Jefferson, Secretary of State, writes Knox to hastily give his thoughts on the treaty of Hopewell, the act of cession of N. Carolina and the act of acceptance by Congress. States that Congress's act of acceptance followed the Treaty of Hopewell, and that North Carolina can not use their right of preemption to take away the right of occupation of the Cherokees. The question would be a disagreeable one between the general government, a particular government, and individuals. Jefferson thinks purchasing from the Cherokees the right of occupation is one solution. Docketed by Knox.

Secretary of War Knox informs Secretary of State Jefferson that President Washington wants to ratify the treaty with the Creeks the following day at noon.

Secretary of War Knox writes Secretary of State Jefferson apparently in answer to Jefferson's question about the upcoming ceremony to ratify the peace treaty with the Creeks (see GLC02437.04689). Provides information regarding who may attend the ceremony, and asks Jefferson to call on him to discuss the details.

Jefferson, Secretary of State, responds to Secretary of War Knox's letter about the ratification of the Creek treaty (see GLC02437.04688 and GLC02437.04691). Jefferson asks Knox whether he can invite the three charge's de affaires and respectable strangers of their nation to the signing. Also asks, do ladies go? If so, asserts that Mrs. Otto should be on Mr. Otto's invitation. Docketed by Knox.

A draft of a letter to Washington from Secretary of War Knox sketching out elements of a treaty with the Creek Indians. Signed a public treaty with the Creeks, represented by Alexander McGillivray and all the Creek leaders able to attend. Additional, private articles were signed by McGillivray on behalf of the Creek Nation. Reports that since recent negotiations had failed to produce a peace treaty, and since the informal truce had almost expired, the government felt it necessary to take up new negotiations to protect settler families. Discusses the issues at stake in the negotiation, such as protection and land possession. Also summarizes the procedures undertaken during the negotiation.

Addressed to General Stephens. (Possibly to General Adam Stephen, whose name is often misspelled Stephens.) Discusses Indian policy, stating [t]he affairs of the Cherokee Indians are peculiarly perplexed, and require a stronger arm to put them into a proper train than is proposed the present government ... Mentions a previous treaty with Congress made in 1785. States that he is happy Stephens approves of the new government, and writes it seems the only mean[s] to avoid the horror and miseries of the weakness of our present situation - New Hampshire, Massachusetts & Connecticut - New Jersey Pennsylvania and Delaware will probably adopt it before the duration of the month of Jany. I hope that Virginia will relish it better than it is reported she does at present. Finishes by stating, A war between France and England seems inevitable and great probability of a general war in Europe.