[Col Hamtramck N° 2 April 1. 1799] The Sec of War has transmitted me the a copy of his letter of the within Date — [undecipherable: probable reading "None"] of the 24 indicates the train in which it is desired that any Indian ^affairs may proceed. But I Shall be glad to be regularly advis'd of every interesting matter respecting their movements & views. He will direct the discharge of Jonas Steel & that he be provided with every document requisite towards his obtaining his rights from the Govern[ment]. In every case of this kind it is [undecipherable] on the [undecipherable] an attention not only [undecipherable] but [undecipherable] be [undecipherable] to be useful: [undecipherable] [Military pg 85.] Fort Wayne April 1^st 1799 Sir The last I had the honor of writing you was on the 8^th of March which contained the return of February — with this you will receive those of March In my letter of February I had the honor to enclose you a Speech I sent to the Potowato- mies of the Ketepicono respecting some horses they had stolen in Kentucky. Two of them have been brought in, but I believe three more are missing. The chief who brought them told me that the others were dead. I have since heard from other In- dians that it was not true. I believe that there is no other remedy for this violation of Treaty than by putting into execution the 14^th section of the act to regulate trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes, by making stoppages out of their annual stipend, and that the sooner it is done the better. That part of the Delawar Nation who [seven] miles from this Garrison on the river St Mary are, I am informed, moving to White river. This is to be much wished for as they have been for a year past of very great expense to us. This circumstance will reduce a great proportion of the issue of provisions made to the Indians. In my letter of January I informed you that a number of Pottowatomies had taken the Tomahawk against the Beanbashaws and that a number of the C[undecipherable]s were made prisoners, — since which I am informed that their misunderstanding has sub- sided and are again at peace with each other. I view this circumstance as a fortunate event for the Indians being at war with each other would more or less obstruct the navigation of the rivers, and upon the white people travelling thro' their country to be plundered by some of the parties. The navigation of the Miami River is now opened — I have sent a boat down for the last years clothing of the garrison which has been at the foot of the rapids ever since Janu- ary. It was brought there in sleighs from Detroit [pg 86.] but a thaw which took place prevented it to come further. I have the honor to signed J B Hamtramck The Hon^ble James McHenry Sec^y of War &c P.S. There is a soldier in my regiment by the name of Jonas Steel who has had both his legs broke in actual service, and is thereby rendered incapa- ble of ever doing the duty of a soldier. I beg leave to be authorised to erase him from the muster rolls and at the same time recommend him for a pension. The surgeon will at any time give him such a certificate as may be necessary. A flat loaded with a quantity of Military and quarter masters stores from this place, by order of Brigadier General Wilkinson descended the Wabash on the 27^th inst^o for the Natchez. It is apprehended that the French are tampering with the Indians — Informations will be com- municated as soon as obtained.