New York May 23rd 1799 Extract of a Letter You are aware that the Governor of the Northwestern Territory and of the Mississippi Territory and Ex Officio Superintendants of Indian Affairs, the management of those affairs under the direction of the Secretary of War ascertains to them, the Military in this District are only to be Auxiliary to their plans and measures; In saying this, it must not be understood that they are to direct Military dispositions and Communications and Operations, but they are to be the Organs of all Negotiations & Communications between the Indians and the Government they are to determine when and where supplies are to be furnished to those people and what other Accommodations they are to have. The Military in Regard to all such matters are only to aid as far as their Cooperation may be Required by the Superintendants, avoiding interference without previous concert with them or otherwise than in conformity with their views. this will exempt the military from a Responsibility which had better rest elsewhere. The Communications is made in conformity with an instruction from the Secretary of War who desires that the Military Officers may be required to Refer the Indians in all matters relating to their National affairs or grievances to the Governor of the Northwestern Territory and the Governor of the Mississippi Territory or the temporary Indian Agent nearest to their Post as occasion may require and that the Commandants of the Posts in the Mississippi Territory may be instructed to furnish on the order of Governor Sargent when they can be spared such rations for the Indians who may visit the said Posts as he may from time to time direct. (Signed)A. Hamilton Col. Hamtramck