War Department
15th February 1803
Sir
With this you will receive a commission constituting you a Sub-Agent of the United States to the six Nations, now under the general superintendence of Callendar Irvine Esquire.
Until more ample instructions on the subject of your agency, and various duties connected with it can be furnished, you will govern yourself by such directions as you may receive from Mr. Irvine in all matters, in relation to which you are not particularly instructed by this department. It will be your duty to spend at least three months in each year, during the warm season, within the tribes of the Oneidas, Cayugas, Stockbridge, Onondagas, and those Indians who inhabit the banks of the Genesee river. Of your proceedings while among the Indians, you will keep a correct journal, noting and remarking such circumstances as in your judgment are important to the United States, a copy of which you will forward to Mr. Irvine, at least once a year.
You will endeavor to obtain and confirm the good will and affection of the Indian; to introduce the arts of civilization, domestic manufactures, and agriculture. To dissuade from and discountenance the use of ardent spirits among them, and in all matters and things conduct yourself in such manner as shall be best calculate to affect the benevolent designs and views of the General Government towards their Indian brethren.
You will be careful and vigilant in reporting every circumstance and event which may occur that is important to the government of the United States to be made acquainted with.
The place of your residence will for the present be Canandaigua.
I am, Sir,
Yr obt Servant
N. Dearborn
Jasper Parrish Esqr.
War Department
Jasper Parrish Esq.
Letter of Instructions
from N. Dearborn Esqr,
Feby 15, 1803