[address leaf: Cananadeagua Octo^r 19^th 1797 Hon^ble James McHenry Esquire Secy of War on — on a Petition O Philadelphia] [Free] [Misc. Chapin Israel, Nov 23 1183 (docket notation, inverted at top)] Cananadeaguas Oct^r 15 1797 Sir By our last mail I expect you red. letters from the Post Niagara by which I suppose they informed you something of their Apprehensions, from some danger that might arise from the Indians. During the Summer past I have been watching their movements & have detected several speeches that originated from the Caykin savages that live near Montreville, being sent by them to the Indians, and by the Indians to the Onondagas who live a little west of them to forward the same to the Senecas and others who live west of this place. The runners gave me to understand something of their business, which was enough to learn me that the Cannada Indians were not well disposed. I suppose the French at the Northward & the Spaniards at the Southward have endeavored to distract 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 has an interview with some Seneca Chiefs who lately returned from Montreville who had a talk with Sir John Johnson — Sir John told them that their Indians something wrong 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 could 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 & circumstances will render us more secure from difficulties that might arise from them. I am Sir with every respect your Obedient Serv^t Israel Chapin Honble James McHenry Esq^r [docket, verso: Cananandau Oct 15 1797 Israel Chapin respecting the disposition of the Six Nations — [no. 2 Nov 1717]]