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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC02437.04712 |
| From Archive Folder | The Henry Knox Papers [0096] July-September 1790 |
| Title | Henry Knox to Josiah Harmar warning him about rumors over Harmar's drinking |
| Date | 3 September 1790 |
| Author | Knox, Henry (1750-1806) |
| Recipient | Harmar, Josiah |
| Document Type | Correspondence; Military document |
| Content Description | Writing privately, but with the president's knowledge, Knox warns Harmar that reports are circulating regarding his drinking, and that he must refrain from over indulging in "a convivial glass." Tells Harmar that Harmar's current expedition is highly important to the United States. Marked "Secret." Signed "HK." |
| Subjects | Revolutionary War General President Military History Frontiers and Exploration Alcohol Westward Expansion American Indian History Northwest Indian War Northwest Territory |
| People | Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Harmar, Josiah (1753-1813) |
| Place written | New York, New York |
| Theme | Government & Politics; Westward Expansion; Native Americans |
| Sub-collection | The Henry Knox Papers |
| Additional Information | In 1790, Josiah Harmar, commander of the American army in the Northwest Territory, was ordered by Secretary of War Henry Knox to put an end to the threat of Indian attack in western Ohio. Leading a force of mostly untrained militiamen into Indiana, the Americans burned several villages. On 30 October, Little Turtle led an attack against a detachment from Harmar's army led by Colonel John Harden. Most of Harden's militiamen fled when they were ambushed. Another detachment was sent out but was once again defeated by Little Turtle. Harmar lost 183 men killed or missing. The incident became known as Harmar's defeat. Harmar was court-martialed in 1791 with accusations of being drunk while on duty, but exonerated of all charges. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |