Refers to recent conference between Six Nations and American representatives. Outlines treaty establishing boundary and trade. Refers to murder of Indians by Harrison. Refers to instructions of the President. Mentions plan of civilization. Mentions states anxious to get Indian land.
Attaches speech, approved by the president, to the Cherokees. Laments that recent attempts to civilize the Indians have failed; states that the key is to "wean them from hunting and trapping," and started on agriculture & animal husbandry. Says this is the basis of the president's talk. Asks that Dinsmoor be ready to report a need for tools & instructors for civilized activities like these, or, for instance, spinning & weaving. Asks that Dinsmoor familiarize himself with the Cherokee language, to better instruct and persuade them. Encloses a copy of "An Act to Regulate Trade and Intercourse with the Indian tribes, and to preserve the peace on the frontier," along with instructions to explain and enforce it among the Cherokee. Asks for frequent reports and expense accounts for the articles needed to instruct and mollify the Indians. Advises Dinsmoor that he may assign the interpreters previously hired by the U.S. as he sees fit.
Requests report of Cherokee Nation. Laments lack of success in civilizing the Indians. Suggests weaning Indians from hunting and trapping. Refers to the President's plan. Suggests that women are more docile than men. Lists plans to work with farming, animals, supplies, property, dealings with U.S. citizens, etc. Requests regular reports. Outlines salary.
Increased bounty for deserters, current punishment not adequate.
Building and repairs to fortifications discussed. Indians expectant for annuities due them by treaty of Green ville and desire a meeting with G. Washington at "seat of Government or Great Council fire". Wayne enclosed speech delivered to Indians.
Gibson apologizes for the delay in submitting his account which is due to the poor state of his health. He had recruited most of his men before he learned that he needed a certificate from the magistrate for each one attesting to their good health. He presumes they are in good health except for James Moss who deserted.
Hodgdon will send Craig a list of how he classifies items in returns and what departments those items belong to. Discussed Sec. of War's decision on Craig's reimbursement for services performed for the Ordnance and Clothing Deparments.
Acknowledges receipt of his account of commissions for acting as agent for the War Department in paying and receiving monies. Cited in Stevens to Simmons, 10/03/1796.
Enclosed return of commissary stores at Fort Washington. Noted stores of whiskey at Fort Washington; navigation of Allegheny river as impossible and therefore whiskey cannot be sent to Le Boeuf. Land for block house and barracks at Le Boeuf determined. Land up for auction by state of Pennsylvania and Craig, Gen Irvin and George William request the lots.
Craig strongly recommends lots No. 37 and 38 in the town of Waterford for the barracks and block house. The lots are to be sold at auction, and cannot be reserved. Craig therefore bought them in his own name, and expects the fee to be waived once application is made to the Governor or Legislature of Pennsylvania.
Enclosed is letter from the Secretary of the Treasury requesting the purchase of sieves and a number of other articles for West Point. Hodgdon should indicate which have been furnished and which have not been sent so that the proper measures may be taken to have them forwarded.
