GEO. SHARP TO COL. A. McKEE. |
105 |
the Indians make peace or not the season for the Hunt will be passed either in
war or negotiation.
They are very inveterate against the Americans and have exerted themselves to make an effectual stand. It is supposed they will be able to assemble from the tribes three or four thousand the Wyandots and Delawares seem inclined to remain neuter. The Americans under the command of Colonel Harmar consist of about three thousand men, of whom near one third continentals, the remainder draughts from the militia and volunteers from Kentucky chiefly mounted. They bring with them materials for intrenching and defending a post. They quit the Ohio at Pipe Creek and cross the country to the Miamis Towns.
It can do no harm to say that the Muskingum Settlements (as My Lord Dorchester may be better informed) from whence this expedition puts forth is composed of disconnected Continental Soldiers and officers who were attached to the United States by no other Tye but personal regard for the President, considering themselves as sacrificed by Congress and defrauded even in the sale of the lands they occupy. This sentiment towards the Government of the old States is I think the cause of an extreme tenderness towards the British Government which affects to attribute to the Traders only that encouragement and supply of ammunition to the Indians, which I believe they in reality attribute to authority.
D. |
Indorsed: 7
In Lord Dorchester to Mr. Grenville No 74 of the 10th Novr. 1790.
[Q. 49-p 116]
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GEO. SHARP TO COL. A. MC KEE, RELATIVE TO ACTIONS NEAR DETROIT.
| GLAIZE, 17th October 1790 |
SIR,
The American Army slept nine leagues from the Miamis on the night of the 14th Current.
I left the Miamis the 15th- people in general had then saved a considerable part of their property, but the village was burned to ashes, by the Indians, lest it should afford shelter to their enemies.
We understand that they had left their cattle behind them, and it is not certain,
that they have any cannon; we cannot even guess at
14
106 |
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS. |
their number; but from the best accounts, it cannot be less than two thousand.
Messrs. Kenzie and Lacelle, were to remain in the environs of the Miamis 4 days at least after my departure, and promised to send me every intelligence of consequence to this place, which I shall forward to you. I remain here to forward my perroque* to Rochedebout.
Mr. Godfroy going to Detroit, and being well informed of every circumstance relative to our situation, it is needless for me to trouble you any further on this subject.
(Signed)
GEO: SHARP > |
To
COLONEL MCKEE
[Q 50-1, p 27]
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COL. A. MC KEE TO SIR JOHN JOHNSON.
MOUTH OF DETROIT RIVER Octr. 18th 1790 |
SIR
Having heretofore sent you every information worth notice during my stay at the foot of the Rapids Miamis, am now to inform you that I left that place yesterday and arrived here last night, the evening before I left the Runners from the different villages came in with an account that a powerful army was discovered on their march towards the Miamis Towns, and that the Indians had removed their women & Children, they were advanced on the 11th Inst within 30 Leagues of the Indian Villages, so that before this time no doubt they will be about taking Post there, the consequence of which to this place is obvious, the Indians of that neighbourhood are too few to make much opposition, however I understand they are determined to attempt it and have asked the assistance of other Nations, who seem to be too far dispersed to be able to collect in a short time, I shall send Captain Elliott off to day to watch their progress.
I have also received a confirmation of the intelligence I gave you yesterday
respecting the Spaniards, from an old Delaware Chief lately returned from the
Southward, who says he was in Council with them at Pensacola, when speeches
were delivered to the Indians notifying a war between the English and them and
engaging them on the part of the Spaniards, these speeches he further tells
me has been forwarded
________
*A small boat.
MAJOR JOHN SMITH TO CAPT. LE MAISTRE. |
107 |
to the Mississippi, and I am surprised they have not reached Michilimakinac before
this from that quarter- the vessel which I met here being just about to sail
leaves me time only to assure you that I am with the greatest Respect &c
|
Your obedient Servant
|
P. S. I forward a copy of the Speeches received by the Indians & sent
to me.
Sir John Johnson
Indorsed: 5
In Lord Dorchester's to Mr Grenville No 71 of the 10th Novemr 179O
[Q 49-p 111]
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LETTER FROM MAJOR JOHN SMITH RELATIVE TO ACTION OF INDIANS.
DETROIT 19th October 1790. |
Mr. Godfroy says, he believes the collected Indians to be under a Thousand;
that upwards of a thousand bushels of corn was burnt in the town- that he has
brought Symbols to all the neighbouring Indian nations- that the Indians
allowed the Traders to retire with the bulk of their goods and assisted them;
and that the Gri Chief, particularly recommended it to them- that one Indian
Spy or Courier, watching the movements of the Americans had been killed.
(signed) JOHN SMITH Major 5th Regt. D. |
Indorsed: 1
In Lord Dorchester's to Mr Grenville No 79 of the 23d January 1791.
[Q 50-1, p 28]
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MAJOR JOHN SMITH TO CAPT. LE MAISTRE.
DETTOIT 20th October 1790. |
SIR,
I have the honor to acquaint you for the Informaton of His Excellency the Governor, that Mr. Godfroy arrived here yesterday, with the disagreeable intelligence of the burning of the Miamis Town, which has been done by the Indians, that it might not afford any shelter to
108 |
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS. |
their Enemies. The Traders have saved most of their moveable goods, their corn
has for the most part suffered in the fire, and they have been forced to give
their powder and ball to the Indians.
Colonel McKee arrived this morning, and brings copies of the speeches delivered by Mr. Meigs at Sandusky.
From the general report, there is reason to believe the Spaniards have been tampering with the Indians on the Mississippi, particularly the Pottawautamys; and belts have, I understand, been sent from the Spaniards (at a large Council to the Southward) to all the nations hereabouts, declaring their intentions of going to war with Great Britain.
Tis said the present intention of the Indians, is to attack the American guard with their cattle, in the night, that by throwing them into confusion, they may scatter and be easily killed, for which purpose a number of bows and arrows are preparing.
| Captain Le Maistre Military Secretary } |
I have the honor to be
Your most obedient servant (signed) JOHN SMITH Major 5th Regt D. |
Indorsed: 2
In Lord Dorchester's to Mr. Grenville No 79 of the 25th January 1790
[Q 50-1, p 30]
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CAPT. MATHEW ELLIOTT TO COL. A. MC KEE.
SIR,
I arrived here the third day after I left you about twelve o'clock. Last night two Delawares arrived express from the Miamis, they bring intelligence of a Skirmish between the Indians and Americans on the 20th current, a thousand of the Light Horsemen, thought to take them by surprise, but they were so warmly received by a Party of the Shawanese and Potowatomies, that they were obliged to retreat with the loss of three hundred men killed on the spot, the Indians lost only one man. There was only one Prisoner taken, who told them that the American Army consisted of two thousand five hundred men, that they had cannon and ordnance stores, and that they meant to make
INFORMATION OF CAPTAIN MATHEW ELLIOTT. |
133 |
The Information of Capt Mathew Elliott of the Indian Department.
That on the 19th October instant he received orders from Col. McKee to go and watch the motions of the American Army said to be advancing to the Miamis Towns.
That on the 21st he arrived at the Glaize, that soon after two Indian Runners arrived from the Miamis Towns, with two Scalps and messages to call on the different nations of Indians for assistance at the same time giving an account of the action between the Americans and Indians as reported in his letter to Col. McKee of the 23d instant.
That finding another action was soon expected he left the Glaize on the 23d to advance nearer the scene of Information, in order- fulfill his Instructions by using every possible means in his power to secure the British property, then in the country, and to obtain better intelligence of the strength and movements of the American army, that on the same night he arrived within 40 miles of the Miamis Towns and there was met by different chiefs who were returning to the Glaize for Provisions and was informed by them that the Americans had retreated into a Swamp, but on the same night Runners arrived at his camp with information of a second action which took place after the retreat into the Swamp, the Americans having advanced with five hundred Infantry as supposed to bury their dead.
That the Shawanese, Miamies, Ottawas, and Delawares, engaged this body near the spot where the former action was fought and the Americans were a second time defeated with the loss of upwards of Two hundred which with those killed in the engagement of the 20th make in the whole Five hundred men. That he believes the number of Americans reported by the Indians to have been killed is not exaggerated as he saw upwards of 150 scalps amongst the few Indians going for Provisions to the Glaize and its neighbourhood.
That in the last action three American Prisoners were taken in the field who reported that their army consisted of no more than Fifteen hundred men & 400 Prisoners, Packhorsemen & Bullock drivers, that they had only seven days provisions left and that the flower of their army was slain. That it is their intention to endeavour to effect a retreat down the Wabash to join Governor St. Clair.
That he is now persuaded the account he formerly received and sent in his Letter of the 23d of the number of Indians who had joined at the Miamis was erroneous, as by better information from the Chiefs to
134 |
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS. |
be depended upon it appears they are not six hundred though many and numerous
Tribes are now on their way to join them.
That in both actions there never were more than 200 Indians engaged owing to the celerity of the business and the scattered distances at which they have posted themselves round the American Army, that the number of Indians killed on the side of the Indians does not exceed Ten, and of wounded Fifteen most of them slightly.
That very few of the Americans escaped wounded for except a few shot with arrows the Tomahawk and spear were the only Weapon used.
That the Indians who are mentioned as having gone for Provisions were to return immediately many nations being left by them surrounding the American Camp and waiting an opportunity of attacking them whenever they make any movement and they add that in all probability the next action may be decisive- that from the information of the said Chiefs the Americans had two small Grass Hoppers and one Cohorn which last was frequently fired after the action on the night of the 22d.
They also declare that the Prisoners taken from the Americans said that Detroit was their intended object in the Spring or words to that effect and that soon afterwards the said Prisoners were put to death.
DETROIT 28th Octor 1790
MONTREAL 29th November 1790. (signed) JOSEPH CHEW D. S. I. A. |
Indorsed: Capt Elliott's Information In Lord Dorchester's to Mr Grenville, No
79 of the 23d Jany 1791.
[Q 50-1, p 37]
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INFORMATION OF BLUE JACKET.
1790
1st November } The Information of Blue Jacket a principal Warrior of
the Shawanese.
That he came hither Business with the several nations about this place from the Miamis, as also to their Father; that the late action of the 22d Ultimo the Indians perceiving that the American Army were preparing to retreat, by destroying their heavy Baggage, and throwing quantities of Powder into the River, had determined to collect themselves into a Body, and on the first movements of the Americans to
186 |
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS. |
same place and there make and ratify a firm peace with General St Clair the
great officer of the United States on the Western Waters.
You will find the terms he shall dictate will be full of Justice, Moderation and Humanity
You are now the only Tribes with whom the United States have any disputes. The powerful Indian Nations South of the Ohio are our Allies.
The Six Nations of Northern Indians are at peace with us, and we are desirous of receiving you into the number of our friends, and to forget all the evil which has past. If you refuse all the Nations will approve and justify your punishment.
Given at the War-Office of the United States this 11th day of
March 1791.
H. KNOX Secy of War. |
[ Q 59-2, p 454 ]
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INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN BY H. KNOX, SEC'Y OF WAR, FOR THE PROTECTION
OF
THE FRONTIERS IN THE ENSUING CAMPAIGN.
SIR,
The President of the United States having, by and with the advice of the Senate appointed you a Major General in the Service of the United States, and of consequence invested, with the Chief command of the Troops to be employed upon the Frontiers during the ensuing campaign, it is proper that you should be possessed of the views of the Government respecting the objects of your command.
I am therefore authorized and commanded by the President of the United states, to deliver you the following Instructions, in order to serve as the general principles of your conduct.
But it is only general principles which can be pointed out. In the execution of the duties of your station, circumstances which cannot now be foreseen, may arise, to render material deviations necessary. Such circumstances will require the exercise of your talents. The Government possesses the security of your Character, and mature experience, that your Judgment will be proper on all occasions.
You are well informed of the unfavorable impressions which the issue of the last expedition has made on the public mind, and you are also aware of the expectations which are formed of the success of the Ensuing Campaign.
PROTECTION OF THE FRONTIERS. |
187 |
An Indian War, under any circumstances is regarded by the great mass of the
people of the United States, as an event which ought if possible to be avoided.
It is considered that the sacrifices of blood & treasure, in such a war,
far exceed any advantages which can possibly be reaped by it.
The great policy therefore, of the General Government, is, to establish a just & liberal Peace with all the Indian Tribes, within the limits, and in the vicinity of the Territory of the United States.
Your intimations to the hostile Indians, immediately after the late Expedition through the Wyandots & Delawares, The arrangements with the Senecas, who were lately in this city, that part of the Six Nations should repair to the said hostile Indians to influence them to pacific measures; together with the recent mission of Colonel Proctor to them for the same purpose, will strongly evince the desire of the General Government to prevent the further effusion of blood, and to quiet all disturbances- and when you shall arrive upon the frontiers, if any other, or further measures, to effect the same object should present, you will eagerly embrace them, and the reasonable expenses thereof shall be defrayed by the Public. Colonel Proctor's Instructions, and the Messages to the Miamis &c are annexed, marked A.
It is however important to be remarked, that all the persons employed on this account, must, if practicable, return to Fort Washington, on or before, the 6th of May next, for the reasons which will hereafter appear.
But, if all the lenient measures taken, or which may be taken, should fail, to bring the hostile Indians, to a just sense of their Situation, It will be necessary that you should use such coercive means as you shall possess for that purpose.
You are informed that, by an Act of Congress passed the 2nd instant, another Regiment is to be raised & added to the Military Establishment, and provision made for raising two Thousand Levies for the term of Six Months, for the Service of the Frontiers.
The Plan for raising the said Levies is hereunto annexed marked B.
The second Regiment of Regulars will be recruited in the four New England States, excepting one company to be recruited in South Carolina, and another in the State of Delaware.
Recruits will be raised to complete the first Regiment, in the States from Maryland to New York inclusively.
The Recruits from the Regulars as well as the Levies will be marched by companies as soon as they shall be raised, to Fort Pitt, there to receive your further orders.
188 |
COLONIAL OFFICE RECORDS. |
It is contemplated that the mass of the Regulars, and Levies, may be recruited,
and rendezvous at Fort Washington, by the 10th of July.
In this case you will have assembled a force of three thousand effective at least, besides leaving small garrisons on the Ohio, in order to perform your main expedition hereinafter mentioned.
But in the mean time if the Indians refuse to listen to the Messengers of Peace sent to them, it is most probable they will, unless prevented spread themselves along the line of frontiers, for the purpose of committing all the Depredations in their power.
In order to avoid so calamitous an event, Brigadier General Charles Scott of Kentucky has been authorized, by me, on the Part of the President of the United States, to make an expedition against the Wea, or Ouattanontows, with mounted Volunteers, or Militia from Kentucky, not exceeding the number of seven Hundred & fifty, officers included.
That you may perfectly comprehend this subject, copies of the Instructions given Brigadier General Scott and the powers vested in him, in conjunction with John Brown, Harry Innes, Benjamin Logan & Isaac Schuly, and dated the 9th instant are hereunto annexed marked C.
You will perceive by the said Instructions, that if the said Expedition be not prevented by you, on or before the 10th of May next, that it is to proceed according to the Instructions.
The period of the 10th of May has been fixed, in order to afford time for Colonel Proctor and the Other Messengers to return before the commencement of the said Expedition. You will observe that Colonel Proctor's Instructions are pointed, as to the time of his return.
You will also perceive by the Instructions to Brigadier General Scott that it is confided to your discretion, whether there shall be more than one of the said Expeditions of mounted Volunteers, or Militia.
Your nearer view of the objects to be effected by a second desultory expedition will enable you to form a better judgment, than can at present be formed at this distance.
The propriety of a second operation would in some degree depend on the alacrity and good composition of the Troops of which the first may have been formed- of its success- of the probable effects a second similar blow would have upon the Indians, with respect to its influencing them to Peace, or, if they should still be hostilely disposed, of preventing them from desolating the frontiers by their parties.
It is to be observed that in case of a second or third desultory operation that you will limit the numbers to be employed to five hundred.
The manner of their being mustered, both before and subsequent to their march, are stated in Brigadier General Scott's Instructions.
PROTECTION OF THE FRONTIERS. |
189 |
And, you will also judge, how far a desultory operation made at the time of the
main expedition, would conduce to the general success of the service, or if a
party of mounted Volunteers, or Regulars, or Levies, were to form part of your
main force.
In case two such desultory operations should be formed from Kentucky, and you should decide upon a third of the same nature to support collaterally the main expedition, I suggest the propriety of your employing Brigadier General Sevier for the purpose.
If circumstances should lead you to decide in favor of employing him, you could send an express to him, between the forks of Hostien & French road, so that he should have three weeks or a month to raise men; or perhaps it would be the best place to mount the battalion of levies, which is to be raised in the Territory of the United States South of the Ohio, and with such additions as you should order, put them under the orders of Brigadier General Sevier.
It is however proper to remark, that as the Expence of an Expedition of a mounted Corps would be very considerable, the probable advantage ought far to outweigh the risque and Expence.
If such operations should be successful, and a considerable number of prisoners should be taken, particularly Women & Children, it would have the certain effect of humbling the Indians and inducing them to sue for mercy.
You will observe that in the Instructions to Brigadier General Scott, which is to serve as a basis for the instructions of the commander who may succeed him, that all captives are to be treated with great humanity. It will be sound policy to attack the Indians by kindness, after demonstrating to them our power to punish them on all occasions.
Whilst you are making such use of desultory operations, as in your Judgment the occasion may require, you will proceed vigorously in every preparation in your power, for the purpose of the main Expedition; and having assembled your force and all things being in readiness, if no decisive indications of peace should have been produced, either by the Messenger, or by the desultory operations, you will commence your march for the Miami Village, in order to establish a strong and permanent Military Post at that place.
In your advance you will establish such posts of communication with Fort Washington on the Ohio, as you may judge proper.
The Post at the Miami's Village is intended for the purpose of awing and curbing the Indians in that Quarter, and as the only preventative of further hostilities. It ought therefore to be rendered secure against all attempts & insults of the Indians. The garrison which should be,