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OSL JOHNSTON TO MEIGS

Piqua Aug. 22. 1813

sir,

The Shawanoese Chiefs have this day reported to me that the Militia have lately driven off the Indians w o resided at Lewis Town near the Mouth of Stoney Creek and praying that I would interest your Excellency in their behalf, they allege that they are innocent of the murders lately committed on the frontier and that they have done nothing to merit such treatment at the hands of the Whites it is needless for me to represent to you the evil consequences attending such proceedings we are bound upon every principle to yield protection to those Indians who have remained at peace, and the obligation is strengthened from the consideration of their men having turned out and joined our Army. I am told that these Indians have large crops of corn and vegetables now growing and that they are prevented from having access to them they will of course be destroyed, and will bring additional burthens on us on the score of subsisting them I have thought that as the season is now much advanced, and the prospects of a Successful termination of the campaign almost at hand the best course to pursue would be to persuade these Indians to return and to station a judicious officer and 15 or 20 at the Town to Keep order and to keep the minds of the whites easy, this appears to meet the views of the Shawan- oese Chiefs now here

On Wednesday la st the 18th. inst. 3 persons were murdered in my neighbourhood. this has produced a great sensation here and has embarr- assed me beyond description a large for ce was collected to fall on the Delawares and cut them off, I could not have stemmed the torrent had not Col Johnson arrived at the critical moment, we succeeded in dispersing the people, on the condition that the Delawares should be removed to Wapaghkonetta, and I have this day written to Gerl. Harrison for orders to this effect. As far as I am able to judge the Hostile Indian have done these things to commit us with our friends and there as a little doubt of the British Agency in the business it is therefore more than probable these visits will be repeated, the [torn] residing in exposed situations should be on their guard, the enemy may have another view to create by means of the Indians a diversion on our frontiers in their behalf.

I have the Honor to remain with great respect yr. Excellencys Mo. Ob. Servt.

Jno. Johnston

His Excellency
Gov Meigs
Sandusy --