James OHara General Orders Book, 1792-1793

Description:	At the outbreak of the American Revolution, James OHara (ca. 1752-1819) enlisted as a private and quickly rose through the ranks. From 1781 until 1783 OHara served under General Nathaniel Greene as Assistant Quartermaster. In 1784 he opened a general store, which closed three years later. From 1784 to 1791 he operated as a government contractor. In 1792 President George Washington appointed OHara Quartermaster of the United States Army. He was heavily involved in preparations for General Anthony Waynes expedition against Indians in the West, and traveled extensively throughout the western states and territories purchasing supplies. In 1796 he resigned his quartermaster position but continued on as a government contractor until 1802. OHara wrote the general order books between May 5, 1792 and November 13, 1893 at army headquarters in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Legionville, and Hobsons Choice, as well as on the west branch of the Miami River (now known as the Great Miami River). The books concern themselves with the day-to-day operations of Waynes army as they trained and prepared for the expedition. One of the most common topics is the purchase and transport of supplies. Drills, inspections, and other training exercises are also frequently mentioned. Perhaps the most prominent subject, though, is discipline, as the books contain court-martial records. Desertion was rampant, and most of the names mentioned in the books are from the lists of those brought to trial.
Origin:	1792-1793
Source:	http://images.indianahistory.org/cdm/ref/collection/ONWT/id/3140
Collection:	Northwest Territory Collection, 1721-1825
Copyright:	Use must be accompanied with the attribution: Indiana Historical Society.
Geography:	Northwest Territory
Subjects:	OHara, James, 1752-1819 Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796 Waynes Campaign, 1794 Smallpox Indians of North America--Wars--1790-1794 Trials (Military offenses)--United States Trading posts--North America Indians of North America--Government relations--1789-1869 Northwest, Old--History

Further information on this record can be found at its source.