Rufus Putnam - Papers of the War Department

Letter from the Directors of the Ohio Company

01/04/1788 Letterbook

On behalf of the directors of the Ohio Company, Rufus Putnam applies to the Secretary at War for military protection of frontier settlements.

Manuscript Collection.

The Ohio Company of Associates

04/23/1790 Letterbook

This document is a bond between the founders of the Ohio Company of Associates and the Secretary at War. The document identifies former officers who have land claims against the United States and …

Manuscript Collection.

Letter to General Knox

03/08/1791 Letterbook

This letter to Knox desribes Indian hostilities in the Ohio territory. The letter closes with a call for government troops to protect the inhabitants from the Indians.

Manuscript Collection.

Indians Continually Harassing Us. Etc.

08/22/1791 Typed letter

Putnam report on the situation at Marietta which, despite harassment by Indians and the loss of horses and cattle, is tolerable due to sufficient corn and grain to support the inhabitants.

Printed Versions

Certain Destruction

03/14/1791 Typed letter

Putnam describes the perilous conditions he is facing because of the actions of hostile Indians who are killing settlers and cattle.

Printed Versions

Aid from the General Government

01/08/1791 Printed or published transcription/modern copy

Following an Indian attack in which fourteen people were killed, Putnam pleads for additional money and resources from the General Government to protect against future attacks.

Printed Versions

We Shall Unite in Friendship & Love

06/05/1792 Modern Printed Transcription of Letter/Document

This is a copy of a speech by General Rufus Putnam to the tribes of the Miami, Tawa, and Wabash Rivers in which he assures the Indians of the peaceful intentions of the President and Congress and his …

Printed Versions

Treaty with the Wabash and Illinois Tribes

09/27/1792 Copy of Signed Document

A Treaty of peace and friendship, made and concluded between the President of the United States and the undersigned kings, chiefs, and warriors of the Wabash and Illinois tribes.

Transcribed Treaties and Conventions Advised and Ratified by the Senate. (RG46) (M200, Roll 2)

Treaty Signed at Post Vincennes, Etc.

12/20/1792 Typed letter

Despite poor health, General Putnam has been successful in negotiating a treaty at post Vincennes and encloses a journal of the proceedings during the negotiations and his speech to the Indians. He is …

Printed Versions

The State of Indian Talks; Threat of Attack

06/05/1792 Modern Printed Transcription of Letter/Document

Putnam informs Knox of the state of the negotiations between the US and some of the northern tribes and warns that any attack by the US on Indian towns would severely hinder the talks and endanger all …

Printed Versions

Symbols on the American Medal

1792 Typed Document

The author explains to the Indians the symbols on the American medal.

Printed Versions

State of the Tribes in the Northwest

07/11/1792 Typed letter

Putnam explains the situation with the sundry western tribes, the necessity of protecting frontier inhabitants, and the possible intervention of the British in support of the Indians. If the British …

Printed Versions

Speech to various Indian tribes

06/05/1792 Autograph Letter Signed

Speech of Brigadieer General Rufus Putnam to the sachems and warriors of the Indian tribes inhabiting the Miami or Tawa and Wabash rivers. This included the Wyandots, Delawares, Chipawas, Ottawas, …

MG23 HI1 John Graves Simcoe, Papers

Speech to the Wabash and Illinois tribes

09/29/1792 Document

Speech to the Wabash and Illinois tribes, following a treaty, by General Rufus Putnam. Discusses opening communication with other tribes, including the Miami, Delaware, Shawnee and Wyandot. Also …

Misc Mss

Speech to the Eel River and Weyes Indians

09/18/1792 Typed Document

Notification that friends and relations (possibly held prisoner) will be returned due to news that tribes signed agreement with Maj. Hamtramck. Chief that died while in U.S. care was buried with …

Printed Versions

Speech to Northwest Indians

10/06/1792 Document

Speech of Rufus Putnam, Agent to General Washington, for the purpose of treating with the Indians Northwest of the Ohio, and concluding a peace with the same. Indian tribes include the Delaware, …

Northwest Territory Collection, M367

Report from Fort Washington

07/05/1792 Typed letter

Report on Army affairs on the Ohio frontier, report of an Indian attack on an Army detachment near Fort Jefferson, estimated Indian intentions, and recommendations on negotiations with the Indians

Printed Versions

Reluctantly Accepting a Commission as Brigadier General

05/07/1792 Modern Printed Transcription of Letter/Document

With reluctance, Israel Putnam informs Knox that he will accept his appointment as a brigadier general despite concerns regarding his advanced age, his health, and his family. He insists that the …

Printed Versions

Putnam's Report on the Western Indians

07/08/1792 Typed Document

In a detailed report, General Putnam recommends that many of the western tribes can be rendered neutral by careful negotiation and presents and the hostile tribes can be intimidated by a large show of …

Printed Versions

Putnam's Receipt for Indian Goods

05/22/1792 Modern Printed Transcription of Letter/Document

A receipt signed by General Putnam for the Indian goods he received.

Printed Versions

Protection of Peace with Indians

08/21/1792 Typed letter

Due to the low state of river, all goods hauled by wagon which will increase cost and time of transportation. Man named Harden advertising for volunteers to help him strike against the Indians, …

Printed Versions

Peace with Most of the Western Tribes

07/22/1792 Printed transcription/modern copy of letter

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

Printed Versions

Peace Treaty with Indians, Goods and Prisoner Exchange

08/16/1792 Typed letter

Prisoners and goods traveled down river this morning, supply to meet demands for 700 Indians to gather at Post Vincennes, hopes his choices of goods meet desires of War Department. Hopes exchange of …

Printed Versions

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

07/24/1792 Typed Document

"Brothers: I am on my way to you from the great council fire of the United States, where the great and good chief, General Washington, resides. I am coming with the wishes of his heart to you which …

Printed Versions

Lasting Peace with the Wabash Indians

07/20/1792 Printed transcription/modern copy of Document

Putnam replies to the speech of the Wea Indians. He reaffirms the brotherhood between him and the Indians and says that while brothers may differ they can eventually unite again. Putnam gives his …

Printed Versions