Papers of the War Department · Transcription Project · Collection

The President's Response to Chickasaw Concerns Over Boundaries, Garrisons, and Various Issues

McHenry transmits the president's thoughts about the concerns expressed by the Indians in the conference of November 24, 1796. He says the president will do what he can to prevent white encroachment, including running the official boundary line. Tells of the treaty between Spain and the U.S. which is re-drawing the U.S. boundary with the Spanish possessions in the Southwest, says that there is no way of knowing when the Spanish garrison at Chickasaw Bluffs will evacuate, but that the permanence of a U.S. garrison there will depend on the Chickasaws treating the U.S. better than Spain in upcoming negotiations. Discusses payment of compensation for Chickasaw land confiscated by North Carolina, and payment by the Chickasaws to compensate a slaveowner for slaves who are now in their possession (having obtained them from the Cherokee). Recommends that the Chickasaws address grievances, etc. through the local Indian agent, Benjamin Hawkins.

Secretary of War McHenry to Chickasaw Chiefs on Boundary Disputes and Presents

Representatives of the Chickasaw nation who have traveled to Philadelphia are reassured about the efforts of their "Father" (the President, George Washington) to see to their interests amid a boundary dispute between the U.S. and Spain. Also refers to adjudication of land/property disputes between the Chickasaws and various individuals and the state of South Carolina. Directs the Chickasaws to assemble yearly for the distribution of presents to them from the President, and seeks to ensure that the distribution is fair.

Movement of Commissioners, Troops and Equipment following Treaty of Madrid

From the port of New Madrid, DeLassus, referring to Treaty of Madrid between United States and Spain, requests that movement of commissioners, troops and equipment be delayed until high waters arrive .

Regarding Treaty of friendship, navigation and limits between United States and Spain

Writing from New Madrid on the Mississippi, Lieutenant Charles De Hault de Lassus, commander of the post of New Madrid, Missouri, refers to treaty of friendship, navigation, and limits between the United States and Spain. Reports that his orders are to allow United States commissioners to fix the limits. Evacuation of fort cannot take place until time of high waters. Governor General of Louisiana expects that United States troops, now waiting at Fort Massac, should not come until this time. Would be most convenient to wait for a proper season to move artillery, provisions, baggage.

Statement of the Account of Lieutenant Devin

This is a statement of the account of Lieutenant Willimam Devin which shows that $670 is still unaccounted for. Swan notes that he called on Devin in January 1793 to settle his account up to that time but Devin declined to do so while he was still in the Army.

Certification for Settling Captain Britt's Account

Certification that Captain Daniel Britt of the First Regiment and late Paymaster of the Sub Legion will, beginning March 1st 1797, relinquish thirty dollars of his montly pay to be credited in his account until a balance of $958.26, found due the United States, is fully accounted for.

Arrearages for Men Discharged in 1796, Etc.

Among other pay matters, Swan notes that money has been put in the hands of the paymasters for the purpose of discharging the arrears due to all discharged men in 1796. He believes that the complaints are unfounded so far as they relate to the officers and men in Philadelphia in 1796.

Receipt

Cover for receipt of Captain Edward Miller in the amount listed.

Request for Instructions on Pay for Sergent Howe

Butler received money from Issac Craig, Deputy Paymaster General, but could not pay Sergent Charles Howe due to his absence on command. Butler requested instructions from Simmons on how to pay the Sergent who Butler believed settled in Pittsburg due to his discharge from service. Requested confirmation of receipt rolls sent many months ago to Accountants office.

Refers to National and State Constitutions and Delegations to the Governor

Speaks of delegate to Governor. Requests information. Refers to national and state constitutions.

Enclosed Receipt for Capt. Richard Greaton

Enclosed receipts of Capt. R. Greaton, submitted agreeable to Simmons requests.

Presidential Reply on Peace Sought with France

Grateful for his ability to serve and the approval of Congress for his service. Pledged to preserve peace b/w U.S. and French republic.

Foreign Relations and Patriotism

Discussed Indian relations, acquiring prisoners from Algiers, dispute with France, and relations with other foreign nations. Lauded Washington for his services to the U.S.

Bills and Vouchers

Major Craig forwards vouchers of issues of provisions to Hodgdon along with a general return of stores.

Receipt Roll for Troops at Governors Island

Captain Frye encloses the receipt roll for the detachment at Governors Island; He has three men who have not yet received their pay so they should be put on the next payroll. Should his troops be mustered as a company or a detachment?

Choctaw Chiefs' Objections to U.S. Encroachment

Wishes to renew friendship with U.S., and profess that the Choctaw have never broken any faith with the Americans. Discusses the exact parameters of the boundary of Choctaw land, asks that the U.S. honor its promises to keep whites out of Choctaw country, and to respect the integrity of the country by not setting up a garrison at Chickasaw Bluffs. Another chief speaks to remind the Americans of he and other Chickasaws who allied with General Wayne's army in 1794, asks for goods promised to him and his warriors at that time, but which were not received. Other Indians speak at short length asking for passes, etc.

Comments on Indian Affairs, Rights of Choctaws

Discusses relationship between the Choctaw Nation and the US. Reports poor health. Expresses hopes for Six Nations and navigation rights on the Mississippi. Instructs on use of beads from Indian agents. Reference to interaction with President.

Payment to Charles Selleck for Charter of Sloop on Lake Ontario

Informs McHenry that he has written a bill for payment to Charles Selleck for charter of Sloop employed to transport detachment of troops and baggage from Oswego to Niagara.

Bill of Exchange for Charles Selleck

Bill of exchange for $280 to Charles Selleck for the charter of his sloop to transport troops, signed by John Bruff. Endorsed on back.

The accounts of Captain Crawford

Discusses the accounts of Captain John Crawford, paymaster of an Army detachment at Pittsburg, who has not settled his accounts as requested. Recommends to Butler that Crawford provide an account of the monies in his charge and forward it to the War Department.

Pay of the troops at the Army posts on the Ohio

Acknowledges receipt of pay roll of Captain Crawford's company and an account of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Butler for pay and forage. Discusses the pay of "the troops on the upper Posts of the Ohio." Requests a statement of Craig's payments. Cited in Craig to Simmons, 12/30/1796. Cited in Craig to Simmons, 02/10/1797.

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Cited in Craig to McHenry, 12/23/1796.

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Cited in Simmons to Fleming 12/19/1796

Forwarded Muster Roll of Fleming's Men

Forwarded muster roll of G. Fleming's men. Noted in post script that Rochefontaine received Simmons note to transmit money to N. Fish which would then repay Rochefontaine for an advance he made to Lieut. Robeson.

Protest Against U.S. Encroachment of Territory at Chickasaw Bluffs

Chickasaw delegation continues to protest the U.S. plans to install a garrison at Chickasaw Bluffs after the Spanish garrison is evacuated from that place. Submits documentation that proves U.S. promises regarding Chickasaw land, and asks if the Indians are now being trifled with in disregard for these promises. Says they desire the continued goodwill of the U.S. and a reaffirmation from the president that the Americans will respect the Indians' boundaries.