[Page 1 is marked "Illegible Text" by the archive — some or all pages of this file are wholly or in part illegible, and a better copy could not be located or enhanced electronically.] [Docket on cover sheet:] Message from Timothy Pickering to The Six Nations April 17. 1791. Brothers, Sachems, Chiefs and Warriors of the Six Nations. When I took you by the hand, last Fall, at Tioga, the chain of friendship was brightened between you and the United States; and you expressed your wishes to keep it always bright. On the part of the United States, I assure you of their regard for you, and their desire to maintain with you perpetual peace and friendship. To renew their assurances, and again to brighten the chain, and to remove all causes of jealousies and discontents, I am desired once more to meet you, at such time and place as should appear to me most convenient. I therefore now propose the Painted Post as a proper place of meeting; and as it is important that this treaty be held as soon as possible, I propose that we should meet together at that place, by the 18^th of June next. That time and place I hope will be convenient and agreeable to you; and I shall use every endeavours that every thing else shall give you satisfaction. Brothers, You will naturally ask for what special purpose you are called to attend this Council Fire? — Brothers, I will be open and tell you. For at the Council Fire which I kindled at Tioga, in the name of our Great Chief, General Washington, & of the United States, I assured you that in all my conduct you should find me open and sincere. Without sincerity, how can friendship be preserved? Brothers, You know that some of the Western Indians have lifted up the hatchet and struck many citizens of the United States. You told me that the Shawanese had invited you to join them in a war against the United States; but that you had refused to join them. And you gave strong reasons for your refusal. You said that we all [undecipherable: live by] the side, and ought to live in peace. That you wished to keep the path between us open and clear, that you [strikethrough: might] prop and reprop embers; and that you desired to be at peace with the United States; that your women & children might be in safety. Brothers, I was equally pleased with your determination, and with the reasons on which it was founded. The same reasons must still influence you to hold fort your determination of maintaining peace with the United States. Some bad men, however, enemies of the United States, may again endeavour to persuade you to engage in the war, and by misrepresentations and lies, prevail on some, contrary to their own interest and the interest of the Six Nations. Now, Brothers, I am to kindle the present Council Fire at the Painted Post, to give you fresh assurances of the good will of the United States, of their desire to make the chain of friendship with you still brighter & to keep it always bright; and to shew you that the war with the Western Indians, is, on the part of the United States, not a war of choice, not of oppression, not of injustice; but of necessity, to defend our frontier, and free the latter from destruction. Brothers, According to the usual practice in treaties with Indians, the proposed treaty will be concluded with a presents of goods. Brothers,