[Copy] War Office August 23. 1796 Sir The Agents appointed by the State of Georgia to attend the meeting of the Representatives of the Creek Nation at Coleraine, have no doubt informed you of their refusal to sell any part of their lands. I am directed by the President to express on this occasion, his sincere regret, that a conference which he had flattered himself would have obtained the object for which it was principally projected, has failed of success. As he felt in this manner, he could not but read with surprize, the protest of the Agents against the proceedings of the Commissioners of the United States, and lament that regulations calculated to inspire the Indians with confidence in the fairness of the intended negociation, should have worn to those Gentlemen a different aspect. Neither could he ascribe the refusal of the Indians to sell to the State to any other cause, than that which they have assigned; in as much as his invitation described the land to them, which it was the wish of Georgia to purchase, and requested that they should send their Representatives to the meeting, charged with the sense of the Nation: and in as much as the Commissioners of the United States had his instructions to facilitate the purchase. To remove however every cause for doubt on this subject, the President has determined to have ascertained in the most unequivocal mode, whether the mind of the Nation has undergone any change relative to the land in question, and if it has, the terms upon which they will sell it. Should this enquiry turn out favourably, the President has directed me to say, that he will readily concur to open another negociation. The Creeks, as you will see by the Treaty, (a copy of which is inclosed) have among other things agreed, that Military and Trading Posts may be erected within their boundary line, and that all animosities for past aggressions, shall henceforth cease, with an exception to the violators of the Treaty of New York, now under arrest who are to abide the decision of the laws. These circumstances which evidence the sincerity of the Indians, and their disposition to peace, offer as you must perceive, the fairest opportunity of leading them by degrees to grant whatever is reasonable and does not involve their ruin. It is therefore to be presumed, that the Citizens of Georgia will patiently wait their operation, and avoid whatever might disturb the tranquillity thus re established. You no doubt in particular will duly appreciate the blessings of peace, and heartily co operate with the President in every measure calculated to perpetuate its continuance. With this view, the President has directed such an arrangement, and use of the Troops of the United States, as ought to satisfy the Indians that their rights will be protected; and the Inhabitants of the frontiers, that they have nothing to apprehend from the Indians. These arrangements rendering it unnecessary to keep up the Militia Corps of Infantry and Cavalry, the Agent of the Department of War in Georgia, will be directed to settle their Muster and Pay rolls up to the 18^th September ensuing, after which time they will be considered as discharged. With the greatest respect I am Sir — your obed^t Servant signed James McHenry Sec^t of War His Excellency the Governor of Georgia.