Disposition of Forces
Document 1799Hamilton makes major modifications to Wilkison's plan for the disposition of American forces and assesses the strength and utility of each post. He argues that the forces will be more effective if they are more concentrated rather than spread too thin.
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Type
Autograph Letter Signed
Description
Hamilton makes major modifications to Wilkison's plan for the disposition of American forces and assesses the strength and utility of each post. He argues that the forces will be more effective if they are more concentrated rather than spread too thin.
Date
09/09/1799
Author
Recipient
Sent from
New York
Collection
Document number
1799090937100
Notable persons
George Washington
Alexander Hamilton
one complete regiment of infantry should be left for Tennessee and the frontiers of Georgia
twelve additional regiments
white families [of Michilmacnac can] furnish about sixty arms bearing men
[at Michilimacnac] corps perdue in case of war with Britain
Notable locations
New York
Rapids of the Ohio
Niagara and Detroit: straits which connect Lake Erie on the one side with the Ontario on the other with the Huron
Michilimacnac, the old motive for retaining this post is to preserve the occupance of an old communication ...calculated to influence the Indians
Fort Massac [is] another portal and the great outlet for the commodities of the Northwestern Territory, Kentucky, etc.
Fort Knox...is only necessary as a guard
Fort Adams...is on a height which completely commands the river and the surrounding country [and should] defy everything but famine
Fort Stoddard [is] critical as to an important river [once] occupied by Spaniards
it commands an important communication with the powerful nations of Savages in the neighborhood
Presque Isle is a very unhealthy situation
Notable items
General Wilkinson's report
influence on public opinion
modification of his plan
I propose the following disposition for the remaining three of the old Regiments
battalion of artillerists
two troops of dragoons allotted for the Western Army
preservation of order and discipline
promoting of economy
reserve of force...will be more impressive on the Indians
dissipation of the whole force among a great number of posts
controlling the northern and northwestern Indians
probability of a continuance of good understanding with Great Britain for some time
have at each station a regular fortification requiring a garrison from 500 to 1000 men
citadel
posts at all times to be supplied for a seige
maintenance of troops [at Michilimacnac] is extremely costly
Fort Fayette [maintains] the safeguard of the inhabitants [and] is a portal to the Western Country [where there is] disaffection to the government
Fort Wayne [has] immediate aspect upon the most warlike of the Indians in that quarter
I do not coincide with General Wilkinson in the dispostion of the Corps de Reserve
prompt attack upon New Orleans
depriving the militia of a necessary support
no jealousy will be excited