Henry Knox's Draft for a Part of George Washington's Annual Address to Congress, Approximately 10 November 1793

Book excerpt: Knox's draft, written in the president's voice, for a portion of Washington's December 3, 1793 annual message (State of the Union address) to Congress. Discusses negotiations for peace between the U.S. and hostile Indians in the Ohio Territory. Says if the negotiations falter, it appears to be incumbent upon the United States to use decisively such degrees of their force as shall be competent, as well to the immediate protection of their exposed citizens, as to the exemplary punishment of those tribes, which, obstinately persevere in their cruel depredations upon our frontiers. Says Congress will have to examine the facts and make a decision on how to proceed. Believes that on the southwestern frontiers our own violators of the peace, and of existing treaties, should not escape with impunity, and thereby bring down upon innocent women and children, the horrors of retaliation, and involve the U.S. in an unjust war. States that the Secretary of War (Knox) will submit a report on the arsenals of the U.S., noting that large augmentations of them should be made. Says the U.S. should be prepared because of the European War, but stresses the nation should avoid getting involved. Also mentions that seaports need to be upgraded. Asserts the importance of a well organized militia to address events for which being unprepared the happiness and liberty of Societies have so frequently been overturned and ruined.