Talk of the Secretary of War to the Chiefs and Warriors, Representatives of Wyandots, Delawares, Shawanoes, Ottawas, Chippewas, Putawatimes, Miamis, del River, Weas, Kickapoos, Piankashaws, and Kaskaskias. The President has considered the request which has been made to him for the relinquishment of a certain part of the land granted by the Treaty, and for the Establishment of a new boundary line and now inform you, that the treaty having been ratified by the Senate of the United States cannot be altered or changed by him. It does not prejudice the treaty, that some Individuals of any of the Nations comprehended in it, were not present at its formation. Were this to be the case, things must forever remain in a State of confusion, and treaties be rendered of no effect, as often as any Individual of any Nation should say that he had not consented thereto. To avoid therefore such consequences, tho' a treaty may not be entirely pleasing in all its parts to every Individual of the Nation, it is necessary notwithstanding, for the preservation of the general peace that the engagements entered into should be preserved inviolate. For these reasons the President has no doubt that the Nations who are party to the treaty will see the propriety and necessity of its being faithfully observed, — more especially, as the observance is of consequence to maintain the present friendship and good understanding which happily exists between the United States and those Nations. The President, desirous of giving to those of his Children who have come to see him a proof of his personal regard, has requested his beloved Secretary of War, to have them furnished with such presents as they have pointed out, as well for themselves as for some of their friends, who have remained at home. He has also signed, for each of the Chiefs now present, a testimonial of his affection, which he by entitling them to the protection of his Warriors, he hopes will draw the bonds of friendship closer between them. The President informs Mue-ca-te-wa-saw or the Black Chief that as the Silver Smith mentioned by him to have settled near his village may be useful to the Inhabitants he has no objection to his remaining there with his family on the land which may have been assigned to him. But the Black Chief must not consider this as an Authority to sell the Land to the Silver Smith, but only for him to remain on it so long as he may be useful to the Village. Should the Whites know that any land had been sold by the Red people they would pour in upon them, under pretext of buying, in such numbers, as would soon fill their country. The President will keep in mind the request made in favor of William Wells, to reside on the Wabash and for persons to teach you husbandry. He has already told you that when you Shall shew a sincere desire to raise Stock, and to improve in husbandry, that the United States will assist you; in the mean while he has no objections to M^r Wells residing on the Wabash. He now wishes you a good Journey and a safe arrival in your respective Nations. By command of the President of the United States — signed James McHenry. Sec^y of War. War Office December 8^th 1796.