[Copy of a letter to Genl. Knox from Jan. 4^th, [17]88. Rec^d Jan. 4, [17]88] Hartford 4^th Jan^y 1788 Sir The Directors of the Ohio Company take liberty to apply to you for that protection, to the infant Colony falling on their Purchase which the number and Situation of the Troops under your Direction will admit; The United States by whose authority the Settlement is warranted, we believe are disposed to afford us every Support which is within their Power. The Survey of the towns within the purchase is interesting to them as well as well, to the Company, this cannot be effected with Security without the aid of Small Guard to attend the Surveyors. We therefore in behalf of the Company request you to give Such orders to the officer commanding the Troops near Muskingum as will inform the Settlers & Surveyors the guard & protection which may be necessary for them — We are with great Respect y^rs obed^t Serv^ts