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John Graves Simcoe to the Commissioners of the United States, 7 June 1793
John Graves Simcoe to the Commissioners of the United States, 7 June 1793
John Graves Simcoe to the Commissioners of the United States, 7 June 1793
Simcoe responds to a letter from the Commissioners of the United States. They discuss a treaty negotiation between Indigenous peoples and the United States which Simcoe had sent assistance and given advice. There is some tension in the letters as the US both thanks Simcoe and accuses him of derailing negotiations. Simcoe denies this gives some further advice. The US also comments on their previous treaties. Topics mentioned: Mohawk, Grand River, cede land, compensation, Conquest of Canada, united tribes, peace, liberal, prejudice, the Army, Edward Baker Litolehales, Burbury, James Givins, Ohio, Fort McIntosh, Fort Harmor, Western Indians, Upper Canada, Confederacy
In Document: Mohawk
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Simcoe responds to a letter from the Commissioners of the United States. He prefaces his letter by including a copy of their original. In it the commissioners acknowledge and express gratitude for Simcoe's assistance in furthering their efforts. However, they cite a "deep-rooted prejudices and unfounded reports among the Indian Tribes" as having the potential to derail the entire process. They offer as an instance of this having heard from a Mohawk from Grand River that Simcoe advised the Indians to make peace but not to cede any lands. There is a real likelihood that this did in fact occur, as Simcoe clearly instructed two of his officers to advise the Indians if the deal presented looks bad for their real interests (see GKS ID: 578). The Commissioners indirectly acknowledge that at past Treaty-signings, questionable conduct occurred, and that in consequence, "the United States are disposed to recede as far as shall be indispensable and for the lands reclaimed to make ample compensation." Simcoe responds saying that the rumour of his advising the Indians cannot be true as his advice was never sought. Significantly, he adds that since the Conquest of Canada, the tribes have in some sense (he does not explain how) united, such that a treaty made with a tribe is now truly representative of the will of the tribe.
Date given in document.
Provenance
About This GRASAC Record
John Graves Simcoe to the Commissioners of the United States, 7 June 1793. Currently in Library and Archives Canada. Claus Papers, Vol. 5 (M.G. 19, F1) reel C1479, pp. 189-194. Item described as part of a GRASAC research project, summer 2010, and consulted. https://gks.grasac.org/ (GKS ID: 90, accessed [date]).
Created by Research Assistant Aaron Mills during the first summer of the SSHRC Aboriginal Research Grant 2007 to 2010
Record reviewed by Research Assistant Jessica Ye during the winter of 2021