[Copy of a letter from Major General Butler] Brothers of the Five Nations, The bearer, Monsr. Mon^t de Bartget having expressed a desire to assist and go with such of your people as may be inclined and you think proper to send to join Governor St. Clair and accompany the Army of the U.S. against the Western Hostile tribes of Indians, as you and Monsr. De Bartget are acquainted should any of your people join the Governor and troops and that he is still inclined to go on the Expedition and that it is agreeable to you and your people that it should he with you, it will be very agreeable to me as I believe him to be a Gentleman and of very Honorable character. I am Brothers your real Friend (Signed) Richard Butler Major Gen^l in U. S. Army [seal] Pittburgh 5^th June, 1791 To the Corn Planter & other Chiefs & Warriors of the Five Nations D Endorsed — S. In Lord Dorchester's to Lord Grenville No. 98 of 27^th July 1791. --- [Copy] Proceedings of a Council held at Niagara the 29^th June 1791 with the Chiefs of Mohawk Nation. Present Colonel Gordon, Commanding Upper Post Lt. Col. Butler — Deputy Agent I. 2. Captain Marion Lieut. Irvine } R. A. Artillery Lieut. Pilkington — R. Engineers Old Thomas, Speaker, Brother, We return thanks to the Great Spirit for the Pleasure we have in Meeting you here to day &c. Brother, We will now inform you of the Business we are come upon. From the different reports that have come to our ears from the Westward, we have been much troubled, this is the occasion to our coming down to Speak to you. Our [strikethrough: Organisation] and the Indians were tied together, with a Chain from which time they have never been [strikethrough: separated], and there is no other people on the face of the earth as Brothers to the Indians. We have no desire to discuss our present Situation, we are perfectly Satisfied with it, and indeed we have no other wish to urge you. It was the advice of the best for Edmund Common that we ourselves should keep ourselves united and the moment we became divided we were Dead dead. During the last War the Indians were United but the Peace occasioned some division among us; since that peace we have according to the advice of our Father at Quebec kept ourselves quiet for which purpose our people have repeatedly been sent to the Westward. There was last meeting at Buffaion Creek at which Colonel Trottles & Capt. Borough Commanding at Fort Erie were present, the Indians were determined to be United, and to call in those who were near the Mississippi, it was then agreed upon that Captain Brent should go to where their troubles insist and endeavour by conciliatory measures to meet tranquility, but the news we have received from that quarter is very bad; we have heard that he is gone with the Indians to War, this too grieves us particularly our Women great Uneasiness, fearing not the worst, in this distress, we look up to the King our Father for advice. Should Capt. Brent have joined them, we must of course be involved and who knows the consequence, our Nation will be the first Sacrifice. We therefore beg the Council and advice of the King our Father which we will ever abide by. A Belt, Black & White Wampum. The Presence having finished Colonel Gordon returned the following answer. Brethren, From the information I have received is is not certain that the Council at which Capt. Brent was present will not have the desired effect, affect, I would therefore advise you, not to credit any flying reports, I am daily in Expectation of hearing from Detroit, and you make your minds easy & rest assured of the friendship of the English, and in case of need it will afford you every protection in my power, and will look upon those that injure you in the same light as if they had injured our White people; I much approve your prudence and hope the conduct of the Mohawk will always continue to merit the same Sentiments from the English who wish them every happiness. I think you would do well to leave two or three of your people here until I hear from Detroit it was very present when being imposed upon by envious reports from those. I return you thanks for your Compliments, and assure you it will always give me occasion to hear of your prosperity. A Belt, Black & White Wampum D. 6. Endorsed: — In Lord Dorchester's To Lord Grenville No. 98 of 27^th July 1791.