[Docket: 28 March 1800 / Maj Gen Henry Knox] Philad 28 March 1800 Dear Sir, Mr Silas Dinsmore who was appointed by you, as temporary agent for the Cherokee Nation of Indians, having lately resigned the appointment, has gone [undecipherable] for the [undecipherable] received [undecipherable] over [undecipherable] [undecipherable] for remuneration of the [undecipherable] upon producing his [undecipherable] for Settlement - has received the amount of what was due for his Salary at $[undecipherable] dollars per annum - but reserved, or [undecipherable] not to [undecipherable], a[n] claim and which he states [undecipherable] to be entitled to, for remuneration of the extraordinary expenses, he was unavoidably [undecipherable] to, in entertaining Indians, and for [undecipherable] provided by himself, and their support, without which he would not have exercised his functions. His statement is, That the appointment, at the time it was made, was known to be hazardous, and difficult, That you fixed his [undecipherable] at $1000 dollars per [undecipherable] and [undecipherable] of support, tendered four [undecipherable] rations a day - That foreseeing - The unsettled disposition [of] the Indians, would require [undecipherable] from him, and [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable], and [undecipherable] extraordinary expense - as well as [undecipherable] attention only, could tend to conciliate them to the U.S. and give effect to his agency, he refused or declined [undecipherable] considering the four rations as an equivalent for his expenses in entertaining Indians, and on the frequent journeys he was obliged to make, through the Nation for different and useful purposes. That upon his offering this objection, it was agreed and understood by you. That it was not necessary to make any alteration, but that if the four rations per diem were found insufficient, the difference should be made up. He further States That upon his departure from the Seat of Government, he was told by you to provide his own horses which he did, and claiming afterwards for [undecipherable] - But that being represented to him, on the [undecipherable] thought he fully understood, that the Salary was to be exclusive or clear of other expense incurred directly for the public service - he has always supposed the intention was to pay him for those [undecipherable: horses?] - & he has conclusively [undecipherable] for the same - Mr Dinsmore has never received any compensation for the four rations per diem - and now demands full & equitable fulfillment of what he considers amounts to a Contract with him - The [undecipherable] [strikethrough: [undecipherable]] [undecipherable] allowed to him, of the reasonable and necessary expenses, incurred by him directly for the public service - I have to request [undecipherable] you will be pleased to advise me, what your recollection is, of the circumstances attending Mr Dinsmore's appointment, and the engagements, made explicitly or in [undecipherable] - respecting his remuneration - This Claim is now before Congress - from whom a reference is made to me - Your opinion of the justice of it or otherwise will enable me to make a[n] [undecipherable], more [undecipherable] to the Committee and to myself as [undecipherable] It is proper to add, that from every information, that has come to my knowledge, Mr Dinsmore appears to have conducted himself, as a humane, intelligent and virtuous, and upright servant of the Public I am D[ea]r very truly [signature illegible] [Maj Gen Henry Knox]