[Letter to Gen^l Israel Chapin from the Secretary of War 23^d April, 1792] [Duplicate] War department April 22^d 1792 Sir, I have the pleasure to inform you that the President of the United States, appoint you a temporary Deputy Agent, to the five Nations of Indians until further directions, at the rate of five hundred dollars P^r annum. It will be necessary that you should take the oaths which are herein enclosed before a Magistrate, and transmit the same to me. I herewith transmit you by the hands of Doctor Israel Allen the sum of four hundred dollars. The main object of placing this sum on your hands at present is to enable you to make a suitable provision for Captain Joseph Brant who it is expected will shortly make a visit to this City and to request that you would either accompany him to this City, that you would otherwise provide for his journey in a manner perfectly agreeable to him, and that you would give me due notice of his approach at least five days previously to his arrival here. In the mean time I observe it is the firm determination of the President of the United States that the utmost fairness and kindness Shall be exhibited to the Indian tribes with the United States. — That it is not only his desire to be at peace with all the Indians tribes, but to be their guardians and protectors against all injustice. — You will please to observe that a due accounting of all monies or goods placed in your hands will be rigidly expected, and that you must always produce vouchers for every dollar expended. I am Sir with great respect your very hum^l Ser^t Knox Sec^y of War General Israel Chapin I Israel Chapin, do solemnly swear to bear true allegiance to the United States of America, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of temporary deputy agent to the Five Nations of Indians, and that I will not directly or indirectly be concerned in any Indian trade. —