Washington, George (1732-1799) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.09421 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Mount Vernon, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 19 November 1790 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 25.3 x 20.6 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses an expedition against the Wabash Indians. Expresses disappointment in General [Josiah] Harmer. Expected little from Harmer, after hearing he was a drunkard. Instructs Knox to present other important matters before Congress, as they occur to him, preceding Washington's arrival. Notes that recent heavy rains may hinder his progress to Philadelphia. Marked private at the top of page one.
Harmer, while leading an expedition in 1790 against Indians in the Ohio Territory, inadvertently led his troops into an ambush.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Mount Vernon Novr. 19th 1790.
My dear Sir, (Private)
I have received your letter of the 10.th instt, and will declare to you without reserve, that my forebodings with respect to the Expedition against the Wabash Indians are of disappointment; and a disgraceful termination under the conduct of B. Genl. Harmer.
I expected little from the moment I heard he was a drunkard. I expected less as soon as I heard that on this account no confidence was reposed in him by the people of the Western Country. - And I gave up all hope of success, as soon as I heard that there were disputes with him about command. -
The latter information is from report only; but the report of bad news is rarely without foundation. If the issue of this Expedition is honorable to the Concerters of it, & favorable to our Arms, it will be double pleasing to me; but my mind, from the silence which reigns, and other circumstances, is prepared for the worst; - that is - for expence without honor or profit.
If any thing more than the statement of this business for the information of Congress should [2] occur to you, previous to my arrival, be so good as to digest it, for it is my wish to have every matter which may occur to the heads of Departments as well as to myself, ready, if proper to lay before that body, at the opening of the Session. - With sincere friendship, & affecte. regard
I am - ever Yrs.
Go: Washington
PS.
I expect to commence my Journey for Philadelphia on Monday, but from the State of the roads after the incessant and heavy rains which have fallen, my progress must be slow. -
GW
Maj.r Genl Knox.
[note along right margin of page 2]
Private
[opinion]
[address]
Private
Majr. Genl. Knox
[docket]
The President of the U.S.
Mount Vernon
Nov 19. 1790 -
Original
No. 30 -
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