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Instructions to Benjamin Lincoln of Massachusttes, Beverly Randolph of Virginia, and Timothy Pickering of Pennsylvania, Commissioners appointed for dealing with the Indians, North of the Ohio given by special direction of the President of United States at Philadelphia

Instructions from Henry Knox to the commissioners appointed to deal with the hostile Indians north of the Ohio. Knox directs the commissioners to close the scene of hostilities dictated by protection of frontier citizens. The commissioners have been furnished with a schedule of treaties going back from the 1763 peace between France and Great Britain to the present. Treaty of Harmar 1789 has been formed on solid and fair grounds. Government considers Six Nations as principal owners of land between Ohio River and Lake Erie and conveyed land with free consent. Military posts will be relinquished outside boundaries of Fort Harmar. United States will pay $50,000 in goods to the tribes. Will also pay $10,000 annuity to tribes. Notes difficulty of relinquishing lands granted to companies that lie between Indian Boundary established by Treaty of Fort Harmar. Leaves it to discretion of commissioners to make reliquishment. United States cannot relinquish any land already granted. No difficulty intended with relinquish of land west of Great Miami and north of Ohio except for 150,000 acres granted to General Clark. Refers to limited claims of Wabash because they did not attend Treaty of Fort Harmar. Boundaries made by General Putnam inexact. Recommends separate treaties with tribes in order to avoid confirming a union or confederacy of tribes. Consider the preemption of United States to Indian country established by treaty of 1783 with Great Britain. In event of successful treaty, insist on delivery of US prisoners. Ascertain name of tribes and influential chiefs. Examine whether some adjoining tribes are attending out of curiosity of invitation. Use the belt as evidence which shows that the message was received by five nations. Obtain permission that Indian Agents may reside with Indians, along with traders to supply goods. Treaty should state that murderers, robberers, horse theives, on either side should be given up or punished with death. Society of Friends, with President's approval will attend. Make sure they don't confer on matters without confering with commissioners first. A Moravian teacher Reverend John Hochenwelder, will accompany the commissioners. Use his knowledge of Indian customs. Presents will accompany the commissioners; present to influential chiefs. Close treaty by 1 August 1793 and keep Major General Wayne appraised of progress. Wayne has been instructed to prevent white movement northward of Ohio. No US citizens to be allowed to attend treaty. British agents will be present, Butler and McKee; do not object, but do not admit them as umpires or mediators and that since the intentions of the US are upright, they do not object to presence of British gentlemen. There will be no attempts to purchase lands from Indians. Jasper Parish and James Dean will be principal interpreters; Williamson and James Banker will interpret for Shawnee and Delaware. Sum of $24,000 to be used for gratuities. Authorized to invite influential chiefs to visit President of United States. Route will be by way of New York, Albany, Fort Stanwix, Wood Creek, Oswego and Niagara. General Schuyler will assist with boats to Sandusky.

1793

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This document is enclosed in instructions to the commissioners appointed to deal with the hostile Indians north of the Ohio, in the form of a journal of their proceedings, submitted to the House of Representatives on December 4, 1793. This document is an integral part of [Public Reports] and other communications of the Secretary of War, 12/99/1793.

Henry Knox

Benjamin Lincoln

Timothy Pickering

Beverly Randolph

Six Nations

Joseph Harmar

General Schuyler

Delaware

Shawnee

Williamson

Banker

James Dean

Jasper Parish

Interpreters

General Hull

Butler

McKee

British Agents

General Anthony Wayne

Moravian missionary

Moravian Delawares

Society of Friends

President of United States

George Washington

Secretary of War

General Clark

Indians north of Ohio

Marietta Ohio

Fort Harmar

France

Great Britain

Ohio River

Lake Erie

Fort Harmar

United States

Miami River

New York, Albany, Fort Stanwix, Wood Creek, Oswego

Niagara

Sandusky

Philadelphia

council of the Glaize

prisoner exchange

presents

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