Provisions for the Senecas
Document 1790Captain Ross, a trusted men, has been directed to travel to the Painted Post to provide beef, corn, and meal for the Indians. It is hoped that this will provide proof of the good will of the United States.
Tioga Point Oct 30 1790
Brothers, Sachems Chiefs Warriors of the Seneca Nation.
The Chiefs Kishkaaga & Kajeagayan, with three others of your nation arrived here last night, & this morning delivered your message.
Brothers, I was glad to see their faces, & to hear by them that you were on your feet, walking to this place.
Brothers you request me to have provisions supplied to you at the Painted Post & at Newtown Point, to help you forward to my fire.
Brothers I agree to your request; and send my friend Captain Ross, a trusty man, as far as the Painted Post to provide for you accordingly. He will have beef ready that your kettles may boil as soon as you arrive there; and corn and pumpkins, if they can be purchased at that place.
Brothers on your arrival at Newtown Point, beef, corn & meal shall be ready and a little Stag to help you to walk more cheerfully.
Brothers I hope you will consider my readiness to
to make this provision for you as a proof of the good will of the United States towards you. I hope also as it will give you strength that you will walk the faster & let me the sooner see your faces. * Brothers with two of your runners I will send an interpreter, Mr. Parish, if I can find him. He is a good young man, & will faithfully tell you what I say; & to him I desire you to give heed.
Brother I bid you farewell!
T. Pickering
[undecipherable] Oct 30 1790
Letter to the Chiefs &c of the Seneca Nation Tioga Oct. 30, 1790 Copy
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