Letter: Wilkinson's Additional Instructions To Pike
Cantonment [Belle
Fontaine], Missouri, July 12th, 1806.
Sir: The health of the Osages being now generally restored and all hopes
of the speedy recovery of their prisoners from the hands of the
Potowatomies being at an end, they have become desirous to commence their
journey for their villages; you are therefore to proceed to-morrow.
In addition to the instructions given you on the 24th ultimo, I must
request you to have the talks under cover delivered to White Hair and
Grand Peste, the chief of the Osage band which is settled on the waters of
the Arkansaw, together with the belts which accompany them. You will also
receive herewith a small belt for the Panis and a large one for the Tetaus
or Comanches.
Should you find it necessary, you are to give orders to Maugraine, the
resident interpreter at the Grand Osage, to attend you.
I beg you to take measures for the security and safe return of your boats
from the Grand Osage to this place.
Dr. Robinson will accompany you as a volunteer. He will be furnished
medicines, and for the accommodations which you give him he is bound to
attend your sick.
Should you discover any unlicensed traders in your route, or any person
from this territory, or from the United States, without a proper license
or passport, you are to arrest such person or persons and dispose of their
property as the law directs.
My confidence in your caution and discretion had prevented my urging you
to vigilance in guarding against the strategy and treachery of the
Indians; holding yourself above alarm or surprise, the composition of your
party, though it be small, will secure to you the respect of a host of
untutored savages.
You are to communicate, from the Grand Osage and from every other
practicable point, directly to the secretary of war, transmitting your
letters to this place under cover, to the commanding officer, or by any
more convenient route.
I wish you health and a successful and honorable enterprise, and am,
Yours with friendship,
[Signed] James Wilkinson.
Lieutenant Z. M. Pike.
