[87] 1^st Jan^y 1800 Sir, By a Letter from M^r Wells of the first instant I am informed that three Potawatamies plundered a M^r Smith of Detroit, on [undecipherable] River, as he was descending [the] [undecipherable] on his way from [undecipherable] to Vincennes, of two Bales of goods, on the 18^th Nov^r last. M^r Smith has addressed a petition to me praying that a part of the annuity to the nation may be stopped in order to make him satisfaction — he has also transmitted a list of the articles taken, but it is not authenticated. M^r Wells has been directed to make a representation to the nation, and to demand restitution or compensation — Should both be refused, I shall be obliged to you for orders how to proceed. M^r Wells writes that "nothing would be more pleasing to the traders and Indians than to hear that the trade would be confined to the Indian Towns, and that no liquors should be carried among them." I have the honor to be Sir Your obed^t Servant [undecipherable: A.T. Clary] [Gen. St. Clair Arthur] [Late [undecipherable] / 4 Man[?] 27 Jan^y 1800]