I think it my indispencible duty to Lay before your Excellency a
State of the Western Islianoy Country which may Probably throw Some
light on the Various Reports which may have Reached you through
Channels not so well acquainted with it as I am--Since Col George
Rogers Clark took Possion of that Country by order of the State of
Virginia the inhabitants have been obliged to furnish The means of
Subsistance for a number of troops stationed Thare--Received bills
for payment but the Greatest part of them protested and Still
Remains unpaid which have Not only impoverished the Country to a
Great Degree but Numbers have Joynd the Spanish Settlements on the
Same Account and indeed the Greatest part are determined to Follow
them if their Grievances are Not Remedied in Consequence the
enormous Expence the State of Virginia has Been at in that quarter
will be but of little advantage To the united States if the
inhabitants all leave that Country and Join the Spanish Settlements
who are Making use of Every means and giving Every incouragement In
their power Even to our allied Savages but as Yet their efforts has
proved inafectual with them But as Poverty is always loyable to
temptation I fear their Warmest attachment to us Will be Seduced by
those Who have it in their power to Supply them the inhabitants are
too inconsiderable to Guard themselves from the Hostilities of our
Enemies and have often Solicited me to Represent their Situation to
Congress before the State of Virginia Gave up their Claim to that
Country--the the Chief of the indian Nations Sent a Speech to
Congress Representing the State of his Nation and if Nothing Cold
be done in Regard of Suplying them Beged an answer Which to my
knoledge was lodged with the board of War and Never no answer
Received--Should Congress think proper to Send troops to protect and
keep that Country under Subjection the Only Way in my Humble opinion
to Furnish them Would be to send Some Confidential person with a
proper Supply of Merchandize which would in incourage the Settlement
of the Country Cultivate the Savage interest Supply the troops with
Every Necessary the Return would also answer for Exportation and
Finally open a Very Profitable and Extensive trade in a little
time--But these hints I beg leave to Refer to your Excellencies own
better Judgment Consious that if they are worth your Notice Will
direct them into their Proper uses--I propose to Leave this Soon for
that quarter and Shall be Very happy in Rendering any Service in my
Power which may be advantageous to the United States that Your
Excellency may think Proper to intrust to my mannagement--Pleasd to
Excuse the freedom of my remarks Which you Will do me the Honour to
Corruct
I have the honour to be with the Greatest
Respect
Your Excellencies
Most Obd and Very
Humbe Servt--
Jno. Dodge
To
His Excellency
President of Congress
(Dec. 13, 1782)
(_Indorsement_)
Letter 13 Decr. 1781
John Dodge
Read Feby. 27, 1782
Referred to Mr. Wolcot
Mr. Clark
Mr. Patridge
The Comd discharged
(_Address_)
His Excellency
President of Congress
Philadelphia