University of Virginia Library

TO JOHN GRAHAM.

Dear Sir

I return the letter from Mr. Bagot.[113] It manifests
a good disposition on his part, and on that of the
Commander in chief in Canada. But it appears by
communications to the War Dept. from one of our
own sources, that the hostile purposes of the Indians
in question are the effect, of instigations from British
Traders. I have desired Mr. G. Graham to lay these
communications before the Dept. of State. In connection
with those from Mr. B. they will bring the
whole subject into the conversation desired by Mr. B.
The British authorities ought to repress a resort to
their posts, of Indians from our side of the boundary,
at least for political purposes; and to prohibit
effectually the misconduct of their traders. If this

be not done we must strengthen our military establishments,
on that quarter, and hasten the exclusion
of British traders from intercourse with Indians
within our limits. It will certainly be better for the
British to cooperate with us in keeping the Indians
within rule, than to force us into the alternatives.
I am glad you are likely to obtain at length a translation
of the Algerine letter. I wrote to Mr. Monroe
on the receipt of it, to send with the translation
an answer ready to be signed. This can best be
drawn at Washington, where all the circumstances
are most distinctly in view, including those connected
with the Navy Dept., and the lapse of time
increases also the reason for diminishing delay.