War department, 26^th December 1791 Sir At a conference held by Colonel Pickering with the Senecas and others of the Six nations, excepting the Mohawks at the Painted port in the month of June last it was agreed that certain chiefs should repair to Philadelphia during the time of Congress ding in Session, in order to enter into execution certain principles tending to the civilization of the Six Indians. Colonel Pickering now writes to the chiefs at Buffalo creek and other places inviting them to repair here. In his invitation he has included Captain Brandt, perhaps this may not be a sufficient inducement for him to come — You will therefore write to him in your own name assuring him that you will pledge yourself in his Safety and welcome reception. Immediately on your return to Oneida you will send Indian runners to the Several chiefs who are named by Colonel Pickering. You are explicitly to understand that the presence of a few of the principal chiefs are deficient. You will appoint Genefee as the place for you to meet the Said chiefs, with whom you will proceed directly to this city, by way of Tioga and in some county. Your knowledge of the language and customs of the Indians, a confidence in your character and integrity, induces me to place an entire reliance in you relative to this business. That you will find faithfull and intelligent messengers, particularly to Captain Brandt from whom you will endeavour to obtain an explicit answer. That you will meet the Said Indians at Genefee at the time you Shall appoint, which which ought to be as Soon as convenient. That you will make Suitable provision for them at Genefee and thence on the route to this city. That you will take all due care that they are not insulted on the road, but kindly received. That you will inform me in due Season of their numbers and when they will arrive in this city in order that Suitable accommodations may be provided for them. That you will keep the accounts of the expenditures upon the road, in a fair and clear manner, taking receipts for every expenditure So that every Shilling may have a proper voucher annexed thereto. In order to enable you to execute this business in a proper manner I have directed that the Sum of three hundred and Fifty dollars be placed in your hands for which you will be held accountable. Besides defraying your necessary expenses while in the actual execution of this business, you Shall have a reasonable compensation for your trouble, which Shall be Settled and paid upon the close of the business in this city. I Shall depend upon receiving your communications upon all necessary occasions, and particularly I Shall wish to obtain as early information as possible of the effect which the late defeat of our arms has had upon the minds of the Six nations, particularly the Senecas. You will not fail upon all proper occasions to impress on the minds of all Indians So that the Sentiment may be diffused far and wide. That the President of the United States and Congress are highly desirous of being the protectors, friends and ministers of good to all peaceably disposed Indians, but at the Same time they will punish all murderers and disturbers of the peace of the Frontiers. The Rev^d I am Sir with esteem Samuel Kirkland. Your most obedient Servant. [signature] H Knox *Secy of War*