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past, he has expressed a desire to have the assistance of a party of friendly Creek warriors, and I have prepared their minds for the enterprize, and shall, if my health continues good in all probability accompany them. I decidedly unite with you in opinion, that the Indian tribes ought to be so managed and trained as to form a sure & certain auxiliary force in the service of the United States in all cases of war with any European Nation, but especially the British. The policy of that nation has always been more liberal as applies to those people than ours, and hence their attachment to them, and the assistance they have rendered them in all their contests on this continent. The whole expenditure of each agency is limited by a late circular from the war department, not to exceed the sum of Twelve thousand dollars annually, and that include the payment of salaries, rations, provisions to the Indians, presents and contingencies of every description. This time I can get along with that sum, and shall so do, but when the ordinary expenses of the agency are paid, to the provision necessary at the contemplated treaty for instance, there will be nothing remaining for presents & to relieve the wants of many a poor woman & child, who before another crop is (reaped?), will be in a starving constitution, and many will actually perish of hunger if not relieved. The present condition