[Indian Claims] [The Secretary of War] Philadelphia Feb^y 7. 1794 Sir, I cannot say that the Commissioners pledged themselves that the amount of debts now exhibited to you as due from the late Peter Otsiquette should be paid: but as Mr Randolph and I passed thro' Oneida, on our return from Canada — the principal Chiefs of the Oneidas, appeared, to hear some account of our attempt to negotiate a peace with the hostile Indians. We en- deavoured to satisfy their minds, & confirm them in their [strikethrough: a] friendship to the u. States. Peter Otsiquette's Widow appeared in the Assembly — a very decent woman — and re- presented as of uncommon worth. Her wish is to have these small debts discharged was made known, and it is feared that she was in some distress on account of them. The Commissioners were de- sirous, at that time, of doing grateful things to the Indians; and accordingly pre- sented the Oneidas with a small sum of money to make themselves joyful at a feast: and with the same concili- atory views gave the Widow encourage- ment to hope that the small arrears men- tioned would be discharged. With great respect, I am Sir, your most ob^d serv^t Timothy Pickering General Knox Secretary of War