Editorial note — FOOTNOTES
Reading edition
"Sir
"... William Ewing's Account for provisions, hired men and Squars [squaws] appears to be unatherized by any person in this Country. Mr. G. Chouteau informs me that he never empowered him under any authority which he possessed to incur such expences to the U : States as [are] charged in his account.—And further says that he has always given such provisions and other articles to Mr. Ewing as he thought the Public Service required, for which he either paid himself or included in the account of Rations settled with the Contractor.—The public clammer [clamor] at this place is very much against Mr. Ewing; many unfavourable relation has been made of his conduct, such as purchaseing the Indians Guns for whisky and selling them again to the Indians for a high price.—Selling his corn to the Traders for trinkets for his Squar, hireing men on the behalf of the United States and sending them to work for his private benefit, makeing an incorrect report to me, &c. &c. I am induced to believe from the report of Mr. Bolvar [Nicholas Boilvin] and others who are willing to sweare that Mr. Wm. Ewing has behaved incorrectly and his example is degrading to the institution, and calculate to give the Indians an unfavourable impression of the public Agents in this Country. The Conduct of public Agents in this distant quarter, I fear will never be under sufficent check until there is a person to whome all are obliged to account resideing in this Country, with full power and descretion to inspect their actions &c. &c.
"A copy of Mr. Ewings report is inclosed in which he states the situation of his establishment and his prospects &c....