Copy of document

Letter from Federal Commissioners for Sandusky conference to Henry Knox on western Indian refusal to make peace

From Lake Erie, the Federal Commissioners for Sandusky Conference report that western Indians have refused to make peace. Did not receive chance to meet with them, except for the deputation at Niagara. Waited at Detroit River. On 29 July 1793 Captain Elliott came with another deputation of Indians, headed by Packonchelas, Head Warrior of Delawares, Kakiapalathy, Head Warrior of Shawanese, and Sawaghdawank, Headman of Wyandots. They asked if commissioners had authority regarding the fixing of the Ohio River boundary line between whites and Indians. The commissioners answered in the affirmative, and explained why United States could not make the Ohio River the boundary. Commissioners related the prospect of concessions and annual compensations. There was as error in communication regarding whether the commissioners should stay or go home, which was cleared up. By 8 Aug, prospects for peace looked favorable. Six Nations, Captain Brant and Mohawks held fast together wishing for peace. Less in favor of peace were Wyandots, Delawares, Shawanese and Miamis. With no answer by 12 August, commissioners proposed to go to Miami bay or mouth of Miami River, which was refused. Commissioners then sent notice demanding decisive answer on whether treaty was to be held or not. Reply was in the negative, so the commissioners embarked and sailed for Ft Erie.
Six Nations indicated they knew nothing of this answer. Commissioners gave assurance of the strong friendship between Six Nations and United States. Chiefs of Six Nations wanted commissioners to stay at Buffalo Creek. Commissioners directed them to meet with General Chapin instead. Commissioners then go on to explain the transmittal of correspondence to Major General Wayne explaining the break down of the talks. They arrived at Fort Erie on 23 August, having prepared correspondence on the voyage.
Estimated numbers at council at Miami Rapids: from the British agents fifteen hundred; Federal Commissioners estimate less.

1793

08

21

Fort Erie

War Office, Philadelphia

Cited document sent from one element of the war office to another

Federal Commissioners

Benjamin Lincoln

Timothy Pickering

Beverley Randolph

General Chapin

Captain Matthew Elliott

Packonchelas, Head Warrior of Delawares

Kakiapalathy, Head Warrior of Shawanese

Sawaghdawank, Headman of Wyandots

Six Nations

Captain Brant

Mohawks

Wyandots

Delawares, Shawanese

Miami

Fort Erie

General Anthony Wayne

Colonel McKee

Indian interpreters

Shawanese chief

Munsees

Chippewas

Senekas

Senecas

Indian council at Miami Rapids

Captain Hendricks

Major Craig

western Indians

Mr Wilson

Mr Jones

British Agents

Fort Erie

Sandusky

Niagara

Miami Rapids

Miami River

Detroit River

Ohio River

United States

Fort Franklin

Buffalo Creek

Presque Isle

Pittsburgh

Canandaigua

Philadelphia

Britain

Canada

Upper Canada

Treaty of Fort Stanwix

Sandusky Conference

failure at Sandusky

Treaty of Paris

council at Miami Rapids

1793082140053