[War Office March 10^th 1786 / Order forwarded to the Ohio [undecipherable] to take command of the troops of the United States] War Office,, April 10^th 1786. 1, You will repair to Fort McIntosh, on the river Ohio, with all convenient speed, and there assume the command of the troops, of the United States. You will observe, by the inclosed resolutions of Congress, of 27^th of March 1786, that Major [underline: John Palsgrave Wyllys] is to be arrested — On your arrival therefore, you will arrest him, and direct, that he remain in arrest, until the further order of Congress. You will also release, from their confinement, Joseph Preston and John Walton, who were sentenced to death, by a court martial consisting of a less number, than is required by the articles of war. It is a circumstance of extreme regret, to the friends of Major Wyllys, that he should have been induced to a conduct, which they cannot justify — They are sensible, that his zeal, for the service, must have dictated the measures, but it is a zeal, unwarranted by the articles of war — the only laws by which capital punishment can be inflicted. Congress have under their consideration, a revision of the articles of war, and will soon decide thereon, when it is probable, that deserters and other criminals, may be brought to justice, with more facility than hitherto. Lieut Colonel Harmar will march from Philadelphia, about the first of May, on his arrival, a court of enquiry will be constituted, to consist of himself, you, and a captain, to enquire into the circumstances of the transaction, for which Major Wyllys is to be arrested. The paymaster will deliver you, subsistence money, for the officers on the Ohio, to the first of July. M^r Craig, one of the contractors, has taken charge of their subsistence money, to the first of April, and Lieut Colonel Harmar will carry on, a sum of money to be paid to the troops, on account of the pay, for the year 1785. The remainder of the arrearages, of that year, the Board of Treasury, as soon as balances shall be ascertained, will give their own securities, to be paid in six months, from the first of April instant. This, the board assure me, is the best and only mode of payment, which they have the means of making at this time, owing to the extreme derangement of the public finances, from the non-payment of the respective states, and the non-compliance with the requisitions of the impost. It is the expectation of Congress, that the troops will be able to keep the public lands, free from the incumbrance of lawless settlers — You will therefore, immediately apply yourself to prevent, or remove all intruders. You will endeavour to conciliate the affections of the Indians, by all practicable means — you will visit the several posts to the Muskingham, and confirm, or introduce, the most perfect order among the troops, and in the garrisons. You will transmit me the earliest information of any hostile, or improper designs, or measures, which may be entertained, or acted, by the Indians, or British troops. I shall transmit to Colonel Harmar, more particular orders, relative to the future destination of the troops, which will take place on his arrival. — I wish you a pleasant journey, and I am Sir: With much esteem and respect, Your very humble serv^t Knox Major Nicholas Fish. --- By the United States in Congress assembled. March 27^th 1786. Resolved, That the Secretary at war direct, that the said, John Palsgrave Wyllys, be arrested, and remain in arrest, until the further order of Congress: And, that he order another field officer, immediately, to repair to Fort McIntosh, to take the command of the troops, at that post. Resolved, That the Secretary at war be directed, to order the two men now in confinement, and under a sentence of death, at Fort McIntosh, to be released, their trial having been illegal. Extracts from the Journals of Congress.