It will be happy for us, should it be
continued till our merchants may establish connections in the countries
in which our produce is consumed, and to which it should go directly.
Our commissioners have proceeded to the treaty with the northwestern
Indians. They write, however, that the treaty will be a month later
than was expected. This delay, should it be extended, will endanger
our losing the benefit of our preparations for the campaign, and
consequently bring on a delicate question, whether these shall be
relinquished for the result of a treaty in which we never had any
confidence. The Creeks have proceeded in their depredations till they
assume the appearance of formal war. It scarcely seems possible to avoid
its becoming so. They are so strong and so far from us, as to make very
serious addition to our Indian difficulties. It is very probable that
some of the circumstances arising out of our affairs with the Indians,
or with the belligerent powers of Europe, may occasion the convocation
of Congress at an earlier day than that to which its meeting stands at
present.
I send you the forms of the passports given here. The one in three
columns is that now used; the other having been soon discontinued. It is
determined that they shall be given in our own ports only, and to serve
but for one voyage.
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