Extract of a Letter from Lieut. Colo. De Peyster to Brigadier Genl Maclean, dated at Detroit the 17th July 1783.

"Runners are just come in from the Indian Country with Accounts, that the Kentuck People had attacked and carried off a number of Horses belonging to the Indian Hunters, who were hunting on their own grounds at a considerable distance on this side the Ohio. The Indians not willing to loose their property pursued the Virginians, attacked them, killed two men, and had an Indian mortally wounded, who is since dead. I have made every possible enquiery, and can assure you the Kentuckers were the sole Aggressors, and I have mentioned the particulars that they may be fairly related, to prevent any misfortunes that might ensue from the mis-representations of these lawless People at Kentuck—The Indians being heartily disposed to peace and Friendship with the people on the Frontier of the United States."

I have this day reciev’d a Letter from Lieut. Colo. DePeyster, the Commanding Officer at Detroit, dated the 17th July 1783, an Extract from which Letter, I take the liberty of enclosing herewith, requesting that you will be pleased to transmit it, and this Letter to His Excellency Genl Washington. Trifles may sometimes be the means of doing great mischief, which may be prevented by applying proper remidies in time. On the present occasion the Virginians at Kentuck have been the aggressors, without any provocation on the part of the Indians, who are well disposed to cultivate a peace and friendly intercourse with the people on the frontiers of the United States, provided they are not molested in their property or persons, by a number of People who come to settle at a considerable distance from the Frontiers of the United States, that they may not be subjected to the controul of any legal Law or Government whatever. These lawless people would be glad to bring on an Indian War to be an excuse for their depredations, and therefore will not scruple to misrepresent this last affair, and endeavour by that means to induce the United States to take up their quarrel. On this account I have thought it my duty to state this matter fairly and candidly that the unlawful and improper conduct of the Kentuck people, may not be the means of involving innocent People in misery and distress. I have the honor to be with Regard Sir Your most Obedient and most humble Servant