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Domestic News
December 21, 1812
Virginia Argus
Richmond, Virginia
What is this article about?
Clarification from Indian agents Erastus Granger and Jasper Parrish denies US government authorization of Indian employment in offensive operations against Canada, stating they were only to be kept neutral or busy with rations under Gen. Smyth.
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By Last Evening's Mail.
CANADAGRA, Dec. 1.
EMPLOYMENT OF THE INDIANS.
An article inserted hastily in the Messenger of the 15th Sept last, and in the Repository of the same date, has given occasion for great triumph to the apologists and partizans of England, who were glad to justify her employment of the tomahawk and scalping knife by the example of our own government. We are happy to have it in our power explicitly to declare, upon the authority of Erastus Granger, Esq. Indian Agent, and Jasper Parrish, Esq. sub-agent, that neither the government nor any officer connected with it, has ever authorised the employment of the Indians. The letter of the Secretary of War to Judge Granger was explicit, that the Indians should by all means be kept still and not suffered to raise an arm in our cause. As a means to keep them from going to the enemy, the agents were authorised as a last resource, to embody as few of them as possible and report them to Gen. Smyth, who would order them to be supplied with rations. But this was solely to keep them busy; and they were not to be employed in any offensive operation.
It is believed that Gen. Smyth, on Sunday, the 22nd inst explicitly informed the Indians, that they should not act in the attack on Canada.
This explanation is due to our government--to the honor of our country. And it is hoped that every editor possessing any pretensions to candor, will give it an insertion.
Messenger.
CANADAGRA, Dec. 1.
EMPLOYMENT OF THE INDIANS.
An article inserted hastily in the Messenger of the 15th Sept last, and in the Repository of the same date, has given occasion for great triumph to the apologists and partizans of England, who were glad to justify her employment of the tomahawk and scalping knife by the example of our own government. We are happy to have it in our power explicitly to declare, upon the authority of Erastus Granger, Esq. Indian Agent, and Jasper Parrish, Esq. sub-agent, that neither the government nor any officer connected with it, has ever authorised the employment of the Indians. The letter of the Secretary of War to Judge Granger was explicit, that the Indians should by all means be kept still and not suffered to raise an arm in our cause. As a means to keep them from going to the enemy, the agents were authorised as a last resource, to embody as few of them as possible and report them to Gen. Smyth, who would order them to be supplied with rations. But this was solely to keep them busy; and they were not to be employed in any offensive operation.
It is believed that Gen. Smyth, on Sunday, the 22nd inst explicitly informed the Indians, that they should not act in the attack on Canada.
This explanation is due to our government--to the honor of our country. And it is hoped that every editor possessing any pretensions to candor, will give it an insertion.
Messenger.
What sub-type of article is it?
Indian Affairs
Military
Politics
What keywords are associated?
Indian Employment
Us Government Policy
War With England
Gen Smyth
Canada Attack
What entities or persons were involved?
Erastus Granger
Jasper Parrish
Gen. Smyth
Secretary Of War
Where did it happen?
Canadagra
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Canadagra
Event Date
Dec. 1
Key Persons
Erastus Granger
Jasper Parrish
Gen. Smyth
Secretary Of War
Event Details
Denial by Indian agents that US government authorized employment of Indians in offensive operations; they were to be kept neutral, with rations provided only to prevent joining the enemy, and explicitly informed by Gen. Smyth not to participate in attack on Canada.