Josiah Harmar Letter 1789

This letter by General Harmar does not involve events that took place in Jefferson County. But it does discuss Patrick Brown, well-known for his anti-slavery views that caused him to leave Kentucky and for preaching in Madison. This offers a completely different view of the man.

Indiana Historical Society
Publications, vol. 19.

Harmar, Josiah
Letter to Hamtramck, February 15, 1789.
pp. 150-155.

150	OUTPOST ON THE WABASH

[Endorsed:] Report from the accountant's office, on the account of Mr. Vigo against the United States.
January 31st 1789. ( Copy. )

HARMAR TO HAMTRAMCK, February 15, 1789[ALS]

FORT HARMAR February 15th 1789

DEAR MAJOR, I had the pleasure of addressing you last on the 13th October: the letter was forwarded by Mitchell (one of Captain Ashton's company) on a Kentuck boat, since which I have to acknowledge the receipt of your two letters dated the 31st August, and the 13th October with their several enclosures. I observe the insolent conduct of a certain Patrick Brown, who under the style of a major came with a party of Kentuckyans and murdered nine friendly Indians of Demoiselle's and Packan's bands in the vicinity of Post Vincennes. This is really setting the sovereign authority of the United States at defiance. I wish you had been strong enough and had it in your power not only to have recovered the horses which he stole but also to have severely chastized him and his party. The fellow in my opinion deserves to be hanged.