Collection

Transcription Project

• Journal of Commissioners at Treaty of Hopewell, South Carolina

  Entry reports that Headmen and warriors of Cherokees assembled. Ordered that interpreters inform Indians that commissioners will meet the following day at 10 o'clock, under the bower erected for that purpose.
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  Payment to Lieutenant Peter Shoemaker

  Certification of payment of $129.13 to Lieutenant Peter Shoemaker and his men.

• Three Members Shy of a Government

  Knox reports that Congress is now three members shy of a government. Knox also notes that "the Spring impost amounting by computation to 300,000 dollars will be lost to the general government by its not meeting at the time appointed."

• Six Members Short of Forming a Government

  Knox reports that Congress is 6 members short of forming a government. He estimates it will be 1 April before sufficient members are present in New York. He mentions that Colonel Hanson of Alexandria will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of the desired Hartford cloth and federal buttons (made in New York) to Washington.

• New Government Should be Formed by March 26th

  Knox reports additional members from New Jersey and Pennsylvania are expected in New York within 48 hours. The election dispute in New Jersey that delayed its members is now settled. William Smith from Maryland has arrived. Knox reports the number of Senators now at 10. Knox estimates a government to be formed by 26 March. Knox states that the manner of informing the new President of his appointment is much debated. Knox expects that Charles Thompson will officially notify Washington of his appointment.

• Number of Senators and Representatives Present in New York

  Knox reports the number of Senators and Representatives present in New York now stands at 9 and 22 respectively. Knox notes the addition of William Patterson, Samuel Griffin, and Andrew Moore but still no representation from either Maryland or Delaware.

• Sufficient Numbers to Form the New Government

  Knox informs Washington that expected within the week are sufficient numbers of representatives needed to form a government. Knox adds that three members from Virginia have just arrived.

• Delays in Forming the New Government

  Knox reports that the number of members of the new government present in New York is stalled at 8 Senators and 18 representatives. This delay in forming the government is a matter of "great chagrin." Knox notes that letters have been forwarded to the absent members of government from Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. Knox estimates it maybe a month before absent members arrive in New York.

• Elections and Appointments to the New Congress

  Knox informs Washington that, since his last letter on 5 March, there have been only two additional Congressional representatives to arrive in New York. Knox also notes an election dispute between East and West Jersey has delayed the arrival of representatives from that state. The legislature of New York, Knox adds, has broken up without appointing Senators. This is due to a dispute between the New York House and Senate over which body could make the senatorial appointments. Knox points out that the House of Representatives in New York contains a majority of Anti-Federals while the state senate is comprised mostly of Federals. Knox opines that Federals in the New York senate have acted "honorably" by threatening to send no representation rather than "saddle the government with two Anti-Federals."

• Required Quorums of the New Government

  Knox informs Washington that members of the new government are assembling in New York but have not yet reached sufficient numbers to constitute a quorum. Knox reports that 12 will be a quorum in the Senate and 30 in the House. By Knox's count, only 8 Senators and 17 Congressman are now present in New York. Knox also mentions that Colonel Wadsworth has obtained "super fine" brown Hartford cloth for Washington.

• Shipment of American Cloth to the Washingtons

  Knox informs Washington that the requested cloth was shipped by stage today. Knox identifies the cloth as 13.5 yards of 3/4 wide bottle green cloth of the Hartford manufacture. Knox also notes the price of the cloth is reasonable and the route of shipment will proceed via Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Alexandria.

• Information on Requested Cloth and Election Results

  Knox assures Washington that when the requested cloth arrives it will be shipped by stage without delay. Knox also relays election news indicating that Washington received every vote for President from Maryland and all other states in the south. Voting from New Jersey and Delaware, Knox notes, is not yet available.

• American Cloth Available in New York

  Knox responds to Washington's request for American cloth. Knox informs Washington that American cloth is inferior in quality to English cloth Knox also states that he has recently been ill.

• Murder of a Creek Indian & Comparative Rank of Officers

  Knox forwards a letter to Washington from Governor Telfair that reports of a murder of a Creek Indian. Knox opines that Telfair appears to have taken appropriate measures. He also mentions issues of rank between regular and militia officers.

• Secretary of War takes Leave to Boston

  Knox informs the President that he is departing for Boston. Information of a war continues as vague and uncertain as ever.
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  Satisfaction Relative to the Cecil Company's Contract, Etc.

  It will soon be obvious how much satisfaction can be given by the Cecil Company relative to the contract they have negotiated. Mr. Nancy cannot be spared before he has completed five or six guns.
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  Filling of Order for Horse Harness Articles

  Sends requested horse harness, listing the items in detail, including collars and artillery horse chains.
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  Relative Rank of the Field Officers of the New Regiments, Etc.

  McHenry wants Hamilton's opinion regarding the rule used to determine the relative rank of field officers in the new regiments and inquires as to whether there should be alterations in the rule regarding the officers who are above the rank of major.
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  Appointment as Inspector General, with the Rank of Major General

  McHenry informs Hamilton that he has been appointed Inspector General of the Provisional Army with the rank of Major General and includes a list of subordinate general officers.
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  The Necessity of Calling You Into Service

  Among other matters, Wolcott suggests to Hamilton that he replace McHenry as Secretary of War. He discusses the claims of British creditors and the progress of sickness in Philadelphia
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  Letter from Secretary of War Henry Knox to Daniel Smith, Esquire, Secretary of Treasury of United States South of Ohio River

  Knox informs Daniel Smith that his letters have been forwarded to President of United States General George Washington. Smith was present at Hanging Maw's house during the attack and murders by Major Beard and his men. Knox discusses the excesses Smith reported on; is sympathetic to Smith's plight. The President will be meeting with Governor Blount to discuss reestablishing order in his government.
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  Letter from Secretary of War Henry Knox to Governor Blount on the Mero district, on offensive operations against the hostile Indians and President Washington's policies, the role of congress, use of the militia, return of stores for the Chickasaws, and Blount's expected arrival with the heads of the Cherokees

  Discusses defense of citizens of Mero District. Refers to the difficulties that President Washington faces since Congress is not in session. Notes the seriousness of plunging nation into war with Southern Tribes. Knox advises Blount that if war and depredations continue, protection must be defensive. Offensive operations require authority of congress. If militia is employed, take care to ensure accurate musters, limit their time engaged, and dismiss as soon as possible. Recommends using Captain Kerr's company. Discusses need for a post at the crossing of Cumberland River for security. Asks that arms be sent to General Robertson. Stores from General Wayne to be given to Chickasaws as evidence of friendship, to include arms, powder, flints, lead, corn, vermillion, salt, whiskey, an armorer and tools.
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  Letter from Secretary of War Henry Knox to William Blount, Governor of Territory of United States South of Ohio River

  Knox relays to Governor Blount, President Washington's desire to invite John Watts, Little Turtle, and as many of the real chiefs of Cherokees to pay a visit to Philadelphia where they would be abundantly supplied for themselves and their nation. President Washington believes such a journey would help remove causes of hostility. Knox discusses expenses of presents and asks Blount to keep the number of attendees and costs down. Asks that Blount accompany the entourage. Reminds Blount to regularly muster the militia. As for the meeting date, Knox proposes 17 April 1793 in order to roughly coincide with peace talks with the Western Indians [Sandusky Conference].
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  Extract of letter from Major Henry Gaither to Secretary of War Henry Knox reporting that Governor of Georgia Telfair has improperly called up militia and in greater numbers than is necessary

  Gaither reports that the Georgia militia in service has been improperly called up by the Governor of Georgia Telfair, and in excessive numbers. Gaither has proposed using the authorized federal troops to defend the frontier. If this were to prove insufficient, then he would recommend calling out the necessary numbers of militia. Because to the current arrangement, Gaither wants nothing to do with the militia, unless they can be put under his command.

• Clarification on Command of Troops in Kentucky and Tennessee

  Washington specified that all of General Wilkinson's troops should be under Hamilton's direction so as to avoid confusion in communication.