Letterbook Copy

Whiskey Distribution

Secretary Knox would like Quartermaster General James O'Hara to address the issue of the receipt and delivery of whiskey, which some suggest is defective. He wants the quarter masters of Forts Washington, Steuben, and Knox to receive and distribute spirits according to his direction. He also requests that a boat be provided to the Revenue officer at Wheeling, and that the commanding officer of that post must afford him proper assistance.

1794

05

10

War Department

James O'Hara

Henry Knox

War Department

Fort Washington

Fort Steuben

Fort Knox

Ohio River

Wheeling

Pennsylvania

whiskey

spirits

boat

1794051000101

1

2

War Department May 10th 1794
Colo O'Hara QM C
Sir
Notwithstanding your belief that the receipt and delivery of the Whiskey is well arrang'd yet as it may be otherwise, and as you are going to the Army I request that you would please to examine into the whole business, and have it precisely and punctually executed according to the system transmitted you in 1793.
It has been suggested that there is something defective in the arrangements at Forts Washington, Steuben & Knox. Direct that the Quarter Masters of
these Forts receive & distribute the Spirits according to your directions.
A boat must be provided for the Revenue officer at Wheeling and the Commanding Officer at that Fort must afford him all proper assistance in the execution of his duty. In your passage down the Ohio I request you to inspect into this Subject, and give the orders herein enclosed.
I am Sir &c. H Knox Sy of War