Indian nations alarmed at the sale of land in Georgia and feared settlers will steal their land. Hawkins sought to quiet the matter through assurances of good intentions on part of United States. Matter seen as embarrassment to Indian Department. Hawkins advised suspension of trade licenses until matter is resolved.
Report on the progress of the survey of boundary lines. Reports gathering of Indians to meet the commissioners, difficulties with the Army officer commanding in the area, and that "lawless persons" were planning to attack the Indians accompanying the commissioners on the survey.
Acknowledges receipt of receipts of Captain Samuel Nicholson and William Smith that will be credited on the books of the War Department accountants office. Advises Jackson that he will receive money from the Treasurer of the U. S. that he is to pay to John Bryant at Springfield for his pay.
Certification that $120 is due John Bryant, Deputy Commissioner of Military Stores at Springfield Massachusetts, being his compensation for January through March 1797.
Certification that $75 is due Christopher Sandiford, a private in Captain Cribb's late company of levies, being his pay for 1793 and 1794, part of the period he was in captivity with the savages, and which was short calculated in his account report.
Renders suggestions to the president, answering questions posed in a letter from Adams to McHenry on April 14, 1797. Subjects addressed include: when affronts from one state to another become intolerable (the possibility of war with France being particularly addressed in detail); asking France if it wishes for any special consideration which Britain currently receives from the U.S. that France does not, so that they may be satisfied; advice against canceling any of the provisions of treaties now existing with France, to avoid the appearance of favoring Britain; the inadvisability of proposing new treaty articles [may be specific ones proposed by Adams in his letter; unclear from context]; advice that protestations against France should be mild and calm; the advisability of proposing a new treaty, etc.
Swan has drawn a set of bills on McHenry in favor of Jesse and Jeremiah Hume for four thousand dollars on account of the pay of the Army for November and December 1796, being in full Alijah Hunt's draft on them for four thousand dollars in Swan's favor.
Jackson encloses receipts from Captain Richard Greaton and Mr. George Claghorn. In a post script he notes that Captain James Sever has not requested the money prepared for him in December.
Regrets over not relaying information of discussion between Captain Chisholm and the British Minister. Brief synopsis of plan related. Politics of Indian relations addressed. Discusses limiting the power of Benjamin Hawkins, Creek Indian Agent. Mentions guidance on Indian affairs from President Washington and John Adams new administration. Mentions that if Hawkins stays in position as Indian Agent, he will incur the good will of the Creeks and undermine Blount's plan. Asks that letter be burned after the third reading.
Wilkins enclosed power of attorney with instructions for Hodgdon to act as his agent to purchase articles required by the Quartermasters Department. Secretary of War sent list of articles required for the United States Sloop Detroit by Wilkins, Hodgdon to receive materials.
