Letter from Alexander McKee, Agent for Indian Affairs at Fort Pitt

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You must, ere this, be acquainted with the critical situation of this country; the unhappy disturbances which have lately arose between the Virginians and the Natives, the event of which still continues doubtful whether matters will be brought to a general rupture or accommodation. Hostilities, however, have been committed on both sides, but at present there seems to be a cessation. Some wise interposition of Government is truly necessary, and would undoubtedly restore peace; without it it is impossible, and thousands of the inhabitants must be involved in misery and distress. But to do the Indians justice, they have given great proofs of their pacific dispostion, and have acted with more moderation than those who ought to have been more rational, a few Mingoes and Shawanese excepted, who have been long refractory. There are more effectual means of chastising them for their insolence and perfidy, than by involving the defenceless country in a war, which there is too much reason to fear, at this time, will become general, and which must inevitably be the destruction of this country.