Letterbook

Letter to Secretary at War regarding trading house of Panton, Leslie and Company

Writing from Pensacola, John McKee informs James McHenry that the trading house of Panton, Leslie and Company have monopolized the Choctaw and Chickasaw trade but lost the Cherokee business. McKee discusses the role of trade in maintaining peace on the frontier and the role of the Spanish Court in granting Panton, Leslie and Company privileged access to Indian markets. McKee speculates that Panton, Leslie and Company might be inclined to continue its business under the authority of the United States. McKee proposes a plan for the U.S. to secure the markets and infrastructure of Panton, Leslie by assuming and disbursing their debts among the various U.S. agents and factors in the region. McKee opines that the likelihood of war with France makes his proposal necessary for the U.S. to secure native alliances via trade. But McKee also suggests an alternative plan. Following on a model used by the British, McKee suggests offering the Indians liquidation of their arrears to Panton, Leslie in return for a tract of land. This alternative proposal would disburse the debts of both Panton, Leslie and the Indians under more economical terms for the U.S. Government. McKee closes his letter by requesting that McHenry grant him powers to put these proposals into effect.

Writing from Pensacola, John McKee informs James McHenry that Panton, Leslie and Company have monopolized Choctaw Chickasaw trade but lost Cherokee business. McKee discusses trade in maintaining peace on frontier and role of Spanish Court granting Panton, Leslie and Company access to Indian markets.

1797

06

07

Pensacola

Cited in McKee to McHenry, 06/12/1797.

Cited document addressed to the War Office

James McHenry

John McKee

His Catholic Majesty

private merchants

Indian factors

whitemen traders

Choctaw

Cherokee

Spanish Court

Panton, Leslie and Company

Chickasaw

Pensacola

bonds

notes

dollars

land

1797060740001

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