British military activity
Item
Type
Autograph Letter Signed
Title
British military activity
Description
Samuel Ogden writes Secretary Knox, discussing the dispute with England over western boundaries. Also describes the military activity of Britain in the United States and Canada, focusing on New York, Pennsylvania, and Ontario.
year created
1794
month created
05
day created
27
author
sent from location
Newark
recipient
sent to location
Philadelphia
in collection
in image
notable person/group
Henry Knox
Samuel Ogden
Mrs. Ogden
Lucy Knox
John Graves Simcoe
wife
notable location
Philadelphia
Newark
Toronto
Quebec
Prince Edwards
Montreal
Dutchman's Point
Chambler
St. John's
Kingston
Mouth of Chipaway River
Fort Erie
Detroit
Canada
England
Oswego
Niagara
Ontario
Genesee River
Presque Isle
Ohio River
United States
notable item/thing
militia
upper ports
settlements
reinforcements
vessels
western lakes
British court
document number
1794052740301
page start
1
transcription
Newark 27, May} Free
Genl Henry Knox, Secretary at War Philadelphia
2624 813 XXXV-119
My dear Sir Saml Ogden
Newark May 27th 1794
By a comparison of circumstances, I am led to fear the British Court intend to wage War against the United States! The great object of which is the alteration of our Western boundry line; so that their territory shall embrace all the Western Lakes, and confine our limits to the Ohio River. If this Idea is well founded, their next step will be to take Possession of Presque Isle, and there establish a Post; by which we shall be deprived of all access to Lake Erie, and it is not improbable they may in time attempt an establishment at the Mouth of the Genesee River. The latter Position will from its vincinity to our settlements require a larger force than they at present can spare. But should sufficient reinforcements arrive from England they cannot seize on a spot more favorable for their purposes. It being the only harbor for vessels of burden from Oswego to Niagara, and a very commanding position; would complete their possession of the Ontario.
After my return last Autumn I believe I gave you an account of the Troops in Canada. If I did not I now tell you these were then at Quebec - 1 Regiment, Prince Edwards, [right margin 1] 1 at Montreal, Chambler, St. Johns, Ile Au Noix, Point a [Terre?], and Dutchmans Point (Oswego & Kingston) [right margin 2] [equation: 1 + 2 = 3]
Regiments brought over - 3
at Niagara, Mouth of Chipaway River Forts Erie and [Slusher? or Schlosser] } 1
at Detroit and the upper Ports 1
and Govenor Simcox's at Torunto (on the Northwest side of the Ontario opposite Niagara} 1
[Total] 6 Regts
I should suppose the average cannot amount to more than 350 men each.
The Millitia of Upper Canada, may be found in case of a war, some what formidable; But as to that of lower Canada it cannot be considered as important.
Mrs. Ogdens, health is not so good as usual she joins in regards to Mrs. Knox & Family with Yours unalterably, Samuel Ogden
Gen. Knox
Genl Henry Knox, Secretary at War Philadelphia
2624 813 XXXV-119
My dear Sir Saml Ogden
Newark May 27th 1794
By a comparison of circumstances, I am led to fear the British Court intend to wage War against the United States! The great object of which is the alteration of our Western boundry line; so that their territory shall embrace all the Western Lakes, and confine our limits to the Ohio River. If this Idea is well founded, their next step will be to take Possession of Presque Isle, and there establish a Post; by which we shall be deprived of all access to Lake Erie, and it is not improbable they may in time attempt an establishment at the Mouth of the Genesee River. The latter Position will from its vincinity to our settlements require a larger force than they at present can spare. But should sufficient reinforcements arrive from England they cannot seize on a spot more favorable for their purposes. It being the only harbor for vessels of burden from Oswego to Niagara, and a very commanding position; would complete their possession of the Ontario.
After my return last Autumn I believe I gave you an account of the Troops in Canada. If I did not I now tell you these were then at Quebec - 1 Regiment, Prince Edwards, [right margin 1] 1 at Montreal, Chambler, St. Johns, Ile Au Noix, Point a [Terre?], and Dutchmans Point (Oswego & Kingston) [right margin 2] [equation: 1 + 2 = 3]
Regiments brought over - 3
at Niagara, Mouth of Chipaway River Forts Erie and [Slusher? or Schlosser] } 1
at Detroit and the upper Ports 1
and Govenor Simcox's at Torunto (on the Northwest side of the Ontario opposite Niagara} 1
[Total] 6 Regts
I should suppose the average cannot amount to more than 350 men each.
The Millitia of Upper Canada, may be found in case of a war, some what formidable; But as to that of lower Canada it cannot be considered as important.
Mrs. Ogdens, health is not so good as usual she joins in regards to Mrs. Knox & Family with Yours unalterably, Samuel Ogden
Gen. Knox
Item sets
Document instances
| In image | In source | Location in source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| [view document] (3 pages) | AKU12 (3 pages) | Collection: Henry Knox Papers. [microfilm] | R: 35, P:119 |
Document names
| Type | Name | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Samuel Ogden | Newark | [n/a] |
| Recipient | Henry Knox | Philadelphia | [n/a] |