Author's Letterbook Copy

Interactions of British, Spanish, and Indians; Plans for Fort at Greeneville

Cites possibility of British assisting Indians in attacking Legion posts, but admits lack of intelligence. Mentions latest intelligence on Spanish movements and interactions with the Chickasaws, and his instructions to post commanders to halt them if they ascend the Ohio past a certain point. Will hasten completion of a citadel at Greeneville so that a strong post may remain in the rear of the advance; will try to not assume the stance of the aggressor insofar as is possible.

1794

05

26

Greenville

Cited in Knox to Washington, 06/25/1794.

Spans Images 62-65 in this collection.

Cited document addressed to the War Office

Henry Knox

Anthony Wayne

Indians

Secretary of War

Spaniards

citadel

cantonment

commandant

General Robertson

Governor Shelby

contractors

mounted militia

Greenville

Ohio

Chickasaws

Spain

Ohio River

Massac

St. Louis

Detroit

Chickasaw Bluff

Port Vincennes

magazine

armed galley

1794052653555

62

3

N^o. 77.
To Major Gen<ins>l</ins>. Knox
Sec<ins>ry</ins> of war--

Head Quarters
Greenville 26. May 1794

Sir,

I have the honor to enclose a copy of my letter of the 7. instant & a further correspondence between the Contractors & myself upon the old subject of supplies & means of transport also a copy of my letter to the D. Q. M Gen<ins>l</ins>. directing him to make the Contracts & purchases therein mentioned which I am decidedly of opinion will be found indispensibly necessary.

I likewise enclose copies of a correspondence with Governor Shelby upon the subject of mounted militia or volunteers from Kentucky, which I have called for agreeably to your instructions of 31 March, & whose service from the tenor of the enclosed dispatches from Post Vincennes by express last evening will probably be wanted to assist in repelling a premeditated attack upon the Legion if any credit is to be given to intelligence received from
from different quarters not only by the Savages but by the British troops as their auxiliaries.--however I am in hourly expectation of receiving more full & certain information upon this subject as well as of the force & intention of the Enemy which at present is rather indefinite.

It would appear that there is a perfect understanding & constant communication between the Spanish Commandant of Port <ins>S^tLouis</ins> on the Mississippi & the British at Detroit.--

In addition to the information contained in the extract of a letter to M^r Vigo, respecting the Spanish Armed Gallies, the Chicasaw Chiefs (mentioned in the enclosed copy of a letter from General Robertson) who arrived at this place the day before yesterday gives the following intelligence of the movements & conduct of the Spaniards--viz,--That they have taken port at the Chicasaw-bluffs, & distributed goods & presents to the Chicasaw Indians; That this nation is much divided, thro' the promises, presents & intrigues of the Spaniards & that those belonging to the big Town, have declared in their favor--That there are five Spanish Gallies
Gallies now at the mouth of the Ohio, carrying a number of large Cannon & sixty men each.--

I hope that there may be no mistake between the Spaniards & Major Doyle, should they ascend the Ohio as far as <ins>Massac</ins>.--his instructions are very clear & pointed with respect to that nation, being a literal copy of those you mentioned in your letter of 31 March to which I added those contained in the enclosed copy of instructions to that Officer for the general line of his conduct--

I had began a Citadel in the centre of this Cantonment by way of amusement, until I could accumulate a sufficient magazine of provision to justify a forward move, which the late intelligence will hasten the completion & add to the strength of.--for altho' I do not mean to sustain a siege in it, yet I wish to leave in my rear a strong post well supplied, whilst I give the enemy an interview advanced of this place, should they eventually seek it.--

At the same time I shall
shall carefully guard against being the aggressor, as far as is consistent with the safety of the Legion; & with the honor, interest & dignity of the nation.

I have the honor to be with the most perfect esteem & respect,

Your most obed^t.
& very hum^l Serv^t.

A Wayne

the Hon^ble
May. Gen. Knox
Sec^ry. of war.--