Letter from General Anthony Wayne to Major General Charles Scott, 26 September 1793

Anthony Wayne writes in his letter to Charles Scott about the disappointing reluctance of volunteers to join the effort to fight Native Americans. Wayne states that "unless the fire kindled at the Miami of the Lake is extinguished by the blood of the Hydra," the confederation of Native Americans will spread to other parts of the frontier. He calls upon Scott to gather what men he could and meet up with him for an attack.

Love, James Young, 1797-1876 and Thomas Love. Papers, 1785-1820, Filson Historical Society

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Head Quarters Hobson's Choice 26th. Septr. 1793. Dear Sir, I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the 18th, 22d & 24th instants, and am truly astonished at the reluctance discovered by too many of the mounted Voluntiers to meet the common Enemy, in order to save the effusion of much innocent blood, as well as difficulty and danger in future.

This is not a common, or little predatory war, made by a few tribes of Indians: it is a confederated war, forming a chain of circumvallation round the frontiers of America, from Canada to East Florida. And unless the fire kindled at the Miami of the Lake is extinguished by the blood of the Hydra /now a little way in our front / it will inevitably spread along the frontiers of Pennsylva, Virginia Kentucky, the Territory S.W. of the Ohio, South Carolina & Georgia inclusive.

One united & Gallant effort of the Legion and mounted Voluntiers will save the lives of many, very many thousands of helpless women & children.

You will therefore immediately advance with every man you may have collected or,

or that you can collect by the 1st of October; leaving a sufficient number of officers to bring forward the Drafts that are to be made agreeably to the enclosed copy of a letter to his Excellency Gov. Shelby for that purpose.

Wishing You Life & happiness, I am with Sincere Esteem your most obedt: huml. Servant Anty. Wayne

the Honb: Majar Genl C. Scott.