Results from the Negotiations with Hostile Indians

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War Department September 3, 1793 Sir I am instructed by the President of the United States to state to your Excellency that information has this day been received by express, that, notwithstanding the utmost efforts of the Commissioners, the pacific overtures to the hostile Indians North of the Ohio have been rendered abortive by their insisting upon the Ohio as the boundary. That the Commissioners arrived at the mouth of Detroit river of the 21st of July, and waited there until the 17th Ulto. when having received the definitive answer of the Indians the Commissioners sailed for Fort Erie where they arrived the 23d Ulto.
The Commissioners were not even admitted to an interview with the body of the hostile Indians but the Communications were carried on by deputations from them.
It appears the tribes most determined for War are the Wyandots, Delawares, Shawanese and Miamis although it is said a considerable proportion of these were for peace. It is understood that the six Nations including Captain Brandt and his Mohocks, strongly urged the hostile Indians to make peace with the United States. Affairs being thus circumstanced it is probable that the Sword only can afford ample protection to the frontiers.
It is understood that the Militia embodied on the frontiers of Pennsylvania under your orders together with the patroles called Scouts are deemed sufficient for their defence. But it may be proper to caution [stamped] 225 caution the people immediately that every measure necessary to guard against surprize should be adopted.
I am Sir with great respect your obedient servant H Knox The Excellency Governor Mifflin (Copy)

War Department September 3, 1793 166 Sir I am instructed by the President of the United States to state to your Excellency that information has this day been received by express, that notwithstanding the utmost efforts of the Commissioners, the pacific overtures to the hostile Indians North of the Ohio have been rendered abortive by their insisting upon the Ohio as the boundary.
That the Commissioners arrived at the mouth of Detroit River on the 21st of July and waited there until the 17th Ulto when having received the definitive answer of the Indians the Commissioners sailed for Fort Erie where they arrived the 23d Ulto.
The Commissioners were not even admitted to an interview with the body of the hostile Indians but the Communications were carried by deputations from them.
It appears the tribes most determined for War are the Wyandots, Delawares, Shawanese and Miamis although it is said a considerable proportion of these were for peace.
It is understood that the six Nations including Captain Brandt and his Mohocks, strongly urged the hostile Indians to make peace with the United States.
Affairs being thus circumstances it is probable that the Sword only can afford ample protection to the frontiers.
It is understood that hte Militia embodied on the frontiers of Pennsylvania under your orders together with the patroles called Scouts are deemed Sufficient for their defence. But is may be proper to caution the people immediately that every measure necessary to guard against surprize should be adopted. I am Sir with great respect Your obedient Servant H Knox His Excellency Governor Mifflin (Copy)

Type

Copy of Signed Document

Description

Indians from Upper Ohio wanted to draw boundary line at the Ohio River which was not acceptable to Commissioners who ended the negotiations.

Date

09/03/1793

Author

Recipient

Sent from

War Department

Document number

1793090300001

Page start

1

Notable persons

Thomas Mifflin
Henry Knox
Indians
Indian Nation
hostiles
President of United States
George Washington
Secretary of War
treaty commissioners
Indians north of Ohio River
Wyandots
Delawares
Shawanese
Miamis
Captain Joseph Brant
Brandt
Mohawk
Mohocks
Governor Mifflin

Notable locations

War Department
upper Ohio
Ohio river
river
Sandusky
Detroit river
Fort Erie
Pennsylvania

Notable items

protection of frontiers
treaty
patrols
scouts
defense