USA > Pennsylvania > Historical register : notes and queries historical and genealogical, chiefly relating to interior Pennsylvania. Volume II > Part 11
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I have not observed any mark of the United States on these rifles to prevent their being changed or sold; would it not have been proper that the maker should have stamped U. S. on the barrel and lock, as branding the stock is liable to be de- faced ?
And, sir, as it is presumed that all the rifles made for public use are of one calibre, would it not be attended with consider- able advantage to have bullet-moulds made to cast ten or twelve, or more, at once? This would remedy an incon- venience that often happens by bullet-moulds being lost, as the bullets might be cast at the laboratory and sent on with the troops in quantity.
[To Gen. Knox, April 22, 1792.]
Fifty rifles arrived in good order from Lancaster; but horns nor pouches are come with them. I presume these articles must be provided at this place for Lieut. Jeffers' party, who ar- rived here yesterday with twenty Indians, and is anxious to be equipped and return to Fort Franklin. He says that five hun- dred Indians are ready to join him.
The greater part of the boats are ready to launch; a num- ber of them are now afloat and ready to come forward to this place when wanted.
I have just received your favor of the 14th instant. I shall immediately employ armorers to repair the arms. I have re- ceived of the Pay Master General two thousand dollars, for
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Letter-book of Major Isaac Craig.
which I have enclosed a receipt. Fifty of the Kentucky boats first contracted for. will average 55 ft. each and 15 ft. beam ; average price of them will be 9/5, including oars and painters ; sar 2.750 ft. at 9/5, will be $3,452.75. The fifty last con- tracted for, will average 50 ft. each and 12 ft. beam. The average price of these, including oars, pumps, painters, &c,, will be 8/ ; say 2,500 ft. at S/, the amount will be $2,666.70. On the boats to carry horses there will be additional charge, which cannot be ascertained.
[To Gen. Knox, April 27, 1792.]
Lieut. Jeffers, in consequence of your letter to him of the 10th of February and 24th of March last, has applied to me to furnish sundry articles of cloathing for the Indians that are now with him ; and, as there is nothing suitable for them in public stores here, I have been under the necessity of purchasing of Messrs. Ormsby & Gregg several articles, as per bill inclosed. This purchase I have made with reluctance, not having your instruction on this head, and foreseeing that repeated demands of this kind will be made at this post, I have advised Lieut. Jeffers to act with economy at this time and wait the arrival of the Indian goods mentioned in your letter of the 25th of Feb- ruary last. The Indians are anxious to be furnished with red feathers to distinguish them from the hostile Indians; these feathers cannot be got at this place.
The fifty boats ordered are nearly finished, and will all be de- livered at this place next week; the others are now in hand, and will be delivered agreeable to your instructions. Please to inform me what number of horses are to be transported in these boats, in order that they may be fitted up for that pur- pose.
Col. James Marshall, who purchased a considerable number of horses last summer for public use on good terms, says he can purchase this season one hundred horses, fit for draught or cavalry, on very reasonable terms.
Capt. Haskell has forwarded to me from Marietta several letters, which are herewith inclosed. He says that he arrived
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at that post the beginning of this month, and that his men are destitute of almost every article of cloathing, and begs that a complete suit for each man of his company be immediately sent him. Lieut. Jeffers says his men are almost naked, especially those that he re-inlisted of the Levies.
I have just received your favor of the 21st instant, and shall examine the powder and report the quality of it as soon as I can obtain a powder-proof, which I shall have made immedi- ately. I shall immediately apply to Turnbull & Marmic to cast 3 and 6-pound shot. The bar-iron I have contracted for, and, without doubt, will have it ready by the time you have directed. I shall not neglect to forward the cannon, together with a quantity of powder, by the first escort after the cannon arrives at this post. which I expect will be in a few days. At Capt. Briggs' request. I have inclosed a copy of his letter to me, informing me of his declining his appointment.
[To Gen. Knox, May 4, 1792.]
On the 2d instant Lieut. Jeffers, with his detachment, set off for Fort Franklin, the Indians highly pleased at the friendly treatment they received at this place. I have delivered 40 rifles, together with powder, lead, and flints, to Lieut. Jeffers : also 40 powder-horns, which I have borrowed of Major Mc- Cully. On the 30th ult. I forwarded to Capt. Cass, in charge of Ensign Bond, a quantity of amunition, together with sun- dry other articles for the use of Fort Franklin. Capt., Cass wrote me to send him a fort flag ; but, as there is nothing suit- able for that purpose to be got here, I have to request that bunting of proper colours be forwarded as soon as possible. The fifty boats first contracted for are all ready ; twenty-five of them are now here and the remainder will be here in a few days. These boats are much better built than those purchased last year, and will carry double the burthen of most of the for- mer-built boats, with more convenience and safety. The other fifty will all be ready by the last of this month. The cannon are not yet arrived, nor have I heard of them on the way. A
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part of the bar-iron will be here in a few days. I presume it will be forwarded to Fort Washington with the cannon.
There is only one man at this place that understands mak- ing camp-kettles. I am, therefore, apprehensive that three tons of sheet-iron cannot be manufactured into kettles as soon as they may be wanted. Is it not possible to have a man sent from Philadelphia to assist in that business ?
[To Peter Marmie, Jacob's Creek Iron Works, May 7, 1792.]
By order of Gen. Knox, I some time ago made application to Mr. Turnbull for a quantity of shot, and have since that time been endeavoring to get wooden patterns turned by John Handlyn, but he has grown such a trifler, that I have not been able to prevail on him to finish them. I have, therefore, sent twelve six-pound shot (by your boatman) to be applied as pat- terns, and have to request that two tons of that size be cast as soon as possible, and one ton of three-pound and one ton of grape is also wanted, for which patterns shall be sent you in a few days.
[To Gen. Knox, May 13, 1792.]
. Capt. Edward Butler, with a detachment of ninety-three men, arrived here yesterday.
The sheet-iron is not yet come forward & no more than two of the cannon. The other six and sheet-iron I can learn nothing about, but am apprehensive that the wagoners have halted at their homes, perhaps to plant their corn, and thereby have neglected the public business.
Capt. Hughes with his detachment has occupied the bar- racks in the new Fort since the 5th instant. Two of the iron 6 pounders are very well mounted in the second story of one of the Block-houses ; the other will be mounted in a few days. The works, if you have no objections, I shall name Fort La- Fayette.
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[To Gen. Knox, May 25, 1792.]
Mr. Belli, D. Q. M. General. arrived here on the 21st instant, and yesterday set off for Fort Washington. * * * Major Smith was prepared to set off the same time, but is detained until the return of a detachment he has sent in pursuit of a party of Indians that have crossed the Allegheny river about 26 miles from this place. This detachment is expected to re- turn this evening. * * *
A report is this moment made in town of a small party of Major McCully's riflemen being defeated and seven of them killed by a party of Indians on Beaver Creek.
[To Gen. Knox, June 1, 1792.]
Dr. Hutcheson set off yesterday for Fort Franklin by land, accompanied by David Mead, Esq., and a small escort. The report of a party of Major McCully's riflemen being defeated at Beaver Creek proves to be false.
[To Gen. Knox, June 15, 1792.]
Yesterday two hundred rifles, sent by Gen'l Hand, were delivered to me.
Major McMahon has called on me for arms and cloathing for his battalion. The cloathing is not yet come to hand, nor have I received your orders to deliver these articles to Major McMahon.
General Wayne arrived here yesterday.
[To Gen. Knox, June 22, 1792.]
On the 18th instant the 6 dismounted cannon left by John Gisch, a wagoner, on the road, arrived at this place; also sev- eral other wagons loaded with military stores, all in good order. I have received of Messrs. Turnbull & Marmie 516 six pound and 72 three pound shot well executed; and have also received 702 three pound and 86 six pound shot cast at Chambers' furnace, very badly executed, neither round nor smooth, and, in my opinion, unfit for use in brass field pieces.
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Letter-book of Major Isaac Craig.
[To Major General Hand, June 22. 1792.]
I have received your favor of the 13th inst. inclosing Thomas Master's and James Silver's receipt for twenty-nine boxes qt. three hundred and forty-eight rifles. I suppose the wagoners must be here in a few days.
I shall see Gen. Neville to-morrow and show him your friendly letter.
[To Gen. Brodhead, Surveyor General, June 23, 1792.]
I am one of the unfortunate old soldiers whose lot has fallen without the line of this State, and am apprehensive that by neglecting to make application in due time I shall forfeit my right to a tract of donation land, viz: No. 99, 300 acres, 10th district. I have, therefore, Dear Sir, taken the liberty of beg- ging your interference in my behalf. I am in hopes this will reach you before it is too late, and that you will not consider the application I have presumed to make to you improper nor incompatible with your office. Repeated proofs of your dis- interested friendship has led me to take this liberty.
. [ To Gen. Knox, June 28, 1792.]
Major General Wayne directs that all the Rifle Companies recruited contiguous to Pittsburg shall be armed and cloathed at this post. Capt. Butler has not more than ten recruits at this place. A considerable quantity of the Rifle cloathing, and other Quarter Masters Stores are come to hand. Mr. Pat- rick Campbell continues to send forward six and three pound shot badly cast as formerly. Messrs. Turnbull & Marmie's six ton of six and three pound shot will soon be delivered, and much superior to that cast at Chambers' furnace.
[To Samuel Hodgdon, Phila., July 13, 1792.]
Our frontiers are all in peace, reaping a plentiful harvest. How long this tranquility may last is uncertain ; it is sup- posed we already feel the good effects of the negociation now on foot.
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[To Gen. Knox, July 20, 1792.]
I have delivered arms and accoutriments to Capt. Wm. Faulkner for Eighty-three Riflemen, and this day have equipt 46 of Capt. Springer's company.
Capt. Cummings called on me yesterday by order of Joseph Howell, Esq., for five hundred dollars, which I have paid him and inclose his receipt, which please to send to Mr. Howell, five hundred dollars yet remaining intended of Capt. Biggs or Capt. Louder. General Wayne and the Rifle officers are not well pleased with the powder. We have made several trials with a powder proof, and notwithstanding it is much stronger than that sent here by Col. Biddle for the militia, yet it is not equal to a quantity brought here by the merchants of this place, therefore it don't please the officers.
[To Gen. Knox, July 28, 1792.]
Yesterday morning Licut. Price with his detachment, con- sisting of one hundred men, including non-commissioned officers, arrived at this post in good order.
[To Gen. Knox, August 10, 1792.]
I have received your favor of the 3d instant, and now in- close a return of stores received since last post, since which time I have forwarded to Fort Washington, in charge of Ensign Hunter, two dismounted brass three pounders, fifteen hundred six pound and fifteen hundred three pound shot ; also six hundred and fifty pairs of shoes. There is also a large quantity of corn and oats gone forward same time. The cloathing for the Riflemen are not yet all come to hand, nor yet for the old troops, who are said to be in great distress, especially Capt. Haskell at Marietta and Gallipolis.
[To Gen. Knox, September 7, 1792.]
I have herewith inclosed an invoice of stores received since last post. These stores came from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh
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Letter-book of Major Isaac Craig.
in seventeen days, a proof that many very unnecessary delays have heretofore taken place.
Since Col. O'Hara's appointment, a considerable charge has accrued, by digging a well, building a magazine and another barrack opposite the former, by order of Gen. Wayne, a part of which is for an armourer's shop, &c. These changes the present Quarter Master General says he don't apprehend comes under his notice, and, therefore, directs me to apply to you for instructions on this head.
[To Gen. Knox, September 2S, 1792.]
Mr. Morrow, the Armourer, complains that a barrel of oil he expected has not been sent on, nor several other necessary articles, a list of which he has desired me to inclose. I find that several articles, in my opinion necessary, have been neglected, and others sent on in too small quantities, viz : Fusees have been sent empty, and neither saltpetre, sulphur, nor quick-match; neither tubes nor slow-match have yet arrived, in consequence of which I have engaged two hundred lbs. of slow-match to be made at this place, and have had a number of small tubes made. Still, I presume a greater number more will be wanted. A large quantity of musket cartridge paper will also be wanted, that formerly received being nearly expended. Flannel for cartridges, I presume, . will also be necessary.
[To Gen. Knox, October 5, 1792.]
I have by order of Gen. Wayne returned three small Howit- zers, the trunions of which have been found insufficient, they are in charge of a wagoner addressed to Samuel Hodgdon, Esq. I expected before this time to have been enabled to have dis- charged all my engagements entered into under the former Quarter Master General. In order to facilitate the settlement of his accounts I have borrowed a considerable sum of my friends to pay several large accounts at this post and thereby have obtained vouchers for nearly all the expenditures in the
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Quarter Master's department at this place, up to the time of Col. O'Hara's appointment. expecting in a few days to have refunded the money that I had borrowed, but to my great mortification post after post arriving without remittances to enable me to discharge my engagements.
[To Gen. Knox. October 26, 1792.]
There is a report now circulating that a small settlement about 20 miles up the Great Kanawha has been attacked and cut off by a large party of Indians.
I find that the laboratory duty is new to the present Artil- lery officers, as well to their men, and I am too much otherwise engaged to pay the necessary attention to it. Quick-match in particular is wanted : saltpetre and sulphur cannot be obtained here in any great quantity ; the number of port-fire on hand is too small, therefore a further supply of that article, or port-fire moulds, drifts, fusees and paper will be wanted.
[To Gen. Knox, November 9, 1792.]
This morning a part of the troops together with the neces- essary tools and stores for building set off for the ground in- tended for Wintering on near Logstown. Yesterday Lieut. Lee with forty dismounted dragoons set off for Fort Washing- ton and the same day Lieut. Bond with thirty men set off for Fort Franklin, in order to take post at Cassawauga on French Creek.
[To Gen. Knox, November 16, 1792.]
A part of the troops have descended the Ohio to their Win- ter ground at Logstown, furnished with the necessary imple- ments and materials for building, and yesterday a party of Ar- tificers followed.
Messrs. Campbell & Chambers have had a man at this place for some time past cleaning the shot they had sent to this post, without inspection, and have by this means rendered all except 43 3 pounds fit for use ; but the operation has cost a great deal of labor and expense.
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Letter-book of Major Isaac Craig.
[To Col. Terrence Campbell, Chambersburg, Pa., Nor. 16, 1792.]
The bearer John MeMullen has cleaned and trimmed all the shot first received at this post from your furnace, and thereby rendered them all fit for use except forty-three 3 pd shot, which on account of their irregular figure, cannot be made of any use.
[To Gen. Knox, November 30, 1792.]
Early in the morning of the 28th instant, the Artillery, In- fantry and Rifle corps, except a small garrison left in Fort Fayette, embarked and descended the Ohio to Legionville. The Cavalry crossed the Alleghany the same time and were to arrive at Legionville as soon as the boats. Immediately after the troops had put off from the shore the General went on board of his barge, saluted by the militia artillery corps of this place, and have all arrived safe the same day at their intended Winter ground.
- [To Major John Finley, A. Q. MI., Legionville, Dec. 2, 1792.]
I have sent you in charge of William Earl 1 cask No. 4 qt 50 pairs Overalls, 50 linen shirts and 70 Rifle Frocks. Box q' 50 pairs shoes and 24 Blankets, also 583 Bu. Oats in 16 Bags ; the Bags to be returned by the first boat. You will please immediately wait on the General and inform him of the arrival of the above cloathing, also that I have sent all the Rifle Frocks, - except four, and all shirts except ten and that there is not one pair socks in the store. Neitheris there any Infantry cloathing on hand, the whole being forwarded to the 1st and 2d regiment.
Earl is sent to fit up three boats to carry grain from Musk -- ingum to Fort Washington.
[To Gen. Knox, December 8. 1792.]
Capt. Prior with the party of Wabash Indians and their In- terpreters arrived here yesterday and are to set off in a few days for Philadelphia. Cornplanter it is said is on his way with a party of Senecas and will arrive in a few days at this post, also on his way to Philadelphia.
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[ To Major Finley, December 9, 1792.]
I have this day sent you, in charge of Marcus Hulings and Jacob Haymaker. two rafts, viz : one of pine qt 6,500 feet inch plank, the other 3.480 feet of oak and 667 feet of cherry plank, the whole amounts to 11,015 feet. Hulings has orders to stop at Ullery's to take a parcel of straw on board his raft. If he succeeds, please inform me of the quantity in order that I may settle with Ullery. Send back Hulings immediately as he is wanted here.
[To Capt. Thomas Hughs, Fort Franklin, January 16, 1793.]
I am still so much hurried that I have not had time to pay that attention to your orders that I wished. I have, however, now sent you, in charge of Samuel Lord, one keg qt 28 lbs. Butter, one do. qt & Bu. onions and six bottles mustard ; the other articles I shall forward by next conveyance that offers. I have detained your men sometime waiting for a boat that has butter, whisky, &e .. on board for me-she has not yet arrived- therefore the quantity of butter is less than intended. Are there any cranberries to be got at your post ? Mrs. Craig begs you to send a few of thein. If not inconvenient please purchase a few venison hams. The mare that carrys your kegs is to be taken to Cassewago to haul wood for Lieut. Bond's party.
[To Samuel Hodgdon, Com. Gent Mil. Stores, Phila., January 25, 1793.]
I have received yours of the 7th instant by Mr. Fisher, who has delivered nineteen horses and a receipt for one left at Web- ster's, Stoney creek. Capt. Prior receipts to me for twenty-four horses equiped with saddles, bridles, and halters; the horses in tolerable good order and fit for a longer journey. Mr. Sal- lender, a French genlemau, was furnished with money and in- structions to pay traveling expenses of the Indians, Interpre- ters, &c., &c. I am told the horses were very much neglected on the way to Phil'a. The state they are now in justifies the report ; sixteen of the horses purchased here are of those de- livered, three very worthless ones are also delivered that were
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Letter-book of Major Isaac Craig.
not purchased here. Ensign MeCleary is not yet arrived nor Dr. Strong. but are shortly expected. I have given Mr. Fisher 30 Dollars and inclose his receipt, for which you will please give me credit. I gave Col. Neville a draft on you for four hundred dollars. Capt. Ebenezer Denny wishes to pay to your order here for a quarter cask of wine, sent by you to Col. Win- throp Sergent.
[To Gen. Knox, January 25, 1793.]
The whole of the musket powder was yesterday sent to Le- gionville ; the consumption of musket powder at this post and the quantity sent to other posts so great that a large supply of that article will be wanted before the opening of the next cam- paign. Col. Proctor arrived here a few days ago and prepared to set off for Fort Franklin, but received a note from Gen. Wayne to repare to Legionville where he now is.
[To Gen. Knox, February 8, 1793.]
The last of the lead and musket balls have been sent to Le- gionville and will soon be worked up into cartridges. A French gentleman lately from Cuskuskey has brought with him a quantity of lead, I believe 3,000 lbs., which he offers for 9ª per lb. and if a larger quantity is wanted will furnish it on lower terms than it can be purchased for in Philadelphia adding the cost of carriage to this place. Capt. Slough's detachment is expected here to-morrow.
[To Gen. Anthony Wayne, Legionville, February 11, 1793.]
I am directed by the Quarter Master General to inform you that Capt. Jacob Slough with 130 non-commissioned officers and privates will arrive at Pittsburgh this day at 2 o'clock. I sometime ago informed the Secretary of War that the musket powder, lead and paper was nearly expended. He informs me by last post that a supply is coming forward.
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[To Gen. Knox, March 2, 1793.]
I have received your favor of the 23d ultimo together with several letters to the Commander-in-Chief and officers at Le- gionville, all of which have been sent forward.
Doctor Carmichael and Col. Neville with the money arrived safely at Legionville. Col. Proctor is still there. It is reported that Cornplanter declines accepting the invitation. The pow- der is not yet come to hand nor any other stores since last re- turn.
[To Major John Finley, March 14, 1793.]
I have borrowed a canoe to carry Joseph Nicholas and Guy- asutha to Legionville, which you will please send up by Hul- ings, if it arrives before he sets off, if not please to apply to the General for two men to bring it up. I am directed to send 63 yards of duck for the use of the General, Mr. Nicholas will hand it you.
[To Cupt. Thomas Hughs, Fort Franklin, March 23, 1793.]
I have received your favor of the 20th instant together with a canoe, which I have taken for public use, and have paid the corporal three dollars for it. I have enclosed you a newspaper by which you will see the promotions and appointments lately made, your name in the list of Majors, on which give me leave . to congratulate you. Advice from France via Lisbon, says that Louis, late king of France, is beheaded. I expect as you are promoted, you will be relieved, and that we shall have the pleasure of seeing you shortly at Pittsburgh.
[To Gen. Knox, March 23, 1793.]
I have received your favor of the 16th instant, and have made enquiry for an Interpreter of the Shawanese and Dela- ware tongue; the person Mr. Hodgdon believes qualified for that purpose is lately gone to Kentucky; his name is John Hamilton. James Rankin, who lately resided at this place, and
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Letter-book of Major Isaac Craig.
is now said to be at Col. Alex. Lowrey's, near Lancaster, is supposed to be a tolerable good Interpreter, and a man of unex- ceptional character.
Joseph Nicholas is also said to interpret several Indian lan- guages, he is now at Legionville, but expected to-morrow ; as soon as he arrives I shall endeavor to ascertain his abilities that way, and send him to yon if he is qualified. I have inclosed an invoice of stores received since last post. To-morrow two wagons with powder is expected. The artificers are now at work mounting two 3 pounders and two 6 pounders. Elevat- ing screws for these guns I find cannot be made here. I pre- sume several of these articles are on hand in Philadelphia, and together with several pieces of carriage irons, which if sent here would be useful in this line.
[To Gen. Knox, March 30, 1793.]
I have made further enquiry respecting an Interpreter of the Shawanese and Delaware tongues and have found that a Mr. William Wilson, an inhabitant of this town, is well qualified for an interpreter of the Shawanese tongue in particular, and also of the Delaware. He was engaged in an Indian trading- store at the Block-house on Beaver creek at the time Captain Brady and others murdered the friendly Indians, and is obliged to appear in May next at the Supreme Court of this county as a prosecutor against Brady; he will however set off in a few days for Philadelphia, in consequence of your request, and has no objection to be employed as Interpreter, provided he can be excused from attending on Brady's trial.
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