John Galphins to General Irwin: Sir, Feeling with the greatest concern the hostilities and bloodshed which has been produced by the differences subsisting between us in all parts of our borders, we now offer on behalf of our nation towards terminating the present War, and adjusting such terms as may decide forever the matter now in dispute. You well know the cause of this discontent with us has ever been from the limits of our country, consider that we have retreated from the plains to the woods, from thence to the mountains, but no limits established by nature or by compact have stayed the ambition or satisfied your people. It is our determination to adhere to a line fairly agreed on, but such agreement must be by the legislative body of the nation and not a clandestine bargain with a few Chiefs that have no manner of right to dispose of any lands, such transactions only regenerate in fraud, always lead to animosities and bloodshed, you well know that no sovereignty was ceded to you at the peace of 1763 except such lands as was purchased by his majesty's subjects by solemn treaty. And we are now as we always have been an independent and free people, knowing this and our own abilities to maintain our independence, we view with astonishment the steps taken by the United States to rob us of our rights. We actually see our whole country laid out into districts without considering us to have any kind of claim or right to which nature has bestowed on us, and of which oppression or prejudice alone can attempt to rob us. Consider well now the business on hand, and let us know your intentions, soon as possible. I have given strict orders to our Warriors to commit no hostilities on the other side of the line, and expect that you will give out the same to your people, but should your intentions be dishonored, know that we have still warriors sufficient