Document Spotlight-Major General’s Commission

It has been a few weeks since we had a document spotlight. This week we feature a very basic document detailing an important executive function.
The letter from Secretary of War Henry Knox contains a commission from President George Washington appointing Anthony Wayne to the rank of Major General. Written in 1792, the letter announces the appointment and asks that Wayne respond as soon as possible with his acceptance and an oath of office.

Document Spotlight-More on the Stolen Certificates

Last week we saw some documents dealing with a Captain John Phelon and accusations that he stole some certificate paper.  The allegations included some reports of Phelon’s whereabouts. This week, transcriber Lgr157 gives us another peak; today’s document details a different angle. The writer expresses concern that Phelon has done such a good job of forging signatures, holders will be unable to detect the forgery and will be defrauded. People should examine the reverse of the certificates, and should specifically be on the lookout for a small series of numbers in Phelon’s handwriting. At that point, the certificate is certain to be stolen, and potential victims should report the bearer of the certificates to authorities.

Document Spotlight-Stolen Certificate Paper and Counterfeits

Transcriber Lgr157 recently brought us a document that describes a crime drama unfolding in the early republic. The series of letters refers to a Captain Phelon, who has allegedly absconded with a quantity of certificate paper (think currency paper). The first letter describes the allegation, and reports a sighting of Phelon in New Hampshire. The second confirms that Phelon passed through Concord, Massachusetts headed toward Lake Champlain (which would seem to confirm the New Hampshire sighting). The third letter reports that Phelon seems to have headed for Canada; this seems to mean that Phelon cannot be apprehended and returned to the United States, but the writer wonders whether Phelon could be detained long enough to have the property recovered.

Document Spotlight-Horse and Rider Edition

Recently transcriber Mystakaphoros brought us a somewhat lighthearted letter detailing the ragtag conditions that soldiers and government officials often faced. Now, it isn’t the conditions that are funny; it’s the way the writer describes them. He describes the equipment given to the cavalry as “catchpenny;” he laments that some horses could go “scarce a mile but something broke.” And yet another horse is “is so miserably jaded with the journey thus far that I am afraid to risk him.” It is possible to sense the writer’s frustration, even while we are chuckling at his language.

Document Spotlight-Questions of Forgery

Transcriber Rhdkbrown recently brought us a document that raises more questions than it answers. The document appears to be an 19 August 1796 affidavit from Theophilus Beckman, referencing another document dated 9 August 1796. The 9 August letter contains  a statement vouching for a George Wood, declaring that he (Beckman) knows Wood to be an honest man. Curiously, Beckman recognizes his signature on the letter, but does not recognize the statement, and declares it to be a forgery. Another letter dated 14 August contains Beckman’s testimony that he believes that a paper with his signature and seal on it were taken from his office and used to forge a letter of introduction.

Document Spotlight-Captivated Prisoner Edition

This week we read from a document transcribed by Leo. The letter concerns an investigation into a claim made by John Shatcher. Shatcher had claimed to be owed $275 in pay, requested help in proving that claim. Government accountants found no record of a John Shatcher, but did find record of a John Thatcher, who curiously had been captured (captivated, according to the letter) and heldprisoner for a time; their records indicated that Thatcher had received $275 in pay. The writer asks a series of questions in order to authenticate Shatcher’s claim, and further requests that Shatcher answer them under oath if possible. It’s an interesting look at the ways in which officials investigated claims; how did one prove one’s identity? How could officials be sure they were dealing with the right people? How common were fraudulent or improper claims?

Document Spotlight-Expense Report Edition

This week we read from a document transcribed by Timetrvlr. The document actually consists of three short expense reports from 1795. In the first, John Stagg is due $148.60 for expenses related to the education of two Indian youths. In the second, Private Luthor Ludden is due $16.20 for his military service. In the third, Lieutenant Horatio R. Dayton is due $83.01 for his rations. Note that two of the requests are dated a year after the period of service, meaning that soldiers and officers are waiting a long time to be paid.

Document Spotlight-Treaties and Garrisons

Recently transcriber HollyPBrickhouse brought us a fascinating document detailing the fragile balance between peace and violence. The writer advises the reader that the decision to build military garrisons forward in Indian territory depends on the state of American-Indian relations. If it looks as though the truce will hold, it would be imprudent and provocative to build forts; if the peace appears fragile, then the prudent thing would be to press forward and fortify the territory with garrisons, and as soon as possible.

Document Spotlight-Powder Cask Edition

Today we bring you a document transcribed by BeeBeeaton. The letter covers several different topics including the status of two soldiers who had recently been court-martialed. However, there is included a section concerning the procurement of casks to hold gunpowder. The writer is attempting to have some powder casks made for the army–two hundred of them, actually–and he reports to General Knox that the best price he can get is three shillings apiece. It is his opinion that for casks of sufficient quality, they will not be able to get a better price.

Document Spotlight-Scout Payment Edition

Recently transcriber Dapperlaw transcribed a document that reveals a little more about life on the American frontier. Also, we get a quick look at some of the War Department’s responsibilities with respect to protection of American citizens.

Specifically, the letter from 1795 details a payment made from the War Department to be issued to scouts working in the Woodford County, Kentucky region. For the 18 month period beginning April 1793, scouts were to be paid $697.17. The payments are explicitly meant to be “for the protection of Woodford County.”

Document Spotlight-Requisitions and Salary Edition

Recently transcriber Dapperlaw transcribed a document that gives us a snapshot of how much money it took to run the Quartermaster department of the Army. Likewise, we get a quick look at the salaries of various personnel, from officers to boatmen.

In the letter, James O’Hara, the Quartermaster General, makes a request for funds to pay the salaries of various Quartermaster officers and support personnel. For six months, O’Hara projects salary costs of $13,372–this figure does not include other expenses. He breaks out the salary position, so we know, for example, that master boatmen were paid $45 per month (4 master boatmen for 4 months totaled $720); regular boatmen were paid $12 per month. It’s a fascinating look at the budget process, as O’Hara projected his costs and made the appropriate request.

Document Spotlight-More Woolen Overalls and a Medicine Chest

Your would not think there was much to say about woolen overalls. A recent blog post here told us what they were and how they were worn. So we thought we’d follow up with a specific reference. In a letter recently transcribed by Nsalomone, Henry Knox refers to a shipment of overdue overalls. The letter informs us that three boxes of them (along with a medicine chest) are finally headed to Pittsburgh. The letter was written in November, 1791, so one rather suspects that they were eagerly anticipated.

Document Spotlight-Overdue Salary Edition

Recently transcriber Nsalomone brought us a document that reminds us of two important facts about the American Revolution: soldiers did not fight for free, and the new Congress was ill-equipped to perform some of its new responsibilities. It is very well known that Congress had a tough time raising money to support the military during the Revolution. In just a few short lines of text, “The Board of Treasury are so low in resources that they can scarcely make this payment,” we are reminded that soldiers often went months or longer without being paid. Moreover, once Congress found the money to begin paying soldiers, it did not happen all at once; as the letter points out, there was a line of people waiting to be paid: “these claims shall however be attended to in their order and the amount rendered as soon as possible.” It’s worth reflecting on the difficult positions facing both the new national government and the soldiers making sacrifices.

Document Spotlight-“Please, Sir, Could I Please Have Some Clothing?”

Recently transcriber Vpgold transcribed a document that simultaneously recounts the trouble the young nation had keeping its soldiers fed and equipped, and also the troubles soldiers had getting what was owed to them. The letter, penned by army accountant Johnathan Elmer, recounts unfortunate Sergeant Ephraim Dayton’s troubles receiving his clothing allotment from the army. As of July 1788, his clothing vouchers were thirteen months overdue. Elmer seems to take an interest in the situation, and orders that it be resolved immediately.

Document Spotlight-Mr. Hamilton is Ill

Recently transcriber Nsalomone brought us a document in the hand of General Knox. Knox writes to inform that Mr. Hamilton has been taken ill and is stuck in bed. Although he is pleased to report that Mr. Hamilton’s illness seems not to resemble a more serious (but unnamed) illness that is currently circulating, Knox appears concerned about Hamilton’s fever. To add to the concern, Hamilton’s doctor believes it extremely dangerous for Hamilton to leave his bed; consequently, Hamilton will be unable to attend to the President.

Document Spotlight-Whose Side Are They Really On?

Recently transcriber Dawoogie brought us a document that highlights international intrigue and trickery. Jos. Harmar, a military officer, writes a letter to General Knox in which he references an intelligence report of some peaceful Indians. Harmar disputes the intelligence report, however, as he argues that the Indians are, in fact, only pretending to be friendly. He includes some reasons why he believes the Indians to be actually allied with troops from a nearby British fort. The document is quite a fascinating introduction to the problem of determining allegiances on the frontier.

Document Spotlight-Military Appointment Edition

Transcriber HollyPBrickhouse recently brought us a fascinating document detailing the appointment of General Anthony Wayne to the rank of Major General. The 1792 document advised Wayne that he has been appointed to that rank by the President of the United States, and that the United States Senate has ratified the appointment.

Knox encloses in the letter a schedule of pay for Wayne, and asks that Wayne please accept or decline the appointment with a return letter; curiously, Knox asks that an acceptance of the appointment be accompanied by a written oath of office.

Document Spotlight-Nine Thousand Pounds of Cannonballs

Recently, transcriber Nbollen brought us  a document detailing the kinds of logistical considerations military officers faced daily. While not a matter of life or death, officers had to make sure outposts were adequately supplied; likewise, arms or materials sitting around in unnecessary places made it hard to keep hot spots had what they needed.

In this document, Samuel Hodgedon gave a brief summary of the artillery situation at Fort Ransalaer–there seemed to be eight six-pound cannons and one four-pound cannon that were being underutilized. He asked for those cannons, along with carriages, to be taken to Governor’s Island. In addition, he asked that 1,000 nine-pound cannonballs be taken as well, but only if it could be done easily and cheaply.

Document Spotlight-Good Fences Make Good Neighbors

Recently, transcriber Lamar brought us a fascinating look at Indian-American relations and borders. The letter describes a dispute over the actual boundary between United States territory and Cherokee territory. To support his interpretation of the boundary, James W. Henry encloses the transcripts or notes made during negotiations between the two parties in Philadelphia in 1796. Henry remarks that the enclosed notes are the only copies available of those negotiations, and pleads for their safe return.

Document Spotlight-Another Proclamation

Recently, transcriber HollyPBrickhouse brought us this document detailing a preliminary peace agreement between the United States government and several Indian tribes: Wyandots, Chipawas, Ottawas, Potawatamies, Miamies, Shawanaes and Delawares. The agreement was designed to calm tensions until the groups rolled out a permanent treaty. This proclamation is notable for the restrictions it places on American citizens: they are forbidden to enter Indian territory with hostile intentions, and without prior permission from Indian authorities. It also requires American citizens to surrender any Indian prisoners they might be holding, and gives a deadline for compliance with that order.

Document Spotlight-Moravian Indians on the Move

Recently, transcriber Rw1500 brought us a document detailing the movements of a band of Moravian Indians. In what appears to be an intelligence report, the group of approximately 100 men, women, and children had crossed Lake Erie headed for a site they had previously lived on. Too late to settle and raise crops before Winter, the Moravians opted instead to settle temporarily on the Cuyahoga River. The writer, Josiah Harmon, reports that these Indians were known to be friendly to the United States.

Document Spotlight-Jesse Bowles’ Rental

Transcriber Afoxconti recently brought us a document concerning a financial relationship between the government and Jesse Bowles, of Richmond, Virginia. Bowles had essentially rented his home to a Captain Eddins for nearly a year, during which time the home was used as a hospital. For the period beginning November 1798 and ending October, 1799, Bowles was to be paid the sum of $70.
Read the original document here: http://wardepartmentpapers.org/scripto/mediawiki/index.php?title=.NDExNzk.MTcyMzc&rcid=2887.

There are many more documents awaiting transcription. Take a moment to register (http://wardepartmentpapers.org/scripto/register.php) and choose a document to begin your adventure. You will be doing important work by adding to the historical record, and you never know what you will read!

Document Spotlight-West Point Inventory

Recently transcriber Vjorden ran across a document detailing an inventory of public property held at West Point. All these items–which seem to be equestrian in nature–were in the custody of the Quartermaster there. Note the inventory contains not only quantities of the items, but also their disposition. The majority of items are fit for service, but a not insignificant number of them are either needing repair or are unfit for further service.

Document Spotlight-Business with the Alleghany Indians

Transcriber Dawoogie brings us a behind-the-scenes look at American-Indian relations. Secretary of War Henry Knox instructs Lieutenant Jeffers concerning relations with the Alleghany Indians.

In a fascinating look at early American military policy, Knox outlines a set of policies designed to give tangible aid to the Indians. Knox also makes it clear that the American military is willing to support the Alleghanies with ammunition and other supplies. Jeffers is also to provide soldiers to help Alleghany scouts patrol, along with general guidelines as to geography.

Document Spotlight-“Murder of Some Friendly Indians”

Transcriber Dawoogie recently came across a letter from from Henry Knox to the governor of Pennsylvania detailing the murder of some Indians who had been friendly to the United States. Knox laments the murder, and ponders the potential consequences: in the first place, Knox writes, recent progress in peace overtures will be lost. In the second place, it is liable to spark a war between the Indians and Americans.

Further, Knox vows to put the resources of the government to work to find the murderer. Interestingly, though, he reminds the governor that prosecution of the murderer is a state, not a federal, issue.