Pictured above is a letter from John Johnston, an Indian agent for the 
Shawnee at the Piqua Agency in Ohio, dated March 26, 1812. In the 
letter, addressed to the superintendent of Indian trade, John Mason, 
Johnson requests tobacco and pipes, medals and ribbons, and a 
wampum. The items were probably desired as gifts to persuade the 
Shawnee not to align themselves with the British in the impending 
War of 1812. During Jefferson's presidency, governors of the 
territories were also superintendents of Indian affairs. Temporary 
agents were assigned to reside with the Indians, supply them with 
goods, money, and game, and "civilize" them with training in 
agriculture and white culture. The agents reported to the governors, 
who in turn reported to the War Department. Most of the dealings 
centered on trade. In 1806, an Office of Superintendents of Indian 
Trade was established within the War Department; it supervised the 
buying and distribution of Indian furs, hides, and goods, and ensured 
that the Indians were given a fair market price.