Department of War 
September 11th 1818 
Gentlemen,  
 The number and importance of the treaties to be held this year, and the great amount of rations which must necessarily be issued to the Indians while attending at the treaties, render it necessary some systems should be adopted to govern such large disbursements. I have therefore to request that you will designate the Indian Agent, if he should be present, or in case he is not, some suitable person who shall ascertain the number and component parts of rations daily issued. The manner of issuing and certifying, to conform as near as may be, to the mode which prevails in issuing the ratio ns to soldiers;  and at the conclusion of the treaty, to be presented to you for your approval. Where thes (sic) rations have not been issued by the contractor for the district, the contract or the condition on which the rations were furnished, must be certified to this Department for settlement.  
I have the honor to be,respectfully 
Your obt. servt. 
(signed )               J. C. Calhoun 
Circular to the Commissioners to  
held treaties with Indians