Describes the situation in western Georgia concerning negotiations with the Creeks. The Commission has not succeeded as of yet in negotiating a treaty with the Creeks. Mentions violence along the frontier between Native Americans and white settlers, including incidents in which Native Americans attacked forts and burned them. Reports that the Spanish have concluded a treaty with the Creek Nation, and that Creek leader Alexander McGillivray was involved. Describes the Creeks as numerous & insolent. Suggests a military force to compel the Creeks to treat with the Commission on American terms, and extensively describes his plan.

Thanks Wayne for his letter of 25 October (GLC02437.04397). Discusses the treaty negotiations underway in Georgia with the Creek nation, referring to Creek leader Alexander McGillivray: Mr McGillivrays influence over the creeks has been exerted to ill effect in persuading that nation against an immediate treaty with the United States upon the terms the commissioners offered He has sacrificed the interests of the nation to his own avarice. Relates that one commissioner, [Henry Osborne], claims he saw and read a treaty between the Spanish and the Creeks in which Charles IV guaranteed the Creeks their claims east of the Mississippi, but wonders why Osborne concealed this information from the other commissioners. Declares, I am nearly in opinion with you of the force necessary for the coercion of the Creeks... Does not want to employ militia, because it is expensive and he cannot rely on their execution of the plans directed unless they are incorporated with disciplined troops. Notes that nothing can be decided until Congress meets again, since they posses the Constitutional right of making war. However, it will be hard to persuade them of the necessity of declaring war on the Creeks unless they make inroads into Georgia. Notes that he sent Wayne's previous letter to George Washington so that he would be aware of the situation.

Thanks him for his recent letter. Accepts his congratulations for the newly-formed federal government and our truly illustrious Cincinnatus [George Washington] to be head thereof. Extensively discusses diplomatic relationships between countries in Europe, especially an alliance between Great Britain, the Netherlands and Prussia, which was created to offset France and Russia's alliance. Comments that the British mercantile class is for war with some power, not on a general scale of Justice or policy, but for the benefit of trade. Says America requires peace, as she is not consolidated sufficiently ... She requires time to create and arrange her resources. Also discusses disturbances on the Georgia frontier and says that the president has laid the matter before Congress. If troops are needed, Knox suggests raising a special force rather than relying on militia. He goes on to discuss the Spanish claims and arrangements in the Indian Department. Month portion of the date added later in pencil.

Signed HK. Discusses the Creek Indians in Georgia. Agrees with Wayne about the utility of rifles. Asks if maybe Wayne's informant was mistaken in saying that the Creeks received 6000 muskets from the Spaniards. Writes about whether or not Georgia has a constitutional right to sell any of the Western lands not legally purchased from the natives, and says the result will soon be known. Assumes that a company of troops formerly discussed will be ready to march soon. States, The subject of the creek business is under the consideration of the legislature...The late sales of Georgia has operated to disquiet excessively.

Marked Private. Makes reference to the baneful leaven, the radical democratic principles of the French Revolution, influencing troops in his army. Mentions that Thomas Paine's The rights of man, has been held up as a Criterion, even of Military Government. Attempts have frequently been made to evade & disobey Orders, under various & unworthy pretexts & idle quibles [sic], unknown at any period before that time, in the Legion. Reports that the most visible actor is Major Cushing who is a very artful & seditious man. Also mentions a Captain Gunn. Goes into some of the insubordination of the troops. Is waiting for the right circumstances to make a proper example of someone to stop these acts. Expresses his anger over the poor conduct and service of contractors supplying the army. Believes he might have to retreat because of lack of supplies. Mentions these facts in confidence, but believes they will soon be common knowledge. Says NB I am under great obligations to Genl. Posey - Genl Wilkinson has but recently joined, having been very ill.

Clerical copy in the hand of War Dept. clerk Samuel Lewis. Discusses the Indians retreat from Fort Recovery and the routes they took. Believes the Wabash Indians and Patawatimes Indians, ranging from 250 to 300 each, broke off from the main body that was heading for Grand Glaize and took different trails. Informs Knox he has several parties collecting information on the British and the Savages at Grand Glaize and Roche de Bout, Ohio. Mentions he will be leaving in four to five days, heading towards Grand Glaize, Ohio. Provides details on the route and plan he will take once he arrives at his destination.

Marked Private Personal & Confidential. References Knox's letters of 5 and 9 March. Claims some of the officers are drunks who lack military skills. Expresses sarcastic anger over orders given by Knox about ensigns in the army. Wayne does not have enough ensigns to follow Knox's orders from the letter of 5 March and is frustrated that he cannot use the provisional ensigns as ordered in the 9 March letter. The provisional ensigns need to be confirmed by the Senate. Says he does not want to put the men or his own personal honor on the line with some of these officers. Suggests the commandant of the 4th Sub Legion should be given command of the scouts and spies. Says the commandant of the 3rd Sub Legion will be court martialed. Vertical tear at the bottom of the letter, which effects the signature and all four pages.