[Postal notation: Philad. 11 Nov. 1798 John McKee] The Honorable James M^cHenry Esq^r. Secretary of War. Philadelphia November 11^th 1798. Sir, In addition to the communications I have had the honor of making to you on the subject of Indian affairs, permit me to [undecipherable] your attention to the necessity of establishing, as early as possible, two trading houses on the Mississippi one at the Chickasaw Bluffs for the Chickasaws, and another at the Walnut Hills for the Choctaws, and such other tribes as might find it their interest to trade at these posts. You have been advised that the house of Panton Leslie &C° intend shortly to decline the Indian trade, and should the French obtain possession of the Floridas and Louisiana, and pursue their plan of disorganizing and clogging the Government of the United States, the Indians in that quarter will soon present themselves as instruments of aid, and will accordingly be attended to, and should large stores be opened at a Mobille, Mobille while Panton Leslie &C°. now have an establishment it will secure an influence among the Choctaws, that may be embarrassing to the Government. At present I expect P. f &C° would be willing to remove their Books to these posts, and appoint persons for the collection of their debts, provided they were assured of recieving the aid of the persons employed in those trading houses and of the such indulgences from the Government as would facilitate the effectual and prompt collection of their debts within the limits of the United States. — Stores established immediately, at these posts will put it out of the power of French or Spanish Agents to interrupt or oppose with success the objects of our Government; and I am far from relying on the assurances of the Spaniards that they will not interfere with the Indians within our limits, they wish the Choctaws to cross the Mississippi, and be a barrier between their settlements, and the tribes of Indians with which they are at war and there is no way so likely to effect their trans= migration as by sowing discord between them and the United States. I have the honor to be. with very great respect and esteem — Your obedient servant John McKee [The Hon^ble James M^cHenry Esq. Secretary of War.] [seal]