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 28
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With great esteem, &c., J. H.
Same to General Knox.
FORT HARMAR, September 12, 1789.
DEAR SIR - Major Doughty informs mne in his letter dated the 21st ultimo, that he arrived at the Little Miami on the 16th, and after recon-" noitring for three days from thence to the Big Miami, for an eligible sit- uation whereon to erect the works for head-quarters, he had at length determined to fix upon a spot opposite Licking river, which he represents as high and healthy, abounding with never failing springs, &c., and the most proper position he could find for the purpose.
Same to Captain Irwin.
FORT HARMAR, September 21, 1789.
DEAR SIR - I have received your letter of the 1st of August, and am really sorry to find that Captain Christie disappointed you in not honor- ing your draft for the two hundred dollars specie ; the delay on this occa- sion has been no loss to me; therefore your looking on yourself bound to make restitution is needless. Upon the whole, unless you meant to reside here with your family, I believe it is full as well for you not to have a concern in the purchase.
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APPENDIX NO. I.
If there should be an addition to the present establishment, you may be assured, sir, it will afford me peculiar pleasure to be in any degree in- strumental in procuring you a commission, or serving you all in my power. Your merits as an officer are well known to me, and I am certain the President of the United States has not forgotten you. One thing is to be observed, that the officers serving on the present establishment ought, in my opinion, to be advanced first and I shall exert all my influence in their favor ; but if an addition takes place, as it certainly must in a short time, you may depend on my interest to serve you as far as I think com- patible with the good of the regiment, and so as not to prejudice the feel- ings of the officers now in the service.
Be pleased to present my compliments to Mrs. Irwin and your sister, and believe me to be
Your friend and humble servant,
Captain JOHN IRWIN, at Pittsburgh. (Favored by Mr. Vigo.)
Jos. HARMAR.
Same to Colonel Francis Johnston.
FORT HARMAR, September 22, 1789.
MY DEAR SIR -The bearer, Mr. Vigo, is a gentleman from Post Vin- cennes, a friend of mine ; he has always behaved with the utmost atten- tion to the officers and troops stationed in that quarter; permit me to recommend him to your notice. Any civilities you may show him, shall be looked upon as given to your humble servant. He will present you with a head of a curious fish, from Mr. Armstrong.
Mrs. Harmar desires her best respects may be offered to Mrs. Johns- ton and yourself. I wish you would write me frequently, and do not attribute it to negligence if you do not receive frequent answers, as without flattery (which I detest), there is no person for whom I have a greater esteem. I am shortly going to make my head-quarters down opposite Licking river.
Adieu, Jos. HARMAR.
Colonel FRANCIS JOHNSTON, Philadelphia.
Same to General Butler. FORT HARMAR, September 28, 1789.
DEAR SIR-I received your friendly letter of the 15th instant, by Cap- tain Heart, wherein I observe that Pittsburgh is your present place of
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LETTERS.
residence. Your humble servant is a bird of passage. Sometime the latter end of next month, or beginning of November, I shall move down the river, bag and baggage (leaving Ziegler's and Heart's companies at this post for the protection of our New England brethren), and shall fix my head-quarters opposite Licking river. I am in hourly expectation of the Governor.
Mrs. Harmar and myself beg to be affectionately remembered to Mrs. Butler, yourself and family. I hope that game leg of yours is perfectly recovered. The tea sent by Lieutenant Humphrey was very good; will . you be pleased to send him my compliments, with thanks for the same. Don't forget to write to me, and believe me to be,
Your friend and humble servant,
General RICHARD BUTLER, at Pittsburgh.
Jos. HARMAR.
Same to Thomas Mifflin, Esq., Philadelphia.
FORT HARMAR, November 9, 1789.
MY DEAR GENERAL-It would afford me great happiness if you could steal three or four months from the Atlantic, and spend them with me. I am now on the wing, expecting to move down the Ohio in a few days, and to fix head-quarters opposite the mouth of the Licking river, about three hundred miles below this garrison, where I should be proud of being honored with your company. Venison, two or three inches deep cut of fat, turkeys at one pence per pound, buffalo in abundance, and cat-fish of one hundred pounds weight, are stories that are by no means exagger- ated. I am going to a country where there is a much greater plenty of game than there is here at present. Our New England brethren are a very industrious set of people. With the protection afforded them by the troops (which they acknowledge with great gratitude), they have convert- cd the wilderness into a fine state of cultivation. Their settlement bids fair to be very flourishing. Cornfields, gardens, &c., now appear in places which were lately the habitation of wild beasts. Such are the glorious ef- fects of industry.
The bearer, Lieutenant Denny, is my adjutant; his long and faithful services claim my warmest regard for him; permit me to introduce him to your civilities. Will you be so kind as to offer my respects to Mentges and Fullerton ? Craig I shall shortly write to.
Believe me to be, with the greatest esteem and affection,
Your Excellency's obliged friend and humble servant,
Jos. HARMAR.
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APPENDIX NO. I.
Lieutenant Denny to General Harmar.
PITTSBURGH, November 22, 1789.
DEAR GENERAL-We did not arrive here until the 19th, owing to bad oars, indifferent oarsmen, and meeting two smart floods; however, we got safe, and had the pleasure to find Major Wyllys, Captain Beatty, Captain Mercer, Lieutenant Peters, Ensign Sedam and Doctor Allison in town. They arrived two days before us. The Governor is expected in town to-morrow or next day. His boat is here waiting for him, and Mr. William St. Clair, who came from Detroit to Fort Harmar last winter, ac- companies him down the river. I have endeavored to impress Mr. Elliott with a just idea of the condition of the posts below with respect to pro- visions. He says he feels more concerned than we possibly can. He goes down himself in a few days.
I am very sorry, indeed, that I have to inform you of the loss of one of the most serviceable members of the Western Territory, General Par- sons. He left the old Moravian town up Beaver early on the 17th, on board a canoe, accompanied only by one man. Sent his horses down by land. About one o'clock that day, as we entered the mouth of the creek we met the wreck of a canoe, with a good deal of her cargo drifting down, all separately. Part of the loading we took up. When we got to the block-house, Mr. M'Dowell told us they had taken up a piece of the canoe, a bundle of skins, and had seen a pair of saddle-bags, which were well known to be the judge's, and the same evening the man arrived with the horses, and told us he left the judge early that morning about twenty-five miles up the creek, that he intended to dine that day with Mr. M'Dowell at the block-house, and the man knew the property which we took up to be part of what was in General Parson's canoe, leaves no doubt of his being lost in attempting the Falls of Beaver. The canoe was very much shattered, and bottom uppermost, when we met her. Mr. M'Dowell has made search on both sides the creek, above and below the falls, but can make no further discovery, more than finding part of the canoe at the foot of a remarkably dangerous fall in the creek, which strengthens the belief that there the old gentleman met his fate.
I shall be glad to be affectionately remembered to Mrs. Harmar, while
I remain, &c., E. DENNY.
General Harmar to Lieut. Ernest.
FORT HARMAR, November 27, 1789.
DEAR SIR-My last letter was dated the 10th instant, and forwarded
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LETTERS.
by Li utenant Denny, since which I have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your several letters.
The three fellows of Captain Mercer's party whom you sent on by Sergeant Hays, received a proper flagellation at this post, for the robberies committed by them at Pittsburgh ; they have every appearance of villains. You had better inform Captain Beatty that you paid $25.06 to release Johnson, the recruit, from the hands of the constable, in order that the stoppages may be made for you. The five muskets, five bayonets and belts, five cartridge boxes and belts, and Mrs. Harmar's saddle, together with my large Kentucky boat, were all safely delivered by Sergeant Hays.
Respecting the office of Pay-master to the regiment, I make not the least doubt that you will have a great majority of votes for it, now Beatty is promoted ; this you may depend upon, you shall have all my interest and influence upon the occasion, as I am certain there is no officer in either of the corps equally qualified with yourself to fill it.
I believe I am in arrears to Captain Irwin, if he has paid Major Kilpat- rick the three half-johannes which I owed him; if so, give my compli- ments to Captain Beatty, and tell him to reimburse Captain Irwin and charge the same to my account. Will you be pleased to present my com- pliments also to Major Wyllys and the other officers at Fort Pitt.
I am, dear sir, with great esteem, your humble servant,
Jos. HARMAR.
Lieut. MATT. ERNEST, comm. officer at Fort Pitt.
Same to the Committee of the Ohio Company, &c.
HEAD-QUARTERS, FORT WASHINGTON, January 8, 1790.
GENTLEMEN-I received your polite address, and thank you for your affectionate wishes for my welfare. Be assured, gentlemen, that I left Muskingum with regret. It always gave me pleasure to advance the in- terests of the Ohio Company, and although absent from you at present, the time may come when I shall again be with you. That your settlement may continue rapidly to increase and flourish, and you, gentlemen, experi- once every degree of prosperity and happiness, is the sincere and ardent wish of one who is, with the greatest esteem and affection,
Your most obedient and very humble servant,
Jos. HARMAR.
To Colonel SPROAT, Colonel MEIGS, Rev. Dr. STORY, Mr. C. GREENE, Mr. PAUL FEAR- ING, Commodore WHIPPLE, General TUPPER, Mr. WOODBRIDGE, Major SERGEANT, Mr. PARSONS, and Colonel SHEPARD-addressors in behalf of the Ohio Company, and the inhabitants of the settlement at Marietta.
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APPENDIX NO. I.
Same to General Knox.
HEAD-QUARTERS, FORT WASHINGTON, January 14, 1790.
SIR-I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 29th October last, to which I shall now particularly reply.
The Governor of the Western Territory arrived at this post on the 2d instant, and departed from hence on the 5th for the Illinois country. I furnished him, agreeably to his request, with an escort of fifty chosen men, under the immediate command of Lieut. Doyle. Major Wyllys ac- companies him on this tour. I did not leave the Muskingum until the 24th ult., being detained so long waiting for his and the Pay-master's arrival there. We were four days upon our passage. The distance from thence to this garrison, (which is directly opposite the mouth of Licking river,) is about three hundred miles. Major Doughty is left to command at Fort Harmar.
This will be one of the most solid, substantial wooden fortresses, when finished, of any in the Western Territory. It is built of hewn timber, a perfect square, two stories high, with four block-houses at the angles. I am particularly indebted to Captain Ferguson and Lieutenant Pratt, for their indefatigable industry and attention in forwarding the work thus far. The plan is Major Doughty's. On account of its superior excellence, I have thought proper to honor it with the name of Fort Washington. The public ought to be benefited by the sale of these buildings whenever we evacuate them, although they will cost them but little.
About forty or fifty Kentucky boats have begun, and will complete it. Limestone is the grand mart of Kentucky; whenever boats arrive there they are scarcely of any value to the owners; they are frequently set adrift in order to make room for the arrival of others. I have contracted for the above number for the moderate price of from one to two dollars cach ; thus much for the plank work. All other expenses (wagon hire, nails, and some glass excepted,) are to be charged to the labor of the troops. The lime we have burned ourselves, and the stone is at hand. Be pleased to receive the inclosed plan of the fort. The distance between the Little and Great Miami is twenty-eight measured miles. Near the Little Miami there is a settlement called Columbia ; here (seven miles distant from Columbia), there is another named Losanteville, but lately changed to Cincinnati, and Judge Symmes himself resides at the other, about fifteen miles from hence, called the Miami City, at the north bend of the Ohio river. They are, in general, but small cabins, and the inhab- itants of the poorer class of people.
It is very probable that the Creek nation, under Mr. M'Gillivray, may be troublesome on the frontiers of Georgia, &c., during the ensuing summer,
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LETTERS.
and especially as you inform me that the commissioners who were ap- pointed to hold a treaty with them, returned from the Omee river unsuc- cessful.
I observe that the Governor of the Western Territory is empowered by the President of the United States, in case the hostilities of the Indians should render the measure inevitable, to call on the nearest counties of Pennsylvania and Virginia, for militia-not exceeding, in the whole, fifteen hundred-to act in conjunction with the federal troops, in such opera- tions, offensive and defensive, as the said Governor and the commanding - officer of the troops, conjointly, shall judge necessary for the public ser- vice, and protection of the inhabitants and posts. You may rest assured, sir, that in all these cases, the most perfect harmony will ever subsist between the Governor and myself.
By this time it is presumed Congress is convened, and that instead of a temporary, a permanent establishment of the troops will be made.
Lieutenant Armstrong, I see, has been writing to the War Office about brevet rank. He is a valuable officer, but instead of troubling you upon the occasion, it is my opinion he should have represented his grievances, if any there were, unto his commanding officer.
By the latest advices from Major Hamtramck he writes me that he had manœuvred in such a manner as to divide the Weea Indians, and that eighty of their warriors had come into Post Vincennes, and put them- selves under the protection of the United States. This may be considered as a very favorable circumstance, provided these yellow gentry adhere to their allegiance.
The difficulty of forwarding my dispatches from this post to the War Office, is great. Up the river, from here to Fort Pitt, is about five hun- dren miles ; it is too fatiguing to be monthly sending a boat against the stream for the purpose, unless an extraordinary occasion should require it. I am therefore making arrangements to send my letters to Danville, in Kentucky, from thence to be forwarded through the wilderness and de- posited in the post-office at Richmond, which I believe to be the most ex- peditious conveyance.
I have the honor to be, &c., Jos. HARMAR. The Honorable Major-General KNOX, Secretary at War, New York.
Same to Ensign Jeffers.
HEAD-QUARTERS, FORT WASHINGTON, February 1, 1790.
SIR-I have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your letters 29
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APPENDIX NO. I.
dated the 5th October, the 6th November, the 1st December and 2d Jan- uary last, with the several inclosures. You will continue to send me reg- ular monthly returns, dated on the first day of each month, of your com- mand ; also, of military and quarter-master stores, inspection returns, and quantity of provisions on hand, so that I may know the exact state of your garrison. I have been informed that the men, before Captain H. was ordered from Fort Franklin, were almost continually employed on fatigue, and principally for his own private emolument. That they were more of farmers than soldiers, was very evident upon their arrival at Fort Harmar-they were chiefly naked. Such conduct is a disgrace to the regiment, and any officer acting in like manner in future, shall be called to a severe account for it. I do not believe you will countenance such matters; I mention it to let you know that such unmilitary proceedings will always meet with my greatest displeasure. The plan of the fort which you have forwarded to me, I suppose to be a true representation of it as it now stands. In case of danger, you have not men sufficient to de- fend it. The block-house should be your principal defense. You will do well, therefore, to contract the works as much as possible.
I would have you, by all means, to cultivate a good understanding with the Cornplanter, in order to counteract the designs of Brant and his ad- herents. I believe him to be a friend of the United States. Give my com- pliments to him, and tell him I am very glad to hear that he is well, and to keep fast hold of the chain of friendship.
I would have you to use every means in your power to conciliate the minds of the Indians in your quarter, and to impress them with the majesty of the United States, and their sincere and friendly disposition toward them ; at the same time, you must use the utmost precaution to avoid sur- prise. The savages may make the greatest professions of friendship, and be deceitful at last ; therefore, never be off your guard with them.
If you should hear anything further of the intelligence given you by Half-Town, the Seneca chief, who informed you that there was great talk of the Mohawks going to war against the Muskingum people the ensuing spring, you will instantly give me information of it.
I cannot conclude this letter without repeating to you, and strongly en- joining upon you, the strict observance of economy to be used in all your departments, and the utmost vigilance and discipline to be exercised with your command.
I am, sir, &c.,
Jos. HARMAR.
Ensign JOHN JEFFERS, commanding officer at Fort Franklin, on French Creek.
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LETTERS.
Same to Mr. Jonathan Williams.
HEAD-QUARTERS, FORT WASHINGTON, February 25, 1790.
DEAR SIR-I had the pleasure of receiving a friendly line from you, by Captain Ferguson, and can well remember the gay moments we passed together in France, particularly the civilities received from you at the Pal- ace at St. Germain en Laye, where I dined with you in company with Mr. Barclay and Colonel Franks. Here we are delightfully situated on the most beautiful river in the world, La Belle Riviere, opposite the mouth of Licking, in Kentucky. You'll wonder at this, when you call to mind- the handsome meanders of the Seine at the foot of your old quarters. Society, unless what the military affords, is entirely out of the question. Buffalo, venison, turkeys, and fish of an enormous size (when the season arrives), we have in the greatest abundance. If ever Miss-Fortune, the slippery jade, should direct your course to the westward, it will give me great pleasure to regale you with some of our dainties. You shall have a hearty, soldierly welcome.
Believe me, &c., Jos. HARMAR.
Mr. JONATHAN WILLIAMS, Merchant, Philadelphia. (To the care of Dr. Franklin.)
P. S .- If you see Franks, give my compliments to him, and tell him I received his introductory letter in favor of Mr. Mitchell.
Same to Daniel Clymer
HEAD-QUARTERS, FORT WASHINGTON, March 1, 1790.
MY DEAR SIR-Captain Pratt handed me a few lines from you, dated at Reading. I should be happy to see you here. We can afford you buffalo and venison in abundance.
C-, I find, keeps manœuvring a little after the old manner. Some- time or other he must certainly get his quietus. It is surprising to me how he escapes from the numerous fracases he is engaged in. I am in- formed that Shannon at Easton had liked to have gutted him with a knife in a dispute they had together. He is a clever fellow, notwith- standing all his foibles.
We are most beautifully situated where we are at present, on the hand- some river Ohio, and directly opposite Licking in Kentucky.
I have heard of no news or disturbance lately from our yellow brethren. From Fort Pitt you can easily glide down the current to see me ; it is about five hundred miles. This month I expect we shall have great plenty of fish ; such as pike, perch, bass, buffalo, sturgeon and cat; the
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APPENDIX NO. I.
latter of an enormous size. What would you think of being regaled with one of one hundred weight? There are some actually caught of that weight.
The bearer, Lieutenant Kingsbury, is an officer of mine, and is in- trusted with several private letters of consequence for Philadelphia. He strikes off from Reading to Easton. Will you be pleased to notice him ? I shall direct him to leave the letters in your care, which I beg may be safely forwarded by you.
I am, dear sir, &c.,
Jos. HARMAR.
DANIEL CLYMER, Esq., at Reading, Pennsylvania.
Same to Governor Huntingdon.
HEAD-QUARTERS, FORT WASHINGTON, March 2, 1790. SIR-Lieutenant Pratt handed me a few lines from your Excellency, in which I observe his conduct, whilst employed on the recruiting service in the State of Connecticut, was such as to meet entire approbation. Al- though I have not the honor of being personally acquainted with your Excellency, I beg leave to address you on the following subject :
It is more than probable that an augmentation of the regular troops will take place (indeed I believe the measure will be found absolutely necessary), in which case suffer me to mention Major Wyllys as a very honest, brave, deserving officer, and in every point of view adequate to the command of a regiment. I am induced to offer his recommendation, not from any solicitation of the major's, but as he is now absent in the Illi- nois country, and there may be some candidates at home who are upon the courtier establishment, I cannot refrain (from the esteem I have for his character,) expressing my wishes to your Excellency upon this occasion.
The officers at present in service, forming the Connecticut quota, have conducted themselves with military propriety, and greatly to my satisfac- tion. I should be happy to see them advanced also, when vacancies take place or more troops are raised.
I have the honor to be, &c., Jos. HARMAR.
His Excellency SAMUEL HUNTINGDON, Esq., Governor of the State of Connecticut, at Norwich.
Same to Richard Graham.
HEAD-QUARTERS, FORT WASHINGTON, March 6, 1790. DEAR SIR-I had the pleasure of receiving a few lines from you, dated
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LETTERS.
at Dumfries the 12th last September. I shall be happy to see you at our new quarters. We have no particular news. The savages lately murdered some people at a small station about fourteen miles above Limestone, and will continue their carnages and depredations until government raise a proper force to sweep them off the face of the earth. I have detached Major Wyllys to accompany Governor St. Clair, who has set out for the Illinois country, there to regulate civil affairs.
Mrs. Harmar joins in respectful compliments to you.
Believe me, &c.,
Jos. HARMAR.
Mr. RICHARD GRAHAM, Merchant, Dumfries.
P. S .- Will you be pleased to present my regards to General Gates ? I hope he enjoys his health.
Same to John Cleves Symmes.
HEAD-QUARTERS, FORT WASHINGTON, March 7, 1790.
DEAR SIR-I shall want about an acre of land, or perhaps a little more, near the garrison, on the east side of it, for the purpose of making a gar- den. I suppose, by applying to Mr. Ludlow, he will be able to stake off three or four lots accordingly. I wish you to give him the necessary di- rections.
I designed to have dispatched Lieutenant Kingsbury for the eastward long before this time, but have been prevented for want of a boat, by which delay I find it will be impracticable to procure the certificates in time for the two sections of land intended to be purchased from you, in what is called the College Township. As it is out of my power to comply with your last proposals relative to furnishing the certificates, I am never- theless willing to agree with your first proposals, which were to pay you 2 \ 6 specie per acre for the said two sections. The money shall be ready for you whenever you please to call for it, as also for the lots for the gar- den. An allowance for advancing the ready money ought, in my opinion, to be made. I shall expect your answer on the return of Mr. Ludlow.
I have the honor to be, &c., Jos. HARMAR.
The Hoporable JOHN CLEVES SYMMES, Esq.,
one of the Judges of the Western Territory, at North Bend.
Same to General Knox.
FORT WASHINGTON, March 24, 1790.
SIR-I had the honor to address you last on the 20th ultimo, a dupli- cate whereof is now inclosed.
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APPENDIX NO. I.
The Indians still continue to murder and plunder the inhabitants ; es- pecially the boats going up and down the Ohio river. About the middle of this month they broke up Kenton's station, a small settlement fifteen miles above Limestone, killing and capturing the whole of the people, supposed to be ten or twelve in number. Buckner Thruston, Esq., has just arrived here, who informs me of a capital stroke of plunder which they made from the boats, one of which he was on board, a small distance above the Scioto river. This gentleman is a member of the Virginia Legislature, and has given me the inclosed written report of the attack, by which you will please to observe that the property captured by the sav- ages was estimated at £4,000. He supposes them to have been Shawa- nees. No calculation will answer but raising a sufficient force to effectu- ally chastise the whole of those nations who are known to be hostile.
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