[undecipherable] Washington. Aug 7 Yesterday was delivered to me your Excellency's letter dated the 11^th instant, and I am happy to inform you that such are the vicinity and abilities of the Militia Officers lately recommended, that if they were as well known to the Executive, as they are to the Court, I have not a doubt but they would meet with unanimous approbation. The Court seemed to take pleasure in having an opportunity to select men, that could perform the duties of their respective offices as required by law, rather at the same time the Executive could claim preference, without giving injury to any one. The copy of the petition leaves that to your determination, rather to give information, than expecting a decision or it, as the Proclamation for suspending the operations of the law gives the desired opportunity of applying to the — Your Excellency's caution for executing the law and determining which is good, or bad, must be highly [undecipherable] especially as it affords a good argument, that another branch of government ought to conform all its Acts to certain principles, as defined in the original compact. For should a delegated authority at any time, become so weak, or corrupt, as to assume over the Constitution, an arbitrary or dispensing power, then the Laws, would truly be incompatible with the sovereignty of the people whose rights, and franchises, they ought to maintain. We learn that the Edict respecting religion and allegiance to Spain, lately published at the Natchez, is likely to force away the Protestant inhabitants, many of whom are preparing to remove to our Settlements on the Waters of the Ohio. We are alarmed at the account of a large body of Indians, having lately crossed the Ohio, near the mouth of Sandy river; as the intelligence is brought by a captive, who made his escape, and got to the inhabitants of Montgomery County. I expect Col. Crockett has been to examine the man, and communicate the truth of the matter. I have only to add that the news has thrown our frontier settlements into no small consternation, being unprepared for defence, and I dread the fate of our friends now on the road through the Wilderness. I have the honor to be your Excellency's most obedient very hbl Servant Arthur Campbell