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 30
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I have the honor to be, dear sir, with every sentiment of friendship and regard,
Yours, &c., Jos. HARMAR.
His Excellency RICHARD HOWELL, Esq., Governor of the State of New Jersey.
Same to Ebenezer Denny.
PHILADELPHIA, November 23, 1793.
DEAR SIR - It was not until the 20th instant that I had the pleasure of receiving your two letters of the 13th September and 11th October last. That the treaty did not succeed, does not at all surprise me; I never was of the opinion that it would. If General Wayne should be unsuccessful with his army (which I sincerely hope may not be the case), the frontier settlements on the Ohio must be left in a wretched exposed situation. The consequence would be dreadful indeed. It is to be la- mented that government has not long since established a post at Presqu' Isle, as it is most undoubtedly a very eligible position to prevent an inter- course between the Six Nations and the western Indians, and at the same time secure their trade and friendship, and encourage settlements upon the lands of the State on Lake Erie. I have conversed with the Governor, and showed him your letters upon this subject, but his reply was, that to establish a post there is an object that should come under the notice of 30
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the general government ; therefore, my friend, your expectations of a command there are fruitless, which I am sorry for.
The direful contagion which has been so long prevalent in this city, has now entirely ceased. You may venture to come down with perfect safety. It is supposed that from the 1st August to the 10th November, about five thousand persons have died, but certainly not altogether with this malig- nant disorder. If Colonel Neville should resign his brigade-inspectorship, it is probable you may fill that office ; but kissing goes by favor. I can promise nothing, only that, by the Lord, you shall have my interest for it. Mrs. Harmar joins me in congratulating you on your matrimonial con- nexion, and believe me to be, dear sir, with great esteem and regard,
Your friend, &c.,
Jos. HARMAR.
Governor Mifflin to Captain E. Denny.
PHILADELPHIA, March 1, 1794.
SIR-Inclosed you will receive a copy of an Act of the General Assem- bly, entitled "An act for more effectually securing the trade, peace and safety of the port of Philadelphia, and defending the western frontiers of the Commonwealth;" a commission by which you are appointed captain of the Allegheny company ; a sketch of the appointments and arrangements of all the companies directed to be raised, and a copy of an act, entitled "An act for laying out a town at Presqu' Isle." You will be pleased, sir, to take all lawful measures, under the instructions of the brigade-inspector of the county, and with the aid of the officers of your company, for en- gaging, during the term, and for the pay prescribed by the act for the de- fense of our frontiers, four sergeants, four corporals, one drummer and fifer, or two buglers, and sixty-five rank and file, or privates. In making your enlistments, you will stipulate with the men, that, if the state of the war on the frontiers shall, in my judgment, require their continuance in the service of the Commonwealth, after the expiration of the term of eight months mentioned in the law, they shall continue accordingly until the meeting of the Legislature next ensuing the expiration of the last term, for any shorter period that I may direct. From the sketch of the appointments and arrangements of the several companies, you will perceive that you are called on to command the detachment which is made, in or- der to carry into effect the act entitled "An act for laying out the town of Presqu' Isle;" and the importance of the object, as well as the difficulties that may attend its accomplishment, will evince the confidence
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that is reposed in your zeal, spirit and prudence. In the discharge of your trust, I am persuaded you will pay a due respect to the design and spirit of the laws I have communicated to you; and therefore, I shall content myself with suggesting the following general regulations :
1st. Messrs. Irvine, Ellicott and Gallatin, the commissioners who are employed to lay out the town at Presqu' Isle, will probably be engaged in that duty early in the month of May next. It will be necessary, there- fore, that before that time arrangements should be made for establishing some post for protection and defense in the neighborhood of Presqu' Isle ;" and the commissioners have thought that a spot at Le Bœuf will be the most eligible and convenient for their undertaking. The lieutenant who is detached from the artillery company, will transport thither, under the convoy of his detachment, a competent supply of provisions, cannon, arms, ammunition and camp equipage. Of these articles, an officer in the na- ture of quarter-master will have the immediate custody ; but they are, nevertheless, to be considered as being under your superintending care and disposition, to be preserved with the greatest caution ; not to be used but in cases of necessity, and to be accounted for by you, to any person who may be appointed to succeed you in command, or who may be author- ized to receive the same when the purposes of the post shall be attained. You will be pleased to strengthen the detachment of artillery by a party of infantry under your command, whenever they advance from Pittsburgh; and this party should consist, I think, of not less than a sergeant and fifteen men, or if circumstances will admit, of an officer and twenty men.
2d. As the object of the detachment under your command is to carry the act for establishing a town at Presqu' Isle into effect, you shall deem it your duty to comply with every lawful request of the commissioners ;. in stationing the men in such numbers and at such places, as they shall from time to time think requisite to insure their safety and defense, and generally in aiding and facilitating their measures by all means in your power.
3d. The Legislature having made provision for surveying and opening the roads, one from Reading and the other from French creek to Presqu' Isle, it is obvious that the establishment of the town is intimately con- nected with those objects ; and therefore you should deem it your duty to grant all the aid and protection to the respective commissioners and con- tractors employed in surveying and opening these roads, that is compatible with a due attention to the particular charge which is confided to you.
4th. In the present state of our northern frontier, you will deem it a duty peculiarly incumbent upon you, to avoid giving any occasion of of- fense to the peaceable Indians or to the British garrisons which are in that
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quarter. You will endeavor, in case any intercourse should necessarily or accidentally take place with them, to conciliate and cultivate a good and friendly understanding; and you are, above all things, to remember that the objects of your appointment are strictly those of protection and de- fense, and that any act of aggression or hostility committed against any person or persons in amity with the United States, or committed against any person or persons whomsoever, out of the jurisdiction of Pennsylva- nia, will be unauthorized and punished according to law.
5th. For the purposes of information, you will keep a journal of your proceedings, and maintain a regular correspondence as well with the com- missioners appointed to lay out the town of Presqu' Isle as with the brigade-inspector of Allegheny county ; and when any matter of public importance shall occur, you will, with all possible dispatch, communicate the same to me.
To these regulations it is perhaps unnecessary to add that it is expected that you will give the strictest attention to the health, order and discipline of the detachment under your command; and in all things so act as to justify the confidence which your country has reposed in you.
THOMAS MIFFLIN.
To EBENEZER DENNY, Esq.,
Captain of the Allegheny company, &c.
Captain Denny to Governor Mifflin.
PITTSBURGH, April 25, 1794.
SIR - I had the honor of writing to you by the last post, mentioning the necessity we were under of calling out a few militia in order to take advantage of the rivers while up. I then could not calculate with any certainty what time the detachments from other counties would arrive; however, the greatest part of them came in time to join the volunteers. They marched on Monday last and encamped the first night twenty-one miles from here, on the route to Fort Franklin, and in all probability would reach that place yesterday. Ensign Mehaffy, from Westmoreland, had the direction of the State troops, two sergeants, two corporals and forty-three privates; the volunteers consisted of a captain, lieutenant, thirty men ; total, one captain, one lieutenant, one ensign and seventy- seven men. They will go no farther than Le Bœuf.
I have not such confidence in the Six Nations as to think they will favor the establishment; and a small party subject to the power of a few ill- disposed Indians, would be more liable to be stopped by them ; not that I think they will offer any violence immediately, but I think they will throw
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some objections in the way; perhaps desire the business postponed for a while. We have certain information that the chiefs were lately assem- bled in council at the mouth of Buffalo. Their meetings there have always been influenced by British agents, and I should not be surprised to find them return with a wish to prevent the settlement at Presqu' Isle. I have received letters from the inspectors of Washington and Westmoreland counties, informing me of the orders they had from you, telling me that whatever reinforcements we required might be depended on. Doctor Wilkins is gone in company with the party to Le Bœuf. I have requested him, and directed Mehaffy, to write to me by every opportunity ; and should anything material be discovered, to send off an express.
I am, with respect, &c.,
EBENEZER DENNY, Captain.
Same to same.
PITTSBURGH, May 2, 1794.
SIR - I had the honor to address you on the 25th ultimo, since which nothing material has happened. The party sent forward to establish a post of protection and defense at Le Bœuf, consisted of a captain, lieu- tenant and thirty volunteers, and an ensign and forty-seven of the State troops; they were at Fort Franklin on the 24th, as expected. A very seasonable rain, which fell while they were on the march to this post, will (provided the way is open) enable the contractor to push all the provisions and stores up the creek without loss of time. We are not without appre- hensions that this council-holding between the chiefs of the Six Nations and the British, at the mouth of Buffalo creek, may terminate unfavorably to our establishment. The Cornplanter is not with them; but I am told that he has ordered away the traders who had stores in his town. Before our detachment proceeds farther than Mead's settlement, the disposition of the Indians will be known; and in case any opposition is offered, the party will halt and secure themselves and the stores until a sufficient rein- forcement joins them. I depend upon Doctor Wilkins' and Ensign Me- haffy's earliest notice. Lieutenant Murphy and Ensign Patterson have been about three weeks away endeavoring to find men for the Allegheny company. Patterson has been tolerably successful; Murphy I have not heard from; he is in Fayette county. They must both be here in a few days now. No doubt but you have been informed of the death of Lieu- tenant Hazlewood ; his men will reach this perhaps in six days.
I acknowledge the honor of your letter of the 25th April. The delays which took place in sending on the men from the other counties, the in-
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spector took pains to account for, and I am in hopes there will be no ill consequences. The inspectors are all desirous to promote the establish- ment of Presqu' Isle, and have informed me of their orders from the Governor.
E. DENNY.
Same to same.
FORT FRANKLIN, June 14, 1794.
SIR - I have the honor of acknowledging your two letters, dated the 9th and 11th instant; after receiving the first, we concluded it would be best to proceed on our march. We arrived here the day before yesterday ; all well. The account of Ransom's people being killed was too true, but by what nation of Indians is yet doubtful. Mr. Ellicott and Mr. Wil- kins have written and sent two runners for the Cornplanter, and they have requested me to wait the return of the express; when they arrive you will be informed of the success of the message. I am suspicious the old fel- low will not show himself. The fact is, that the Indians about here, from twenty downward, for some time past have been exceedingly insolent, treating the officers, the fort and every person about it, with the utmost contempt ; but since our arrival they have altered their tune, so say Lieu- tenant Polhemus and Doctor M'Cray. We have written to Le Bœuf and gave the officer there a caution. The day after to-morrow the runner is to be back. Van Horn and Bales, the two men who brought your last letter, saw one Indian at the plain, about twenty miles this side of Pittsburgh, and the trace of six or seven.
June 16th. - Yours inclosing a copy of Polhemus' came yesterday. The Cornplanter's nephew arrived from the towns about the same time. He delivered a long speech from his uncle to Lieutenant Polhemus. Upon summing up the whole, we have not a shadow of doubt but that a plan was formed to destroy all the posts and settlements in this quarter. It was all done upon the strength or prospect of a war between the British and -; that subsiding, the other, I am in hopes, has also. There is no doubt but the English will urge them to join the western Indians, and have done every thing possible, and perhaps a few may ; but I rather think that unless we have a war with them, we'll have none with the Six Nations generally.
The Cornplanter has gone to another council at Buffalo; he set out the same time the nephew started for this place, and will return in about ten days. He says he is very sorry for the mischief done lately, and is ex- tremely concerned at the account given of their going to take up the
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hatchet ; says they are bad men who reported it ; that it's a lie, and insists upon knowing whom the information came from. It is evident that a stroke was meditated, but now perhaps dropped. Every apology which he can possibly make won't be sufficient to clear him of the imputation of a traitor. Some of the nation say that the English have bought O'- Beal. We shall spend two days to come, in helping Mr. Polhemus to put his garrison in some state of defense; for should anything happen it, we should fare the worse above.
I have the honor, &c., E. DENNY.
Same to Major-General Gibson.
FORT LE BŒUF, June 27, 1794.
DEAR SIR-Inclosed you will receive a copy of a message brought me by a deputation of chiefs and warriors sent for that purpose, from the Six Nations, and also our reply. You will perceive by the message that the Indians are disposed to have us pushed back; and if we don't leave the country they are to consider us as no friends. I don't apprehend much danger here as long as we can keep our men together ; but at present, a number of the people who were on before me are ill with the flux; and the working parties which we are necessarily obliged to have at some dis- tance, together with two escorts, one sent to Franklin with pack horses, the other somewhere between here and Cussewago, with boats, reduces our force considerably. Doctor Wilkins1 has made a requisition for ten or twelve men to be sent to Pitt, to guard a drove of cattle on to this place. From the present appearances it would be very improper to detach so many men from my command; I am, therefore, here under the necessity of begging a few militia for that purpose; they will be wanted about the first week in the next month. Indeed, at this particular juncture, I don't think a company would be too many to assist us in having the supplies brought forward. The people of Cussewago wished for a guard of my men ; I could not spare them yet ; the consequences, I am afraid, will be a total evacuation of that settlement. If you should think proper to send on a company, a part posted at Mead's will answer a double purpose ; there the contractor has a deposit, and it serves our people as an interme- , diate post between Franklin and this place, which ought to be by all means, supported. You promised you would not neglect us.
E. DENNY.
Since better known as General John Wilkins.
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APPENDIX NO. I.
Same to Governor Mifflin.
FORT LE BŒUF, June 29, 1794.
The route from Franklin to Le Bœuf, by way of Cussewago, is not less than sixty miles. The first part may be made good, but the other will be very difficult. A straight road from Franklin to Le Bœuf won't exceed forty-five miles ; but it is yet uncertain what kind of road this country will afford.
We would be much better of a surgeon ; many of the men who were on here, are lying bad with the flux. However, we are doing every thing possible to get them on foot. Constant salt provisions, and not the least attention paid to cleanliness, has caused it to spread. Our fresh meat, with the little knowledge we have of medicine, has already had a good effect. The evening of our arrival here I received the inclosed letter from Israel Chapin, superintendent for the Six Nations. The next day, by the time mentioned, he and the Indians arrived. They expected to meet us at Presqu' Isle. They came from the mouth of Buffalo there, in a row boat. Next morning we met and received their message, a copy of which, togeth- er with our reply, is also inclosed. William Johnson, who is mentioned in the message, is a British agent ; he acted slily as prompter to the chiefs. They denied having sold their country; told us that the paper (deed) which they signed at Fort Harmar, was thought by them then to be noth- ing but a treaty of peace, and that the goods which were delivered them they considered as presents. Money, they say, they received none. The line which they had marked upon their map began at O'Beal's town, and in a direct line crossed French creek just below Mead's, and on the head of Cuyahoga; from thence to the Muskingum, and down the Ohio and to its mouth, and up the Mississippi, leaving a small square for a trading house at the mouths of the rivers, and one where Clarksville now is. The fellows were very inquisitive to know if any surveyors were out, and told us to stop every person going toward the lake. They will expect an an- swer from our great council.
I would just remark, that in case of a war, it will be very difficult keep- ing either horses or cattle about the place, and impossible to get any sup- plies, being so near their towns, unless we have three times the number of men which we now have, and establish several intermediate posts. I have the honor to inclose a return of the troops, and am with perfect re- spect, sir,
Your most obedient servant,
E. DENNY.
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LETTERS.
General Harmar to Governor Mifflin.
December 26, 1796.
DEAR GOVERNOR-Be pleased to receive the inclosed letter from Cap- tain Denny. He informs me that there is reason to expect several new counties will be laid off to the westward of Pittsburgh, this winter, in which case he has solicited my influence to interest myself with you in his behalf. The commission of prothonotary, with the recorder's office attach- ed, would answer his wishes. If those new counties should be laid off, I beg leave in a particular manner, to recommend Captain Denny, as a man, of honor and probity, and capable of filling such an office. Your Excellency will add to the numerous obligations already conferred upon me, by taking Captain Denny's application under your earliest notice, and securing one of those offices for him.
I have the honor to be, &c., Jos. HARMAR
Same to Ebenezer Denny.
HARMAR'S RETREAT, December 27, 1796.
DEAR SIR-I have been favored with yours of the 5th instant, wherein I observe it is your wish to be appointed prothonotary and recorder to one of the new counties expected to be laid off this winter, to the west of Pittsburgh. An inflammation on my leg has confined me at home for this sometime past, which has prevented my visiting Philadelphia as usual ; but immediately upon the receipt of yours, I wrote a letter to the Governor in your behalf, a copy whereof I now inclose you. In a few days I shall be able to repair to the city, when you may depend upon it, your applica- tion shall receive personally all the support in my power to give it, and sin- cerely hope it may be attended with the desired success. Let me know whether I shall send you a power of attorney to transact the business respecting my lands in Westmoreland. As you are well acquainted with those landed matters, I wish very much that you would undertake it, and pray do not let any of my lands be sold for payment of the taxes. By the next conveyance I shall send you a particular description of all of them. Mrs. Harmar joins me in best respects to Mrs. Denny and your- self, and believe me to be, with true regard,
Your friend and humble servant,
Jos. HARMAR.
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Captain Denny to General Harmar.
PITTSBURGH, May 5, 1797.
DEAR SIR-I was happy to hear of your recovery. Our friend Ernest is about to leave us, with his family, for Detroit; we in a particular man- ner will feel the loss ; but it must be so. The difficulty of living at this place on account of the very high price of provisions, will oblige a num- ber to remove. Instance, butter 2 / 6 current; indifferent beef 9d., and bacon 1 / 6, and every other article nearly in proportion, and all for cash, and a scarcity of the whole. This extraordinary change can easily be ac- counted for-but there is no remedy ; time will perhaps regulate things, at present there is nothing to be done.
Governor St. Clair has been for some time past at his place not expect- ed to live, but I have heard to-day that he is recovering once more. Mrs. Denny joins me in best respects to Mrs. Harmar and yourself, and believe me to be, with affectionate regard,
Yours, &c., E. DENNY.
General HARMAR, near Philadelphia.
Same to same.
PITTSBURGH, December 14, 1797.
DEAR SIR-Several candidates for office in the new counties have start- ed up lately. Robert Galbraith, States Attorney here, and George Thomp- son, one of our associate judges, are both aiming for what I applied for last winter. John Woods, Senator, has told me that his influence is promised to them - he would serve me, but they must be served first. Esquire Wallace and Captain Herron, our Representatives, are my partic- ular friends-Wallace will interest himself more than the other two. He is equally the friend of Thompson, at least I think he would be glad to serve us both. I should like very well if Thompson could be provided for along with myself. We regard his family, and he stands in as much need as I do.
Yours, &c., E. DENNY.
Same to same. PITTSBURGH, December 20, 1799.
DEAR SIR -I was sorry to hear by Mrs. Harmar's letter of the 8th, that your indisposition rendered you unable to write. I am not certain
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if you have any land in this county other than your State donation, and that is not taxable. There are several tracts near a creek called Puckety, which empties into the Allegheny river eighteen miles above this, in Plum township, that has been returned for several years past in your name, but since I have been commissioner, have entered them in the name of Jenkins' heirs ; I think they are a part of Mr. Kenley's division of the estate ; but you must know best. I wish you would inform me ; at any rate, while I am in office there shall be none sold that you can have any possible claim to. What lies in Westmoreland county, or the. Western Territory, is entirely out of our reach.
I did expect to see you this fall, but was obliged to be abroad the months of August and September last, after which found it necessary to be at home. Ernest was in from Detroit in July. Mrs. Denny accom- panied him back. They rode to Presqu' Isle, got on board a sloop and had a passage of twenty-seven days - stormy weather in August. They were beat back to Presqu' Isle twice, and and over to the English shore, where they got shelter. I left home a month after they did, was at Presqu' Isle in four days and a half. There was no vessel for Detroit; shipped myself for Fort Erie, got down in a day and a night; engaged a passage to Detroit in a British sloop ready to sail in two days; in the meantime procured a horse, rode eighteen miles down Niagara river to the Falls, where I spent part of one day. Returned back to Fort Erie the evening of the second day ; got on board that night, weighed anchor and had a pleasant passage in five days up to Detroit. I intended coming off in the first vessel, but Ernest and Mrs. D. had been there but a few days before me. Colonel Strong commands there. He and the old woman are so fat you would scarcely know either -rolling about in nothing. We were treated very politely by the old couple. I was much disappointed in the place. It is filthy beyond measure-calculated to accommodate a few traders. A square of about three hundred by four hundred yards divided by narrow street, one only that a cart can turn about in, and the lots no larger than sufficient for a tolerable house to stand on. One or two houses excepted, they resemble the buildings at Vincennes - pickets round the whole. There is a small regular work back of the town, but it is lost to appearance, and covers only the side next itself. It seems to have been designed for a retreat for the commanding officer. They say there is a covered way to it from what is called the citadel. This last place is noth- ing more than the barracks and small parade within the town square, separated from the dwellings by pickets. There is a great quantity of goods taken to Detroit yearly, but no trade there -it is made a place of deposit ; deputy traders, who go out into the Indian country, are fitted off
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