[Copy] Instructions to Major General St Clair Sir, The President of the United States, having by and with the advice of the Senate, appointed you a Major General in the Service of the United States and of consequence invested you with the chief command of the troops to be employed upon the frontiers during the ensuing campaign, it is proper that you should be possessed of the views of the Government, respecting the objects of your command; I am therefore authorized and commanded by the President of the United States, to deliver you the following Instructions, as rules to serve as the principles of your conduct: First, it is only general principles which can be pointed out. In the execution of the duties of your station circumstances which can not now be foreseen, may oblige, to render material deviations necessary. Such circumstances will require the exercise of your talents. The Government possesses the security of your character, and mature experience that your judgement will be proper on all occasions. You are well informed of the unfavorable impressions which the issue of the last Campaign has made on the public mind, and you are well aware of the expectations which are formed of the success of the ensuing Campaign. An Indian war under any circumstances, is regarded by the great mass of the people of the United States, as an event which ought, if possible, to be avoided. It is considered, that the sacrifices of blood and treasure, are so far beyond, far exceeding the advantages which can possibly be reaped by it. The great policy therefore of the General Government, is to establish a just and liberal peace with all the Indian tribes within the limits, and in the vicinity of the territory of the United States. Your instructions to the hostile Indians, immediately after the late expedition, through the Wyandots and Delawares. The arrangements with the Senecas who were lately in this City, that part of the Six Nations should repair to the said hostile Indians to influence them to pacific measures, together with the recent mission of Colonel Procter to them for the same purpose, will strongly evince the desire of the general Government to prevent the further effusion of blood, and to quiet all disturbances. And when you shall arrive upon the frontiers, if any other, or further measures, to effect the same object, should present, you will eagerly embrace them, and the reasonable expenses thereof shall be defrayed by the public. Colonel Procter's Instructions, and the messages to the Miamies &c are annexed, marked A. It is however important to be remembered, that all persons employed on this account must, if practicable, return to Fort Washington on, or before the fifth of May next, for the reasons which will hereafter appear. But, if all the lenient measures taken, or which may be taken, should fail to bring the hostile Indians to a just sense of their situation, it will be necessary that you should use such coercive means as you shall possess for that purpose. You are informed, that by an act of Congress passed the second instant, another Regiment is to be raised and added to the military establishment, and provision made for raising two thousand Levies, for the term of six months, for the service of the frontiers. The Plan for raising the said Levies is hereunto annexed, marked B. The second Regiment of Regulars will be recruited in the four New England States, excepting one company to be raised in South Carolina, and another in the State of Delaware. Recruits will be raised to complete the first Regiment, in the States from Maryland to New York, inclusively. The Recruits for the Regulars, as well as Levies will, as soon as they shall have [undecipherable], be mustered by companies, and marched to Fort Pitt, there to receive your further orders. It is contemplated that the mass of the Regulars and Levies may be assembled and rendezvous'd at Fort Washington, by the tenth of July. In this case you will then have assembled a force of three thousand effectives at least, besides leaving small garrisons on the Ohio, in order to perform the arduous expedition herein after mentioned. But notwithstanding, if the Indians should refuse to listen to the Messengers of peace, find that it is most practicable they will, unless prevented, spread themselves along the line of frontiers for the purpose of committing all the depredations in their power. In order to avoid a calamitous movement, Brigadier General Charles Scott of Kentucky, has been authorized by me on the part of the President of the United States, to make an expedition against the Wea or Ouiatenon Towns, with mounted Volunteers or Militia from Kentucky, not exceeding the number of four hundred and fifty, Officers included. That you are perfectly comprehended this subject, Copies of the Instructions given Brigadier General Scott, and the powers vested in him, in conjunction with John Brown, Harry Innes, Benjamin Logan, and Isaac Shelby, endorsed the ninth instant, are hereunto annexed, marked C. You will perceive by the said Instructions, that if the said expedition is not prevented by you, on or before the tenth of May next, that it is to proceed according to the last intimations. The period of the tenth of May has been fixed in order to afford time for Colonel Procter and the other Messengers to return, before the commencement of the said expedition. You will observe that Colonel Procter's instructions are pointed as to the time of his return. You will also perceive by the instructions to Brigadier General Scott, that it is confided to your discretion whether there shall be more than one of the said expeditions of mounted Volunteers, or Militia. Your own view of the objects to be effected by a second depultory expedition, will enable you to form a better judgement than can at present be formed, at this distance. The propriety of a second operation would [undecipherable] in some degree depend on the alacrity and good composition of the troops, of which the first may have been formed. Of its success, of the probable effects a second similar blow would have upon the Indians with respect to its influencing them to peace, or if they should be still hostilely disposed, of preventing them from depredating the frontiers by their parties. It is to be observed that in case of a second, or third depultory operation, that you will limit the numbers to be employed to five hundred. The manner of their being mustered, both before and subsequent to their march, is stated in Brigadier General Scott's instructions. And you will also judge how far a desultory operation, made at the time of the main expedition, would conduce to the general success of the service, or if a party of mounted Volunteers, or Regulars or Levies, were to form part of your main force. In case two such depultory operations should be formed from Kentucky, and you should decide upon a third of the same nature, to support, collectively the main expedition, I suggest the propriety of your employing Brigadier Gen^l John Sevier for the purpose. If circumstances should lead you to decide in favor of employing him, you could send an express to him between the forks of Holstein and French Broad, so that he should have three weeks or a month to make a muster, or perhaps it would be the best plan to mount the Battalion of Levies which is to be employed in the territory of the United States South of the Ohio, and with such additions as you should order, put them under the orders of Brigadier General Sevier. It is however proper to remark, that as the expenses of an expedition of a mounted corps would be very considerable, the probable advantages ought to outweigh the risk and expense. If such operations should be successful, and a considerable number of prisoners should be taken, particularly women and children, it would have the certain effect of humbling the Indians and inducing them to sue for mercy. You will observe in the instructions to Brigadier General Scott, which is to serve as a basis for the instructions to the Commanders who may succeed him, that all prisoners are to be treated with great humanity. It will be found policy to attract the Indians by kindness, after demonstrating to them our power to punish them on all occasions. Whilst you are making preparations for the depultory operations as in your good judgement the occasion may require, you will proceed diligently in making preparations for the main expedition. And having assembled your force, and all things being in readiness, if no decisive indications of peace should have been produced either by the Messengers or by the depultory operations, you will commence your march for the Miami Village, in order to establish a strong and permanent military post at that place. In your advance, you will establish such Posts of communication with Fort Washington on the Ohio, as you may judge of proper. The post at the Miami Village is intended for the purpose of overawing, and enabling the Indians in their greater, and perhaps the only preservation of future hostilities. It ought therefore to be considered success against it will attempt to end, in defeat of their Indians. The garrison to be maintained there should be not only sufficient for the defense of the place, but always to afford a detachment of five or four hundred, or other to checking or discovering of the works or other hostile Indians, or to secure any convoys or provisions. The establishment of said post is considered as an important object of the Campaign, and in to take place in all events. In case of a permanent treaty, the Indians are to be consulted upon this point if possible, and it is presumed good arguments may be offered to induce their acquiescence. The situation, particularly construction of the posts you may erect, will depend upon your own judgement. Major Ferguson of the Artillery will be fully capable of the execution. He will be furnished with three field pieces, and one and a half [undecipherable], there are [undecipherable] orders, and these places [undecipherable] will be with a sufficient quantity of shot and shells, for the purposes of the expedition. The appointment of those pieces will depend upon [undecipherable] indeed. Having commenced your march against the Indians continuing hostilities, you will be as easy as possible, and exertion to make them feel the effects of your superiority, and after having arrived at the Miami Village, and put [undecipherable] in a defensible state, you will push the enemy with the whole of your remaining force, and reduce them by all possible means to make them with great severity. It will be left to your discretion whether to employ, or restrain, any Indians of the Six Nations, and the Chickasaws or other Southern Indians — most probably the employment of about fifty of each under the direction of some discreet and able Chiefs, would be advantageous. But this ought not to be attempted before the line of march is taken up, because they are soon tired and will not be distrained. The force contemplated for the garrison of the Miami Village, and the communications has been from a thousand to twelve hundred, non Commissioned Officers and Privates. This is mentioned only as your general order, to which you will as thereon, or from which you will deviate, as circumstances may require. The garrison posts at the Miami Village and its communications, must have in June at least five months a good jointed Meat, with them in proportion. It is barely possible for the Indians to be conscious that you will be perfectly ready to establish the Miami Village. Several States therefore may be expected, and it is to be presumed, that desperate detachments will strive [undecipherable] and undisciplined Indians. In this event, it is probable that the Indians will sue for peace. If this should be the case, the dignity of the United States will require, that the terms should be liberal. In order to prevent future evils, it might be proper to invite the Wabash and the Miami Tribes over to the Wabash, and thence over to the Miami, and down the Miami to its mouth, at to take this the boundary, excepting in favor of those Wyandots and Delawares, in the disposition of those, continuing faithful to the treaties. And if they should join in the war against the United States, and join our [undecipherable] victorious, the said Tribes ought to be separated without the boundary mentioned. You will also judge whether it would be proper to extend the boundary from the mouth of the river to the People of the Wabash, and discharge to the Mississippi. Few Indians besides the Kickapoos, would be affected by such a line, but this ought to be tenderly, manageably managed. The modification of the boundary must be submitted to your discretion with this single observation, that the policy and interest of the United States dictates their being at peace with the Indians — this is of more value than millions of uncultivated acres, the ought to which may be conceded by some, and disputed by others. The establishment of a post at the Miami Village, will probably be resented by the British Officers on the frontiers as a decisive [undecipherable] of jealousy. It may therefore be necessary that you should at a proper time make such intimations, as may remove all such dispositions. This intimation had better follow than precede the possession of the post, unless circumstances dictate otherwise. As it is not the inclination or interest of the United States to enter into a contest with Great Britain, every such [undecipherable] ing to any disposition, must be prevented. The delicate situation of affairs, may therefore render it improper at present, to make any recent arrangements upon Lake Erie. After you shall have inflicted all the injury to the hostile Indians of which your force may be capable, and after having established the Post and Garrisons at the Miami Village and its communications, and placing the same under the orders of an Officer worthy of such high trust, you will return to Fort Washington on the Ohio. You will please to inform me of all the occurrences of your expedition, in order to be submitted together to the President of the United States, with such observations, as may be necessary to form a comprehensive and precise judgement of the Campaign, and of the further measures proper to be pursued by Government. You will observe by the treaties with the Cherokees, Chickasaws and Cherokees hereunto annexed, marked D. Thus the President of the United States directed the observance thereof, in his Proclamation of the 26^th August 1790. This proclamation became necessary, as information had been received that certain Companies had purchased of the State of Georgia, the pre-emption to the almost entire lands of the said Indian Nations, and that measures were taking in pursuance thereof, to effect settlements on the said lands, in direct violation of the said treaties and the peace of the United States. And information has lately been received, that a certain Doctor O'Fallon, is levying troops in Kentucky, and opening Companies in an illegal manner for the purpose of making certain establishments upon the said lands. The conduct of the said Doctor O'Fallon, is considered of such a nature, as that the Attorney of the district of Kentucky has been directed to commence a prosecution against him according to Law, and the nature of his offence; and in order that all concerned under him should be warned of their situations, the President of the United States has issued another Proclamation which is hereunto annexed, marked E. It is presumed, the arrest of Doctor O'Fallon, and the issuing of the proclamation, will operate to prevent the attempts themselves. But should the party proceed in the execution of their plans, it becomes an important consideration, whether the military shall interpose to prevent this. This point is under consideration of the legal department, and you shall be informed of the result. A numerous [undecipherable] of Indians, have been called Occochappo, [undecipherable] those the [undecipherable] should be [undecipherable] a [undecipherable] for [undecipherable] the Indian lands, and also to secure proper places against the Mississippi. These representations of other Indians to [undecipherable] establishment of others, Governor Blount is [undecipherable] to take the strictest care of this [undecipherable] in a strong posture, to render these Nations cordial to the measure of the proposed Post upon the Tenessee. The Post upon the Mississippi is attended with some difficulties, relative to the Spanish claims, and is not to be attempted at present. Indeed the force required for the main expedition, will prevent the establishment of either post until after the termination of the said expedition. The object is now brought to your own view, in order that you may upon consideration, suggest such further measures arising from its situation, as may be necessary to be adopted on the occasion. It is proper to observe, that certain jealousies have existed among the people of the frontiers, relative to a supposed interference between their interests, and those of the Maritime States. That those jealousies are ill founded with respect to the present Government is obvious. The United States embarked with equal zeal with all parts of the Union, and are in the present case also taking comprehensive arrangements for the protection of the frontiers, and partly in the mode too, which appears to be highly favored by the Kentucky people. The high stations you fill, of Command of the troops and Governor of the Western Territory, will afford you frequent opportunities to impress the frontier Citizens, of the entire good dispositions of the General Government towards them in all reasonable things, and you will render acceptable service by embracing cordially all such opportunities. The discipline of the troops, and their economy in all respects, will come under your consideration. Arrangements will be made for forwarding with the first conveyance which shall march, the carriages of pay for the troops, as far as the same can be ascertained without the pay-master. The Levies which shall be engaged for the first Regiment and the Artillery, will depend upon the supplies. Nothing on hand upon the frontiers. Advances will be made upon the said Supplies Clothing; for about five hundred and fifty complete suits. A Quartermaster-piece of the Recruits of the first Regiment, and the Artillery, will be clothed, and all will have blankets. From the greater part which shall be completely clothed, the Officers will make arrangements for rendering all the men comfortable. The second Regiment will be clothed. For the blankets which shall be issued (from the number of which you shall be informed,) a deduction must be made from the clothing for the troops on the frontiers, and a [undecipherable] thereof made to the Indian Department for the purpose of the proposed treaty. The Goods necessary for a treaty shall be furnished, and your Estimates upon this subject shall be duly regarded. Medicines, Instruments, Tents and Ordnance Stores, and such artillery as necessary for the proposed expedition will be furnished. Samuel Hodgdon, who has been appointed the Quarter-master under your direction, will repair to the frontiers as soon as the shall have made the necessary arrangements here of the Supplies. He will be entirely under your orders, in all respects, and he must produce your orders for all the general objects of expenditures, such as boats, horses and other arrangements for transportation. The provisions will be transported at the expense of, and by the means to be provided by the Contractors. To the Quarter Master's department will belong the transportation of the troops from Fort Pitt to the Rendezvous, and the return transportation of the Levies. The transportation by land of the Ordnance Stores, Hospital Stores, and such essential baggage as you may direct, upon the expedition. It would be unnecessary to be particular to an Officer of your experience, on the article of a great quantity of baggage. The nature of the service on which you will be employed, will preclude the idea of all baggage which shall not be indispensible for the existence of the Officers and Soldiers. The horses therefore that you may require for such objects is [undecipherable] not exceed the number of [undecipherable]. As you will [probably] want them for several months, it will be more economical to purchase them to hire them, and after the expedition to sell them again. As Mr. Mentges the Inspector will be upon the spot, you will direct to muster him [and inspect] all the troops as regularly as the service will permit. But the Regulars and Levies must be mustered on their first arrival at Fort Washington. You will please to appoint some skilful person to make natural Survey of your march, be corrected (if the case will admit of it) by proper astronomical observations, and of all Posts you may occupy, and transmit the result to this Office. The [Quartermaster] will also accompany [herewith] the Sum of [undecipherable] Dollars. This money will be for such contingencies as shall arise either for intelligence, or the objects of the Indian Department, and for which you will account. Besides the depultory operations before recited, for the protection of the frontiers, the President of the United States has been pleased to direct that the Lieutenants of the several frontier Counties of Pennsylvania, Virginia and Kentucky, should be invested with the temporary authority, and under the restrictions contained in their instructions, of which the papers marked F is a copy. You will perceive that the authority given to the said County Lieutenants has been great. The continuance of the said authority, will depend upon you. Although the protection to be afforded must be equal to the occasion, yet the expense ought not to be unnecessarily continued. You will therefore, upon being convinced that the dangers, which the County Lieutenants may call out, in pursuance of the said authority, would not any longer be necessary for the protection of the inhabitants, direct the said Lieutenants to discharge the same, on account of the United States. It would be proper when you issue such orders, that it should be done by some responsible character, who will certify to you the time of the delivery in order that the public should not pay the expenses of the said Rangers after such notification. You will judge how far a similar protection is to be extended to the Settlements in the territory of the United States north west of the Ohio. A similar copy has been transmitted officially to the Secretary of the said Territory. Horses and equipements will be provided for the mounting one hundred cavalry for the purposes of the main expedition. At the termination of the expedition, you will direct the Quarter Master, to sell the horses, excepting such a small number as you shall consider indispensibly necessary for the communication of the Posts. Although it is expected that you will have assembled at Fort Washington, by the tenth of July next, a force of three thousand effectives, consisting of regular troops and levies, besides a sufficient numbers for the occupancy of the posts on the Ohio and Wabash, yet circumstances may possibly arise to prevent the expectation from being realized. In this event the expedition must not languish. In order therefore to supply the numbers essential for the expedition, you must call forth in the name of the President of the United States, the Militia of Pennsylvania, Virginia, or the district of Kentucky, for the purpose. I particularly grant you orders found upon this occasion upon the acts of Congress, of the thirteenth of April, and the thousand from one hundred and ninety, and of the third of March, one thousand seven hundred and ninety one, and direct the Lieutenants of such of the Counties, as well most readily afford the Militia required, agreeably to the following form. Sir, The President of the United States has been authorized by the two following acts, to call into Service the Militia of the several States for the purposes of protecting the frontiers. To wit: An act intitled, "An Act for regulating the military establishment of the United States, passed the thirtieth day of April, one thousand seven hundred and ninety, and an act entitled, "An Act for raising and adding another Regiment to the military establishment of the United States, and for making farther provision for the protection of the frontiers, passed the third day of March, One thousand seven hundred and ninety one." And the President of the United States, has by his instructions to me, as the Commanding General of the troops of the United States, bearing date the twenty first day of March, one thousand seven hundred and ninety one, communicated to me by the Secretary for the Department of War, invested me with full authority in the premises. I do hereby require you as the Lieutenant of the County of [undecipherable] forthwith to detach of the Militia of said County. Non commissioned Officers and Privates, and the following commissioned Officers, to wit: the said Officers, non commissioned Officers and Privates, to serve for [undecipherable] months, unless sooner discharged, and upon the same pay and rations as the troops of the establishment. It will be important that the most perfect communication should be kept up between you and this office. The regular post proceeds from this City to Fort Pitt, every other Friday. An arrangement will be made after the fifteenth or twentieth of next month to obtain express riders, to proceed to Fort Pitt, on the Fridays which the post omits, so that the communication will be weekly. I earnestly request that you would make an efficient arrangement from garrison to garrison on the Ohio, so that every received some dependable information from you of the State of affairs. Mr. Duer, the Contractor for provisions is now in this City, making the arrangements with the Secretary of the Treasury for the furnishing the provisions for the troops under your orders. The number of Rations will be estimated after you leave Fort Washington, at four thousand [per] day. The Contractor promises the highest exertions in order to furnish the rations which may be required, in due season. As your arrangements, and success will greatly depend upon his punctuality, it will be important that you should afford him all the facility which the public interests may require. Such objects relative to the troops or the proposed operations, as may not have been touched upon in the foregoing instructions, and which may hereafter occur, will be contained in future letters. In the mean time, I have the honor with the greatest sincerity, to wish you all possible success. Given at the War Office of the United States in the City of Philadelphia, this Twenty first day of March, One thousand seven hundred and Ninety One. (Signed) H. Knox Secretary of War