Pittsburg 30.^th Dec^ember 1796 Sir On the 25. instant Cap. Shaumburgh together with the Western Indians Chiefs & their Interpreters arrived here. They pressed Quarters for them, where they board at 5 dollars per week and they propose continuing here untill the Ohio is again Navigable how Long that may be is uncertain — at present there is no appearance of a change of Weather. Captain Shaumburgh says these Indians States have not been sustained in the article of Living much — consequently a considerable additional charge is occasioned thereby — this intends to have accomodates these people in the Barracks, but his Requests not, by any means, agree to — they said they were not treated in that manner in Phil^a My letter of the 26.^th August last informed you of my having purchased at Public auction of the Commissaries of the State of Penna a two lots at Le Bœuf which furnished [undecipherable] particularly necessary for the U. S. to [undecipherable] being appearing becoming acquainted with the funds on which the public buildings are erected. [undecipherable] on your application to the Legislature of Penna^a (which is now in Session) these lots will be ceded to the U. S. and I have presumed, Sir, that you will make the necessary application. Some time ago M^r Sam Hodgson informed me of a Quantity of Indian Goods coming forward intended for the Cherokees that they were to be sent to Fort Washington from whence he stated the Commanding Officer was to send them in charge of a Commissioned Officer But as the Navigation of the Ohio was impeded by Ice before these goods could be sent forward they are therefore still here, and there now to request to know in what manner they are to be sent from this place. Sam Sir Your ob^t Serv^t [signed] H.C. Hon^ble James McHenry Secy. at War