August 23^th 1797 Extract of a letter from E.P. fractor of the Indian trade to the Secretary of War There is a considerable sum of Money in the hands of the troops now at this Garrison. if the factory was Supplied with groceries and some other articles Suitable for there use. it would afford profits to the Public Sufficient to defray many expences and to cover a number of losses which must unavoidably occur the soldiers being pretty Strictly confined on the Indian side they have Scarcely any other way of Supporting themselves with such little Necessaries as they want this I Submit the propriety of to your better consideration. Answer September 26^th 1797 on an extract from Sam^d Lewis Sec^ty Elk. I have communicated your letter of the 25 Ult^s to the Secretary of War who is now near Downingtown, he has directed me to write you informing you that he has for the reasons you have Suggested ordered M^r Francis to purchase and M^r Harris to forward Groceries which as you may dispose of to the Garrison — Col. H Gaither [In] This above is extract of my letter to the Secretary of War and his answer — I have, no doubt the factory of this trade after the Comprehension of the federal Officers to be places for the Interest of the U.S. from delay to discovering among the Officers some of positions to the limits of purchasing out of the U.S. factory such as Merchants and Citizens are, which changes be resting to circumvent army regulations. Supposed caution for the procurering of goods better on the Garrison — Col. H. Gaither ordered one whom he ever have, to dispose same notes as a substitute for change. I am desirous of there is any young, theorem I could go to the Public. M^r H. Callit. I found a considerable numbers and I believe all the given by the loss and disturb them of these. Indiscriminately grow I am Sir With due respect Yours Obedient Ser^t Edward Price F.W. May 9^th 1798 [EDITOR'S NOTE Pages 10 to 32 inclusive are blank. It was probably the factor's intention to copy on these pages letters sent between January 25 and December 20, 1796. Drafts of some such letters are among the loose papers of the Creek Trading House.]