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Eighty -four Gills of Whiskey for the Indians
HARRISON, William H. (1773-1841). The 9th President of the United States (1841-1841). Autograph document signed (“Wm H Harrison a d c”) one page, 2.25”x7.25”, Greenville (S.C), 31 July 1795. The commissary will issue for the Putawatimies (sic) fifty-four pounds of beef & flour & seventy-two gills of whiskey.” Docketed in another hand “Whiskey Paid.” Harrison took a commission in the U.S. Army in 1791 and was assigned duty on the northwest frontier. During the period, this document was written, Harrison was the Aide-de-Camp to General Anthony Wayne who would three days later after this order, sign the Treaty of Greenville with twelve Indian Tribes (The Pottawatomie were one of the twelve tribes.) The Treaty of Greenville opened much of the eastern portion of the Northwest to settlers. In exchange for $25,000 in goods these tribes ceded portions of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan (including the sites of Toledo, Ft. Wayne, Detroit, Peoria, and Chicago.) It is most likely that this document represents a small portion of the trade that was used to procure the territories or, at the least, was used as hospitality to the Pottawatomie while they were waiting to sign the treaty. Affixed to a larger card and ready for matting and framing if so desired. Top right corner of document, small piece missing however in much better condition than most items of this kind..........................SOLD
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