Wayne sends a situation report to Knox
Item
Type
Autograph Letter Signed
Title
Wayne sends a situation report to Knox
Description
Letter, discusses treaty between Creeks and Spain; discusses smooth bore muskets, rifles and tactics; describes land ceded to the United States by the Treaty of 1783; mentions national debt.
short description
Ltr, dis treaty between Creeks & Spain.
year created
1789
month created
12
day created
25
author
sent from location
Richmond, State of Georgia
recipient
in collection
in image
note
Cited in Knox to Wayne, 02/07/1790.
cited note
Cited document addressed to the War Office
notable person/group
Henry Knox
Anthony Wayne
Gordon
Gen. Burgoyne
Osbourn
McGillivray
notable location
Richmond, State of Georgia
Yazou River
Louisiana
West Florida
America
West Indies
Canada
Atlantic [Ocean]
Alamaha River
River St. Mary
United States
Georgia
Mississippi
notable item/thing
prevent the fugitives from taking protection under the Spaniards
under the authority of the federal government
suffered so much by the depredations of the Indians
readiness to take the field
plenipotentiaries
troops you mention
protect the inhabitants on the seaboard
accurate survey of part of that country
boundaries
[boundary]
immediate attention of the Secretary of the Treasury
President & the Chief Justice of the States
lands in question are second to none in America
sinking the national debt
further appropriation of the crown
governments of the West Indies and Canada
other principal than insanity
attempting to grant this district of country to desperate adventurers
adhere to the Spaniards
precipitate us into a war with the indians
most favorable point of view
indubitable right to grant the land
upon a full investigation it will be found to be the propriety of the United States
apprehend may ultimately effect their claim to the exclusive right of the navigation of that river & to the lands annexed to West Florida by a royal proclamation
effect to hold by right of conquest
suggest the expediency as well as the good policy in Congress to take immediate possession of those lands
establish civil government in the southern district the soonest possible in order to prevent the mischievous onsequences that may very probably arise from the emigration now taking place
cession of country
mentioned in the enclosed protest
account for the idle conduct of the legislature of Georgia
present in the nation when they arrived, examined part of them and thought they were very excellent
few days previous to the indians setting out for the proposed treaty
no room to doubt the existence of such treaty
hostile incursions of that government
extension of the settlement towards the Mississippi
part which relates the capture of Gen. Burgoyne and his army was the subject of conversation
professional gentlman who had been in the British services asked my opinion of the efficacy of rifles
british attributed in great degree the loss of that army that a few of them in the hands of expert marksmen might occasionally be serviceable of small desultory parties covered by woods & behind works
supported by troops properly armed
observed that the Creek nation were so well convinced of the superiority of the smooth bore in war that during the course of the last summer they applied to the Spanish government for six thousand strand
only person that I have yet heard who saw that instrument
beg leave to mention an other strong corroboratin circumstance which came to my knowledge a few days since dining in company with some gentlemen
particular friend of the indian
Gordons history of the American War
there is such a treaty actually existing
good ground to believe
honored with your favor
extraordinary conduct in Mr. Osbourn to conceal information so important for the commissioners to be made acquainted with
recent treaty between the Creeks & Spanish nation
document number
1789122540001
page start
1
transcription
D. S2 Gen Wayne 3507 721-2
XXVII-93
Richmond State of Georgia
Dear Sir 25th Dec. 1789
I have been honored with your favor of the 28th undecipherable , & think with you, that it was very extraordinary conduct in Mr Osbourn to conceal information so important for the Commifsioners to be made acquainted with as the recent treaty between the Creeks & Spanish Nation-that there is such a treaty actually existing, I have good ground to believe, as it was mentioned by Mr Gilvery to other Gentlemen as well as to Mr Osbourn, altho he is the only person that I have yet heard of who saw that instrument I must beg leave to mention an other strong corroborating circumstances which came to my knowledge afew days since, dining
dining in company with some Gentleman in Savannah among whom, was a MrGilvery a relation & particular freind of the Indian MrGilvery (mentioned in my letter of the 25th Oct) Gordons history of the American War, & particularly that part which relates the capture of Genl Burgoyne & his Army was the subject of conversation-when a profefsinal Gentleman who had been in the British services, asked my opinion of the efficacy of rifles to the undecipherable of undecipherable the British attributed in a great degree the lofs of that Army-I gave my sentiments very candidly that I thought them a very improper arm for an Army, that a few of them in the hands of expert marksmen might occasionally be serviceable for small desultory parties, when covered by thick woods, & behind works, and supported by troops properly armed. Mr McGilvery observed
Genl.Wayne 25th.0789.XXVII-93 2 sheet 3
observed that the Creek Nation were so well convincing of this superiority of the smooth bore in war, that during the course of the last summer, they applied to the Spanish Government for Six Thousand strand, that he was present in the Nation when they arrived, examined part of them & thought they were very excellent This was but afew days previous to the Indians selling out for the proposed treaty, which has since fell through; these circumstances taken together, causes no room to doubt, the exsistance of some such treaty, & that they are undecipherable in their hostile incursions by that Government who view with a undecipherable the extension of the settlements towards the Mifsifsifpi, which they proably apprehend may ultimately effect their claim to the exclusive right of the navigation of that river & to the lands annexed to West Flordia by a Royal proclaimation subsequent to
4
to that of 1763, & which they effect to hold by right of conquest.
here let us pause-& permit me to suggest the expedicency, as well as good policy in Congress to take immediate possession of those lands, & to establish Civil Government in the Southern District the soonest possible, in order to prevent the mischevious consequences that may very probably arrise from the Emigration now about taking place, in consequence ^on a cession of country on the Mississippi mentioned in the enclosed protest, I am not account for ^the idle conduct of the Legislature of Georgia, whom any other principal than insanity, in attempting to grant this district of country to desperate adventures-who when out of reach of this Govt may adhere to the Spaniards-(which is not improbable) on precipitate us into a war with the Indians;
take
XXVII-93 Genl.Wayne-25th.1789. 3 sheet (5
9941
take in the most favorable point of view, it appears to me at least minature, imprudent & impolite even if they had an indubitable right to grant the land, which I very much doubt, on the contrary, I believe whom a full investigation, it will be found to be the property of the United States & not of any particular State; for by the Royal Proclaimation of 1763 which added the lands between the Rivers Alabamaha & St Marys to Georgia, all the lands within the high point; dividing this water that fell into the Atlantic, & lying between that & the Mifsifsifpi; is particulary received us not just to others & further is appropriation of the Crown; which is a subsequient Proclaimation was added to the Government of West Indies & Canada & by the definitive treaty of 1783 was ceded to the United Sates in common,
6
and not to any particular State.
As this is a subject of the best importances to undecipherable, as the lands in question second to none in America, which if properly improved may be found a very operating find towards sinking the National debt, it is therefore an object which meets the Immediate attention of the Secretary of the Treasury, who by announcing the proclaimation & treaty alluded to, an additon to the solid information; that is in the power of the undecipherable President & the Chief Justice of the United States undecipherable with a subject with which they must be so well aquainted, as the boundaries, which they themselves dictated in 1773 (& I believe Strike-through text they experienced some trouble, & that it recieved some addrefs to have the Spanish claims to their ammended boundaries of West Florida. I also take the liberty of inclosing Capt Hutchins's
topographical
7
topographical discription of Louisiana & West Florida/ by comparing it with an accurate survey of part of that Country from the River ___erville, to the river varo (which I did myself the honor of undecipherable to his Excellency the President of the United States some time last summer, it may serve to give to me ideas of the vast importances of this Country to the undecipherable at the expence of whose blood & treasure that occasion was obtained, & had it not have been for the uncommon addrefs, the ^undecipherable plenipotentiaries already mentioned of undecipherable yet this undecipherable have been the property of Spain?
United Congrefs have time to investigate this subject & to form some system for the undecipherable of the Southern District the troops you mentioned as destined for Georgia, may be so ___tioned
us
8
as to protect the Inhabitants on the sea board which is the undecipherable of the State from the undecipherable of the Indians; prevent the fugitives from taking protection under the Spaniards, & secure the detachment from surprise, they may be landed upon the spot supplied by water, & so disposed of as to hold pofsefsion for the United States, & in a great measure to discountenance undecipherable accept under the authority of the Federal Government
Property is held by so precarious atenor I have already suffered so much by the depredations, of the Indians in ths State- that I am almost determined to leave it, at all events I do so arrange matters as to be in readinefs to take the field, should adverse operations be determined upon against the Creek Nation
undecipherable I am with much esteem undecipherable most obt servt
Humblest
Ant Wayne
XXVII-93
Richmond State of Georgia
Dear Sir 25th Dec. 1789
I have been honored with your favor of the 28th undecipherable , & think with you, that it was very extraordinary conduct in Mr Osbourn to conceal information so important for the Commifsioners to be made acquainted with as the recent treaty between the Creeks & Spanish Nation-that there is such a treaty actually existing, I have good ground to believe, as it was mentioned by Mr Gilvery to other Gentlemen as well as to Mr Osbourn, altho he is the only person that I have yet heard of who saw that instrument I must beg leave to mention an other strong corroborating circumstances which came to my knowledge afew days since, dining
dining in company with some Gentleman in Savannah among whom, was a MrGilvery a relation & particular freind of the Indian MrGilvery (mentioned in my letter of the 25th Oct) Gordons history of the American War, & particularly that part which relates the capture of Genl Burgoyne & his Army was the subject of conversation-when a profefsinal Gentleman who had been in the British services, asked my opinion of the efficacy of rifles to the undecipherable of undecipherable the British attributed in a great degree the lofs of that Army-I gave my sentiments very candidly that I thought them a very improper arm for an Army, that a few of them in the hands of expert marksmen might occasionally be serviceable for small desultory parties, when covered by thick woods, & behind works, and supported by troops properly armed. Mr McGilvery observed
Genl.Wayne 25th.0789.XXVII-93 2 sheet 3
observed that the Creek Nation were so well convincing of this superiority of the smooth bore in war, that during the course of the last summer, they applied to the Spanish Government for Six Thousand strand, that he was present in the Nation when they arrived, examined part of them & thought they were very excellent This was but afew days previous to the Indians selling out for the proposed treaty, which has since fell through; these circumstances taken together, causes no room to doubt, the exsistance of some such treaty, & that they are undecipherable in their hostile incursions by that Government who view with a undecipherable the extension of the settlements towards the Mifsifsifpi, which they proably apprehend may ultimately effect their claim to the exclusive right of the navigation of that river & to the lands annexed to West Flordia by a Royal proclaimation subsequent to
4
to that of 1763, & which they effect to hold by right of conquest.
here let us pause-& permit me to suggest the expedicency, as well as good policy in Congress to take immediate possession of those lands, & to establish Civil Government in the Southern District the soonest possible, in order to prevent the mischevious consequences that may very probably arrise from the Emigration now about taking place, in consequence ^on a cession of country on the Mississippi mentioned in the enclosed protest, I am not account for ^the idle conduct of the Legislature of Georgia, whom any other principal than insanity, in attempting to grant this district of country to desperate adventures-who when out of reach of this Govt may adhere to the Spaniards-(which is not improbable) on precipitate us into a war with the Indians;
take
XXVII-93 Genl.Wayne-25th.1789. 3 sheet (5
9941
take in the most favorable point of view, it appears to me at least minature, imprudent & impolite even if they had an indubitable right to grant the land, which I very much doubt, on the contrary, I believe whom a full investigation, it will be found to be the property of the United States & not of any particular State; for by the Royal Proclaimation of 1763 which added the lands between the Rivers Alabamaha & St Marys to Georgia, all the lands within the high point; dividing this water that fell into the Atlantic, & lying between that & the Mifsifsifpi; is particulary received us not just to others & further is appropriation of the Crown; which is a subsequient Proclaimation was added to the Government of West Indies & Canada & by the definitive treaty of 1783 was ceded to the United Sates in common,
6
and not to any particular State.
As this is a subject of the best importances to undecipherable, as the lands in question second to none in America, which if properly improved may be found a very operating find towards sinking the National debt, it is therefore an object which meets the Immediate attention of the Secretary of the Treasury, who by announcing the proclaimation & treaty alluded to, an additon to the solid information; that is in the power of the undecipherable President & the Chief Justice of the United States undecipherable with a subject with which they must be so well aquainted, as the boundaries, which they themselves dictated in 1773 (& I believe Strike-through text they experienced some trouble, & that it recieved some addrefs to have the Spanish claims to their ammended boundaries of West Florida. I also take the liberty of inclosing Capt Hutchins's
topographical
7
topographical discription of Louisiana & West Florida/ by comparing it with an accurate survey of part of that Country from the River ___erville, to the river varo (which I did myself the honor of undecipherable to his Excellency the President of the United States some time last summer, it may serve to give to me ideas of the vast importances of this Country to the undecipherable at the expence of whose blood & treasure that occasion was obtained, & had it not have been for the uncommon addrefs, the ^undecipherable plenipotentiaries already mentioned of undecipherable yet this undecipherable have been the property of Spain?
United Congrefs have time to investigate this subject & to form some system for the undecipherable of the Southern District the troops you mentioned as destined for Georgia, may be so ___tioned
us
8
as to protect the Inhabitants on the sea board which is the undecipherable of the State from the undecipherable of the Indians; prevent the fugitives from taking protection under the Spaniards, & secure the detachment from surprise, they may be landed upon the spot supplied by water, & so disposed of as to hold pofsefsion for the United States, & in a great measure to discountenance undecipherable accept under the authority of the Federal Government
Property is held by so precarious atenor I have already suffered so much by the depredations, of the Indians in ths State- that I am almost determined to leave it, at all events I do so arrange matters as to be in readinefs to take the field, should adverse operations be determined upon against the Creek Nation
undecipherable I am with much esteem undecipherable most obt servt
Humblest
Ant Wayne
Item sets
Document instances
| In image | In source | Location in source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| [view document] (8 pages) | AJY01 (8 pages) | Collection: Henry Knox Papers. [microfilm] | V: 27, P: 93 |
Document names
| Type | Name | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Anthony Wayne | Richmond, State of Georgia | [n/a] |
| Recipient | Henry Knox | [unknown] | [n/a] |