[11.] [T. S. 1] [A [undecipherable]] [(Signed, Jos: Brant.)] [War Office 23^d May 1789] [Compared with the original H. Knox.] [N^o 2.] [Private] October 26^th 1787 Instructions to the Governor of the Territory of the United States North West of the river Ohio relative to an Indian treaty in the Northern Departments. Sir, You are carefully to examine into the real temper of the Indian tribes inhabiting the Northern Indian department of the United States. if you find it hostile and that the welfare of the frontier, and the settlements forming in that country demands a treaty, you will then in conjunction with the Superintendent of Indian Affairs for the northern department, unless the attendance of the said Superintendent shall be prevented by any unforeseen event, hold as general a one as you can with all the tribes. The primary objects of the treaty are the removing all causes of controversy, so that peace and harmony may continue between the United States and the Indian tribes, the regulating trade, and settling boundaries. For these purposes you will do every thing that is right and proper. The treaties which have been made may be examined but must not be departed from, unless a change of boundary beneficial to the United States can be obtained. Although the purchase of the Indian right of soil is not a primary object of holding this treaty, yet you will not neglect any opportunity that may offer of extinguishing the Indians rights to the westward as far as the river Mississippi. You may stipulate that the East and West line ordered to be run by the Ordinance of the 20^th of May 1785 shall be the boundary between the United States and the Indians tribes: provided they stipulate that it shall run throughout unto the River Mississippi. And you may stipulate that any white person going to the said boundary without a license from the proper offices of the United States may be treated in such manner as the Indians shall think proper. You will use every possible endeavour to ascertain who are the head Headmen and Warriors of the several tribes, and who have the greatest influence among them; these [strikethrough: Make] you will attach to the United States by every means in your power. Every exertion must be made to defeat all confederations and combinations among the tribes and to conciliate the white people inhabiting the frontiers towards them. Chas Thomson. Sec^y. July 2^d 1788.