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Sir: The enclosed papers relative to a treaty with the Cherokee Indians were put into
my hands: and as I understand that matters of this kind have hitherto been considered
as belonging to the department of the Secretary of War to examine and report thereon,
and knowing that you have others of a similar nature now in your hands I would wish
you to make a summary report on the whole as soon as may be.
72. The “Letter Book” gives Knox the title of Acting Secretary of War. He was, of course, a hold-over from the Continental Congress, and was commissioned as Secretary of War of the United States Sept. 12, 1789.
Sir: Provision having been made by the Act of Congress of the 20th. of August 1789,
that a sum not exceeding twenty thousand dollars, arising from the duties on imposts
and tonnage shall be appropriated for defraying the expence of negotiating and
treating with the Indian Tribes; I have therefore to request that you will use your
exertions to obtain the necessary means for carrying the intention of Congress into
effect. As soon as the Treasury Department shall be organised, Warrants will issue
for the monies according to Law. I am etc.
2. From the “Letter Book” copy in the Washington
Papers.
Sir: In order to carry into effect a certain survey directed to be made by a Resolve
of the Congress of the United States, passed the 26th of August it has been found
necessary to ascertain a certain point within the Limits of Canada, from which a
meridian line is to be drawn; and as the consent of the British Commander in chief in
Canada is necessary to be obtained before any operations can be made within their
territory, I have seen fit to direct the Honble. John Jay, acting Secretary of
foreign Affairs for the United States, to send a special messenger to Lord Dorchester
for that purpose; and as no provision is made to defray the expences which may attend
the execution of the above survey, I hereby direct you to advance to Captn. Isaac
Guion (the messenger employ'd by the Honble. Mr. Jay) out of the money appropriated
to Indian Affairs, and which is in the bank of New York, subject to your order the
sum of three hundred and fifty Dollars to defray the expences which may attend his
mission into Canada, and to be accounted for by him on his return; which sum shall be
replaced in your hands as soon as provision is made for the purpose of carrying into
effect the before mentioned survey.
12. Andrew Ellicott, of Maryland, was appointed the surveyor to run these lines.
His commission, dated September 5, reciting that he was to ascertain the boundary
line between the United States and the States of Massachusetts and New York, and
also that “having run the Meridian Line between Lake Erie and the State of
Pennsylvania…should proceed to make a survey of the land lying west of the said
line, between Lake Erie and the State of Pennsylvania so as to ascertain the
quantity thereof.” This Commission is recorded in the “Letter Book” in the Washington Papers.
On September 4 Washington wrote to Knox that this survey was “a matter of too
great importance to the United States to await the organization of the Treasury
Department,” and directed Knox to advance Ellicott $1,125 out of the money for the
treaty negotiations with the Southern Indians, to be replaced “as soon as
provision can be made to defray the expences attending the before mentioned
survey.” The draft of this letter is in the Washington
Papers. (See Journals of the Continental Congress,
June 6, 1788.)
13. The draft is in the writing of Tobias Lear.
On September 5 the Legislature of Pennsylvania delivered an address to Washington,
who replied to it at some undetermined date, in which he said: “It should be the
highest ambition of every American to extend his views beyond himself, and to bear
in mind that his conduct will not only affect himself, his country, and his
immediate posterity; but that its influence may be co-extensive with the world,
and stamp political happiness or misery on ages yet unborn. To establish this
desirable end; and to establish the government of laws,
the union of these States is absolutely necessary; therefore in every proceeding,
this great, this important object should ever be kept in view; and, so long as our
measures tend to this; and are marked with the wisdom of a well-informed and
enlightened people, we may reasonably hope, under the smiles of Heaven, to
convince the world that the happiness of nations can be accomplished by pacific
revolutions in their political systems, without the destructive intervention of
the sword.” This reply is recorded in the “Letter Book” immediately following the
address. It is printed by Sparks at the end of September, 1789.
Sir: I have taken into consideration your letter of the 15 of last month,
I approve particularly of your requesting Mr. Hawkins
I will sign a Passport
42. A copy of this letter is in the “Letter Book” in the Washington Papers under date of March 6.
43. Benjamin Hawkins.
44. See Passport. Mar. 11, 1790, post.
45. From the “Letter Book” copy in the Washington
Papers.
Whereas it has been represented to me that Colonel Alexander McGillivray and several other principal Chiefs, Head Men, and Warriors of the Creek Nation of Indians, may be desirous of repairing to the residence of the General Government for the purpose of forming treaties of amity with the United States. Now therefore know ye, that to facilitate so humane an object, I have granted this Passport for the protection and security of said Cheifs who shall accompany the bearer Colonel Marinus Willet
or such persons as he, in case of sickness may authorize for the purposes herein
specified. And I require all officers civil, and military of the United States, or of
the respective States, and all good citizens thereof, to protect and assist such
Cheifs aforesaid as shall accompany the said Colonel Marinus Willet, or the person
authorized by him as aforesaid. And I do hereby forbid, any officers civil or
military, or any of the Citizens aforesaid from attempting or performing any injury
of any sort to the said Cheifs, Head Men, and Warriors protected as aforesaid, as
they would answer the same at their peril.
46. From a photostat of the original kindly furnished by Dr. A. S. W. Rosenbach, of New York City.
Sir: The papers which you yesterday submitted to me, respecting the arrangement of the three companies to be sent to Georgia, and the Instructions to be given to their Captains, have been duly considered, and meet my approbation.
The proposed disposition of the said companies after their arrival in Georgia.
To Wit—“One company at the St. Mary's; One ditto at Beards Bluff on the Altamaha; One
Ditto at the Rock-Landing on the Oconee;” appears from the Maps and information to be
the best. In fortifying or constructing such works as may be necessary for the
defence and security of the Troops, I would have it impressed upon the commanding
Officer [to make the Area sufficiently large within the] pallisadoes to admit of
building all the Barracks and houses of every kind; for experience has strongly shewn
the utility of this mode where you have to contend with an Indian Enemy. Yours
etc.
59. In the writing of Tobias Lear. The portion in brackets is in the writing of Washington.
Sir: The Session of Congress having closed, and it being my intention to go to Virginia as soon as the public business will permit; and wishing, during my absence from the Seat of Government, to have my mind as free from public cares as circumstances will allow; I am desirous of having such matters as may, by Law or otherwise, require the agency or sanction of the President of the United States, brought to view before my departure. I therefore request that you will cause such business, within your department, as may be necessary to receive the aid or approbation of the President, submitted to me as soon as its nature will permit; particularly
Regulations for trade and intercourse with the Indian Tribes, agreeably to the Act.
And information and opinions on the following points.
Whether any other, anti what steps shall be taken with them to restrain their Hositilities.
Whether the orders given, and measures adopted, are adequate to the Peace of the Western Frontiers? If not, what further is to be done for this purpose?
Upon the expediency and policy of a proclamation forbidding encroachments upon the Territory of the Indians or treating with them contrary to the Law lately passed.
Instructions for the Governor of the Ceded Territory So. of the Ohio. Where ought the Governor to reside?
What notice should be taken of the Insult offered to Major Doughty?
What steps should be taken with respect to his recommendation of a Post at the mouth of the Tennessee?
Other measures than those pursued by the present contractors for suppling the Western Posts ought to be adopted, that the Troops in that Country may be more efficiently employed in sudden emergencies anti the Posts better secured.
Have any orders been given concerning the condemned Soldiers? I am &c.
62. Maj John Doughty, on a mission to the Chickasaws and Choctaw Nations was treacherously fired upon by a party of Cherokees, Shawanese, and Creeks, killing 5 and wounding 6 others of his little party of 15. Washington's “Diary” of May 2, 1790, adds “obliging him (when within six miles of Ochappo the place of Rendezvous,) to Retreat down the Tennessee and which he was able to effect by his gallant behaviour and good conduct, notwithstanding the superior force of the enemy and a pursuit of 4 hours and attempt to board the Barge in wch. he was.”
63. The draft is in the writing of Tobias Lear.
Sir: I have received your letter of the 8th. instant
A similar outrage to that stated in Governor Telfair's proclamation was some time since committed on two Indians of the Seneca tribe; the representation of which being before the supreme executive council of Pennsylvania when I arrived in Philada. the papers thereon were laid before me.
Finding an interference on the part of the general government essential to prevent a threatened hostility, I appointed Colonel Pickering on the part of the U.S. to meet the Chiefs and Warriors of the Seneca nation for the purpose of assuring them that the outrage complained of was not only unauthorized on the part of the
22. In the Washington Papers.
government, but a flagrant violation of its laws, for which the Offenders, when taken, (and a reward was offered for apprehending them) would be brought to condign punishment; and likewise to offer a compensation to the relations of the deceased.
I have reason to hope that the measures taken to prevent farther mischief, and to
satisfy the Seneca tribe will prove successful. Your opinion on the relative rank of
the regular and militia Officers, as communicated to Governor Telfair, accords with
the usage of the army, and meets my approbation. I am &c.
23. The draft is in the writing of William Jackson.
(Private)
Mount Vernon, November 2, 1790.
My dear Sir: I am a little surprised that we have not heard (so long after the time appointed for tile rendezvous) of the issue, the progress, or the commencement of the Expedition against the Wabash Indians under the conduct of Brigr. Genl. Harmer. This in my opinion, is an Undertaking of a serious nature. I am not a little anxious to know the result of it, and therefore request, if any official or other accts. have been received by you relating thereto, that you would forward them to this place, provided they can reach it before Monday the 22d instant on which day I expect to leave home for Philada.
As this matter, favorable or otherwise in the issue, will require to be laid fully
before Congress that the motives which induced the Expedition may appear; And as
circumstances may not allow time for a complete statement of facts after my arrival,
I request it may meet your earliest attention; that I may be prepared at the opening of the Session to make tile Communication. With
sincere regard and friendship I am &c.
52. From a facsimile in a sales catalogue, 1921.
Sir: I have received your letter of the 25th. ultimo with its enclosures.
I am apprehensive that Governor St. Clair's communication of the object of the
expedition to the Officer commanding at Detroit has been unseasonable and may have
unfavorable consequences, it was certainly premature to announce the operation
intended until the troops were ready to move; since the Indians, through that
channel, might receive such information as would frustrate the expedition. I am
etc.
55. The draft is in the writing of William Jackson.
I the President of the United States, by my own mouth, and by a written Speech signed with my own hand [and sealed with the Seal of the U S] Speak to the Seneka Nation, and desire their attention, and that they would keep this Speech in remembrance of the friendship of the United States.
I have received your Speech with satisfaction, as a proof of your confidence in the justice of the United States, and I have attentively examined the several objects which you have laid before me, whether delivered by your Chiefs at Tioga point in the last month to Colonel Pickering, or laid before me in the present month by the Cornplanter and the other Seneca Chiefs now in Philadelphia.
In the first place I observe to you, and I request it may sink deep in your minds, that it is my desire, and the desire of the United States that all the miseries of the late war should be forgotten and buried forever. That in future the United States and the six Nations should be truly brothers, promoting each other's prosperity by acts of mutual friendship and justice.
5. Sparks dates and prints this as in the year 1791.
I am not uninformed that the six Nations have been led into some difficulties with respect to the sale of their lands since the peace. But I must inform you that these evils arose before the present government of the United States was established, when the separate States and individuals under their authority, undertook to treat with the Indian tribes respecting the sale of their lands.
But the case is now entirely altered. The general Government only has the power, to treat with the Indian Nations, and any treaty formed and held without its authority will not be binding.
Here then is the security for the remainder of your lands. No State nor person can purchase your lands, unless at some public treaty held under the authority of the United States. The general government will never consent to your being defrauded. But it will protect you in all your just rights.
Hear well, and let it be heard by every person in your Nation, That the President of the United States declares, that the general government considers itself bound to protect you in all the lands secured you by the Treaty of Fort Stanwix, the 22d of October 1784, excepting such parts as you may since had fairly sold to persons properly authorized to purchase of you.
You complain that John Livingston and Oliver Phelps have obtained your lands, assisted by Mr. Street of Niagara, and they have not complied with their agreement.
It appears upon enquiry of the Governor of
New York, that John Livingston was not legally authorized to treat with you, and that every thing he did with you has been declared null and void, so that you may rest easy on that account.
But it does not appear from any proofs yet in the possession of government, that Oliver Phelps has defrauded you.
If however you should have any just cause of complaint against him, and can make satisfactory proof thereof, the federal Courts will be open to you for redress, as to all other persons.
But your great object seems to be the security of your remaining lands, and I have therefore upon this point, meant to be sufficiently strong and clear.
That in future you cannot be defrauded of your lands. That you possess the right to sell, and the right of refusing to sell your lands.
That therefore the sale of your lands in future, will depend entirely upon yourselves.
But that when you may find it for your interest to sell any parts of your lands, the United States must be present by their Agent, and will be your security that you shall not be defrauded in the bargain you may make.
[It will however be important, that before you make any sales of your land that you should determine among yourselves, who are the persons among you that shall give sure convey
ances thereof as shall be binding upon your Nation and forever preclude all disputes related to the validity of the sale.]
That besides the [before mentioned] security for your land, you will perceive by the law of Congress, for regulating trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes, the fatherly care the United States intend to take of the Indians. For the particular meaning of this law, I refer you to the explanations given thereof by Colonel Pickering at Tioga, which with the law, are herewith delivered to you.
You have said in your Speech “That the game is going away from among you, and that you thought it the design of the great Spirit, that you should till the ground, but before you speak upon this subject, you want to know whether the United States meant to leave you any land to till?”
You now know that all the lands secured to you by the Treaty of Fort Stanwix, excepting such parts as you may since have fairly sold are yours, and that only your own acts can convey them away; speak therefore your wishes on the subject of tilling the ground. The United States will be happy to afford you every assistance in the only business which will add to your numbers and happiness.
The murders that have been committed upon some of your people, by the bad white men I sincerely lament and reprobate, and I earnestly hope that the real murderers will be secured, and punished as they deserve. This business has been sufficiently explained to you here, by the Governor of Pennsylvania, and by Colonel Pickering on behalf of the United States, at Tioga.
The Senekas may be assured, that the rewards offered for apprehending the murderers, will be continued until they are secured for trial, and that when they shall be apprehended, that they will be tried and punished as if they had killed white men.
Having answered the most material parts of your Speech, I shall inform you, that some bad Indians, and the outcast of several tribes who reside at the Miamee Village, have long continued their murders and depredations upon the frontiers, lying along the Ohio. That they have not only refused to listen to my voice inviting them to peace, but that upon receiving it, they renewed their incursions and murders with greater violence than ever. I have therefore been obliged to strike those bad people, in order to make them sensible of their madness. I sincerely hope they will hearken to reason, and not require to be further chastised. The United States desire to be the friends of the Indians, upon terms of justice and humanity. But they will not suffer the depredations of the bad Indians to go unpunished.
My desire is that you would caution all the Senekas and six Nations, to. prevent their rash young men from joining the Miamee Indians. For the United States cannot distinguish the tribes to which bad Indians belong, and every tribe must take care of their own people.
The merits of the Cornplanter, and his friendship for the United States are well known
to me, and shall not be forgotten. And as a mark of the esteem of the United States, I have directed the Secretary of war to make him a present of Two hundred and Fifty Dollars, either in money or goods, as the Cornplanter shall like best. And he may depend upon the future care and kindness of the United States. And I have also directed the Secretary of War to make suitable presents to the other Chiefs present in Philadelphia. And also that some further tokens of friendship to be forwarded to the other Chiefs, now in their Nation.
Remember my words Senekas, continue to be strong in your friendship for the United States, as the only rational ground of your future happiness, and you may rely upon their kindness and protection.
An Agent shall soon be appointed to reside in some place convenient to the Senekas and six Nations. He will represent the United States. Apply to him on all occasions.
If any man brings you evil reports of the intentions of the United States, mark that
man as your enemy, for he will mean to deceive you and lead you into trouble. The
United States will be true and faithful to their engagements.
6. The draft is in the writing of a War Department clerk. The portions in brackets are in the writing of Henry Knox.
Brothers: You have been informed that last Spring, I sent Major Doughty, one of the warriors of the United States, to brighten the Chain of friendship with the Chickasaw nation, and to assure them of the firm adherence of the United States to the treaty of Hopewell. You know the disaster which befell him by the attack of some bad Indians on the Tenasset, who violated the white flag of peace.
Brothers: I now repeat to you my assurances respecting the treaty of Hopewell, that the United States will adhere thereto, and consider it as binding on them.
The United States do not want any of your lands, if any bad people tell you otherwise they deceive you, and are your enemies, and the enemies of the United States.
Mr. Vigo,
7. Joseph Maria Francesco Vigo, of Vincennes.
8. A copy in the writing of a War Department clerk. On December 30 the same speech was sent to “the Medal and Georget Chiefs and Captains and Warriors of the Choctaw Nation.”
On December 31 Washington wrote to Timothy Pickering, forwarding him the report of
the Secretary at War on Pickering's “transactions with the Senaca Indians in
November last.…I am happy to add my entire approbation of your conduct in that
business.” This letter is recorded in the “Letter Book” in the Washington Papers.
Sir: On as full a consideration of the last speech made to me by Cornplanter, Half Town, and the Great-tree, Chiefs of the Seneka Nation, as my comprehension of their meaning enables me to give, I am led to the following conclusions, which, if there is any propriety in discussing their request, or yielding the land asked for, I wish you to consider as the basis of the communications to be made to these people.
In the first place, it appears to me that Cornplanter and the other chiefs, now in the City of Philadelphia, do not constitute a representation of their Nation. And to undo, or perhaps even to enter on the revision of treaties which have been deliberately and formally concluded, but under circumstances of equal deliberation and form, would be to open a door to certain inconvenience, and probable difficulty, by encouraging applications which the Indians would not fail to make to the United States.
That it is a matter which requires mature consideration, how far any assurances regarding the restoration of lands, which have been ceded by
treaty to the United States can be made, without the participation of the Senate, and
that no assurance should be given which may involve a dispute
with any individual
State, respecting its claim to the land applied for.
That they be informed that no Agent for Indian Affairs will be authorized to dispose of their lands.
Not comprehending the precise meaning of the Clause respecting Children, I do not remark upon it.
In reply to the last clause of their speech, I have to observe, that such expense
cannot be incurred. What is made will be for objects the most beneficial. The
enclosed letter from Colonel Pickering contains some good ideas of improvement, and,
if necessary, may be useful in framing the answer to the Cornplanter, and the other
Indians who arc with him. I am etc.
21. From the “Letter Book” copy in the Washington Papers. A
draft, in the writing of William Jackson, is also in the Washington Papers. It differs from the “Letter Book” copy in
capitalization and punctuation only.
Brothers! I have maturely considered your second written speech.
You say your nation complain that at the Treaty of Fort Stanwix, you were compelled to give up too much of your lands. That you confess your nation is bound by what was there done, and acknowledging the power of the United States, that you have now appealed to ourselves against that treaty, as made while we were angry against you, and that the said treaty was therefore unreasonable and unjust.
But while you complain of the treaty of Fort Stanwix in 1784, you seem entirely to forget that you yourselves, the Cornplanter, Half-Town and Great-Tree, with others of your nation, confirmed by the Treaty of Fort Harmar upon the Muskingum, so late as the 9th. of January 1789, the boundaries marked at the Treaty of Fort Stanwix, and that in consequence thereof you then received goods to a considerable amount.
Although it is my sincere desire in looking forward to endeavour to promote your happiness by all just and humane arrangements;
yet I cannot disannull treaties formed by the United States before my administration, especially as the boundaries mentioned therein have been twice confirmed by yourselves.
The lines fixed at Fort Stanwix and Fort Harmar, must therefore remain established.
But Half Town and others who reside upon the land you desire may be relinquished, have not been disturbed in their possession, and I should hope while they continue to demean themselves peaceably, and to manifest their friendly dispositions towards the people of the United States, that they will be suffered to remain where they are.
The Agent who will be appointed by the United States will be your friend and protector. He will not be suffered to defraud you, or to assist in defrauding you of your lands, or of any other thing, as all his proceedings must be reported in writing, so as to be submitted to the President of the United States.
You mention you design of going to the Miami Indians, to endeavour to purswade them to peace. By this humane measure you will render those mistaken people a great service, and probably prevent their being swept from off the face of the earth. The United States require only that those people should demean themselves peaceably. But they may be assured that the United States are able, and will most certainly punish them severely for all their robberies and murders.
You may, when you return from this city to your own Country, mention to your Nation my desire to promote their prosperity by teaching the use of domestic
animals, and the manner that the white people plough and raise so much corn. And if upon consideration it would be agreeable to the Nation at large to learn these arts, I will find some means of teaching them at such places within their Country as shall be agreed upon.
I have nothing more to add, but to refer you to my former speech, and to repeat my
wishes for the happiness of the Seneka Nation.
25. From the “Letter Book” copy in the Washington
Papers.
Sir: Your letter of the 27th. ultimo, was received last evening. Your proceeding upon
the intelligence therein contained (which I think truly alarming)
Should you suppose that additional instructions to General St. Clair, or any other measures within the reach of propriety, may have a tendency to appease the friends of the murdered Indians, I wish you to confer with the Heads of departments, and to carry into immediate effect the result of your deliberations.
The letters which have already been written to you, on the subject of officering the
Maryland and Virginia battalions of levies will shew the difficulties produced by
Colonel Lee's
I shall endeavour to obtain information of some officers for the Virginia battalion; but it will not be possible for me to act upon it until I learn what may be determined between
23. A party of Virginians under Captain Brady killed 4 or 5 trading Indians near the mouth of Raccoon Creek. As a consequence the frontier was alarmed and many of the settlers were abandoning their homes.
24. Col. Henry Lee (“Light Horse Harry”). The correspondence concerning Lee's declination was carried on by William Jackson in his capacity of secretary to the President.
you and Colonel Hall;
To prevent clashing in the measures we may adopt to officer the battalion of this
State, if any thing satisfactory results from my enquiry, I will give immediate
information of it. I am etc.
25. Col. Josias Carvil Hall.
26. The draft is in the writing of William Jackson.
Dear Sir: Judging it necessary, before
I left Mount Vernon which I shall do this morning, to place the organization of the Virginia battalion of Levies on a certainty, I have devolved on [delivered to] Colonel Darck, who lives near Shepperds town in Berkley County, an authority to appoint all the officers, and, when appointed, to direct the Major to repair immediately to Philadelphia, to receive your instructions; and the Captains and Subalterns to commence the recruiting service.
Your further instructions, on this subject, you will either communicate to Colonel Darck by letter, or forward to him by the Major when he waits on you.
If Colonel Hall declines, and Colonel Darck agrees to accept the command of the regiment, everything will be in a regular train of settlement with Colonel Darck; but, if he should not enter into the service himself, I have directed him to report his expences in this business to you, and I have to request that his accounts may be examined and paid.
Should neither of these Gentn. agree to command the regiment, I wish you to appoint some other person, the best qualified, who will accept.
Your letter of the 1st. instr. to Major Jackson is recd; a summary of what has been
written to Col. Darck will be communicated to Genl. Butler for his government, in a
letter, this morning. I am etc.
54. The draft is in the writing of William Jackson.
On April 7 Washington wrote practically this same letter, down to the t, to Maj.
Gen. Richard Butler, and added: “I have given this information to you to prevent
any clashing in the measures which might be adopted to officer the battalion, and
as it may be best that you should see Colonel Darke as soon as you have finished
what remains to be done in Maryland, I have informed him that you are on the way
through Maryland to Virginia for the purpose of completing the arrangements of
both battalions, informing him that he is in the meantime to continue the service
which I have requested him to perform.” This addition, together with the letter to
Butler, was forwarded in the care of Otho Holland Williams, with a brief note to
the latter, dated April 7, and is recorded in the “Letter Book” in the Washington Papers.
Sir: My letter of the 15 inst. mentioned that I had not received any letters from you between the 15th. and the 30 of May, it should have been between the 15th of April and 30th of May.
By the last post from the southward I received yours of the 17th. of April, which renders a duplicate of that letter unnecessary.
As it appears alike requisite to the satisfaction of the public mind and to General Harmar's honor that the enquiry which he requests should be instituted, I herewith transmit to you his letter to me, with its enclosures, in order that you may give the necessary directions for convening a board of Officers.
Being unacquainted with the state of the subject to which the enclosed letters from
Messieurs Foster of Rhode Island relate, I refer them to your consideration. I am
etc.
94. The draft is in the writing of William Jackson.
Sir: I have recd. your letter of the 22d. Inst. enclosing a copy of one from the
French Minister, and I do empower you to comply fully with the request of the
Minister of France for certain supplies mentioned in his letter.
12. The list of supplies sent by Knox which, he stated, could “be spared from the Arsenal at West-Point without any detriment to the public service” noted 1,000 muskets and bayonets, 110 musket cartridges, to barrels of musket powder and ball, cartridge paper and thread to make up the cartridges, 5,000 flints, 500 gun screws, 1,000 brushes and priming wires, 1,000 cartridge boxes and belts. “It appears a singular opportunity for the United States to manifest their zeal to repay in some degree the assistance afforded us during the perilous struggles of the late war.”
11. From the “Letter Book” copy in the Washington
Papers.
Sir: Nothing at present occurs to me of which I have to inform you, except that since
the feet. of your letter of the 22d. ulto. respecting the situation of affairs in the
French Island of Hispaniola, your other letter of the 22d. and that of the 24th. of
the same month, one giving an Accot. of the Expedition under Gl. Wilkinson;
18. Wilkinson's volunteer expedition was against L'Anguille, an Ouiattanan (Wea) town near the junction of the Wabash and Eel Rivers, which he destroyed. This expedition is usually referred to as having been against the Wabash Indians.
19. These letters from Knox (September 22 and 24), and the statement of troops,
are in the Washington Papers.
20. The draft is in the writing of Bartholomew Dandridge.
Sir: Your letter of the 1st. inst: I have duly recd., likewise one of the 4th., covering a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury together with some communication from Lt. Colo. Beckwith.
I herewith transmit you an Address and Memorial of the Officers, Civil and Military,
of the District of Miro,
32. Tennessee.
On October 29 Lear wrote to Knox that the President approved “the manner in which
the Secy proposes to answer the memorial of the Inhabitants of Miro district in
the S Wtn. Territory.” Lear's draft is in the Washington
Papers.
33. The draft is in the writing of Bartholomew Dandridge.
Sir: As the circumstances which have engaged the U.S. in the present Indian War, may, some of them, be out of the public recollection, and others, perhaps unknown, it appears adviseable that you prepare and publish, from authentic documents, a statement of those circumstances, as well as of the measures which have been taken from time to time for the re-establishment of peace and friendship.
When the Community are called upon for considerable exertions to relieve a part which
is suffering under the hand of an enemy, it is desirable to manifest that due pains
have been taken by those entrusted with the administration of their affairs to avoid
the evil.
38. The draft is in the writing of Tobias Lear.
In the Jefferson Papers in the Library of Congress is a
press copy of Jefferson's report to the President on this matter which includes
this text with the exception of the words “the Community,” which in Jefferson's
draft is “our constituents.” This press copy is dated January 25.
Sir: You will receive herewith a copy of a Resolution
As communications of a similar nature have taken place between the Executive of the
General Government and the Governor of Virginia, it may be proper to lay these also
before the House of Representatives, and I request you will have them prepared and
communicated accordingly as soon as the business of your department will admit of
it.
51. That of January 25, which requested the President to lay before the House copies of the correspondence between the Governor of Pennsylvania and the Secretary of War, relative to raising troops within and under the direction of that State.
52. The signed draft is in the writing of Tobias Lear.
Sir: I have given the enclosed draft of a letter to Captain Brandtmay be adviseable; but, after you have given them an
attentive consideration, they may stand or fall as you shall think best.
91. Joseph Brant.
Yours etc.
92. The contemporary copy in the Washington Papers is in
the writing of Tobias Lear. Knox's letter to Brant is dated Feb. 25, 1792, and is
printed in the American State Papers.