[Page 1 of the microfilm reel is an archival "Illegible Text" placeholder card and contains no document text.] To [undecipherable] Esq[undecipherable] [undecipherable] appointed [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] for Indian Affairs, South of the Ohio. The President of the United States has [undecipherable] by these presents constitutes you Principal Temporary Agent for Indian Affairs, within the Indian Nations south of the Ohio, and North of the [undecipherable] line; and confiding in your judgment, discretion and integrity, charges you with the execution of the following instructions and such others as you may from time to time receive relative to the nature of your appointment. It appearing from the conferences between the representatives of the Creek Nation and Commissioners of the United States at the meeting at [undecipherable] that the former have required, and the latter promised, that the President would send into their Country, within four months from the date of the Treaty, there entered into, a person instructed upon the following points. 1. To assist in designating and fixing upon proper sites for trading houses and posts; and to explain to the Nation by Towns and Tribes, the reason for having them established within their boundary lines. 2. To explain the plan of Trade to the different Towns or Tribes. 3. To confer with and advise the Nation, how it ought to conduct itself, in the case of the Murderers of the Indians, should they escape without being punished. 4. To explain the object for running the boundary line between Spain and the United States. — 5. To notify the Nation of the time when the President will be pleased [undecipherable] the boundary line between the Creeks and the United States agreeably [undecipherable] the place where the running is to commence, in order that [undecipherable] [undecipherable] may be appointed by them to attend on they are of their [undecipherable] [undecipherable] You will be pleased to consider it as one of the first objects of your appointment to give all possible satisfaction to the Creek Nation on these several subjects in the mode which they have suggested. With respect to the 1. The Commissioners of the Creeks having pointed out certain positions within their country as fit sites for posts and trading houses, and these before your departure the Director of the United States should as soon as [undecipherable] from [undecipherable] and further [undecipherable] have a commission [undecipherable] given to the [undecipherable] [undecipherable] to examine the places mentioned and occupy them or others found more eligible, as soon as possible. Should this order be unexecuted, on your arrival you will give notice to some of the influential Indians to attend, Colonel [undecipherable] to aid him in making such a choice of Ground as may be most agreeable to his nation and at the same time eligible sites for posts. You will explain to the Towns or Tribes composing the Creeks as you have [undecipherable] to their Representatives at Coleraine, the advantages expected from this measure. You will shew them that they can be more conveniently served with goods, when the posts are within their line. That they will be [undecipherable] subject to be disturbed by the whites when they come there to trade. That the Commander will have it in his power to do more to keep the way always open between him and them. That as they will have only their own country to pass through to get to the Garrison or trading post should they have any cause for Complaints or business to do, they will be always able to go thither and [undecipherable] there without having any thing to fear from the whites. And lastly that the Troops will be better able to see Intruders and drive them off from their [undecipherable] than if they were to continue scattered within the boundary of the [undecipherable] [undecipherable] With respect to the II or [undecipherable]. You will explain. [undecipherable] has been undertaken with a view to prevent them from being imposed upon by bad white traders. That the United States will never ask more for the goods they sell them than what they have cost, including expenses of conveying them to the trading house, and a the [undecipherable] recompense [undecipherable] receiving them [undecipherable] That however as the same kind of goods will cost more to the United States at one time than another, because the price of them [undecipherable] the season in many of them are brought out from other [undecipherable] causes in the [undecipherable] than under some that have [undecipherable] established a fixed or [undecipherable] measure or price at which they shall always be sold. That whoever they may rely on it, that the United States will never attempt drawing profit from this [undecipherable] trade. You will also inform them that all Indians who come to a trading house will be treated alike; and that no one, for the same kind of goods, will be charged more than another. With respect to the III. The President hopes that if Attention unto [undecipherable] persons who are said to have committed the murders shall be found to have been really guilty of the fact, with which they are charged, that they will not escape the punishment ordained by their law in such cases. As however it may sometimes arise from want of sufficient evidence, or to obtain the commission of the others, you will endeavour to compose the minds of the Indians for such an offence, by explaining to them, that the law requires the strongest proof of guilt before the life of a man can be taken away for a supposed crime. That it is a rule among the whites to spare a great many bad men, when the evidence is not complete, rather than the risk of hanging one good one. That the whites brought this rule into the Country where they settled it and have never since departed from it, but [undecipherable] on mercy. [undecipherable] will bring to their recollection that there are a great many persons in this nation who are prone to do bad things, and that there also a great many among whites equally disposed to mischief. That [undecipherable] fine and men of full innocent [undecipherable] [undecipherable] wise men of both nations ought to [undecipherable] find one or more to excite the malice [undecipherable] the two Nations [undecipherable] [undecipherable] Hatchet against each other. That one way is to catch the accused person and deprive him of life, solely for having taken away the life of another. But if this cannot be done, because the guilty person cannot be convicted [undecipherable] [undecipherable] then the next way is for the Nation to whom the guilty person belongs, to make satisfaction to the relations of the Man whom he has murdered. You may tell them that the President thinks one of these two ways [undecipherable] are always to be followed by wise nations, and advises this is as the one as a wise nation whom he loves to make it a rule for his future Government. With respect to the IV. You will inform them that the President and his wise men, have engaged the King of Spain to promise that he will not suffer his subjects or the Indians on the South into that side of the line which is to be run, to hurt or molest the Indians inhabiting on the other side; that to obtain this promise from the King of Spain, the President and his wise men have engaged that the Indians comprehending the Creeks should not go over [undecipherable] to hurt his Indians or Subjects. That the President and his wise men have also got the King of Spain to promise that he will never attempt to buy any land from the Creeks or from any Indians which are not on the South and West side of the line. That one reason then for running the line is, that the King of Spain, by seeing it marked may know at all times, where the Indians are, which he has promised the President and his wise men — [undecipherable] will not be attached [undecipherable] and [undecipherable] on their lands. [undecipherable] that the President may thereby know also that he has promised to the King of Spain that the Creeks [undecipherable] shall not [undecipherable] make intrusion, upon his subjects or upon the [undecipherable] Indians on the South and West side of his [undecipherable] line. With respect to the V. you may signify to the Greeks that one President will request General Pickens and [undecipherable] and such [undecipherable] General Pickens decisions and other good men to run the line, in the presence of two or three of the beloved Men of Georgia and others and more the Greeks may appoint. [undecipherable] That he will request his beloved Men to attend at the [undecipherable] at [undecipherable] the Suwanee Mountains where the running will be commenced and where they will expect to see the beloved Men of the Greeks. To these explanatory remarks you will add such others as occur to yourself and are grounded in truth and likely to prove satisfactory. In the course of making these communications, you will take occasion to ascertain in the most unequivocal manner whether the nation is disposed to sell the tract of land to the State of Georgia which lays between the [undecipherable] [undecipherable] and [undecipherable] [undecipherable] and from the junction of the Oconee and Ockmulgee to the head of [undecipherable] [undecipherable]; and if they are, the terms upon which they will part with it. They may be told, if inclined to sell, that the President will make known this desire to the State of Georgia and have the Bargain, should the terms be acceptable to Georgia, concluded in their own nation. Having finished this business you will fix upon some Town within the Nation for your residence where you have most influence and best discharge the peculiar duties of your appointment. The laws and treaties which relate to the Indians, recognize as [undecipherable] many objects, their civilization and keeping them in peace, and make provision of means calculated to effect these salutary and benevolent purposes. To lead the Indians in [undecipherable] [undecipherable] from the savage to the [undecipherable] [undecipherable], [undecipherable] [undecipherable], is [undecipherable] of your mission. [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] is [undecipherable] answer to [undecipherable] [undecipherable] of a [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] among them. He is who in [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] opinion [undecipherable] the United States [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] to [undecipherable] [undecipherable] him [undecipherable] from invasion; to [undecipherable] inform all his promises [undecipherable] has been made them; and besides that the aim of the United States is virtually incompatible to be doubted. Hence it is reasonable to hope that as something effectual may be done towards their civilization; that what has been long contemplated is not far distant; and that the time is at length arrived to [undecipherable] the poor Indians [undecipherable] the same means which will preserve them in peace, and attach to the United States and those who advise and do them to attend [undecipherable] the more honourable fame. — At present as heretofore, the [undecipherable] support of the Indian is [undecipherable] from hunting and trapping. What he procures by these practices is solely to administer to his wants. As this mode of life necessarily continues him insolent, savage and unable to civilize him he must be weaned from it by attracting him to other pursuits by which he may obtain a life less precarious and more comfortable [undecipherable] [undecipherable]. The Indian will have advanced one step towards this point when he shall discover that he has it in his power to provide more abundantly for his wants or pleasures, by raising horses, cattle or grains — [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] will [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] a [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] — [undecipherable] It is [undecipherable] Alt [undecipherable] In a [undecipherable] upon [undecipherable] [undecipherable] proportion [undecipherable] the Indian [undecipherable] is made to experience this distinction he will gradually and absolutely desert hunting and [undecipherable] [undecipherable] follows it only as an occasional amusement. As the raising of stock is an employment more congenial to the habits of the Men than the labours of Agriculture [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] to compare the breed of those which they have. With respect to Agriculture. You will use your best endeavours to engage it among them and to bring the men to take a share in its toils. For this purpose you will help them to such implements for tillage as they may stand in need of and as you have reason to believe will be usefully employed. If Individuals can be attracted to these employments and are found to draw more enjoyments in consequence from the sale of their remaining flocks than those who have nothing to dispose of, but thine, then example and more enjoyment it is expected will gradually extend itself through the Nation. There is another object which will claim a certain portion of your attention. It is hoped that the manufacture of coarse Woollen, Cotton, and [undecipherable] may be obtained by means of the women and girls. Should these circumstances favour this hope, you will take measures to furnish them a loom and [undecipherable] [undecipherable] the necessary apparatus and an Instructor. Upon it may be desirable to commence this experiment under your own — [undecipherable] give by having a kind of School [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] a certain number of Indian Women and Girls may be taught spinning and weaving by some steady Woman [undecipherable] [undecipherable] employed. What [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] these are [undecipherable] the most docile and dispose [undecipherable] [undecipherable] payments than men, and that [undecipherable] may be taught them in a few months; after which, it will in some means [undecipherable] [undecipherable] from the [undecipherable] [undecipherable] and will force on those who understand it. The [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] with clothing or dispose in exchange for [undecipherable] articles as they would not be able to procure otherwise. To facilitate these several objects it will be necessary that you should visit their Towns from time to time to examine the effects of your instructions [undecipherable] distribute your praise in proportion to merit. After a while you will be furnished with Medals to be bestowed as a further incentive upon the most industrious and [undecipherable]. — It would, it is thought, answer these establishments [undecipherable] well as answer other important ends, were there undertaken to be chosen by each Town in what is a national council once a year, at the place where you shall reside. The advantages of such a council are manifold. Each Town or Tribe could there state its improvements or wants and receive advice or help, as the case in other [undecipherable] proposes [undecipherable] or necessity. [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] grievances and [undecipherable] whether they were susceptible of being relieved, hear your complaints against such of their people as had violated the treaty and fix upon the best mode of redress and preventing like offences in future. In a word it might be made as useful instrument to approximate them to a more civilized state and give the United States a more commanding influence over them; besides the — [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] without it you might [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] in [undecipherable] of a representation, the old [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] with his [undecipherable] [undecipherable] and [undecipherable] to preserve peace [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] with the Greeks [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] a Book [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] you design [undecipherable] [undecipherable] no [undecipherable] [undecipherable] you [undecipherable] forthwith resort him or [undecipherable] a [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] Government [undecipherable] of Georgia [undecipherable] [undecipherable] the Indians. That such [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] may be capable [undecipherable] [undecipherable] do them no [undecipherable] [undecipherable] on the United States offend [undecipherable] [undecipherable] suitably probably may be driven off by the — Indians [undecipherable] or the [undecipherable]. [undecipherable] [undecipherable] the [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] of [undecipherable] delivery to [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] name of [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] belonging to an Indians. [undecipherable] offence committed [undecipherable] of a fourth occasion, you will as soon as possible ascertain and [undecipherable] precision and have authenticated by the [undecipherable] in your power the value of [undecipherable] property so taken or destroyed, the nature of the offence committed, and [undecipherable] and make [undecipherable] of the name and case to the Governor of Georgia, and Agent for the Department of War that means may be taken to obtain restitution or justice. 3. Should it come to your knowledge that any Citizen [undecipherable] are upon returned, or the United States has made a settlement on any lands [undecipherable] or acquired or granted by treaty to any Indian Nation or [undecipherable] within your jurisdiction, you will give immediate notice of the names of [undecipherable] and the place where settled to the Officer of the Troops [undecipherable] under, commencing at the post nearest to the said [undecipherable] [undecipherable] of the State of Georgia, and should any Citizen [undecipherable] the United States survey or attempt to survey any of their land, by marking lines, or in any other manner, you will [undecipherable] [undecipherable] will require of every person being a Citizen of the United acting as a Trader who shall come within your knowledge — [undecipherable] [undecipherable] made a [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] as may [undecipherable] with such [undecipherable] occasions [undecipherable] this same time a [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] to the [undecipherable] [undecipherable] of training them, you [undecipherable] satisfaction for offences [undecipherable] by the [undecipherable] [undecipherable] section to the tribe to which the Indian belongs, who has committed the offence, if known, or to the nation [undecipherable] if unknown; and should satisfaction be refused or neglected to be made in the time prescribed you will inform the Agent for the department [undecipherable] of the neglect or refusal and the nation that the value of the property taken or destroyed will be deducted out of their annual stipend. The Agent for the department of War will be authorized to grant passes and licences and directed to report to you from time to time a list of the names of the persons to whom he has [undecipherable] them. But you will not receive at [undecipherable] with passes, his report will be [undecipherable] to [undecipherable] in [undecipherable] each Governor is only enabled to grant them; and as Subjects of a [undecipherable] [undecipherable] are authorized to trade without licences from the United States. It will however be of some use. It is required that [undecipherable] shall transmit half yearly to the [undecipherable] of War an estimate of the value in amount of the Articles or [undecipherable] which you [undecipherable] deem necessary for the succeeding half year to carry into [undecipherable] or [undecipherable] — [undecipherable] self or the Government [undecipherable] or approved [undecipherable] of all occurrences; [undecipherable] the name — [undecipherable] indicating the [undecipherable] [undecipherable] to [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] of Indians [undecipherable] [undecipherable] the names of those who — [undecipherable] will [undecipherable] communicate [undecipherable] which it is proper [undecipherable] to ensure [undecipherable] immediately informed You will employ as many assistants, not exceeding [undecipherable] as you may find necessary, who are to act as Interpreters and assign to them such places of residence and duties as arise out of your instructions, and can be discharged by them to the advantage of the United States. Their joint salary is not to exceed Two thousand dollars per Annum; and they may be dismissed at [undecipherable] and others appointed in their room. You and all persons acting under [undecipherable] as Assistants will take this [undecipherable] [undecipherable] be lodged with the Secretary of War [undecipherable] [undecipherable] I will well and truly [undecipherable] of the United States on [undecipherable] the Office of [undecipherable] as far as in my power, the execution of the Act passed by [undecipherable] 1796, entitled 'An Act to regulate trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes and to preserve peace on the frontiers', and all regulations [undecipherable] proceeding from the President of the United States. [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] and [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] to him to hold [undecipherable] [undecipherable] them subject to your orders. [undecipherable] This rank [undecipherable] of the [undecipherable] [undecipherable] to each person in the [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] number of [undecipherable] [undecipherable] the [undecipherable] entitle [undecipherable] to [undecipherable] which taken [undecipherable] entitle the bearer to [undecipherable] [undecipherable]. [undecipherable] a [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] consideration than we to [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] make motion as for [undecipherable] to the [undecipherable] of civilization with the execution of [undecipherable] with you are charged eight hundred dollars will be advanced you which you may expend on such [undecipherable] each object as your instructions contemplate. As this sum must of course be [undecipherable] you will in all cases where Receipts or Vouchers are [undecipherable] to [undecipherable] them to support a settlement. Your salary is fixed at two thousand dollars per Annum and twelve [undecipherable] a day, in the [undecipherable] thereof, to be computed at the Contract, rate of Rations at the principal frontier post. M^r Silas Dinsmore [undecipherable] Indian Agent, in the Cherokee Nation has received a set of Instructions similar to the above as wish he is directed to cooperate. He has also been authorized to appoint to the — [undecipherable] [undecipherable] carrying them into effect and [undecipherable] [undecipherable]. You are also [undecipherable] Nations as often as they may be [undecipherable] at times or more — may he [undecipherable] issued. By the Act to regulate trade and [undecipherable] with the Indian Tribes — [undecipherable] formed, the sum [undecipherable] may be expended [undecipherable] Nations. It [undecipherable] [undecipherable] among. It is [undecipherable] limited to [undecipherable] [undecipherable] connection — [undecipherable] is [undecipherable] necessary to [undecipherable] to the Greeks and [undecipherable] for the present and to require regular estimates as a guide for its distribution. It is [undecipherable] understood from your principal care being directed to [undecipherable] you are not to extend such help to [undecipherable] and [undecipherable] in your power [undecipherable] your judgment may be of service [undecipherable] you will therefore, as a matter of [undecipherable] and upon every [undecipherable] of your appointment, give these nations as much of [undecipherable] a general review of things may seem necessary [undecipherable] as you proceed it [undecipherable] [undecipherable] occasions and attend M^r Dinsmore with your advice and [undecipherable] if agreeable attend at their annual council should [undecipherable] also is a copy of his instructions. Given at the War Office of the United States, in Philadelphia, this eighth day of September A.D. 1796. — James McHenry [undecipherable] of War