[Endorsed: 29 June 1797. Grants information. [undecipherable]] [Addressed: Honble / [undecipherable] / [Secretary of War?] / Philadelphia] [rec'd 18 July 1797] Canandaigua June 29, 1797 Sir I have this moment rec'd yours of the 8^th inst, and have but a moment to reply to it. I met Brant at Albany as I was going, and he returning from Philadelphia. I have not seen him since— he commonly speaks freely to me, and observ'd that was not that attention paid him, that there was when he visited Fort Knox, and that it was strange to observe that when Ind[ia]n services were important how much more attention was paid to them, which was a bad policy, as it would naturally tend to prompt them to hostilities &c. He however did not appear to shew any spite or give any ill treatments. Brant as well as [undecipherable] have [undecipherable] such reports among the Senecas that they have frequently been enquiring of me whether the United States had laid aside their friendship towards the Indians which gave me unspeakable trouble to remove them. If Brant at that time had any thing to communicate I believe he would have told it to me as he often does his matters and has expressed much friendship. He might have had something at the time of importance; and he has [undecipherable] obtained something since— an abstract of his letter I have just rec'd and inclose which I should not have committed to transmit to you. I am so well acquainted with the [undecipherable] I believe I can manage this matter with prudence & make it satisfactory. Perhaps some of the money may be necessary to be paid over to him. I have written to him of late and shall hear from him soon. I hear there is a letter from him to me now at Buffaloe Creek which will probably soon come to hand & shall soon be able to give you further information. I am Sir with every respect and esteem Y^r Obed^t Serv^t Isr Chapin ISRAEL CHAPIN Indian Superintendent [To] [undecipherable: possibly Jas.] McHenry Esq^r [Enclosure: Abstract of Capt. Brant's letter] West Niagara 16 June 1797 We have no news but that the French are endeavouring to insinuate themselves among the Indians to prevail on them to act both against the British & Americans. I am Dear Sir your friend and Obed^t Serv^t Signed Jos. Brant