[Copy] Copy of a Letter from the Secretary at War to Col. Pickering of the 18^th of May 1791. — together with the enclosures therein referred to rec'd June 21. 1791. at Newtown Point. Duplicate not to be found — [printed in Vol 4 p. 165] [Letter from the Secretary of War to Col. Pickering] War Department, May 18^th 1791. Sir, I have received yours of the 8^th of May — The departure of the Surveyor General Colonel Abraham Ellicott is believed to give little colour to the Creek's Inferences, Complaints and [undecipherable: probable reading "menaces"], [undecipherable] the [undecipherable] Indians in hostilities against the United States, is most probably ill founded. In order that you may possess all the information relative to the objects of your mission, in my power to afford, I transmit you herewith [from Col. Brant] enclosed, a Letter dated the 20^th of February 1791, which I have not yet answered — A letter from M^r Kirkland of the 22 of April, and my answer thereto, and also my Letter to Gen. Schuyler of the 11^th instant — Brant's Letter to M^r Kirkland of the 8 of March — Governor Clinton's letter to me of the 27^th of April, and my answer thereto of the 11^th instant — You will perceive by the Letter to Governor Clinton, the turn, that the idea of employing Brant has taken, and you will please entirely to conform thereto — It is sincerely to be desired that every effort be made to establish peace with the Indians on a solid basis — and if possible, previously to an active Campaign against them — But if force must be exercised to prevent their depredations, it is to be hoped that it will be administered in such a manner as to bring them to terms, so as to prevent the necessity of another Campaign — You are therefore to the utmost of your power, give every facility to all the messengers of peace, and impress all Indians who shall come within your sphere of action, with the justice and humanity of the General Government — The Goods for your treaty were sent off by M^r Hogdon on the instant —