To George Washington from “John A. Dingwell”, 16 August 1790
From “John A. Dingwell”
Newy[ork] 16th Augt 1790
Sir
By seeing mortons peaper of this day1 it informs me you Recd my letter of the 12th Inst., Im also informed the Indians are to Receive a Sum of money this day[.]2 tis my oppinion you had better postpone the giving it untill you Know the Contents of my peapers which I think will prevent your Ever giving them it[.] if your Letter3 is not Sent to the post office the Sooner I think the better[.] I took all the Coppys of, yesterday. I have the Honnour to be with all Respect Sir yours &ca &ca &ca
J: A. Dingwell
the bearer is my friend and one who may be Confided on.
LS, DNA: RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters.
For background to this letter, see “Dingwell” to GW, 12 Aug. 1790 and source note.
1. See “Dingwell” to GW, 12 Aug. 1790 and note 3.
2. According to the peace treaty that Henry Knox signed with the Creek Indians on 7 Aug. 1790, which was ratified by the U.S. Senate on 12 Aug. 1790, the Creeks were to receive an annuity of $1,500, their chief, Alexander McGillivray, a monthly salary of $100 as U.S. agent and brigadier general, and six “great medal chiefs,” $100 annually (see Proclamation, 14 Aug. 1790, n.5). On 11 Aug. 1790 Knox drafted instructions for McGillivray, and on 14 Aug. McGillivray signed the required oath of allegiance to the United States before John Blair (both documents in NNGL: Knox Papers). Four days later he received $600 from the federal government as an advance on his salary. On 18 Aug. Creek interpreter Joseph Cornell also received $200 for his services (see 1:127).
3. For GW’s 15 Aug. 1790 reply to “Dingwell,” see “Dingwell” to GW, 12 Aug. 1790, n.4.