Wadsworth, Jeremiah (1743-1804) to Henry Knox
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03253 Author/Creator: Wadsworth, Jeremiah (1743-1804) Place Written: Hartford, Connecticut Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 26 March 1786 Pagination: 2 p. : address ; docket ; 22.7 x 18.6 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to Knox as Secretary of the War Office to discuss the accusations against Major [John Plasgrave] Wyllys, Colonel Wadsworth's former assistant. Reports that Wyllys's friends received the news from Wyllys's brother-in-law, and are in great distress. Writes, "I hope the circumstances will prove more favorable than they did at first." Is surprised that Wyllys behaved this way, as it is out of character. Knows that Knox, when he begins an inquiry, will do so out of the noblest principles.
The incident to which Wadsworth refers occurred in March 1786, when Major Wyllys was in command of Fort McIntosh in western Pennsylvania. Plagued by frequent desertions, the Major finally executed several deserters whom he caught without trying them first. Knox sent a request to Congress to investigate the matter, and Wyllys was charged and tried by court martial, but was acquitted. Several years later he was killed as part of a militia skirmish with Indians in the Ohio frontier.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.