2 Department of War December 31, 1794 Sir, I have the honour to [indecipherable] you the opinion[s?] of James Seagrove agent for the Creek Nation upon the subject of the negroes which ought to have been [returned?] in pursuance of the treaty of New York. I beg leave to add that if the United States [deems?] it inexpedient to press for a return of the negroes that it would appear [proper?] that the owners should be compensated conformably to some equitable principles to be devised. If this idea should be [just?] it would be [proper?] for the President to present it to Congress in the [indecipherable] [indecipherable] of which it is [susceptible?]. I have the honour to be with the greatest respectYour obedient ServantKnoxSect of war The President of the }United States} True Copy [signature with flourish: Gaylord?]