Page:The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914, v. II.djvu/56

 34 LIVES OF THE PRESIDENTS Gen. Wayne, in his despatch to the secretary of war, for gallantry in this fight, and in May, 1797, was made captain, and given command of Fort Washington. Here he was intrusted with the duty of receiving and forwarding troops, arms, and pro visions to the forts in the northwest that had been evacuated by the British in obedience to the Jay treaty of 1794, and also instructed to report to the commanding general on all movements in the south, and to prevent the passage of French agents with military stores intended for an invasion of Louisi ana. While in command of this fort he formed an attachment for Anna, youngest daughter of John Cleves Symmes, one of the judges of the northwest territory, and the founder of the Miami settlement in Ohio. Peace having been made with the Indians, Capt. Harrison resigned his commis sion on June 1, 1798, and was immediately ap pointed by President John Adams secretary of the northwest territory, under Gen. Arthur St. Clair as governor, but in October, 1799, resigned to take his seat as territorial delegate in congress. In his one year of service, though he was opposed by specu lators, he secured the subdivision of the public lands into small tracts and the passage of other measures for the welfare of the settlers. During the session, part of the northwest terri tory was formed into the territory of Indiana, in cluding the present states of Indiana, Illinois,