Historical Society of Pennsylvania: Manuscript Department
244 documents
Collision of State and Federal Jurisdictions
In response to President Washington's suspension thereof, Governor Mifflin makes his case for the establishment of a town at Presque Isle as necessary for the defense of the western frontier of …
William Irvine PapersAvoiding a General Indian War
Discusses how a proposed move against "the more Western tribes" might provoke the Six Nations; notes that these factors, in addition to "precarious" relations with the Creeks, could well bring on a …
William Irvine PapersAttaching Chickasaws to the United States
Robertson has engaged Robert Thompson, a Chickasaw who speaks some English, to accompany the three Chickasaw warriors who will visit Wayne's camp. Their nation is powerful and it will be useful to …
Simon Gratz Autograph Collection.Articles for a 44-Gun Frigate
Document reporting on the dimensions of materials for a 44-gun frigate, and fittings and stores for same. Joshua Humphreys is a reputed shipbuilder.
Uselma Clarke Smith Collection #1378DAbandonment of the Territory of the State
Governor Mifflin expresses his strong objections to the abandonment of a great portion of the territory of his State to the Six Nations of Indians as provided for by the Council held at Fort Le Beouf.
William Irvine PapersRequest for Scouts in Virginia Counties
Pickering will request approval from President for spies to be employed in Virginia counties to protect against hostile Indians. Informed Brooke of peace accord between Indian tribes and U.S.
Dreer CollectionRequest for Information on Dimensions of Iron Kentledge [Ballast]
Pickering asks that Humphreys inform him of the exact dimensions of the kentledge [scrap metal ballast] already received for use on the new frigates, that more may be contracted for.
Joshua Humphreys CorrespondenceRequest for Help to a Captain in Finding Lumber Buyers
Knox informs Humphreys that the bearer, Captain Malcolm, is from the region in Maine to which Knox is moving. Malcolm has brought in a cargo of lumber, and asks Humphreys to help Malcolm find …
Joshua Humphreys CorrespondenceRequest for Advice on the Cutting of Planks for a Frigate [Chesapeake]
Requests Humphrey's opinion on the current building of the frigate at Norfolk [the Chesapeake], and the dimensions of the planks being cut for her construction.
Joshua Humphreys CorrespondenceRegarding the Storage of a Supply of Handspikes
Refers to a problem with storing handspikes -- if they cannot be stored at the shipyard, Pickering notes that placement in the common storage would cost more than the entire cost of the handspikes. …
Joshua Humphreys CorrespondenceRegarding the Procurement of Bolts for Shipbuilding at Baltimore
Pickering states that Mr. Francis will be asking Humphreys about the quantity of bolts [presumably for the building of a frigate] that must be sent to Baltimore. Comments that the contracted smiths …
Joshua Humphreys CorrespondenceRecommending Ensign McCutcheon
The authors recommend Ensign McCutcheon for appointment as an officer in the artillery of the U.S.
William Irvine PapersOpposing the Town at Presqu' Isle
Pickering responds to Governor Mifflin's declaration that a town is needed at Presque Isle to provide a garrison for state troops to supplement the federal garrison at Fort Le Boeuf. He lists the …
William Irvine PapersOn the legality of Colonel Reed selling liquor to troops
On behalf of Captain Bissell, commander at Presque Isle, Pickering requests legal opinion from the US District Attorney on what legal measures can be taken against Colonel Reed, who is selling liquor …
Rawle Papers, 3 Official Correspondence, Attorney for U.S. District of P.A., 1791-1800.On the legality of citizens arming their vessels in time of peace
Reports from the port of Philadelphia indicate that some civilians are arming their vessels. Secretary Pickering asks lawyer William Rawle whether it is lawful for citizens of United States, in time …
Rawle Papers, 3 Official Correspondence, Attorney for U.S. District of P.A., 1791-1800.Manning the Post at Presqu' Isle
Governor Mifflin responds to Pickering's opposition to the post at Presque Isle by explaining how it could be adequately manned by state militia paid by the General Government.
William Irvine PapersLegal inquiry regarding incursions into Spanish territory in Florida
Some Spanish subjects, along with Americans from Georgia made expedition into Florida, took a Spanish fort, killed Spanish soldiers, stole property. Spanish government has complained. Asks questions …
Rawle Papers, 3 Official Correspondence, Attorney for U.S. District of P.A., 1791-1800.
