Papers Relating to the
DEFENCE OF THE FRONTIERS.
1790 - 1796.
Pennsylvania Archives, Series Two, Volume IV.
Pages 527-652.Reproduced by Donna Bluemink
* * * * * *
(Continuation.)
[611] WILLIAM FINDLEY TO SECRETARY DALLAS.
June 18th, 1793.
D'R SIR:—I have been up to Pittsburgh and saw Major McCully, Just after having returned from a scout up the Allegenny. The Neglect and disobedience of the officers and scouting parties has obliged him to keep two Companies embodied at one station, where he can enforce the execution of his own Orders. It appears that small scouting parties sent out by Guthrie, never went the Length of their destination; this is proved beyond dispute by their trail in the weeds. Cooper sent out no scouts nor did any duty, he has turned out worse than my fears, nor has Guthrie equalled my hopes. Drunkeness, the too frequent Vice of those who spent their youth in the Army, has been indulged by those Gentlemen to excess, however, Guthrie is now carefull and is very Capable. Capt. Smith, a good sales man, was tottally unfit for that kind of service; it is surprising how difficult it is for the Gov'r to obtain good advice about appointments.
Col. Pomeroy, one of the best and trustiest officers in this side the Mountain, is now out with six Companies of Militia. The Indians have improved in the art of elluding pursuit, they always seperate after doing mischief, and go two and two in every direction, keeping generally the dry ridges, and at this season, the woods are very close and the Country is very Broken. The spies have found, by attention to the trails, that the Indians are not all gone out of the settlement. A few mornings since, the Beds of two were found in a meadow near Loyalhanna, the dew not being off, they were trailed to a dry ridge. I am just now informed that a child is found scalped, and a number of Horses Missing six or eight Miles within the settlement, north of Conemach; the militia are certainly active, and though Major McCully has contracted his line, he is active upon the Allegenny. He does not, however, send his Scouts further up than the Kittaning, the Militia have to guard from thence to Laurel hill besides protecting the settlements in this side the Alegenny River, for McCully keeps in the West side. He informs me That the Scouts must have found the indien Camp if they had gone to their distination; much of both spring crop and harvest will be lost, notwithstanding all that can be done. Plentier of Arms would have encouraged the people to have stood their ground much better.
Whilst the Assemblymen and myself were with you, recommendations were made for Commissions of the peace in behalf of Robert Taylor, of Greensburg, and Asa Cook of Franklin [612] County. I understood the Recommendations to have been accepted and the Commissions to have been Issued, but they are not come to hand; they appear to be both necessary, and agreeable to the Majority of the people. With respect to Asa Cook, the State Attorney was with me yesterday, and informs me that the present Justice, Mr. Raugh, though a good man, is very unfit for the business; I believe this is true, though he was an old Justice. Probably Capt. Butler would carry them up to Greensburg—I would be glad at any rate to be informed about it from you.
By some Miscarriage, I have not seen the last post of Sidney. Be plased to enclose one or more of them by post according to law to me at Greensburg. I know very little about electioneering, but I understand Mr. D__ds is displeased that Mr. Scot got the preference of him by the Ticket makers before.
I am, with great respect, Sir,
Your most obed't and very humble Serv't,
WM. FINDLEY.A. J. DALLAS, Esq'r.
WILLIAM FINDLEY TO SECRETARY DALLAS.
June 23, 1791 [1792].
D'R SIR:—I make free again to arrest your attention by a few hasty lines, though I have nothing of importance to Communicate. The report goes that Gen'l Scot, of Kentucky, is returned from a successfull expedition and has brought 150 scalps; this is not confirmed; there has not many depredations been made in the settlement lately, though there is either Indians or some other sculking Incendiaries in the Settlements.
Along with this comes an application from Col. John Pomeroy, James Barr, Esq'r, and Mr. Guthrie for opening the Conemach, &c., they are honest and respectable Citizens. I presume they have expressed the reasons why their applications is not more particular; indeed the state of the frontier, and not seeing the law are sufficient reasons; there has been considerable damage suffered on the Kiskiminity this season. Dr. Smith writes me that he has procured me an appointment to assist in exploring the Road from frankstown to Stoney point. I think the appointment inconvenient and unsuitable to me, and could get no good man willing to undertake it in that season; at last, however, Col. Abra'm Hendricks consents to except of it. He is a respectable Justice of peace and Col. of Militia; he is much better acquainted with the roads, and more interested in open- [613] ing that communication than I am. I wish him to be appointed and my name struck out.
with unfeigned esteem, I am, Sir,
Your obed't humble serv't,
WM. FINDLEY.A. J. DALLAS, Secretary of the Commonwealth.
COL. WILLIAM CRAWFORD TO COL. BAIRD.
June the 23, 1792.
DEAR SIR:—I am very Much Surprised at you for Calling In the Militia, as the people Is now In More Need of them than they have been this Summer. Some of their Grain Standing yet & No body to Guard them to Cut It; the Rest of their Grain In Stak In the field, & by the Mischif being Done uppon whil in, the people Is very fraid, & Says, If they Do Not Get asistance they will break up Intirely. My Son John has Just Come home & has Informed Of this.
This from your friend,
WILLIAM CRAWFORD, Colo.MAJOR McCULLY TO COL. CLEMENT BIDDLE.
COBS STATION, June 27th, 1792.
DEAR SIR:—I with pleasure Acknowledge the rec'pt of your letter 16 Inst. I hapened fortunately to go to Pittsburgh the day before the post arrived, at the request of General Wayne.
I also rec'd a letter from the Secretary at the same time, Mentioning the Order for the Arms and directions how to dispose of them, and have given him a faithful Account how they Are disposed off. I, therefore, refer you to his letter on that business.
Mr. Findly and Col. Campbell I met the same time, and we soon agreed in what Manner the Arms Should be distributed; all parties I belive, were satisfied.
The County of Westmoreland drew more Arms last year (I belive) than any of the Exposed Countyes. It may not be amiss to give you a hint of the Situation. I found a Number of them at Reed's Station this Spring, left there by the Militia last Autum; I think there was 25 Charlet Vil Muskets left in a worthless Block house without any person to take care of [614] them. In fact the Barralls only required care, for they had Scarce left a lock, Rammer or Bayonet on any of them, many of the Stocks Broken; the ruins I have now in my possession. Ordered them fetched away when evacuated that post, least all should be lost. Yet they will make a noise to Government about Arms.
I did not forget to relate this story to Col. Campbell when I gave him the Order for the last Arms, and have taken receipts for the delivery of them in perfect good Order, to any person His Excellency the Governor may authorise to receive them.
I have the pleasure to inform you that I have powder and Lead plenty and can Spare to the Militia, If it should be necessary. I have informed the County Lieut's to call on me for amonition if they were in want. If anything more should be wanted from you I will give you Notice in due time. We have been undisturbed by the Indians for some time, yet they keep hovering about. One of my Scouting parties under the command of Lieut. Cooper, fell in with two 12 Miles above Kitaning. They attempted to save themselves by flight, but the Guard instantly fired and one fell dead with Nine Balls through him. I must Blush when I mention that they fetched the Scalp in. This is the first, but should they come again, I will pledge myself that he will not be the last to die this season.
I am with the highest Esteem, Sir,
Your most Obed't Servant,
GEO. McCULLY, Maj. R Corps.COL. BIDDLE, Quarter Master Gen'l Pennsylvanie.
GEN. JAMES CHAMBERS TO GOVERNOR MIFFLIN
LOUDON FORGE, FRANKLIN COUNTY, July 11th, 1792.
SIR:—I thought to have done myself the honour of paying my Respects to Your Excellency before this time, but has not been able to accomplish it as yet—though hope that period not far distant.
I find Congress has passed a Law for regulating the Militia of the United States, which is to be Established by the different States, and a number of Officers of high Rank of Coars to be appointed. I only wish to remind your Excellincy of my former Rank in the Continental Army, and at the same time to inform you that their is not an old officer on the Westward of the Susquehannah (Generals Armstrong and Irvine Excepted) of Supe- [615] rior Rank to my self, within this State. I have been hououred by three different appointments to the Command of a Battallion of Millitia in this County Since I retired from the army.
Being inferior in Rank, as was the Case some times Since I had the Command of the Militia, to Some Colonels in the County I did not think much of, under that Establishment—but now as the Establishment of the millitia will be on a more perminant footing, I should think it hard to be Commanded by him who had never Seen Service, or any acquainted with Military Discipline. Your Excellency's knowledge of my being Early in the Service of my Country,* and my long Continuance in it, I hope will be a sufficient recommendation.
I am, With the greatest Respect,
Your Excellency's Most Obedient Humble Serv't.
JAMES CHAMBERS.Maj'r General THOS. MIFFLIN, Governor of Penn'a.
* June 1775, I was first Captain in the first Reg't Raised by Congress.
GEN. KNOX, SECRETARY OF WAR, TO GOVERNOR MIFFLIN.
WAR DEPARTMENT, PHILADELPHIA, July 11th, 1792.
SIR:—I have the honor to inform your Excellency, that the troops of the United States will soon arrive on the frontiers of this State, in considerable numbers, and that a sufficient proportion thereof will remain there, until the effect of certain pacific overtures to the Indians shall be known.
In this state of things, and as the time for which the State troops were raised is drawing to a close, I beg leave to know whether it would be compatible with the views and arrangements of your Excellency to permit the continental officers recruiting in this State to endeavor to inlist such non-commissioned officers and privates of the said companies, as shall be inclined thereto?
I have the honor to be,
With great respect, Your Excellency's,
Most obed't Serv't,
H. KNOX.His Excellency Governor MIFFLIN.
[616] SECRETARY DALLAS TO GOVERNOR MIFFLIN.
PHIL., 17th July, 1792.
SIR:—Upon the Secretary at War's letter I propose:
1. That instructions be transmitted to the Lieutenants of the exposed Counties, directing them to keep up the same number of spies, drafted from the militia, that were authorized to be employed before the establishment of the three Companies.
2. That any surplus in the appropriations of the years 1791 & 1792 be employed to give bounties to engage the best woodsmen in the above Service.
3. That the Spies shall be engaged to commence their duty on the day that the service of the three Companies expires; and that so much of the arms and ammunition of the Companies as is necessary shall be supplied to the spies, the rest to be given into the custody of the Lieutenants.
4. That it be stipulated as the duty of the spies to be in constant motion on the exposed parts of the Frontiers, and to keep up a constant communication with the Federal Camp on the up part of the Ohio & Fort Franklin, giving them all the information that they can, &c.
5. That a copy of these instructions be sent to Major McCully, inclosed in a letter of thanks to him and his Corps, and reccommending to the men either to volunteer as spies or to enlist in the Federal troops.
This arrangement is proposed on the presumption that the Secretary at War's communication is satisfactory to the Governor on the subject of a permanent defence of the Frontiers. I think it would be imprudent to enter into this arrangement, however, or to suggest it to the officers for sometime. Perhaps a delay of two or three weeks will prevent the necessity of any further proceeding, by the accounts of peace, or some unexpected & untoward event may render a more powerful exertion unavoidable.
LIEUT. WILLIAM CRAWFORD TO COL. BAIRD.
MUDDY CREEK, July ye 30th, 1792.
SIR:—This Evening I Rec'd an allarming acc't that the fronteers is in a Distressed Setutation. The are all flying on Dunkert and whitley Creeks. I Shall Start this Night with one or two of my Neighbours to try If I Can Porswaid the frontiers to [617] Make a Stand for a Day or two, untill Thos. Sidgwick Returns, as he agreed to go with this express, as I therefore hope that you will weay their Condetion with that Deliberation that In your Discresion you think meet. I hope you will Excuse haste as I am on my weay. The Bearrer Can Inform you forther.
I am, Sir, with Respect, Sir,
Your Most obedient Humble Serv't,
WM. CRAWFORD.N. B.—Sir, it is your way to Send my Son Eight or Nine pounds, By the Bearrer, it will ablidge your humble Serv't.
To ABSOLM BEARD, Col.
COL. CULBERTSON TO GOVERNOR MIFFLIN.
LEWIS TOWN, August 2d, 1794.
SIR:—I had the honor of receiving, on 21st of July, your Excellency's letter of the 11th of the same month, in which you are pleased to appoint me to attend to the discharge of the duties of Brigade Inspecter during the absence of Mr. Nesbit. Immediately, on the receipt of it, I transmitted the letters, which were enclosed, for Generals Patton and Bratton, to those gentlemen, with information of my appointment, and also sent the letter for Mr. Nesbit to Carlisle, with directions to be forwarded, by Post, to Fort Pitt. The day subsequent to the receipt of your packet, I received advice that Mr. Nesbit had returned, and was then at Carlisle, in consequence of which I forebore issuing any orders to the officers of the Mifflin Brigade, or to the Commanders of the Volunteer Corps, untill the 29th of the same month, when upon being apprized that Mr. N. had not returned, in pursuance of your Excellency's instructions, I thought it proper to write to the Captains of the various Companies in the Brigade for returns of the number of enrolled militia, &c, to the Commanders of the three Volunteer Light Infantry Companies, & to the Capt. of the Mifflin Town Troop of Light Horses. Copies of these letters are now enclosed.
The number of Militia Companies, which are included within my circle of inspection, amounts to forty; but from the difficulty of immediate communication with the various parts of this country, I have not been enabled to transmit letters prepared for the purpose to more than twenty of the Captains; however, expect in about two days' time to have them all notified, allowing to those not yet instructed, two weeks from this time to make their returns. The commanders of the Volunteer Companies of Light Infantry, & the Commander of the Troop of Horse have received their letters of information. It is my inten- [618] tion also to send a few lines to the Lieut. Colonels, requesting them to sanction as much as in their power, and to forward with all their zeal, the proceedings I have directed.
It is proper I should inform your Excellency of the receipt of the military stores for Huntingdon and Mifflin Counties the day before yesterday; they agree in every respect with the account accompanying them, except in the number of flints, which fall fifty short. The Huntingdon stores will remain here until a proper conveyance might offer, and in order that no unnecessary delay might take place, I instantly dispatched a letter of advice to Mr. Cadwallader, the Brigade Inspector, on the subject. I am happy in having it in my power to inform your Excellency, that in a conferrence with Generals Patton and Bratton yesterday they approve of my conduct, and think the measures I have taken best calculated to attain the end proposed. With respect to the disposal of the Stores intended for the defence of this County, we were of opinion that it would be most advisable to place the rifles and some of the powder and lead in the custody of General Patton who from his very exposed situation and want of military stores, would be enabled to make Use of them to the greatest possible advantage of the County in case of invasion or attack. The General is willing to give any security for preserving them safe, and for the proper distribution and use of them when occasion may require. We were of the opinion also, that their being deposited with him, would tend to quiet the apprehensions of the inhabitants of Nittany, and bind them to the defence of that frontier where they would have the means of defence in their power. In about three weeks, I hope I shall be able to transmit to your Excelleney a satisfactory statement of our military force as I shall endeavour by that time to procure the necessary returns.
The duties of a Brigade Inspector being in some degree novel to me, if I should in any particulars err, your Excellency will attribute it to a deficiency of talent, and not to a want of Zeal for the public service. But having Generals Patton and Bratton to consult with in any difficulties, I am induced to believe that this advantage co-operating with the clear and explicit instructions I hope to be favoured with occasionally from you, Sir, will enable me to discharge my duties not disreputably to myself and for the public welfare.
I have the honor to be, with sentiments
of unfeigned respect and esteem,
Your Excellency's most
obedient and humble serv't,
JOHN CULBERTSON, Brigade Insp't, pro tern., &c.His Excellency Governor MIFFLIN.
[619] CIRCULAR OF COL. CULBERTSON.
LEWIS TOWN, July 29th, 1794.
SIR:—It is proper I should inform you, that in consequence of the absence of Mr. Thos. Nesbit, the Gov'r, in a letter of the eleventh inst, has appointed me to attend to the discharge of the duties of Brigade Inspector. You are, no doubt, apprized of the requisition of the President of the United States of the 11th of May last, for organizing, arming and equipping 10,768 of the militia of this State, agreeably to the Act of Congress. In the instructions of the Governor, which I now have before me, is the following provision:
"Should any independent Corps of cavalry, artillery or Infantry, offer voluntarily to engage as corps in the service, you are authorised to signify my acceptance of their offer, as a part of the quota of the brigades to which they are respectively attached."
The term of service and allowances to the detachment, are generally mentioned in the Act of Congress, &c.
As it is my duty to transmit to the Governor a full and circumstantial account of the military force of the Mifflin Brigade, You will be pleased to inform me with all convenient speed the number of men who compose your volunteer company of Light Infantry, their military equipments, arms, ammunition, &c. You will be pleased also, immediately to collect their opinions relative to their willingness to serve, in case of an invasion or a necessity of calling them into actual service. This measure is highly necessary, because if any of them refuse, the residue of the quota must be raised from the militia of the Brigade generally.
If convenient then, Sir, within ten days from the above date, transmit me a return of your proceeding, and be particular with respect to the number of those Volunteers of your company, who may be depended upon as willing to turn out in the cause of their Country, in the hour of danger. Upon your punctualty and attention to the foregoing instructions, I must rely for the necessary information, to enable me to make a satisfactory representation to the Executive of the State.
I am, Sir, y'r ob't & hum. Serv't
JNO. CULBERTSON. Brig. Insp., pro tem.To A B., Command't of the ____ Volunteer Company of Light Infantry.
[620] CIRCULAR OF COL. CULBERTSON.
LEWIS TOWN, July 30th, 1794.
SIR:—It is proper I should inform you that in consequence of the absence of Mr. T. N., the Gov., in a letter of the 11th Ins., has appointed me to attend to the discharge of the duties of Brigade Inspector during his absence, or untill further instructions on the subject. In performing my duty agreeably to said appointment, I must, in a great measure, depend for the necessary information to be furnished to the Gov. upon the different Officers of the Brigade. You will therefore be pleased within two weeks from the above date, make me a return of the number of enrolled militia in your Company, the quantity of public arms in their custody, and their general military equipments. I must also request in compliance with the Gov.'s Instructions, that you would be particularly attentive to impress it on the minds of individuals who compose your Company, that the penalties incurred by every delinquent will be strictly and legally inforced and exacted. Upon you your punctuality and attention to the foregoing directions I rely for the necessary information to enable me to make a satisfactory representation to the Executive of the State,
And am, Sir, Y'r obt. hum. S't.
JOHN CULBERTSON, Brig. Insp. pro tern., &c.To Cap. ____, Com. of ____ Comp'y of Miffl'n Militia.
THOMAS RYERSON TO COL. BAIRD.
MORRISVILLE, Aug. 14th, 1792.
SIR:—The few days that will bring about the expiration of the services of the Levies makes me extremely uneasy. I understand, indeed, that the Militia are to supply their places during the dangerous season, & that some are now actually in our neighborhood; but I do not learn that any are to be placed near these Improvements. The Constant menaces and threats of the Indians induces me to think we shall be very much troubled by them when Capt. Paul withdraws. In truth, I cannot think of continuing my family here unless I can expressly be assured of some protection, for I have only now one man here & some children. I am sure you are sensible of the expenses we have been at in these Improvements, & of the importance of [621] keeping up this frontier. Our Inhabitants, too, are very much thined by the Young men enlisting in the service. If you think proper to send some men to these Improvements & the contiguous settlers, I should be glad to know it early, in order to prevent necessity of removing my effects. Capt. Brady has told me that one or two of the spies will be kept hereabouts, but they will mostly be in the wood, & therefore they cannot afford that protection which our particular situation requires.
I am, Sir, Your most obd. Ser't,
THO. RYERSON.Col. BAIRD, Washington.
JOHN MOORE TO COL. BAIRD.
WHITELEY CREEK, September 5th, 1792.
Dear Sir:—I beg that you would Send the Melitia As Quick as Posibly you Can. The People have Fled from the Head of Dunkard as soon as the Men Left them, and we on this Creek are Left the Fronteers, And the People Murmur much that they Are Left without Relief and so much Exposed to Danger. We have an Account of thirteen Indians Crossing at the Mouth of Sunfish Creek, which I Expect you have an Account of before these Comes to hand. Sir, the Bearer, Captain Henry Dickison, will inform you of our Condition.
With Respects,
I am your Obedient Humble Servant,
JOHN MOORE.Mr. A. BEARD, Lieut. Washington county.
COL. CLEMENT BIDDLE TO GOVERNOR MIFFLIN.
PHILAD'A, 25 October, 1792.
SIR:—I am of Opinion that it will be necessary to appoint some person of Confidence, at Pittsburgh, to pay the Troops, late under the Command of Major McCully, in the service of this State, as the Major is now engaged in the Service of the United States.
John Wilkins, junior, Esquire, I conceive will be a suitable person, and if you approve of his being employed for that pur- [622] pose, and that I should make him the necessary Advances, I request you to signify your Approbation thereof.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your mo. Obed't Serv't,
CLEMENT BIDDLE, Qu'r M. Gen. Penn'a.His Excellency Governor MIFFLIN.
I approve,
T. MIFFLIN,
Nov. 8, 1792.GEN. NEVILLE TO GOVERNOR MIFFLIN.
PITTSBURGH, Oct'r 25th, 1792.
SIR:—Having been some time from home on a Journey to the Southward, this is the first opportunity I have had to acknowledge the receipt of the communications from the Secretary's office, of the 21st Ult'o. I have now the honor to inform your Excellency, that I have conferr'd with General Wayne respecting the defence of this County, and that the few Militia we have had on duty, will be discharged on the 31st Inst., nor will any more be call'd into service, unless in case of great emergency or by your Excellency's order.
As soon as possible, the Militia accounts of this county shall be made out & forwarded for adjustment. I flatter myself that they will indicate as much economy as could be expected in similar Circumstances.
I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your Excellency's Obedient humble Serv't,
PRESLEY NEVILL, Lieut. Alleg'y County.His Excellency Governor MIFFLIN.
THE COMMITTEE OF ASSEMBLY TO SECRETARY DALLAS.
PHILADELPHIA, 19th Dec'r, 1792.
SIR:—The Committee to whom were referred those parts of the Governor's address which relate to the protection of the frontiers and the papers on that subject accompanying the same request that you would lay before them copies of all papers, [623] vouchers & accounts relative to the expences incurred for that purpose in your possession, & which have not yet been laid before the House of Representatives.
They wish, especially, to get the details & several items of the general account given by Clement Biddle as Qu'r Master Gen. of Pennsilvania.
With respect, we remain, Sir,
Your most obedient & h'e Servts,
ALBERT GALLATIN,
DAVID BRADFORD, Committee.A. J. DALLAS, Esq'r, Secretary of the Commonwealth.
COL. JOHN WILKINS TO COL. CLEMENT BIDDLE.
PITTSBURGH, 21st Dec,1792.
D'R SIR:—I acknoledged in my last the rec't of yours of the 8th inst. Mr. Jones has not yet arrived here, therefore have not received the pay roll of Capt. Guthrie's comp'y.
I have advertised in the Pittsburgh Gazette that I would attend at Washington the 4th, at Uniontown 7th, & at Denniston's mill the 17th January, to pay the officers and soldiers of the six months' State militia, & I have wrote to the captains of the different companies accordingly. Major McCully has not yet returned; have not yet got his accounts, but hope he will be here before I set out. I would not have appointed the time for paying at the different places untill his return, but was affraid I might suffer in your opinion by the delay. I have not yet received the account of those men who were entitled to pay for using their own arms, & as I have paid off the men in full as they applyed, I have been oblidged to take the word of those who used their own arms.
I wish you would inform me as soon as you can the allowance you will make Colo. Irvine for his services as inspector. He wishes much to know.
I left an account of Major McCully's against the State for an allowance of forrage for his horse whilst in service. You will please inform me if it will pass, & what the amount is.
Will there be an allowance to the officers who used their own Riffles in the service?
Am, Sir, with sentiments of Respect,
Your Hum. Ser.,
JNO. WILKINS, Jr.Col. CLEMENT BIDDLE, Philadelphia.
[624] COL. JOHN WILKINS TO COL. CLEMENT BIDDLE.
PITTSBURGH, 28th Dec'r, 1792.
D'R SIR:—I now enclose to you a stated account of Colo. John Irvine, who acted as inspector to the State militia. If you approve of it, I will draw on you for the amount. There is an order among the papers I left with you for the payment of it to me, & I have made him advances on account of it to him.
Among the papers I left with you, there was an account of Dr. Baird for attending a wounded man of Capt'n Paul's company, you will please examine it, as I have paid him.
There was a Riffle loss'd by one of Capt. Paul's men, when chased by an indian, who fired at him, & broke it in his hand. Is he to be paid for it.
Am, Sir, your Hum'l Serv't,
JNO. WILKINS, Jr.CLEMENT BIDDLE, Esquire, Philadelphia.
COL. JOHN WILKINS TO COL. CLEMENT BIDDLE.
PITTSBURGH, 31st Dec'r, 1792.
SIR:—I set out to-morrow morning to Washington, & from thence to Fayette, to pay the officers & men residing in those districts, of which I have sometime given notice by writeing to the Captains, & advertising in the Pittsburgh Gazette. I enclose a Statement of the money due on the pay Rolls & on other accounts, with the money rec'd Major McCully & myself. I will draw for the ballance as it becomes necessary.
The officers have requested me to know from you if they would be allowed anything for their expenses whilst recruiting—some of their accounts for that purpose I left you among the other papers—please inform me on this subject as soon as you can.
Am, with respect,
your Hum. Servant,
JNO. WILKINS, Jr.CLEMENT BIDDLE, Esq'r, Philadelphia.
[625] COL. JOHN WILKINS TO COL. CLEMENT BIDDLE.
PITTSBURGH, 11th Jan'y, 1793.
SIR:—I just received yours of the 5th instant. I have been at Washington & Fayette agreeable to my appointment, & have paid off the men of Paul's & Stevenson's Companies. I proceed next week to Denniston's mill to pay Guthrie's. I have been under the greatest difficulty in sitling with the officers, as from your first letter you seemed to doubt whether the officers should be paid agreeable to the pay rolls or not. But as I had no other Guide than the pay Roll, I have went by that & paid them accordingly.
I wrote to you in my last about Major McCully's forrage account, and about an account of Dr. Baird which I have paid & which account is with you. I also mentioned a man of Paul's who had lost his gun by the iadians, & if he should be paid for it. I enclosed to you a statement of money which I made, & the payment which I had received. I wish to know your ideas of the same, as I should not like to Draw for money & have my bill rejected. If you have any objections, I would like to know before I would go on farther.
You may depend on my Care in forwarding Gen'l Wilkeson's letter, or in doing anything in this Country you shall direct me.
Am your Hum'le Serv't,
JNO. WILKINS, Jr.Colo. BIDDLE, Q'r Mast'r Gen. State Penn'a.
THOMAS TRULOCK TO THOMAS STOKELY.
WHITELEY CREEK, January 17th, 1793.
DEAR SIR:—After my Love and Compliments to you I inform you that the Indians were Discovered on the waters of Fish Creek yesterday, both by Hunters that were out and some of the Inhabitants of Dunkard Creek. The fronteers at this time seems to be under Great fears, and has made Aplication unto me this morning What they must Do. I told them that I would Accquint our Government with what they had Related to me and that I would be Ready to serve them on any Occasion as far as I Could, and they at the same time place Much Confidence in you to make Provision for the Distressed Fronteers. [626] I am willing to serve my Country, and if you think me worthy of any place on the Occasion I will thankfully Acknowledge it. We hear of no Provision made for us as yet. Pray, Sir, Do not forget us, but make Imediate Application, which may be Early to our Relief; in so Doing it will Tend much to your Honour and Credit; your Friends here Rely much on your Fidelity to serve them.
I would not be further Tedious, but Remains,
Tour Sincere Friend,
THOMAS TRULOCK.To Mr. THOMAS STOKELY, Esq'r.
COL. CHARLES CAMPBELL TO WILLIAM FINDLEY.
February 22nd, 1793.
SIR:—I Send you the Pay Rooles for the Spyes and The Millitia, and Two Bills for Doctor Walls, for Curing the Two Wounded Soldiers of the Millitia, and A Praisement of A Gun that Was Lost in Actual Services.
I have Been At Head Quarters with General Wayne, and Drew the Pay for the Spyes to the first of Agust. If you Would Spake to the Secratary of War, if the Spyes will be Continued this Ensuing Spring, as I Cannot Continue them After the have Been Discharg'd, As I did Not Wish to Continue them In the winter Season. The People on the froonteers is Getting Uneasey as there Seems to be No Guard for them At the Present, and the Winter Hath Been Very Open and the are Affraid as that the New Law Will Not Likely Give them As Good Support as the former One, or at Least the change of the Of. Comand, in the County, Might Not Pay As mutch Attention to the wellfare of their Sittuation, as the Are mutch affraid that A Change will Take Place. All I wish. It May Be Allways for the Better. I have Been With Capt. and Major Craig, and we Have All Consulted on the Best Tracts that We Can, and Would Get them If you were Agreed. I have Enterse'ed with the Surveyer, If Posible, to Give All Indulgence Posible, Whitch I Will Inform you As Soon as you Come Home. I have Scent you Marches' Power, and he Sayeth that there is four years Pay Comeing, and wishes If you Could't Know Where He Getteth his Land and where He Shall obtain His Deed. You will Please to Pay Moses Fisher Ten Pounds for me, on Behalf of James Simpson Weaver, as It, will Save him of Sending down the Money, and If you Can Get [627] A Good Gown Patren for Mrs. Campbell, as there is Not Any In the Goods that Mr. Deniston Sent to me.
I Remain your Humble Serv't,
CHAS. CAMPBELL.WM. FINDLEY, Esq'r.
N. B.—1 have Been Perplexed to Get the Numeration List of the Millitia from the Officers. I yet Want one Battallion, But I will Send them Next Post.
C. C.COL. CHARLES CAMPBELL TO GOVERNOR MIFFLIN.
BLACKLICK, Febu'ry 27th, 1793.
SIR:—I Send you A Return of Each Battallion of Millitia of Westmoreland County, Between the years of Eighteen And forty-five years of Age Agreeable to your Order to me. The Froonteers of this County Seems to be Afraid of Getting A Stroke from the Indians this Spring, as the Winter Hath Been Very Open And Clear of Snow in these Parts, and thier Hearing of the New Law to take Place And the Are Afraid that you may not have it in your Power to grant them as Good Assistance as you had under the Oald Law, as the Seem All to Depend mutch on your Having Sutch love and feelling for thier Distressed Sittuation. Although there hath not Been Any Damage Done for Some Time Past, yet Any Person Who Will Just Think of the Sittuation A Person must be in that Hath His family Lying at the Mercy of Sutch a Savage Enemy, as there Cannot be Any Warning given Before the Make the Stroke, the must Think It Would be But Reasonable that the Would Expect Some Guard. If there Could be Some Easier Plan fell Upon to guard the Froonteers than Draughting the Millitia, I Could wish, But I allways Rely that you Will Do Every thing In your Power to have the froonteers Protected. There Is About Thirty of the Continental Soldiers Stattioned At the Cattanian and At Coe's Stattion. If the Spyes Could be Continued on the Same Plan the were the Last Season, It Would give the froonteer Inhabitants Some Reason to Believe that the Enemy Would not Get To Make A Stroke Before the Were Discovered. If the froonteers Is Given Some Asurance of Assistance The Will Put in thier Spring Crops; if Not, there will A Number of them Move. I Will Do Every thing in my Power to Prevent them from Breaking.
I Remain your Obedient Humble Serv't,
CHAS. CAMPBELL.His Excellency THOS. MIFFLIN.
[628] GEN. KNOX, SECRETARY OF WAR, TO GOVERNOR MIFFLIN.
WAR DEPARTMENT, April 24th, 1793.
SIR:—The President of the United States has particularly directed me to inform your Excellency that the proposed treaty with the hostile Indians North of the Ohio will be held at lower Sandusky, to commence about the first day of June next. That during the continuance of the Treaty it is of the highest importance to the success thereof, as well as to the safety of the Commissioners, that all hostile incursions of the White Inhabitants on into or near to the Indian Country North of the Ohio should be absolutely prohibited until after the treaty be closed.
The commanding General of the Troops has been directed to issue a proclamation to this effect, and the President requests that you would be pleased to take such measures in the premisses with your frontier Citizens as shall, in your Judgment, be most effectual to prevent a measure which might be attended with highly pernicious consequences.
I have the honor to be, with great esteem,
Your Excellency's most obed. Servant,
H. KNOX, Sec'y of War.His Excellency Governor MIFFLIN.
DAVID REDICK TO SECRETARY DALLAS.
WASHINGTON, 6th May, 1793.
SIR:—With this you will receive two Bonds, taken from the Brigade Inspectors. It was expected by them that Bonds would have been sent prepared for signing. I took them with some reluctance not haveing received any instructions from you on the Subject, but knowing from your pressing letter to deliver the packages sent by the late Messenger, and that ye militia must be organized by a Short day, and finding by the Act of Assembly that those officers could not proceed to business untill they had first given Bond, and supposeing that hurry of business had most probably been the cause of your silence on the Subject of bonds, I submited to these Solicitations. I hope the bonds will be satisfactory; haveing had no form, I was obliged to make one. [629] If anything has been omited, no doubt the gentlemen will execute others.
I am, Sir, with Esteem and respect,
Your most obed't Ser't,
DAVID REDICK.A. J. DALLAS, Esq.
GOVERNOR MIFFLIN TO GEN. HARMAR.PHILAD'A, 25th May, 1793.
SIR:—The Communications which I have receiv'd from the President of the United States may eventually render it necessary to call a detachment of the Militia of the City and County of Philadelphia and County of Delaware into Service, shou'd [630] any Hostility be Committed by the present Belligerent powers within the Jurisdiction of this State, or any Privateers be unlawfully equipped in the Port of Philadelphia. You will be pleased, therefore, to pay particular attention to the Organization of those parts of the Militia.
I am, Sir, Your most Obed't Serv't,
THOMAS MIFFLIN.To JOSIAH HARMAR, Esq'r, Adj't Gen'l of the Militia of Pensylv'a.
DAVID MEAD TO GOVERNOR MIFFLIN.
CUSSEWAUGA, ON FRENCH CREEK, July 11th, 1793.
HONOURED SIR:—A Sergeant's Command has been Stationed here some time past for the Protection of the Inhabitants, But we have Just now been informed of Marching Orders for those troops to Join the Grand Army Down the Ohio; of Course the post will be evacuated, and the Settlement of the Country much Discouraged.
Therefore we Request your Excellency will be pleased to Order a Sergeant's Command to Support the Post, which in a Short time will be the means of Promoting a Numerous Settlement.
I am, in behalf of the Inhabitans,
Your most Obedient & verry Humble Servant,
DAVID MEAD.Governor MIFFLIN
COL. CHARLES CAMPBELL TO GOVERNOR MIFFLIN.
GREENSBURGH, July 23d, 1793.
SIR:—It Apears as It Would be very Nessary that there Would Be Some Copyes of the Late Millitia Law Sent To this County as soon as the Can be got Printed, as A Great Number of the People Hath Not yet Had the Oppertunity of Hearing It, So As the Can Know what is thier Duty. And as It Apears Most Likeley that the Treaty Will Not be Got Effected And as Soon As The Indians Knoweth that there is No more Hopes of Getting Any Presents, We May Expect A Stroke Made By them On Some Part of Our froonteers. If It is By the Corn Planter's Nation, Westmoreland County May Expect To feel It, as the [631] Live So Near, and It is most Likeley he will take A Decided Part as Soon as the Result treaty is Known. If It is Not in their favour, and Should Any Large Number Come Against Us, there Is No Instruction Given to Any Person to Order Out Any Part of the Millitia In Case of An Invasion On Our County. I Could Wish you to Send Orders to Some Person, So as We Should Know Where to Aply If Sutch Should be Needfull.
I Remain your Obediant Humble Serv't,
CHAS. CAMPBELL.His Excellency THOS. MIFFLIN.
GEN. NEVILLE TO GOVERNOR MIFFLIN.
PITTSB'GH, July 26th, 1793.
SIR:—The inclosed came by an Indian runner two days ago. The removal of the Troops from Cussawago, occasions uneasiness to that Settlement, & I think threatens its dessolution. Mr. Mead's Application to me is no doubt owing to his non-acquaintence with the late regulations and Appointments in the Militia. I have shewn it to the Brigadier who desires me to forward it to you.
The Treaty had not began a few days ago, the Commiss'rs were at Detroit waiting for the Indians who were assembling fast at Sandusky.
I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your very Obed't Serv't,
PRESLEY NEVILL, B. In.THOS. MIFFLIN, Esq., Gov'r of Pennsyl'a.
DAVID MEAD TO GEN. NEVILLE.
CUSSEWAUGA, July 11th, 1793.
SIR:—We are Just informed that the Federal troops at this Station have Orders to March in a few Days down the Ohio; of Course the Post will be evacuated and the settlement of the Country much Discouraged.
Therefore we request that you will be pleased to Order a Sergeant's Command of State troops to support the Post, But should it not be in your Power to grant us any relief, we wish [632] you to let us know by the first Opportunity what Prospects we can have, and also that you forward the Inclosed letter without Delay.
I am, in behalf of the Inhabitants,
Your most obedient and
very Humble Servant,
DAVID MEAD.Col. NEVILL.
GEN. JOHN WILKINS TO GOVERNOR MIFFLIN.
PITTSBURGH, 9th Aug't, 1793.
SIR:—I had the honor of yours of the 2d Instant. The opinion you require from me I will give with the utmost satisfaction.
The company raised for the defence of this county is no more than adequate to the defence of that part of the country east of the Allegheny & Ohio rivers, which exposes a frontier of sixty miles. We have no settlements on the west side Allegheny & Ohio rivers, but Mead's settlement on Cussawago, which is removed above one hundred miles from the upper part of the fronteer above described. The company is now distributed in very small parties along the river, to give confidence to the people & afford a protection to all alike. I consider that should a peace not take place, they would be but a feeble defence to our long & dispersed fronteer. The settlement at Cussawago is very much exposed, being greatly removed from any other settlement, therefore much more difficult to protect. From these reasons, Sir, I offer, as my opinion, that the general safety of Allegheny will not permit a draft to be made from the company allotted for its defence for the purpose of supporting the post, from which the party of Continental troops is withdrawn.
It is very much to be wished that the Cussawago inhabitants could be protected, as their settlement, tho' now but small, would, if supported, soon rise into consequence. There is no way that seems likely to afford them protection, but a draft from the militia—& yet it would appear hard to drag militia so far, especially as it will require as many men for the guard as the whole settlement consists of. I think the number necessary to send would be an officer & twenty-five men, to be safe themselves, & afford protection to the inhabitants.
I am, Sir, with the utmost respect,
your most obt. Hum. servant,
JNO. WILKINS, JR.THOMAS MIFFLIN, Esq'r, Governor of Pennsylvania.
[633] GEN. HENRY TAYLOR TO GOVERNOR MIFFLIN.
WASHINGTON COUNTY, 10th August, 1793.
SIR:—Your Excellency's leter to Gen'l John Minor & me, together with a Coppy of his Excelency the Governor of Virginia leter to you, came to hand. Desiring that the Militia now in Actual Service, belonging to this County, might be beter Aranged for the Defence of boath States, we accordingly met and compared Sentiment with Col. Biggs, the Commanding Officer of Ohio County, and we Agreed to Send a Lieutenant & 20 men to the Block House at the mouth of Yellow Creek, Capt. Crawford & the Remainder of his men, to be Posted on fish Creek. I hope that this Arrangement will be Satisfactory to you and also to the Governor of Virginia. Col. Biggs Said he could not make any alterations in there Posts, as he had not Received any instructions from the State of Virginia, but was well contented with the arrangement we made, and said as Soon as he Received orders, would compare Sentiment with us, and make it convenient for the Protection of the frontier inhabitants of boath States.
I have the Honour to be,
your Excellency's Humble Serv't,
HENRY TAYLOR, B. G'lExcelency THOS. MIFFLIN
GEN. KNOX, SECRETARY OF WAR, TO GOVERNOR MIFFLIN.
WAR DEPARTMENT, September 3d, 1793.
SIR:—I am instructed by the President of the United States to state to your Excellency, that information has this day been received by express, that notwithstanding the utmost efforts of the Commssioners, the pacific overtures to the hostile Indians north of the Ohio have been rendered abortive by their insisting upon the Ohio as the boundary.
That the Commissioners arrived at the mouth of Detroit River on the 21st of July, and waited there until the 17th ultimo, when having received the definitive answer of the Indians, the Commissioners sailed for Fort Erie where they arrived the 23d ultimo.
[634] The Commissioners were not even admitted to an interview with the body of the hostile Indians, but the communications were carried on by deputations from them.
It appears the tribes most determined for war are the Wyandots, Delawares, Shawanese and Miamis, although it is said a considerable proportion of these were for peace.
It is understood that the Six Nations, including Captain Brandt and his Mohocks, strongly urged the hostile Indians to make peace with the United States.
Affairs being thus circumstanced it is probable that the sword only can afford ample protection to the frontiers.
It is understood that the militia embodied on the frontiers of Pennsylvania under your orders together with the patroles called scouts, are deemed sufficient for their defence. But it may be proper to caution the people immediately that every measure necessary to guard against surprize should be adopted.
I am, Sir, with great respect,
Your obedient Servant,
H. KNOX.His Excellency Governor MIFFLIN.
GEN. JOHN GIBSON TO GOVERNOR MIFFLIN.
PITTSBURGH, Sept'r 20th, 1793.
DEAR SIR:—Inclosed is a Copy of a letter from the commanding officer at Fort Franklin to Colo. Clark, the commanding officer at this place, with a speech delivered by the Cornplanter's nephew who was sent by the Cornplanter to Fort Franklin. As it contains very disagreeable news, I thought it my duty to transmit it to you. I shall take such steps as, with the opinion of the principal Officers and Gentlemen may be thought Best for the protection of the Frontiers. As the Express is waiting I have only time to add, that I have the honor to be, with respect,
Dear Sir, your most obedient humble Servant,
JNO. GIBSON.CHARLES CAMPBELL TO GEN. HARMAR.
BLACK LICK, Oct'b'r 5th, 1793.
SIR:—I Received your Letter of the fifth of September, 1793 with the Inclosed Copies Mentioned in s'd Letter; the fronteers [635] was mutch alarmed By the Information the Received By an Indian Runer, Sent by Cornplanter, of a Party of Indians being to strike Some Part of the froonteers. On the Alarm a Number of the Inhabitants of the County Meat, And It Was Unanimously agreed that there Should be one Company of Men Raised and Stationed on the froonteers; for the Militia Pay It was Likewise Aproved of By General John Gibson, and In Hopes of It Being Aproved of By the Governor. General Jack and Myself gave the Officers the Instructions, and the Men Is Now on Duty whitch Seemeth to Quiet the Minds of the People on the froonteers.
I am, Sir, your Obedient Humble Serv't,
CHAS. CAMPBELL, Br. Inspector of West. County.JOS. HARMAR, Adj. General of the State of Pennsylvania.
GEN. JOHN GIBSON TO GOVERNOR MIFFLIN.
PITTSBURGH, Oc'tr 5th, 1793.
SIR:—The Brigadier General and Inspector of Allegheny, have informed me that no commissions have been rece'd for the officers of the Company of artillery, and requested me to write to your Excellency, and inform you that they were included in the Gen'l Return, as they have Been at a very considerable Expense in procuring their Uniform, and are Compleatly organized agreable to Law. I hope nothing may have happened to prevent their obtaining commissions.
Since my last nothing Material has happened; should any thing occur, I shall give you the Earliest information.
I am, with respect,
your Excellency's most ob'd't humble Serv't,
JNO. GIBSON.The names of the officers are, George Robinson, Cap't; James Kerwan, 1st Lieut.; Jno. Hannah, 2d Lieut.
THOMAS MIFFLIN, Esq., Governor of Pennsylvania.
CAPT. JOHN WOODSIDE TO GOVERNOR MIFFLIN.
PHILADELPHIA, October 23rd, 1793.
SIR:—I called at Gen'l Proctor's quarters this morning with the inclosed, but finding that Gentlemen out of town, I do myself the honor to forward it directly to you Sir, least ''embarrass- [636] ments" should arise from a want of timely information of the present circumstances in which the 6th Comp'y of artillery stands.
I beg leave, Sir, to repeat my desire to pay the most respectful attention to your opinion, and however I may differ as to the expediency of Lieut. Thompson's being "permitted to continue till the next day of relief," taking into consideration his conduct, which as an officer, I am willing to undertake to prove, is very reprehensible, yet as I believe, Sir, that your opinion is founded upon a desire to avoid an encrease of the troubles with which, under the present awful dispensation of divine Providence, our City is afflicted, I readily acquiesce in the measure.
Had it not been from these considerations, I should never have consented to let any of my Officers relieve Lieut. Thompson, unless the orders had been immediate and peremptory, and he put under arrest. I would attribute his not being arrested immediately, to that delicacy which his case, as just losing his wife, would point out—though it is to be lamented, that was but a compliment to your own feelings.
If we are not ordered to march, and are induced, nevertheless, out of respectful attention to our Colo., as commander-in-chief of the militia and Governor of the State of Pennsylvania, to relieve the Guard at Fort Mifflin, out of our regular, tour of duty; that irregularity, occasioned by the whim & folly, to say the least, of a Gentlemen, of whom I would never have expected such treatment as an Officer. It is expected that the company will not meet with any difficulty in receiving the pay to which they will be Justly entitled, for the performance of an extra or rather an extended tour of duty, for as Capt. of the 6th Comp'y of Artillery, I can never relinquish the idea of our being actually in our proper tour. We are now under orders, these orders have been obeyed on my part, as far as circumstances would justify; these circumstances, as they relate to the object immediately demanding attention, having been reported, I only wait for orders to continue the tour a week longer. As soldiers, though called out only for a week's tour, yet if our Commanding Officer from the exigency of affairs, finds it necessary to extend the time as much longer as the emergency should continue, we are to obey; but if we volunteer, especially under our peculiar circumstances, we insist upon assurances that every reasonable demand which has been suggested may be fully complied with.
I am, Sir, with much respect,
Your Obed't humble Serv't,
JNO. WOODSIDE, Capt. 6th Comp'y Artl'y.THOMAS MIFFLIN, Esq'r., Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, &c.
[637] GEN. JOHN GIBSON TO GOVERNOR MIFFLIN.
PITTSBURGH, Nov'r 15th, 1793.
DEAR SIR:—The Brigadier Generals of the Counties of Westmorland, Washington and Allegeney have called on Me, and have Shewn me the Circular letter from your Excellency to them, and have requested my opinion respecting the Continuance of the Six Months' men now in Service.
I have given it as my Opinion that they ought to be continued at least until the result of the present Expedition under Gen'l Wayne is known, or until the frost and Snow sets in, as after that time very little danger is to be apprehended from the Indians.
I am with great Esteem, Dear Sir,
Your most obd't Serv't,
JNO. GIBSON.THOMAS MIFFLIN, Governor of the State Pens'a.
GEN. HENRY TAYLOR TO GOVERNOR MIFFLIN.
PITTSBURGH, 14th Nov'r, 1793.
D'R S'R—Your letter of the 28th October came to hand three days Since, Requiring me to make report whether there exists any reasonable cause for continuing in Service the Company Stationed for the Defence of Washington County. In Order to Compare Sentiment with General Gibson, I came to this place last night, and after consulting with him and Genral Wilkins, Agree that it is our Oppinions that the Said Company ought to be kept in Sarvice untill the fate of the western Armie be known, or untill the Meeting of the Genral Assemble.
I am, D'r s'r,
Your most Obedent Serv't,
HENRY TAYLOR, B. G. W. M.Excellency THOS. MIFFLIN.
[638] GEN. WILLIAM JACK TO GOVERNOR MIFFLIN.
GREENSBURGH, 19 Nov'r, 1793.
SIR:—I had the honour to write your Excellency by post before last, respecting the additional comp'y under Cap't Murray which has been for some time stationed on the fronteers of this County, and at the same time inclosed a copy of my first letter on the same subject. In answer more particularly to your letter of the 28ult., I beg leave to acquaint you, that having consulted with General Gibson, and with several Militia officers and respectable Characters of this County, it is my opinion that there is a sufficient reasonable cause for continuing in service the company raised, by Law, for the defence of this County, either untill the fate of the Expedition of General Wayne is known to be successful, or untill the Winter sets in, so as to render any danger from the Incursions of the Savages unlikely, by reason of the severity of the Weather.
I am, Sir, your most ob't Serv't,
WM. JACK.His Exc'y Governor MIFFLIN.
GOVERNOR MIFFLIN TO SECRETARY OF WAR.
PHIL'A, 28th Feb., 1794.
SIR:—The readiness with which the Gen'l Gove't has hitherto aided the defensive measures of Pen'a, induces me to request the loan of 4 Brass nine Pounders, to be employed in the defence of our Frontiers; and I engage that they shall be returned when required.
I am, with respect, Sir,
Y'r most obed. Ser.,
THOS. MIFFLIN.To H. KNOX, Esq., Sec'y at War.
CIRCULAR TO THE LIEUTENANTS AND ENSIGNS OF THE THREE DEFENSIVE COMPANIES.
PHILADELPHIA, March 1st, 1794.
SIR:—Inclosed I Send you a Copy of an Act of the General Assembly, passed on the 28th ulto., and providing among other [639] things for the defence of the Frontiers; and a Commission, by which you are appointed of the Company, to be employed in protecting the county of ____ under the command of Captain ____.
You will be pleased to apply immediately to Captain ____ for instructions to raise your compliment of non-commissioned officers and men; and I rely upon your rendering all the assistance in your power in that respect, as well as upon your zeal and spirit in executing the other duties of your Commission.
I am, Sir, Your most obed't Serv't,
THOMAS MIFFLIN.Sam'l Murphey, Lieut. Alleg.
James Patterson, Ens. do.
Stephen McHuffy, Ens. Westm'd.GEN. KNOX, SECRETARY OF WAR, TO GOVERNOR MIFFLIN.
WAR DEPARTMENT, May 19th, 1794.
SIR:—I am instructed by the President of the United States to transmit to your Excellency, the Act herein enclosed, entitled "An act directing a detachment from the militia of the United States."
In pursuance of this law, the President desires that you will take effectual measures, as soon as may be, to organize, arm, and equip according to law, and hold in readiness to march at a moment's warning, ten thousand seven hundred and sixty-eight of the militita of the State of Pennsylvania, officers included.
The said officers to be either the present militia officers, or others at the option of the Constitutional authority in your State.
But it will be necessary that the organization of the said Corps be conformable to the act passed the 8th of May, 1792, entitled, "An act to provide more effectually for the national defence, by establishing an uniform militia throughout the United States."
The President deems it expedient to authorise your Excellency to accept any independent corps of cavalry, artillery, or infantry, as part of the aforesaid detachment of ten thousand seven hundred and sixty-eight militia, Provided they shall voluntarily engage as corps in the service.
The term of service and allowances to the detachment are mentioned generally by the fourth section of the said act. But it is conceived proper that the the pay, rations, and forage, be more precisely specified as follows, to wit:
The ration of provisions to consist of one pound of beef, or three-quarters of a pound of pork; one pound of bread or flour; half a jill of rum, brandy, or whiskey, or the value thereof at the contract price, where the same shall become due; and at the rate of one quart of salt, two quarts of vinegar, two pounds of soap, and one pound of candles to every hundred rations.
It is the earnest desire of the President that your Excellency would immediately take the most effectual means that the whole of the militia of Pennsylvania not comprised within the foregoing requisition, be armed and equipped according to law.
The people of the United States encreasing rapidly in wealth, population, and importance among the nations, ought not to indulge the expectation of being exempt from those agitations and dangers, which seem inseparable from the human character. But it is our highest duty that we should be in a perfect condition to preserve and defend oureselves against every injury to which we may be liable as a nation.
The President therefore hopes for a prompt and universal compliance with the law, as a measure upon which, under the protection of Heaven, our freedom and security may depend.
It is requested that you would be pleased to transmit, as early as may be, the information of the measures which may be
GOVERNOR MIFFLIN TO GEN. JOHN PATTON.PHILADELPHIA, 4th July, 1794.
SIR:—On the receipt of your letter of the 22d ult'o, I made an application to the Sec. at War for a supply of arms and ammunition, (as you will perceive by the enclosed copy of my application,) for the defence of our frontiers; and I have the pleasure to inform you, that I shall be able in the course of a few days to send forward a proportional quantity for the use of Mifflin County.
I thank you for your communication, and shall be happy to receive from you any important information that may, from time to time, occur.
I am, Sir,
Your most Obed. Serv.,
THOS. MIFFLIN.To Maj'r Gen'l JOHN PATTON.
[644] GEN. JOHN BRATTON TO SECRETARY DALLAS.
MIFFLIN COUNTY, July 4th,1794.
SIR:—The situation of our Country induces me to trouble you at this time. Our Brigade Inspector, Mr. Nisbet, is removed out of the County, or gone on business, that it is uncertain when he will return or whether he will continue to act in that business. On account of his Absence there is no person to arange the Business of the Militia of this County. The Critical situation of our public business has induced a number of the principle Characters of our County to request me to state this matter to the Governour that he may take such measures as he may think necessary. It appears to us to reflect on the Character of our County that we are the only part of the State that is not making some preparation to oppose the enemies of our Country.
JNO. BRATTON.
A. J. DALLAS, Sec'y.
WM. BROWN TO GOVERNOR MIFFLIN.
LEWIS TOWN, July 5th, 1794.
SIR:—At the particular Request of a number of Respectable Characters of this county, we take the Liberty of troubling your Excellency with this. From all appearances we have every reason to believe that the Indians will be troublesome on the Frontiers of this and the Neighbouring County, from which Circumstances it's necessary that the Militia should be arranged & put in some situation of Defence, as yet there is not anything done. Mr. Nisbet, the Brigade Inspector, has left the County some time ago, and it's generally believed that he never will return to the Duties of his Office. From this circumstance we beg that some Relief may be granted us, by appointing some other Person to attend to that Business. Jno. Culbertson, Esquire, of this Place, is a respectable Character, adequate to the Duty of the office of Brigade Inspector, and would give a general Satisfaction to the County should he be appointed.
General Bratton and Andrew Gregg, Esq'r, have wrote to Mr. Dallas, your Secretary on that Subject.
We have the Honor to be, Sir,
Your most Hb'e & Obt. Servants,
WM. BROWN.
SAM'L EDMISTON.His Excellency THOMAS MIFFLIN.
[645] GOVERNOR MIFFLIN TO GEN JOHN PATTON.
PHILADELPHIA, 11th July, 1794.
SIR:—I have procured a supply of Arms and Ammunition which will be immediately forwarded by Colo. Clement Biddle, in due porportions to the Brigade Inspectors of Luzerne, Northumberland, Mifflin & Huntingdon. I have, likewise, authorised those Officers to make Competent drafts from the Militia of their respective Brigades, to repel any Actual or threatened invasion or attack. And it only remains to request that you will give all the assistance in your power to the Brigadier Generals and Brigade Inspectors within your division, for the purpose of insuring the protection and defence of our fellow Citizens, who are exposed to the annoyance of the Indians.
I am, with great esteem, Sir,
Your most Obed't h'ble Serv't,
THOS. MIFFLIN.To JOHN PATTON, Esq'r., Major Gen'l of the Militia, &c.
SECRETARY DALLAS TO GENERAL KNOX.
SECRETARY'S OFFICE, PHILA., 11th July, 1794.
SIR:—In Obedience to the directions of the Governor, I have inclosed an Extract from a letter, which he has received from General Wilkins, dated the 4th instant, Stating more particularly, than his former communication, the Circumstances that attended the Murder committed by Robertson on an Indian at Fort Franklin.
I am, Sir,
Your most Obed't h'ble Serv't,
A. J. DALLAS. Sec'y of the Commonwealth.To HENRY KNOX, Esq'r, Secretary at War.
SECRETARY DALLAS TO COL. JOSIAH CRAWFORD.
SECRETARY'S OFFICE, PHIL'A, 11th July, 1794.
SIR:—I have receiv'd your Letter of the 28th ult'o, and have submitted its contents to the consideration of the Governor, [646] who is of opinion that the drafts of Militia to form the Detachment under the President's requisition, of the 19th of May last, ought to commence with the first class in the present arrangement. This opinion is conformable, I believe, to the general practice, and appears to be the only one that can introduce an uniform and satisfactory rule.
The Commissions, which your several returns call for, have been made out, and will be sent to you, by the first favourable opportunity.
I am, with great esteem, Sir,
Your most obed't Serv't,
A. J. DALLAS, Secretary.To JOSIAH CRAWFORD, Esq'r, Brigade Inspector of Franklin.
JUDGE ADDISON TO GOVERNOR MIFFLIN.
WASHINGTON, 1st July, 1795.
SIR:—By last post I received yours of 19th ulto, which, stating a general report and belief that the recent hostilities committed by the Indians on our western frontier, have been occasioned by previous outrages offered to some of their peaceable parties, directs me to institute an enquiry on this subject, and, if any lawless aggressions appear, to proceed against them in the proper judicial forms.
On the 8th ult'o, in the charge to the Grand Jury of Westmoreland county, where the persons who fired at the Indians on the Allegheny river, are supposed to live, and where a detection of the facts was most to be expected, I pointed out, in the strongest manner I could, the dangerous tendency of such outrages, and the obligations on the jurors to disclose any knowledge they might have of this transaction, or any of its circumstances. Next day I took the deposition of an inhabitant of that county who was in the vicinity at the time of the outrage. Before leaving that court, I requested Judge Barr, who lives nearest to the frontiers, to collect such depositions as he could touching this affair, and transmit them to me; and I sent to Gen'l Gibson requesting he would, as soon as possible, forward to me such information as he might receive, whether the wounded boy was alive or dead. The wounded woman, I understood, was out of danger.
I have delayed issuing any warrant in expectation of hearing from Mr. Barr and Gen'l Gibson, which I have not yet done. In the same expectation I shall delay, till the return of this post [647] from Pittsburgh. After that, if I hear nothing of the Death of the boy, and get no further information as to the perpetrators of the mischief, I shall issue a warrant as for a wounding against the persons whom there is ground to suspect from the deposition already taken.
So far as I could discover the disposition of the people, there is a very general resentment against this offence.
I am, with great respect, Sir,
Your most obed. Serv't,
ALEX. ADDISON.The Governor.
WILLIAM BROWN TO GOVERNOR MIFFLIN.
KISHACOQUILLIS VALLEY, July 28th, 1795.
To his Excellency THOMAS MIFFLIN, Esquire, Governor of Pennsylvania:
SIR:—At the Request of an Unfortunate Woman who has had her Husband taken prisoner by the Indians on the fifth day of June near French Creek, in the party that were along with Capt. Wm. Power Surveying, and as we understand that there will be a Treaty held by General Wayne some time shortly with the Indians, I have taken the liberty to solicit your Excellency to write to General Wayne, or any other Person you may think proper, in order to try if he may be brought in Either to the place where the Treaty may hold or else where. The man's Name is James Thompson, a Respectable man of Kishacoquillis Valley, Mifflin County. If you think proper to Interfere in this business, Your Compliance will be Gratefully Acknowledged by a Number of the most Respectable people in this part of the Country.
And by Your Sincere friend.
And Obliged Servant,
WM. BROWN.JUDGE ADDISON TO GOVERNOR MIFFLIN.
PITTSBURGH, 11th Sept'r, 1795.
SIR:—One of the persons charged with shooting the Indians on the Allegheny river, being taken on a warrant which I issued against him and the others, made his escape from the Sheriff of Westmoreland county. Two witnesses from that county, whom I recognised or subpoenaed, attended here this court, but we [648] could not prove the death of the Boy, I recognized them to appear next court. It will, I think, be necessary that the father of the boy or some other Indian present at the murder be sent for. I submit it to you, therefore, whether it will not be proper to direct some person here at the expence of the State to procure the attendance of the father or some other Indian at the next Court to the Grand Jury, & if the offenders be then in custody to the traverse jury.
If you approve this, I conceive General Wilkins will be the most proper person to conduct this part of the business.
I am, Sir, with great respect,
Your most obed. Serv't,
ALEX. ADDISON.Governor of Pennsylvania.
JUDGE ADDISON TO SECRETARY DALLAS.
WASHINGTON, 2d March, 1796.
DEAR SIR:—I formerly wrote to the Governor respecting the sale of the residue of the lots of the town at the mouth of Beaver and the residue of the reserved tract there. I do think that there is a necessity for the sale as early as possible in the spring, and that as good a price will be given then as ought to be expected, or will probably be got at any future period within the compass of a proper prosecution of the plan. I think the lots will now sell high. I think the sale ought to be on the ground; those who intend to be settlers will go there; those who intend to speculate may go or send there. I am confident that this also will be found true and proper.
I do not know whether the land be all surveyed, and I believe not: it ought to be laid out in small lots near the town and in larger back from it to the extent of the reservation. If a clause of settlement be annexed there ought to be a special method pointed out to ascertain the forfeiture and conclude the purchaser.
The last sale was in this town that was not altogether right, as the land is not in this county. Yet reasons, perhaps true, and if true, sufficient were given for not selling at Pittsburgh. The people of Pittsburgh, it was said disliked the establishment, and would have thwarted the progress of the sale and settlement of the town. They had engrossed almost all the lots in the reserved tract opposite to Pittsburgh and made use of that as an argument to remove the seat of justice from that place into Pittsburgh, and so prevented any town there. They might have been disposed to do the same thing at McIntosh.
[649] The Commissioners for laying out the town and lots, laid out at McIntosh, that is at the mouth of Beaver, were scattered, one in Pittsburgh, one in Westmoreland and one in Fayette, and the surveyor was in Washington. The consequence was they never met, and the surveyor after attending on several appointments, was obliged to lay out the lots alone. The blame of tish [this] was laid on the Pittsburgh Commissioner. I would recommend Matthew Ritchie, David Redick and Daniel Leet, the two first of this town and the last near it, as Commissioners to lay out and to sell the lots, and if the law for Greene county does not alter the day of next June courts, would suggest the last Monday of May as the time of sale on the reserved tract itself, & to continue from day to-day.
You wanted a lot at the last sale. If you should want one now, write to me, point out the lot and the highest price. I wish you would send me a plan of the town and out lots and reserved tract. It would do for the Commissioners. I wish you would accompany it with a list of the purchasers & the numbers purchased & the prices, that will also do for the Commissioners. But send me by post as soon as possible a list of such purchasers as have not taken out patents for their lots (if there be any such) with the numbers & prices. Purchases would be made of them perhaps.
Yours sincerely,
ALEX'R ADDISON.JUDGE ADDISON TO GOVERNOR MIFFLIN.
PITTSBURGH, 11th March, 1796.
SIR:—At the court this week an application was again made for the discharge of the person taken for killing the Indian boy, on the Allegheny river. But on a statement of the circumstances rendering it impossible to proceed with the prosecution, it was not pressed. It will be impossible, with any decency, that this motion should be restrained or resisted any longer, and I hope measures will be taken to have Indians here by the next Court to prove the death.
Let me again suggest to you the necessity of as early a sale as possible of the residue of the lots and reserved tract at the mouth of Beaver creek. In my opinion the sale ought to be in the end of May next. If not sold soon the lots and land will be occupied by persons without title. The sale ought to be on the ground itself.
[650] The idea of a new county ought to be fixed and prosecuted as soon as possible. I dread the consequences of the flood of mad people who have gone over the Allegheny and Ohio to make settlements; their number is inconceivable and they will, perhaps be dangerous, unless law can be brought in among them. The establishment of a new county and seat of justice there, with the additional number of officers that would be occasioned by that, would awaken and keep up a sense of submission, and have a good influence on conduct and tempers, which otherwise may give rise to some apprehensions.
I am, Sir, with much respect,
your most obed't Serv.,
ALEX. ADDISON.THOMAS MIFFLIN, Governor of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
JUDGE ADDISON TO GOVERNOR MIFFLIN.
WASHINGTON, 3d Feb'ry, 1796.
SIR:—At the last court in Allegheny county General Wilkins had received no instructions for procuring the attendance of the Indians as witnesses in the case of the attack on the Indians on the Allegheny river.
I think it proper to mention to you, that at least one man has built a house with a view to settle on some of the unsold part of the reserve tract at the mouth of Beaver creek, and that several others intend to do so next spring. If this measure takes place it will probably occasion disturbance and dispute, the settlers without right will claim a preference to those who, respecting the law, stand back 'till they can have an opportunity of settling lawfully. The sales will be injured, for some will be backward to purchase a d'sputed possession. I submit to you the consideration of the probable consequences and the remedy, whether it will be best to proceed immediately to a sale of the residue of the lots and tract, or whether some notification ought to be given against such settlements, and suits instituted against those who will not go off. I would also mention, that I am informed that havock is making of the timber and trees of the unsold part, and much greater is to be feared. Whether it will be thought proper to advert to this, you will also consider. If the sale of the residue should be determined on, it ought to be attended to, that a certain spring, at some distance from the town is (excepting the rivers which are an hundred feet below the level of the town, with a very steep bank) the only resource [651] for water—a sufficient quantity of ground ought to be reserved round it and between it and the town, for conducting it into the town. There is also a stone quarry near it, which ought not to be suffered to become private property. Both these ought to be vested in trustees for the use of the town. The most proper trustees would be an incorporation to be made of the town, to take place as soon as a certain number of inhabitants should be in it. Many will settle there next summer. Before a sale the future seat of justice ought to be established there—the county to take place, as soon as a certain number, say 300, or 500 families live on the N. W. side of the Ohio, within 15 or 20 miles of the town. This being certified to you on certain proof made, the lines of the county on both sides of the Ohio to be ascertained by Commissioners, and declared by proclamation; but no court to be held there 'till the county Commissioners have built a sufficient Court house and jail, which they should be enabled to do without any limitation of price. The sales ought to be on the grounds, I mean at the town itself. And profits ought to be applied to an academy.
Indeed, I should think that in all the unsettled parts boundaries of counties and scites of the county towns ought to be ascertained before hand and purchases made of 600 or 1,000 acres to be laid out in lots and outlots, and the profits to be applied to academies. The county to be declared by proclamation entitled to a separate representation as soon as the ratio of one member shall be compleat, and to a separate judicature as soon as a Court house and jail proper for the purpose shall be finished. This plan would prevent much intrigue and partiality, and would throw the profits into a better channel than they now are in. At present county towns are only means of gain without merit to the owners of the land who may impose what terms they please on the purchasers.
You will forgive me for troubling you with these hasty hints, and deal with them as you please.
I am, with great respect, Sir,
Your most obed't Serv't,
ALEX. ADDISON.P. S.—As no lot has been reserved proper for a grave yard which ought to be back from the town of Beaver—whether to provide for that and for conducting the spring and a proper road from the stone quarry, a sufficient quantity of ground back of the town, ought not to be reserved from the sale?
THOMAS MIFFLIN, Governor of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
THE END.
