These minutes document meetings between General Anthony Wayne and American Indian leaders assembled at Greenville prior to the signing of the Treaty of Greenville in 1795. They were published in volume 1 of American State Papers--Indian Affairs in 1832. The minutes span twenty pages, each measuring 7.5 by 13 inches (19.05 by 33.02 cm). Remarks made by tribal leaders, including Little Turtle of the Miami tribe, give some idea of their perspective on the treaty, particularly their expectation that Wayne would provide provisions while the American Indians camped at Greenville.

The treaty drew a new line for white settlement in Ohio and southern Indiana. In exchange, American Indians retained the land north of the line and received payments of $30,000 in goods.

Anthony Wayne (1745-1796) was born in Pennsylvania and gained distinction during the American Revolution. He was nicknamed "Mad" Anthony Wayne due to his sense of daring and impatience with restraint. After the war, American Indians dealt the military in the Northwest Territory humiliating defeats. Undisciplined militia troops were blamed, and George Washington appointed Wayne commander-in-chief of the newly created Legion of the United States. Under Wayne's command, troops were ruthlessly drilled and disciplined. After building several forts, Wayne's army defeated the American Indians at the pivotal Battle of Fallen Timbers.