This is the first letter written by Washington to Governor Dinwiddie that goes into
detail on his interaction on behalf of the governor dealing with relationships with
the tribes. It includes mention of the Half King and recommends inclusion of
invitations to the Cherokee, Catawbas, and Chickasaws. In addition, it details the
writing of letters to the governors of Maryland and Pennsylvania.
George Washington to Governor Robert Dinwiddie, Will’s Creek, April 25, 1754
“Immediately upon this information I called a council of war, to advise on proper
measures to be taken in this exigency. A copy of their resolves, with the proceedings, I
herewith enclose by the bearer, whom I have continued express to your Honor for more
minute information.
“Mr. Ward has the summons with him, and a speech from the Half-King, which I also
enclose, with the wampum. He is accompanied by one of the Indians mentioned therein,
who were sent to see where we were, what was our strength, and to know the time to
expect us out. The other young man I have prevailed upon to return to the Half-King
with the following speech [of April 23, 1754].
“I hope my proceedings in these affairs will be satisfactory to your Honor, as I have, to
the utmost of my knowledge, consulted the interest of the expedition and good of my
country; whose rights, while they are asserted in so just a cause, I will defend to the last
remains of life….
“Perhaps it may also be thought advisable to invite the Cherokees, Catawbas, and
Chickasaws to march to our assistance, as we are informed that six hundred Chippewas
and Ottawas are marching down Scioto Creek to join the French, who are coming up the
Ohio. In that case I would beg leave to recommend their being ordered to this place first,
that a peace may be concluded between them and the Six Nations; for I am informed by
several persons, that, as no good harmony subsists between them, their coming first to the
Ohio may create great disorders, and turn out much to our disadvantage.
“As I had opportunities I wrote to the governors of Maryland and Pennsylvania,
acquainting them with these advices, and enclosed the summons and Indian speech,
which I hope you will not think me too forward in doing. I considered that the Assembly
of Maryland was to sit in five days, that the Pennsylvania Assembly is now sitting, and
that, by giving timely notice, something might be done in favor of this expedition, which
now requires all the force we can muster.
“By the best information I can get, I much doubt whether any of the Indians will be in to
treat in May. Are the Indian women and children, if they settle amongst us, to be
maintained at our expense? They will expect it.” 1
1
George Washington to Governor Robert Dinwiddie, April 25, 1754, The Writings of George Washington,
1:40, 40n, and 42-43.
This is the first record of a speech delivered to the Half King that was identified. It
is evident from this early record that language we identify as typical of government
relations with the tribes was already established.
George Washington, Speech to the Half King, Youghiogheny River, 5/19/1754
“I despatched [sic] the young Indian who had returned with Mr[.] Ward [Ensign Edward
Ward], to the Half-King, with the following speech.
“To the Half-King, &c. My Brethren, It gives me great pleasure, to learn that you are
marching to assist me with your counsels; be of good courage, my brethren, and march
vigorously towards your brethren the English; for fresh forces will soon join them, who
will protect you against your treacherous enemy the French. I must send My friends to
you, that they acquaint you with an agreeable speech which the Governor of Virginia has
sent to you: He is very sorry for the bad usage you have received. The swollen streams
do not permit us to come to you quickly, for that reason I have sent this young man to
invite you to come and meet us: he can tell you many things that he has seen in Virginia,
and also how well he was received by the most prominent men; they did not treat him as
the French do your people who go to their Fort; they refuse them provisions; this man has
had given him all that his heart could wish; for the confirmation of all this, I here give
you a Belt of Wampum.”
Collection Editorial note: “When the Indians arrived, they brought their families with
them, as they had been invited to do, and so proved rather a source of weakness than of
strength. Later they complained that Washington had used them hardly. They were
quick to sense situations, and before Fort Necessity was besieged they deserted the
Virginians.” 2
June 1754 speech by Washington to the Indians. It provides reassurance to the
Indians with loyal to the British. Washington makes note that it is for the Six
Nations that they fight.
George Washington, Speech to the Indians, On the march to Red Stone, 6/18/1754
“Brethren: We are very glad to see you, and sorry that you are disquieted by such reports
that: The English intend to injure you, or any of your allies; this report we know must
have been forged by the French, who are always treacherous, and asserting the greatest
falsehoods whenever they think they will turn out to their advantage; they speak well,
promise fine things, but all from the lips only; whilst their heart is corrupt, and full of
venomous poison. You have been their children and they have done everything for you,
but they no sooner thought themselves strong enough than they returned to their natural
pride and drove you off from your lands, declaring you had no right on the Ohio. The
English, your real friends, are too generous to think of ever using the Six Nations, their
faithful allies, in such a manner; after you had gone to the Governors of Virginia and
2
George Washington, Speech to the Half King, 5/19/1754, The Writings of George Washington, 1:51 &
51n.
Pennsylvania they (at your repeated request) sent an army to maintain your rights; to put
you again in possession of your lands, and to take care of your wives and children, to
dispossess the French, to maintain your rights and to secure the whole country for you;
for these very ends are the English arms now employed; it is for the safety of your wives
and your children that we are fighting; and as this is the only motive of our conduct we
cannot reasonably doubt of being joined by the rest of your forces to oppose the common
enemy. Those who will not join us shall be answerable for whatever may be the
consequence, we only desire your brethren to choose the side which seems most
acceptable to them. The Indians of the Six Nations are those who have the most interest
in this war, for them it is that we fight.; [sic] and it would greatly trouble me to do them
the least harm; we have engaged in this war to assist and protect you; our arms are open
to receive you and our hands ready to feed your families during the war. The Governor
of Virginia has often desired that they might be sent to him that he may see them in
person, feed and clothe them according to their own desire; but as you could not decide to
sent them to him, we are ready to share all our provisions with you, in a friendly manner
and to take such measures and give such orders that enough shall be brought to maintain
your wives and children. Such conduct will evidently prove how much more the English
love and esteem their faithful allies the Six Nations, than the French do; as we have
drawn the sword in your cause and in your defence, hesitate no longer, delay not a
moment, but put all your wives and children under our protection, and they shall find
plenty of provisions; in the meanwhile set your young men and your warriors to
sharpening their hatchets, to join and unite with us vigorously in our battles. The present,
my Brethren, which I offer you is not so considerable as I could wish, but I expect in a
short time, a quantity of goods, which are to be at my disposal, to reward those who shall
have shown themselves brave and active on this occasion; I shall, moreover recompense
them most generously. Be of good Courage, my brethren, deliver your Country and
secure it to your children; let me know the thoughts of your Hearts on this affair, that I
may give an account of your sentiments to your great Friend and Brother, the Governor
of Virginia. To assure you of my sincerity and esteem I present you this belt of
wampum.”
Editorial note: “This speech was in answer to a speech of the Indians addressed to the
Governor of Virginia by a council of about 40 chiefs of the Six Nations, Loups, and
Shawnees. The Half King was present.” 3
3
George Washington, Speech to the Indians, 6/18/1754, The Writings of George Washington, 1:84-86, 84n.
Washington reports that he is expecting the addition of Indians. Makes
recommendation to Dinwiddie that he assign someone “acquainted with their
customs” be appointed to care for them and supply them as needed.
George Washington to Governor Robert Dinwiddie, Williamsburgh [sic], 4/29/1757
“We now have, and are likely to get a goodly number of Indians. I would therefore
humbly recommend, that a judicious person acquainted with their customs, be appointed
to the care of them: To conduct them agreeably to your Honor’s direction, or to the
orders which he may receive from the Commanding Officer. To make it his business to
see that they are well supplied with provisions and commit no waste of them. To provide
them with such necessaries as they may stand in need of, and are allowed by the country.
To keep regular accompts [sic] of all expenses occurring, &c.
“It cannot be supposed that this duty (which will fully employ, to execute as it shou’d be,
the time of any one person,) ought to fall upon the Commanding Officer; whose other
engagements will render it absolutely impossible for him to pay so much attention to it,
as the service requires. And if they are neglected the consequences will be bad. The
paying a person for this extraordinary duty, will, in the end, be an advantage to the
Country. A good many goods should be provided for this purpose, and that
immediately….
“I also beg leave to observe here that the Fort at the Upper Tract, notwithstanding it is
more in the Indian pass of the mountains, is too high up; since numbers of the inhabitants
from those parts, if I am rightly informed, are lately moved down about Harness’s, and a
place called Butter-Milk-Fort; which renders it necessary to place the troops, or at least a
principal part of them, there also; to protect the Inhabitants in sowing and gathering their
Crops, &c….” 4
This order to Captains of Companies in July 1757 provides guidance for interaction
of officers with the Indians.
George Washington, General Instructions to all the Captains of Companies,
7/29/1757
“You are not to accommodate any Indians, that may happen to pass your way, with
Horses, unless it be upon extraordinary cases, nor are you to hold any Conferences with
them upon Business, only on such points as relate to the Service in which you are
immediately engaged. Neither are you to attempt making Treaties with them, or to make
them presents, promises, &c., or give any liquor, but in a very sparing manner.” 5
4
5
George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 4/29/1757, The Writings of George Washington, 2:30 & 33.
George Washington, General Instructions to all the Captains of Companies, 7/29/1757, The Writings of
George Washington, 2:110.
Pay particular attention to the rights of Indians to the land.
Book, George Washington’s Library, Philadelphia, 1776
“[WHARTON, SAMUEL. Merchant, 1732-1800.]
“View of the Title to Indiana, a Tract of Country on the River Ohio. Containing
Indian Conferences at Johnson-Hall, in May, 1765--the Deed of the Six Nations to the
Proprietors of Indiana--the Minutes of the Congress at Fort Stanwix, in October and
November, 1768--the Deed of the Indians, settling the Boundary Line between the
English and Indians [sic] Lands--and the Opinion of Counsel on the Title of the
Proprietors of Indiana.
“Philadelphia: printed by Styner & Cist. M DCC LXXVI….” 6
Note: “Inscribed at the top of the title-page “For his Excellency Genl. Washington.”
“The name of Indiana was given by the grantees to a tract of land ceded to them
by the Indians at Fort Stanwix in 1768. The territory granted covered that forming a
large part of the present State of West Virginia. The Indiana Company was merged into a
larger undertaking, called the Walpole Company, which had a scheme for founding a
state on the western lands under the name of Vandalia.
“Franklin was one of the principal promoters of this plan, and gave aid to Samuel
Wharton, who spent several years in England trying to procure a patent from the
government. In 1775, the Lords Commissioners of Trade and Plantation had reported
favorably upon the petition, and a grant was about to be given, when the “Lord President
of His Majesty’s Privy Council requested that the Honorable Mr. Horace Walpole and his
associates would wait for the grant aforesaid and the plan of government of Vandalia
until hostilities, which had commenced between Great Britain and the United Colonies,
should cease.”
“In 1780, Franklin presented a Memorial to Congress (printed in vol. 10 of
Bigelow’s edition of his works) reciting the history of the cause in England, and asking
for a grant of the same privileges as were to have been given by the British government.
“Samuel Wharton, one of the principal grantees of Indiana, is mentioned in
several places as having written a pamphlet in support of the Indiana grant; but not
identified. The present publication is undoubtedly from his pen; and another entitled
“Plain Facts; being an Examination into the Rights of the Indian Nations of America, to
their respective Countries; and a Vindication of the Grant from the Six united [sic]
Nations of Indians to the Proprietors of Indiana,” Philadelphia, 1781, is also by him. The
last-named is an enlargement of the first pamphlet, and Wharton’s authorship is attested
by Du Simitière in his Note-books preserved in the Library of Congress.
6
Griffin, A Catalogue of the Washington Collection in The Boston Athenaeum, 223.
“Washington’s copy of the “View of the Title to Indiana” was sent to him by Col.
George Morgan, one of the Indiana grantees, as shown by a letter from him to Dr. John
Morgan, dated April 10, 1776, in which he says:-““The 7th instant I received your favour of the 24th. Ulto. from Cambridge. As it
is chiefly on the Subject of General Washington’s 9000 acres of Land in Indiana, I will
endeavour to explain the Matter more fully….
““For the General’s information I inclose him a Copy of our Deed &c. Minutes of
the Treaty.”
“The Indiana grant interfered with the interests of the Ohio Company, in which
Washington was concerned; and he appears to have sought from Dr. Morgan, then in
camp at Cambridge, information as to the claims of the Indiana grantees.
“The schemes of the different western land companies are treated in an article by
F. J. Turner on “Western State-making in the Revolutionary era” in the American
Historical Review for October, 1895. There it is stated that Col. Morgan wrote to a
Kentucky friend in December, 1780, that he would soon send him a “pamphlet now in the
press on the subject” (the rights to the western lands). Mr. Turner advances the opinion
that Morgan had reference to Paine’s Public Good, which was issued Dec. 30, 1780. In
view of the fact that Morgan was in close association with Wharton in the Indiana
undertaking, it seems more probable that he refers to the latter’s pamphlet “Plain Facts,”
published in 1781.
“Paine has been accused of having written his “Public Good” in the pay of the
Indiana Company; and Morgan’s supposed reference to it is thought to be evidence of the
truth of the charge.
“Bound with other pamphlets in a volume lettered “America.” Contents given
under WILLIAMS, J. An Enquiry into the Truth of the Tradition, etc.” 7
George Washington to the Passamaquoddy Chiefs, December 24, 1776
“Brothers of Passamaquody [sic]: I am glad to hear by Major Shaw, that you accepted of
the chain of friendship which I sent you last February from Cambridge, and that you are
determined to keep it bright and unbroken.
“When I first heard that you refused to send any of your warriours [sic] to my assistance,
when called upon by our brothers of St. John’s, I did not know what to think; I was afraid
that some enemy had turned your hearts against me. But I am since informed that all
your young men were employed in hunting, which was the reason for their not coming.
This has made my mind easy, and I hope you will always in future join with your
brothers of St. John’s and Penobscot, when required.
7
Griffin, A Catalogue of the Washington Collection in The Boston Athenaeum, 223n-224n.
“I have desired my brother, the Governor of Massachusetts-Bay, to pay you the money
which Captain Smith promised you for sending my letters to the Mickmac Indians.
“Brothers: I have a piece of news to tell you, which I hope you will attend to. Our
enemy, the King of Great Britain, endeavoured [sic] to stir up all the Indians from
Canada to South-Carolina against us. But our brethren of the Six Nations, and their allies
the Shawanese and Delawares, would not hearken to the advice of the messengers sent
among them, but kept fast hold of our ancient covenant chain. The Cherokees and
Southern tribes were foolish enough to listen to them, and to take up the hatchet against
us; upon which our warriors went into their country, burnt their houses, destroyed their
corn, and obliged them to sue for peace, and give hostages for their future good
behaviour [sic].
“Now, brothers, never let the King’s wicked counsellors [sic] turn your hearts against me
and your brethren of this country, but bear in mind what I told you last February, and
what I tell you now.
“In token of my friendship I send you this from my Army on the banks of the great river
Delaware.” 8
George Washington to the St. John’s Indians, On the banks of the great river
Delaware, December 24, 1776
“Brothers of the St. John’s Tribe: It gave me great pleasure to hear from Major Shaw,
that you kept the chain of friendship, which I sent you from Cambridge in February last,
bright and unbroken.
“I am glad to hear that you have made a treaty of peace with your brothers and
neighbours [sic] of the Massachusetts-Bay, who have, agreeable to your desire,
established a truck house at St. John’s, out of which they will furnish you with every
thing [sic] you want, and take your furs in return.
“My good friends and brothers, Governour [sic] Pierre Temna and the warriours [sic] that
came with him, shall be taken good care of, and when they want to return home, they and
our brothers of Penobscot shall be furnished with every thing [sic] necessary for their
journey. ***”
Editorial note: “Chief Pierre Temna was accompanied by 12 other Indians. Maj. Samuel
Shaw brought them to camp with a letter from the Massachusetts Council, dated
November 26….”
8
George Washington to the Passamaduoddy Chiefs, December 24, 1776, The Writings of George
Washington, 6:434-435.
Editorial note: “…The omitted portion is practically the same as the last half of
Washington’s letter to the Passamaquoddy Chiefs, Dec. 24, 1776….” 9
Board of war letter describes problems with Indians and Washington’s continued
want for service
Board of War to the Continental Congress, March 4, 1778
“As Genl [sic] Washington too, who is perfectly acquainted with the manners of the
Indians, and the embarrassments they create in an army, yet judges these will be
outweighed by their services, and appears very desirous that the measure should be
adopted by Congress, the Board cannot but concur therein.”
Editorial note: “Congress thereupon authorized GW to employ up to four hundred
Indians as he saw fit provided that they “will annoy the enemy without suffering them to
injure those who are friends to the cause of America.” 10
George Washington to the Commissioners of Indian Affairs, March 13, 1778
“You will perceive by the inclosed [sic] Copy of a Resolve of Congress that I am
empowered to employ a Body of four hundred Indians if they can be procured upon
proper Terms—Divesting them of the Savage Customs exercised in their Wars against
each other, I think they may be made excellent Use as Sevnts and light Troops mixed
with our other parties.
“I propose to raise about one half the Number among the Southern and the Remainder
among the Northern Indians. I have sent Colonel Nathaniel Gist, who is well acquainted
with the Cherokees & their Allies to bring as many as he can from thence, and I must
depend upon you to employ suitable persons to procure the stipulated Number (about
200) or as near as may be from the Northern Tribes. The Terms made with them should
be such as you think we can comply with, and persons well acquainted with their
Language, Manners and Customs and who have gained an Influence over them should
accompany them. The Oneidas have manifested the strongest Attachment to us
throughout this Dispute and I therefore suppose, if any can be procured, they will be most
numerous. Their Missionary Mr[.] Kirkland seemed to have an uncommon Ascendency
over them and I should therefore be glad to see him accompany them.
“If the Indians can be procured I would chuse [sic] to have them here by the opening of
the Campaign and therefore they should be engaged as soon as possible, as there is not
more Time between this and the Middle of May than will be necessary to settle the
Business with them and to march from their Country to the Army.
9
George Washington to The St. John’s Indians, December 24, 1776, The Writings of George Washington,
6:435-436, 436n79, 436n80.
10
Board of War to the Continental Congress, March 4, 1778, in The Papers of George Washington,
Revolutionary War Series, 13:409n38.
“I am not without Hope that this will reach you before the Treaty, which is to be held,
breaks up—If it should you will have an opportunity of knowing their Sentiments, of
which I shall be glad to be informed as soon as possible….” 11
Note: Earlier versions of this letter deciphered the roles of the Indians described at the
end of the first paragraph as “as scouts and light troops, mixed with our own Parties.” 12
George Washington, Speech to the Delaware Chiefs, Headquarters, Middle Brook,
5/12/1779
“Brothers: I am happy to see you here. I am glad the long Journey you have made, has
done you no harm; and that you are in good health: I am glad also you left All our
friends of the Delaware Nation well.
“Brothers: I have read your paper. The things you have said are weighty things, and I
have considered them well. The Delaware Nation have shown their good will to the
United States. They have done wisely and I hope they will never repent [note: the copy
sent to Congress says, “never have Cause to repent”]. I rejoice in the new assurances you
give of their friendship. The things you now offer to do to brighten the chain, prove your
sincerity. I am sure Congress will run to meet you, and will do every thing [sic] in their
power to make the friendship between the people of these States [note: the Congressional
copy reads “United States”], and their Brethren of the Delaware nation, last forever.
“Brothers: I am a Warrior. My words are few and plain; but I will make good what I
say. ‘Tis my business to destroy all the Enemies of these States and to protect their
friends. You have seen how we have withstood the English for four years; and how their
great Armies have dwindled away and come to very little; and how what remains of them
in this part of our great Country, are glad to stay upon Two or three little Islands, where
the Waters and their Ships hinder us from going to destroy them. The English, Brothers,
are a boasting people. They talk of doing a great deal; but they do very little. They fly
away on their Ships from one part of our Country to an other [sic]; but as soon as our
Warriors get together they leave it and go to some other part. They took Boston and
Philadelphia, two of our greatest Towns; but when they saw our Warriors in a great body
ready to fall upon them, they were forced to leave them.
“Brothers: We have till lately fought the English all alone. Now the Great King of
France is become our Good Brother and Ally. He has taken up the Hatchet with us, and
we have sworn never to bury it, till we have punished the English and made them sorry
for All [sic] the wicked things they had in their Hearts to do against these States. And
there are other Great Kings and Nations on the other side of the big Waters, who love us
and wish us well, and will not suffer the English to hurt us.
11
George Washington to the Commissioners of Indian Affairs, March 13, 1778, The Papers of George
Washington, Revolutionary War Series, 14:167-168.
12
See Schroeder, Maxims of George Washington, 111; and The Writings of George Washington, 11:76.
“Brothers: Listen well to what I tell you and let it sink deep into your Hearts. We love
our friends, and will be faithful to them, as long as they will be faithful to us. We are
sure our Good brothers the Delawares will always be so. But we have sworn to take
vengeance on our Enemies, and on false friends. The other day, a handful of our young
men destroyed the settlement of the Onondagas. They burnt down all their Houses,
destroyed their grain and Horses and Cattle, took their Arms away, killed several of their
Warriors and brought off many prisoners and obliged the rest to fly into the woods. This
is but the beginning of the troubles which those Nations, who have taken up the Hatchet
against us, will feel.
“Brothers: I am sorry to hear that you have suffered for want of necessaries, or that any
of our people have not dealt justly by you. But as you are going to Congress, which is
the great Council of the Nation and hold all things in their hands, I shall say nothing
about the supplies you ask. I hope you will receive satisfaction from them. I assure you,
I will do every thing [sic] in my power to prevent your receiving any further injuries, and
will give the strictest orders for this purpose. I will severely punish any that shall break
them.
"Brothers: I am glad you have brought three of the Children of your principal Chiefs to
be educated with us. I am sure Congress will open the Arms of love to them, and will
look upon them as their own Children, and will have them educated accordingly. This is
a great mark of your confidence and of your desire to preserve the friendship between the
Two Nations to the end of time, and to become One people with your Brethren of the
United States. My ears hear with pleasure the other matters you mention. Congress will
be glad to hear them too. You do well to wish to learn our arts and ways of life, and
above all, the religion of Jesus Christ. These will make you a greater and happier people
than you are. Congress will do every thing [sic] they can to assist you in this wise
intention; and to tie the knot of friendship and union so fast, that nothing shall ever be
able to loose it.
“Brothers: There are some matters about which [I do not open my Lips, because they
belong to Congress, and not to us warriors; you are going to them, they will tell you all
you wish to know.
“Brothers: When you have seen all you want to see, I will then wish you a good Journey
to Philadelphia. I hope you may find there every thing [sic] your hearts can wish, that
when you return home you may be able to tell your Nation good things of us. And I pray
God he may make your Nation wise and Strong, that they may always seen their own]
true interest and have courage to walk in the right path; and that they never may be
deceived by lies to do any thing [sic] against the people of these States, who are their
Brothers and ought always to be one people with them."
Editorial note: “In the writing of Robert Hanson Harrison. The document is signed by
Washington, who added, beneath his signature, “Commander in chief of all the Armies in
the United States of America.” The above text is from the signed document (which is
mutilated) in the possession of Dr. A.S.W. Rosenback, of New York City and
Philadelphia. The portion in brackets was supplied from the copy by Caleb Gibbs,
inclosed [sic] in Washington’s letter to the President of Congress, May 14, 1779, q.v.” 13
In this letter Washington authorizes the raising of Indian troops and stipulates pay
to match privates and additional pay up for chiefs and leaders.
George Washington, Instructions to Major William Goodrich [of the Massachusetts
Militia], West Point, 6/19/1779
“You are hereby authorized and required to engage as many of the Stockbridge and
Scatacoke tribes of Indians as you can; and with a few good woodsmen if to be had, join
the Army under the command of Majr. General Sullivan.
“These men are not to have, more than private Soldiers pay, unless you should find it
necessary to distinguish the chief of each tribe by some little pecuniary, or other
encouragement. You will be allowed Captain’s pay and Rations, and may, if you shd.
obtain and march forty Men, or upwds. appoint a lieutenant (who will be allowed pay and
Rations as such) to aid and assist you in this command.
“These instructions will authorise [sic] you to draw public provisions where they are to
be had, and to pass receipts [Hamilton changed this word to “certificates”] where there
are no Commissary’s stores for such as you obtain from the Inhabitants.
“I cannot give you a precise rout [sic] because I do not know the time you will be ready
to move with this party from Stockbridge nor the Situation Genl. Sullivan may be in
when you commence your March but at Esopus you will be able to learn where the Army
is and can shape your course accordingly.” 14
George Washington, Certificate to the Muhhekunnuk Indians, Headquarters,
Newburgh, July 8, 1783
“Whereas our Brothers the Muhhekunnuk Tribe of Indians have signified to us their
intention of removing their present settlement near Stockbridge to the Oneida Country
and are desirous of carrying with them some Testimony of their attachment to the United
States of America during the late War.
“We therefore have thought proper, by these presents, to make known, That during the
whole of the late War, the aforesaid Muhhekunnuk Tribe of Indians have remained firmly
attached to us and have fought and bled by our side; That we consider them as our friends
and Brothers, and as a Peace is now established between all the Powers who were at War
we do recommend it to all the different Tribes of Indians as well as all other persons
13
George Washington, Speech to the Delaware Chiefs, 5/12/1779, The Writings of George Washington,
15:53-56, 53n & 56n.
14
George Washington, Instructions to Major William Goodrich, 6/19/1779, The Writings of George
Washington, 15:286-287, 286n & 287n.
Inhabiting the Western Country, not to molest them in any manner whatever but to
consider them as friends and subjects to the United States of America.”
Editorial note: “This tribe is usually known as the Mahican [sic] or Stockbridge
Indians.” 15
George Washington to James Duane, September 7, 1783
“I have carefully perused the Papers which you put into my hands relative to Indian
Affairs.
“My Sentiments with respect to the proper line of Conduct to be observed towards these
peoples coincides precisely with those delivered by Genl. Schuyler, so far as he has gone
in his Letter of the 29th. July to Congress (which, with the other Papers is herewith
returned), and for the reasons he has there assigned; a repetition of them therefore by me
would be unnecessary. But independant [sic] of the arguments made use of by him the
following considerations have no small weight in my Mind.
“To suffer a wide extended Country to be over run [sic] with Land Jobbers, Speculators,
and Monopolisers [sic] or even with scatter’d settlers, is, in my opinion, inconsistent with
that wisdom and policy which our true interest dictates, or than an enlightened People
ought to adopt and, besides, is pregnant of disputes both with the Savages, and among
ourselves, the evils of which are easier, to be conceived than described; and for what?
but [sic] to aggrandize a few avaricious Men to the prejudice of many, and the
embarrassment of Government. for [sic] the People engaged in these pursuits without
contributing in the smallest degree to the support of Government, or considering
themselves as amenable to its Laws, will involve it by their unrestrained conduct, in
inextricable perplexities, and more than probable in a great deal of Bloodshed.
“My ideas therefore of the line of Conduct proper to be observed not only towards the
Indians, but for the government of the Citizens of America, in their Settlement of the
Western Country (which is intimately connected therewith) are simply these.
“First and as a preliminary, that all Prisoners of whatever age or Sex, among the Indians
shall be delivered up.
“That the Indians should be informed, that after a Contest of eight years for the
Sovereignty of this Country G: Britain has ceded all the Lands of the United States within
the limits described by the arte. of [sic] the Provisional Treaty.
“That as they (the Indians) maugre all the advice and admonition which could be given
them at the commencement; and during the prosecution of the War could not be
restrained from acts of Hostility, but were determined to join their Arms to those of G
15
George Washington, Certificate to the Muhhekunnuk Indians, July 8, 1783, The Writings of George
Washington, 27:53.
Britain and to share their fortune; so, consequently, with a less generous People than
Americans they would be made to share the same fate; and be compelld [sic] to retire
along with them beyond the Lakes. But as we prefer Peace to a state of Warfare, as we
consider them as a deluded People; as we perswade [sic] ourselves that they are
convinced, from experience, of their error in taking up the Hatchet against us, and that
their true Interest and safety must now depend upon our friendship. As the Country, is
large enough to contain us all; and as we are disposed to be kind to them and to partake
of their Trade, we will from these considerations and from motives of Compn., draw a
veil over what is past and establish a boundary line between them and us beyond which
we will endeavor to restrain our People from Hunting or Settling, and within which they
shall not come, but for the purposes of Trading, Treating, or other business
unexceptionable in its nature.
“In establishing this line, in the first instance, care should be taken neither to yield nor to
grasp at too much. But to endeavor to impress the Indians with an idea of the generosity
of our disposition to accommodate them, and with the necessity we are under, of
providing for our Warriors, our Young People who are growing up, and strangers who are
coming from other Countries to live among us. and [sic] if they should make a point of
it, or appear dissatisfied at the line we may find it necessary to establish, compensation
should be made them for their claims within it.
“It is needless for me to express more explicitly because the tendency of my observns.
evinces it is my opinion that if the Legislature of the State of New York should insist
upon expelling the Six Nations from all the Country they Inhabited previous to the War,
within their Territory (as General Schuyler seems to be apprehensive of) that it will end
in another Indian War. I have every reason to believe from my enquiries [sic], and the
information I have received, that they will not suffer their Country (if it was our policy to
take it before we could settle it) to be wrested from them without another struggle. That
they would compromise for a part of it I have very little doubt, and that it would be the
cheapest way of coming at it, I have no doubt at all. The same observations, I am
perswaded [sic], will hold good with respect to Virginia, or any other state which has
powerful Tribes of Indians on their Frontiers; and the reason of my mentioning New
York is because General Schuyler has expressed his opinion of the temper of its
Legislature; and because I have been more in the way of learning the Sentimts. of the Six
Nations, than of any other Tribes of Indians on this Subject.
“The limits being sufficiently extensive (in the New Ctry.) to comply with all the
engagements of Government and to admit such emigrations as may be supposed to
happen within a given time not only from the several States of the Union but from
Foreign Countries, and moreover of such magnitude as to form a distinct and proper
Government; a Proclamation in my opinion, should issue, making it Felony (if there is
power for the purpose and if not imposing some very heavy restraint) for any person to
Survey or Settle beyond the Line; and the Officers Commanding the Frontier Garrison
should have pointed and peremptory orders to see that the Proclamation is carried into
effect.
“Measures of this sort would not only obtain Peace from the Indians, but would, in my
opinion, be the surest means of preserving it. It would dispose of the Land to the best
advantage; People the Country progressively, and check Land Jobbing and Monopolizing
(which is now going forward with great avidity) while the door would be open, and the
terms known for every one to obtain what is reasonable and proper for himself upon legal
and constitutional ground.
“Every advantage that could be expected or even wished for would result from such a
mode of proceedure [sic] our Settlements would be compact, Government well
established, and our Barrier formidable, not only for ourselves but against our
Neighbours [sic], and the Indians as been observed in Genl Schuylers [sic] Letter will
ever retreat as our Settlements advance upon them and they will be as ready to sell, as we
are to buy; That it is the cheapest as well as the least distressing way of dealing with
them, none who are acquainted with the Nature of Indian warfare, and has ever been at
the trouble of estimating the expence of one, and comparing it with the cost of purchasing
their Lands, will hesitate to acknowledge.
“Unless some such measures as I have here taken the liberty of suggesting are speedily
adopted one of two capital evils, in my opinion, will inevitably result, and is near at hand;
either that the settling, or rather overspreading the Western Country will take place, by a
parcel of Banditti, who will bid defiance to all Authority while they are skimming and
disposing of the Cream of the Country at the expence of many suffering Officers and
Soldiers who have fought and bled to obtain it, and are now waiting the decision of
Congress to point them to the promised reward of their past dangers and toils, or a
renewal of Hostilities with the Indians, brought about more than probably, by this very
means.
“How far agents for Indian Affrs. are indispensable necessary I shall not take upon me to
decide; but if any should be appointed, their powers in my opinion should be
circumscribed, accurately defined, and themselves rigidly punished for every infraction
of them. A recurrence to the conduct of these People under the British Administration of
Indian Affairs will manifest the propriety of this caution, as it will there be found, that
self Interest was the principle by which their Agents were actuated; and to promote this
by accumulating Lands and passing large quantities of Goods thro their hands, the
Indians were made to speak any language they pleased by their representation; were
pacific or hostile as their purposes were most likely to be promoted by the one or the
other. No purchase under any pretence whatever should be made by any other authority
than that of the Sovereign power, or the Legislature of the State in which such Lands may
happen to be. Nor should the Agents be permitted directly or indirectly to trade; but to
have a fixed, and ample Salary allowed them as a full compensation for their trouble.
“Whether in practice the measure may answer as well as it appears in theory to me, I will
not undertake to say; but I think, if the Indian Trade was carried on, on Government
Acct., and with no greater advance than what would be necessary to defray the expence
and risk, and bring in a small profit, that it would supply the Indians upon much better
terms than they usually are; engross their Trade, and fix them strongly in our Interest; and
would be a much better mode of treating them than that of giving presents; where a few
only are benefitted by them. I confess there is a difficulty in getting a Man, or set of
Men, in whose Abilities and integrity there can be a perfect reliance; without which, the
scheme is liable to such abuse as to defeat the salutary ends which are proposed from it.
At any rate, no person should be suffered to Trade with the Indians without first obtaining
a license, and giving security to conform to such rules and regulations as shall be
prescribed; as was the case before the War.
“In giving my Sentiments in the Month of May last (at the request of a Committee of
Congress) on a Peace Establishmt. I took the liberty of suggesting the propriety, which in
my opinion there appeared, of paying particular attention to the French and other Settlers
at Detroit and other parts within the limits of the Western Country; the perusal of a late
Pamphlet entitled “Observations on the Commerce of the American States with Europe
and the West Indies” impresses the necessity of it more forcibly than ever on my Mind.
The author of that Piece strongly recommends a liberal change in the Government of
Canada, and tho’ he is too sanguine in his expectations of the benefits arising from it,
there can be no doubt of the good policy of the measure. It behooves us therefore to
counteract them, by anticipation. These People have a disposition towards us susceptible
of favorable Impressions; but as no Arts will be left unattempted by the British to
withdraw them from our Interest, the prest. moment should be employed by us to fix
them in it, or we may loose [sic] them forever; and with them, the advantages, or
disadvantages consequent of the choice they make. From the best information and Maps
of that Country, it would appear that from the Mouth of the Great Miami River wch.
empties into the Ohio to its confluence with the Mad River, thence by a Line to the
Miami Fort and Village on the other Miami River wch. empties into Lake Erie, and
Thence by a Line to include the Settlement of Detroit would with Lake Erie to the No.
ward Pensa. to the Eastwd. And the Ohio to the Soward form a Governmt. sufficiently
extensive to fulfill all the public engagements, and to receive moreover a large population
of Emigrants, and to confine The Settlement of the New States within these bounds
would, in my opinion, be infinitely better even supposing no disputes were to happen
with the Indians and that it was not necessary to guard against those other evils which
have been enumerated than to suffer the same number of People to roam over a Country
of at least 500,000 Square Miles contributing nothing to the support, but much perhaps to
the Embarrassment of the Federal Government.
“Was it not for the purpose of comprehending the Settlement of Detroit within the
Jurisdn. of the New Governmt more compact and better shaped district for a State would
be for the line to proceed from the Miami Fort and Village along the River of that name
to Lake Erie. leaving [sic] In [sic] that case the Settlement of Detroit, and all the
Territory No. of the Rivers Miami and St. Josephs between Lakes Erie, St. Clair, Huron,
and Michigan to form, hereafter, another State equally large compact and water bounded.
“At first view, it may seem a little extraneous, when I am called upon to give an opinion
upon the terms of a Peace proper to be made with the Indians, that I should go into the
formation of New States; but the Settlemt. of the Western Country and making a Peace
with the Indians are so analogous that there can be no definition of the one without
involving considerations of the other. for [sic] I repeat it, again, and I am clear in my
opinion, that policy and economy point very strongly to the expediency of being upon
good terms with the Indians, and the propriety of purchasing their Lands in preference to
attempting to drive them by force of arms out of their Country; which as we have already
experienced is like driving the Wild Beasts of the Forest which will return us as soon as
the pursuit is at an end and fall perhaps on those that are left there; when the gradual
extension of our Settlements will as certainly cause the Savage as the Wolf to retire; both
being beasts of prey tho’ they differ in shape. In a word there is nothing to be obtained
by an Indian War but the Soil they live on and this can be had by purchase at less
expence [sic], and without that bloodshed, and those distresses which helpless Women
and Children are made partakers of in all kinds of disputes with them.
…
P.S. A formal Address, and memorial from the Oneida Indians when I was on the
Mohawk River, setting forth their Grievances and distresses and praying relief, induced
me to order a pound of Powder and 3 lbs. of Lead to be issued to each Man, from the
Military Magazines in the care of Colo. Willett; this, I presume, was unknown to Genl.
Schuyler at the time he recommended the like measure in his Letter to Congress.”
Editorial note: Duane was “Chairman of the Committee of Congress to confer with the
Commander in Chief.” 16
George Washington to The Senate, 5/25/1789
“In pursuance of the Orders of the late Congress Treaties between the United States and
several nations of Indians have been negociated [sic] and signed. These treaties with
sundry papers respecting them I now lay before you, for your consideration and advice;
by the hands of General Knox, under whose official superintendence the Business was
transacted, and who will be ready to communicate to you information upon such points as
may appear to require it.”
Editorial Note: “The Annals of Congress (Washington: 1834), vol. 1, p. 40, cites these
treaties as the treaty of Fort Stanwix, Oct. 22, 1784, with the Six Nations; of Fort
McIntosh, Jan. 21, 1785, with the Wyandots, Delawares, Chippewas, and Ottawas; of the
Great Miami, Jan. 31, 1786, with the Shawanese. (See Journals of the Continental
Congress, June 3, 1785, and Apr. 17, 1786.) A treaty was also made at Fort Harmar, Jan.
9, 1789, with the Six Nations (Mohawks excepted), and with the Wyandot, Delaware,
Ottawa, Chippewa, Potawotomi, and Sac Indians of the northwest territory.” 17
George Washington to the Senate & House of Representatives, 8/7/1789
16
George Washington to James Duane, September 7, 1783, The Writings of George Washington, 27:133140, 133n14; see also Schroeder, Maxims of George Washington, 108.
17
George Washington to The Senate, 5/25/1789, The Writings of George Washington, 30:332-333, 332n.
“The Business which has hitherto been under the consideration of Congress has been of
so much importance that I was unwilling to draw their attention from it to any other
subject. But the disputes which exist between some of the United States and several
powerful tribes of Indians within the limits of the Union, and the hostilities which have in
several instances been committed on the frontiers, seem to require the immediate
interposition of the general Government. I have therefore directed the several statements
and papers, which have been submitted to me on this subject by General Knox to be laid
before you for your information. While the measures of Government ought to be
calculated to protect its Citizens from all injury and violence, a due regard should be
extended to those Indians whose happiness in the course of events so materially depends
on the national justice and humanity of the United States. If it should be the judgment of
Congress, that it would be most expedient to terminate all differences in the Southern
District, and to lay the foundation for future confidence by an amicable Treaty with the
Indian Tribes in that quarter I think proper to suggest the consideration of the expediency
of instituting a temporary Commission for that purpose, to consist of three persons whose
authority should expire with the occasion. How far such a measure unassisted by Posts,
would be competent to the establishment and preservation of peace and tranquility on the
frontiers, is also a matter which merits your serious consideration.” 18
George Washington to The Senate, [August 22, 1789]
“To conciliate the powerful tribes of Indians in the Southern District amounting probably
to fourteen thousand fighting men, and to attach them firmly to the United States, may be
regarded as highly worthy of the serious attention of Government. The measure includes
not only peace and security to the whole Southern frontier, but is calculated to form a
barrier against the Colonies of an European power, which in the mutations of policy may
one day become the Enemy of the United States. The fate of the Southern States
therefore, or the neighboring Colonies may principally depend on the present measures of
the Union towards the Southern Indians. By the papers which have been laid before the
Senate it will appear that in the latter end of the year 1785 and the beginning of 1786
treaties were formed by the United States with the Cherokees, Chickasaws and Choktaws
[sic]. The report of the Commissioners will shew [sic] the reasons why a treaty was not
found at the sametime [sic] with the Creeks. It will also appear by the Papers that the
States of North Carolina and Georgia protested against said Treaties as infringing upon
their legislative rights and being contrary to the Confederation. It will further appear by
the said papers that the treaty with the Cherokees has been entirely violated by the
disorderly white people on the frontiers of North Carolina. The opinion of the late
Congress respecting the said violation will sufficiently appear by the proclamation which
they caused to be issued on the first of September 1788. It appears by the public
newspapers that on the 16th of June last, a trust was concluded with the Cherokees by Mr.
John Steele on behalf of the State of North Carolina in which it was stipulated that a
Treaty should be held as soon as possible and that in the meantime all hostilities should
cease on either side. As the Cherokees reside principally within the Territory claimed by
North Carolina and as that State is not a Member of the present Union, it may be doubted
18
George Washington to The Senate and The House of Representatives, 8/7/1789, The Writings of George
Washington, 30:371-372.
whether any efficient measures in favor of the Cherokees could be immediately adopted
by the general Government. The Commissioners for negociating [sic] with the Southern
Indians may be instructed to transmit a message to the Cherokees, stating to them as far
as may be proper, the difficulties arising from the local claims of North Carolina and to
assure them that the United States are not unmindful of the Treaty at Hopewell and as
soon as the difficulties which are at present opposed to the measure, shall be removed,
the Government will do full justice to the Cherokees.
“The distance of the Choctaws and Chickasaw from the frontier settlements seems to
have prevented their tribes from being involved in similar difficulties with the Cherokees.
“The Commissioners may be instructed to transmit messages to the said Tribes
containing assurances of the continuance of the friendship of the United States and that
measures will soon be taken for extending a Trade to them agreeably to the Treaties of
Hopewell. The Commissioners may also be directed to report a plan for the execution of
the said Treaties respecting Trade.
“But the Case of the Creek Nation is of the highest importance and requires an immediate
decision. The Cause of the hostilities between Georgia and the Creeks is stated to be a
difference in judgment concerning three treaties made between the said parties, to wit at
Augusta 1783, at Galphinton in 1785 and at Shoulder bone in 1786. The State of Georgia
assert, and the Creeks deny the validity of the said Treaties. Hence arises the
indispensible [sic] necessity of having all the circumstances respecting the said Treaties
critically investigated by Commissioners of the United States, so that the further
measures of Government may be formed on a full knowledge of the case. In order that
the investigation be conducted with the highest impartiality it will be proper in addition to
the evidence of the documents in the public possession, that Georgia should be
represented at this part of the proposed treaty with the Creek Nation. It is however to be
observed in any issue of the enquiry, that it would be highly embarrassing to Georgia to
relinquish that part of the Lands, stated to have been ceded by the Creeks lying between
the Ogeechee and the Oconee Rivers; that State having surveyed and divided the same
among certain descriptions of its Citizens who settled and planted thereon untill [sic]
dispossessed by the Indians. In case therefore the issue of the investigation should be
unfavorable to the claims of Georgia, the Commissioners should be instructed to use their
best endeavours [sic] to negociate [sic] with the Creeks a solemn conveyance of the said
Lands to Georgia. By the report of the Commissioners who were appointed under certain
Acts of the late Congress, by South Carolina and Georgia it appears that they have agreed
to meet the Creeks the 15th. of September ensuing. As it is with great difficulty the
Indians are collected together at certain seasons of the year it is important that the above
occasion should be embraced if possible on the part of the present Government to form a
Treaty with the Creeks. As the proposed Treaty is of great importance to the future
tranquility of the State of Georgia as well as of the United States it has been thought
proper that it should be conducted on the part of the general Government by
Commissioners whose local situations may free them from the imputation of prejudice on
this subject. As it is necessary that certain principles should be fixed previously to
forming instructions to the Commissioners, the following questions arising out of the
foregoing communications are stated by the President of the United States and the advice
of the Senate requested thereon.
“1st.
“In the present state of affairs between North Carolina and the United States will it be
proper to take any other measures for redressing the injuries of the Cherokees than those
herein suggested?”
“2nd
“Shall the Commissioners be instructed to pursue any other measures respecting the
Chickasaws and Choctaws than those herein suggested?
“3d
“If the Commissioners shall adjudge that the Creek Nation was fully represented at the
three treaties with Georgia, and that the cessions of Land were obtained with the full
understanding and free consent of the acknowledged proprietors and that the said treaties
ought to be considered as just and valid. [Sic] In this case shall the Commissioners be
instructed to insist on a formal renewal and confirmation thereof? and [sic] in case of a
refusal shall they be instructed to inform the Creeks that the Arms of the Union shall be
employed to compell [sic] them to acknowledge the validity of the said treaties and
cessions?
4th
“But if the Commissioners shall adjudge that the said treaties were formed with an
inadequate or unauthorized representation of the Creek Nation or that the treaties were
held under circumstances of constraint or unfairness of any sort so that that United States
could not with justice and dignity request or urge a confirmation thereof; In this case
shall the Commissioners, considering the importance of the Oconee lands to Georgia be
instructed to use their highest exertions to obtain a cession of the said Lands? If so shall
the Commissioners be instructed, if they cannot obtain the said cession on better terms, to
offer for the same and for the farther great object of attaching the Creeks to the
Government of the United States, the following conditions.
“1st.
“A Compensation in money or goods to the amount of Dollars, the said amount to be
stipulated to be paid by Georgia at the period which shall be fixed on or in failure thereof
by the United States.
“2nd
“A free port on the Altamaha or St. Marys [sic] rivers or at any other place between the
same as may be mutually agreed to by Georgia and the Creeks.
“3d
“Some pecuniary considerations to some and honorary military distinctions to other
influential Chiefs, or their taking oaths of allegiance to the United States.
“4th
“A solemn guarantee by the United States to the Creeks of their remaining territory and
to maintain the same if necessary by a line of military Posts.
“5th
“But if all offers should fail to induce the Creeks to make the desired Cessions to Georgia
shall the Commissioners make it an Ultimatum?
“6th
“If the said Cessions shall not be made an Ultimatum, shall the Commissioners proceed
and make a treaty and include the disputed lands within the limits which shall be assigned
to the Creeks. If not, shall a temporary boundary be marked, making the Oconee the line,
and the other parts of the treaty be concluded? In this case shall a free port be stipulated
and the pecuniary and honorary considerations granted? In other general objects shall the
Treaties formed at Hopewell with the Cherokees, Chickasaws and Choctaws be the Basis
of a Treaty with the Creeks?
“7th
“Shall the sum of 20,000 Dollars appropriated to Indian expences [sic] and treaties be
wholly applied if necessary to a Treaty with the Creeks? If not what proportion?”
Editorial Note: “The President, in company with Secretary Knox, appeared before the
Senate with this message which is in the “Letter Book” in the Washington Papers. It was
handed by Knox to Vice President Adams, who, according to Maclay’s Diary “hurried
over the paper” which, on account of noise from the street, Maclay says, he “was not
master of one sentence of it.” His account of the incident is in his Journal under date of
Aug. 22, 1789.” 19
George Washington to The Senate, 9/17/1789
19
George Washington to The Senate, [August 22, 1789], The Writings of George Washington, 30:385-390,
390n.
“It doubtless is important that all treaties and compacts formed by the United States with
other nations, whether civilized or not, should be made with caution and executed with
fidelity.
“It is said to be the general understanding and practice of nations, as a check on the
mistakes and indiscretions of ministers or commissioners, not to consider any treaty
negotiated and signed by such officers as final and conclusive until ratified by the
sovereign or government from whom they derive their powers. This practice has been
adopted by the United States respecting their treaties with European nations, and I am
inclined to think it would be advisable to observe it in the conduct of our treaties with the
Indians; for though such treaties, being on their part made by their chiefs or rulers, need
not be ratified by them, yet, being formed on our part by the agency of subordinate
officers, it seems to be both prudent and reasonable that their acts should not be binding
on the nation until approved and ratified by the Government. It strikes me that this point
should be well considered and settled, so that our national proceedings in this respect
may become uniform and be directed by fixed and stable principles.
“The treaties with certain Indian nations, which were laid before you with my message of
the 25th May last, suggested two questions to my mind, viz: First, whether those treaties
were to be considered as perfected and consequently as obligatory without being ratified.
If not, then secondly, whether both or either, and which, of them ought to be ratified. On
these questions I request your opinion and advice.
“You have, indeed, advised me “to execute and enjoin an observance of” the treaty with
the Wyandottes, etc. You, gentlemen, doubtless intended to be clear and explicit, and
yet, without further explanation, I fear I may misunderstand your meaning, for if by my
executing that treaty you mean that I should make it (in a more particular and immediate
manner than it now is) the act of Government, then it follows that I am to ratify it. If you
mean by my executing it that I am to see that it be carried into effect and operation, then I
am led to conclude either that you consider it as being perfect and obligatory in its
present state, and therefore to be executed and observed, or that you consider it as to
derive its completion and obligation from the silent approbation and ratification which
my proclamation may be construed to imply. Although I am inclined to think that the
latter is your intention, yet it certainly is best that all doubts respecting it be removed.
“Permit me to observe that it will be proper for me to be informed of your sentiments
relative to the treaty with the Six Nations previous to the departure of the governor of the
Western territory, and therefore I recommend it to your early consideration.” 20
George Washington to The Chiefs and Warriors of the Choctaw Nation, New York
City, 12/17/1789
“Brothers: I have sent Major [John] Doughty one of our Warriors, in order to convince
you that the United States well remember the treaty they made with your Nation four
years ago at Hopewell on the Keowee; guard and protect him and show him the places at
20
George Washington to The Senate, 9/17/1789, The Writings of George Washington, 30:406-408.
which trading posts shall be established in order to furnish you with goods; and when the
said posts shall be established, support them to the utmost of your power.
“Be attentive to what he shall say in the name of the United States for he will speak only
truth.
“Regard the United States as your firm and best support. Keep bright the claim [?] of
friendship between the Chickasaws and your nation, reject the advice of bad men who
may attempt to poison your minds with suspicions against the United States.” 21
George Washington to The Senate, 8/4/1790
“In consequence of the general principles agreed to by the Senate in August 1789, the
adjustment of the terms of a treaty is far advanced between the United States and the
Chiefs of the Creek Nation of Indians here in this City, in behalf of themselves and the
whole of the Creek Nation.
“In preparing the Articles of this treaty the present arrangements of the trade with the
Creeks have caused much embarrassment. It seems to be well ascertained that the said
trade is almost exclusively in the hands of a company of british [sic] Merchants, who by
agreement make their importation of Goods from England into the Spanish ports.
“As the trade of the Indians is a main mean of their political management, it is therefore
obvious that the United States cannot possess any security for the performance of treaties
with the Creeks, while their trade is liable to be interrupted or withheld at the caprice of
two foreign powers. Hence it becomes an object of real importance to form new channels
for the Commerce of the Creeks through the United States. But this operation will
require time, as the present arrangements can not [sic] be suddenly broken without the
greatest violation of faith and morals.
“It therefore appears to be important to form a secret Article of a treaty similar to the one
which accompanies this message.
“If the Senate should require any further explanation, the Secretary of War will attend
them for that purpose.
“[On the same day] The President of the United States states the following question for
the consideration and advice of the Senate.
“If it should be found essential to a treaty, for the firm establishment of peace with the
Creek Nation of Indians, that an Article to the following effect should be inserted therein,
will such an Article be proper? Vizt.
21
George Washington to The Chiefs and Warriors of the Choctaw Nation, 12/17/1789, The Writings of
George Washington, 30:479-480.
“Secret Article
“The Commerce necessary for the Creek Nation shall be carried on through the Ports and
by the Citizens of the United States, if substantial and effectual arrangements shall be
made for that purpose by the United States on or before the first day of August one
thousand seven hundred and ninety two. In the meantime the said Commerce may be
carried on through its present channels and according to its present regulations.
“And whereas the trade of the said Creek Nation is now carried on wholly or principally
through the territories of Spain, and obstructions thereto may happen by war or
prohibitions of the Spanish Government.
“It is therefore agreed between the said parties, that in the event of any such obstructions
happening, it shall be lawful for such persons as
shall appoint, to introduce into and
transport through the territories of the United States to the Country of the said Creek
Nation, any quantity of goods, ware and merchandize [sic], not exceeding in value in any
one year sixty thousand dollars and that free from any duties and impositions whatever
but subject to such regulations for guarding against abuse, as the United States shall
judge necessary, which privilege shall continue as long as such obstructions shall
continue.” 22
George Washington to The Senate, 8/7/1790
“I lay before you a treaty between the United States [and] the Chiefs of the Creek Nation,
now in this City, in behalf of themselves and the whole Creek Nation subject to the
ratification of the President of the United States, with the advice and consent of the
Senate.
“While I flatter myself that this Treaty will be productive of present peace and prosperity
to our Southern frontier, it is to be expected that it will also in its consequences be the
means of firmly attaching the Creeks and the neighbouring [sic] tribes to the interests of
the United States.
“At the same time it is to be hoped that it will afford solid grounds of satisfaction to the
state of Georgia, as it contains a regular, full and definitive relinquishment, on the part of
the Creek Nation, of the Oconee Land, in the utmost extent in which it has been claimed
by that State and thus extinguishes the principal cause of those hostilities from which it
has more than once experienced such severe calamities. But although the most valuable
of the disputed Land is included, yet there is certain claim of Georgia arising out of the
treaty, made by that State at Galphinston in November 1785 of Land to the Eastward of a
new temporary line from the forks of the Oconee and Oakmulgee in a southwest direction
to the St[.] Marys [sic] river, which tract of Land the Creeks in this City absolutely refuse
to yield. This Land is reported to be generally barren, sunken and unfit for cultivation,
except in some instances on the margin of the Rivers, on which by improvement rice
22
George Washington to The Senate, 8/4/1790, The Writings of George Washington, 31:74-75.
might be cultivated, its chief value depending on the timber fit for the building of Ships
with which it is represented as abounding. While it is thus circumstanced on the one
hand, it is stated by the Creeks on the other to be of the highest importance to them, as
constituting some of their most valuable winter hunting ground.
“I have directed the Commissioner [Henry Knox], to whom the charge of adjusting the
treaty has been committed to you [sic] lay before you such papers and documents, and to
communicate to you such information relatively [sic] to it as you may require.” 23
George Washington to The Senate, August 11, 1790
“Although the treaty with the Creeks [dated August 13th, 1790, and announced by GW on
the 15th] may be regarded as the main foundation of the southwestern frontier of the
United States, yet in order fully to effect so desirable an object the treaties which have
been entered into with the other tribes in that quarter must be faithfully performed on our
parts.
“During the last year I laid before the Senate a particular statement of the case of the
Cherokees [on August 7, 1789]. By a reference to that paper it will appear that the
United States formed a treaty with the Cherokees thereby placed themselves under the
protection of the United States, and had a boundary assigned them.
“That the White people settled on the frontiers had openly violated the said boundary by
intruding on the Indian lands.
“That the United States in Congress assembled did on the first day of September 1788
issue their proclamation forbidding such unwarrantable intrusions and injoining [sic] all
those who had settled upon the hunting grounds of the Cherokees to depart with their
families and effects without the loss of time, as they would answer their disobedience to
the injunctions and prohibitions expressed, at their peril.
“But information has been received that notwithstanding the said treaty and proclamation
upwards of five hundred families have settled on the Cherokee Lands exclusively of
those settled between the fork of French Broad and Holstein Rivers mentioned in the said
treaty.
“As the obstructions to a proper conduct of this matter have been removed since it was
mentioned to the Senate on the 22d of August 1789, by the accession of North Carolina
to the present Union, and the cessions of the Land in question, I shall conceive myself
bound to exert the powers entrusted to me by the Constitution in order to carry into
faithful execution the treaty of Hopewell, unless it shall be thought proper to attempt to
arrange a new boundary with the Cherokees embracing the settlements, and
compensating the Cherokees for the cessions they shall make on the occasion. On this
point therefore I state the following questions and request the advice of the Senate
thereon.
23
George Washington to The Senate, 8/7/1790, The Writings of George Washington, 31:76-77, 77n.
“1st. It is the judgment of the Senate that overtures shall be made to the Cherokees to
arrange a new boundary so as to embrace the settlement made by the white people since
the treaty of Hopewell in November 1785?
“2. If so, shall compensation at the amount of dollars annually of dollars in gross be
made to the Cherokees for the land they shall relinquish, holding the occupiers of the land
accountable to the United States for its value?
“3. Shall the United States stipulate solemnly to guarantee the new boundary which may
be arranged?” 24
George Washington to The Cornplanter, Half Town, and Great Tree, Chiefs and
Counselors of the Seneca Nation of Indians, Philadelphia, December 29, 1790
“I the President of the United States, by my own mouth, and by a written Speech signed
with my own hand [and sealed with the Seal of the U S] Speak to the Seneka [sic] Nation,
and desire their attention, and that they would keep this Speech in remembrance of the
friendship of the United States.
“I have received your Speech with satisfaction, as a proof of your confidence in the
justice of the United States, and I have attentively examined the several objects which
you have laid before me, whether delivered by your Chiefs at Tioga point in the last
month to Colonel Pickering, or laid before me in the present month by the Cornplanter
and the other Seneca Chiefs now in Philadelphia.
“In the first place I observe to you, and I request it may sink deep in your minds, that it is
my desire, and the desire of the United States that all the miseries of the late war should
be forgotten and buried forever. That in future the United States and the six Nations
should be truly brothers, promoting each other’s prosperity by acts of mutual friendship
and justice.
“I am not uninformed that the six Nations have been led into some difficulties with
respect to the sale of their lands since the peace. But I must inform you that these evils
arose before the present government of the United States was established, when the
separate States and individuals under their authority, undertook to treat with the Indian
tribes respecting the sale of their lands.
“But the case is now intirely [sic] altered. The general Government only has the power,
to treat with the Indian Nations, and any treaty formed and held without its authority will
not be binding.
“Here then is the security for the remainder of your lands. No State nor person can
purchase your lands, unless at some public treaty held under the authority of the United
24
George Washington to The Senate, August 11, 1790, The Writings of George Washington, 31:88-90, 88n
& 89n.
States. The general government will never consent to your being defrauded. But it will
protect you in all your just rights.
“Hear well, and let it be heard by every person in your Nation, That the President of the
United States declares, that the general government considers itself bound to protect you
in all the lands secured you by the Treaty of Fort Stanwix, the 22d of October 1784,
excepting such parts as you may since had [sic] sold to persons properly authorized to
purchase of you.
“You complain that John Livingston and Oliver Phelps have obtained your lands, assisted
by Mr. Street of Niagara, and they have not complied with their agreement.
“It appears upon enquiry [sic] of the Governor of New York, that John Livingston was
not legally authorized to treat with you, and that every thing [sic] he did with you has
been declared null and void, so that you may rest easy on that account.
“But it does not appear from any proofs yet in the possession of government, that Oliver
Phelps has defrauded you.
“If however you should have any just cause of complaint against him, and can make
satisfactory proof thereof, the federal Courts will be open to you for redress, as to all
other persons.
“But your great object seems to be the security of your remaining lands, and I have
therefore upon this point, meant to be sufficiently strong and clear.
“That in future you cannot be defrauded of your lands. That you possess the right to sell,
and the right of refusing to sell your lands.
“That therefore the sale of your lands in future, will depend entirely upon yourselves.
“But that when you may find it for your interest to sell any parts of your lands, the United
States must be present by their Agent, and will be your security that you shall not be
defrauded in the bargain you may make.
“[It will however be important, that before you make any further sales of your land that
you should determine among yourselves, who are the persons among you that shall give
sure conveyances thereof as shall be binding upon your Nation and forever preclude all
disputes related to the validity of the sale.]
“That besides the [before mentioned] security for your land, you will perceive by the law
of Congress, for regulating trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes, the fatherly care
the United States intend to take of the Indians. For the particular meaning of this law, I
refer you to the explanations given thereof by Colonel Pickering at Tioga, which with the
law, are herewith delivered to you.
“You have said in your Speech, “That the game is going away from among you, and that
you thought it the design of the great Spirit, that you should till the ground, but before
you speak upon this subject, you want to know whether the United States meant to leave
you any land to till?””
“You now know that all the lands secured to you by the Treaty of Fort Stanwix,
excepting such parts as you may since have fairly sold are yours, and that only your own
acts can convey them away; speak therefore your wishes on the subject of tilling the
ground. The United States will be happy to afford you every assistance in the only
business which will add to your numbers and happiness.
“The murders that have been committed upon some of your people, by the bad white men
I sincerely lament and reprobate, and I earnestly hope that the real murderers will be
secured, and punished as they deserve. This business has been sufficiently explained to
you here, by the Governor of Pennsylvania, and by Colonel Pickering on behalf of the
United States, at Tioga.
“The Senekas [sic] may be assured, that the rewards offered for apprehending the
murderers, will be continued until they are secured for trial, and that when they shall be
apprehended, that they will be tried and punished as if they had killed white men.
“Having answered the most material parts of your Speech, I shall inform you, that some
bad Indians, and the outcast of several tribes who reside at the Miamee Village, have long
continued their murders and depredations upon the frontiers, lying along the Ohio. That
they have not only refused to listen to my voice inviting them to peace, but that upon
receiving it, they renewed their incursions and murders with greater violence than ever. I
have therefore been obliged to strike those bad people, in order to make them sensible of
their madness. I sincerely hope they will hearken to reason, and not require to be further
chastised. The United States desire to be the friends of the Indians, upon terms of justice
and humanity. But they will not suffer the depredations of the bad Indians to go
unpunished.
“My desire is that you would caution all the Senekas [sic] and six Nations, to prevent
their rash young men from joining the Miamee Indians. For the United States cannot
distinguish the tribes to which bad Indians belong, and every tribe must take care of their
own people.
“The merits of the Cornplanter, and his friendship for the United States are well known to
me, and shall not be forgotten. And as a mark of the esteem of the United States, I have
directed the Secretary of war [sic] to make him a present of Two hundred and Fifty
Dollars, either in money or goods, as the Cornplanter shall like best. And he may depend
upon the future care and kindness of the United States. And I have also directed the
Secretary of War to make suitable presents to the other Chiefs present in Philadelphia.
And also that some further tokens of friendship to [sic] be forwarded to the other Chiefs,
now in their Nation.
“Remember my words Senekas [sic], continue to be strong in your friendship for the
United States, as the only rational ground of your future happiness, and you may rely
upon their kindness and protection.
“An Agent will soon be appointed to reside in some place convenient to the Senekas [sic]
and six Nations. He will represent the United States. Apply to him on all occasions.
“If any man brings you evil reports of the intentions of the United States, mark that man
as your enemy, for he will mean to deceive you and lead you into trouble. The United
States will be true and faithful to their engagements.” 25
George Washington to the Chiefs and Warriors of the Chickasaw Nation, December
30, 1790
“Brothers: You have been informed that last Spring, I sent Major Doughty, one of the
warriors of the United States, to brighten the Chain of friendship with the Chickasaw
nation, and to assure them of the firm adherence of the United States to the treaty of
Hopewell. You know the disaster which befell him by the attack of some bad Indians in
Tennassee [sic], who violated the white flag of peace.
“Brothers: I now repeat to you my assurances respecting the treaty of Hopewell, that the
United States will adhere thereto, and consider it as binding on them.
“The United States do not want any of your lands, if any bad people tell you otherwise
they deceive you, and are your enemies, and the enemies of the United States.
“Mr. Vigo [Joseph Maria Francesco Vigo of Vincennes], the bearer, will bring to you
goods conformably to the treaty of Hopewell, and I shall take other measures early in the
next year, to convince you of the further kindness of the United States. In the meantime
hold fast the Chain of friendship, and do not believe any evil reports against the justice
and integrity of the United States.” 26
George Washington to The Secretary of War, 1/14/1791
“On as full a consideration of the last speech made to me by Cornplanter, Half Town, and
the Great-tree, Chiefs of the Seneka [sic] Nation, as my comprehension of their meaning
enables me to give, I am led to the following conclusions, which, if there is any propriety
in discussing their request, or yielding the land asked for, I wish you to consider as the
basis of the communications to be made to these people.
25
George Washington to The Cornplanter, Half Town, and Great Tree, Chiefs and Counselors of the
Seneca Nation of Indians, December 29, 1790, The Writings of George Washington, 31:179-184.
26
George Washington to the Chiefs and Warriors of the Chickasaw Nation, December 30, 1790, The
Writings of George Washington, 31:184 & 184n.
“In the first place, it appears to me that Cornplanter and the other chiefs, now in the City
of Philadelphia, do not constitute a representation of their Nation. And to undo, or
perhaps even to enter on the revision of treaties which have been deliberately and
formally concluded, but under circumstances of equal deliberation and form, would be to
open a door to certain inconvenience, and probable difficulty, by encouraging
applications which the Indians would not fail to make to the United States.
“That it is a matter which requires mature considerations, how far any assurances
regarding the restoration of lands, which have been ceded by treaty to the United States
can be made, without the participation of the Senate, and that no assurance should be
given which may involve a dispute with any individual State, respecting its claim to the
land applied for.
“That they be informed that no Agent for Indian Affairs will be authorized to dispose of
their lands.
“Not comprehending the precise meaning of the Clause respecting Children, I do not
remark upon it.
“In reply to the last clause of their speech, I have to observe, that such expense cannot be
incurred. What is made will be for objects the most beneficial. The enclosed letter from
Colonel Pickering contains some good ideas of improvement, and, if necessary, may be
useful in framing the answer to the Cornplanter, and the other Indians who are with
him.” 27
George Washington to The Cornplanter, Half-Town, and The Great Tree, Chiefs of
the Seneca Nation, Philadelphia, January 19, 1791
“Brothers! I have maturely considered your second written speech.
“You say your nation complain that at the Treaty of Fort Stanwix, you were compelled to
give up too much of your lands. That you confess your nation is bound by what was
there done, and acknowledging the power of the United States, that you have now
appealed to ourselves against that treaty, as made while we were angry against you, and
that the said treaty was therefore unreasonable and unjust.
“But while you complain of the treaty of Fort Stanwix in 1784, you seem entirely to
forget that you yourselves, the Cornplanter, Half-Town and Great-Tree, with others of
your nation, confirmed by the Treaty of Fort Harmar upon the Muskingum, so late as the
9th. of January 1789, the boundaries marked at the Treaty of Fort Stanwix, and that in
consequence thereof you then received goods to a considerable amount.
27
George Washington to The Secretary of War, 1/14/1791, The Writings of George Washington, 31:194195.
“Although it is my sincere desire in looking forward to endeavour [sic] to promote your
happiness by all just and humane arrangements; yet I cannot disannull [sic] treaties
formed by the United States before my administration, especially as the boundaries
mentioned therein have been twice confirmed by yourselves.
“The lines fixed at Fort Stanwix and Fort Harmar, must therefore remain established.
“But Half Town and others who reside upon the land you desire may be relinquished,
have not been disturbed in their possession, and I should hope while they continue to
demean themselves peaceably, and to manifest their friendly dispositions towards the
people of the United States, that they will be suffered to remain where they are.
“The Agent who will be appointed by the United States will be your friend and protector.
He will not be suffered to defraud you, or to assist in defrauding you of your lands, or of
any other thing, as all his proceedings must be reported in writing, so as to be submitted
to the President of the United States.
“You mention you design of going to the Miami Indians, to endeavour [sic] to purswade
[sic] them to peace. By this humane measure you will render those mistaken people a
great service, and probably prevent their being swept from off the face of the earth. The
United States require only that those people should demean themselves peaceably. But
they may be assured that the United States are able, and will most certainly punish them
severely for all their robberies and murders.
“You may, when you return from this city to your own Country, mention to your Nation
my desire to promote their prosperity by teaching the use of domestic animals, and the
manner that the white people plough and raise so much corn. And if upon consideration
it would be agreeable to the Nation at large to learn these arts, I will find some means of
teaching them at such places within their Country as shall be agreed upon.
“I have nothing more to add, but to refer you to my former speech, and to repeat my
wishes for the happiness of the Seneka [sic] Nation.” 28
George Washington, “Errors of Government Towards the Indians,” 2/1792
“Have not these been repaired by the subsequent treaties, and purchases from those who
claimed the Soil?
“Some of the tribes it is said would not attend the Treaty at Fort Harmer, because they
expected a relinquishment of their right to the land wd. be demanded.
“May it not rather be said, that while they could War with impunity, they were better
pleased, and found it more profitable to plunder, than to hunt, especially as they were
28
George Washington to The Cornplanter, Half-Town, and The Great Tree, Chiefs of the Seneca Nation,
January 19, 1791, The Writings of George Washington, 31:197-199.
stimulated to the first by the B[ritish]. Traders, and the withholding of the Western Posts
from the U. States.
“But, we are involved in actual War! Is it just? or, is it unjust?
“Mr. H--- [Benjamin Hawkins, Senator from North Carolina] cannot believe fully in the
latter because he is for providing, in part, the means for carrying it on.
“Is this to be done by Offensive, or defensive operations?
“Defensive ones, I say, and I speak it boldly from experience, and from the nature of
things, is not only impracticable against such an enemy, but the expence [sic] attending it
would be ruinous both to our finances and frontier settlements.
“If offensive measures are to be carried on, must not troops advance into the enemy’s
Country? What possible objection then can there be to the establishing of Posts there,
when these Posts answer the double purposes of annoyance and security?
“Cannot these Posts, if Peace should be concluded, be either demolished? or retained
merely for the protection of our trade with these people; and to restrain settlements on the
Indian lands? without which it would be no easy matter. this [sic], experience has
proved, and Mr. H--- is not to be told that the Miami Village is a considerable distance
from the B--- Garrison at Detroit; what cause then for alarm.
“True it is, pacific Overtures, were to have preceeded [sic] hostile measures last
Campaign, and as true it is they did so. Though all the avenues through which they were
intended could not be opened, yet enough were opened to inform the Indians of the
disposition of the government towards them, and the obstacles in the others are stronger
evidences of the difficulties this government have to encounter.
“The Kiskaskies is a circuitous, if not a dangerous rout [sic] by which to communicate
with the Indians, with whom we are at War.
“The Canadian French, subjects to G.B. are not to be relied upon, unless particular
characters could be selected, and that is hardly to be done with certainty and precision.
“The defeat of the 4th. of November [of St. Clair’s expedition] may be ascribed to several
causes, perhaps to none, more justly than to the short enlistment of part of the force.
“Mr. H---‘s ideas and mine with respect to the force, the composition of the Troops, and
the time for which they are to be engaged, differ very widely indeed for &ca. &ca.,
reasons to be assigned.
“The number of hostile Indians, according to Mr. H---, is under rated. The estimate last
year was 1200 when confined to the Miami and Wabash Tribes; now we have good
reasons to believe that the Delawares, Wyendots and others were in the Action with Genl.
St. Clair.
“Plan of the Secretary of War having passed thro’ the hands of the P--- and remaining in
them (as will appear by a recurrence to dates) ten or more days, is a strong presumption
of its having been considered and approved by him.
“Motives of delicacy have, uniformly restrained the P--- from introducing any topick
[sic] which relates to Legislative matters to members of either house of Congress, lest it
should be suspected that he wished to influence the question before it.
“A Committee, from either house, would, in his opinion (so far as the business related to
legislative matters) have been new, and embarrassing. If it did not mean to be governed
by the sentiments which were drawn from the P--- why ask his opinion, as the official
application for, and disregard of them, could not fail to wound his feelings.
“A free communication to a friend, on any matter depending, when asked, he would have
no scruple to make.
“The Sentiments of members of the Senate, or their view, are unknown to the P--- and
what may be the object of the Secretary of War, or others he knows not; his own are not
concealed. Nor can he see more danger in raising men for 3 years than for 3 months,
when with-holding their pay and subsistence will discharge them at any time, but he can
see an immense difference between the advantages of the one over the other. They are
too numerous and selfevident [sic] to need detail: a few only will suffice; Short
enlistments will, nay must, have an incontroulable [sic] influence upon all the operations.
Long enlistments enable one to take advantage of time and circumstances. In the first
case, before men become acquainted with their dutys [sic] or the Service they are
destined for, their term expires; and there is to be a second edition of them. In the other
case they grow more valuable every month, and at half the expence [sic] of new men. In
the first case too it is impossible [to] retain a man an hour beyond the term of his
engagement. In the other he is bound for three years and may be discharged in three
months or three days if the Service will admit of it.
“No man wishes less than the P--- to see a standg. army established; but if Congress will
not Exact a proper Militia law (not such a milk and water think [sic] as I expect to see if I
ever see any) Defence [sic], and the Garrisons will always require some Troops. It has
ever been my opinion that a select Militia properly trained might supercede [sic] the
necessity for these but I dispair [sic] on that head.”
Editorial note: “This document is undated, but indorsed by Washington:
“Communication of Sentimts. to Mr. Hawkins consequent to a lettr. of his.” This letter,
dated February 10, is in the Washington Papers. Ford prints this letter immediately after
October 10, 1791, without, however, assigning any date to it.” 29
29
George Washington, “Errors of Government Towards the Indians,” [2/1792], The Writings of George
Washington, 31:491-494, 491n, and 494n.
George Washington, Message to the Five Nations, Philadelphia, April 25, 1792
“My Children of the Five Nations—
“You were invited here at my request, in order that measures should be concerted with
you, to impart such of the blessings of civilization, as may at present suit your condition,
and give further desires to improve your own happiness.
“Colonel Pickering has made the particular arrangements with you, to carry into
execution these objects, all of which I hereby approve and confirm.
“And in order that the money necessary to defray the annual expences [sic] of the
arrangements which have been made should be provided, permanently, I now ratify an
article which will secure the yearly appropriation of the sum of one thousand five
hundred dollars: for the use and benefit of the five nations, the Stockbridge Indians
included.
“The United States having received and provided for you as for a part of themselves will
I am persuaded be strongly and gratefully impressed on your minds, and those of all your
tribes.
“Let it be spread abroad, among all your villages and throughout your Land that the
United States are desireous [sic], not only of a general peace with all the Indian Tribes,
but of being their friends and protectors.
“It has been my direction, and I hope it has been executed to your satisfaction, That
during your residence here you should be well fed, well lodged, and well cloathed [sic],
and that presents should be furnished for your wives and Families.
“I partake of your sorrow on account that it has pleased the great Spirit, to take from you
two of your number by death, since your residence in this City. I have ordered that your
tears should be wiped away according to your custom and that presents should be sent to
the relations of the deceased.
“Our Lives are all in the hands of our Maker, and we must part with them whenever he
shall demand them, and the survivors must submit to events they cannot prevent.
“Having happily settled all your business and being about to return to your own Country I
wish you a pleasant journey, and that you may safely return to your families after so long
a journey, and find them all in good Health. Given under my hand at the City of
Philadelphia this twenty fifth day of April 1792….”
Editorial note: “One of the two Indians who died in Philadelphia, Peter Ojekheta, an
Oneida chief, was interred with full military honors on 24 Mar. in the burial ground of the
Second Presbyterian Church. The Seneca chief Karontowanen (Kalondowea), or Big
Tree, died on 19 April after a short illness and was interred in the Friends burial ground
two days later….” 30
George Washington to The Senate and The House of Representatives, 12/7/1792
“I lay before you two letters with their enclosures, from the Governor of the SouthWestern Territory, and an extract of a letter to him from the department of War.
“These, and a letter of the 9th. of October last, which has been already communicated to
you, from the same department to the Governor, will shew [sic] in what manner the first
section of the Act of the last Session, which provides for the calling out [of] the Militia
for the repelling of Indian invasions, has been executed. It remains to be considered by
Congress, whether in the present situation of the United States, it be adviseable [sic] or
not, to pursue any further, or other measures, than those which have been already
adopted. The nature of the Subject does [not] of itself call for your immediate attention
to it; and I must add, that upon the result of your deliberations the further conduct of the
executive will on this occasion materially depend.” 31
George Washington, Proclamation, Philadelphia, December 12, 1792
“Whereas I have received authentic information, that certain lawless and wicked persons,
of the western frontier in the State of Georgia, did lately invade, burn, and destroy a town
belonging to the Cherokee nation, although in amity with the United States, and put to
death several Indians of that nation; and whereas such outrageous conduct not only
violates the rights of humanity, but also endangers the public peace, and it highly
becomes the honor and good faith of the United States to pursue all legal means for the
punishment of those atrocious offenders; I have, therefore, thought fit to issue this my
proclamation, hereby exhorting all the citizens of the United States, and requiring all the
officers thereof, according to their respective stations, to use their utmost endeavours
[sic] to bring those offenders to justice. And I do moreover offer a reward of five
hundred dollars for each and every of the above-named persons, who shall be so
apprehended and brought to justice, and shall be proved to have assumed or exercised
any command or authority among the perpetrators of the crimes aforesaid, at the time of
committing the same.” 32
30
George Washington, Message to the Five Nations, [4/25/1792], The Papers of George Washington,
Presidential Series, 10:316-317, 317n.
31
George Washington to The Senate and The House of Representatives, 12/7/1792, The Writings of George
Washington, 32:253.
32
George Washington, Proclamation, December 12, 1792, The Writings of George Washington, 32:260261.
George Washington to the chiefs and Warriors of the Wabash and Illinois Indians,
Philadelphia, May 7, 1793
“My Children
“Chiefs and Warriors of the Tribes of Indians residi[ng] on the Wabash and Illinois
Rivers.
“As you are now about to return to your own Country, I take you by the hand and wish
you a pleasant Journey.
“When you arrived here I was glad to see you, because I believed your undertaking so
long a Journey, was a Strong assurance of your disposition to Cultivate peace and
friendship with the United States.
“You have now been with us Several Moons during which time you have experienced
various marks of friendship from us. These, I trust, have made an impression on your
minds favourable [sic] to t[he] United States—I hope on your return to your
coun[mutilated]u will communicate your good dispositions to your friends, and to all
with whom you may have influence.
“Most of you have been a long Journey to the Eastward, where you have seen the
numbers and Strength of a part of the United States. But you have only seen a part. The
States which lay to the Southward of this, contain as many people as those you have
seen—Judge then, what the bad Indians may expect in the end if they will not hearken to
the voice of peace!
“My Children
“From what you experienced and seen [sic] among us, you must be convinced that we
wish to live in peace with the Red people; but that we do not wish for peace, because we
are not able to Carry on war—We wish for peace because it is for the happiness of all
Men and pleasing to the great Spirit.
“We have lately sent some of our beloved men, as Comm[is]-sioners to meet the hostile
Indians at the Lower Sandusky, to endeavour [sic] to Settle all disputes, and form a treaty
of friend[ship] with them—The Indians must believe what these Commiss[ioners] say;
for they will tell them the truth, and they will spea[k] the sentiments of all the white
people in the United S[tates].
“I wish when you return home that you would [mutilated] all your people and all other
Indians with whom you may have any influence to listen to what our Commissio[ners]
Shall say; for they will only desire what is right and jus[t] and for the happiness of the
Red, as well as the white people to agree to, If we fail in this attempt to restore peace, we
shall believe that the Indians never mean to live in friendship with us—and in that Case it
will be for our Interest to Carry on the War with mo[mutilated]r than ever, and the
bl[ood] which may be shed will [b]e on [the] heads of the I[mutilated].
“My Children
“The Secretary of War has, by my directions furnished you with Such presents for your
Selves, your families, and the friends of your brothers who have died since you left home,
as I hope are satisfactory—and will be considered as an evidence of our desire to keep the
Chain of friendship between us bright.
“as [sic] a further token of my regard for you, I present each with a Medal, which you
must wear as a sign of your attachme[n]t to the United States.
“I also give you a parchment for each of your Tribe[s] on which is written the wishes and
Views of the United States with respect to them; and assurances of the protection of the
United States. These are signed by me, and have the Seal of the United States affixed to
them.
“My Children
“I bid you farewell. I hope the great Spirit will preserve you through your Journey, and
restore you in Safety to your families and friends.”
Editorial note: “The delegation of Wabash and Illinois Indians had arrived at
Philadelphia in December 1792 to discuss with GW and other U.S. officials the treaty
negotiated with Gen. Rufus Putnam at Vincennes on 27 Sept. 1792....”
Editorial note: “For the appointment of Benjamin Lincoln, Timothy Pickering, and
Beverley Randolph as the commissioners for this treaty, see GW’s second letter to the
U.S. Senate of 1 March. On the commissioners’ instructions, see Knox to GW, 16
Feb….”
Editorial note: “The parchment containing extracts from American laws regulating trade
with Indians had not been identified….” 33
George Washington, Letter of Protection, Philadelphia, [May 7, 1793]
“GEORGE WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES of AMERICA, To
all to whom these Presents shall come:
“KNOW YE, That the nation of Indians called the Kaskaskia inhabiting the town of
Kaskaskia and other towns, villages, and lands of the same community, are, in their
persons, towns, villages, lands, hunting-grounds and other rights and property in the
peace and under the protection of the United States of America. And all persons, citizens
of the United States are hereby warned not to commit any injury, trespass or molestation
33
George Washington to the Chiefs and Warriors of the Wabash and Illinois Indians, May 7, 1793, The
Papers of George Washington, Presidential Series, 12:551-552, 552n-553n.
whatever on the persons, lands, hunting-grounds, or other rights or property of the said
Indians. And they and all others are in like manner forbidden to purchase, accept, agree
or treat for, with the said Indians directly or indirectly, the title or occupation of any lands
held or claimed by them; and I do hereby call upon all persons in authority under the
United States, and all citizens thereof in their several capacities, to be aiding and assisting
to the prosecution and punishment according to law of all persons who shall be found
offending in the premises.
“GIVEN under my Hand and the Seal of the United States this Seventh day of May in the
year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-three and of the Independence
of the United States of America the seventeenth….”
Editorial note: “Each individual nation within the delegation of Wabash and Illinois
Indians received its own letter of protection upon departing from Philadelphia….”
Note: Jefferson drafted the initial manuscript, which was reviewed by Alexander
Hamilton. “Except for the tribal name and town, signatures, and portions of the date, this
is a printed document.” 34
George Washington, Talk to the Cherokee Nation, Philadelphia, August 29, 1796
“Beloved Cherokees: Many years have passed since the White people first came to
America. In that long space of time many good men have considered how the condition
of the Indian natives of the country might be improved; and many attempts have been
made to effect [sic] it. But, as we see at this day, all these attempts have been nearly
fruitless. I also have thought much on this subject, and anxiously wished that the various
Indian tribes, as well as their neighbours [sic], the White people, might enjoy in
abundance all the good things which make life comfortable and happy. I have considered
how this could be done; and have discovered but one path that could lead them to that
desirable situation. In this path I wish all the Indian nations to walk. From the
information received concerning you, my beloved Cherokees, I am inclined to hope that
you are prepared to take this path and disposed to pursue it. It may seem a little difficult
to enter; but if you make the attempt, you will find every obstacle easy to be removed.
Mr. Dinsmoor, my beloved agent to your nation, being here, I send you this talk by him.
He will have it interpreted to you, and particularly explain my meaning.
“Beloved Cherokees,
“You now find that the game with which your woods once abounded, are growing scarce;
and you know when you cannot meet a deer or other game to kill, that you must remain
hungry; you know also when you can get no skins by hunting, that the traders will give
you neither powder nor cloathing [sic]; and you know that without other implements for
tilling the ground than the hoe, you will continue to raise only scanty crops of corn.
Hence you are sometimes exposed to suffer much from hunger and cold; and as the game
34
George Washington, Letter of Protection, [May 7, 1793], The Papers of George Washington,
Presidential Series, 12:553 & 554n.
are lessening in numbers more and more, these sufferings will increase. And how are
you to provide against them? Listen to my words and you will know.
“My beloved Cherokees,
“Some among you already experience the advantage of keeping cattle and hogs: let all
keep them and increase their numbers, and you will ever have a plenty of meet [sic]. To
these add sheep, and they will give you cloathing [sic] as well as food. Your lands are
good and of great extent. By proper management you can raise live stock not only for
your own wants, but to sell to the White people. By using the plow you can vastly
increase your crops of corn. You can also grow wheat, (which makes the best bread) as
well as other useful grain. To these you will easily add flax and cotton, which you may
dispose of to the White people, or have it made up by your own women into cloathing
[sic] for yourselves. Your wives and daughters can soon learn to spin and weave; and to
make this certain, I have directed Mr. Dinsmoor, to procure all the necessary apparatus
for spinning and weaving, and to hire a woman to teach the use of them. He will also
procure some plows and other implements of husbandry, with which to begin the
improved cultivation of the ground which I recommend, and employ a fit person to shew
[sic] you how they are to be used. I have further directed him to procure some cattle and
sheep for the most prudent and industrious men, who shall be willing to exert themselves
in tilling the ground and raising those useful animals. He is often to talk with you on
these subjects, and give you all necessary information to promote your success. I must
therefore desire you to listen to him; and to follow his advice. I appointed him to dwell
among you as the Agent of the United States, because I judged him to be a faithful man,
ready to obey my instructions and to do you good.
“But the cares of the United States are not confined to your single nation. They extend to
all the Indians dwelling on their borders. For which reason other agents are appointed;
and for the four southern nations there will be a general or principal agent who will visit
all of them, for the purpose of maintaining peace and friendship among them and with the
United States; to superintend all their affairs; and to assist the particular agents with each
nation in doing the business assigned them. To such general or principal agent I must
desire your careful attention. He will be one of our greatly beloved men. His whole time
will be employed in contriving how to do you good, and you will therefore act wisely to
follow his advice. The first general or principal agent will be Colonel Benjamin
Hawkins, a man already known and respected by you. I have chosen him for this office
because he is esteemed for a good man; has a knowledge of Indian customs, and a
particular love and friendship for all the Southern tribes.
“Beloved Cherokees,
“What I have recommended to you I am myself going to do. After a few moons are
passed I shall leave the great town and retire to my farm. There I shall attend to the
means of increasing my cattle, sheep and other useful animals; to the growing of corn,
wheat, and other grain, and to the employing of women in spinning and weaving; all
which I have recommended to you, that you may be as comfortable and happy as plenty
of food, clothing and other good things can make you.
“Beloved Cherokees,
“When I have retired to my farm I shall hear of you; and it will give me great pleasure to
know that you have taken my advice, and are walking in the path which I have described.
But before I retire, I shall speak to my beloved man, the Secretary of War, to get prepared
some medals, to be given to such Cherokees as by following my advice shall best deserve
them. For this purpose Mr. Dinsmoor is from time to time to visit every town in your
nation. He will give instructions to those who desire to learn what I have recommended.
He will see what improvements are made; who are most industrious in raising cattle; in
growing corn, wheat, cotton and flax; and in spinning and weaving; and on those who
excel these rewards are to be bestowed.
“Beloved Cherokees,
"The advice I here give you is important as it regards your nation; but still more
important as the event of the experiment made with you may determine the lot of many
nations. If it succeeds, the beloved men of the United States will be encouraged to give
the same assistance to all the Indian tribes within their boundaries. But if it should fail,
they may think it vain to make any further attempts to better the condition of any Indian
tribe; for the richness of the soil and the mildness of the air render your country highly
favorable for the practice of what I have recommended.
“Beloved Cherokees,
“The wise men of the United States meet together once a year, to consider what will be
for the good of all their people. The wise men of each separate state also meet together
once or twice every year, to consult and do what is good for the people of their respective
states. I have thought that a meeting of your wise men once or twice a year would be
alike useful to you. Every town might send one or two of its wisest counsellors [sic] to
talk together on the affairs of your nation, and to recommend to your people whatever
they should think would be serviceable. The beloved agent of the United States would
meet with them. He would give them information of those things which are found good
by the white people, and which your situation will enable you to adopt. He would
explain to them the laws made by the great council of the United States, for the
preservation of peace; for the protection of your lands; for the security of your persons;
for your improvement in the arts of living, and for promoting your general welfare. If it
should be agreeable to you that your wise men should hold such meetings, you will speak
your mind to my beloved man, Mr. Dinsmoor, to be communicated to the President of the
United States, who will give such directions as shall be proper.
“Beloved Cherokees,
“That this talk may be known to all your nation, and not forgotten, I have caused it to be
printed, and directed one, signed by my own hand, to be lodged in each of your towns.
The Interpreters will, on proper occasions, read and interpret the same to all your people.
“Beloved Cherokees,
“Having been informed that some of your chiefs wished to see me in Philadelphia, I have
sent them word that I would receive a few of the most esteemed. I now repeat that I shall
be glad to see a small number of your wisest chiefs; but I shall not expect them ‘till
November. I shall take occasion to agree with them on the running of the boundary line
between your lands and ours, agreeably to the treaty of Holston. I shall expect them to
inform me what chiefs are to attend the running of this line, and I shall tell them whom I
appoint to run it; and the time and place of beginning may then be fixed.
I now send my best wishes to the Cherokees, and pray the Great spirit to preserve them."
Editorial Note: “From the broadside in the Washington Papers, which is signed, in
manuscript, by Washington. A second broadside, also signed by the President, is in the
Washington Papers. It is indorsed by Washington: “First—drawn but not sent being
afterwds. altered.” This varies considerably from the above text.” 35
George Washington to The Chiefs and Warriors, Representatives of the Wyandots,
Delawares, Shawanoes, Ottawas, Chippewas, Potawatimes, Miamis, Eel River,
Weeas, Kickapoos, Piankashaws, and Kaskaskias, [Philadelphia, 11/29/1796]
“[My Children]: I have heard and considered what you have said to me through the
Secretary of War, and I am pleased to see you at the Seat of Government, and to receive
you as friends.
“You have asked for my advice, and I will give it to you freely, upon such matters as
appear to me to be essential to your welfare.
“In the treaty [of Greenville, 8/3/1795], which you have entered into with my Great
Warrior, General Wayne, and which has been ratified by the Senate of the United States,
you have made certain Grants and promised certain things, that I make no doubt, you will
comply with. On the other hand, the United States have promised, in the same treaty,
certain things to you, which they mean to perform.
“The United States, who love justice, have agreed to pay to you and your Children for
ever [sic], a yearly Sum of money in Goods, for a certain parcel of your land. By the
35
George Washington, Talk to the Cherokee Nation, August 29, 1796, The Writings of George Washington,
35:193-198, 198n. For similar offers to other tribes, see George Washington to The Cornplanter, HalfTown, and the Great Tree, Chiefs of the Seneca Nation, January 19, 1791, and George Washington to the
Chiefs and Warriors, Representatives of the Wyandots, Delawares, Shawanoes, Ottawas, Chippewas,
Potawatimes, Miamis, Eel River, Weeas, Kickapoos, Piankashaws, and Kaskaskias, November 29, 1796,
The Writings of George Washington, 31:198-199 and 35:301.
same Treaty, the Indian Nations mentioned therein, have bound themselves not to sell
any of their land, except to the United States. This is a wise part of the Treaty, inasmuch
as it prevents your people from being cheated out of large Tracts of their Country by
designing Men, who would not pay them what the land was worth; whilst what they
might receive for it, could be of no use to their posterity. This is not the case when the
United States buy your land. They are careful that the Children of those who sold it, shall
reap as much advantage from the Sale, as their Fathers did. Thus the treaty secures to
each Indian Nation, their land against purchase by Individuals, whilst the laws of the
United States, have in addition to that treaty, provided a punishment for persons who
shall attempt to buy it, contrary thereto.
“Let your Nations therefore pay a due respect and attention to this part of the treaty, and
they will have nothing to apprehend for their land.
“It may be proper to say something to you relative to the distribution of the Goods agreed
to be paid to you annually, for the land ceded by the Treaty. It is right that the Quota,
apportioned to each Nation, should be delivered to such persons only as the Nation may
appoint to receive it. To prevent frauds therefore and ensure a fair distribution among
yourselves, it is recommended, that each Nation, should fix every year upon the persons,
whom it wishes should receive its Quota, and that they should instruct their Interpreter to
inform the Agent, who is to deliver the Goods, of the names of the persons so chosen.
“I shall now give you some advice respecting the conduct of your people, the observance
of which, I consider of importance to their tranquillity [sic] and peace. There are among
the Indians as among the Whites, Individuals who will steal their Neighbour’s [sic], when
they find the opportunity, in preference to acquiring property to themselves by honest
means. Bad White Men for example, will go into the Indian Country, and steal Horses;
and bad Indians in like manner will go into the Settle of the Whites, and steal their
horses. If the Indian Nations wish to deserve the friendship of the United States, and to
prevent the white Settlers on the frontiers from retaliation on their property, the Chiefs
and Warriors of the respective Nations must use their endeavours [sic] to punish such
Offenders, and restore to the Whites, or to some Officers of the United States, the
property they may have stolen. As for the Government, it will use it’s [sic] utmost
endeavours [sic] to restore to every Indian any property of his which may have been
stolen by Citizens of the United States, and will moreover punish those who violate the
laws that have been made to prevent such practices, whenever the fact can be proved
upon them.
“But, it is not enough that the United States should furnish your Nations with an annual
quantity of Goods that you should not sell your lands for that which could be of no
advantage to your posterity, that you should prevent bad Indians from stealing from the
white frontier people; and that you should live in friendship with the United States. More
than all this is required to render your Condition comfortable. Your lands are good.
Upon these you may raise horses and large Flocks of Cattle, by the sale of which you
may procure the conveniencies [sic] and necessaries of life in greater abundance, and
with less trouble than you do at present. You may also, by a little more industry raise
more Corn and other Grain, as well for your families, as for the support of your Stock in
winter. I hope the Nations will maturely reflect upon this subject, and adopt what cannot
fail to make them happier. When the Government shall be informed that they have taken
this wise course, and are sincerely desirous to be aided in it, they may rely upon receiving
all necessary assistance.
“In order that my [Children] [note: Washington had crossed out the word “Brothers”] of
the different Nations should be informed of this advice, I request that you will explain to
them what you have heard me say. I shall also, to the end that it may remain among
them, and not be forgotten by their Children, request my beloved Secretary of War to
send a Copy of this talk to each Nation to be explained to them by their respective
Interpreters.
“Should you have any thing [sic] particular to say before you leave the Seat of
Government, you will address it to the Secretary of War, who is instructed by me upon all
matters relative to the Indian Nations, and who will furnish such of you as have acquired
the title of Chiefs or Warriors with a Testimonial of the same import as that delivered up
by Blue Jacket as a proof of my Esteem and friendship.
“I now sincerely wish you a good Journey and hope you may find your [families and]
Brothers well on your Return, and that [the Great Spirit above] [note: Washington had
crossed out the word “God”] may long preserve your Nations in peace with each other
and with the United States.”
Editorial Note: “In the writing of a clerk in the War Department. The words in brackets
have been inserted by Washington.” 36
36
George Washington to The Chiefs and Warriors, Representatives of the Wyandots, Delawares,
Shawanoes, Ottawas, Chippewas, Potawatimes, Miamis, Eel River, Weeas, Kickapoos, Piankashaws, and
Kaskaskias, [11/29/1796], The Writings of George Washington, 35:299-302, 299n, 301n, and 302n.