University of Virginia Library

TO THOMAS JEFFERSON.

Dear Sir,—My last dated from this place on the
14 [15] ult: informed you of my projected trip to Fort

Schuyler. I am this moment arrived so far on my return
to Virginia. My past delay requires so much
hurry now that I can only drop a few lines for the
packet which is to sail on the 15th inst. The Marquis
& myself were overtaken at Albany by Mr. de
Marbois, on the same errand with ourselves. We
reached Fort S. on the 29, & on the next day paid a
visit to the Oneida Nation 18 miles distant. The Com̃issrs
did not get up till the Saturday following. We
found a small portion only of the six nations assembled;
nor was the number much increased when we
quitted the scene of business. Accts however had
come of deputies from more distant tribes being on
the way. The Marquis was recd by the Indians with
equal proofs of attachment as have been shewn him
elsewhere in America. This personal attachment with
their supposed predilection for his nation, and the
reports propagated among them that the Alliance between
F. & U. S. was transient only, led him with
the sanction of the Comissrs to deliver a Speech to
the Indian Chiefs coinciding with the object of the
Treaty. The answers were very favorable in their
general tenor. Copies of both will be sent to Mons.
de Vergennes & the [n] M. de Castries by Mr. Marbois
& be within the reach of your curiosity. The
originals were so much appropriated to this use during
my stay with the Marquis that I had no opportunity
of providing copies for you. What the upshot of the
Treaty will be is uncertain. The possession of the
posts of Niagara &c by the British is a very inauspici
ous circumstance. Another is that we are not likely
to make a figure otherwise that will impress a high
idea of our power or opulence. These obstacles will
be rendered much more embarrassing by the instructions
to the Com̃issrs which I am told leave no space
for negociation or concession, & will consequently
oblige them in case of refusal in the Indians to yield
the ultimate hopes of Congress to break up the Treaty.
But what will be the consequence of such an emergency?
Can they grant a peace without cessions of
territory—or if they do must not some other price hereafter
purchase them. A Truce has never I believe
been introduced with the Savages nor do I suppose
that any provision has been made by Congress for
such a contingency. The perseverance of the British
in retaining the posts[20] produces various conjectures.
Some suppose it is meant to enforce a fulfilment of
the Treaty of peace on our part. This interpretation
is said to have been thrown out on the other side.
Others that it is a salve for the wound given the
Savages who are made to believe the posts will not
be given up till good terms shall be granted them by
Congress. Others that it is the effect merely of
omission by the B. Govt to send orders. Others that
it is meant to fix the fur trade in the B. channel & it
is even said that the Govt of Canada has a personal
interest in securing a monopoly of at least the crop of
this Season. I am informed by a person just from
Michilimackinac that this will be greater than it has
been for several seasons past, or perhaps any preceding
season, & that no part of it is allowed by the
British Commanders to be brought thro' the U. S.
From the same quarter I learn that the posts have
been lately well provisioned for the winter, & that
reliefs if not reinforcements of the garrisons will take
place. Col: Monroe had passed Oswego when last
heard of & was likely to execute his plan. If I have
time & opportunity I will write again from Philada.
for which I set out immediately; if not from Richmond.
The Marqs proceeded from Albany to Boston
from whence he will go via R. Island, to Virga., and
be at the Assembly. Thence he returns into the N.
States to embark for Europe.