[Gen Knox — 1787] War Office, March 18^th 1787 Sir, I wrote you by Lieutenant Beatty on the 22^d of January, which I hope you have safely received. Since then, I have received your several favors of the 6^th and 31^st of January; which were submitted to Congress. I have repeatedly applied to members of Congress, requesting, that your instructions might be completed, and forwarded to you. The Committee of Congress, to whom they were referred, has reported upon them, and the subject has been repeatedly before Congress: But, it has so happened, that Congress has been very thin, and all the members not unanimously in opinion on some points, and therefore it has been postponed, from time to time, until Congress shall be fuller. But, in the communications on this subject, it appears to be the sense of many gentlemen, that the ordinance of Congress, regulating the Indian department, being the general basis of any instructions that can be formed, that you must therefore consider it as the principle of your conduct, until particular instructions can be passed. I am persuaded that any measures necessary for the general welfare, which you may think proper to adopt, consistent with the ordinance, will be approved by Congress — I believe it to be the general opinion, that your department must be conducted by principles of intelligence, wisdom, and integrity, more, than by any particular rules which may result from general instructions. Although Congress have been so circumstanced, as not hitherto to admit of the completion of your instructions, yet no opportunity for that purpose, will be suffered to elapse, and as soon as they are finished, they shall be forwarded. From your last communications, and from a publication of yours in the Newspaper, it appears, that the prospects of peace are considerably brightened — It is desirable to be hoped that they will be more and more so, and that we shall have peace with the Indians firmly established. Certainly no nation could have less funds wherewith to carry on a vigorous war. Congress have directed, that a post be established at Venango, to have a garrison of a company of infantry, and a detachment of artillery; and, that a garrison should be maintained in Fort M'Intosh. The post-master general has informed me, that a post-rider will soon commence his operations to Post Pitt, from Alexandria, in Virginia — Although his route will be very circuitous, yet it will be a regular conveyance, by which we shall more easily communicate, than by the uncertain opportunities which occur at present. The disturbances in Massachusetts have been quelled by the vigor of that government — The great body of those who have been in arms have submitted to government; while some have dispersed into other States. The leaders have gone into Canada. I am, Sir, With esteem and respect, Your very humble Serv^t Knox [Gen^l Rich^d Butler]