Letter from the Secretary at War
Document 1798In this letter the Secretary at War gives instructions to David Henley for employing runners to carry dispatches. McHenry also states that the bills authorizing the establishment of a government for the Mississippi territory have passed in Congress.
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War office 31 March 1798
Sir.
You will employ without delay an active and confidential Indian, or white man acquainted with the route, to carry the inclosed dispatches, to Walnut Hills & Natches, and instruct him to perform the journey with all possible expedition. If he would lose [strikethrough: no] time in going by the walnut Hills to Natches, a second must be employed to carry the letter directly to Natches. If Col. Butler is at hand, and he thinks there would be no risk in sending one or two trusty dragoons with each of the runners (should different expresses be necessary) I should wish it to be done. Shew him this. I have not time to write him.
The bill for establishing a government for the Mississippi territory has passed, and the government will be immediately put in operation.
With Respect yours,
James McHenry
David Henley Esqr.
[James McHenry 31 March 1798]
Type
Letterbook
Description
In this letter the Secretary at War gives instructions to David Henley for employing runners to carry dispatches. McHenry also states that the bills authorizing the establishment of a government for the Mississippi territory have passed in Congress.
Date
03/31/1798
Author
Recipient
Sent from
War Office
Collection
Document number
1798033100001
Page start
1
Notable persons
David Henley
James McHenry
Colonel Butler
dragoons
Indian
white man
Notable locations
War Office
Natchez
Walnut Hills