Letter from Isaac Shelby to Henry Knox, 10 January 1794

In his 10 January 1794 letter to Knox, Shelby states that frontier areas of Kentucky are defenseless. He anticipates major forays into Kentucky by the Native Americans in the spring, and says the present situation can be traced back to the failure of the "late intended expedition." He states the regular army is not capable of stopping them, and requests that the President make provisions for the defense of Kentucky by investing Shelby with the proper powers to raise militia and mounted volunteers for a series of three expeditions into the Indian country northwest of the Ohio River. He writes that General Wayne is not in a position to defend Kentucky's frontiers and Kentuckians are confident that they can defeat the Indians if given permission to try.

Manuscript Collection, Filson Historical Society

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