Request for military support for the Commissioners of Indian Affairs
Document 1785Secretary at War, Henry Knox, orders Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas Fish, Commander of New York troops, to detach Captain Doughty's company of artillery to support the Commissioners of Indian Affairs at the treaties. This is an execution order. Chain of command, route of march, and logistical support necessary for movement of forces is established by this letter.
Public Service Lieutenant Colonel Fish Commanding the Troops of New York War Office [Docket in margin in another hand] War Office July 22nd. 1785
From the Secretary at War, ordering the march of Major Doughty’s compy
War Office July 22d. 1785
Sir
You will immediately give orders that the new raised company of Artillery belonging to your Corps and now stationed at West Point begin their march on Monday next to the Frontiers, by way of New Windsor Easton Reading Lancaster and Carlisle.
You will direct the Officer commanding the Company on his arrival at Fort McIntosh, to put himself under the orders of the Commissioners for Indian Affairs, and to respect the instructions they shall from time to time give during the holding of the Treaties for the pre==servation of good order and for the safety of the public Stores.
You will procure Water conveyance for the Men to New Windsor, where two four horse Teams are ordered to be in readiness to carry the Baggage and Stores of the Company to Lancaster.
I have written to Captain OHara the Contractor for the Western posts, to provide in due time provisions and transportation for the Troops and Baggage from Lancaster to Fort McIntosh - this I expect he will immediately do, yet it may not be improper to prevent un==forseen delays on the march, that Captain Doughty send forward an Officer to ac= =celerate his Arrangements.
I have been induced to order this Company to the Frontiers under the uncertainty of Colonel Harmar being able to retain a sufficient number of his Men for the protection of the Treaties -Should he however succeed in his endeavours, the Men so retained are directed to move with the Commissioners, and that Captain Doughtys Company will in that case be at liberty to take a position on the Ohio best calculated to advance the public good - Should Colonel Harmar on the other hand prove unsuccessful, Captain Doughty must then proceed with the Commissioners and afford them protection during the Treaties -
Colonel Harmar being com==manding Officer of the Troops in the service of the United States, Captain Doughty is to consider him as such, and be governed accordingly by his orders.
I am Sir Your Most Obedt. and very Hble
HKnox
Lieut. Colonel Fish Commanding the Troops of New York
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