Anthony Wayne Letterbooks Vol.1-3
162 documents

Debunking Indian Accusations of Aggressive Movement; Drilling, Equipping, & (Re)Enlisting Troops
08/08/1793 Author's Letterbook CopyWayne defends his preparations and provisioning as limited and un-aggressive. Dismisses Indian allegations of stockpiling food (as for a march) at the forts, stating only just enough for the …
Anthony Wayne Letterbooks Vol.1-3
Dealings with Cornplanter
03/09/1793 Recipient's Letterbook CopyAs stated earlier, the Cornplanter is no longer needed in Philadelphia because the Farmer's brother and others have provided the necessary information. It is unfortunate that rumors have spread that …
Anthony Wayne Letterbooks Vol.1-3
Consideration of Public Opinion and U.S. Reputation in Possible Indian War
01/05/1793 Recipient's Letterbook CopyKnox expresses concern regarding the public's negative reaction to an Indian war and hopes that the current peace negotiations are successful. He fears that an Indian war will inevitably result in the …
Anthony Wayne Letterbooks Vol.1-3
Commissioners Appointed to Deal With Indians; Howitzers to Be Sent
03/02/1793 Recipient's Letterbook CopyUpon approval of the President, the howitzers requested by Wayne will be provided. The President has appointed three Commissioners to negotiate with the Indians.
Anthony Wayne Letterbooks Vol.1-3
Commissioners Advise No Movement, Lest Indians Interpret it as Hostile
05/27/1793 Extract of LetterPeace commissioners advise Knox that Wayne should not undertake any movement, lest it provoke the Indians.
Anthony Wayne Letterbooks Vol.1-3
Colonel Strong's Movements Alarm Indians; Logistics & Personnel of Legion
07/20/1793 Recipient's Letterbook CopyThe peace commissioners are alarmed by Col. Strong's movements so they must be halted immediately. Various logistical and personnel matters are discussed.
Anthony Wayne Letterbooks Vol.1-3
Case of Ensign Morgan; Irregularities in Regulations for Paying Troops
11/29/1793 Recipient's Letterbook CopyThe President regrets that the case of Ensign Morgan has yet to be resolved. The Comptroller has identified irregularities in the payments made by the paymaster who needs to be reminded of the …
Anthony Wayne Letterbooks Vol.1-3
Awaiting List of Promotions & Appointments, as Essential to Legion Morale
03/08/1793 Author's Letterbook CopyWayne is anxiously awaiting the list of promotions and appointments in the Legion. He warns that the list is needed as a matter of morale and discipline.
Anthony Wayne Letterbooks Vol.1-3
Assessment of Strength at All Posts & Garrisons, Disposition of Spies, and Details of Officer Shortage
03/30/1793 Author's Letterbook CopyWayne provides an assessment of troop and officer strength at each of the posts and garrisons under his command. He laments the shortage of qualified officers which has required the posting of …
Anthony Wayne Letterbooks Vol.1-3
Adding Regiments to the Army; Contestation of British Posts, Defective Howitzers, and Promotions
01/24/1793 Author's Letterbook CopyWayne expresses his pleasure regarding the approval of Congress for adding regiments to his army. He wants to contest British possession of several posts on Lake Erie so that they may be added to the …
Anthony Wayne Letterbooks Vol.1-3
Accountability for Legion Stores & Pay, Recruitment Issues
01/26/1793 Recipient's Letterbook CopyKnox requests that all articles and stores sent to the Legion be strictly accounted for. This should not take time from training the marksmen but strict accountability of public property is very …
Anthony Wayne Letterbooks Vol.1-3
Wayne's Power to Prosecute the Campaign
07/11/1794 Recipient's Letterbook CopyBeing so far from the seat of government, Knox is bestowing on Wayne complete power to prosecute the campaign in whatever manner he chooses. Two thousand volunteers from Kentucky will soon be joining …
Anthony Wayne Letterbooks Vol.1-3
Victory Necessary for Permanent Peace; Measures Undertaken for Supplying, Paying, and Reinforcing Legion
05/10/1794 Recipient's Letterbook CopyKnox tells Wayne that victory over the Indians is essential if they are ever to become serious about a permanent peace. Every step is being taken to ensure that the Legion is properly provisioned and …
Anthony Wayne Letterbooks Vol.1-3
The Sad Affair of Capt. Big Tree of the Seneca
01/25/1794 Author's Letterbook CopyCaptain Big Tree, the Seneca chief, has committed suicide for unknown reasons; mentions that he was a companion of Cornplanter and New Arrow. Records a speech given by Big Tree at that time, …
Anthony Wayne Letterbooks Vol.1-3
Supplement: Truce with Indians, and Considerations of Possible Treaty
01/18/1794 Author's Letterbook CopySupplement to prior letter of same date; Wayne laments the arrival of the Indians' truce flag, as he was set to seize Girtystown (now St. Mary's Ohio), in the center of the hostile tribes' region, but …
Anthony Wayne Letterbooks Vol.1-3
Situation Report on Foreign Diplomacy and Orders for Wayne in Ohio Country
03/31/1794 Recipient's Letterbook CopyIn a long and wide-ranging letter, Knox touches on a number of important subjects including the necessity of preventing American settlers from intruding on Spanish territory and the the prospect of …
Anthony Wayne Letterbooks Vol.1-3
Seizure of Grand Glaize; Expectation of Battle with British & Indians Near Roche de Bout
08/14/1794 Author's Letterbook CopyNotes that Indians have abandoned Grand Glaize area villages, and that they would have been taken totally unawares if not for the desertion of a quartermaster from the Legion who gave them warning. …
Anthony Wayne Letterbooks Vol.1-3
Report of Deserter Claiming to Have Been Captured By Indians & Escaped
10/04/1794 Recipient's Letterbook CopyAn alleged deserter claims that he was captured by Indians and later released. If he appears in Pittsburgh, he is to be apprehended and sent to Fort Washington and on to Legion headquarters.
Anthony Wayne Letterbooks Vol.1-3
Report of Battle at Fort Recovery; Supposition of British Involvement
07/07/1794 Author's Letterbook CopyReport of battle at Fort Recovery, on the site of St. Clair's Defeat, with the Indians driven off after 2 days. Reports loss of officers; believes Indians to be low on provisions, but a force of …
Anthony Wayne Letterbooks Vol.1-3
Report of Battle at Fallen Timbers, and Subsequent Destruction of Indian Property
08/28/1794 Author's Letterbook CopyReports victory in battle with Indians and British (Canadian) militia on Aug. 20 [Battle of Fallen Timbers]. Describes battle in detail, including tactics, officers and units recommended for bravery, …
Anthony Wayne Letterbooks Vol.1-3
Regarding Kentucky Volunteers, Garrisons, Contractors' Dishonesty, & Plans to Advance
05/07/1794 Author's Letterbook CopyThanks Knox for transmitting the President's commendation. Discusses payment of Kentucky volunteers. Notes troops who will be sent to establish a post at Massac. Notes that the garrisons in his rear …
Anthony Wayne Letterbooks Vol.1-3
Ration Shortages, Fort and Road-Building in Indian Lands, and Expectation of Further Action by British & Indians.
09/20/1794 Author's Letterbook CopyNotes continuing ration shortages. Describes Legion activities in last several weeks, consisting of improving fortification at Fort Defiance and cutting a wagon road between it and a new fort at "the …
Anthony Wayne Letterbooks Vol.1-3
Provisions Used and Required; Reclaiming Site of St. Clair's Defeat; Skirmishes with Indians
01/08/1794 Author's Letterbook CopyWayne will forward returns of stores used, and transmit supply needs for coming months; encloses list of men whose enlistments will expire before June, and lists new promotions. Notes conclusion of …
Anthony Wayne Letterbooks Vol.1-3
Officer Recommendations & Resignations
06/12/1794 Author's Letterbook CopyRecommendations for officer promotions, and losses due to resignation (speeded in one case by alcoholism).
Anthony Wayne Letterbooks Vol.1-3
Mysterious Lack of Indian Activity
03/03/1794 Author's Letterbook CopyMajor General Anthony Wayne comments that no Indians have been encountered since mid January, neither for peace purposes or further attacks. Wayne hopes the Indians are inclined to peace, but vows to …
Anthony Wayne Letterbooks Vol.1-3
