[Mr Hawkins to the Sec at War, inclosed in his of 29 ^th] Camp of the Commissioners 23 of May 1799. on Hoe, nacali 40 Miles N. of Pensacola I wrote you on the 16^th ultimo. I left the lower Creeks on the next day and arrived at Pensacola the 25^th where I had the pleasure to meet the Commissioners and where after a conversation on the subject it was agreed that the proper place for the meeting and conference of the Indians would be at or near the line. The place being agreed on I sent a Runner to direct the Indians to it. I called on the Governor with the Commissioners who informed him of the time and place agreed on for the conference with the Indians. I told the Governor that to do away all improper impressions heretofore made on the minds of the Indians in relation to the line the Governor and Commissioners must declare publicly to them, that there was a clear understanding in this business between Spain and the United States, that the treaty was the guide to both, that the U.S. and Spain were friends and were acting as such in running the line between their Territory. The Governor assured us that he would attend the conference of his health permitted and co operate with the Commissioners. He was not able to attend, but he sent Col. M^cSaint who with the Commissioner of Spain said what was proper to the Indians. The issue of the conference was as favorable as we could wish. The Chiefs furnished the number of Guides and Hunters required by the treaty with us and appear desirous that the whole business should be done with safety to the parties. If there should be any opposition it will come from the Seminolees who live in East Florida. I have given my opinion to the Commissioners of Spain of the conduct proper to be pursued in relation to them and go this day to Pensacola to have a more perfect understanding on the business. I have the honor to be, very respectfully yr your ob^t Servant, [signed] Benjamin Hawkins. The Honble James McHenry Secretary of War