May 7th, 1816

Editor's Note: This letter was written by the United States Secretary of War, William Crawford, to Erastus Granger, in response to Granger's previous attempts to stop the pilfering of Indian monies from either dishonest government officials or unofficial representatives of the Senecas. Untold amounts of government funds disappeared from the coffers of the Senecas and the rest of the Six Nations. Here, at least in writing, the government seems to be making an attempt to stem the tide, requiring the "commanding officer" of the military post at Buffalo, NY to "sign" for the funds meant for dispersal to the Senecas. Note the continuing variation on the spelling of "Buffaloe" - with the 'e' added. Per those times, these letters are often signed with the incredibly formal phrase, "I have the honour to be Your most obedient and Very humble Servant".

Sir,
The extraordinary issue of rations to the Indians at most of the military posts to which they have resorted, and at the Indian agencies, have rendered it necessary to devise new checks to guard against abuses, and to prevent excessive issues.

To this and it is directed, that all abstracts for issues to the Indians, Shall be signed and certified by the officer commanding the post at which the rations shall be issued.
These regulations will be held imperative from the date of the reception of the letter.

I have the honour to be
Your most obedient and
Very humble Servant

William Crawford

Erastus Granger, Esqr
Indian agent

Buffaloe,
New York