On wednesday last, being then in Herkemer County, I had the pleasure to be advised of your safe Arrival. Accept of my most cordial congratulations on the happy occassion, and on the confidence, evinced by the people, in electing you their Governor.

At the last session of the Legislature, the person Administring the government, was by law authorized, to treat with, and adjust certain claims, made by Indians resident in Canada, to lands within this state, and Agents were appointed, to confer with a deputation of those Indians, then in New York, to whom the faith of the state was pledged, that a conference should be held with their constituents on the subject of the claim, in the course of the present year.1 Apprehensive that Mr. Clinton may forget, to make you the necessary communications on the Occasion, has induced me to this information.

I suspect that the claim of the indians in question, and which I understand is very extensive, is ill founded, believing that the Mohawks and other tribes of the six nations, were the original proprietors of All the lands south of the river St. Lawrence, and West of lake Champlain and the river Sorrel, and have ceeded the same to the crown of Britain thro the Medium of the government of the late Colony.2

Whether such a cession has been made can only be determined by a recourse to the records and files in the Secretarys office, and probably It will be requisite to go as far back in ^a^ research as towards the close of the last century. Judge Benson was one of the agents who conferred with the deputy^ation^ abovementioned, and can inform you what measures ^If any,^ were taken relative to this Object If any,, perhaps the Minutes of the commissioners for Indian affairs, under the late Colony, and who resided in this city, may afford some information on the Subject, whether these minutes are in the secretarys office, or where, I am not advised— perhaps too, Coldens History of the six nations, may thro some light on this affair.3

The Person administring the government, together with Messrs. John Cantine David Brooks John Richardson and myself, were during the last session of the legislature, appointed commissioners, to negociate the purchase of part of the lands, reserved to the use of the Oneida, Onondaga and Cayuga tribes, In Consequence of which, It was agreed to meet those tribes at Onondaga on the 15th. of next month, and notice has been given them, then and there to convene, and It was determined that the Commissioners, Governor Clinton excepted, were to meet in this city on the first day of next month, to proceed on the Journey to Onondaga. The requisite arrangements for supplying the indians with provisions &c. during the conference, have been made, and the necessary stores for the Accommodation of the commissioners provided.4

Persuaded that advantages will result from your personal attendance at the conference, permit me to intreat the pleasure of your company on the tour, If not prevented by more important avocations. A pair of Camp stools, a Matress and bedding will only be requisite for you to bring along, during your stay here, you will of course be with me—

June 17th. Part of the above was written on the day of Its date, when a sudden indisposition of my daughter Mrs. Rensslaer,5 required my Attendance, in going to visit her, my horses ran away, and threw me out of the Carriage with such violence, that two of my ribs are much injured, and otherwise so grieviously bruised, that I have not been able to stir out of my room since. I have however hopes that I shall be able to make the Journey to Onondaga. I am Dear Sir with every sentiment of respect and Esteem Your Excellencys most Obedient Servt.