Transcribe this: Creation of a School for Indian Children

In the first of these two letters, David Fowler wrote to Secretary of War Henry Knox on March 13, 1793, and two days later, Knox corresponded with General Israel Chapin regarding the matters Fowler discussed in his letter. Fowler, a Native American, is writing to Knox about the inhabitants of Brotherton, most of whom are poor as a result of being forced off their plantations and subsequently “lost all during [the] late war.” As a result of their economic condition, Fowler is obliged to ask for the assistance of the United States government in establishing a school for the children of Brotherton. Fowler states that he and his son have been traveling through New England “among the remnants of the tribes of Indian dwellings” that had been given to Brotherton by the Oneidas years ago in an attempt “to remove the White intruders.” The journey has resulted in much expense, and Fowler and his son also need a sum of money in order to return home.

Knox wrote to Chapin, the agent of Indian Affairs for New York, and sent him a copy of Fowler’s letter. Knox requests that Chapin look into Fowler’s request, and states that “if it should be your opinion, that granting his request would conduce to the general object of the United States” then Chapin should give a sum not exceeding fifty dollars per annum in order to establish the school. Knox notes that he provided Fowler with thirty dollars so that he and his son can travel home.

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