The commissioners appointed by Congress to negotiate with the Indians, having compleated a treaty with the six nations, I do myself the honor to enclose a copy.(1)
We are here much in the same state, respecting making a Congress, as when I addressed your Excellency last, there not being a member from New England but myself, & only Mr. Jay from New York, the southern states, in general, are represented.
I can't but observe, that the first Monday in Decemr. next, is the day assigned by Congress for the appearance of the states of Massachusetts & New York, by their agents. I expect we shall make a Congress before that day, & I understand Mr. Jay & Mr. Duane, is to appear in behalf of New York.(2) I must suppose the Gentlemen from Masstts., who was appointed by the honorable Court to manage that matter,(3) will attend to the same; but if they should not arrive in season, I shall be altogether at a loss for reasons to assign for their not appearing.
I have, with the greatest respect, the honor to be, your Excellency's most obedient servant, S. Holten
RC (M-Ar: Revolutionary War Letters).
1 See Richard Henry Lee to James Madison, November 20, note 1.
2 As well as both Robert R. and Walter Livingston, for which see New York Agents' Journal, December 4-9, note 1. Egbert Benson, the fifth New York agent appointed, was not expected to appear.
3 That is, John Lowell and James Sullivan, in addition to the regular Massachusetts delegates expected to attend Congress this session, Elbridge Gerry, Rufus King, and George Partridge.