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.

General Wayne acknowledges a letter from Knox of 28 November and talks about information on a possible treaty between the Creeks and the Spanish government. Wayne gives his opinion of rifles when a professional gentleman who had been in the British services, asked my Opinion of the efficiacy of rifles, to the fire of which the British attributed in great degree the loss of that Army - I gave my sentiments very candidly, that I thought them a very improper arm for an Army, that a few of them in the hands of expert marksmen might occasionally be servicable for small desultory parties, when covered by thick woods, & behind works, and supported by troops properly armed, Mr. McGilvray observ'd that the Creek Nation were so well convinced of the superiority of the smooth bore in War that during the course of the last summer, they applied to the Spanish Government for Six Thousand Strong... Wayne is concerned about adventurers who are pushing westward and disturbing Indian relations with the United States government. The local legislature's actions encouraging such behavior can only be the result of insanity. There is discussion of relations with the Creeks and the civil governance of the frontier, land distribution, and impact of Spanish involvement in the area. Wayne goes into the history of the Proclamation of 1763 and treaty of 1783 and their impact on the lands in the Floridas.

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.

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.

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.