Letter from Federal Commissioners for Sandusky conference to Henry Knox on western Indian refusal to make peace
Type
Copy of document
Title
Letter from Federal Commissioners for Sandusky conference to Henry Knox on western Indian refusal to make peace
Description
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.
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.
year created
1793
month created
08
day created
21
sent from location
Fort Erie
recipient
sent to location
War Office, Philadelphia
in image
cited note
Cited document sent from one element of the war office to another
notable person/group
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
notable location
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
notable idea/issue
Treaty of Fort Stanwix
Sandusky Conference
failure at Sandusky
Treaty of Paris
council at Miami Rapids
document number
1793082140053
