Autograph Letter Signed

Notification of Appointment

Official notification of appointment as Agent for Cherokee Indians and enclosed act of Congress that approved the appointment. Some guidelines for performing job outlined. Appointment was due to Martin's influence with Cherokee Nation. Enclosed document that stated Congressional attention to the affairs of the Southern Indians.

1788

06

23

War Office

Joseph Martin

Henry Knox

agent

Cherokees

Indian Nation

Indians

tribe

Southern Indians

War Office

south

territories

transaction

relief

appointment

act

notification

protection

defense

Indian relations

relief

peace

friendship

1788062300001

1

[Image needs rotating to the left by 90 degrees for legibility.]
[undecipherable] Mr Knox —
[unclear] 23d 88 —
Directions [or Directives] to [undecipherable] Indian [undecipherable]
20
War office, June 23rd, 1788.
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you of
your being appointed Agent for the Cherokee Nation of
Indians, agreeably to the enclosed resolve of Congress
of the 19th of June 1788.
I also enclose you the ordinance of
Congress passed on the 7th August 86 for the regulation of the indian department.
You will observe by your appointment that you are to act in Subordination to the
superindendant with whom you will constantly communicate respecting your proceedings.
I beg leave to observe that the affairs
of the United Stated are so circumstanced as
to render the most rigid œconomy necessary in
all their transactions, and that no expenses for presents
to or ^expenditures respecting the indians will be allowed:
unless by the Special direction of Congress.
... The
The particular situation of the Cherokees, requiring the immediate attention of Congress, they have been pleased to appoint you to that tribe in which you are believed to have much influence.
It may be asserted to be the sincere desire of Congress, to exhibit to all the indians a conduct perfectly moderate and just - ready at all times to listen to the, reasonable complaints of the indians - and to afford them protection when injured.
[ It will be expected that you particularly investigate the grievances of the Cherokees, and state them to Congress, who will afford all the relief that the nature of the case may admit.]
You will observe by the enclosed acts of Congress of the 26th of October 1787, of their attention to the affairs of the Southern Indians - The treaties therein directed to be held being intended as the basis of a firm friendship with the indians.
You will please to transmit to me, from time to time, every information necessary to be
be submitted to Congress, and you will also please to inform me of the means by which I shall communicate with you.
I am
Sir
Your most obedient
& very humble Servt.
H Knox
Secretary at War -