132 |
TERRITORIAL PAPERS |
you information of every thing that turns up by every opportunity from hence.38
I have the Honor to be &c
|
(Signed) Ar St CLAIR. |
THE HONbl GENl KNOX Secretary at War.
_____
_____
INHABITANTS ON THE MUSKINGUM TO GOVERNOR
ST. CLAIR
[MHS:Sargent Papers:DS]
|
[July 16, 1788] |
May it please your Excellency!
The condesending and affectionate manner, in which you have been pleased to make known the constitutional government of the Western Territory, and your own appointment, as Governer and Commander therein, demands our most grateful acknowlegements. The infant state of our settlement, in this pleasent, tho ' uncultivated country, can exhibit nothing to your Excellency, worthy your attention, but the sincerest attachment, and the fair prospect of rising to happiness and greatness, under a wise administration, to be conducted by the best of men.
When thus far removed from the country, that gave us birth, from our friends and from the influence of the government of any state, we esteem it one of the greatest blessings, that we can have civil government established among us, which is the only foundation for the enjoyment of life, of liberty and of property.
And we also feel a particular satisfaction, in having a Gentleman of your Excellency's distinguished character, in the administration thereof, to whom we have confidence to look as to a patron, a father and a friend. As we are contious of the benifits, that must result to this Teritory, from a government thus early established, when administered by your Excellency: we shall date the Era of our civil happiness, from the joyful day on which it was established.
Your Excellency may rely, that those, who are influential in promoting this settlement, will use every effort in establishing peace and good order in this Teritory; and are happy, that your Excellency entertains such an opinion of them. We also derive equal satisfaction with your Excellency, in having our judicial officers, Gentlemen, not only commanding respect, but also such as have attained our highest confidence and esteem.
We are fully satisfied with the system of our
temporary government: and while Gentlement of the abilities and rectitude of
your Excellency and their honours the Judges promulgate our laws; we
_____________
38Transmitted to Congress by the Secretary at War, Aug. 8, 1788 (CC Papers, no. 150, vol. III, fol. 417).
|
NORTHWEST TERRITORY |
159 |
meets, where the ideas of union and submission are familiar-with
Savages it is impossible. Neither would these operations demand a very great
number of Men or very considerable expense-between three and four thousand
Militia, added to the troops in the service of the United States, might be
sufficient and surely these might be furnished by the frontier parts of
Virginia and Pennsylvania, and in such a manner as to be convenient to their
respective destinations. The French settlements too could easily if I am well
informed, give three or four hundred Men. The whole operation might I conceive
if undertaken at a proper season be finished in thirty or forty days from the
time they took up their march, tho' the calculation should be for a longer
period.
I am sensible Sir these observations require an apology, both because I have stepped out of my line, and that they have not been so maturely considered as the importance of the object demands-they are meant only as hints of what might be done which you would not be displeased with, and as such I request you to consider them.
The address of the Messengers to the Wyandots and Delawares though perhaps well enough in substance is, in my opinion highly improper in form, neither did I know they were so instructed, and General Butler assures me they were not. I should certainly have objected against an application in the name of the United States, to any Nation on Earth; much more to a few Savages, "for them to use their interest, and influence for the restoration of Prisoners," taken in Peace too and in violation of Treaties. It may have arisen from a desire to do good, with much ignorance of the proper means, and if it would rest with those nations there would be no great harm- but if it is communicated to the British Agent which it probably will be the United States may be exposed by it.
There is intelligence which I believe may be depended upon, that the Indians at the mouth of the Wabash having been discovered, a party from Kentucky went to attack them-that missing them there, they crossed and marched to the Salines (or Salt River I believe of Mr Hutchins) went up that River to its head branches, and crossed from thence to the upper part of the Riviere de l'embarras, where they fell in with and had an action with Indians, some of whom were killed-They returned by Post Vincennes and Clarkes Tract to the falls, and brought in with them Six Scalps, Seven Rifles, and twenty Horses-But whether these were the Indians that made the Stroke at the mouth of the Wabash or not does not appear.39
I have the Honor to be &c
|
(Signed) Ar St CLAIR |
_____________
39Referring to an assault on Indians of the Wabash by a party led by Patrick Brown, of Kentucky (Hamtramck to Harmar, Aug. 31,1788, Harmar Papers, 1W445, Wis. Hist. Soc.).
|
NORTHWEST TERRITORY |
165 |
way, and are got about fifteen miles on this side the Falls-that they are determined to come to the Council at this place, and desiring that we may yet have a little patience, that their hearts are good as they believe those of the Americans to be. These Indians say, that Brant, on the receipt of the Message, immediately determined to go back with his people by the way of Detroit, and had moved some miles before they set out. That from his new Encampment he had sent for the Chiefs of the Wyandots and Delawares to meet him there, but they had refused to go, telling him they were on their way to the Muskingham, and he might come to them there.
This moment a messenger arrived from Wilson with the enclosed letter No. 3-Excuse me for troubling you with the original for I am not able to copy it. It disagrees with the Indian intelligence in the circumstance that the Chiefs were going to meet Brant. But Wilson had not seen either the Wyandots or Delawares, and it must have been Brant's conclusion that they would meet him. The Messenger says, that the Pipe the Chief of the Delawares and the Wyandot Chiefs whom he saw after parting with Brant told him they would not go, but would be here in four days. The Shawanese, Delawares, and Miamies said to be at hand, are the hostile tribes who live at the Miami village-Kekayuga is the name they give to that town.
By the first opportunity that offers you will hear from me again, in the mean time, I am, with the greatest respect and esteem, Sir, yours, &c.
THE HONOURABLE GENERAL KNOX, Secretary at War.
Wilson's letter ought to bear date of the 1st instant.
_____
_____
THE SECRETARY AT WAR TO GOVERNOR ST. CLAIR
[OSL: St. Clair Papers: ALS]
|
WAR OFFICE, December 8th 1788 |
SIR I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favors of the 26th and 30th of October, and also yours of the 1st of November with its enclosures by Major Doughty54
The receipt of your several favors of the 13th,
16th and 22nd of July. the 17th of
August. the 2nd and 14th of September, and the 7th
of October,55 were acknowledged from the war-Office during my
absence-Having but just returned from the Eastward, and the post being to
depart this day, I have not time to answer your several communications but by
the next opportunity I shall particularly reply to the several objects therein
stated which may require an answer-
_____________
54None of these letters have been discovered.
55Ante, pp. 125, 130,136,140,152, 156, 160.
|
NORTHWEST TERRITORY |
197 |
GOVERNOR ST. CLAIR TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR
[LC: Washington Papers, Letter Book 26, p. 24: C15]
|
NEW YORK June 14. 1789- |
TO THE HONORABLE MAJOR GENERAL KNOX-
SIR I have been honored with your letter of the 12th 16 and in reply have to observe that by the resolution of Congress of the 29th of August 178817 I was directed to repair to the Mississippi, in order to hold a treaty with the Indians who inhabit the country upon that river, for the extinguishing their claims to Lands within certain limits, if any such claims existed and to lay out certain donations of Land to the ancient inhabitants, from thence I was to proceed to Post St Vincennes upon the Wabash and lay out like donations for the inhabitants there, but the instructions contained no directions to make any purchase about the Post, from a presumption I suppose that a Cession had been made there to the Crown of France-With the remainder of the Goods from former treaties and the warrants I have received from the board of treasury, there is sufficient I suppose in my hands to defray the expence of the treaty with the Missisippi Indians, exclusive of the provisions-What they may amount to I can not ascertain, as I am ignorant of the Indian numbers-they are inconsiderable; but an immediate provision for the payment of the provisions either for that or any Treaty is not necessary, the contractors being obliged to furnish all rations that may be required by the United States.
Should it be thought proper to treat with the Indians of the Wabash and Miami a further sum will be necessary, and I have enclosed an estimate of what the expence would probably amount to-It appears indeed of absolute necessity that these Savages should be brought to peace either by treaty or by force.
It is impossible for me to judge what sum would induce them to extend the northern boundary of the last cession to the Missisippi- Neither is it very well known what nations are the proprietors of the country that would be obtained by that extension-perhaps a provisional power to make such agreements and limiting the sum might not be improper, as the expence of another meeting for that purpose might be avoided if the proprietors attended at the treaty in contemplation-The stipulations could be made then and the payments at an after period.
I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient Servant
|
sign'd) Ar St CLAIR |
__________
15Printed also in Smith (ed.), St. Clair Papers, II, 115-117. An original draft is in the Ohio State Library. The appended enclosure is absent from both.
16St. Clair Papers (OSL).
17Ante, p. 145.
198 |
TERRITORIAL PAPERS |
Estimate of the expence, with which a treaty with the Indians of the Wabash and Miami Rivers, would probably be attended, their numbers are supposed to be from twelve to fifteen hundred men.
|
Dollars |
|
Indian goods assorted to the Value of |
6000 |
|
Stores and necessaries |
650 |
|
Transportation |
2. 500 |
|
Messengers and Interpreters |
1. 000 |
|
Store Keeper |
300 |
|
Commissioners wages |
500 |
|
Contingencies |
20 |
|
_______ |
|
11.150 |
|
The provisions can not be estimated at less than 30,000 |
|
|
rations, which at contract price will amount to |
5000 |
|
_______ |
|
16, 150 |
Many circumstances may occur to occasion the
expenditure of a larger quantity of provisions, a lesser quantity ought
not to be reckoned upon.
|
signed) Ar St CLAIR |
_____
_____
SECRETARY SARGENT TO THE SECRETARY OF CONGRESS
[SD:N.W. Terr. Papers, I:ALS]
TERRITORY OF THE UNITED STATES NORTH WEST
|
OF THE RIVER OHIO-July the 1st1789- |
SIR On This Day my second Official Communication becomes due, & is contained in the enclosed Sheet18-
The Absence of the Governour & Death of one of the Judges19 has prevented the Adoption & Publication of Laws since the 28th of December of the last Year
With great Respect I have the Honour to be Sir Your most obedient Humble Servant
|
WINTHROP SARGENT |
CHARLES THOMPSON Esqr
[Addressed] Charles Thompson Esquire Secretary to
Congress New York
[Endorsed] Letter July 1st 1789 Winthrop
Sargeant-Secy of the Govt N: West of the Ohio
transmitting his half yearly communications Recd Augt 20th
1789 Augt 25th 1789-transmitted a copy of this letter
& the original papers enclosed to the President of the U: S20-
R: Alden-
___________
18Journal Exec. Procs., January-July, 1789, post, III, 290.
19J M. Varnum, died Jan. 10, 1789; see Sargent to the Secretary of Congress, Jan. 15,1789, ante, p. 187.
20Aug. 26, 1789, post, p. 204.
|
NORTHWEST TERRITORY |
225 |
the Principal characters in that quarter.73 While he has directed that they be promised all the protection that he can reasonably afford, he has stated his opinion of the effects of the desultory expeditions into the Indian Country North west of the Ohio-an extract of a letter written by his direction to Samuel McDowell Esqr Chairman of the late Convention of Kentuckey District and dated the 15th instant is as follows
"The President of the United States has desired that it may be clearly understood to be his opinion that the best foundation for peace with the Indians is by establishing just and liberal treaties with them-which shall be rigidly observed on our parts, and if broken on theirs to be effectually punished by legal authority.
But irregular and unauthorized expeditions involve the innocent and guilty in equal calamity-make enemies of those disposed to be friends-disgrace government and defeat its designs.74
And further that in future it is his just expectation that no expedition be undertaken agains the Indians North west of the Ohio, but with the approbation of the Governor of the said Territory, and the Commanding Officer of the federal troops who are particularly instructed on this subject."75
The President of the United States is extremely desirous of a general treaty with the Wabash Indians as the only rational foundation of peace-If a treaty of peace was once effected, any partial breaches of it by the Indians could easily be punished-He therefore requests you to use your highest exertions for that purpose.
The Letters from the Wabash and Mississippi state the necessity of your presence76-It is to be hoped that you will be able to proceed and accommodate the settlers with the lands to which they are entitled.
The aspect of Affairs with the Creeks require
a post to be established at the Muscle shoals on the Tennassee-provided the
same can be effected with the entire approbation and support of the Chickasaws
and Choctaws which there is reason to beleive may be obtained-and
___________
73A.S.P., op. cit., I, 84-86; Col. Benjamin Wilson to Governor Randolph, Sept. 28, 1789, Cal. Va. State Papers, v, 32. For subsequent developments, see the President to Congress, Jan. 8, 1790, Richardson (comp.), Messages and Papers, I, 65; the Secretary of War to the President, Feb. 26, 1790, A.S.P., op. cit., I, 108; the same to St. Clair, Mar. 3, 1790, ibid., p. 101; the same to Innes, Apr. 13, 1790, ibid., pp. 101-102; Randolph to Lieutenant Nelson, Mar. 10, 1790, Innes Papers (LC).
74Harmar had recommended the secret encouragement of expeditions from Kentucky against the Wabash Indians. See Harmar to the Secretary of War, Oct. 29, 1789, Harmar Papers (2W115), Wis. Hist. Soc.
75Enclosed to Governor Randolph, Dec. 17, to be forwarded to Kentucky, Cal. Va. State Papers, v, 82.
76Harmar to Knox, Oct. 19, 1789 (Harmar Papers 2W115, Wis. Hist. Soc.), enclosing letters from Major J. F. Hamtramck, at Vincennes, July 29, Aug. 14 and 17, 1789, ibid. (2W89, 92).
126650-34-16
230 |
TERRITORIAL PAPERS |
here in any quantity, but can the people pay for it? I intreat to inquire into that matter, and if you find that they cannot do without it, write to the contracters agent here, to whom I will give orders to send forward such quantity as you may find to be absolutely necessary. They must pay for what they can of it-but they must not be suffered to perish; and though I have no direct authority from the Government for this purpose, I must take it upon myself."87
_____
_____
GOVERNOR ST. CLAIR TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE
[OSL: St. Clair Papers: C]
|
BOSTON March 19th 1790 |
Mr JEFFERSON
SIR By the Treaty of Fort McIntosh88
the Lands contained within the following Boundary were allotted to the Wyandots
& Delawares, and the Ottowas who were in actual Occupation; viz beginning
at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River and running up the same to the portage
between that and the Tuscarawas Branch of Muskingham; then down that Branch to
the Forks at the crossing Place above Fort Lawrence; thence westerly to the
portage on that Branch of the big Miami which runs into the Ohio, at the mouth
of which branch the Fort stood which was taken by the french in 1752; thence
along the said Portage to the great Miami or Omie River, and down the south
east side of the same to its mouth; thence along the south shore of lake Erie
to the mouth of Cuyahoga.-it seems to have been asumed as a principle that the
whole of this Country was the property of the united States, and, by that
Treaty, they gave to the Indians the Lands therein contained & the Lands
lying east west and south were relinquished to the united States.-there are
also certain reservations within those boundaries,89 which are
declared to be to the Use & under the Government of the united States-but
by the 7th Article the general principle seems to have been departed
from and the Country west and north west of the Miami of the Lakes considered
as the property of the Indians. By the Treaty at Muskingham90 the
same Boundaries were confirmed with a small variation, which, as I have not the
Treaty by me, I cannot point out,91 and certain lands laying without
the Boundaries were sold and confirmed to the united States; at the same time
an express declaration was made by the Wyandots that the Country to the
westward of the Miami, from its Source to the Lake, excepting the Reservations,
was
__________
87Answered Mar. 19, 1790, Smith (ed.), St. Clair Papers,II, 132.
88Jan. 21, 1785.
89Art. 4.
90Treaty of Fort Harmar with the Wyandots and other tribes, Jan. 9, 1789, ante, p. 174.
91Art. 15.
|
NORTHWEST TERRITORY |
231 |
the property of that Nation. By the Treaty of the Miami92 a Tract of Country was op [MS. illegible] to the Shawanese by certain boundaries, and joining to that of the Wyandots and Delawares on one side.-A west line to the river de la Panse, and with that River to the Ouabash is the boundary on another side, and the Lands Iying east west and south of the east west and south Lines are relinquished to the united States-the lands then from the mouth of the River de la Panse to the Ouabash, and from thence to the Ohio, and between that River and the Shawanese & Wyandot Boundaries, have been considered as the property of the united States so far at least as those Nations were interested in them-but between the Ouabash and the Ohio are the Ouiatanons, the Piankishaws, and the Miamies; with whom no Treaties have been held, and whose claims are not known with any degree of precision.-Sales have been made to individuals, before the Revolution of very considerable Tracts of Country, but without the approbation of the british Government. The whole of the Country between the Ouabash, the Illinois the Missisippi and the Ohio seems to have been considered by the French Government as the Domaine of the King-no Vestige of purchase or Cession from the Natives is to be found in the records of the Country.-The Officers of that Government either as the Agents of the Royal Company of the Indies, or immediatly of the King, granted the Lands at their pleasure, and the Officers of great Britain followed the example.93 I wish Sir I could have given you more explicit information, but explicit information I suspect cannot be obtained.
I have the honor to be Sir
[Endorsed] Copy to the Secretary of State 19 March 1790-giving him information of the Lands in the western Country owned by the united States
_____
_____
LETTERS BETWEEN GOVERNOR ST. CLAIR AND THE
SPANISH COMMANDANT
[SD: N.W.Terr. Papers, I-A:C]
|
No 19. |
Ste GENEVIEVE 30 Mars. 1790. |
MONSIEUR, Je suis bien
sensible au malheur qui est arrivé a l'un de vos officiers dans la Riviere des
Cheraquis Je vous remercie dé l'attention que avez de me donner avis du batteau
que vous envoyé a l'anse a la graisse, je ne puis en profiter, vû son depart
précipite mais si vous
__________
92Treaty with the Shawnee, Jan. 31, 1786.
93See petition of inhabitants of Post Vincennes, July 26, 1787, ante, p. 58.
94The following nine letters are printed as a group: they constitute enclosure no. 19 in St. Clair's report of Feb. 10, 1791, post, p. 334. The French copies are here exactly reproduced. It is apparent that the copyist has introduced a number of errors. The translations are modern.
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