War Office, May 11th 1786 Sir, Lieut. Col. Harmar, being about to depart for the Posts on the Ohio, I conceive that it may be true policy to enable him to concituate the affections of the Indian Chiefs, by occasionally giving them small presents. It will also be necessary that he should be furnished with some money to employ agents to discover the Designs of the Indians from time to time and to discover the conduct of the British Officers commanding the Posts on the communication of the Lakes, and also to hire Indian Interpreters. Having perfect confidence in his Discretion & Integrity, I take the liberty to apply to Congress, for authority to furnish him with six hundred Dollars, to be applied to the advancement of the Public Interests in the manner above recited, for the Disbursements of which he will account to me. The sum so advanced is comprehended under the head of Contingencies, of the War Department, contained in an Estimate of said Expenses of said Department for the present year, transmitted to the Board of Treaury, on the 28th. of January last. I have the honor to be, with the highest Respect &c, H. Knox May 11. 1786. Ordered that the foregoing Letter from the Secretary of War, be referred to the Board of Treasury to take order.