[Extract of Letter] Regarding Negotiations with Indians
Item
Type
Extract of Letter
Title
[Extract of Letter] Regarding Negotiations with Indians
Description
Obligations and duties of Governors of the Mississippi and Northwestern Territories regarding their involvement in negotiations with Indians so as to promote uniform conduct with Indians. Also the role of the military in relations between the United States and Indian nations.
short description
Extract of Letter Regarding Negotiations with Indians
year created
1799
month created
05
day created
23
author
sent from location
New York
recipient
in collection
in image
notable person/group
John Hamtramck
Alexander Hamilton
Indians
Indian Nation
Governor Arthur St. Clair
Governor Winthrop Sargent
Indian agents
James McHenry
United States Government
military
notable location
New York
North Western Territory
territory
Mississippi Territory
notable item/thing
plans and measures
land grants
military operations
communication
supplies
accommodations
Indian affairs
uniform system of conduct towards the Indians
notable idea/issue
negotiations
document number
1799052390101
page start
1
number of pages
2
transcription
New York May 23rd 1799
Extract of a Letter
You are aware that the Governor of the Northwestern Territory and of the Mississippi Territory and Ex Officio Superintendants of Indian Affairs, the management of those affairs under the direction of the Secretary of War ascertains to them, the Military in this District are only to be Auxiliary to their plans and measures; In saying this, it must not be understood that they are to direct Military dispositions and Communications and Operations, but they are to be the Organs of all Negotiations & Communications between the Indians and the Government they are to determine when and where supplies are to be furnished to those people and what other Accommodations they are to have. The Military in Regard to all such matters are only to aid as far as their Cooperation may be Required by the Superintendants, avoiding interference without previous concert with them or otherwise than in conformity with their views. this will exempt the military from a Responsibility which had better rest elsewhere.
The Communications is made in conformity with an instruction from the Secretary of War who desires that the Military Officers may be required to Refer the Indians in all matters relating to their National affairs or grievances to the Governor of the Northwestern Territory and the Governor of the Mississippi Territory or the temporary Indian Agent nearest to their Post as occasion may require and that the Commandants of the Posts in the Mississippi Territory may be instructed to furnish on the order of Governor Sargent when they can be spared such rations for the Indians who may visit the said Posts as he may from time to time direct.
(Signed)A. Hamilton
Col. Hamtramck
Extract of a Letter
You are aware that the Governor of the Northwestern Territory and of the Mississippi Territory and Ex Officio Superintendants of Indian Affairs, the management of those affairs under the direction of the Secretary of War ascertains to them, the Military in this District are only to be Auxiliary to their plans and measures; In saying this, it must not be understood that they are to direct Military dispositions and Communications and Operations, but they are to be the Organs of all Negotiations & Communications between the Indians and the Government they are to determine when and where supplies are to be furnished to those people and what other Accommodations they are to have. The Military in Regard to all such matters are only to aid as far as their Cooperation may be Required by the Superintendants, avoiding interference without previous concert with them or otherwise than in conformity with their views. this will exempt the military from a Responsibility which had better rest elsewhere.
The Communications is made in conformity with an instruction from the Secretary of War who desires that the Military Officers may be required to Refer the Indians in all matters relating to their National affairs or grievances to the Governor of the Northwestern Territory and the Governor of the Mississippi Territory or the temporary Indian Agent nearest to their Post as occasion may require and that the Commandants of the Posts in the Mississippi Territory may be instructed to furnish on the order of Governor Sargent when they can be spared such rations for the Indians who may visit the said Posts as he may from time to time direct.
(Signed)A. Hamilton
Col. Hamtramck
Item sets
Document instances
In image | In source | Location in source | |
---|---|---|---|
[view document] (2 pages) | WFU10 (2 pages) | Collection: Digges-L'Enfant-Morgan Papers, mm 8201548 | Reel 12 |
Document names
Type | Name | Location | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Author | Alexander Hamilton | New York | [n/a] |
Recipient | John Francis Hamtramck | [unknown] | [n/a] |