THE OHIO VALLEY-GREAT LAKES ETHNOHISTORY
ARCHIVES: THE MIAMI COLLECTION
It is noted that the following work from the Miami Archives should be read and
considered within the historical context in which it was composed and printed.
The opinions expressed and the language used do not reflect the opinions or
standards of the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology, but are, rather,
indicative of thought in that historical moment during which the document was
published.
Possible Expedition
Against Detroit
(July 17th, 1778)
In: "Discussion of Possible
Expedition Against
Detroit, With Estimate of Hostile Indians,"
Col. George Morgan's Letter Book,
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh,
Pittsburgh, Pa.,
Book 3.
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July 17th, 1778. |
Much has been said for & against an Expedition to Detroit.- Some think it the only remedy against the frequent Incursions of the Indians who infest the Frontiers of Virginia- whilst others say it is impracticable & unnecessary.- These recommend different plans for chastising the Nations who are hostile. I am of the former opinion & think that 12 or 1500 regular Troops well provided, with such Voluntiers as would offer, & in the proper season would be sufficient for the purpose. My reasons are-
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1st. |
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The Road is practicable. |
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2d. |
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The Delaware & Shawnese Indians have been influenced (& indeed it has been their disposition) to remain quiet. |
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3d. |
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Some of them might be induced to join in a well order'd Expedition. |
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4th. |
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There are no powerful Tribes in or near the Road to or at Detroit to oppose a body of Men. |
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5th. |
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That Post is in a defenceless State. |
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6th. |
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It is from thence alone the offending Western Indians are supplied in all their Wants & paid for all their Murders. |
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7th. |
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The possession of this Post will induce all the Tribes to enter into our Alliance through fear & interest. |
As a mere Expedition into the Indian Country, I think there is no Object worthy the risque & expence of a large body of Men. I have seen a List lately deliver'd into the War Office of Towns, which do not exist- the principal Nations there mention'd are not hostile & our Friends are the People who would probably suffer most.- My reasons are-
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Last Winter 5 or 600 Men went from Fort Pitt & could find no hostile Indians- but they kill'd Cap. Pipe's Brother, a noted friend to the United States, two Indian Squaws, & a little Boy, & took two Squaws Prisoners, all Delawares; who in confidence of our friendship were seated about 45 miles from Fort Pitt, making Salt & hunting for Skins.- Whether this was from Ignorance or design, I pretend not to say- but the Agent for Indian Affairs foretold to the Commanding Officer & to others, what really happen'd & on that principle publickly offerr'd a reward of 100 Dollars for every Prisoner who should be brought in. |
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By accounts from the Indian Country so late as June 9th, the Delawares & Shawnese in Union with them not only continue quiet, but friendly- and we do not know that any part of the Shawnese are otherwise. |
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The Indians who are at present hostile are- |
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The Mingoes &c of Scioto |
60. |
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Men |
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The Wiandots of
Detroit & Sandusky- |
200. |
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Ottawas & Chipwas, who have intermix'd with the Wiandots- but without the approbation of their respective Nations |
40. |
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Total hostile Indians in the Western Department |
300. |
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to TOC, p. 23
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