[Duplicate] War department June 12. 1794 Sir, Your letter and the papers accompanying the same of the 24^th of April were duly received by your Son and since then yours of the 6 of May has been received. The speech of Lord Dorchester and the consequent measure of Governor Simcoe of establishing a post at the rapids of the Miami were sufficient to alarm not only the Indians but the Whites as to the intentions of the British Government. Upon a view of this business as connected with the British conduct in the West Indies it appears pretty conclusive that last autumn the Ministry of Great Britain entertained the ideas of making war upon us. It is however pretty certain that they either have altered or suspended their intention. This conclusion is drawn from the orders of the 8 of January and the general [strikethrough: opinion] opinion entertained in Great Britain, and it now remains to be evidenced whether Governor Simcoe may not withdraw the party of Troops, which it is understood that he posted at the rapids of the Miami. By a private letter from your quarter dated May 9. 1794 it is said that William Munney a Native of Durham was captured by the Indians last fall he was in the detachment commanded by Lowrey and Boyd and was supp[osed] to have been killed in their defeat, he was adopted in an Indian family, and continued with them until the 1 April last, when he was purchased by McKee who keeps a public Store at the falls or rapids of the Miami of the Lakes and sent to Niagara. Munney informs that Colonel Simcoe had marked out the fort at the rapids of the Miami and five companies of Men a number of Cannon &c arrived a few days before he left the Rapids. he came in a vessel with Colonel Simcoe from the Rapids to Fort Erie. Colonel Simcoe left Niagara in March for Detroit; before his departure he declared that war was inevitable. since his return he says he hopes for peace. Rapids of Miami are seventy miles from Detroit. eighteen from Lake Erie. 40 M from Sandusky. It is however of very great importance that the six Nations should not be misled into hostilities against us from any pretext whatever. You are therefore upon all occasions to endeavor to conciliate them to the United States and in order to assist you in so desirable a purpose, the goods of which the list is herein enclosed are forwarded. The rules heretofore prescribed for the delivery of Indian goods and presents must be rigidly observed, and you ought and doubtless do frequently reflect that no operation whatever in which public property is concerned is of a more delicate nature than the distribution of Indian goods and of course that nothing ought to be more obvious than almost perfect integrity in such transactions. The purity of the Agents character ought to be unsullied as a Origins and like hers a spot or a speck may ruin it forever. Proof in either case will not be required. Strong presumption arising from collateral circumstances will be sufficient to injure, if not destroy so fragile a quality as reputation. In speaking thus it is proper to add that a single lisp has not been uttered or entertained against your conduct. a solicitude that this should continue to be the case, and a sincere personal esteem for you has dictated this caution. The discretion entrusted to you is great, and in proportion therefore ought to be your anxiety to fulfill the public expectation. Captain Williamson took charge of a thousand dollars for you but the receipt of which you have to acknowledge. In future you will write every post even when you may not have any thing material to communicate. Some times even negative information coming to the mind of the Executive enables him to [underline: combine and draw conclusions] important to the public welfare. You must in future transmit me monthly abstracts of goods and provisions received delivered & remaining on hand — this is indispensible. The object directed by Captain Williamson must be performed, I mean the attachment of the person alluded to. Copies of your letters respecting the apprehensions entertained on your vicinity were transmitted to the Governor of New York. It is for the individuals who compose the Militia to provide arms for the defence of their own rights and comply with the laws. A neglect in this instance is a neglect of a solemn duty for which there is scarcely an excuse. The Legislature of New York has made some provision to supply the deficiency of Arms to their own Militia and therefore the knowledge of such a want was transmitted to the Governor. It is no part of the duty of the general government to provide arms for Militia and therefore it cannot be done excepting in cases of unexpected exigencies. I enclose you a speech in behalf of the President to the Six Nations, the sooner you deliver it the better. The place must be left to your own discretion. When the Indians shall be present you may inform them that the State of Pennsylvania for weighty reasons are about making a settlement at Presque Isle. You are attentively to observe the effect of this information and transmit the result to me by express or the post via Northumberland. The State of Pennsylvania has purchased these lands of the Six Nations. they have therefore no right to object. You are therefore to understand that you are not to [underline: ask permission] that the settlement be made, but to inform them that it is to be done. It will be important that I should know how they receive this as early as possible. I am Sir Your humble Servant H Knox for the Pres^t General Israel Chapin