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Transcription Project

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  Letter from Federal Commissioners Sandusky conference to Chiefs of Six Nations regarding end of peace talks

  Commissioners resending message to Chiefs of Six Nations. They also inform the Chiefs of the break down in peace talks over the Council at rapids of Miami River insistence that Ohio River be mutually agreed upon as the boundary between Indian and United States lands. Commissioners will return home with the first fair wind for Ft. Erie, and report proceedings to President of United States General George Washington.
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  Response from Federal Commissioners for Sandusky Conference to General Council at rapids of Miami speech of 13 August 1793

  Response to Council of Miami Rapids speech of 13 August 1793 [received 16 August and submitted on the same day] and relayed via two Wyandot runners from Captain Elliott's at the mouth of the Detroit River. Addressed to the Chiefs and Warriors of the Indian Nations assembled at the foot of the Miami Rapids. The commissioners restate that it is impossible to make the Ohio River the the boundary between Indian lands and the lands of United States. Commissioners state that, since the Council has made this point non-negotiable, the treaty proceedings must therefore come to an end. Commissioners express regret that peace was not the result.
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  Indian Council at rapids of Miami River response to Federal Commissioners' speech of 31 July

  From the Indian Council at the foot of the rapids of Miami, written 13 August, delivered by two Wyandot runners, arrived to Commissioners 16 Aug. This is reply to the Federal Commissioner's Speech of 31 July 1793. Reason for delay was need to conduct multiple interpretations to Nations and the need to answer fully. Refer to treaties held at Fort Stanwix, Fort McIntosh and Miami and commissioners' statement that papers from these treaties were sent to a General Council of the States, who then proceeded to dispose of the land ceded. They reply that the states' intent was not to make a treaty, but to force the attendees to sign over land. Regarding General St. Clair's meetings in 1789, the General Council stated that it was agreed that no land sales would be considered binding unless approved by the General Council. Nevertheless, the commissioners at that time persisted in collecting a few chiefs of two or three nations and held a treaty for the session of an immense country. Those who made these sales were not authorized to do so. How can we have peace, when the day before the Treaty of Ft Harmar, the commissioners were told that the consent of the General Council was required in order to convey any lands to United States? On the United States wish to have confirmation of lands ceded by Treaty of Ft Harmar and to George Rogers Clark and the promise of money and goods in exchange. Authors note that money is of no value, and to most Indians, it is unknown. As no consideration can induce the sale of land, Council suggests the following: Take all that money to be given to the Indians, and all the money spent to maintain your armies and use it to pay the settlers to move off of our land. Council members state that they want peace too, but in order to have peace, they must have their land back. They do not acknowledge the authority of the King of England to hand over Indian land to the United States by a treaty of peace [Treaty of Paris]. On the subject of pre-emption and the United States claim of having exclusive right to purchase Indian land, Council members state that they never made any agreement on this matter. At the General Council at the Glaize in the fall of 1792, it was agreed to meet if the commissioners agreed that the boundary line must include the Ohio river. State that they will not meet unless there is satisfaction on this point. Point out that they are asking for restoration of a small part of what was once their great country. They can retreat no farther, because the country behind is not sufficient to afford food. Thus, they state their resolve to leave their bones in this small place. Only if the commissioners concede on the Ohio River boundary issue, will the Council be persuaded that there is justice in mind. The Ohio River boundary issue was something the Council calls the "great point" and it is their wish that the matter had been understood by the federal commissioners before they left their home. Signed by Wyandots; Pottawatomies; Seven Nations of Canada; Delawares; Shawanese; Miamis; Ottawas; Chippewas; Senekas of Glaize; Connoys; Munsees; Nantakokies; Mohicans; Messagues; Creeks; Cherokees;
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  Message to Indian Nations at the Rapids of Miami requesting an answer to speech given 14 days ago

  On 13 August 1793, commissioners concluded to send a message to Indian nations assembled at the foot of Rapids of Miami River. In letter dated 14 August, and written at Captain Elliot's place, they point out that it has been 15 days since they delivered their speech to the deputies at Captain Elliot's place at the mouth of the Detroit River. Commissioners note that they were promised a speedy answer, but none has arrived. Note that it is time to conclude the business; summer is almost over and there is no treaty. They express commitment to peace and ample justice; but if there is to be no treaty or peace, commissioners ask to be informed so they may go home.
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  Journal entry: decision by Federal Commissioners to proceed without delay to Miami River

  Commissioners have received no information from the Indian Council at rapids of Miami and have decided to proceed to Miami bay or river in order to communicate and receive an answer. Captain Ford, commander of vessel Dunmore, contacted by letter.
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  Journal entry on report from Senekas [Senecas] regarding Council at rapids of Miami and prospects for peace

  King's Vessel named Chippewa arrived from Detroit, bound for Fort Erie with Senekas aboard. The Senekas are known to General Chapin and Jones, interpreter. Report from one says 4 nations want war. Six Nations chiefs planned to addressed them more than is customary. If no success, would go home. Farmer's Brother suggesting no peace will be made. Both six nations and seven nations of Canada want peace. Both Farmer's Brother and Captain Brant spoke at the council. Messasagues, [Massasauga], Chippewas and Ottawas are strong for peace.
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  Journal entry on prospects for peace from Council at Miami River

  Some Munsee and Chippewas came to see the Commissioners from United States. Report that chiefs want peace. Some are going home. Some want peace so they can return to hunting without fear or interruption. Captain Bunbury [British escort for the Commissioners], said that one of the Indians that arrived on this day is an Ottawa. This Indian said the Shawanese and others were strong for war and will not be dragged into a peace by the other nations.
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  Journal entry regarding disposition of proceedings of Indian Council at Miami relative to peace and war

  Captain Hendrick's men report that the Indian Council at Miami is for peace, with exception of Shawanese, Wyandots, Miamis and Delawares, who eventually yielded to the peaceful opinions of others. Commissioners should receive invitation from confederated nations to meet council at mouth of Miami River this week
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  Speech of Wyandot Chief Sa-wagn-da-wunk to the Federal Commissioners for Sandusky Conference

  In reply to Federal Commissioner's Speech at Captain Elliot's mouth of Detroit River previous afternoon. Interpreted by Simon Girty. Chief says he understood the speech on previous day. Says the treaties mentioned were incomplete because they only included a few chiefs. He disputes the claim that United States bought the land. This matter was settled by Sir William Johnston [British Superintendent Indian Affairs]. The land north of the Ohio belongs to Indians. In response to claim that settlers cannot be moved out, Chief says neither can the Indians give up the land. Says he is sorry no agreement can be made, but that boundary line on the Ohio River was established years ago. We don't say much, there has been much mischief on both sides. Chief will talk to the head Warriors. Tells commissioners to go back and tell Washington what has been said. The council fires broke up and interpreter Elliot pointed out that last part of speech was wrong and that commissioners should wait for an answer. The commissioners agreed to wait for a response from the council on Miami Rapids, but asked that an answer be provided without delay.
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  Speech of Commissioners of United States to deputies of confederated Indians assembled at the rapids of Miami River

  Speech given by Federal Commissioners at the close of the afternoon on 31 July 1793 to the Indian Deputation of confederated Indian Nations assembled at Captain Elliot's a the mouth of the Detroit River. To avoid further confusion, the deputation gave the federal commissioners a paper stating "this is the meaning of our hearts." Signed by Wyandots, Delawares, Shawanese, Miamis, Mingoes, Pattawatonnies, Ottawas, Connoys, [Conoys], Chippewas, Munsees. Commissioners express surprise that a full understanding not met by the previous group of deputies; they seemed sober and attentive enough. Suggest that keeping the commissioners at a distance and not meeting at Sandusky is counterproductive to reaching peace agreement. It has been 60 days already beyond the appointed time of opening treaty talks. Commissioners acknowledge that Treaty of Stanwix 25 years ago established Ohio River as boundary line. But 7 years after, a quarrel broke out between father, the King of Great Britain, and the colonies, now the United States. The quarrel was ended by a Treaty with the King of England about 10 years ago whereby the lake and the waters which unite them were declared the boundary of United States. Now that there is peace with King of England, the commissioners come to make peace with all the Indian Nations. Refer to Treaty of Stanwix and then Treaty of Ft. McIntosh, followed by other treaties made with diverse Indian Nations south of Ohio River. As a result of these prior treaties, large tracts of land were ceded to United States, resulting in white settlements. The French also settled. There was dissatisfaction with these previous treaties, so Governor St. Clair attempted to resolve the disputes. Commissioners make reference to Treaties of Fort Stanwix, Fort Harmar and Fort McIntosh. The United States hoped to gain peace from these Treaties, but did not. It is impossible now to make the Ohio River the boundary; there are too many improvements, settlements by whites on the north side of the Ohio River. Mention that a large tract was sold to Pennsylvania by the Delaware and Wyandots, of which there has been no complaint. Commissioners pause to state that they will present this speech in writing. They want the Indians to give up the lands they agreed to cede in the Treaty of Fort Harmar and by General George Rogers Clark [during Revolutionary War], for the use of himself and his warriors. In consideration, the United States will give up large sums of money, skins, furs and goods, and a yearly rent for the benefit of yourselves and children forever. They point out that the King of England no longer has any rights or claims to United States land. This pointed out by Lord Dorcester at Quebec [also known as Guy Carleton, 1st Baron Dorchester, Governor of Quebec]. Commissioners go on to claim particular tracts by the right of pre-emption. Speech interpreted by Mr Jones in Seneka tongue and was said to be well understood by Wyandot Chief Sa-wagh-do-wunk and members of his deputation and Simon Girty. Exchange of wampum took place. Deputation promised to make reply next morning.
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  Letter from Federal Commissioners Sandusky Conference to Governor Simcoe

  Simcoe conveys that British officers will attend Sandusky Conference. Chief of Senekas [Senecas] believes that open communication with Governor Simcoe on treaty would have salutary effect; Governor will give his opinion about it. Presence of officers would add to security. [Same day, separate note from Governor Simcoe]. Governor is impressed by the importance of the negotiations and will help it become successful. Acknowledges the unfounded reports and deep rooted prejudices among the Indians. Simcoe denies that he told the Mohawks to make peace but not to give up land to United States. Simcoe reiterates British policy of uniting American Indians in order that the the wishes of the tribes be more fully expressed and to gain universal concurrence on treaties.
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  Federal Commissioners note to Governor Simcoe on Sandusky Conference proceedings

  Federal Commissioners beg leave to suggest the following to Governor Simcoe of Upper Canada. Request that all proper means be used to ensure success. Ask the Governor for assistance in making preparatory arrangements; that all the efforts will be fruitless unless means are used to counteract the deep seated prejudice against whites based on the acts of a few. As an example, Commissioners point out that the Declaration of Mohawk from Grand River states that Governor Simcoe encourages Indians to make peace, but not to give up any land to the United States. United States is willing to make ample compensation for lands. Ask for military presence to help induce the Indians to negotiate with confidence the terms of peace. Based on sales and settlements, founded on Treaties of Ft. McIntosh and Ft. Harmar, the Ohio River cannot be the boundary line.
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  Journal entry, invitation to General Chapin to attend proceedings at Sandusky

  During a meeting of commissioners held on 26 June 1793, it was thought expedient to invite General Israel Chapin, Superintendent of Six Nations, to attend the treaty at Sandusky. Chapin accepted after being assured of reasonable compensation for his services.
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  Remarks from Captain Brant in the name of the Deputies, addressed to Governor Colonel Simcoe

  N.B. at the Council held at Niagara, before the arrival of the Federal Commissioners, Captain Brant spoke with Upper Canada Governor Colonel Simcoe. Brant gives greetings and expresses peaceful intentions and presents Wampum. Simcoe remarked that he was happy to see them well, and as the commissioners wished to meet the Indians in Simcoe's presence, he should be glad to hear what they have to say. [An asterisk says the commissioners expressed no such thing; they merely consented to the measure because it was the wish of the Indians. See 5 July proceedings.] The copy of the address and answer from the Governor came from his Secretary Major Littlehales.
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  Letter from Federal Commissioners for Sandusky conference to Henry Knox on western Indian refusal to make peace

  From Lake Erie, the Federal Commissioners for Sandusky Conference report that western Indians have refused to make peace. Did not receive chance to meet with them, except for the deputation at Niagara. Waited at Detroit River. On 29 July 1793 Captain Elliott came with another deputation of Indians, headed by Packonchelas, Head Warrior of Delawares, Kakiapalathy, Head Warrior of Shawanese, and Sawaghdawank, Headman of Wyandots. They asked if commissioners had authority regarding the fixing of the Ohio River boundary line between whites and Indians. The commissioners answered in the affirmative, and explained why United States could not make the Ohio River the boundary. Commissioners related the prospect of concessions and annual compensations. There was as error in communication regarding whether the commissioners should stay or go home, which was cleared up. By 8 Aug, prospects for peace looked favorable. Six Nations, Captain Brant and Mohawks held fast together wishing for peace. Less in favor of peace were Wyandots, Delawares, Shawanese and Miamis. With no answer by 12 August, commissioners proposed to go to Miami bay or mouth of Miami River, which was refused. Commissioners then sent notice demanding decisive answer on whether treaty was to be held or not. Reply was in the negative, so the commissioners embarked and sailed for Ft Erie. Six Nations indicated they knew nothing of this answer. Commissioners gave assurance of the strong friendship between Six Nations and United States. Chiefs of Six Nations wanted commissioners to stay at Buffalo Creek. Commissioners directed them to meet with General Chapin instead. Commissioners then go on to explain the transmittal of correspondence to Major General Wayne explaining the break down of the talks. They arrived at Fort Erie on 23 August, having prepared correspondence on the voyage. Estimated numbers at council at Miami Rapids: from the British agents fifteen hundred; Federal Commissioners estimate less.
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  Letter from Federal Commissioners for Sandusky conference to Henry Knox on western Indian refusal to make peace

  The Commissioners detail the failed efforts to negotiate peace with the Indians. The Indian Council wanted the boundary to be the Ohio River, a term to which the United States would not agree. The Commissioners met with the Chiefs of the Six Nations following the council.

• Fortification of the Ports of South Carolina

  As Commander in Chief of the South Carolina Militia, Governor Moultrie is told to provide for the fortifications of the ports of his State.
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  Pay of Captain Joseph Elliott, Lieutenant Henry Muhlenberg, William Steel Surgeon's Mate

  Pay of $206 to Captain Joseph Elliott, Lieutenant Henry Muhlenberg, William Steel Surgeon's Mate at Mud Island Fort, including forage and men under command of Captain Elliott.
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  Payment of Private Robert Coane and Private John Lockner, soldiers servants of Brigadier General Wilkinson

  Simmons certifies payment of $26.53 to Private Robert Coane and $19.87 to Private John Lockner, soldiers, servants to Brigadier General Wilkinson.
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  Estate of Corporal John Chase for pay in Captain Bone’s Company

  Simmons certified payment of $28.00 to the estate of John Chase for pay as a corporal in Captain Bone’s Company from 1 April to 18 September 1793, the date of his death. Money is payable to William Snodgrass, who is the attorney to Samuel Perkins, the administrator of estate.
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  Certification of Payment to Corps of Artillerists and Engineers Stationed at West Point

  Simmons certifies payment of $945.50 for pay and forage to Corps or Artillerists and Engineers stationed at West Point, New York for month of November 1796, to be transmitted to Nicholas Fish, Supervisor of New York, and paid to Lieutenant Nehemiah Freeman.
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  Certification of payment; Corps of Artillerists and Engineers stationed at West Point

  Simmons certifies payment of $2336 to Corps of Artillerists and Engineers stationed at West Point, New York pay and forage month of May 1796 to be transmitted to Nicholas Fish and then to George Fleming.
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  Certification of payment; detachment of Sub Legion stationed at West Point for service of the Ordnance Department

  Simmons certifies payment of $73.00 detachment of Sub Legion stationed at West Point for service of the Ordnance Department for March 1796.
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  Pay of George Hardwick and William Long, Scouts of Clark County Kentucky

  Simmons certifies payment of $100.00 to George Hardwick and William Long, Scouts of Clark County Kentucky, Scouts of Clark County Kentucky.
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  Certification of payment; Scouts of Logan County Kentucky

  Simmons certifies payment of $103.34 to the Scouts of Logan County Kentucky for pay and services from 23 April to 23 June 1795 per certificate of Governor Shelby.