The full content of this document is only available to subscribing institutions. More information can be found via www.amdigital.co.uk
If you believe you should have access to this document, click here to Login.
| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC02437.03253 |
| From Archive Folder | The Henry Knox Papers [0077] January-August 1786 |
| Title | Jeremiah Wadsworth to Henry Knox on the accusations against Major Wyllys |
| Date | 26 March 1786 |
| Author | Wadsworth, Jeremiah (1743-1804) |
| Recipient | Knox, Henry |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | 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. |
| Subjects | Revolutionary War General Military History Military Law Desertion Death Penalty Continental Congress Congress Frontiers and Exploration Fortification |
| People | Wadsworth, Jeremiah (1743-1804) Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Wyllys, John Plasgrave (1754-1790) |
| Place written | Hartford, Connecticut |
| Theme | Law; Children & Family; Government & Politics |
| Sub-collection | The Henry Knox Papers |
| Additional Information | 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. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |