Draft Letter

Resolution for establishing boundary lines with Indians

A congressional resolution, signed by Secretary Charles Thomson, establishing and empowering Indian commissioners.

1784

08

03

Charles Thompson

George Rogers Clark

Nathaniel Greene

Stephen Higgenson

Richard Butler

Philip Schuyler

Oliver Wolcott

Six Nations

Cherokees

Indians

Arthur Lee

citizens

committee of states

America

Northern Department

Middle Department

south

Seal of the United States

peace

boundaries

land claims

treaty

settlements

hunting grounds

resolution

concerning the establishment of peace with the said Indians

the extinguishing their claims and settling boundaries between them and the citizens of the United States

concerning the establishment of peace with the said Indians, the extinguishing their claims and settling boundaries between them and the citizens of the United States

1784080390001

1

The Committee of the States
To all, to whom these present shalt come or be made known send Greeting.
Know ye that among the archives and Records of the United States in Congress assembled
There is a commission and Resolution in the words following...viz


"The United States in Congress Assembled
To all who shall see these presents send Greeting
Whereas we have judged it proper that one or more convention or Conventions be held with the Indians residing within the boundaries of the
United States of America in the Northern and middle Department comprehending the whole of the Indians known by the name of the Six Nations, and all to the Northward and Westward of them, and as far South as the Cherokees exclusive, for the purposes of receiving them unto the favour and protection of the United States and of establishing boundary lines of property for separating and dividing the Settlements of the Citizens of the United States of America from the Indian Villages and hunting grounds, and thereby extinguishing as far as possible, all occasion of future animosities, disquiet and vexation and Whereas by our Letters patent under the Seal of the United States and bearing date the 12th day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and Eighty four, we nominated, constituted, and appointed our trusty and beloved George Rogers Clarke, Oliver Wolcott, Nathaniel Greene, Richard Butler and Stephen Higgenson our Commissioners, and by our Letters Patent under the Seal of the United States, bearing date the Eighth day of April, in the said year, we nominated constituted and appointed our trusty and beloved Phillip Schuyler a Commissioner in addition to our Commissioners aforesaid, giving and granting to them the said George Rogers Clarke, Oliver Wolcott, Nathaniel Greene, Richard Butler, Stephen Higgenson and Phillip Schuyler, or to any there or more of them, full power and authority for us and in our name to confer treat, agree and conclude with the Said Indians or with any Nation or tribe of Indians within the boundaries of the United States or bordering thereon, in the northern and middle departments aforesaid. And Whereas Nathaniel Greene and Stephen Higgenson whom we had appointed two of our Commissioners have declined that office, and, we have thought proper to appoint two other Commissioners in their stead, Now therefore Know ye that we have revoked and by these present revoke all power and authority given and granted by our Letters patent aforesaid to the said Nathan Greene and Stephen Higgenson, and reposing special trust and confidence in the integrity, prudence and ability of our trusty and beloved Benjamin Lincoln & Arthur Lee, have nominated, constituted and appointed them the said Benjamin Lincoln and Arthur Lee. our Commissioners in the room and stead of the Said Nathaniel Greene and Stephen Higgenson. And we also by these present nominate, constitute and appoint the said George Roger Clarke, Oliver Wolcott, [Written in between lines in another hand: George Rogers Clark] Richard Butler, Phillip Schuyler, Benjamin Lincoln and Arthur Lee [Inserted above: Samuel H Parsons], and Samuel H Parsons our Commissioners, giving and granting to them the said George Rogers Clarke, Oliver Wolcott, Richard ButlerPhillip Schuyler, Benjamin Lincoln & [undecipherable] and to any there one or more of them full power and authority for us and in our name to confer, meat, agree and conclude with the said Indians, or with any Nation or tribe of Indians within the boundaries of the United States or bordering thereon in the Northern and middle departments aforesaid of and concerning the establishment of peace with the said Indians, the extinguishing their claims, and Setting boundaries between them and the Citizens of the United States in a simple form and with the same effect as if we were personally present and [aded] therein; hereby promising to hold [undecipherable] and to fulfill and execute whatever shall be agreed upon, concluded and signed by our Said Commissioners or any three or more of themor one, two or more of them. In Testimony whereof we have caused the Seal of the [United States] [undecipherable line] United States [undecipherable] the [Seventy year] day of [undecipherable] of our Lord one Thousand Seven hundred & Eighty four and of our [Sovereignty] and Independence the Eighth


By the United States in Congress assembled June 3, 1783
Resolved, That the Commissioners for negotiating with the Indians or any two of them being a majority of these present be empowered to do the business of the Commission, and to appoint a Secretary, Messengers, Interpreters, Store keepers and such [undecipherable] as they may find necessary, and to agree with them for their pay for withstanding show draw [warrant] on the Treasury


All which we have caused to the [undecipherable] and in testimony thereof have caused the Seal of the United States to be hereunto [affected] [W Chiefs Charles Thompson secondary] and keeper of the great Seal this third day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty four and the ninth year of the Sovereignty & independence of the United States of America.--Rw1500 00:11, 5 January 2012 (EST)