
chain.
Tuesday 12'" Scattering clouds and a fresh breeze
from the N. W. and cool run 2 miles this day the
land through which the line past forms gentle en-
equalities and is excelent wheat Land Timbered
with White red and Black or Yellow Oak Hickory
dog wood &c.
Wednesday 13'" Clear and very cool morning for
the Season I observd the frost had nip'd the
112 Mr. Anselm Tupper.

198 Marietta College Historical Collections
weeds in many places Continued cool the whole
day wind from the N. W. and Cool Showers run
2 miles this day which Concluded the West boun
dary of first Township 5'" Raing The Land on
these two miles much the same in point of Soil as
the last mentioned but more level and is Excelent
wheat Land
Thursday 14'" Clear and Cool Morning the remain
der of the day Pleasant and moderate 9 o'clock
A. M. M' Tupper and myself with a hunter left
Maj' Sergents Camp in order to fall in with Gen'l
Tupper on the Geographers line who we found En
camped near the end of the 6'" raing the rought
we took from Maj' Sergents Camp was thro the
first Township of the Sixth raing the Land where
we came through this Township is Considerable
uneven and points of ridges stony Likewise large
bodys of falen timber where the ridge is very
Brushy but much good wheat Land and Several
Small Brooks on which is very good medow Land.
Friday 15'" Clear the whole day 10 o 'clock A. M.
decamped and moved to the westward about 5
miles where we joind the Geographers Camp on
Sandy Creek a large branch of Tuskarawas The
first 3 miles of the North boundary of the 7'" raing
is hilly and Brushy but the Soil capable of produc
ing good wheat Then through a rich Bottom on a
Small Brook which falls into Sandy Rivlet half a
mile wide then through a large oppen Glade one
mile and a half wide and accor[d]ing to accounts
of the Hunter 7 or 8 miles long the greatest part of
this Glade is dry land the Soil of the Mearly [mar
ly?] kind and I think would produce good wheat

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 199
it is mostly cover with low brush and a kind of wild
grass but very few trees the s[w]ampy or wet part
of it is eithe[r] covered with Elder Alder wine
bark or wild grass which grows very thrifty be
twene the Glade and the Creek the Bottom is about
100 rods wide and excelent for medow
Saturday 16'" Cloudy Morning and remaind cloudy
the greatest part of the day The North bounds of
the 7'" raing not being complected Gen'l Tupper
could not enter upon business this day I spent
part of the day in vewing the adjacent Country
the Rivulet comes from the N. E. and runs to S. W.
beautifuUy meandering through rich and exten
sive Bottoms the uplands are level and very fine
Sunday 17'" Cloud and rain wind S. E. this morning
I went to a camp of Indians who ware returning
from F' MTntosh to there towns they ware en
camped 8 rods above us on the Creek they ware
about Eighteen in number men and women they
had rum with them and had a drunken frolic the
night before but appeared decent and friendly
Monday 18'" Foggy morning haf past 10 cleard
away and continued fair the remainder of the day
10 o'clock Gen'l Tupper began his raing and our
camp moved to west about 3 miles to another large
Branch of the Tusarawas caU'd Nineshilhng
After we had run % of a mile an express arrived
from Maj' Hamtramchs Camp at Little Bever and
brought information that the Indians was assem
bling at the Shawanees Towns and Intended mak
ing a general attackt on the Surveyors."^ Cap'
Hutchins and Gen'l Tupper thought it unsafe to
113 Cf . doc. xxxix.

200 Marietta College Historical Collections
precede any further Information was immedi
ately sent to Cap' Morris who had got about one
mile and a half on the West boundary of the 7'"
raing and we all retumd to the ground from we
left this morning where we tarryed this night
Tuesday 19'" Clear and warm the whole day 9
o'clock A. M. decamped and marched for Uttle
Bever our whole party consisted of about 50 men
about 36 of which was troops under the command
Lent. Cersy Encamped at night near the 1" mUe
post on the 6'" raing
Wednesday 20'" Pleasant and warm 7 o'clock A. M.
decamped and encamped again at night near the
1" mile post on the 4 raing
Thursday 21" Foggy morning about 8 A. M. Fog
broke and warm 3 o 'clock P. M. a Small Shower
from W. after which we had a pleasant evening 9
0 'clock A. M. decamped and marched to Eastward
one o'clock we met Maj' Hamtramck with the
whole of his detachment on there way to meet us
near the 3 mile post on the 3* Raing where we en
camped on an eminance near the line
Friday 22* Clear and warm the whole Day in the
Night we had a heavy Shower and Thunder from
the west 3 o'clock P. M. decam[p]ed and marched
about 3 miles to the East
Saturday 23* Clear and warm the whole day 10
o 'clock A. M. decamped and marched for the Ohio
encamped in the evening on the Ohio 5 miles below
Little Bever Creek where we are to wait until the
Surveyor [s] return from their respective rainges.
Sunday 24'" Fair weather the whole day M' Sim-
son returned from his raing which was the 6'"
Monday 25'" Cloudy and raind part of the day.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 201
Tusday 26'" Cloudy the fore part of the day and
clear the after part. The Surveyors not having
returnd and business in Suspense I left Camp in
order to go down the river as far as M' W" Great-
houses"* near the Mingo Bottom (with whom I
had contracted an acquaintance in the woods and
appears to be a reputable man) and then wait till
I know what is to be done I put up at night at M'
Croxens about 18 miles below Bever when I met
with very good entertainment
Wednesday 27'" Clear and very warm arrived at
M' Greathouses about one o 'clock P. M. he has a
good farm and lives decently the Country through
which I came is hiUy except on the River and
Creek bottoms but in general rich and Capable of
producing Indian Corn hemp flax wheat rye Oats
Berly &c. likewise large quantities of excelent
good Mowing it is considerably Settled and tho
the inhabitants do not yet live in affluence they
have a great plenty of the emediate necessarys of
life
Thursday 28'" Warm and broken Clouds from the
W.
Friday 29'" Clear and warm
Saturday 30'" Foggy morning half past 7 A. M. fog
broke and the remainder of the day was clear and
very warm
Sunday October 1" 1786 Clear and pleasant the
whole day
Monday 2°* Clear morning clouded before noon and
raind the most of the afternoon
Tuesday 3* Cloudy and rainy the greater part of
11* Son of Harmon Greathouse, the pioneer famUy of wide repute
living twenty-three mUes below the mouth of Little Beaver Creek.

202 Marietta College Historical Collections
the day This day I had an offer of teaching a
School the insueing winter and Considering the
improbability of the Surveyors going to business
again this year I thought best to accept of it
Wednesday 4'" Cloudy and rainy wind N. west
wardly
Thursday 5'" Raind the whole day this day I went
to Esq' M'Machans (which is about 6 mile below
M' Greathouses) and found that the Surveyors
ware principally collected there and ware deter
mined to continue part of the Rainges and was to
be Escorted by the whole of Maj' Hamtramcks
detachment, having an inclination to take another
tour in the woods and a schoolhouse not being
Redy I ingaged to go with Maj' Sergents to the 5th
Raing
Thursday 6'" Shower the fore part of the day and
cold squals and high winds from N. W. in the
afternoon
Saturday 7'" Scattering clouds and high winds from
the S. W. and Cool
Sunday 8'" Clear and cold in the morning I ob
served there was a little frost in some places which
is the first that has been this year near the Ohio
the day following faint Sun and high winds from
the S. W.
Monday 9'". Cloudy morning about 10 o'clock the
clouds Broke and Continued Clear and warm the
Remainder of the day This afternoon I went to
Esq' M^Machans in order to go into the woods
with Maj. Sergent when ever he is redy
Tuesday 10'" Cloudy tiU 10 o'clock A. M. the Re-

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 203
mainder of the day Clear We made arraingment
this day for preceding to the 5'" Raing
Wednesday 11'" Foggy morning 9 o 'clock fog broke
and it remained clear and warm the rest of the
Day 10 o'clock A. M. crossed the Ohio one mile
below the old Mingo Town and took the route of
Croffords [Crawford's] Trail which leves the
River at the uper end of the Mingo Bottom En
camped at night about 2 miles from the Mingo
Town our party Consisted of the Surveyor and his
assistants and a Cap' and 25 men as Escort The
Mingo Bottom Contains some thousands of Acres
and is very fine Land Indian Cross-Creek runs
through it after ascending the point of the Ridge
from the Bottom the Land is excedingly rich and
forms gentle enequalities and most Beautiful Sit
uations for Farms.
Thursday 12'" Clear and warm morning and re
mained Fair wather the whole day Half past 7
A. M. decamped and preceded still by the route of
Craffords Trail in nearly a N. W. direction 5
o'clock P. M. encamp 'd having made as near as we
cou'd judge about 6 miles westing This trail
keeps the dividing ridge between Cross Creek and
the Creeks that fall into the Ohio above the Mingo
Bottom The land is uneven but the ridge nowhere
steep and a greatest part of Soil is as rich as the
River Bottom itself and Intirely free from Stone
Cappable of producing Indian Corn hemp Flax
tobaco and Clover in the greatest abounance The
timber is large Black Walnut Butternut Shugar
tree Ash hickory &c except the Tops of the ridges

204 Marietta College Historical Collections
which is covered with large Chesnut and Black
Oak
Friday 13'" Clear and warm morning and Little
wind remained clear and warm untill about 5
o'clock P. M. when we had a moderate shower
from the West 6 o'clock A. M. decamped and
mov'd befor the troops as they ware not redy to
start and Maj' Serjents being impatient to get to
business 10 A. M. we left the trail (it tending to
much to the S. W.) and steared to the N. W. and
come on the W. boundary of the third Raing one
mile and three Quarters on the 3* Township en
camped at night at the S. E. corner of the 2 Town
ship 4 Raing and found that the troops had got a
head of us The Land for about one mile and a
half from where we encamped last Night is very
rich after which the soil is more light and the
ridges very Brushy but good wheat land in general
Saturday 14'" Cloudy Before Sunrise afterwards
clear and warm and the wind Southwardly 12
o'clock Scattering clouds and fresh breaze from
the South Maj' Serjents Thermometer stood at 78°
7 o'clock A. M. decamped and preceded to the west
on the South Boundary of the 2* Township 4'"
Raing about 2 o'clock P. M. overtook the troops
at the S. W. corner of the 2* Township 4 raing
The land on the South boundary of this Township
is of an ordinary Quality and very Brushy. From
the S. W. corner of the Second Township of the 4'"
Raing we steared a N. W. B. W. Course after trav
eling about 31/^ miles we encamped from the cor
ner to this place the Land is midling level thee soU
light and covered with Brush but very good wheat

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 205
land Timber principaly white oak and Chesnut
Sunday 15'" Clear and warm the whole day at Sun
down Ther 74° At Sunrise Maj' Serjents and my
self with two other hands left the party in order to
strike the west Boundary of the 5'" Raing S miles
South of the Geographers line at 10 o'clock A. M.
Struck the line 71/2 mUes South of it the Land
through which we came this morning is uneven
and the soil thin & in some places Stony timber
Chesnut White and Black Oak and larg proportion
of under Brush after Striking the line we followed
it South untUl we came to the 2* mile post on the
2* Township where we began work run one mUe
and quit for the day and returned to camp which
was pitched about 80 rods east of the line The
Land on this lite ordinary and very Brushy
Monday 30'" Cloudy and rained the whole day lay
still in our camp about noon our pack-horsemen
returned from looking after their Horses and in
formed that they ware not to be found and that the
Indians had stolen them (excep one poor hers)
which was evidents from several corroborating
circumstances The Indians who stole our horses ware about 6 in
number They lay part of the night -within about
SO rods of Camp and we suppose took our Horses
about 11 o'clock in the evening They likwise stole
a Buck Skin out of a Brook -within one hundred
yards of Camp it was evident they had been lurk
ing round us several days
on information of our Horses being stolen Cap'
Heart emediately began building a Block Hous on

206 Marietta College Historical Collections 
on the most advantagious ground in the vicinity
of our camp
Tuesday 31" Therm. 38 :44 :38 Cloud and cold wind
Northwesterly but no rain we dispatched a man
this morning for Maj' Hamtramch Camp on In
dian weeling Rivulet informing of our situation
and requesting more Horses so that we might pro-
ced on our raing
Tho we ware aprehensive of danger we finished
the west boundary of the 7'" Township This day
The 5 mile post stands in the Bottom mentioned
the 29'" near our encampment the bottom is larg
and of the first-Quality The upland we run through
the Soil is moist and stony fit for pasturing on our
return to Camp we found the Block house in shuch
order as to be a good shelter in case of an attack
from the Indians
Wednesday Nov 1" Cloudy Morning from 9 o'clock
A. M. till Night clear Sun Maj' Serjent thinking
it emprobable that their wou'd be Horses sufficient
to proced on with the Raing Sent out he was deter
mined to run the South boundary of the 7'" Town
ship on our way in run two miles of it this day
and returned to camp at the Block house at eve
ning The line crosses the Branches of the Bottom
on which we are encamped which are excellent
The upland is very rich in places but not so gen
erally good as the west boundary of this Township.
Thursday the 2* Clear and Cold Morning froze con
siderable last night from 8 o 'clock till night faint
Sun terried in camp all day waiting return from
Maj' Hamtranch which did not arrive
Friday 3* Cloud morning and very High wind from

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 207
the S. W. 10 o'clock Clouds Broke away and we
had Clear Sun the remainder of the day the man
who was sent to Maj' Hamtramch Camp arrived
with only three Horses which will not be sufficient
to move our Baggage without going twice Maj'
Serjent proposes proceding on withe South bound
ary of this Township on the morrow
Saturday 4'" Clear and frosty morning The fore
part of the day clear the after part faint sun and
wind West Maj' Serjents This morning concludes
to leve the wood as scene as he has run the South
Boundary of the 7'" Township two mile and % of
which we run this day and returned to camp which
had moved 3% nules on this line with much Trou
ble The land we run through this day is level and
excelent wheat land principally Timbered with
white Oak The water are the Branches of Mc-
Machans Rivulet which emtys into the Ohio below
Weeling [Wheeling].
Sunday 5'" Cloud morning 9 o'clock Clouds Broke
away and we had fine weather the remainder of
the day finished the remainder of the South Boun
dary of the 7'" Township we fell short of the west
bounds of the 4'" raing 2 chains and 90 link and
came on the line 15 chain 10 links North of the S.
W. corner of the 7'" Township 4'" raing The land
still holds level and good for wheat the Soil rather
light The Timber is chiefly white Oak our Camp
Has moved on to the 4'" raing where we expect to
wait untUl more horses come from Maj' Ham
tramch Camp to carry in our Baggage which we
expect on the morrow
Monday 6'" Clear and frosty morning and con-

208 Marietta College Historical Collections
tinned clear the whole Day wind S. W. This morn-
ning Maj' Serjents concluded to load part of his
Baggage on one Horse and proced to Maj' Ham
tramck Camp which according to the Best infor
mation we coud get was in the S. E. part of the 3*
Township 3 raing 8 o'clock left Cap' Hearts
Camp Kept on the South Bounds of the 7'" Town
ship to the S. E. corner of it The land on this Line
is uneven and of an ordinary QuaUty in general
From the S. E. corner of this Township we traveld
a N. Eastwardly Course and in about 4 miles
struck a large rivulet which we supposed to be the
main Branch of Indian Weelling and followed it
down expecting to fall in -with Camp night coming
on and finding no Camp we suspected we ware on
McMaehans Rivulet at night we built a fire and
laid all night near the South Boundary of the 7'"
Township 3* raing but ware uncertain where
abouts on the line we ware
Tuesday 7'" Discovered This morning that we ware
2 miles West of the S. E. corner of the 7'" Town
ship and on McMaehans Rivulet The Bottom on
this Rivulet is larg and good the Adjacent Hills
Steep and very rich in Some places from this on
we traveled in a north direction and struck Weel
ling 5 miles below camp which makes it evident
that we were misinformed about Maj' Hamtramck
Situation The land between the Rivulets Is very
Hilly and exceeding rich in general wher we struck
the Rivulet we met with Some Soldiers who in
formed us that Capt Hutchens was gone into Wel
ling upon which we preceded emediately to the
River and crosed at Esq' Zaneses where we found

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 209
Capt. Huchens after dinner I left Weelling in com
pany with Capt Huchens to go to Esqr McMahans
which is about 16 miles above Weeling went up the
river about half a mile where we tarried all night
Wednesday 8'" 8 o'clock in the morning embarked
on board the Cannoe and preceded up the river on
the west Side of the river is a large Bottom extend
ing from the upper end of Wheelling Island near
two miles up the river and appears to be % of a
mile wide At sundown we arrived at the mouth of
Buffaloe [Wellsburg, W. Va.] one mile from Esqr
McMaehans Capt Huchens campd at the river
and I went to Esq' McMaehans where I tarried all
night betwene Wheeling and Buffaloe the Bottoms are
much larger on the West Side of the river than on
East at the mout of Indian Short Creek the Bot
tom appears to be nearly % of a mile wide and ex
tends 3 or 4 miles on the river
This morning was Cloud and likly for rain but at
12 o'clock the Clouds Broke and we had a very
pleasant afternoon
Thursday 9'" Cloudy and rained the most of the Day
I Went this day from Mr. McMaehans to McWil-
liam Greathouses my old quarters
Friday 10'" Cloudy and cold and rained and snowed
a little Tarried at Mr. Greathouses and attended
a Sermon Delivered by a Methodist Preacher
Saturday 11'" Cloud and cold the fore part of the
day the after part clear and more moderate This
morning I went to M' Thomas Edgingtons who was
The principal ingager with me before I went into
the wood for to teach a School and Informed that

210 Marietta College Historical Collections
that I was ready to begin but I found their fickle
Fancys had Started an objection which they had
forgot before that was that I could not engage to
teach a School for more than five months and they
wanted for a year this was a smaU disappointment
for as I depended on Serving them I had not looked
any further tho I expected to have erned but a
small pittance yet I should have had and opportun
ity of studying (which I am determined to do how
ever) and cleared myself of expences
From this I went to M' Harmon Greathouses Father
of my good friend M' W" Greathous where I found
a number of the Neibors Seated in Social Glee
round a heap of corn the inspiring Juce of rye
had inlivened their Imaginations and given their
Tongues such an exact ballance that they moved
with the greatest alacrity while relating Scenes of
of Boxing WrestUng Hunting &c. at dusk of eve
ning the Corn was finished and the Company re
tired to the House where many of them took shuch
Hearty draughts of the generous hquor as quite
deprived them of the use of their limbs Some
quarreld some sung and others laughed and the
whole display 'd a Scene more diverting than edi
fying at 10 o'^clock in the evening all that could
walk went home and left three or four round the
fire huging the Whiskey Bottle and arguing very
obstanately on Religion at which I left them and
went to bed
Sunday 12'" Cloud and Cold the whole day at 8 o'
clock in the Morning rose from bed and found the
neibors who had tary'd all night still with Rap-

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 211
tures huging the Whiskey Bottle and by 11 o'clock
others had eome in to help drink up the whiskey
that was not drank last night about 12 I left them
and returned to M' W° Greathouses
Monday 13'" Cold morning and cloudy faint sun the
whole day
Tuesday 14'" Clear and pleasant the whole day wind
west went to Esq' McMachand and settled with
Maj' Serjents tarryed at Esq' McMaehans and all
night
Wednesday 15'" Clear and high wind from the west
Engaged this morning with M' Simson "^ to return
to Esq' McMaehans on the Morrow and help him
protract his surveys in the afternoon returned to
Mr. Greathouses
Wednesday 22* — Gen'l Tupper left this place for
Massachusetts by whome I had the pleasure of
sending a number of Letters to my friends
Sunday [Dec] 3*— This day Col Sproat and M' Sim-
son left this for their respective homes Col Sproat
for providence Rhode Island and M' Simson for
York County Pennsylvania Since I have been at
Esq' McMaehans I have been employed the most of
the time in assisting the Surveyors in making out
their returns but am now out of business I shall
make this my quarters this winter and am deter
mined to pursue my Studies as Industriously as I
am Capable of
Tuesday 5'" This morning the snow was 18 inches
deep which I am informed by the Inhabitants is
115 See note 77.

212 Marietta College Historical Collections
very remarkable for this season and Is Seldom
deeper through the course of the winter
Monday 18'" This day I am twenty-one years of age
and Free by the Laws of my Country I am Near
Six hundred miles from my native home and poor
enough the whole pitance that I can call my own
does not amount to more than 50 dollars but while
I have my health I feal no enxiety about geting a
Uving and hope to support by an honest Industery
that Independancy of Spirit and Circumstances
which is requisite to Happiness
Monday 25'" Clear and cold wind westwardly after
Breakfast walked to the river in company with M'
Smith on our return called at Capt Vanswaring-
ames where we found a number of Buxom lasses
assembled to Spend a merry Christmas we goind
in the merryment and pertook in the pleasures of
the Evening
Tuesday 26'" a fine day -ndnd westwardly
This morning recev'd a billet from M' Wheaton
who lately left this place for Pittsburgh Informing
of an opportunity of teaching a School at John
sons Mills on Racoon Creek about 20 miles from
this on the road to Fort Pitt 10 o'clock in the
morning left Esq' McMaehans in order to go and
make proposals, went as far as M' Wellses"^ 10
miles from Esq' McMaehans and Spent the night
with Col. Shairman Mr. Tupper and M' McFar-
ling who make this their quarters
Wednesday 27'" Clear and pleasant wind westward
ly. Went to Johnsons MiUs but found little pros
pect of spending the winter either proffitably or
118 Mr. Charles Wells, who gave his name to Charlestown, W. Va.
To avoid confusion the name of the town was changed to Wellsburg.

Ohio in the Time of the Confederation 213
agreeably and did not engage to Teach a School.
returned to M' Welles in the evening
Saturday [Feb.] 3* [1787]— This Evening I received
a Letter from Maj' Hamtramck requesting me to
come and take charge of the Commissary at Fort
Stuben ^" which is 3 miles above the mout of Cross
Creek on the W Side of the Ohio
I had the promis of this place before if M' Wheat
on a young Gentleman from Rhoad Island who is
now at Pittsburgh did not except of it
Sunday 4'" Clear and Sevear Cold day went to Fort
Stuben in Company with M' LudLow of the Sur
veyors and Ingaged to be ready to take charge of
the Stores on Wednesday next — recrossed the
River which is Low and full of Ice and went to
W" Greathouses where I tarried all night
Wednesday 7'" — ^went to Fort Stuben to take charge
of the Stores agreeable to appointment
Fort Stuben Thursday 8'" — this morning M' Peters
delivered the Stores in his charge to me
I am now entering on business which I am unac
quainted with, but hope use wUl make it familiar
to me I have to issue provisions to about 100
men have a room to myself and a man to cook for
me Wednesday [AprU] 4'" [1787]— I road about 6 miles
down the Ohio and returned to the garrison in the
evening I observed the Shrubery begining to
117 SteubenviUe, O.

214 Marietta College Historical Collections
clothe the ground with verdure and many of the
early trees ware leaved considerably the young
shoots ware grown three or four Inches
Sunday 8'" — ^This day I was informed by the Country
People that the Peach trees was in frdl Bloom"*
Tuesday 10'" — Capt Martin and M' Ludlow left this
for the woods
Thursday 17'" — Mr. Smith set out for the woods
Saturday 21" — Mr. Simson left this for the woods

118 The activity of the commissioners and parties sent out to up
root aU settlements do not seem to have affected the ' ' country people ' '
in the neighborhood of Fort Steuben.

INDEX

Account of soU and timber in the
Seven Ranges, 130-136, 192-209
"Address to the Western Inhab
itants," extract, 128-130.
Alden, G. H., New Governments
West of the Alleghenies Before
1780, cited, 7
Amberson, John [Emerson], signs
call for (Ohio) convention
(1785), 99
Amberson 's Bottom, mentioned,
99
Anti-slavery, in "Old North
west," first advocated by
David HoweUs, 72
Armstrong, John, report on Ohio
squatters, 104, 106-109
"Army" plan of western state,
see ' ' Propositions for Settling
a New State" B
Bancroft, George, History of the
Constitution of tlie United
States, cited, 35
Barrett, J. A., Evolution of the
Ordinance of 1787, cited, 1
Black's Tavern, mentioned, 191
Bland, Theodoric, author of
' ' Bland " or " Financier 's ' '
plan of western territory, 35-
38 ; suggests using income from
western lands to found schools
and build a navy, 38

Boon [Boone], Squire, signs peti
tion for Ohio land, 137
Brant, Joseph, rumored in Ohio,
174
Britt, Daniel, sells tin case, 180
Butler, Richard, member of In
dian commission, 81; receives
warning from Wyandot chiefs,
172; answer from Half King
and Pipes, 173-174 0
CaU for Election of Delegates,
to Form a State Convention
West of the Ohio River (1785),
98-99
Clark's [Cleark 's] tavern, men
tioned, 191
Clark, George Rogers, member of
Indian commission, 81; cam
paign of 1786 endangers sur
veyors of Seven Ranges, 172-
173
CoUes, Christopher, "Petition to
Improve Ohio River Naviga
tion" (1783), 92
Commission, first to exercise gov
ernment control in the West, 81
Congress, Continental, on cession
of western lands (1780), 13-
15; on formation of western
states, 15-17; and pre-Revolu-
tionary land companies, 29-30
' ' Congress Lands ' ' idea advanced
by Silas Deane, xi

216 Marietta College Historical Collections

Coon, Abraham, Wyandot chief,
warns surveyors, 172
Cox's Fort, mentioned, 164
Crawford's [Crofford's] Trail,
mentioned, 203, 204
D
Deane, Silas, plan of western
state, 1-4; advocates progres
sive statehood, 3
Delawares, warn surveyors of In
dian hostUity, 173-174
Delay Petition, for Western
Lands, 125-127
Democracy, insurgent type of
western, 128-130
Dinkin's Tavern, mentioned, 191
Dowse, Edward, New Hampshire
representative on survey board,
144; statement of accounts,
178, 179 E
Edgington, Thomas, mentioned,
209
Emerson, John, see Amberson
Enocks, Henry, signs Delay Peti
tion, 127
"Extracts from An Address to
the Western Inhabitants, ' ' 128-
130 F
Ferguson, Capt. Wm., reports
hostUe attitude of Indians,
157-159
"Financier's Plan for Organiza
tion of Western Territory,"
35-38
Ford, Lieut., brings troops from
Fort Harmar, 164; reports In
dian raid, 165

Fort Harmar, erected to keep
squatters from crossing the
Ohio River, 112
Fort Mcintosh, Treaty of, 77-81
Fredericktown petitioners to
Sackett Memorial, 124
French Plan of the Land of the
Ohio & "Scioto" Companies,
100 G
Greathouse, Harmon, mentioned,
201; holds a "com husking,"
210
Greathouse, WiUiam, plantation
described, 201; mentioned, 209,
211 H
Haire, Morrayet, Wyandot chief,
warns surveyors, 172
Half King, warns surveyors
against Southern Indians, 156
Hamtramck, Capt., assists sur
veyors, 147; ordered from
Mingo Bottom, 148; to be rein
forced from Ft. Harmar, 149;
commended by Hutchins, 151;
mentioned, 199-209
Hanna, C. A., Historical Collec
tions of Harrison Co., 0., cited,
106
Harmar, Col. J., letter to Hutch
ins, 148-149; assists Hutchins,
151
Hicks, F. C, Hutchins, A Topo
graphical Description, cited, 97
Higginson, Stephen, evidence on
authorship of ' ' Pickering
Plan," 31
Hodgdon, Richard, receives
"Pickering" or "Army"
plan, 31

Index

217

Hoglin's Town (Martin's Ferry,
O.), mentioned, 104, 108
Holes, John, signs Delay Peti
tion, 125, 127
Hoops, Adam, statement of ac
counts, 177, 179; mentioned,
192, 195
Howell, Da-vid, on western states,
69-77 ; advocates anti-slavery
clause, 72
Hunters, unable to secure game
for surveyors, 152
Hutchins, Thomas, ' ' New Map, ' '
cited, 59; life sketched, 97;
letters to Congress, 97, 109,
127, 144, 150, 161, 174, 176;
completes plats of four ranges
(675,480 acres), 176; accounts
with surveyors audited, 179;
letter to Congress concerning
balance due, 183; mentioned,
199, 209

Johnson, Robert, Georgia repre
sentative on survey board, 144
Johnston, Robert, statement of
accounts, 177, 179, 180

Kersey [Cersy], Lieut., com
mended by Hutchins, 152;
mentioned, 200
Kentuckians, commercial prob
lems, 10
Kentuckians' Petition, for lands
north of the Ohio, J.37-144

Lancaster Co. petitioners on
Sackett Memorial, 123

Land company prospectuses, ma
terial for, 130
Lee, Arthur, member of Indian
commission, 81
Ludlow, Cornelius, signs Delay
petition, 125, 127
Mc
MeCurdy, Captain, gives warning
of Indian hostUity, 166
McDonnel 's Tavern, mentioned,
191
McGoughy 's Tavern, mentioned,
191
McMahon, William, magistrate
Ohio Co., Va., to Hutchins,
163-164; mentioned, 202, 209
M
Map of the Ohio Company Pur
chase, 20
Martain 's Tavern, mentioned,
191
Martin, Absalom, New Jersey
representative on survey board,
144; surveyed in first and sec
ond ranges, 174; statement of
accounts, 179
Martin's Map of Ohio Surveys,
180
Matthews, John, Journal, 187-213
Menzon's Town (Martin's Ferry,
O.), mentioned, 104, 108
MUls, Capt. WUliam, accompanies
John Matthews to Ohio, 187
"Ministerial Lands," advocated
by Rufus Putnam, 62
Montgomery, Samuel, statement
of accounts, 178
Montgomery Co. petitioners on
Sackett Memorial, 123-124

218 Marietta College Historical Collections

Moore women, burned by the
Shawanese, 159
Morris, WiUiam W., New York
representative on survey board,
144; signs surveyor's letter,
161; asked to make proposi
tion to the surveyors, 169;
statement of accounts, 177,
179 ; mentioned, 196, 200
Moravian reservation, made by
Ordinance of 1785, 90
Myers's Tavern, mentioned, 191
N
Newland, Mr., reports Indian
hostUity, 164 O
Ohio and ' ' Scioto ' ' Companies,
French Plan of the Lands, 100
Ohio Archaeological and Histor
ical Society Publications, cited,
152
Ohio Company Purchase, Map of
20
Ohio, southeastern portions ac
quired by United States at
Treaty of Ft. Mcintosh, 77-78 ;
names of first sixty "squat
ter" settlers, 106
"Old Northwest," acreage esti
mates, 20
Ohio Surveys, Martin's Map of,
180
Old South Leaflets, cited, 9
Ordinance, of 1784, text, 74-77;
of 1785, text, 81-91
Paine, Thomas, on western lands,
4-5; on government of western
territory, 6-13; on Virginia's
cession of western lands, 9 ; ;

proposes ' ' sitting ' ' member
for territories in Congress, 12
Papers of the Continental Con
gress, extracts from, 92-186
Parker, Alexander, Virginia rep
resentative on survey board,
144; statement of accounts,
179
Petitions of inhabitants west of
the Ohio river (1784-5), 95,
103-106
Pennsylvania (Washington Co.)
deputies, propose a western
state to president of Congress,
100-103
Petitioners on Sackett Memorial
from Montgomery Co., 123-
124; from Lancaster Co., 123;
from Fredericktown, 124
Pickering, Octavius, The Life of
Timothy Pickering, cited, 31
"Pickering Plan," see Proposi
tions for Settling a New State
Pickering, Timothy, evidence of
ha-ving drafted plan bearing
his name, 31
Pipe, Captain, opposes survey of
Seven Ranges, 154
Proclamation of Congress on
Western Lands (June 15
1785), 112-114
"Propositions for Settling a
New State by Such Officers
and Soldiers of the Federal
Army as Shall Associate for
That Purpose" ("Pickering"
or "Army" plan, 1783), 31-35
"Progressive Statehood," advo
cated by Silas Deane, 3
Putnam, Rufus, importance of
his contribution to western

Index

219

state idea, xix-xxii ; ' ' Thoughts
on a Peace Establishment for
the United States of America"
(1783), 38-56; "Plan for a
Western State" (1783), 56-
64 ; advocates ' ' ministerial
lands," 62; accepts appoint
ment as surveyor of Seven
Ranges, 110-111 ; relinquishes
same in favor of Tupper, 111;
letter to Washington, AprU 5,
1784, 112-113 R
Rankin, James, Indian messenger,
173
Robertson, Prof. J. A., Petitions
of the Early Inhabitants of
Kentucky, cited, 137
Ross, Senator, estimate of acre
age in Old Northwest, 20
S
Sackett Memorial (Sept. 29,
1785), 114-124; "purchase"
compared -with Ohio Company,
114-115; influence on General
Parsons, 115
Sample, Samuel, sells canoe, 180
Sargent, Winthrop, offers to con
tinue surveys despite Indian
activities, 170; surveyed west
bounds of fifth range, 174;
statement of accounts, 178,
180; mentioned, 196, 197, 202,
205, 206, 207, 208; settles with
Matthews, 211
Seven Ranges, Hutchins com
pletes plats of four of the, 176 ;
Clark 's campaign endangers
survey of, 172-173; accounts of
surveyors for surveying, 177-

181; accounts of soil and tim
ber, 130-136; 192-209
Sherman, Col. Isaac, Connecticut
representative on survey board,
144; warned by an express,
165; offers to continue survey
ing despite Indian activities,
169; surveyed in third and
fourth range, 174; statement
of accounts, 178, 179; men
tioned, 192, 212
Simpson, James, Maryland rep
resentative on survey board,
144; surveyed in third and
fourth range, 174; statement
of accounts, 177, 179, 180;
mentioned, 200; leaves for the
East, 211
Smith, Charles, statement of ac
counts, 178
Smith, W. H., The St. Clavr Pa
pers, cited, 81
Soil, of Seven Ranges, surveyor's
report on, 130-136
Sproat, Col. Ebenezer, warned by
an express, 165 ; engages labor
ers, 170; surveyed in third and
fourth ranges, 174; statement
of accounts, 178, 179; leaves
for the East, 211
Springer, Jacob, reports on In
dian activities, 149, 154-155;
expense bUl, 180
"Squatters," petition for Ohio
lands (1784), 95-96; Congress
issues proclamation against,
112-114
Standing army, recommended by
Rufus Putnam, 47
Stites, Benjamin, signs Delay
petition, 125, 127
' ' Survey-and-sale ' ' plan, for

220 Marietta College Historical Collections

western lands, advocated by "Tuscarawas Path," mentioned.

Pelatiah Webster, xvi-xviii
Surveyors, of Seven Ranges, oflS-
cial list, 144; warned by Wy
andot chiefs, 172; statements
of accounts, 177-178, 179-181
Swearingen, Capt. Th., men
tioned, 164

Timber, of Seven Ranges, sur
veyor's report on, 130-136
Treat, P. J., The National Land
System, cited, 1; on New
York's position on cessions, 13
Treaty of Ft. Mcintosh, text, 77-
81
Troops, demanded by surveyors
for protection, 145-146
Tupper, Anselm, mentioned, 188,
197, 198, 212
Tupper, Benjamin, appointed sur
veyor of Seven Ranges, 111;
plans to become Ohio emigrant,
113; letters to Hutchins, 144,
145-146 ; representative of
Massachusetts on survey board,
144; signs surveyor's letter to
Hutchins, 160-161 ; surveyed in
third and fourth range, 174;
statement of accounts, 177,
179; memorial to Congress,
184-186; mentioned, 192, 196,
197, 199; leaves for the East,
211

166

Vandalia Company, mentioned, 7
Van Swearingen [Vanswarin-
games], Capt., entertains at
Christmas, 212 W
Washington, George, on the
"Army Petition," 64-67; on a
Western State, 67-69
Wells, Charles, mentioned, 212,
213
Webster, Pelatiah, advocates
' ' survey-and-sale ' ' plan for
Western State, xvi-xviii; on
western unlocated lands, 17-29
Western State proposed by the
deputies of Washington Co.,
Penna., 100-103
WUliames Tavern, mentioned,
191
WUson, W., fee as messenger to
Indians, 180
Wyandot Chiefs, warn surveyors
from Seven Ranges, 172, 173

Zane famUy, support surveyors,
164; mentioned, 208
Zeisberger, David, History of the
Northern American Indians,
cited, 132

YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

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