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 29
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Ensign Francis Luse has given me his resignation, and I now inclose his commission, which I hope you will be pleased to accept. I have al- lowed him to be run upon the rolls until the first of May next, as he is considerably embarrassed in his circumstances. Permit me to recommend cadet John Morgan to fill the vacancy, unless there is a probability of promotion for him in the corps of artillery, in which case, and not other- wise, I would beg leave particularly to recommend Mr. David Britt to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Mr. Luse, or the first vacancy which may happen in future. Mr. Britt was a former partner of Messrs. Turnbull, Marmie & Co .; has served as a cadet for some time in the dif- ferent grades, from a private sentinel to a non-commissioned officer. He has also been of great service to me in many other instances, and is, in my opinion, deservedly entitled to preferment.
I have received no intelligence, as yet, of Major Doughty, but have de- tached Lieutenant Armstrong to undertake the business recommended in your secret letters. No written orders have been given him upon that subject. Be pleased to receive the inclosed monthly returns of the regi- ment, dated the 1st February and the 1st of March.
I have the honor to be, &c.,
Jos. HARMAR.
Same to William Govett.
FORT WASHINGTON, April 4, 1790.
DEAR SIR-I have altered my mind respecting purchasing the certifi- cates to pay Judge Symmes for land. You will therefore pay no attention to that matter, as I have declared off the intended purchase.
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LETTERS.
I am hourly expecting the arrival of Lieutenant Denny, by whom I shall hope to hear from you.
I am, dear sir, &c.,
Jos. HARMAR.
,
Same to Captain Ziegler.
FORT WASHINGTON, April 5, 1790.
DEAR SIR-I have received your several letters of the 18th February, and the 6th, 24th, 26th and 27th ult.
You did right in sending two men with the contractor's boat, as the Indians begin already to be very troublesome on the river near the Scioto.
The clothing, sheet iron, cartridges and flints all arrived safe. The re- mainder of the clothing I shall be expecting when Lieutenant Denny arrives.
Mrs. Harmar joins me in respectful compliments to Mrs. Ziegler and Mrs. Heart. Give my compliments to all our New England acquaint- ances. I wish their settlement may prosper. We have a delightful situa- tion here, and an excellent garrison ; no danger, as there is with you, of an inundation.
I am, dear sir, &c., Jos. HARMAR.
Captain DAVID ZIEGLER, commanding officer at Fort Harmar.
Same to Doctor Wistar.
FORT WASHINGTON, April 5, 1790.
DEAR SIR-It is a long time ago since I received your very agreeable letter, acknowledging the receipt of the bones by Captain Armstrong ; you will please to receive by this conveyance a few more. We are at present stationed opposite the mouth of the Licking river, not above twenty miles, by land, from the Big Bone Lick creek. I intend shortly to let Dr. Allison, the surgeon of the regiment, proceed to that place and stay there for about a week. Upon his return I am in hopes to be able to send you a proper collection of the bones, and worthy of your accept- ance, as the Doctor is curious in those matters.
The savages begin already to be very troublesome with the boats de- scending the Ohio river; nothing will cure them but an effectual chas- tisement. I beg you to accept my thanks for your obliging letter and shall be happy in hearing from you frequently.
I am, dear sir, with very great esteem, &c.,
Jos. HARMAR.
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APPENDIX NO. I.
Same to Wm. Govett.
FORT WASHINGTON, June 8, 1790.
DEAR SIR-I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter by Lieu- tenant Denny, dated the 23d January, inclosing your account current.
Mr. Leiper's Encyclopedia would not have answered us. I want the most elegant edition that can be procured. The thermometer will do.
The ground rent on Market street lot must be settled with the Univer- sity on the best terms you can. I have already written to Colonel Craig concerning my small plantation ; consult with him upon the occasion.
I observe the rent for the Market street house is too much in arrears. It is very likely the old lady will shortly be able to pay it; therefore it is not my wish to distress her.
As to selling the Germantown ground rent and purchasing the ground rent on Market street lot, I leave it entirely to your own judgment, how to act for me in this respect.
The Indians have been, and still are troublesome. I am in full hopes that the new government will give me the materials to work with, and the next year be prepared for a general war with them.
Mrs. Harmar writes to Mrs. Govett by this conveyance.
I am, dear sir, &c., Jos. HARMAR.
Same to Joseph Howell, Jr.
FORT WASHINGTON, June 9, 1790.
DEAR SIR-I wrote to you on the 28th January last, and inclosed it in my letter to the War Office. I am surprised it has not been received. I now have to acknowledge your several letters of the 2d, 17th and 31st January, and the 28th March, and am extremely obliged to you for your care and attention in forwarding me the newspapers. They all came safe and regularly to hand.
Captain Beatty is just now on the wing for Muskingum, and from thence to the falls of Beaver and Venango, making a final settlement as he goes along, up to the first of the present year.
I have written to General Knox, why I thought it most advisable for him to draw the third instalment, and be done with the business before he leaves the country. He will be with you early in September. Lieuten- ant Ernest is his successor. There has been a Major J- here, for the avowed design of speculating upon the necessities of the soldiers and some others, but I have prevented them. It is, in my opinion, a most dishon- orable traffic ; by God, my hands are clear of it, and if I find that any officer is concerned in it, he shall be called to a strict and severe account
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LETTERS.
for such unmilitary proceedings. The Indians are exceedingly trouble- some. I know of nothing that will cure the disorder, but government raising an army to effectually chastise them-all treaties are in vain.
Mrs. Harmar and my little flock are well. She desires to be affection- ately remembered to you. Do not forget writing to me; it will afford me great happiness to hear constantly from you.
Believe me, yours truly,
Jos. HARMAR.
JOSEPH HOWELL, Jr., Esq., Pay-master General, at New York.
Same to Lieutenant Matthew Ernest.
HEAD-QUARTERS, Fort Washington, June 9, 1790.
DEAR SIR - My last letter was dated the 5th of February, and for- warded by Lieutenant Kingsbury, which I observe you have received ; I now have to acknowledge the receipt of your several letters, dated the 22d and 26th of February, the 20th and 25th of March, and the 13th of May, with the different dispatches. The deeds, patents, &c., belonging to me, I left with you by Mr. Denny, I wish you to take particular care of and keep them safe. You may inform Ephraim Douglas, Esq., that I have long since returned all the drafts to council, amongst which was one for one hundred dollars drawn upon him, consequently that business is at an end. I have no objections to your having lent the arms to Messrs. Wil- kins and Blaine, provided they are returned in good order. Mr. Parker delivered to me the six old muskets which you lent him. The chief part of the cartridge paper has arrived at head-quarters, the remainder was left at Fort Harmar.
All the officers at this post (agreeably to the list inclosed) are unani- mous in their votes for you as Pay-master, and I take it for granted that there will not be above three or four votes for Lieutenant Frothingham. You are therefore to consider yourself as the new Pay-master to the regi- ment, and as soon as possible you are to repair to New York, and there to use all your address to prevent old times taking place; I mean so much arrearages being due to the corps. Captain Beatty draws all his instal- ments as he goes on, and settles with the troops up to the first of the present year. It will therefore be your duty to look out sharp for the pay, &c., due from the 1st of January, 1790. As I said before, you must use all your address ; indeed, all the graces of Lord Chesterfield will be necessary upon this occasion.1
1 Ernest was one of the most polished and gentlemanly persons in the army.
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APPENDIX NO. I.
I cannot conclude my letter without assuring you that I am very well pleased with your attention and accuracy in forwarding my several dis- patches. For the news I refer you to Captain Beatty.
I am, sir, with very great esteem, your most humble servant,
Jos. HARMAR.
Lieutenant MATTHEW ERNEST, commanding officer at Fort Pitt.
P. S .- Tell the contractors that we have not had an ounce of meat for some time, and that the flour and whiskey are just out.
List of Officers at Fort Washington, June 9th, 1790.
1. General Harmar,
8. Lieutenant Forde,
2. Captain Ferguson,
9. Lieutenant Pratt,
3. Captain Strong,
10. Lieutenant Denny,
4. Captain M'Curdy,
11. Ensign Sedam,
5. Captain Beatty,
12. Ensign Hartshorn,
6. Lieutenant Armstrong,
13. Ensign Thompson,
7. Lieutenant Kerney, 14. Doctor Allison.
Same to same. FORT WASHINGTON, August 13, 1790.
DEAR SIR-My last letter to you was dated on the 9th June, and for- warded by Captain Beatty ; since which I have the pleasure to acknow- ledge the receipt of your letters of the 10th and 27th June, with the different dispatches, letters, &c., which, together with my private stores, all arrived safe, and in good order. In my letter by Beatty, you will ob- serve that the officers at this post gave an unanimous vote for you as the new Pay-master of the regiment; in consequence of which I ordered you to proceed for New York, to use all your address to receive and bring on our pay, subsistence, &c., from the first of the present year ; but since writing that letter, the late Act of Congress for regulating the military establishment, has come forward, which totally changes the face of affairs, and renders those orders of no effect. You are therefore not to go to New York. It is more than probable that you will be elected Pay-master to the battalion of artillery, in which case Major Doughty will give you the necessary orders.
Lieutenant Denny left with you sundry deeds, patents, &c., &c., of lands belonging to me in Westmoreland county. I gave Major Huffnagle a power of attorney to transact that business for me; it is revoked, but it has not yet been returned. Let me beg you either to undertake this
459
LETTERS.
business yourself, or if it is inconvenient, be pleased to inform me of some gentleman in Pittsburgh or its vicinity, who is willing to receive a power of attorney for this purpose, and will pay proper attention to my interest. I have thought of young Mr. Woods, but know not whether he would be inclined to undertake it. The lands are certainly valuable.
The old public stores have not yet arrived at head-quarters from Fort Pitt.
As for news, all hopes of peace with the savages in this quarter and on the Wabash, are at an end. We are preparing to carry on an expedition . against them this fall, in conjunction with the Kentucky militia.
I am, dear sir, &c.,
Jos. HARMAR.
P. S .- I am much obliged to you for forwarding the bones to Doctor Wistar.
Same to Rufus Putnam.
FORT WASHINGTON, September 2, 1790.
SIR-I have had the pleasure of receiving your letter of the 22d June last, wherein you are pleased to make me an offer, and my friends also, to become adventurers in as many shares as we may choose, in company with you, in the Scioto speculation. I am much obliged to you for the offer, but matters are so circumstanced with me at present that I must de- cline accepting it. You may be assured, sir, that I shall afford the Euro- pean emigrants every assistance and protection in my power, consistent with my duty, and agreeably to the orders I may receive upon that head.
Be pleased to make my most respectful compliments to all my friends at Marietta, and believe me to be, with much esteem,
Sir, your very, &c.,
Jos. HARMAR.
The Honorable RUFUS PUTNAM, at Marietta.
Same to Major Hamtramck.
FORT WASHINGTON, September 3, 1790.
DEAR SIR-The information you gave me, that a plan was certainly on foot to assemble a number of nations at the Miami village (as soon as the corn will be ripe), in order to pay me a visit, I am obliged to you for ; perhaps we may be beforehand with them. If you should be so fortunate as to make a successful stroke, either at the Quiatanon, Vermilion or
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APPENDIX NO. I.
L'Anguule, circumstances may render it necessary that you should in- stantly return to the post instead of remaining in the country, which I shall leave to your own judgment ; but at all events, endeavor to let me hear from you verbally, by a trusty Frenchman or some other person. You acted very right in dismissing those scoundrels, the Pottawattamies and Weeas, who came into you with their usual professions of peace, without giving them any goods. I suppose they came for nothing but in expect- ation of receiving some presents. The substance of Mr. Tardiveau's let- ter which you inclose me, I observe is a request to you to send him a de- tachment of troops from Post Vincennes for the security of the Illinois country. This is utterly impracticable at present, and we must have more troops before it can be any way practicable in future. I hope you have perfectly recovered your health. Major Sargent left me yesterday ; he writes to you by this conveyance. It will be proper that you take into the field with you, a brass three-pounder, and I place the fullest confidence in your abilities, as what we are going to undertake is a serious affair. I take it for granted that there is not the least relaxation from your for- mer rigid discipline. If any officer should prove refractory, arrest him instantly. You will find that I shall always effectually support you in . maintaining the strictest subordination. I am indeed very sorry to hear of the distressing situation you have been in with respect to provisions, but by this time Mr. Elliott will certainly have forwarded a sufficiency ; say two months' provisions for five hundred men. I have not yet heard from the Pennsylvania militia, nor received any late accounts from Ken- tucky ; but report says they are determined to turn out spiritedly upon the occasion.
I am, &c., Jos. HARMAR.
Major J. F. HAMTRAMCK, commanding officer at Fort Knox, Post Vincennes.
P. S. - We have heard that you have entered the matrimonial state. Mrs. Harmar and myself wish you every happiness in it. You will please to present our kind compliments to Mrs. Hamtramck, and accept them yourself likewise.
Same to General Mifflin.
FORT WASHINTON, September 4, 1790.
MY DEAR GENERAL-I did myself the honor to write you a few lines by Lieutenant Kingsbury, since which Lieutenant Denny has handed me your letter of the 23d January. I am much obliged to you for the attention paid in delivering Lieutenant Denny orders for the several sums stated by me to be due to him and other officers for recruiting services for which
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LETTERS.
they have received payment. The official letter from the Secretary at Council, giving me proper credit for the returned orders on the treasurers of Westmoreland, Fayette and Washington, has been also received, which is very satisfactory, as it settles all public accounts which the State of Pennsylvania had against me. I am preparing for an expedition against the savages, to go forward the first of next month. Our regular force is but small; there is a prospect of being joined by a considerable body of militia, who I hope will stick to the text, and not leave me in the lurch. Believe me dear General, &c.,
Jos. HARMAR.
His Excellency THOMAS MIFFLIN, at Philadelphia.
Lieutenant Denny to General Harmar.
PHILADELPHIA, March 9, 1791.
DEAR GENERAL- The great people here have at length determined to carry on another campaign against the savages upon a more extensive plan than the last. In the meantime they have thought it necessary to order a temporary expedition, entirely of militia, for the purpose of amusing the Indians and to prevent them from committing any further depredations on the frontiers. Mr. Brown, of Congress, is furnished with ten thousand dollars for this business. G. K. took up so much time in forming his re- port for Congress, and both houses debated so long upon it, that I am doubtful whether men can be enlisted for the grand object and marched over the mountains in season ; the encouragement will not be sufficient, though six dollars bounty is to be given. I was in hopes that when these military arrangements were all settled, that G. K. would dispatch me for head-quarters, but I am now afraid he means to detain me to recruit. Armstrong has received his instructions and began this day-Beatty and myself are yet waiting in suspense. I wish most sincerely to be with you, for I am perfectly sick of the court and all courtiers.
Captain Beatty writes to you by this conveyance, and incloses the mili- tary establishment, by which you will find that Major - - is appointed Lieut .- Col. commanding of the second regiment. Some reasons which will operate very forcibly upon him, make me think that it is uncertain whether he will accept or not. Some people are troubled with the cannon fever, and if I was not much mistaken, he was very subject to it-a feather bed would be a fitter place than the field. The Governor being appointed to command the army this summer, I hope you will be reconciled. I am very confident that no other man would be submitted to; but the long friendship which has subsisted between you both, and his commission ex-
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APPENDIX NO. I.
piring at the end of the campaign, as I am informed it does, will make it more easy. Believe me, he has been a sound friend when you greatly stood in need of one, and
I am, dear General, your obedient
E. DENNY.
Brigadier-General HARMAR,
Head-Quarters, Ohio river.
Same to same.
PITTSBURGH, June 1, 1792.
DEAR SIR-We have alarms here hourly. The savages begin to show themselves. The settlements north of the old Pennsylvania road are all abandoned and the people fled across the Monongahela. Myers' and M'- Nair's, and along there, are frontiers. Several circumstances seem to com- bine to frighten the people here and cause them to dread a stroke. They have a Frenchman confined in jail, suspected for being a spy; indeed he has acknowledged that he was sent to gain information of the strength of the town, and had his orders from Colonel Butler, of Niagara. He has also confessed that two men of this place were concerned with him, one of them a confidential character in public service, the other is Tom Girty. You may have seen by the papers, that Jeffers had a kind of independent command of friendly Indians and rifle men. We heard yesterday from Venango that several of these friendly Indians had in a formal manner delivered up to Captain Cass, the commandant there, their rifles, and had declared that they intended joining against us. This circumstance is not very favorable. You will suppose that I have very early hark'd in with the people, but it was always my opinion that fifty bold fellows might set the town on fire and retire without any loss, and I am very certain it could now be done with ease. As'to the soldiers here, though there are fifty, I would not give them their half gill a day for all their services, unless it is that perhaps the appearance of them may deter the enemy from making an attempt; for should an attack be made, the utmost they could do would be to defend the stockade fort where they are quartered. The militia are really tolerably well employed. A strong guard mounts every evening, from which there are constant patrols all night; besides they are frequent- ly out on scouts for one, two and three days at a stretch. The people wonder the soldiers don't come out. The present protection appears not to be sufficient. The State troops are under no subordination, and it is a question whether they render as much service as they might. Should you
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LETTERS.
see Governor Mifflin, please to offer my respects. My kind compliments to Mrs. Harmar, and believe me,
Yours, &c.,
General HARMAR, Philadelphia.
E. DENNY.
General Harmar to Peter Audrain.
PHILADELPHIA, July 12, 1792.
DEAR SIR - I have had the pleasure to receive your letter of the 22d ultimo, per post. The gentleman whom General Gibson informed you that he dined in company with at my house, was Monsieur Peyroux, the commandant at St. Genevieve. He does not leave this city for sometime ; but when he does, it will afford me peculiar happiness to be in any way instrumental in serving you ; your name shall therefore be mentioned to him, and I will give him an introductory letter to you before he sets out for Pittsburgh.
I shall remember you to the French Ambassador when I see him. Be pleased to present my best respects to all our good friends in Pittsburgh, and believe me to be, with great esteem,
Yours, &c., Jos. HARMAR. Mr. PETER AUDRAIN, Merchant, Pittsburgh.
Same to Ebenezer Denny.
PHILADELPHIA, September 6, 1792.
DEAR SIR-Your two letters of the 1st June and the 30th July, have been duly received, by which I am happy to learn your success in trade. The loss of Hardin and Trueman I sincerely regret, particularly the for- mer. Murdering of flags does not seem to indicate a speedy peace with the savages. I have conversed with Major Asheton relative to the settle- ment at Presqu' Isle, but we are not yet sufficiently informed on that sub- ject. I am rather inclined to think that I shall not become an adventurer in it.
I shall not forget to remember you to Governor Mifflin, and hope some- thing may turn up to your advantage through his means. You wish to know the price of stocks. They tell me six per cents bring 22f. cash. Mrs. H. sends her compliments to you. Our friend Ernest will deliver you this letter ; and believe me to be,
Your friend and humble servant,
Jos. HARMAR.
Mr. EBENEZER DENNY, Pittsburgh.
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APPENDIX NO. I.
E. Denny to General Harmar.
PITTSBURGH, January 5, 1793.
DEAR SIR - I have just time to write a few lines by a very particular and one of my most intimate friends at this place, John Woods, Esq. Any civilities which may be shown him will lay me under new obligations. He has a short letter from me to Governor Mifflin on the subject of militia appointments. I hope that you will be the adjutant-general. Respects to Mrs. Harmar, and believe me, dear sir,
Your faithful,
E. DENNY.
General Harmar to E. Denny.
PHILADELPHIA, February 8, 1793.
DEAR SIR-I have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your two letters, the one dated the 22d December last, the other on the 5th ultimo. I am very sorry for the loss of Stephen,1 as by all accounts he was a faith- ful, honest lad. As for the Population Society, and the Presqu' Isle plan, I have no great opinion of it, and therefore choose to decline it altogether. You may depend upon it, what influence I have with the Governor shall be exerted to serve you upon the militia establishment. Mrs. Harmar sends you her respectful compliments.
I am, dear sir, with very great esteem and regard, Your affectionate friend,
Jos. HARMAR.
E. Denny to General Harmar.
PITTSBURGH, February 22, 1793.
DEAR SIR-I feel myself much obliged by your flattering assurances. The militia establishment-I hope it may please you and be the cause of a visit to this country ; it will add to your health and enable you to attend personally to your private concerns. My affectionate respects to Mrs. Harmar, and believe me to be, dear sir,
With the highest esteem and regard, &c., E. DENNY.
General HARMAR, Philadelphia.
General Harmar to Governor Howell. PHILADELPHIA, August 20, 1793. DEAR SIR-With great pleasure I received your friendly letter of the
1 Major Denny's servant during his Indian campaigns.
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LETTERS.
9th instant. To hear from an old soldier, for whom I have a particular regard, was highly gratifying to me. I live in a small house in Eighth street ; when you arrive in this city, I shall do myself the honor to wait upon you and give you soldierly fare. Sorry I am indeed, that it is out of my power at present to accept of your polite invitation to visit you at Tren- ton - being so much busied with the militia business prevents it. You are desirous of having one thousand copies of the Baron Steuben's Ma- nœuvres, printed on good paper, with well executed plates, procured at a reasonable rate, to be bound with your militia law. I have made the ne- - cessary inquiry, and inclose you the proposals of Mr. Cist, a printer here, which, if they meet with your approbation, shall be cheerfully attended to on my part. The edition has had the sanction of the War Office, con- sequently must suppose it to be correct. You will be pleased to receive the inclosed militia law of this State-the plates have been struck, but are not annexed to the instructions ; perhaps you would wish to go to no more expense than they have done, if so, let me know.
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