and whether a liberal observance of the laws of a truce, on the part of the United States be not expedient; altho' by the Indians to whom such laws are not known they are not respected. We shall however, use our endeavours to impress them with the propriety, and necessity, of abstaining from all hostilities, while the event of treaty is in suspence. We ardently hope that the minds of the Southern Indians may be quieted and peace confirmed. Nothing would make us more happy than to be able to relieve the President from any degree of the anxiety he feels for "the entire success of our mission"; but no facts have yet come to our knowledge, which we can warrant an opinion on the event of it. The result shall be communicated to you as early as possible with the copy mentioned in your postscript. M^r Baynton has made a verbal communication of what he says was entrusted to him by you, and which we shall not forget. We remain Sir, Yours &c: B. Lincoln, B. Randolph, } Commissioners T. Pickering. [Letter to Major Craig, forwarded by Joseph Nicholson.] Sir, Fort Erie 18^th June 1793 M^r Nicholson arrived here on the 16^th instant with two Seneka Indians who delivered us your letter of the 8^th with three packages of Wampum. We are much obliged by your attention to our request. Fortunately, our messengers to Philadelphia returned the day before with a full supply. We are glad that two of the Wabash Indians are persuaded to accompany the Senekas, in order to attend the treaty. The compensation to the runners was undoubtedly proper. We think a further compensation due for their faithful services; and accordingly have now delivered it to them; That is to the two Runners who have come here 8½ dollars each, and to the one who remained at the Burnt Tavern one Guinea. To M^r Nicholson we have given four Guineas to support him on his return, and the Indians to their home, for which he will account with you. Having previously engaged very competent Interpreters for the languages of the six nations, it was not necessary to add to the number by retaining M^r Needson. M^r Wilson and M^r Ash arrived here on the 8^th Instant, and in a few days embarked for Detroit. We received a letter from him at that place on the 17^th. The Western Indians were then beginning to counsel among themselves, at their general meeting at the rapids of the Miami of the lake. We shall sail with the first fair wind for Detroit river, and go to Sandusky, as soon as we find the Indians are ready to proceed thither from the Miami. We are &c: B. Lincoln, B. Randolph, } Commissioners T. Pickering. June 29^th The Commissioners, and their suit, went to Fort Erie to embark for Sandusky; but the winds being contrary they returned three or four miles to their lodgings. June 30^th The wind still contrary, nevertheless the Commissioners and their suit embarked on board the Schooner Dunmore Captain Henry Ford commander. July 8^th Still detained by contrary winds at Fort Erie. This day arrived in a vessel from the Miami, Colonel Butler a British superintendent of Indian affairs and Captain Brant with about fifty Indians, being a deputation from the Indian nations assembled at the rapids of the Miami to confer with the Commissioners of the United States in presence of the Governor of upper Canada. The deputation being met gave notice to the Commissioners that they desired to speak with them. The Commissioners attending, a Shawnese Chief (called Cats eyes) addressed them thus. Brothers We are sent by the nations of Indians, assembled at the rapids of the Miami to meet the Commissioners of the United States. We are glad to see you here. It is the will of the Chiefs of those nations, that our Father the Governor of this province should be present and hear what we have to say to you, and what you have to say to us. Brothers Do not make yourselves uneasy that we did not meet you at the time you proposed at Sandusky, the reasons thereof will be mentioned at another time.' [undecipherable]