that

danger, had given it energy, and often efficacy-but now, peace had secured the independence of the states—and each preferred its own immediate interests, to those which were common, or remote, the bond of union was perceived to relax— the unity of action was no longer felt-the spirit, which should have directed the head, had detached itself to the limbs; whence it could only be recalled, in combination with large. quantities of topical affection, which confused its purpose, or paralized its effort.

But to narrate events, rather than anticipate conclusions; it is next to be stated that on the 15th of October following the order to the secretary at war, among other things relative to Indians, congress announce that it is represented and believed, "that although the hostile tribes of the Indians in the northern and middle departments are seriously disposed to a pacification, yet they are not in a temper to relinquish their territorial claims without a further struggle."

And on the same day, they resolve, "that a convention be held with the Indians residing in the northern and middle departments, who have taken up arms against the United States, for the purpose of receiving them into the favour and protection of the United States, and of establishing boundary lines of property, for separating and dividing the settlements of the. citizens, from the Indian villages, and hunting grounds, and thereby extinguishing as far as possible all occasions for future, animosities, disquiet, and contention." The date of this benevolent resolution, as well as of other transactions of the same honourable body, will serve such as choose, from time to time, to collate them, with the transactions of the Indians, and others, relative to the same subject, as previously detailed in this history; and remove, as it is thought, all occasion for particular reference, comparison, or comment, as to their fitness, or unfitness.

The 30th of the month, it was resolved, that the commissioners for holding the convention with the Indians, under the act of the 15th, give notice to the supreme executive of Pennsylvania; in order that attendance might be directed, to buy

the Indians' land, as an intention of that kind had in the interim been intimated to congress.

March 3d, 1784, "congress proceed to the consideration of Indian affairs," and decided that the next day, five commis sioners should be appointed to negotiate with the Indians. Accordingly George Rogers Clark, Oliver Wolcott, Nathaniel Green, Richard Butler, and Stephen Higginson, were elected. All former appointments, if any, were revoked.

The president of congress, was directed to inform the gentlemen, of their appointment; and that it was the wish of congress they should lose no time in effecting the objects of their mission. The 10th of April was appointed for their meeting, at New York; and they were enjoined to inform the Indians when and where they might be met, and to invite their attendance.

On the 8th of the month, congress dispute, without agrecment, about the compensation to the commissioners; and on the 12th, agree to the form of a commission for them. The 19th, it is agreed, that the commissioners shall receive six dollars and fifty cents per day each-that fifteen thousand dollars' worth of merchandise be purchased for the disposition of the commissioners; who were authorized to appoint an agent, to receive and account for the goods. The superintendent of finance was ordered to furnish the money. And the commissioners to make up, and return to congress estimates of such other goods as might be necessary, for the Indian supplies.

So far on paper-yet, all this time, congress seem not to have thought of providing escorts, or guards, for the commissioners: notwithstanding, this was an important part of their equipage.

The 24th of April, Benjamin Lincoln, and Arthur Lee, were appointed commissioners, in the place of Mr. Higginson, and Mr. Green, who had declined accepting their appointments.

May 18th, it was thought expedient to have an armed force sent with the commissioners, who were to treat with the L*

VOL. I.

Indians; and an attempt was made by Mr. Lee, to obtain an order to the secretary of war, for three hundred men; which failed.

A proposition was made the 25th of the same month, to enlist four hundred and fifty men to be employed for the defence of the northwestern frontiers. This motion was superseded by one, to engage as soon as possible, to serve for the term of three years, unless sooner discharged, eight hundred and ninety-six men, including non commissioned officers, for the defence of the northwestern frontiers, of the United States.

This proposition, being lost; on the 26th, a motion was made, repeating in substance, the foregoing, with this expletive; "to give protection to the commissioners appointed to negotiate treaties of peace with the Indians." And with this further idea, that the several states furnish their quotas, &c.

Upon this latter subject, Mr. Gerry, introduced a learned disquisition to shew that standing armies were dangerous in times of peace-that it was doubtful whether congress could rightfully, make a requisition on the states for their several quotas-that it was expedient first to consult the states, on the subject and that instead of a requisition, it be recommended, to the states, to raise the troops which might be immediately necessary. And all this fine preparation, for a system of national defence, was lost.

After this result, some other modifications of the subject, were attempted; which also failed: and for that time, the subject fell; as before, through the interference of Mr. Gerry.

The 1st of June, congress was moved, that General Knox, be instructed to order three hundred and fifty men, properly officered, to march immediately, to be ready to take possession of the western posts, as soon as evacuated by the troops of his Britannic Majesty. That seven hundred men be raised for the term of three years, unless sooner discharged, for the relief of the three hundred and fifty, for the protection of the western frontiers, and to guard the public stores--and that the several states furnish their quotas,

To this proposition, Mr. Gerry, moved, by way of amendment, that New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, should be exonerated, from its operation. A debate ensued, which after several attempts at modification, terminated in the resolution: "that the commanding officer be directed to discharge the troops, now in the service of the United States, except twentyfive privates to guard the stores at West Point, and other magazines."

The 3d of the month, a proposition of a new aspect wasmade, for seven hundred militia to be raised from the states of Connecticut, New York, and Pennsylvania; to serve for twelve months, subject to the orders of the secretary of war, and of congress; "for the purpose of protecting the northwestern frontiers of the United States, and their Indian friends, and allies; and for garrisoning the posts, soon to be evacuated by the troops of his Britannic Majesty."

After various debate, it was finally resolved, "that it be recommended to the states, most convenient to furnish forthwith from their militia seven hundred men; to serve twelve months, unless sooner discharged, in the following proportions: Connecticut, 165; New York, 165; New Jersey, 110; and Pennsylvania, 260”—as heretofore noticed. And further, it was resolved, that the secretary in the war office be directed to order three hundred men of the militia, to be raised by the foregoing resolution, to be in readiness, to march when, and to what place, or places, the commissioners for negotiating with the Indians, or any two of them, may require..

It was also resolved the same day, that stores and rations should be placed at the disposition of the commissioners, for the purposes of the intended negotiation..

On the 10th of July, congress resolved to answer a letter which they had received from General George R. Clark, and that measures be taken to assemble the Indians at such time and place as the commissioners may appoint. And that the Indians be assured, "the United States will not in the mean time undertake any thing to, their disadvantage, unless provoked thereto by hostilities on their part."

July 26th: "On motion, ordered that an exemplification of the commission granted by the United States in congress assembled, to the commissioners for negotiating with the Indians, and of the resolution empowering any two of them, being a majority of those present, to do the business of the commission, be made out and delivered to each of the said commissioners, under the seal of the United States."

At fort Stanwix, on the 27th of October, 1784, the commissioners of the United States, Oliver Wolcott, Richard Butler, and Arthur Lee, entered into, and concluded a treaty of peace, and friendship, with the sachems and warriors of the Six Nations.

And at fort McIntosh, the 21st of January, 1785, George R. Clark, with the last named commissioners on the part of the United States, concluded a treaty of peace, and friendship, with the sachems and warriors of the Wyandot, Delaware, Chippeway, and Ottawa, nations of Indians.

In 1785, March 15th, congress resolve, "that three commissioners, with the same pay as is allowed to the commissioners, for treating with the northern Indians, be appointed to treat with the Cherokees, and all other Indians southward of them within the United States, or who have been at war with them, for the purpose of making peace with them, receiving them into the favour and protection of the United States, and removing as far as may be, all cause of future contention or quarrels:" "That they be instructed to inform the Indians of the great occurrences of the last war, and of the extent of country relinquished by Great Britain:" "That the commissioners inform the executives of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia," &c.-"That they apply to these states for one hundred and fifty militia, or such part thereof as they may deem necessary, for their protection while concluding the treaty; and that they be authorized to draw on those states for nine thousand dollars, to discharge expenses; and that said states have credit for the sum advanced."

March 21st, Benjamin Hawkins, Daniel Carroll, William Perry, Andrew Pickins, and Joseph Martin, were appointed commissioners, for treating with the southern Indians. On