Lot
1191 
(North West Territory) (The Harmar Campaign - Northwest Indian War) 1790 (Sep. 12) Philadelphia Pa. to Ohio River, Northwest Territory, datelined folded letter addressed to Major John P. Wyllys, U. States Regiment, Ohio River, endorsed "Lt. Ford" at bottom left, letter concerns business matters; light fold soiling, Very Fine. Estimate $400 - 600.
The recipient, Major John P. Wyllys was a regimental commander in the Harmar Campaign, which was an attempt by the United States to subdue Native Americans in the Northwest Territory in the Autumn of 1790. They were seeking to expel American settlers whom they considered interlopers in their territory. The campaign was led by General Josiah Harmar and is considered an early part of the Northwest Indian War. The campaign consisted of a series of battles that were all overwhelming victories for the Native Americans, and the collective losses are sometimes referred to as Harmar's Defeat. Major Wyllys was killed in the Battle of the Pumpkin Fields commanding the first American Regiment of 300 militia and 60 regulars after encountering about 1,000 Indians encamped at Kekionga led by Little Turtle. This battle, sometimes known as Harmar's Defeat by the Americans, was called the Battle of the Pumpkin Fields by the Indians, because the steam from the scalped skulls reminded the Indians of squash steaming in the autumn air. The army forces reported 129 men killed in action (14 officers, including Major Wyllys and Major Fontaine, and 115 enlisted men) and 94 wounded (including 50 of the Regulars). Estimates of Indian casualties range from 120 to 150 total.
Realized: $325