The Lyman Copeland Draper Manuscript Collection, when it came to the Wisconsin Historical Society, was like the working files of many scholars, a mass of partially sorted papers. They were organized by Society staff into 491 volumes divided into 50 series of varying lengths, arranged by geographic area, subject and individual. This work, Volume II of the Draper Series, basically, focuses on the first two years of the American Revolution. The documents exhibit the frontiersmen’s plan of defense against the Indians; it is shown, also, that while garrisoning their log forts and conducting their government, they at the same time promoted Western Settlement. The Treaty of Pittsburgh (1775) and other Indian negotiations are reported at length; and the relations of American borderers are shown with the British posts of Detroit, Niagara, and the Illinois. The editors transcribe numerous original documents, and extensive footnotes provide explanation and sources for further investigation. Specifically, the book addresses the following: Movement to Kentucky, Frontier Forts; Letter for Cornstalk; Orders for the Militia; Virginia hears of Lexington and Concord; Garrison at Point Pleasant; Affairs at Fort Pitt; Virginia arms; Treaty at Pittsburgh, 1775; British Report of Treaty; Connolly’s Plot; The Frontiers, early in 1776; Information regarding Detroit; Indians visit Niagara; Alarm in Kentucky; Protection for the Frontier; Garrison for Point Pleasant, Indian Affairs; Conference at Fort Pitt; Report from Niagara, neutrality to be maintained; Frontiers of Virginia; News from Fort Randolph; Indian depredations; Threatened hostilities; Forts on the Ohio; Reinforcements ordered; Disposition of the Indian Tribes; Treaty of 1776; Situation at Grave Creek; Supplies from New Orleans; Militia arrangements; Pluggy’s Town Expedition ordered; Situation at Wheeling; Allies to be protected; and the Return of Military Stores at Fort Pitt
