Washington, George (1732-1799) to Henry Knox

Mount Vernon 18th. June 85
My dear Sir
I am quite ashamed to be so long deficient in acknowledging the receipt of your favors of the 24th. & 29th. of March, and 5th. of May; but an intervention of circumstances (with the enumeration of which I shall not trouble [inserted: you]) have prevented it. -
It gave me great pleasure to hear of your appointment as Secretary at War - without a complimt., I think a better choice could not have been made - and though the Salary is low, it may, under the circumstances you mention, be considered as auxiliary. -
Inclosed is a certificate of Service for Major Sergeant, of whose worth I have a high opinion; but for want of a more competent knowledge of the time of his entring the line of the Army, and of the Commissions he has borne, I could not be more particular.
At any time this Summer, the Limestone would be useful to me; but the sooner it comes the greater benefit I shall derive from it, as the Walls for which I want it, are now in hand. -
The sentiment which you have dropped respecting the appropriation of the shares which were intended for me, by the Assembly of this State, in the Navigations of [2] of the Rivers Potomack and James, is very pleasing; and would give me great pleasure to see it reallized. -
For want of a competent view of the designs of Congress respecting the Western Territory; and not knowing how matters stand with Great Britain, respecting the Posts of Detroit & other places at present occupied by British Garrisons, on the American side of the Line; I feel an unfitness to answer your question respecting [s]uch Posts as may be proper for the purposes mentioned; - but under the ideas I hold at prest, I am inclined to think that if Garrisons are to be established within the limits & jurisdiction of any of the 13 States, that Fort Pitt, or Fort McIntosh, which ever shall be found most convenient and in best repair, would suit very well for a Post of deposits; from whence all the others should be supplied. - and as it is my opinion that great part of the Fur & Peltry of the Lakes (when we shall have free access to them) will be transported by the Cayahoga and big beaver Creek, a Post at the Mouth of, or at some convenient [Port] on the former, must be eligable. - The spot marked Miami Village & Fort in Hutchins's Map, I have always considered as of importance, being a central point between Lake Erie, Lake Michigan, & the River Ohio; communicating with each by Water. - To these the Falls of the Ohio, or some more convenient spot for the lower settlements, [3] settlements, may be added. - Whether this chain embraces territory enough, - whether it goes far enough to the Southward to afford protection to the back parts of Virginia the Carolinas and Georgia - or whether these are objects which are meant to be comprehended, are for those who are more behind the Curtain than I am, to determine. - My opinion of the matter is, that I have described a sufficient extent of Country to answer all our present purposes; beyond which, neither Settlements nor Locations of Land ought to be admitted; because a larger would open a more extensive field for Land jobbers & Speculators - Weaken our Frontiers - exclude Law, good government, & taxation to a later period -and injure the union very essentially in many respects. - At the conflux of the Great Kanhawa & Ohio, a Post might be established so as to answer beneficial purposes. - Indeed it is the opinion of many, that [struck: it] it is a more eligable place than Pittsburgh. - In time, if the Navigation of the Kanhawa should be extended, & an easy communication opened with James River, it may be so; but in the present state of things, considering the Settlements about the latter, & the sources from whence proceed all the Supplies of that Country, it certainly is not. - As a protection of the River - & the movements thereon, it is desirable. -
If I am right in my principles some [4] some such distribution as the following may not be ineligable for the 700 men which are ordered to be raised. -
Men
At Fort Pitt, Fort McIntosh, or the Mouth of big Beaver being in the vicinity
of a thick settlemt. only - }100.
Cayahoga, from whence a Detachment might occupy the Carrying place
between that water & big Beaver; being on the line, & most exposed, should have }200.
Miami Fort or Village, and Dependences - Do Do }200
At the Falls of the Ohio, or some spot more convt. & healthy, on that river }150.
At the Conflux of the Great Kanhawa & Ohio for security of the River - protection
of Trade, & covering emigrants }50
Total 700.
Mrs. Macauly Graham and Mr Graham, and others, have just left this, after a stay of about 10 days. - A visit from a Lady so celebrated in the Literary world could not but be very flattering to me. - Mrs. Washington joins me in best wishes for yourself, Mrs. Knox and family; with great truth & sincerity I am
My dear Sir
Yr. Most Obedt. &
Affecte. Hble Servt
Go: Washington
[docket]
from his Ex: Genl Washington
10 June 1785

Original - No 20 -