Sargent, Winthrop (1753-1820) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.04007 Author/Creator: Sargent, Winthrop (1753-1820) Place Written: Marietta, Ohio Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 20 October 1788 Pagination: 4 p. ; 32.4 x 19.9 cm. Order a Copy
Sargent, Secretary of the Northwest Territory, discusses progress of the settlers and negotiations with Native Americans in the Territory including Joseph Brant. Writes, "We can not as yet, tis true, boast of very much Cultivation or Improvement, for our Numbers are not large, but the few present have not been idle- they have [built] themselves comfortable Log Houses..." Comments on the delay of an unspecified treaty with Native Americans. Writes "...As the Governour corresponds with you, you will undoubtedly be informed of the particular Disposition of the different Tribes- Should they eventually unite in any one Determination, I am persuaded it will be to take up the Hatchet, but at any Rate their young Men will in the Hopes of Pillage very much harrass [sic] us- for they have caught the Spirit of Liberty & will no more submit to the Government of their acknowledged Chiefs- I have frequently heard this declared by the old & young & that this Spirit of Rebellion was not of Long Standing."
Sargent was the first Secretary of the Northwest Territory.
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