[Archival notation: Misc. Chapin, Israel] [Nov. 2^d 1797] Canandaigua Octob. 19^th 1797 Hon. James McHenry Esq. on his Station Philadelphia [Free] Canandaigua Oct. 18. 1797 Sir By our last mail I expect you rec'd letters from the post Niagara by which I suppose they informed you something of their apprehensions, from some dangers that might arise from the Indians. During the summer past I have been watching their movements & have detected several speeches that originated from the Caughna-wagas that live near Montreall, being sent by them to the Onidas, and by the Onidas to the Onondagas who live a little west of them to forward the same to the Senekas and others who live west of this place. The runners gave me to understand something of their business, which was enough to learn [undecipherable] that the Cannada Indians were not well disposed. I suppose the French at the Northward & the Spaniards at the Southward have endeavored to disturb the minds of the Indians, and to prevail on them to be hostile towards the United States & I believe have had some success untill of late. I not long since had an interview with some Seneka Chiefs who lately returned from Montreall who had a talk with Sir John Johnson — Sir John told them that their Indians were something uneasy owing to wrong stories which has been circulated among them by wicked men. I have taken pains to inform the Six Nations that nothing more would contribute to their happiness than to attend to the voice of peace, that the United States would save them harmless from War if they would remain quiet, and not listen to the wrong stories which were spread by wicked and designing Men. I cannot discover any thing among the Six Nations but a peaceable disposition and believe the American Posts have had nothing to fear from them. The Six Nations have sold most of their land — excepting those of them who remain at Grand River — which has united their interest materially with the United States, which we conceive a circumstance will render us more secure from difficulties that might arrise from them. I am Sir with every respect your Obedient Serv't Israel Chapin [Hond James McHenry Esq] [Docket: Canandaigua 18. Oct. 1797 / Israel Chapin / [undecipherable] of the Indians / [undecipherable] / n^o 2 Nov. 97]