USA > Pennsylvania > Delaware County > Upland > The record of the court at Upland, in Pennsylvania, 1676 to 1681, And a military journal, kept by Major E. Denny, 1781 to 1795 > Part 27
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I am, my dear sir, with great esteem and regard, Your very humble servant, Jos. HARMAR.
Doctor CASPAR WISTAR, Jr., Philadelphia.
Same to General Mifflin. FORT HARMAR, June 9, 1788.
MY DEAR GENERAL - Your very agreeable letter of the 9th of May, was handed to me by Colonel Olney. Ensign Spear, on his return from
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APPENDIX NO. I.
Post Vincennes, was fired upon by some vagabond Wabash Indians. He lost only two men. Mr. Melcher was on board the boat. The fire was returned from the troops; they fired two rounds instantly, but the savages have great advantage over boats ascending the river. I sincerely hope that the new government will shortly be adopted, and that the next treaty (provided the present intended one has not the desired effect,) may be held with the savages with fifteen hundred or two thousand troops. Mr. Melcher brought with him from Post Vincennes a Piankeshaw bow and quiver of arrows, also a Piankeshaw pipe, which he begged me to present to you. The bearer, Captain Armstrong, takes with him a grinder of the huge unknown beast, supposed by some to be the elephant. Mr. Jefferson in his Notes calls it the mammoth; likewise a petrifaction of the honey comb, or wasp's nest, I know not which. These are the only curiosities which I can at present offer to you. Captain Armstrong will deliver you two venison hams and some pecan nuts, the produce of the Wabash, which I beg you to accept. My best wishes attend Mrs. Mifflin and your worthy family.
I have the honor to be, my dear General, Your obliged friend and humble servant,
Jos. HARMAR.
Same to Mr. Ross.
FORT HARMAR, June 14, 1788.
DEAR SIR -I had the pleasure of receiving your letter of the 5th of June, relative to one Jacob Countz, a Dutchman, who, you inform me, had deserted your part of the country with a view of defrauding his cred- itors. The fellow resides on the island a little above the garrison. In- stantly upon the receipt of your letter I sent a file of men for him and brought him to the garrison. In presence of Mr. Duncan, he has promised to be honest and pay his just debts. Captain Beatty is now paying the troops ; it is more than probable that this Countz will receive some money. I shall be happy to have it in my power to make him do justice to his creditors.
I am, dear sir, with esteem, &c., Jos. HARMAR.
JAMES ROSS, Esq., at Pittsburgh.
Same to General Knox.
FORT HARMAR, June 14, 1788.
Respecting the dispute of rank between Captains Ziegler and Ferguson, Major Doughty and myself are both clearly and decidedly of opinion that
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LETTERS.
Captain Ferguson is the senior officer. The case of Ensign Denny and Ensign Spear was exactly similar. I am surprised that Captain Ziegler should trouble the State of Pennsylvania about it. You were pleased to decide in favor of Ensign Spear, which was conclusive. If Captain Zieg- ler, through his efforts with the State, should obtain rank of Captain Fer- guson, certainly Ensign Denny, upon the same principle, is senior to En- sign Spear. It is my ardent wish that the new government may speedily be adopted, and that all these State affairs may cease. We may then · hope for order and regularity.
Same to Captain Heart.
FORT HARMAR, June 21, 1788.
SIR - Your letter of the 19th of May, was handed to me at Fort Pitt by the Indian chief, Shundaushuawan. I directed him to remain at Fort Pitt until the arrival of General Butler, and then to inform him of several of the white people having moved into their lands in the Genessee country, and having built houses, &c. From what I can learn, these people are not countenanced in their proceedings, either by the States of New York or Massachusetts. Be pleased to present my compliments to Lieutenant Frothingham. I am obliged to him for the east view of this garrison, which he was kind enough to inclose to me. In my last letter I mention- ed that the utmost vigilance was necessary at your post, in order to guard against surprise, as you are out of supporting distance, and more especially as the time of the men expires so soon. I am convinced that it is un- necessary to repeat these instructions. I hope to be able to reinforce you soon.
I am, sir, with much esteem, &c., Jos. HARMAR.
Same to Mr. Muhlenberg.
FORT HARMAR, June 30, 1788.
DEAR SIR -I had the honor to address council on the 24th of April, from Fort Pitt, upon the subject of the Treasurer of Pennsylvania's three drafts on the County Treasurers of Westmoreland, Washington and Fay- ette, for monies for the recruiting service, and to inform your honorable body that there was a likelihood of obtaining nothing but the paper cur- rency for them, and at the same time praying that some other arrange- ments might speedily be made in order to obtain specie, as paper would not answer the purpose ; since which I have to acknowledge the receipt of two letters from the honorable the Vice President in council the one 28
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APPENDIX NO. I.
dated the 18th of April, the other the 16th of May last. The former in- closed our State commissions ; the latter, I observe, desires that the final determination on the rank of ensigns Denny and Spear, may remain sus- pended until I have an opportunity to lay their several pretensions before the board. Respecting the dispute of rank between these gentlemen, a board of officers was convened a twelve month ago, in order to determine it. I did not choose to give my opinion at that time concerning it, but referred the proceedings to the Secretary at War, who was pleased to de- cide in favor of Ensign Spear, upon this principle, that Ensign Denny could not by virtue of his one year's service (which was considered as militia rank from the act of Congress of the 3d of June, 1784,) take rank of Ensign Spear, whose rank was derived from continental service. In consequence of this decision of the Secretary at War, orders have long since been issued by me, at this post, announcing Ensign Spear as the senior officer. I have been informed that Captain Ziegler is contesting rank with Captain Ferguson. The same principle which decides the rank of Ensign Denny and Ensign Spear, I presume, should operate in the case of Captain Ferguson and Captain Ziegler. The query is, whether the one year's service was militia or continental rank ? If council should be of opinion that the one year's service was militia rank, Captain Ferguson is un- doubtedly senior to Captain Ziegler. As the right of finally judging upon this case rests with your honorable body, I beg leave to offer the following observation. Captain Ferguson is now absent at Post Vincennes, and per- haps has not in council one friend to advocate his cause. He is an officer of distinguished and superior abilities in the artillery department. The consequence will be, that if Captain Ziegler obtains rank of him, he will instantly resign, which will be a loss, not only to the State of Pennsylvania, but the States in general. I question very much, whether an officer of equal abilities of his grade and in his line, can be furnished by any State in the Union. Doctor John M'Dowell has resigned his commission on the 1st instant. The surgeon's mate, Richard Allison, is fully qualified, I believe, to succeed him. There will be a vacancy now for a surgeon's mate from our State. Doctor Scott, the surgeon's mate of the Jersey quota, begs me to recommend a friend of his, Mr. John F. Carmichael, (a native of Penn- sylvania). I have no knowledge of the young gentleman, but from Doc- tor Scott's representation, I beg leave to recommend him to fill the vacan- cy, provided the honorable council thinks it proper, and has no other person in view.
I have the honor to be, &c.,
Jos. HARMAR.
.The Honorable PETER MUHLENBERG, Esq.,
Vice President in Council, Pennsylvania.
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LETTERS.
Same to Major Wyllys.
FORT HARMAR, July 16, 1788.
DEAR MAJOR -By this conveyance Ensign Denny sends both for you and Major Hamtramck, your proportion of stationery. I never conceived Sullivan's letter to be of such an alarming nature as the Secretary at War imagined it. Lieutenant Armstrong's report fully convinces me that the matter was highly blown, and that no mutinous designs are in agitation, either in the country called the State of Franklin, the Cumberland set- tlements, or the district of Kentucky. If Sullivan should set his foot in the Western Territory, endeavor to have him apprehended. but no where else.
Jos. HARMAR.
Major WYLLYS, Commanding officer at the Rapids of Ohio.
Same to Captain Heart.
FORT HARMAR, July 28, 1788.
SIR-The view of the works on French creek, also a map inscribed to President Franklin, have been received. Corporal Morgan delivered the public boat which was built at your post. The boards with which she was loaded, being part public and part private property, were received by En- sign Denny, who acts as quarter-master during the absence of Lieutenant Pratt.
Jos. HARMAR.
Same to Captain Ziegler.
FORT HARMAR, August 7, 1788.
DEAR SIR -- I have received your several letters from Philadelphia and one from Carlisle. I expect this will find you at Fort Pitt. The Six Nations are on their way by water to the treaty, which is to be held at this post. I am informed that several vagabonds in the neighborhood of Wheeling, mean to fire upon these Indians on their passage down the Ohio to this post. Such a step might be attended with ruinous conse- quences. You are hereby ordered to take the said Indians under your pro- tection and safely escort them to this garrison. Treat them kindly, and if any of these lawless rascals should presume to fire upon them, you are ordered to land and attack them in return, for their insolence and defiance of the supreme authority.
I am, dear sir, &c., Jos. HARMAR.
Captain DAVID ZIEGLER, at Fort Pitt.
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APPENDIX NO. I.
Same to Lieutenant Ernest.
FORT HARMAR, October 8, 1788.
DEAR SIR-Be pleased to deliver to Major Kirkpatrick the inclosed two bank notes, of twenty dollars each, and tell the generous Major, that he may shortly expect a final settlement. Permit me to congratulate you upon your nuptials. I wish you and Mrs. Ernest 1 (in which Mrs. Har- mar joins me,) every happiness the marriage state can afford.
I am, dear sir, &c. Jos. HARMAR.
Lieutenant ERNEST, commanding officer at Fort Pitt.
Same to Major Hamtramck.
FORT HARMAR, October 13, 1788.
DEAR MAJOR-You will act properly in seizing and confining the Gross Tete, or any other villains who were accessory to the murder committed at Sullivan's Station. I observe by your letter of the 12th of August, the severe stroke which the party under Lieutenant Peters has received. The intelligence has been transmitted to the War Office. The new government I hope will soon operate, and expect in the course of the next year we shall not tamely suffer the subjects of the United States to be murdered by these perfidious savages. The savages are, in my opinion, hatching a great deal of mischief. I have detached a captain's command, with Cap- tain Hutchins, the geographer, for his protection to the mouth of the Scioto, in order to survey the exterior lines of Messrs. Cutler and Sar- gent's purchase, which weakens this garrison considerably, at the present moment more especially. Let your fort be named Fort Knox.
I am, dear sir, &c., Jos. HARMAR.
Major HAMTRAMCK, commanding at Vincennes.
Same to Major Wyllys.
FORT HARMAR, December 9, 1788.
DEAR MAJOR-I have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your two letters of the 1st and 13th ultimo. I am sorry to observe your ill state of health, and that of your garrison. The Falls is certainly a very unhealthy position ; I wish you to make the proper inquiry concerning the route to Chota, and transmit it to me. I have directed Ensign Denny to furnish you with as many camp kettles, knapsacks and haversacks as we
1 Judge William Wilkins' sister.
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LETTERS.
can spare. It is a mortifying affair that you were obliged to call upon the militia for the cattle escort. It is my wish that not a single officer of the regiment may ever have the mortifying disgrace of being subjected to militia command, but suppose in the present case you found it unavoida- ble. I wish you to be made fully acquainted with the proceedings of the convention and the politics of Kentucky, and transmit me the intelligence. There is a Mr. Conolly now at Louisville, very likely for no good purposes ; you know his base character. It will be well to keep a watchful eye over him. The Governor has written to you upon the occasion. We are at length likely to have a treaty, as the Indians are on their way and near at hand to this post. Please transmit the rolls to Captain Beatty ; through the wilderness I think will be the safest and most expeditious conveyance. Captain Ashton's men are to be mustered from the expiration of their old enlistments, which will make their time of service the regular six years.
Mrs. Harmar desires her compliments may be presented to you and the officers of the garrison, and believe me to be with very great esteem and regard,
Your most obedient servant,
Jos. HARMAR.
Major WYLLYS, commanding officer at Fort Steuben,
at the Rapids of the Ohio.
Same to General Mifflin.
FORT HARMAR, December 12, 1788.
MY DEAR GENERAL-It affords me singular happiness to hear of your appointment to the presidency of the State. Permit me most sincerely to congratulate you upon the occasion. Your introductory letter in favor of Captain Bartlet, has been received. I understand that he is somewhere up the river with his family, and does not mean to visit our quarter until spring; upon his arrival every attention in my power shall be paid him. As for the news, we are at length likely to have a treaty. Brant has been using all his influence to prevent the savages holding it at this post, but a number of nations are now near at hand, and are expected in the course of two or three days. Brant has decamped and drawn off as many as he could, but notwithstanding, his influence is not so universal as was imag- ined. It is a difficult matter for our yellow brethren to enter into a gen- cral confederacy and to preserve it. They are much divided in their councils. The bearer, Captain Ferguson, is a very worthy officer ; suffer me to recommend him to your notice. Be pleased to present my most af-
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APPENDIX NO. I.
fectionate regard to Mrs. Mifflin and Mrs. Talbot, in which Mrs. Harmar joins me.
And believe me to be, most sincerely, &c., Jos. HARMAR.
His Excellency THOMAS MIFFLIN, Esq., President of the State of Pennsylvania.
Same to General Knox.
FORT HARMAR, December 15, 1788.
SIR-Lieutenant Kersey was at the Great Kanahwa (eighty-nine meas- ured miles from this garrison) on the 1st instant; the party all well. I have not heard of the party under Ensign M'Dowell, but am in hopes that he has not been interrupted. My calculation is, that before Christ- mas the two exterior lines of Messrs. Cutler and Sargent's purchase will be completed. The geographer is at present sick at Fort Pitt. If he was able to come down and take the latitude of the northern corner of the tenth township of the seventh range, Mr. Ludlow, who is a smart active young fellow, could run the northern boundary ; the purchase money could then be paid, that business finished, and in the spring the next af- fair would be, to take up Judge Symmes' purchase. Several chiefs of the different nations arrived at this post the day before yesterday. The in- habitants of Kentucky, I am informed, have it in contemplation to declare themselves not only independent of the State of Virginia, but of the United States altogether. I have written to Major Wyllys to make me acquainted with their politics, and to watch closely the conduct of a cer- tain Mr. Conolly, who has hired a house at the Falls, and from his base character, can certainly be planning no good for the United States.
I have the honor, &c., Jos. HARMAR.
The Honorable Major-General KNOX, Secretary at War, New York.
Same to Lieutenant Frothingham.
FORT HARMAR, December 15, 1788.
SIR -I have directed Ensign Denny to send you by this conveyance, one thousand white wampum. I must impress upon you in the strongest terms the absolute necessity of the utmost vigilance at Fort Franklin, in order to guard against surprise. I observe that great harmony still sub- sists between the troops and the Senecas who are hunting in the vicinity
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LETTERS.
of your garrison ; but all our yellow brethren seem to be perfidious; I would have you, therefore, never to be off your guard.
I am, sir, &c.,
Jos. HARMAR.
Lieutenant EBENEZER FROTHINGHAM, commanding officer at Fort Franklin.
Same to Captain John Irwin, at Fort Pitt.
FORT HARMAR, January 20, 1789.
DEAR SIR-I owe Major Kirkpatrick three half-johannes, which I wish you to pay as soon as you can make it convenient.
I am, dear sir, yours sincerely,
Jos. HARMAR.
Captain JOHN IRWIN, at Fort Pitt.
-
Same to Major Wyllys.
FORT HARMAR, January 22, 1789.
DEAR MAJOR-It is not improbable but that two companies will be or- dered to be stationed at the mouth of the Great Miami, not only as a bet- ter cover for Kentucky, but also to afford protection to Judge Symmes in his intended settlement there. It appears to me that there is an absolute necessity for a party to be stationed at the Rapids, their sole object should be to furnish escorts, &c., to supply Major Hamtramck with provisions. If the two companies should be ordered to take post at or near the mouth of the Great Miami, provisions can be conveniently laid in and forwarded from Limestone by Lieutenant Schuyler.
I am, dear Major, &c.
Jos. HARMAR.
Same to David Duncan.
FORT HARMAR, February 25, 1789.
Let me know, by the first opportunity, whether you will purchase my black horse or not. I paid twenty-five pounds, specie, for him. There is a balance due from me to Captain O'Hara; if it does not suit you to take the horse, perhaps you can arrange the business with him. If he take him and credit me with the above sum of £24, it will answer the same end.
Your obedient servant,
Jos, HARMAR.
1
.
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APPENDIX NO. I.
Same to Nicholas Way. FORT HARMAR, at the mouth of the Muskingum river, I
March 12th, 1789.
DEAR SIR-I have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your in- troductory letter, in favor of Captain Israel Gilpin and his family. They halted but an hour or two at this garrison, being bound for the district of Kentucky. It will give me peculiar pleasure to afford, not only them but any other gentlemen whom you may please to recommend to my notice, every protection and countenance in my power.
Your observations respecting the proper names to be given to towns, rivers, islands, &c., in the settlement of the western country, I think to be very just. The original Indian names are generally expressive of some peculiar and distinguishing quality or circumstance, and I am clearly of opinion with you that they ought to be adopted in preference to our copy- ing names from England and other parts of Europe.
I am, dear sir, with very great esteem, Your friend and humble servant,
Jos. HARMAR.
Doctor NICHOLAS WAY, at Wilmington, State of Delaware.
Same to Honorable James White.
FORT HARMAR, March 22, 1789.
MY DEAR SIR-I had the honor of receiving your letter from Lime- stone, and have, agreeably to your request, sent down your bridle (which my servant forgot to deliver) to Mr. Lacassagne.
We have nothing new in this quarter. A vast deal of industry is dis- played by our New England brethren, in their settlement on the opposite shore. They will soon be in a very flourishing condition, especially as they expect a number of emigrators from their several States, to join them in the course of the ensuing summer
With very great esteem and regard, Jos. HARMAR.
To the Honorable JAMES WHITE, Member of Congress at New York.
Same to Lieutenant Ernest.
FORT HARMAR, April 27, 1789.
DEAR SIR-The clergyman, Mr. Story, at last arrived with my dis- patches ; perhaps he might have been a little dilatory in the delivery of
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LETTERS.
them ; but he appears to me, to be a gentleman of liberal sentiments, and I shall notice him accordingly.
I observe that the post rider makes a practice of bringing small matters for the people in Pittsburgh, under twelve pounds weight. If I should have occasion to employ him, I will write to you to be so good as to attend to it. The garden which you have laid out, commanding a view of the three rivers, must be beautiful indeed by your description. You need be under very little apprehension of a removal, as I shall always want an officer stationed at Fort Pitt. Be pleased to acquaint Mr. Devereux Smith that his runaway servant, whom he wrote to me about, was appre- hended at this garrison, and Lieutenant Pratt sent him up the river a few days since, in Mr. Wilkins' canoe.
I am, &c. Jos. HARMAR.
Lieutenant MATTHEW ERNEST, commanding officer at Fort Pitt.
Same to Major Doughty.
FORT HARMAR, April 28, 1789.
DEAR MAJOR-I am hourly expecting the arrival of Mr. Hackenwelder, the Moravian Missionary, at which time I shall afford another subaltern's command to Major Sargent, for his protection, as he has the surveying of the lands up the Muskingum, granted by Congress to the Moravian In- dians. The new government, I suppose, engages the whole attention of all ranks and degrees. I sincerely hope that by this time General Wash- ington has the reins and has set the wheels in motion. All is peace and quietness in this quarter, at least nothing has come to my knowledge to the contrary. The New England gentlemen are extremely industrious ; Campus Martius is nearly completed. Gay circles of ladies, balls, &c., which I have neither time nor inclination to frequent, these are the changes which in three years this wilderness has undergone. Mrs. Harmar presents you her best respects.
I am, &c., Jos. HARMAR.
Major JOHN DOUGHTY, commandant of artillery at New York.
Same to Mr. Hillegas.
FORT HARMAR, April 30, 1789.
DEAR SIR-I had the pleasure of receiving your letter by Captain Brad- ford, and now send you some more of the buffalo wool, of a superior quality
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APPENDIX NO. I.
to the former. In the months of February and March, is the time the wool is in proper season. I am apprehensive what was at first sent will not answer your purpose. But few buffalo are killed in the vicinity of the Muskingum. When I was in your office at Philadelphia, if I recollect right, you gave me a detail of the Rhode Island hero's exploits with the Prussian General; some part of them I have forgotten ; when you have a leisure moment, I will thank you to relate the matter to me, as I wish to laugh a little upon the occasion.
I am, &c., Jos. HARMAR.
MICHAEL HILLEGAS, Continental Treasurer at New York.
Same to Lieutenant Spear.
FORT HARMAR, May 25, 1789.
SIR - You will continue to transmit me all the Indian intelligence which may come to your knowledge, and let not the least occurrence worthy of notice escape your attention. It is unnecessary for me to remind you that the utmost vigilance is always necessary at your post, in order to guard against surprise. Respecting your rank, as I mentioned to you in my former letter, I have used every exertion in my power in your behalf, but council have determined the matter against you, as you will see by the inclosed copy of their proceedings, which came to hand a few days since, inclosing a State commission of a Lieutenancy for Mr. Denny.
I am, sir, with esteem, &c., Jos. HARMAR.
Lieutenant EDWARD SPEAR, commanding officer at the Falls of Beaver.
Same to General Howell.
FORT HARMAR, August 31, 1789.
MY DEAR SIR -It afforded me singular satisfaction when I heard of your being appointed to your present office ; permit your friend sincerely to congratulate you upon the occasion. You have been so obliging as to forward me the Federal Gazette which Beatty has subscribed for, which demands my thanks. Be kind enough to continue forwarding that paper, as I think it a very useful one. I have had it in contemplation, amidst the general joy, to address our illustrious President, in behalf of the regiment, but so much time has elapsed that it is more than probable an address now would rather be out of season. This I am very confident of,
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LETTERS.
that every officer, one and all of us, entertain the highest love and venera- tion for his character, and pray heaven to prosper his administration.
Mrs. Harmar desires to be affectionately remembered to you, and accept my best wishes for your health and happiness. Believe me to be, &c.,
Jos. HARMAR. JOSEPH HOWELL, Jr., Esq., Paymaster-General at New York.
Same to Lieutenant Ernest.
FORT HARMAR, September 12, 1789.
DEAR SIR-I am very glad to hear of the birth of your son, and con- gratulate you thereupon. I consent to your having granted Mr. Turnbull permission to run a fence for the conveniency of his pasture on the Alle- gheny river, but take care and suffer no further encroachments. Messrs. Craig and Turnbull have been long trying, at the War Office, to obtain the sole possession of the area and the buildings (I believe) of Fort Pitt, but without success.
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