Dear Sir Finding no such paper as the Cohnawaga's now call for, I [strikethrough: found] from my house to examine once more at my office: but no such paper appears: and I am confident I never saw any paper purporting to be a power from the Chief to M^r Louis and others; for when by themselves they declared they were impowered to make a final agreement for their nation, I recollect that the idea was perfectly new to me. I think however, that the final settlement may be made in the way I suggested. I am disposed to believe the present deputation to have been empowered, as they declare. The negotiation then may be held with them, and the terms agreed on. They may then return to their nation, and the State of New York suspend the payments stipulated until agents, duly empowered [strikethrough: and properly authorized], shall come to receive them. To make the transaction still more satisfactory, New York might send an agent with the deed or treaty which the present deputies shall conclude, and obtain a formal ratification by the signatures of all the Chiefs of the Seven Nations. respectfully yours E. Pickering [The Secretary of War]