Fort Harmar, December 15, 1788. Sir: Lieutenant Kersey was at the great Kawahwa (eighty nine measured miles from this garrison) on the 1st instant; the party all well. I have not heard of the party under Ensign McDowell, but I am in hopes that he has not been interrupted. My calculation is that before Christmas the two exterior lines of Messrs. Cutler and Sargent’s purchase will be completed. The geographer is at present sick at Fort Pitt. If he was able to come down, and take the latitude of the northern corner of the tenth township of the seventh range, Mr. Ludlow, who is a smart active young fellow, could run the northern boundary; the purchase money could then be paid. That business finished, and in the spring the next affair would be, to take up Judge Symme’s purchase. Several chiefs of the different nations, arrived at this post the day before yesterday. The inhabitants of Kentucky, I am informed have it in contemplation to declare themselves not only independent of the State of Virginia but of the United States altogether. I have written to Major Wyllys to make me acquainted with their politics, and to watch closely the conduct of a certain Mr. Connolly who has hired a house at Falls, and from his base character, can certainly be planning no good for the United States.
I have the honor &c Jos. Harmar The Honorable Major General Knox, Secretary of War, New York.
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